Dr. Bryan Hudson's talk for January 1, "A Resolution for 2025," encourages people to set resolutions that align with God's will, rather than relying on their own strength. He highlights a study showing that most New Year's resolutions fail by the second week of January, mainly because they are made in human strength. Hudson stresses the importance of resolutions rooted in God's power, which brings grace, motivation, and strength. He focuses on Philippians 4:8-9, urging individuals to focus on things that are excellent, admirable, true, holy, just, pure, lovely, and worthy of praise.

Hudson suggests that making decisions based on these virtues will lead to better outcomes. He encourages practicing solitude and prayer for personal growth and reflection. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of exemplars—role models who demonstrate the qualities to aim for. Hudson shares practical advice like "habit stacking," which involves building small, consistent habits to create lasting change.

Ultimately, Hudson calls for a resolution to rely on God's wisdom and strength, rather than one's own, and to focus on what is excellent and admirable. He encourages everyone to lean into God's guidance for personal and spiritual growth in the coming year.

Luke 2:10-11, Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

WATCH: 2024 Community Christmas Outreach Highlights

Christmas Message by Pastor Bryan Hudson:

“The Joy of New Life in Christ.”

Summary:

Dr. Bryan Hudson’s "Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute" reflects on the birth of Jesus, emphasizing the message of hope and joy found in Luke 2:10-11. He highlights the angel's proclamation of "good tidings of great joy" and reminds listeners that Jesus was born for each person, regardless of their circumstances—whether surrounded by family, alone, or experiencing loss. He encourages focusing on God’s presence during the Christmas season.

Dr. Hudson also shares updates on his church’s community outreach, including deliveries of food and gifts to families in their homes, donations and ministry to various groups such as homeless teens, incarcerated individuals, and those in need. He concludes by celebrating Jesus as the reason for the season, urging listeners to let Christ fulfill His purpose in their lives.

Merry Christmas and encouragement are central to his message.

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Luke 2:8
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a [d]manger.”13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14  “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

SUMMARY

The message, The Joy of Christ in Christmas by Pastor Bryan Hudson, emphasizes the profound joy brought by the birth of Jesus Christ. Drawing from Luke 2:10 and other scriptures, Pastor Hudson highlights the contrast between busy Bethlehem and the serene shepherds’ field, where the angelic announcement of "good tidings of great joy" was made.

Jesus’ humble birth in a manger symbolizes His identification with everyday people and His purpose as a Savior for all. The wise men’s gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—prophetically speak to Jesus’ royalty, deity, and sacrificial death.

The message celebrates Christ as the ultimate gift, offering new life and joy that transcends life’s challenges. By embracing this gift, believers can rise above circumstances, share His joy through giving, and live a life of praise and gratitude. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to reflect the spirit of Christ’s love and joy in their daily lives.

Luke 2:8, Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And [c]behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 

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The message closes with a prayer of thanksgiving, celebrating the work of God

throughout the year and looking forward to continued blessings and opportunities for

service

"Love & Serve"  -  Firm Foundation inspiration Minute #148 for December 11, 2024

Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me  to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favoand the day of vengeance of our God to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—o bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

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Sermon Summary: 

“Giving Thanks—Not Only a Day, A Foundation”

Dr. Bryan Hudson emphasizes that Thanksgiving should be more than a holiday—it’s a foundational lifestyle of gratitude. Drawing from scripture, he explores how giving thanks transcends circumstances, reflecting a heart rooted in peace and faith.

Key Scriptures: Colossians 1:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Leviticus 7:11-15

1. Thanksgiving as a Foundation:

•  Thanksgiving is not tied to obligation but arises spontaneously from a grateful heart.

•  True praise and offerings—whether financial, time, or acts of kindness—should be willing and joyful, not out of duty or legalism.

2. Peace Offerings and Sacrificial Praise:

•  Peace offerings, as distinct from many other types of offerings, express worship unconnected to sin or obligation.

•  In the New Testament, Jesus becomes our peace offering, bridging divisions and enabling us to live in grace and freedom.

3. Practical Application:

•  Cultivate gratitude: Acknowledge blessings—both asked for and unexpected—and express thanks through words, actions, and offerings.

•  Develop a lifestyle of praise and worship, independent of external circumstances.

•  Avoid callousness and indifference by maintaining a spirit of thankfulness toward God and others.

4. Key Takeaways:

•  Thanksgiving fosters peace, and peace inspires thanksgiving, creating a positive spiritual cycle.

•  Gratitude keeps believers in God’s presence (Coram Deo), fostering perpetual joy and strength beyond circumstances.

Dr. Hudson concludes with encouragement to embrace thanksgiving as a daily, spontaneous expression of worship and gratitude, rooted in God’s peace and goodness.

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Summary: "The Ministry of Presence" (Summary by OpenAI)
Summary: "The Ministry of Presence" (Summary by OpenAI)

Key takeaways include:

1. Definition of the Ministry of Presence: It involves offering support through physical, emotional, and spiritual presence, rather than relying solely on words or actions.
2. Attributes of Presence: Active listening, nonverbal support, empathy, availability, and avoiding cliches or platitudes are essential for effective presence.
3. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the "master of the ministry of presence," guiding believers in being present with others and sharing God's peace.
4. Job's Friends as an Example: Initially practicing the ministry of presence by sitting silently with Job, his friends later faltered due to fragility and discomfort, showing the importance of being prepared to support others.
5. Overcoming Comfort Zones: Leaving comfort zones enables growth, service, and alignment with God's purpose, exemplified by figures like Abraham and Jesus, who stepped out of comfort for a greater mission.
6. Adversity and Presence: True friends provide presence and support during adversity, as illustrated by a story where a friend jumps into a hole to guide another out.

The sermon concludes with an exhortation to embrace the ministry of presence, trust God's guidance, and develop the capacity to support others, reflecting Christ's love in action.

Isaiah 9:2  The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.