Monday, December 28, 2020

Video: 12 27 20 Elders Update

(This update from the elders was shared at our December 27, 2020, Parking Lot Service by Dion Parker, elder and chairman of the church board.  The update has been edited to remove a section where a battery was replaced in Dion's mic.  A copy of the announcement can be found below the video).



"Let me begin by expressing the elders’ appreciation for your faithful attendance and support of our Parking Lot Worship Service.  It has provided us a safe way to worship together for almost 7 months. 

 

The elders continue to meet regularly to review our worship options.  We evaluate whether it is currently an “acceptable risk” to worship in the building. Considerations include the level of new cases, the increased risk from holiday gatherings, and guidance from governmental and medical professionals.  Experts point to churches as one of the top 5 places for the spread of the virus. 

 

We do not feel it is an “acceptable risk” at this time to gather in the sanctuary for worship.  We believe that the best choice is to remain in the parking lot for the foreseeable future.  The elders will continue to meet regularly and evaluate options.  The elders will provide the next update by February 14.  The safety of our Kenwood family is our goal.

 

We understand that winter offers some challenges.  If we have inclement weather on a Sunday such as extreme cold, heavy snow, or ice, we will send an email stating that we will only have online worship for that Sunday which has been our protocol since we began the Parking Lot Worship Service.

 

We know that other churches with different demographics have chosen other options:  

  • Some churches are online only.
  • Some are worshipping in the Parking Lot or holding Drive-in Services like us. 
  • Some are meeting in their buildings. 
  • Some are not meeting at all.

No matter where we personally stand on the risks and issues of the virus we must remain united.  The elders ask for your continued support and patience as we work to keep our congregation safe.  We understand that this may not be optimal for everyone, but as a church family we need to protect and care for those at greatest risk.   

 

Remember the words of Paul in Galatians 5:13 CEV, “My friends, you were chosen to be free.  So don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do anything you want.  Use it as an opportunity to serve each other with love.”


Thank you again for demonstrating your love for one another."



Video: 12 27 20 Parking Lot Service

Friday, December 25, 2020

Video: 12-27-20 Sermon “A VERY COVID CHRISTMAS: The Characters of Christmas - The Audience”

  12-27-20  Sermon “A VERY COVID CHRISTMAS: The Characters of Christmas - The Audience”

As we worship together "from house to house," we are filled with the spirit of Christmas.  We glory in his birth, and we celebrate the resurrection.  Knowing the child was born to die for us is a profound and humbling truth.

If you cannot join us this Sunday, we invite you to sing along with the worship videos.  We encourage you to take the Lord’s Supper.  In this way, we can take communion together even though we are apart.  Pray for one another.  Watch my message "A VERY COVID CHRISTMAS: The Characters of Christmas - The Audience.”  Respond to the invitation.  Enjoy the bonus video.

WORSHIP




COMMUNION

Read Galatians 4:4-6, “ “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”  Here is a possible communion prayer to say before you take the bread and the juice, “Father, we proclaim your goodness as you accept us as sons and daughters.  We have the hope of redemption through your son.  We thank you for this blessing.  In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Take the Lord's Supper.

PRAYER

Pray that people will connect the Christ child with the Christ who died on the cross and the Lord that rose from the dead.

MESSAGE


CHALLENGE

Worship the child King.  How will you follow God’s lead?  Do 2 things this week you know God wants you to do.  Do what you know.  


INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word at Kenwood Church.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these way, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, I encourage you to speak with me via phone (248-476-8222) or an email (toddlackie@kenwoodchurch.org).  I would be honored to speak with you about what God is doing in your life and try to connect you with a community of faith in your area.

Bonus Video





A VERY COVID CHRISTMAS: The Characters of Christmas - The Audience 12-27-20

A VERY COVID CHRISTMAS: The Characters of Christmas - The Audience  12-27-20


INTRODUCTION


On the Sunday after Christmas, it seems fitting to talk about the characters of Christmas who showed up after the blessed event.


“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ” Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭2:1-23‬ ‭NIV‬‬


What have you done with the Christmas story?  How do you respond?


I.  WISEMEN WORSHIP THE SON

A.  Heard the story

B.  Bowed down

C.  Worshipped him

D.  Sacrificially gave


What happens after worship?


II.  WISEMEN FOLLOW GOD'S LEAD

A.  Listened

B.  Responded


What is God leading you toward?


III.  WISEMEN STILL SEEK HIM

A.  Worship

B.  Follow God's lead


CONCLUSION


The shepherds followed God’s lead and worship


“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:8-20‬ ‭


To quote Charles Spurgeon:


"It is joy to all nations that Christ is born, the Prince of Peace, the King who rules in righteousness...Beloved, the greatest joy is to those who know Christ as a Saviour...The further you submit yourself to Christ the Lord, the more completely you know Him, the fuller will your happiness become. Surface joy is to those who live where the Saviour is preached; but the great deeps, the great fathomless deeps of solemn joy which glisten and sparkle with delight, are for such as know the Saviour, obey the Anointed One, and have communion with the Lord Himself...you will never know the fullness of the joy which Jesus brings to the soul, unless under the power of the Holy Spirit you take the Lord your Master to be your All in all, and make Him the fountain of your intensest delight."


(From a sermon by Todd Leupold "Joy To The World" 12/21/2008)


The Christ child is our Easter sacrifice, but like the Christmas story the question is not whether you believe it, but what will you do after you believe it?


The greatest gift you can give the Christ child is your life!


CHALLENGE


Worship the child King.  How will you follow God’s lead?  Do 2 things this week you know God wants you to do.  Do what you know.  


INVITATION


It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, I would be honored to speak with you in the upper parking lot following the service about what God is doing in your life.

Saturday, December 19, 2020

Video: 12-20-20 Sermon “A VERY COVID CHRISTMAS: The Characters of Christmas - Jesus"

 12-20-20  Sermon “A VERY COVID CHRISTMAS: The Characters of Christmas - Mary"

As we worship together "from house to house," we celebrate Jesus.  He is the reason for the season, and the reason for our hope.

If you cannot join us this Sunday, we invite you to sing along with the worship videos.  We encourage you to take the Lord’s Supper.  In this way, we can take communion together even though we are apart.  Pray for one another.  Watch my message "A VERY COVID CHRISTMAS: The Characters of Christmas - Jesus."  Respond to the invitation.  Enjoy the bonus video.

WORSHIP




COMMUNION

Read John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”  Here is a possible communion prayer to say before you take the bread and the juice, “Father, we are thankful for your son who became flesh.  We behold his glory and are amazed by his grace and truth.  We are grateful for this gift that has come from you.  In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Take the Lord's Supper.

PRAYER

Pray for those who do not know the true reason for the season.  

MESSAGE


CHALLENGE

Write down what God wants you to become (holy, selfless, humble, etc.).  List two ways in which you are becoming that person.  Share with one person what God is doing to make you into the person He wants you to become.


INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word at Kenwood Church.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these way, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, I encourage you to speak with me via phone (248-476-8222) or an email (toddlackie@kenwoodchurch.org).  I would be honored to speak with you about what God is doing in your life and try to connect you with a community of faith in your area.

Bonus Video




A VERY COVID CHRISTMAS: The Characters of Christmas - Jesus 12-20-20

 A VERY COVID CHRISTMAS: The Characters of Christmas - Jesus - 12-20-20


INTRODUCTION


The characters of Christmas sermon series could not be complete without "the reason for the season - Jesus."  While we might agree with this, in all practical terms our culture is consumed by Santa and his take on Christmas.  


What does our infatuation with Santa say about our view of Christmas?


Why Jesus is Better than Santa


  • Santa lives at the North Pole…JESUS is everywhere.
  • Santa rides in a sleigh…JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
  • Santa comes but once a year…JESUS is an ever present help.
  • Santa fills your stockings with goodies…JESUS supplies all your needs.
  • Santa comes down your chimney uninvited…JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.
  • You have to wait in line to see Santa…JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.
  • Santa lets you sit on his lap…JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
  • Santa doesn’t know your name, all he can say is “Hi little boy or girl, what’s your name?”…JESUS knew our name before we were born. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
  • Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly…JESUS has a heart full of love
  • All Santa can offer is HO HO HO…JESUS offers health, help and hope.
  • Santa says “You better not cry”…JESUS says “Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.”
  • Santa’s little helpers make toys…JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
  • Santa may make you chuckle but…JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.
  • While Santa puts gifts under your tree…JESUS became our gift and died on a tree…the cross.


We need to put Christ back in CHRISTmas, Jesus is still the reason for the season.


“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).


“. . . Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:5b-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬


I.  BECOMING 


“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ ”) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.”

‭‭John‬ ‭1:1-18‬ ‭NIV‬‬


A.  The Word became flesh

B.  The Word dwelt among us

C.  His glory, the glory of the One and Only Son of God

D.  Who came from the Father, full of grace and truth


Jesus became exactly what his Father wanted.  What are you becoming?


II.  BECOMING NOTHING


What do you hope to become?


"Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."

Philippians 2: 5b-7 NIV


“and think the same way that Christ Jesus thought: Christ was truly God. But he did not try to remain equal with God. Instead he gave up everything and became a slave, when he became like one of us.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:5-7‬ ‭CEV‬‬


A.  Gave up equality with God

1.  Boundaried

2.  Confined

3.  Limited

B.  "Made himself nothing"

1.  Taking the very nature of a servant

2.  Being made in human likeness


III.  BECOMING OBEDIENT TO DEATH


How extreme are you willing to get in obedience?


"And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬


A.  Humbled himself by becoming obedient to death

B.  Even death on a cross!


Does your personal obedience demonstrate a value for what God values?


CONCLUSION


“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1:15-23‬ ‭NIV‬‬


It was Christmas Eve, 1910. General William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army in London, England was near the end of his life. His health was poor, and he was going to be unable to attend the Army’s annual convention. Booth had become an invalid, and his eyesight was failing him. No one knew that he would not live to see another Christmas.


Somebody suggested that General Booth send a telegram or a message to be read at the opening of the convention as an encouragement to the many soldiers of the Salvation Army that would be in attendance following Christmas and their many hours of labor ministering to so many others through the holidays and the cold winter months. Booth agreed to do so.


Knowing that funds were limited and desiring not to use any more money than necessary so that as much money as possible could be used to help the many people in need, General Booth decided to send a one word message. He searched his mind and reviewed his years of ministry, looking for the one word that would summarize his life, the mission of the Army and encourage the others to continue on.


When the thousands of delegates met, the moderator announced that Booth would not be able to be present because of failing health and eyesight. Gloom and pessimism swept across the floor of the convention. Then, the moderator announced that Booth had sent a message to be read with the opening of the first session. He opened the telegram and read the one word message:


Others!


Signed, General Booth.


The bottom line is that while Jesus is the reason for the season - we are the reason for the reason!


CHALLENGE


Write down what God wants you to become (holy, selfless, humble, etc.).  List two ways in which you are becoming that person.  Share with one person what God is doing to make you into the person He wants you to become.


INVITATION


It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, I would be honored to speak with you in the upper parking lot following the service about what God is doing in your life.

Friday, December 11, 2020

Video: 12-13-20 Sermon “A VERY COVID CHRISTMAS: The Characters of Christmas - Mary”

 12-13-20  Sermon “A VERY COVID CHRISTMAS: The Characters of Christmas - Mary"

As we worship together "from house to house," we believe in the Christ of Christmas.  We trust in God’s almighty hand.  We await the glorious return of His Son in power and majesty.  We celebrate the Christ child.

If you cannot join us this Sunday, we invite you to sing along with the worship videos.  We encourage you to take the Lord’s Supper.  In this way, we can take communion together even though we are apart.  Pray for one another.  Watch my message A VERY COVID CHRISTMAS: The Characters of Christmas - Mary.  Respond to the invitation.  Enjoy the bonus video.

WORSHIP




COMMUNION

Read Luke‬ ‭2:10-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”  ‭‭Here is a possible communion prayer to say before you take the bread and the juice, “Father, we give glory to You in the highest.  A savior was born in the town of David many years ago to save us from our sins. He is the Messiah, the Lord.  We are grateful and thankful for the favor you have shown us.  In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Take the Lord's Supper.

PRAYER

Pray for giving hearts during this Christmas season.

MESSAGE


CHALLENGE

List 3 things you have a hard time trusting God for.  Demonstrate your faith (belief) by acting in faith on one of those three things.  Share with someone how your belief in God made you act.

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word at Kenwood Church.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these way, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, I encourage you to speak with me via phone (248-476-8222) or an email (toddlackie@kenwoodchurch.org).  I would be honored to speak with you about what God is doing in your life and try to connect you with a community of faith in your area.

Bonus Video



A VERY COVID CHRISTMAS: The Characters of Christmas - Mary - 12-13-20

 A VERY COVID CHRISTMAS: The Characters of Christmas - Mary - 12-13-20


INTRODUCTION


THE CHARACTERS OF CHRISTMAS: Mary


There are wonderful characters in the Christmas story.  Nestor the long-eared Christmas donkey, the Little Drummer Boy.  Actually there are great characters like Joseph who was a faithful man.  And then there was Mary, a young girl who believed that God could do the impossible.


“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:26-56‬ ‭NIV‬‬


“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:1-7‬ ‭NIV‬‬


I.  SHE BELIEVED

A.  Overcame fear and confusion

B.  "I am the Lord's servant"

C.  "May your word to me be fulfilled."


II.  SHE PRAISED GOD

A.  Anyway  

B.  Humility

C.  Honor


IV.  SHE FULFILLED HER SERVICE

A.  Gave birth to a son

B.  Cared for that son

C.  Did the best she could


CONCLUSION


She believed the impossible and lived like it.  She believed.  She praised God.  She fulfilled her service.


CHALLENGE


List 3 things you have a hard time trusting God for.  Demonstrate your faith (belief) by acting in faith on one of those three things.  Share with someone how your belief in God made you act.


INVITATION


It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, I would be honored to speak with you in the upper parking lot following the service about what God is doing in your life.