December 8, 2012 - Church at Worship

Sermon: "A Tale of Four Cities – Chapter Two: Bethlehem" - Randy Roberts

Pastoral Welcome: Dustin Aho

Children’s Feature: Genevieve Koh Isidro

Child Dedication: Emma Grace Tudose - Randy Roberts
Caleb Burton Clark - Timothy Gillespie

Meditation:

The true way to be humble is not to stoop until you are smaller than yourself, but to stand at your real height against some higher nature that will show you what the real smallness of your greatness is. – Phillips Brooks

It is never said of those who are entangled in other sins that they have God resisting them, but only that “God resisteth the proud.” – Cassian

It is a contradiction to be a true Christian and not be humble. – Richard Baxter

Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:3–6, TNIV - Nicole Seheult

Sermon Notes:

Bethlehem. A town whose name we have heard repeatedly. Small. Backwoods.
Out-of-the-way. Birthplace of our Lord. Could such a place—a place many will never
visit—teach us something of lasting significance regarding not only the Christmas
story, but the Christian walk?

We are meandering around the countryside of ancient Palestine around the time of
Christ’s birth, lingering at places that were of significance to his early days, doing
so with the question, Can these different cities teach us enduring lessons about
life with Jesus? Last week, Jerusalem reminded us that a form of religion is never
enough; we need the Person. Of what important lesson will Bethlehem remind us
this week?

Are you ready to travel to Bethlehem?

Randy Roberts
Senior Pastor

Note: Baptisms and child dedications are listed in the extras section in the DVD