1. Have you ever been surprised? Good surprises? Bad surprises? Surprised at Christmas? I was surprised THIS Christmas!

2. A Christmas Surprise Mark 10:45

3. Why was Jesus born? Some reasons He wasn’t born: –An “accident” involving Joseph & Mary –Joseph & Mary weren’t starting a family –God didn’t have an “accident” with Mary –God wasn’t wanting to start a “new race” –God wasn’t curious about being human So, why was Jesus born?

4. How would God answer? God the Father-- John 3:16? –He loved us! God the Son-- Mark 10:45? –He wanted to ransom us! –He wanted to teach us something important!

5. Why did Jesus come to serve? We know why He came to save us! But, do we know why He came to serve? Maybe He wanted to teach us something important!

6. Important teachings on service Isaiah prophesied the Messiah would be a servant! Isaiah 42-53 A servant must be humble and obedient, qualities that God exalts! God opposes anyone who is proud and disobedient! –Prov. 3:34;16:5; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5-6 Service is the path to greatness!!! – Mk.10:35-44; Phil. 2:6-11

7. Why did Jesus come to serve? To show us God’s heart and elevate service! To enlist us to serve! John 13:14-17 To enlighten us on serving! Luke 10:29-37

8. How should we serve? Matthew 25:34-40 –We serve God by serving people! 1 Peter 4:10-11 –We serve through God’s gift to us –We serve through God’s power provided for us Ephesians 4:11-13 –Christ gifts leaders to equip the saints to serve! –Saints serve to build up the Body of Christ!

9. Moving towards Christlikeness Connecting with GOD Oak Street Baptist Church Connecting with people Personal Growth Intentionally moving believers to maximum commitment Ministry Growth Community Nation World 1 2 34

10. GROW GROUP Goals- to become more Christlike! I will commit to….. 1)Weekly Worship 2)Daily Devotions: 5-15 minutes 3)Regular Giving: Any amount I will commit to….. 1)Weekly Worship 2)Daily Devotions: 45. min or more 3)Regular Giving: 10% or more 4) Weekly Small Group Attend. 5) Weekly Church Ministry 6) Weekly Community Ministry I will commit to….. 1)Weekly Worship 2)Daily Devotions: 30-45 min. 3)Regular Giving: 5-10% income 4) Weekly Small Group Attend. 5) Weekly Church Ministry I will commit to….. 1)Weekly Worship 2)Daily Devotions: 15-30 min. 3)Regular Giving: 1-5% income 4) Weekly Small Group Attend. BLUE Grow Group RED Grow Group YELLOW Grow Group GREEN Grow Group

11. Growing in Christlikeness Requires meeting together in worship and small group Bible study Requires regular giving Requires daily devotions Requires growing in service! –Will you commit to serve in 2009?