Advent 2018
Third Sunday of Advent - Arrival
December 16, 2018 • Pastor Luke Dailey
Sermon Meditation for Sunday, December 16th Third Sunday of Advent Arrival! Part Three: “Great Joy!" Luke 2:8-20 The passage before us is a beautiful story. Shepherds were watching their flocks at night. Most likely it was just another night, nothing to get excited over. Then, suddenly, an angel appears and light shines all around! The shepherds were fearful of what just happened. The angel speaks to them and declares them to be safe. The reason the angel came was to deliver a message - the greatest message ever received - the Savior is coming! I've received some good personal news before from doctors, teachers and professors. I've received some good news from the news channel about fires being contained, and hurricanes in Florida not caring as much damage as they anticipated. From all of the good news I've received, not an ounce of that news compares to the good news of great joy of Jesus coming to earth. The joy that's given to us when we believe in the redeeming power of Jesus is an untouchable joy. Our joy survives and endures through all trials because the joy is secure in an everlasting King. Our joy can't be touched by temporal circumstances because it is an eternal joy. What good news! I can't wait to open the Word of God and study about this joy given to us who believe, and offered to those who hear it. Come expecting great things, and come with joy! Pastor Luke Growth Group Discussion Guide Week of December 18th Q: Where you even in a Christmas program? What part did you play? Q: Parents: What was your reaction when you found out you were going to have your first baby? READ FIRST: Luke 2:8-20 Q: What impresses you about Joseph and Mary in this story? Their humble surroundings? Their faith? Their lineage? Q: Why do you suppose the Savior of the world was born in an obscure village and laid in a manger? Q: Do you think Mary and Joseph understood the full significance of the child they brought into the world? What do you think might have been clear to them? Q: Why do you think God chose to announce the birth of HIs son to shepherds? Q: Who was the first “messenger” who told you about Jesus? Q: Who would you like to tell about what Jesus has done in your life? Or invite to church?
First Sunday of Advent - Arrival
December 2, 2018 • Pastor Luke Dailey
Growth Group Discussion Guide Week of December 2nd Q: How many times did your family move when you were growing up? Q: How geographically scattered is your family now? How often do you get together? READ FIRST: I Peter 1:1-9 Q: In what sense are “God’s elect, strangers in the world?” When have you most felt like a stranger because of your faith? Q: For what purpose have God’s elect been chosen? Q: What does it mean to you to be chosen by God? To be sanctified by the Spirit? To be sprinkled with Christ’s blood? Q: What does Peter mean by the “new birth” that God provides (v. 3)? How did your life change when you encountered Christ? Q: What is God’s perspective on suffering (vs. 6, 7)? How does this perspective help you deal with past or current suffering in your live? Q: When has your faith been tested by a fiery trial? How did your come out of it? Sermon Meditation for the first Sunday of Advent Arrival! Advent Season begins this Sunday! Our four part series, called Arrival, brings the message of Hope. Tis the season! 1 Peter 1:3-9 "A Hope That Lives" If you were to Google the definition of the word "hope," you would receive this search answer, "a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen." Haven't we all felt that way? Haven't we all longed for something? I remember as kid growing up how difficult it was to fall asleep on Christmas Eve. The expectation of Christmas Day brought so much excitement and hope that I couldn't even catch some z's. The problem with this definition of hope is that though we have expectations of what's to come, we are often met with a feeling of disappointment. Most of our expectations are unrealistic for the reality we live in. Though we have all felt this kind of "hope" and exciting expectations, this is not the definition of the word that the Bible uses. The Bible's definition of hope is, "joyful and confident expectation of salvation." The hope we see being proclaimed in Scripture is climaxed in the Person of Jesus. All of Scripture leans in on the confident expectation that is finally realized in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. We are given hope. Not an unrealistic, philosophical idea that never meets reality. We are given Jesus - real, awesome, powerful, majestic Creator that came to us. Our hope is set in stone; Our hope doesn't change or waver. Our hope is not a dead dream; Our hope is alive and eternal. Come worship the One that set us free this Sunday! Pastor Luke
Second Sunday of Advent, Arrival!
December 9, 2018 • Pastor Steve Pope
Second Sunday of Advent, Arrival! Peace on Earth Luke 2:14 & Colossians 3:15 The Secret to finding peace . . . “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10 I was sixteen when I totaled my first car. In retrospect, I realize now that excessive speed on a winding, dark country road by an inexperienced driver was probably a bad idea. Seemed like a good idea at the time as I hoped to impress a girl. This, actually, had the opposite effect. Fast forward a few years - I still tend to bump into things (and cars). Last week a friend came to me for advice on car insurance. I am enthusiastic in my endorsement of one company because of their customer support. Holding the drivers wheel of a car is a big responsibility. When you ride with me, it’s best to get in, buckle up, and hold on tight. In the same way, yielding control of the drivers seat of our lives to God is a powerfully good plan. The Bible clearly calls us to yield the drivers seat to God. “Be still” literally means “give up by letting your hands down,” or more simply, to “stop your fighting!” We are stressed out and “striving” when we fight God for control of our lives. If we decide to surrender control to Him, the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding will give us rest and joy. But many of us are reluctant to release control of our lives. Our schedules, fears, goals, and even our pain remain in our ever-weakening grip. Our fight to retain the drivers seat produces anxiety disorders, stomach ulcers, stress, and depression. When we let go and let God take control, we experience the peace that comes from trusting the only trustworthy One in the universe. There are only two cures for striving and the stress it brings; ~ Focusing on knowing the Sovereign God of the universe in a more real and intimate way every day (Jeremiah 29:13) and, ~ Confessing our need for control as we surrender to God daily in prayer. In other words, to stop striving and start abiding (John 15) The “good news” promise of “peace on earth” is for those upon whom His favor rests. In order to experience this peace, all we have to do is “let go,” and make room for the Prince of Peace to rule and reign in our hearts. This Christmas, He’s waiting for you to yield control of your life to His Sovereign plan. When you do, you’ll receive the best gift of all - peace with God. Can’t wait to see you Sunday, Pastor Steve Growth Group Discussion Guide Week of December 11th Q: When does your Christmas tree go up? Who trims it? How? What other traditions from your childhood do you observe? Q: At what time during your day do you experience the most peace? Where and when does this occur? What are the circumstances? READ FIRST: Luke 2:8-21 & Colossians 3:12-15 Q: Of all the people angels could have visited, why do you suppose God sent them to the shepherds? How does that relate to Mary’s song? (1:46-55) Q: What three titles are given to Jesus in verse 11? What is significant about them? Q: Who are the recipients of the angels promise of “peace on earth?” What is the Lord’s “favor” or “pleasure” that is referred to here? How do we receive it? Q: Mary “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” What about these events might have been “treasured” in her heart? (v. 19) Q: What do you treasure most about Jesus?