This past Walk to the Manger Sunday, a little boy, early elementary age, brought a dollar to the manger. It was his dollar, one that he had earned, that he wanted to give so that presents could be bought for school kids who otherwise might not have anything under the Christmas tree. It was a small gift that certainly won’t purchase a complete present. But it was a huge heart that filled the room with God’s presence. And a few of those dollars put together will put a toy under the tree.
Small gifts add up and they are crucial to the ministry of Aldersgate Church.
It’s not about the amount of the gift, it’s about the size of the heart. As we approach the end of this year, would you be willing to give from your heart?
Thank you for your generosity!
Lead Pastor, Ryan Smallwood
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He exists eternally in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. There is one God in three persons. (Genesis 1:1, 26, 27, 3:22) (Psalm 90:2) (1 Peter 1:2) (2 Corinthians 13:14)
Jesus is the son of God who lived a sinless human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate his power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven’s glory and will return to earth again to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Matthew 1:22-23)(Isaiah 9:6) (John 1:1-5, 14:10-30) (Hebrews 4:14-15) (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) (Romans 1:3-4) (Acts 1:9-11) (1 Timothy 6:14-15) (Titus 2:13)
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make us aware of our need for Jesus Christ. He lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation and provides Christians with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. We seek to live under his control daily. (2 Corinthians 3:17) (John 16:7-13, 14:16-17) (Acts 1:8) (1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16) (Ephesians 1:13-14) (Galatians 5:25) (Ephesians 5:18)
God’s Word to all people, written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. (2 Timothy 3:16) (2 Peter 1:20-21) (2 Timothy 1:13) (Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6) (Proverbs 30:5)
Humanity is made in the spiritual image of God to be like him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although people have tremendous potential for good, they are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called sin. This attitude separates people from God. (Genesis 1:27) (Psalm 8:3-6) (Isaiah 53:6) (Romans 3:23) (Isaiah 59:1-2)
Eternity is how long we were created to exist with God. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with him is heaven. Heaven and hell are places of eternal existence. (John 3:16) (1 John 2:25, 5:11-13) (Romans 6:23) (Revelation 20:15)
Salvation is by grace, through faith. It is a gift from God to all people. We can never make up for our sins by self-improvement or good works. We are saved from sin’s penalty by trusting in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice as God’s offer of forgiveness. We show our faith publicly through baptism. (Romans 6:23) (Ephesians 2:8-9) (John 14:6, 1:12) (Titus 3:5) (Galatians 3:26) (Romans 5:1)
The Church is the body of Christ on earth. It exists to communicate the good news of new life in Jesus Christ to the world, to teach his followers to obey his teachings, and to equip his followers for ministry. The church is made up of those who have placed their faith in Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:27) (Matthew 28:19-20) (John 10:10) (Ephesians 4:11-14) (Acts 2:38)