Chuck Anderson

Today, we’re beginning a new series. It’s called “Core Values.” Core Values. The purpose for this series is that I want to take the first several weeks in the New Year to review those things that are most important to us. If I were to ask the question why are you here—why are we here —we could all sit here for a while and search the Bible together and come up with a few key answers to that question. So over the next few weeks, I want to do just that with you. We will search the scriptures together for our core values. The first value we’re going to consider is prayer. Prayer. Then, in following weeks, we will look at the Bible, Worship, Discipleship, Community, Mercy, Mission, and the Means of Grace. But today, our subject is prayer. I’m going to read our passage one more time, then we’ll pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Let’s pray. Father ...

Merry Christmas! God bless you all. I’m happy to see you all here today. What better way is there to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ than to gather with his family on the Lord’s Day? Last week in the English Service we read Luke chapter 1, and we learned about Mary’s visit to Elizabeth. We were able to see three appropriate responses to the fact that Jesus Christ will be arriving soon. In addition, though, we were able to think about how we can respond appropriately and faithfully, knowing that Jesus Christ will be coming back again soon. But now it’s Christmas! Many of you have already received presents. I believe the children received presents from the church last week. My family had a tradition that we would always open one gift on Christmas Eve. Now it’s Christmas. In our Scripture reading today, we learn about some of the circumstances of Jesus’ birth. We will look more closely at the details of that story today, but first, I want to point out that we’re readin...