Eastsidebaptistchurch3redesign2

THE PASTOR'S PAGE

Merry Christmas! It is the time of year we as Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Savior. It is also a time of year that is celebrated by over 90% of America. Yet in a "Lifeway" survey only 1 in 5 Americans can recount the story of Jesus' birth. As children of God, we have a wonderful opportunity to "tell the story". This Christmas ask your friends or neighbors that comes by to visit if they know the story and if they are like a lot of people, they will not be able to fully tell you about Mary and Joesph and the baby. Read the story and fill them in on the details surrounding the birth story. "Don't be afraid for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For this day in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is Messiah the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11). Go tell it on the mountains, over the hills and everywhere. Go tell someone the whole story this Christmas. They are celebrating the holiday and will most likely love to hear about that very first Christmas. God Bless you.

THE GOSPEL

Let's consider the words of 1 Peter 3:15; "Be ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you". The Christian is to be the ever-ready spokesman for the good news. And what we must not miss is this is to anyone who may inquire. We often times only speak of our faith to those who are like us or have similar likes and dislikes. But the gospel is for all people, and we have been empowered by the Holy spirit to be witnesses to all people (Acts 1:8). So go across the street or across town or across the ocean but always be ready, at any time to talk to anyone about the difference Jesus made in your life. The Christian is to be ready at a moment's notice to talk to anyone about the hope that rests in us because of Jesus Christ. Are you ready today? Are you willing to speak no matter who it is or where you are at? My hope is that you will "be ready any time to give that defense to anyone that asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you".