Sermon Series Blog: The Greatest Gift Pt.1

The Season of Hope and the Truth for Eternity

In my journey as a Christian and a pastor, one thing has stood out clearly: I have never "logicked" someone into a relationship with Christ. And yes, I know “logicked” isn’t proper English. Maybe “logicized” works better? But the point remains—no amount of evidence, reason, or persuasive arguments has ever been enough on its own to lead someone to Christ.

That doesn’t mean evidence isn’t important. I’ve spent time providing strong evidence for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. But it’s always coupled with a step of faith or an experience of God’s power in someone’s life. That’s where transformation happens.

And as Christians, we’re in the business of standing on truth.

The Season of Hope

We’re in our Christmas series, and for us as followers of Christ, Christmas is the season of hope. It’s a time when we celebrate the arrival of the Savior of the world. If you’re new to Christianity or just exploring what it’s all about, here’s what Christmas means to us: Jesus came to this earth to bring hope.

Not just any hope. Eternal hope.

But maybe you’re skeptical. You might think the Christmas story sounds like a nice fairy tale—something even more far-fetched than a chubby old man delivering presents in one night. If that’s you, let’s dive into Scripture together.

Matthew 1:18 tells us:

"This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit."

Let’s pause there. A virgin… pregnant? Through the Holy Spirit? Skeptics would say, “Yeah, right.” And yet, this is where our hope begins. The Christmas story isn’t just a tale—it’s the start of the greatest truth ever told.

The Truth for Eternity

Fast forward to the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. He’s been betrayed, denied, and now stands before Pilate. Their conversation is one of the most pivotal moments in Scripture:

John 18:37-38a:

*"You are a king, then!" said Pilate.

Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."*

This is the connection between Christmas and Easter—between the hope we celebrate now and the truth that sustains us forever. Jesus came to testify to the truth. And when He was crucified, He became the ultimate testimony of that truth. He bore the sin of the world, conquered death, and rose in victory.

But then Pilate asks the million-dollar question—the same question many people in our culture are still asking today:

"What is truth?"

Truth in a Culture of Relativism

We live in a world that says, “Truth is whatever you make it.” My truth. Your truth. As long as it feels good or makes you happy, it’s valid, right?

Wrong.

Here’s the hard truth: the only way to real peace, joy, and satisfaction is through Jesus Christ. He said it Himself in John 14:6: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

That’s not an inclusive statement. It’s not a popular one in a culture that values diversity and tolerance above all else. But it’s the truth. And it’s the truth that sets us free.

The Strategy: Telling the Truth

Church, our strategy isn’t to sugarcoat the gospel. It’s not to entertain or to appeal to culture’s ever-changing trends. It’s to preach the Word of God boldly.

This year, we baptized 17 people at Church in the City. Last year, it was just one. Imagine what God could do in 2025. Could we see 70? 100? The answer isn’t in soft tones or production value—it’s in the unchanging truth of the gospel.

As Christians, we’re called to share that truth with everyone around us—even when it’s uncomfortable. Jesus wants every part of our lives: our money, our relationships, our work, and our thoughts. He’s not interested in a half-hearted commitment or a compartmentalized faith. He is the King, and He wants all of us.

Hope and Truth: A Call to Action

This Christmas, let’s remember that the season of hope is inseparable from the truth of eternity. The baby in the manger grew up to become the Savior on the cross. And that truth changes everything.

So, as we celebrate, let’s also share the hope and truth of Jesus boldly. Let’s pray for lives to be transformed, for chains to be broken, and for God’s miracles to be evident in our communities.

Because the truth works. And it’s the truth that will lead people to the hope we’ve found in Christ.