The Night That Changed Everything

We began the new series this morning. This is only the second message series in the life of NorthPointe Christian Church. It's called The Night That Changed Everything. Our staff decided together that we would loosely play off of the popular Christmas Carol story. You are likely familiar, but if not, it's the story of Ebeneezer Scrooge, a frugal miser of a man who is visited by three angels on one night. One night changed everything for him as he was able to see his life through the lens of his past, present and future.

We believe that Christmas is all about One Man who came and changed everything for everyone. And because Jesus came, He can transform our past, present and future as a part of his story. This morning we focused on reliving our past. The family of Jesus, going all the way back to Abraham, is full of unlikely characters and events leading to the glorious announcement by the angels that Christ the Lord was born in Bethlehem. Christmas is truly about the birth of Jesus. But the question we must ask is to whom did He come? Who did God have in mind when he sent Jesus to earth. Judging by the lineage of Christ, it wasn't for the prepared, the qualified, or those who believe they have it all together. Jesus came for unlikely people like you and me. His family is full of unlikely people. And if we choose to follow Christ, his lineage becomes our family. His lineage is our past. Matthew chapter 1 is a masterpiece of misfits. And God is waiting to take our past, including all of the failures and flaws, and transform our past as a part of his story.

When we wonder if God will accept us with our flaws and mistakes, His answer to us is Merry CHRISTmas!

We are also looking forward to this Saturday. We are hosting an event called Deck the Mall. We are partnering with CinemaWorld to collect toys for the Lincoln Holiday Basket Program. I can't say enough great compliments for the staff at CinemaWorld at the Lincoln Mall for allowing us to co-sponsor this event with them. We will have games and refreshments for children and families, as well as FREE gift wrapping. I also want to thank our local Starbucks for supplying the great coffee we can offer our guests. God's hands are all over this event. This will be the first community touch completely staffed with new NorthPointe volunteers who have stepped up to be involved in just a few short weeks. We pray more people will know more about NorthPointe Christian Church, and Who we represent, by coming to the mall that day with their family and friends from 3-6 pm.