Jesus is the most powerful and influential figure in all human history. He was sent by the Father and given an assignment to carry out during His stay on earth. According to Him, His work was completed and now He is glorified with the glory He had before the world was. But why did Jesus come into the earth?

Christmas Eve is a night when people of like precious faith gather together, and it helps us focus on the true meaning of Christmas. No other person has entered our world that defines and divides human history as Jesus. Tonight, over a billion people will stop at the wonder of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel or God with us.

The birth of Christ was one of the greatest miracles that has ever occurred. The God of creation set aside His glory and took on flesh in order to redeem man from his fallen state and make it possible for him to be reconciled to God and become His child. Before we can fully understand and appreciate the incarnation, we must understand the nature and dimensions of man, the nature and consequences of his sin, and why an incarnation was necessary.

While on earth Jesus demonstrated spiritual laws the human race knows little of. He spoke and the wind, waves and sea obeyed His command. He turned water into wine, multiplied food, walked on water, brought money from the mouth of fish, healed the sick, cast out devils and even raised a decaying body from the dead. Apparently Jesus had understanding of spiritual laws that man didn’t know existed. Could it be He simply exercised the dominion God gave Adam in the garden? It’s obvious there are spiritual laws that are as binding as any natural law in God’s universe.

There are three important words that we all have to deal with in life. Besides knowing them, it’s important to have them in their proper order. The words are feelings, faith and facts. Doubting Thomas got his name because he put feelings first, then faith and facts. The proper order is facts, faith, feelings.

Knowing the reality of God’s love for us personally will take our faith to a higher level. It’s easier to trust someone when we know they love us. Jesus reveals God’s love for His children being greater than earthly parents that love their children. When we understand this, our faith in God’s willingness to keep His promises will increase. The question is how do we determine how much God loves us? Is it based on our experiences in life, or is something else the determining factor?

No one is exempt from the storms of life. Three reasons why include: We live in a fallen world, we have an enemy who wants to destroy us, and we all have flesh to contend with. Jesus warned Peter about the weakness of the flesh and Satan’s game plan, but Peter didn’t take heed. Because he was a student and not a victim, he learned from his mistake and offers Godly counsel to anyone challenged by the storms of life.

The bible has much to say about different levels of faith. It speaks of no, little, great and perfect faith. It also speaks of shipwrecked and wavering faith. What produces the highest level of faith? Knowing the reality of the integrity of God’s Word, our redemption in Christ, being a New Creation, our righteousness in Christ, God’s indwelling presence, God’s love for us– Birth and adoption, and the authority of Jesus’ name.

A true disciple is one who studies the life of his master purposing to follow his example and emulate his life. One of the most outstanding characteristics Jesus modeled for us was a thankful heart. Close observation reveals the connection between being thankful and the miraculous, and the spiritual with the material.

The sacrifice of praise plays a vital role in a believer’s life. It’s so important, we’re told to offer it continually. The actual sacrifice is clearly stated, “the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name.” Receive an understanding of how our sacrifice of Praise honors God and what that does and means for the believer.

Hebrews 11 describes and defines faith according to the Word where we are given as examples those who lived by faith. Receive an understanding in this fifth series of what living by faith means.

1 Peter 4:10 tells us that we all have motivational gifts that are to be used to help people and glorify God. Whatever our gift is, we are to be a good steward of it. Receive an understanding in this fourth series of discovering our gift through giving and administration.

Receive an understanding of living by faith in this fourth series about living and standing in faith and how to use our faith to withstand the subtlety’s that Satan uses to draw us away from our faith in God.

Continuing this study on discovering our gift, we examine the gift of exhortation. Though many misuse this gift by criticizing or judging others, God directs us to keep His love as the motivating force to teach, counsel, or disciple someone. Discover more about exhorting others in the body of Christ in today’s teaching.

God’s will has been established. He wants us whole and sent Jesus to make us whole. We must be determined, and we must become tired of sitting around the pool and watching others step in before us. It’s time to rise up and let God arise in us and allow His arise in us and allow His omnipotence to conquer whatever has crippled our lives.

Paul revealed God’s work to be a work of faith with power. God’s power can be present but inactive. Faith can be present but lie dormant. It’s when faith and power connect with each other that amazing things happen. Receives an understanding of living by faith.

Romans 12:4-9 tells us about the seven motivational gifts that are to be used to benefit people and glorify God. They deal with our personalities and provide the motivating force that drives us. Receive an understanding of discovering our gifts.

Under the leadership of Moses, the Israelites failed to experience the blessings of the Promised Land. Not because the enemy was so powerful, but because of their unbelief. In Hebrews 3:17 – 4:2, the writer warns us about the dangers of unbelief. Receive an understanding of living by faith.

There are three categories of gifts: Ministry, manifestation, and motivational gifts. Here, Paul lists seven motivational gifts: Prophecy, serving, teaching, exhorting, giving, administrating, and mercy or compassion. Whatever the gift, it’s a manifestation of the grace of God that is to be recognized and used to benefit people and glorify God.

There are four times where the scripture says, “The Just Shall Live By Faith.” Once we are saved by grace through faith, we are to use our faith to access grace that heals, delivers, protects, comforts, preserves, and provides. Faith is so important that the Bible records a Faith Hall of Fame and the many achievements made by those who lived by faith. Receive an understanding of how those in the Faith Hall of Fame lived by faith as an example for us.