1. ENCOUNTERS WITH JESUS

2. “to come face-to-face.”

3. shepherds

4. “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it wereamazed at what the shepherds

5. said to them. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

6. wise men

7. “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of

8. gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.”

9. Simeon

10. “When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: ‘Sovereign

11. Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have

12. prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’”

13. Even though these people’s lives were changed forever, there were people right there with them whose lives went on the same way as before.

14. It’s that way with anything in life.

15. The Son of God came to earth and some people accepted a second best or second hand encounter with Him.

16. It is the same way today.

17. We have people here at Ridgecrest that it is obvious they have had a personal encounter with Jesus (face- to-face), and their life will never be the same.

18. What about YOU?

19. Our American churches are filled with people today who have had casual contact with Jesus in their lives or have had second hand contacts with Him through their family or friends or church leaders.

20. Does that describe your relationship with Jesus?

21. What every person needs is a close encounter with Jesus.

22. Every encounter with Jesus has potential for a life- changing experience.

23. How can I encounter Jesus today and be changed?

24. First, you must get into this book and let this book get into you.

25. Hebrews 4:12, “God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey.”

26. Seize every opportunity to come into His presence and talk with Him.

27. Pray until you trust God enough to give His Spirit total control of your life.

28. Have a life changing encounter with Jesus this Christmas.