Looking Like Jesus

Sunday December 18th was the last Sunday of Advent and the last of the four part preaching series:  "Warning: Christians Under Construction".   (Check out our audio sermons posted at www.NewWineMission.com)  We lit the last purple candle on the Advent Wreath.  We have taken down the Yellow Warning Tape and put away the Tool Box and Hard Hat, but hopefully we have come away from our times of worship this Advent encouraged. 


Yesterday we read through the last chapter (chapter 4) of Paul's letter to the Philippians.  We were encouraged to stand firm joyfully in the midst of troubles believing that God will complete the good work He has begun in us.   When times are hard and things are falling apart, personally or even in the church, we are reminded that God is not worried.  God is not frustrated and giving up on us.  God is hard at work, as we yield ourselves to Him, with the goal of helping each of us and us together to look more like Jesus. 

This is our hope that as we press near in worship, study and by faith, God will make us more like Jesus.  We confess that individually and at times corporately we do not look much like Jesus.  Yet we hold fast to the promise that He will keep growing us more into the image of the Son.  

My challenge to those gathered Sunday was for each of us to submit to the Lord inviting Him to work on one area of needed change in our lives.  I also asked the fellowship to enter into the Ministry of Encouragement by lifting up those we see who are acting and doing things like Jesus would.   After the service I actually heard people saying to each other:  "My you are looking more like Jesus today!"   What a great way to head into the holiday season.  May our family and friends see Jesus in us more and more.

Saturday night New Wine Trustees and wives joined Deb and I for our monthly dinner gathering.  We take time to laugh and eat together before reflecting on the needs and fruit of the ministry.  We usually end with a time of intercessory prayer.  This past year has been a blessed one with many opportunities for ministry in our cell groups and on Sunday morning and through our missionary outreach.   We rejoice in what has been accomplished and that our financial needs for 2011 have been met,  including a special donation to meet pension obligations for the rector and reimbursing half of the Kulchar medical expenses for the year (this came to $3,800).  We are so grateful for the faithful support of this ministry!

We concluded our night together praying for 2012.  We are praying for numerical growth this year and conversion growth.  Pray with us as we seek ways of shaping the ministry this year to be more intentional in reaching unchurched people.

Remember:  Christmas Eve Service starts at 7pm and there is no Sunday morning service Christmas Day.