EMMANUELGOD WITH US For many, Christmas is the time to think of Jesus Christ as a baby in a manger.

While the birth of Christ is a special and miraculous event, it isn't the primary focus. The central truth of the Christmas story is this: the Child of Christmas is God. Christmas is not about the Savior's infancy; it is about His deity. The humble birth of Jesus Christ was never intended to conceal the reality that God was being born into the world. But the modern world's version of Christmas does just that. And consequently for the greater part of humanity, Christmas has no legitimate meaning at all. I don't suppose anyone can ever fathom what it means for God to be born in a manger. How does one explain the Almighty stooping to become a tiny infant? Our minds cannot begin to understand what was involved in God becoming man. Nor can anyone explain how God could become a baby. Yet He did. Without forsaking His divine nature or diminishing His deity, He was born into our world as a tiny infant. He was fully human, with all the needs and emotions that are common to us all. Yet He was also fully God - all wise and all powerful. The Apostle Paul captures the essence of Jesus' divine nature and underscores the truths that make Christmas truly wonderful in Colossians 1:15-20. The Apostle Paul affirmed that Jesus is God in the flesh - the Creator of everything. The phrase "the image of the invisible God" (verse 15) does not mean that Jesus was merely a created being who bore the image of God in the same sense as all humanity. This phrase means that God Himself is fully manifest in the Person of His Son, who is none other than Jesus Christ. In Colossians 1:15, Paul says Jesus is "the firstborn of every creature." This does not mean that Jesus was a created being. The word, "first born," describes Jesus' rank, not His origin. The firstborn in a Hebrew family was the heir, the ranking one, the one who had the right of inheritance. And in a royal family, he had the right to rule. So Christ is the One who inherits all creation, and the right to rule over it. Christ is not part of creation; He is the Creator, the very arm of God, active from the beginning in calling the universe and all creatures into existence. John 1:3 records, "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. That could not be true, if He were Himself a created being. God created it all. The babe in Bethlehem, He made everything!

New Testament Baptist Church

437 N. Duffy Road, Butler, PA 16001

New Testament Baptist Church

December 9, 2012

Listen to www.GlorifyRadio.com

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Thank you for choosing to worship at the New Testament Baptist Church of Butler. Our prayer is that your heart will be stirred for the eternal as we sing songs & hymns that direct your heart toward Christ and challenge you through the preaching of Gods Word.

Free Nurseries & Childcare:

Out of respect for your loved ones and those in attendance, we ask parents to use our clean & wellequipped nursery. This free service is available for newborns and infants (birth through 24 months). Your cooperation is needed and appreciated. Assistance is available at the Welcome Center.

Welcome

Adult Ladies Fellowship Thursday, December 13, at 6:30 PM

The December Ladies Fellowship is when the secret prayer sisters are revealed for the previous year and distributed for 2013. Adult ladies are asked to bring a side dish to share with the other ladies at the fellowship. Pleas sign up at the Welcome Center.

Sunday: Service Schedule 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM Adult & Childrens Bible Study Classes Morning Preaching Choir Practice Evening Preaching Patch the Pirate Childrens Choral Club Midweek Bible Study & Prayer

Church Family Christmas Dinner at the Atrium Sunday PM, December 16, at 6 PM
Your family is encouraged to join the church family at the Atrium on Sunday evening, December 16. The meal will be served at 6 PM. Families must pre-pay and register at the Welcome Center. Your participation is appreciated.

Wednesday: 7:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 PM Bus Visitation

Visit us online at www.visitNTBC.com

Church Business Meeting After Sunday PM, December 30

The fall & winter months provides a great opportunity for our church to transition from our organized soul winning program on Saturdays to our TAKE 5 tract distribution program.

First Time Visitors

There are friendly people at our Welcome Center in the lobby who will gladly assist you with any questions you may have during your visit. Allow us to make you feel at home during your visit. First-time adult visitors and families are asked to visit our Welcome Center to receive a hospitality bag with a gift card to Chick-fil-A.

Food and Drink Items

In the spirit of worship, and as an act of courtesy, please do NOT bring food items, coffee, bottled water, or soft drinks into the Auditorium. Thank you for your courtesy!