Life Church San Antonio

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Advent 2023

A Christmas Series

Advent (Adviento): Love (Amor) // Week 4 // Dec 24, 2023

December 24, 2023 • Josue Rodriguez • 1 John 4:9–11

In this powerful sermon, we delve into the profound nature of love, exploring its various dimensions and its ultimate source. Beginning with the question, "What does love look like?" the sermon emphasizes the unique love languages and the significance of the gift God gave us – His one and only Son. Drawing from 1 John 4:9–11, the message contrasts the world's love, often based on performance and ego, with God's pure and sacrificial love. It emphasizes that God's love requires action, manifested through sending His Son for our salvation. The sermon challenges the common notion that love should be convenient, highlighting the holy and righteous nature of God's love. The central message revolves around the sacrificial love of Jesus, epitomized by the famous verse John 3:17. The call to love others follows, emphasizing encouragement, upliftment, and support within the Christian community.

Advent: Peace // Week 2 // Dec 10, 2023

December 10, 2023 • Josue Rodriguez • Hebrews 1:1–3

🔔 Join us for a thought-provoking Advent sermon on the theme of peace. In a world marked by conflict and turmoil, the pursuit of peace often feels elusive. Today, we delve into the profound question: Can we ever achieve true peace? 📖 Scripture Focus: Ephesians 2:14–16 (NLT) "For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us..." 🌍 Exploring Peace: The Prince of Peace: Isaiah's ancient prophecy finds fulfillment in Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who breaks down walls of hostility and unites diverse groups into one family. Peace with Others: Discover how the transformative power of Christ enables us to have peace with one another, transcending divisions and creating a new family—the family of God. Peace with God: Understand the profound peace that comes from reconciliation with God through Christ's sacrificial death on the cross. Experience the full forgiveness and love that God offers. 🌟 Christmas Reminders: Complete Forgiveness: Embrace the truth that, through Christ, we are fully forgiven. God's Desire for Peace: Recognize that God desires peace for you, as evidenced by the gift of peace that Jesus imparts. 🌿 Application for a Peaceful Life: Love and Obedience: Explore the connection between love, obedience, and lasting peace. Understand that true obedience stems from love for the Prince of Peace. Faith and Submission: Find peace through an ongoing journey of faith and submission to the King of Kings. 🙏 A Prayer for Peace: As we navigate a world filled with conflict, let's seek peace that surpasses understanding. Let's pray for wholeness, harmony, and the transformative power of the Prince of Peace in our lives. 📌Where Do You Need Peace Today? Reflect on areas in your life where you need peace—whether it's worry, conflict, or unrest. Remember, as believers, we can experience a peace that leads to life, wholeness, and harmony.

Advent: Joy // Week 3 // Dec 17, 2023

December 17, 2023 • Josue Rodriguez • Philippians 1:12–18, Luke 2:10–13

🌟 Discovering Joy Beyond Circumstances: Advent Reflection on Luke 2:10–14 🌟 🔔 Explore the profound concept of joy in the Advent season. While hope and peace are tangible, joy often eludes our understanding. Join us on a journey to uncover the essence of joy—a state of deep satisfaction and contentment transcending circumstances. 📖 Scripture Focus: Luke 2:10–14 (NLT) "But the angel reassured them. 'Don’t be afraid!' he said. 'I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people...'” 🤩Unveiling the Advent of Joy: Prophetic Fulfillment: Delve into the announcement of joy by the angel to the shepherds, proclaiming the birth of the Savior, the Messiah, and the Lord in Bethlehem. Long-Awaited Promise: Reflect on the anticipation of the Messiah's arrival, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 51:11 about everlasting joy. 📜 Joy Throughout the Scriptures: Joy in Creation: Experience the joy found in God's creation, as depicted in Psalm 65:11–12, where the beauty of nature evokes wonder and gratitude. Joy in Relationships: Discover the joy in familial bonds and friendships, as highlighted in Proverbs 23:24–25 and Jeremiah 33:11. 💔 Navigating Brokenness: Acknowledging Brokenness: Address the reality of brokenness in relationships, the challenges of life, and the world's imperfections. Finding Joy Amid Brokenness: Learn from the experiences of the people of Israel, who, despite their struggles, found joy in God's provision and promises. 🌟 Eternal Joy in Jesus: Source of Everlasting Joy: Grasp the profound truth that Jesus, the Messiah, is the source of everlasting joy for believers. Living in the Already, but Not Yet: Embrace the tension of living in the present while anticipating the future glory and reward promised by Jesus. 🛠️ Practical Steps Towards Joy: Reorient: Change your perspective by reframing situations around the gospel and God's work in your life. Reduce: Minimize the impact of negative voices, both external and internal, by focusing on the truth of God's Word. Respond: Cultivate a habit of prayer and gratitude as a response to life's challenges, following the guidance of Philippians 4:6–7. Resist: Avoid isolation and seek fellowship with fellow believers, drawing strength and joy from unity and community. 🙏 Prayer for Joy: As we navigate the complexities of life, let's seek the joy that surpasses understanding, rooted in the love of Christ. May our hearts be filled with gratitude and anticipation, pointing us to the eternal joy found in our Savior. 📌 Where Can Joy Flourish in Your Life? Reflect on areas where joy can take root in your life—whether through reorienting your perspective, reducing negative influences, responding in prayer and gratitude, or resisting the urge to isolate.

Advent: Hope // Week 1 // Dec 2, 2023

December 3, 2023 • Josue Rodriguez • Romans 15:13, Colossians 1:27

🌟 Build for Hope: Advent Sermon on Hope | Romans 15:13 🌟 🔔 Welcome to our Advent series! In this powerful sermon, we explore the theme of Hope as we reflect on the arrival of Jesus and eagerly anticipate His second coming. The Christmas season is not just about festive decorations; it's a time of hoping and waiting. 📖 Scripture Focus: Romans 15:13 (NLT) "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." 📌 Key Points: Go to the Source: God is the ultimate source of hope. Discover how placing your hope in Him can bring joy and peace, even in challenging times. Trust the Source: Explore the importance of trusting God continually, creating a cycle of hope, joy, and peace in our lives. Be Empowered by the Source: Learn how the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in filling us with confident hope, even when circumstances may seem bleak. 🙏 How to Live a Hope-Filled Life: Seek God as your ultimate hope. Trust God even when faced with challenges. Allow the Holy Spirit to empower you with overflowing hope. 🌍 Spread the Hope: As believers, we are called to share the hope we have in Christ with others. Let's be agents of joy, peace, and love in a world that often lacks hope.