Balancing Ministry N' Work

1.       Merry Christmas! 2.       Read Luke 2:1-20 3.       Please join me in singing Joy to the World. 4.       Luke 2:21-24 a.       On the 8 th day after Jesus’ birth, He was circumcised. b.       33 days later, they traveled from Bethlehem to Jerusalem to present Jesus to God and to make an offering for Mary. c.       All of these were done in alignment with the commands of God. d.       The requirements of the Law were being fulfilled. 5.       While at the temple of God, Simeon arrived. 6.       Luke 2:25 a.       Scripture tells us that Simeon is righteous and devout. b.       A testament of his willingness to follow and honor God. c.       The Holy Spirit being upon Simeon was not unheard of. d.       Believers before the day of Pentecost were not filled by the Holy Spirit like we are. e.       But every true prophet and those like Simeon were filled with the Holy Spirit to carry out the work of God, in most cases to share the Word of God. f.    

1.      It’s almost Christmas. 2.      We will be spending today and next week in the first 2 chapters of the Gospel of Luke. 3.      There are some amazing things that happen in the first chapter of Luke. 4.      Let’s start by skimming through some of the highlights. 5.      Luke 1:5-7 a.       Both of John the Baptist’s parents were descendants of Aaron. b.      John was destinated to be a priest. c.       Look at verse 6. d.      These are words inspired by the Holy Spirt. e.       What an honor given to Zechariah and Elizabeth. 6.      As the story continues… a.       Zechariah is serving in the temple. b.      He was chosen by lot to burn incense at the altar of God. c.       Due to the number of priests this was a once in a lifetime event. d.      Another huge honor. e.       It was during that time that angel Gabriel appeared to John. 7.      Luke 1:11-17 a.       God is going to give Zechariah and Elizabeth a son. b.      A blessing they tho