Amplify Ag Illinois’ Post

What Would Christ Do on His Birthday Growing up, the Christmas season has always been the best time of the year. Perhaps it’s the excitement of adding new clothes to our wardrobe, the joy of reuniting with family after many years, or the happiness it brings to those who might otherwise struggle to enjoy everyday luxuries, like having a special meal and simply being joyful. But what exactly is the message that Christmas conveys? I remember attending the Christmas Eve Mass, where the priest would always remind us: “Do not forget the message that Christmas brings. Do not be carried away by material things or by how much food you can eat.” Christmas is a season for Christians to reflect on the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, marking the beginning of salvation. As the scripture says: “A child has been born to us, a child has been given to us, a son has been given to us.” This raises an important question: What would Christ do on His birthday? Would He: - Feed the poor? - Clothe the naked? - Preach salvation to the Jews and Gentiles? - Heal the sick? - Visit prisoners? As we celebrate and enjoy this season, take a moment to ask yourself: What would Christ do on His birthday? Lastly, let everything you do and every decoration you put up represent Christ. It’s more than just a seasonal greeting or festivities. Remember: Its Christmas, not Xmas.

Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. There are many Easter-time traditions with roots that can be traced to non-Christian and pagan or non-religious celebrations. Examples of non-religious Easter traditions include Easter eggs, and related games such as egg rolling and egg decorating. Many people—mostly children—also participate in Easter egg “hunts,” in which decorated eggs are hidden. Perhaps the most famous Easter tradition for children is the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, when children roll Easter eggs down Capitol Hill. In some households, Easter Bunny delivers candy and chocolate eggs to children on Easter Sunday morning. These candies often arrive in an Easter basket. The exact origins of the Easter Bunny tradition are unknown, although some historians believe it arrived in America with German immigrants in the 1700s. Rabbits are, in many cultures, known as enthusiastic procreators, so the arrival of baby bunnies in springtime meadows became associated with birth and renewal.

hello everyone, here I could share about Christmas celebration, Decorations: People decorate their homes with lights, trees, and ornaments. Gifts: Families and friends exchange gifts. Meals: Families enjoy special meals and treats. Carols: People sing Christmas carols. Santa Claus: Children believe in Santa Claus, who brings gifts to those who have been good all year. Kindness: Christmas is a time to give, share, and spread kindness to others. Churches: Churches hold prayers to spread the message of peace and love. Helping others: People help the people living on the streets by giving them food, clothes, blankets, etc. Religious significance: For Christians, Christmas signifies the birth of Jesus Christ. Family time: Christmas is a time to reconnect with family and friends. #article #snscop #snsdesignthinking #designthinkers

"We are truly thankful when we humbly remember everything [God] has done for us, forget whatever past things are pulling us down, look up to Him in our troubles, and look around at the many blessings He has given each of us." ~Ed Stucky A wise friend shared this in a blog post about how to be thankful. To enjoy more of Ed's wisdom, please check out his blog: https://lnkd.in/g4-pSkVA

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GOING TO CHURCH IN PERSON? Why should we go to church? How important is your attendance? What are the benefits? Do you go to church? The Apostle Paul told the Hebrews: “Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds. You should not stay away from the church meetings, as some are doing, but you should meet together and encourage each other. Do this even more as you see the day coming.” (Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭NCV‬) Like a football game or a great concert with thousands of fans cheering with common purpose, it’s exhilarating. You feel part of something. It’s a celebration. It’s fun and exciting. Church has more meaning and benefits than the football game or concert. If you believe “God shows his great love for us in this way: Christ died for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭NCV‬‬), the songs mean more, the messages are life changing and it leaves us renewed and strengthened. Think of it this way; To have God save us when we don’t even know we need saving - it’s an incredible gift that lasts for eternity. For eternity. When we are weak and need help, Jesus said“My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you.” (‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭NCV‬‬) This means that in a miraculous way, our emotional tank gets filled - for free. Our hope is restored. Our joy is deepened. And a literal change occurs in our heart and mind. We walk away from church with so much more. And if your church is not doing this for you, it’s either you or maybe your church. One or both may need a change. Yes, online worship is fine, but there is nothing like attending church in person. You are robbing yourself of something valuable by avoiding worshipping in-person. This also applies to meeting with small groups in our homes. “As iron sharpens iron, so people can improve each other.” (Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭17‬ ‭NCV‬‬) As we meet in small groups, we pray, we learn, we are supported and we meet new and incredible people. It’s a great place to find someone to date and marry and develop a close friendship. If you want to kill an elephant, where should you go? Go where elephants are. If you want to find a good person to date and marry or find a friend, go where good people are. Church and small groups are full of people that are taking life seriously and have a common purpose. God’s word, His counsel, His strength, the support of others - corporate worship leaves us with far more than a football game or concert. No, there’s nothing wrong with games and concerts, however if you cherish them more than corporate worship, just think about it and consider joining in. LORD, your words heal us, give us hope, encourage us and teach us how to live a full life. And as we celebrate corporately, in small groups and intimately, we are healed and made whole. Thank you for your word. Thank you for Jesus Christ. And thank you for the Holy Spirit to help us. IJNIP amen ♥️

Happy Easter, Resurrection Day, or Passover to all my friends celebrating today! I came across some interesting discussions about the origins of these holidays and wanted to share my thoughts. As a lifelong Christian, I understand that the church adopted certain cultural holidays to help convey the message of God's love from a Christian perspective. While the dates of Christ's birth and resurrection may not be historically accurate, the meaning behind these celebrations is what matters for faith. It's important to remember that Easter and Passover were originally pagan and Jewish celebrations, respectively. However, as Christians, we can still celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the freedom from sin that it represents. I know some people may have strong principles about the origins of these holidays, but let's not get too caught up in the details. Instead, let's focus on the message of love and hope that Christ brought to the world. Whether you celebrate Easter, Resurrection Day, Passover, or simply enjoy the day off, let's take a moment to reflect on the impact of Jesus' life and message. As he said, let's love one another as he loved us. Happy holidays to all!

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GOING TO CHURCH IN PERSON? Why should we go to church? How important is your attendance? What are the benefits? Do you go to church? The Apostle Paul told the Hebrews: “Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds. You should not stay away from the church meetings, as some are doing, but you should meet together and encourage each other. Do this even more as you see the day coming.” (Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭NCV‬) Like a football game or a great concert with thousands of fans cheering with common purpose, it’s exhilarating. You feel part of something. It’s a celebration. It’s fun and exciting. Church has more meaning and benefits than the football game or concert. If you believe “God shows his great love for us in this way: Christ died for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭NCV‬‬), the songs mean more, the messages are life changing and it leaves us renewed and strengthened. Think of it this way; To have God save us when we don’t even know we need saving - it’s an incredible gift that lasts for eternity. For eternity. When we are weak and need help, Jesus said“My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you.” (‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭NCV‬‬) This means that in a miraculous way, our emotional tank gets filled - for free. Our hope is restored. Our joy is deepened. And a literal change occurs in our heart and mind. We walk away from church with so much more. And if your church is not doing this for you, it’s either you or maybe your church. One or both may need a change. Yes, online worship is fine, but there is nothing like attending church in person. You are robbing yourself of something valuable by avoiding worshipping in-person. This also applies to meeting with small groups in our homes. “As iron sharpens iron, so people can improve each other.” (Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭17‬ ‭NCV‬‬) As we meet in small groups, we pray, we learn, we are supported and we meet new and incredible people. It’s a great place to find someone to date and marry and develop a close friendship. If you want to kill an elephant, where should you go? Go where elephants are. If you want to find a good person to date and marry or find a friend, go where good people are. Church and small groups are full of people that are taking life seriously and have a common purpose. God’s word, His counsel, His strength, the support of others - corporate worship leaves us with far more than a football game or concert. No, there’s nothing wrong with games and concerts, however if you cherish them more than corporate worship, just think about it and consider joining in. LORD, your words heal us, give us hope, encourage us and teach us how to live a full life. And as we celebrate corporately, in small groups and intimately, we are healed and made whole. Thank you for your word. Thank you for Jesus Christ. And thank you for the Holy Spirit to help us. IJNIP amen ♥️

This season is so much more than lights, gifts, and gatherings—it's about the greatest gift of all: Jesus Christ. Over 2,000 years ago, love came down from heaven in the form of a baby, born in a manger. He came to bring us peace, hope, and salvation. "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 May your heart be filled with His peace and joy today and always. #MerryChristmas #HolidayJoy #SeasonOfGiving #MoneyTreeBillingMN #ChiroBillingExperts #FastClaimProcessin #MoneyTreeBilling #RevenueGrowthSolutions #MoneyTreeBenefits #TopRatedBillingService #PreserveYourProfits #MinnesotaHealthcareBilling #ChiroCashFlow #InsuranceBillingExpertsMN #TreeChiropracticBilling

What is the meaning of Christmas? The meaning of Christmas often varies depending on personal, cultural, and religious perspectives. For many, Christmas is a celebration of love, generosity, and togetherness. It's a time to connect with family and friends, exchange gifts, and spread joy. For Christians, it holds a deeply spiritual significance as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, symbolizing hope, peace, and salvation. In a broader, non-religious sense, Christmas embodies the spirit of kindness and giving, a time to reflect on the blessings in life and share them with others, particularly those in need. No matter how it's celebrated, Christmas is often a time to pause, appreciate the people around you, and create cherished memories. What does Christmas mean to you?

A MESSAGE FROM OUR AFFILIATED ORGANISATION GCS: [Final Part] EMBRACING PRAYER AND ACTION IN MISSIONS A Mid-Year Reflection A New Approach to Missions Consider the example of the church in Antioch (Acts 13:1-3). During prayer, worship, and fasting, the Holy Spirit called Barnabas and Saul to their missionary work. Notice that this calling came through the church leaders, not just the individuals themselves. Today's churches often wait for individuals to feel a calling and then support them. This approach isn't wrong, but it might reflect a weaker state compared to the proactive model seen in Antioch. As we pray for labourers in the second half of 2024, let's also actively seek them out. Identify and approach gifted individuals in your church, pray with them, and ask if they feel called to engage in ministry. This proactive approach could lead to more faithful men and women being launched into God's harvest. Staying Focused on Our Mission As we reach the midpoint of 2024, it’s easy to get distracted from our initial goals and priorities. However, if we consistently commit to praying for and seeking out labourers, we may witness God working through our local churches in extraordinary ways. Let’s embrace this challenge and see how God might use our prayers and actions to further His kingdom. Amen. Thank you for praying for the Great Commission each day of the month. God bless you.