We’re part of a team of Christian believers, also known as the “body of Christ.”  Each person is vital to building God’s Kingdom. Being on the world’s team can offer a lot of good things, but only Jesus’s team can offer eternal life. John 16:13

Light is one of the most common themes in the Bible.  The Bible begins with God by speaking light into existence in Genesis (the first book of the Bible) and we see light all the way through to Revelation (the last book in the Bible) when we are told our new heaven and earth will be illuminated with God’s glory. God created each of us to let our lights shine in the dark. 

The “race” is the Christian life. The race is “set before us” - we didn’t select the course, for it is God who established it. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and we are called to stay the course and remain faithful to the end.  2 Timothy 4:7

Jonah’s fear and pride cause him to run from God.  He didn’t do as God had commanded.  Because of his disobedience, Jonah is swallowed by a big fish and in the fish’s belly for three days. Jonah then repents (tells God that he knows he did wrong) and the fish vomits him up on dry land. Jonah 1 

The truth is we are never alone. God is always with us, and He will never leave us.  Jesus WANTS a relationship with you and He wants to be by your side and be by your side always. 

Jesus gave up his life for you and me and our sins.  He saved our lives. He is admired for His brave deeds, His courage and His service to others.  John 3:16 

All four gospels (the books of the Bible - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) record an event of when Jesus feeds 5,000 people all at once from a few loaves and fishes.  The miracle revealed Jesus as the “Bread of Life.” Matthew 14:13-21

God wants us to love others and introduce them to Jesus. A good fisherman knows that he needs a good lure to draw in the fish.  Jesus wants us to be fishers of men. Matthew 4:18-22

Jesus called us to walk with Him so we could walk with others through life.  

There are nine (9) fruits of the Spirit.  These are qualities of Christian character. These fruits are characteristics, because they become traits of the person who follows Jesus.  They are called fruit because they are a product of the tree that they grow from, in this case, Jesus. He is the vine, and we are the branches.  Galatians 5:22-23 

Jesus sang a hymn with the disciples at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:30). After His death and resurrection, the early church continued singing psalms and praise when they gathered together. As we sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs together, we're promised that the Word of God will dwell in us richly. Worshiping whether alone or together, you're hearing confessions of faith. “In Christ Alone, my hope is found.”

Jesus, also called Jesus Christ, is the central figure in Christianity. Jesus is the Son of God, the Son of Man, and the Savior of the world! 

Jesus died on the cross for each one of us. We fall in love with Jesus BECAUSE of what He has done for us.  This is a ongoing process as you choose to serve God through the good, bad, ups and downs, smiles and frowns.  

Jesus is very special and important to us. We want to have Jesus living in our hearts, by faith,  and helping us live each of our days how He wants us to be living them. 

This means we turn away from sin and believe the Gospel (The Good News that Jesus died and rose again to save us from our sins!).  Following Jesus means striving to be like Him. He always obeyed His Father, so that’s what we strive to do. John 8:29

This means “We’re all in this together.” Teams all operate on the concept of working together and offering mutual support to one another. Jesus has picked a team, and you are on it! Mark 3:7-19

The Bible teaches us that God loves us, yet also teaches that God is love.  We have done NOTHING to deserve God’s love, but HE still shows His love for us. He loves us so much He gave His life for each one of us. Jeremiah 31:3

Jesus was born on Christmas Day and is the true gift of Christmas. The true meaning of Christmas is Jesus coming to Earth to save us.    Luke 1

Treasures on earth include money and possessions.  Treasures on earth are temporary (don’t last).   When Jesus is your treasure, you’ll devote your life to live for His glory and the good of others.  Treasures in heaven are eternal, last FOREVER!  Eternal treasures are rewards that Christians receive in Heaven.   Matthew 10:41

The Holy Spirit is the presence of God in the life of a believer.  He lives within people who follow Jesus and produces lasting change in their character. The Bible begins with the Holy Spirit present at the creation of the world.  Genesis 1:1-2 

Goliath, a giant, bullys David, a boy. David had faith and trusted God. David’s faith becomes evident when he does not cower under the threats.  It is a lesson of courage, faith and overcoming what seems impossible.  1 Samuel 17

We acknowledge that God directs our paths when we give our all to God and submit our lives to Him.  God is in complete control of situations surrounding us. 

God is the builder.  God is interested in how we develop spiritually. He wants us to grow and mature in Him.  We must be sure we are built on a sure foundation. He’s teaching us ways to use our time, talents, and possessions to help build the Kingdom of God and to further the work of the church. Hebrews 3:4

Do you know Jesus?  Being a Christian is more than knowing about Jesus; being a Christian is knowing Him personally. It means having a relationship with Him. Romans 10:9 

The Shield of Faith is part of the Armor of God. It provides a blanket of protection. It’s the first barrier against the Satan’s attacks.  Faith is one of our greatest gifts. It is the doorway to hope in God.  Ephesians 6:16

Life changes, but Christ NEVER changes.  Human leaders will come and go, but Jesus is forever faithful as our leader. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

The story of God parting the waters of the Red Sea so Moses and the Israelites could flee Egypt and travel to the Promised Land. Exodus 14

God Sent His son, through the virgin birth of Mary, to offer salvation for the world. This is the Christmas season. It is meant to celebrate not only the birth of Jesus but the gift of His life, death and resurrection.  Matthew 1 
He brings hope to both bleak and bustling lives, for those in the darkness and those who’ve simply forgotten to slow down and enjoy the presence and love of our Savior. 

Day 7-God Rested. After spending six days creating the world, God rested. He wants us to take time to rest and consider what He has done. Genesis 1:1 & Genesis 2:1-3

God is a rescuer of His people - you and me!  And we are to be imitators of God, because He saves us.  

In our lives, the Game Changer is God. God’s Word changes the situation up entirely for anyone who is willing to believe. 

This is the Birth of Jesus!  Jesus was born in Bethlehem to His mother, Mary, and His earthly father, Joseph. The Nativity is the basis for Christmas. 

A farmer knows just what to do with the necessary knowledge and skill BECAUSE God gives instruction to a farmer on just how to plant a seed, at what time, and in a proper place.  God instructs him and teaches him the right way, just as He instructs us through the Bible.
Isaiah 28:26

This is how God sees you - All people (men, women, boys and girls) were created in God’s Image. As a believer, your identity is a child of God!