Weekly Announcements

Men’s Bible Fellowship starts again this week with our evening edition. Join us in the JIBC offices for food, fellowship, and an opportunity to encourage one another through the Word of God. This week’s topic is: Loving Others (Even those who Don’t Like You)..

There will be an elder meeting next Sunday morning at 9 AM in the Pastor’s Office. Please be in prayer for your elders as they are responsible for the “spiritual leadership of the church, serving under Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd” (JIBC Const. 7.1).

If you have an announcement or other information for the Sunday bulletin, then please submit your information to Dina in the office before 9 AM on Thursdays. This will allow time for proofreading before the bulletin is printed on Thursday afternoon between 1 and 2 PM.

The JIBC Office is open Monday through Thursday from 9 AM until 5:30 PM. Please feel free to call or stop by any time. For an appointment with the Pastor, call our Ministry Assistant, Dina. Also, remember our goal is to close the office at 5:30 PM each day. Please remember that when asking our office staff for assistance.

The Great Gospel

Because he knew the joy of having Christ as Savior, John wrote to
proclaim the gospel.

1. It is an old gospel.
2. It is personified by the real God-man Jesus.
3. It is an intellectual gospel.
4. It is a relational gospel.
5. It is the only gospel.
6. It is a gospel of joy.

Scripture reading from 1 John 1:1-4

1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

A Christmas Meditation

A Christmas Meditation

• God rules over everything
• Heaven’s perspective is not the same as ours
• We must respond to the arrival of the Savior

Scripture reading from Luke 2:1-20 (KJV)

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Good News of Great Joy

Dear friend,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Perhaps you have heard about the little boy who was singing the famous Christmas hymn, Silent Night. He ended the song with the words, “Sleep in heavenly beans.” His sister, who was close by, quickly corrected him. “Not beans - peas!”

This may be a funny little story. However, many people are like these children. As they celebrate this time of year, they have no idea why. “What was this supposed to be? What is the meaning of this celebration? Is it food, family, time off work, presents?” Even many Christians have only a muted or misguided grasp. They knew the words before, but now they can’t put them together correctly. Somehow the great reality is lost and forgotten or replaced with something less worthy.

Friend, this Christmas day, be sure to remember the words:

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:10-14)

Praise be to God for sending His Son Jesus into the world. Whoever believes in Him “shall not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Your servant,

Stephen

Rev. Stephen St. John
Pastor/Elder

Read More on Pastor Stephen’s Blog

World Missions: Practice, Proclaim, Pray

Because there are many needy souls in the world, we must follow the example of Christ’s ministry.

1. We must practice compassion
2. We must proclaim the good news
3. We must pray for the Lord’s help

Scripture reading from Matthew 9:35-38

35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Abundant Life in Christ

We must receive the gift of Christ, because He brings us abundant life.

1. He heals His people’s brokenness.
2. He restores His peoples happiness.
3. He ensures His kingdom’s peacefulness.

Scripture reading from Isaiah 9:1-7

1 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest,as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Sermon audio here: Abundant Life in Christ

Press On!

Dear friend,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

How did it go yesterday? How are things today?

For those who have Jesus as their Savior, each new day, each new hour, and each new moment provide fresh opportunities to live for Him! This means you do not need to be stuck in the past (even the recent past). In this very instant you can make a fresh start for God and with His powerful help you can do better. You can defeat the temptation that has been such a trap for you. You can find peace even though you may have experienced great pain. You can bear the weight of huge responsibility. And you can do all of this with joy by fixing your eyes on heaven!

Friend, don’t look back. Press on with Christ!

“Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13b-14).

Your servant,

Stephen

Rev. Stephen St. John
Pastor/Elder

Read More on Pastor Stephen’s Blog

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