Advent 2022

Weekly Update – November 24th, 2022

Every year churches all around the world take time out of their normal schedule and celebrate the season of Advent.  Advent means “coming” and it is designed to prepare us for the celebration of Christmas.  As we look forward to this celebration, let us remember that it is more than gifts, lights and food.  It is a time for us to remember the first coming of our savior while also longing for his second coming. 

In many ways, the Advent season has a missional focus. Christians around the world celebrate God coming to dwell among us to ultimately save us from our sins (Matt. 1:21-23). When Jesus was born, the news of God coming to earth quickly spread. As a result, the Magi are the first to come and see Jesus as they travel to Jerusalem “from the east” (Matt. 2:1). But then, by the end of the gospels, the call to “Come and See” this Jesus turned into a “Go and tell!” the nations about Him (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).

There is no better time than Christmas to remember the desire that God has for the nations of the world. God’s initial commission to Adam and Eve was for them to expand the boundaries of God’s presence through his garden by being fruitful and multiplying and having dominion over the earth (Gen. 1:28). This call continued to Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3), to Israel (Ex. 19:6), and then to King David (2 Sam. 7:12-13). Ultimately it is through Jesus that God would establish his kingdom (Lk. 8:1; Col. 2:15; Rev. 19:6). What we celebrate at Christmas is Jesus coming, born as a baby to ultimately die and rise again, to be established as King over all of the nations (Acts 2:36). Our commission then, is to tell the world about this king as we call the nations to submit to his rule and follow him (Matt. 28:18-20).

The kingdom that Jesus establishes isn’t like the kingdoms of this world though. No, as we sing every year, “He rules the world with truth and grace.” His desire is not to crush His people, but to save them (Mk. 10:45). Therefore, as we celebrate the reign of God coming to this world through Jesus, we will take a look at God’s longing for the nations to come to Himself and what that means for us in our call to “go and tell.” First, on November 27th, we will consider Jesus who was “Born to Gather the Nations” from Revelation 5:9-10. Second, on December 4th, we will consider Jesus who was “Born to Set the Nations Free” from Luke 4:18-19. Third, on December 11th, we will consider Jesus who was “Born to Bring the Nations Hope” from Matthew 12:15-21. Fourth, on December 18th, we will consider Jesus who was “Born to Give the Nations Rest” from Matthew 11:28-30. Then on Christmas Morning, we will look at the call to us to “Go and Tell the Nations” from Matthew 28:18-20.

I hope that you will join us as we celebrate Advent this year at First Baptist Church. Every week we will sing Christmas songs, light our Advent wreath and focus our attention on God coming to not only dwell among us, but to dwell among the nations, as He calls the world to Himself through His son, Jesus Christ.

Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson

Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson

Fighter Verse for the Week

"[And] without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."  
- Hebrews 11:6

Announcements:

Advent Devotionals: There are three options for Advent devotions available in our Welcome Center. The first one is free and it is titled, Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus. The second one is $10 and it is titled, Gifts of Grace. The last one is also $10 and it is titled, Come, Let us Adore Him. Feel free to check these out and get one for this Advent season.

Advent Music: Check out this playlist of 100 Advent songs put together by The Gospel Coalition: Spotify or Apple Music.

Volunteers Needed: Volunteers are still needed during the 10:30am nursery time. Check the update or email the office for more information on how you can serve.

Special Meeting: We will have a special members’ meeting following the service on Sunday, November 27th. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the potential sale of the land.

Ladies’ Christmas Cookie Exchange: Sheryl Nelson will be hosting a Christmas Cookie exchange in her home on Saturday, December 3rd. More information about the exchange can be found HERE.

Christmas Tree Decorating: Join us as we decorate the church Christmas tree on Main Street, following the service on Sunday, December 4th. We will have refreshments in the gym after decorating the tree.

Members’ Meeting: On Sunday, December 11th, we will have our regularly scheduled quarterly members’ meeting at 6:30pm. There will be a potluck dinner beforehand at 5:30pm. Come and be encouraged through hearing updates regarding various ministries and participate in making decisions regarding the life and direction of the church

Ladies’ Brunch and Crafting:  Ladies of the church are invited to the Diaz home for a potluck brunch and crafting at 10am on Saturday, December 17th. More information can be found HERE and a signup sheet can be found on the bulletin board.

Awana

Join us for Awana Bible Clubs on Wednesday nights. Dinner is at 6:00pm and Awana Clubs are from 6:30-8:00pm.

Bible Study

Join us for Bible Study at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. Click HERE for more information.

Giving

To Give Online, Go HERE. 

You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030

Home Groups

Home Groups meet on the first and third Sunday of each month. If you are interested in joining one, you can find more information HERE.

Prayer

An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE. 

Prepare for Sunday

Guide for Worship can be found HERE.