PowerPoint Today from Pastor Jack Graham

The traditional Christmas message of peace has become a ubiquitous yet elusive concept, with many people shouting "peace" from the rooftops while struggling to find it in their lives. However, according to biblical promises and Jesus' gift of salvation, believers can experience an inner foretaste of world peace through their trust in Christ's return.

Millions of believers worldwide share a common faith in Jesus Christ, yet many Christians mistakenly serve a culturally-specific God. The Bible reveals that God is a global God who has redeemed people from every tribe, tongue, and nation, transcending cultural boundaries.

A group of men from the East, known as magi, embarked on a journey to discover faith in Jesus Christ by deciphering the meaning behind creation, and their story offers a profound exploration of the path to spiritual discovery. By examining the intersection of science and spirituality through the lens of creation, readers can gain a deeper understanding of God's nature and purpose.

The Scripture tells us that God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.

These humble, lowly men had jobs that kept them away from their families, and were essentially nomadic as they followed their flocks around day and night. It was a lonely, poor life… a humble audience for the very first Christmas carol ever sung.

God's sovereignty in choosing individuals for success is a mysterious and often overlooked aspect of faith, yet it is precisely this divine plan that gives us the ability to achieve greatness. By recognizing God as the ultimate source of our success, we can shift our focus from self-merit to His unwavering love and provision.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is often misunderstood, but her story reveals a woman who loved God and faced uncertainty with full faith. By examining Mary's life and faith, readers can discover how they too can be channels of grace and love to others through the same saving power that saved her.

Jesus' mission to earth was driven by God's profound love for humanity, which led Him to endure unimaginable hardship and sacrifice in order to save us from sin. By accepting this selfless love, we are transformed into holy and blameless individuals in the eyes of God, and invited to enter His Kingdom.

The world would be drastically altered if Jesus had not been born, as Christianity's spread and the lives of its followers would have taken a vastly different course. The absence of Jesus' birth would have far-reaching implications on global history, geopolitics, and individual spirituality, making it impossible to conceive just how much our lives would differ.

We have no hope of escaping death on our own.

Many Americans mistakenly equate church attendance and good works with a genuine relationship with Christ, but true believers experience a transformative change that goes beyond external rituals. By exploring the distinction between religion and relationship, readers can discover whether their faith is rooted in superficial practices or a deep, personal connection with Jesus.

A man's failed attempt to cook a green bean casserole without following the recipe serves as a metaphor for many people who try to navigate life on their own, leading to pain and heartache. By diving into God's Word and walking in obedience, individuals can discover the fullness of joy and find purpose in living according to God's instructions.

A young boy's encounter with a preacher, A.C. Dixon, leads to an unexpected illustration of redemption as Jesus paid the ultimate price for humanity's freedom from sin and eternal death. By embracing this truth, individuals can live a life of continual song, declaring their redemption to others and sharing the message of hope that sets them free.

As believers, we bear the name of Jesus Christ daily, yet many fail to show thankfulness and humility in their everyday lives. By examining biblical teachings and real-life examples, discover how to live a life that honors God's name and reflects His glory.

As a Christian, living in the public eye can be daunting, but embracing humility, gratitude, and forgiveness can transform you into a powerful witness to a watching world. By acknowledging your imperfections and giving thanks for God's blessings, you can demonstrate a life of authenticity that inspires others to follow Jesus.