Congratulations to Brent on his College Graduation

Brent and his beautiful girlfriend Bre celebrate Brent's Graduation this week. Brent has a great job in marketing and has already started a MBA.

Christmas Sermon - Christmas On Location: Home to the Powerful and Cruel

Christmas on Location: Rome - 4 B.C. Home to the Powerful and Cruel

By Bob Moeller

Luke 2:1-7

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.” Luke 2:1

Who rules our world?

1. God sets up and takes down the people who control our lives.
• Daniel 4:32 “Seven times (years) will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes.”
“(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.” Luke 2:2-3
Who rules our world?

2. God directs the decisions that impact our lives.
Proverbs 21:1 “The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; (God) directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases.”
“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.” Luke 2:5

Who rules our world?

3. God chooses the time and place where our lives will be changed forever.
• Micah 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me One who will be Ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. "
“He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.” Luke 2:5

Who rules our world?

4. God controls the suffering others can impose on us.
• Acts 4:27-28 “Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.”
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7
Who rules our world?

5. What others use to hurt us God uses to save us.
• Genesis 50:20
"Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

Conclusion: Some very good reasons to be strong and courageous this Christmas season…
• No one can do anything to you until God gives them permission.
• If God gives them permission they now are serving Him like it or not…
• When God is finished so are they…
• In the end Heaven wins and so do we.


(Like a River Glorious)
Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.
Every joy or trial falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love;
We may trust Him fully all for us to do.
They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.

(Be Still My Soul)
Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend,
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake.
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know.
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord. When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Little Proverbs 31 Women

A Mother's Day Treat: Megan, 11, and MacKenzie Moeller, 9, said Proverbs 31 from memory in all six services Sunday at Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church. Big brother Robby, 26, high school ministries intern, introduced them.

Proverbs 31:10-31

10 ^[c] A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.

16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.