Join us this Sunday at Coggin Church for the 8:30 AM service as Pastor Dr. Todd Gray delivers a powerful message in our Christmas 2023 series: The Name. This week, we will be focusing on the name “Emmanuel”, which means “God with Us”. We will explore how Jesus’ sacrifice allowed a holy God to dwell with us and how through faith in Jesus, we can have a personal relationship with God. Also, be sure to stick around for a time of worship and singing of hymns. As a guest, you can fill out a connect card and visit the connection Cafe for a special gift. And don’t forget, tonight there will be a Christmas Carol sing event in the Chapel at 6:30 PM. Come and experience the presence of God as we celebrate the embodiment of Emmanuel, our Savior Jesus Christ.
At Coggin Church, we are excited to invite you to our 8:30 AM service this Sunday. Our pastor, Dr. Todd Gray, will be bringing a message in our Christmas 2023 series: The Name. This week, we will be exploring the name “Emmanuel” and how it signifies that God is with us. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we have the opportunity to have a personal relationship with God and experience His presence in our lives. Along with powerful worship and singing of hymns, guests are welcome to fill out a connect card and receive a special gift at the connection Cafe. Don’t miss our Christmas Carol sing event tonight at 6:30 PM in the Chapel. We can’t wait to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with you and experience God’s love and presence together.
8:30 AM Service – The Name: Emmanuel
Introduction
Welcome to the 8:30 AM service at Coggin Church! We are thrilled to have you join us for a powerful and meaningful worship experience. Today, we will be delving into the significance of the name “Emmanuel” in our Christmas 2023 series: The Name. This name holds great importance in the Christmas story and reveals Jesus as the embodiment of God’s presence with us. Through this service, we hope to deepen your understanding of Emmanuel and inspire you to embrace Jesus’ purpose on Earth.
About the Service
Time and Location
The 8:30 AM service takes place every Sunday at Coggin Church. We believe that starting your day by worshiping together as a community sets a positive tone for the rest of the week. The service provides an opportunity for reflection, growth, and connection with God.
Theme of the Message
During today’s service, Pastor Dr. Todd Gray will explore the theme of “The Name: Emmanuel.” He will delve into the meaning of the name and its relevance to the Christmas story. Through his message, he will bring the presence of Emmanuel to life and help us understand the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice for us.
Worship and Singing
Worship plays a central role in our services, as it allows us to express our adoration and gratitude to God. Today, we will be singing traditional Christmas hymns that celebrate the birth of Jesus and the truth of Emmanuel. As we lift our voices together, let us rejoice in the unchanging presence of God in our lives.
Guest Welcome and Gift
If you are joining us as a guest today, we extend a warm welcome to you. We are grateful that you have chosen to worship with us. Please take a moment to fill out a connect card, which can be found on the back of the pew in front of you. This card will help us get to know you better and enable us to connect with you personally. After the service, we invite you to visit the connection Cafe, located just down the hallway, where Pastor Dr. Todd Gray will be waiting to greet you and provide a special gift as a token of our appreciation for your presence.
The Meaning of Emmanuel
Definition of Emmanuel
The name “Emmanuel” is derived from the Hebrew language and means “God with us.” It signifies the profound truth that God chose to dwell among His people, bridging the gap between the divine and the human. Emmanuel represents the ultimate act of love and compassion from a God who desires to be intimately involved in our lives.
Emmanuel in the Christmas Story
In the Christmas story, the arrival of Emmanuel is foretold by the prophet Isaiah. This prophetic message is fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, who is recognized as the long-awaited Messiah. The presence of God in the form of Jesus brings joy, hope, and salvation to all who believe in Him.
Jesus as the Embodiment of Emmanuel
Jesus is the embodiment of Emmanuel, as He fully represents the nature and character of God. Through His life, teachings, and ultimate sacrifice on the cross, Jesus reveals to us the depth of God’s love and His desire to be in a relationship with us. Jesus’ purpose on Earth was to reconcile humanity to God, allowing us to experience His constant presence and receive the gift of salvation.
Jesus’ Purpose on Earth
Bringing God’s Presence to Us
Jesus’ coming to Earth as Emmanuel demonstrates God’s relentless pursuit to be with His people. In a world plagued by sin and separation from God, Jesus bridges the gap and invites us into a personal relationship with Him. Through Jesus, we can experience the tangible presence of God in our lives and find comfort, guidance, and strength.
Salvation through Jesus
Jesus’ presence as Emmanuel not only brings us comfort and companionship but also offers us the opportunity for eternal salvation. By accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we can be forgiven of our sins and enter into a restored relationship with God. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross makes it possible for us to experience the fullness of God’s love and grace.
The Importance of Faith in Jesus
To fully embrace Emmanuel, we must place our faith in Jesus. Faith enables us to accept Jesus’ sacrifice and trust in His promises. It is through faith that we can access God’s presence, receive His grace, and experience the transformative power of His love in our lives. As we grow in our faith, we deepen our understanding of Emmanuel and the significance of Jesus’ mission on Earth.
Jesus’ Understanding and Compassion
Jesus’ Shared Experience of Weaknesses
One of the most comforting aspects of Jesus’ embodiment of Emmanuel is His understanding of our human weaknesses and struggles. Jesus experienced the full range of human emotions, temptations, and challenges during His time on Earth. He empathizes with our pain, grief, and difficulties, offering us His compassion and grace.
Approaching God with Confidence
Because of Jesus’ understanding and compassion, we can approach God with confidence and openness. We do not need to hide our weaknesses or shame from Him. Instead, we can come before Him boldly, knowing that He loves us unconditionally and desires to help us in our times of need. Emmanuel assures us that God is not distant or unapproachable but is near, ready to listen and provide guidance.
God’s Love and Desire to Help Us
Emmanuel reveals God’s immense love for us and His desire to help us in every aspect of our lives. God’s presence and assistance are not limited to certain situations or specific times. When we call upon Him, He is always there, eagerly waiting for us to seek His guidance, strength, and comfort. Jesus’ life demonstrates the lengths to which God will go to demonstrate His love and compassion.
Accessing God’s Presence and Help
The Power of Prayer
One of the primary ways we can access God’s presence and help is through prayer. Prayer is a direct line of communication with God, enabling us to pour out our hearts, express our needs, and seek His guidance. When we pray from a place of faith and expectancy, we invite God to manifest His presence in our lives and bring about miraculous transformations.
The Role of Faith in Jesus
Faith in Jesus is crucial for accessing God’s presence and help. By placing our faith in Jesus’ finished work on the cross, we can experience a deep and personal relationship with God. It is through this relationship that we receive the Holy Spirit, who empowers us, guides us, and enables us to live in alignment with God’s will.
Benefits of a Personal Relationship with God
Embracing Emmanuel and cultivating a personal relationship with God brings numerous benefits to our lives. These include a sense of peace, purpose, and direction. When we live in God’s presence, we can navigate life’s challenges with confidence, knowing that He is guiding and protecting us. Our relationship with God also shapes our character, leading us to exhibit love, kindness, forgiveness, and generosity towards others.
Conclusion
As we conclude this 8:30 AM service, may the truth of Emmanuel resonate deeply within your heart. Remember that God is always with you, ready to comfort, guide, and empower you. Embrace Jesus as Emmanuel, the embodiment of God’s love and presence in your life. Allow this knowledge to transform your perspective and empower you to live with faith, hope, and purpose. Thank you for joining us today, and we look forward to seeing you at future services.