THE BEST GIFTS THAT WE CAN GIVE

“Be on your guard, so that your minds are not dulled from carousing, drunkenness, and worries of life, or that day will come on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth. But be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.” —Luke 21:34-36

THE GIFT OF EMMANUEL:

The gift of Christmas is the gift of

. It’s the gift of Emmanuel: God with us.

The 2nd advent of Christ will bring about the

demonstration of God’s presence. (the restoration of all things.)

Until that day comes, followers of Jesus ought to offer the following

to the Lord each day.

THE GIFT OF READINESS:

A person who is living life “at the ready” is someone poised and

for whatever is about to happen next.

Jesus warned that his return would happen in a culture/time marked by spiritual

. It will be as it was in the “days of Noah.”

Not only will that day be marked by spiritual indifference, Jesus will also come at a time that is

.

So, followers of Jesus need to be ready at

time but also know that his return might take a

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time.

THE GIFT OF HOLINESS

The gift of holiness is not the gift of “good works” but rather a life that is

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from the world.

Jesus gives his followers a set of values & priorities that are vastly

than those of this world.

A holy life requires constant vigilance against two forces:

1. The enemy of

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   .
   (the intoxicating power of excessive pleasure)

2. The enemy of

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   .
   (the oppressive power of worry and stress)

THE GIFT OF URGENCY:

Jesus’ final words should be our

priority and that is the Great Commission.

One day, we will all stand before Christ in judgment. Our life is a stewardship. It’s

and we’re

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. Are you ready to give an account?