#3: The "Scrooge" in Us

Preparing for Worship

1 Timothy 1:15-17 (NKJV)

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer

We celebrate You, great Author of salvation and eternal life. Your mercy and grace abound. We rejoice in Your goodness. All honor, all glory and all praises be unto Your holy Name. Amen.

Worship through Songs

R-57: The Magi (東方博士)

Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 2:1-11 (NKJV)

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;
For out of you shall come a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”

Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”

When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Sermon

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Song of Response

Worship through Prayer

1. Lord, I surrender my all to You. I have withheld myself for so long thinking that I can be happier living my own life. Forgive me for my foolishness and lack of faith. Take full control of my life that I may experience You fully. 

2. Give me the joy of this Christmas season to celebrate Your great love because of the birth of the Savior. May my love and devotion to Christ Jesus increase each day. Let my love be centered on You, my God.

3. May I have the privilege of showing the love of Christ to people around me. May they know the Savior that leads them to salvation. May Your Holy Spirit move in my life to bless those around me. 

Self-Reflection & Discussion

1. What's a "Scrooge" attitude you're guilty of? (Unwilling to give Jesus control of your life; Forgetting that Jesus is the most important person in your life; Keeping the good news of Jesus to yourself; Showing through inaction no desire to worship Jesus)

2. What steps can you take to change this attitude into one that honors God?

Worship through Giving

If you are a regular attender of GCCP and are led to give to the Lord, you can give through the options given below. You are not obligated to give (2 Corinthians 9:7). We are simply glad that you can use this worship guide to honor our Lord.

Bank Transfer. Give via direct deposit or online fund transfer using your preferred mobile banking app. Visit the Giving Tab for bank details.

Local/International Channels. Check out the Cashless Giving tab if you wish to give through GCash, Paymaya, Paypal, or credit card.

Drop-off. An offering dropbox is available at the church entrance. Please make sure your offering is in a sealed envelope.