You Lack Nothing

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You Lack Nothing

November 3, 2024 • Pastor Joe Sabolick Ph.D. • 2 Corinthians 12:9, John 11:40, 2 Peter 1:3, Exodus 4:2, Exodus 4:1

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You Lack Nothing

Sometimes, we see ourselves at a disadvantage, thinking we lack what’s necessary for success—

more talent, personality, resources, or opportunities

God has already provided everything we need to fulfill our purpose.

2 Peter 1:3

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence”

2 Peter 1:4: "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature,

When we trust Him with what we have`

He takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary.

He puts His Super on your Natural and it becomes Super natural

Every one Of you Have Great gifts that are just waiting to Go to the Next Level~

1. Moses’ Encounter: God Uses What’s in Your Hand

Exodus 4:2 – "Then the LORD said to him, 'What is that in your hand?' 'A staff,' he replied."

Moses felt inadequate,

Yet God took something as ordinary as a staff and transformed it to do miraculous things.

"What do you have in your hand?"

What Has God Given to You?

When God Called Moses He had a long list of excuses~

Fear of Rejection: Moses was afraid the Israelites wouldn’t believe him.

Exodus 4:1

What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say,

‘The Lord did not appear to you?’”

You have to get the what ifs out of your vocabulary

What if they do…

He doubted his speaking ability.

Exodus 4:10

“Pardon your servant, Lord.

I have never been eloquent...

I am slow of speech and tongue”

Just an excuse…

Moses was learned in the Egyptian culture…He spoke Egyptian and Hebrew~

But He felt It wasn’t Great~

He looked at his Past Failures:

Exodus 2:11-15

-His previous attempt to defend his people led to what he thought was failure and his fled from Egypt to the Desert~

He Felt Insignificant: After 40 years as a shepherd,

Moses felt unfit for a grand mission.

No matter what you feel about it~

No Matter what your mess ups are

No Matter What the Enemy Lies About you~

God IS FOR YOU~

IF GOD IS FOR YOU WHO CAN BE AGINST YOU ~

“What Do You Have in Your Hand?”:

God used the ordinary staff in Moses’ hand as a sign of His power.

Exodus 4:2.

“Then the Lord said to him, ‘What is that in your hand?’

‘A staff,’ he replied”

God transformed I this simple tool into a means to perform miracles, emphasizing that God uses what we already have to fulfill His purposes..

Moses Had to Place his Dependency on God:

God assured Moses,

Exodus 3:12

“I will be with you”

Making it clear that divine power, not human ability, would lead the mission.

God often uses those who feel weak or unqualified,…

2 Corinthians 12:9

God’s strength is made perfect in our weaknesses

God can turn what seems ordinary in our lives into something powerful

~When we give what we have, BELIEVE

God steps in to do the Supernatural…

John 11:40

that if you would believe you would see the glory of God

2 Doing the Ordinary for Extraordinary Results

John 11:39 – "Jesus said, 'Take away the stone.’"

Jesus at Lazarus' tomb

…If you would have been here our brother would not have perished~

What seemed Jesus Being 4 days late

Went to bring Sick to Being Dead!

But Jesus Said I am the Resurrection And The Life~

John 11: 25

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Then Jesus Proceeded-

Jesus asked the disciples to remove the stone,

an ordinary task,

as He could perform the miracle.

At the tomb of Lazarus,

Jesus, surrounded by mourners, was ready to perform a powerful miracle.

Yet, instead of immediately calling Lazarus out,

John 11:39 He first asked the onlookers to “Take away the stone”

Though Jesus could have moved it Himself,

He involved others,

Inviting their participation and faith in what was about to happen…

Luke 18:8, Jesus asks, "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?".

Speak to the Mountain-

Jesus’ instruction to remove the stone reflects a principle:

GET INVOLVED WITH HIM~ AND WATCH THE MIRACLES

God calls us to act in faith,

even in small, practical ways,

before revealing His supernatural power-

Stepping out of your seat and coming forward

Stepping out of a bad relationship that is pulling you down-

Stepping out of a stale relationship with God

Stepping into A Sold out relationship with God-

This small step stirred their faith and anticipation,

aligning them with the work God was about to do.

Faith, Even in small steps,

sets the stage for greater works and shows our willingness to trust God actively….

When we act in faith—moving the “stone” in our lives by taking small, obedient steps—

What stones do you need to remove from your life to see God Raise from the Dead

YOUR DREAMS & DESIRES?

Remove the stones of hate bitterness resentment…

God does the supernatural.

Sometimes, these small acts may be seeds of faith,

seemingly minor but essential for the larger miracle.

When you Step Out in Faith~

In your giving

In serving God In His Church

In reaching Out to tell someone of God’s Love

In Reaching out to a lost friend or family member~

As We Begin to Roll away the Stones God RAISES THE DEAD~

This encourages us to ask,

What simple step of faith can I take today?

I am Going to Plant a Seed Of Financial Blessing To God’s Church~

In doing the natural,

we sow seeds of faith,

making room for God’s greater work.

You Have What You

Need for Your Unique Calling~

=God will use your everything you have~

Don’t compare yourself to others or feel you’re lacking.

Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not lack.

WITH THE LORD IS YOUR SHEPHERD YOU WILL NEVER LACK~

What you need for your journey has already been given by God.

ROLL AWAY THE STONE

3 Defeating Challenges with the Ordinary

Samson and the Jawbone

Judges 15:15 –He found a fresh jawbone of a donkey, reached out his hand and took it, and killed a thousand men with it.

The Armies of the Philistines

Who were trying to Destroy God’s People

God Told Samson to pick up a Jawbone of a donkey~

Samson and the Jawbone

"Finding a fresh jawbone of a donkey, he grabbed it and struck down a thousand men."

God used a common jawbone to deliver Samson from his enemies.

God uses ordinary means within our reach to fulfill His purpose.

What you need is often closer than you think.

Your gift-

Something you think in the natural many times is over looked in the unnatural`

Well I don’t sing,

I don’t Preach,

I Don’t I Don’t I Don’t I Don’t

And you probably DON’T See because you are to focused on the DON’T~

It was the first thing that was available~ God Said Grab it~

He did not argue with God~

Well, This is not the average weapon that is used…

I need more like Pro-Sword…

I need what all the others are using~

NO~ You Go With What God Has Given You~

4 Faith Over Deficit: The Widow and the Jar of Oil

-Elisha, the prophet, is approached by a widow whose husband was a man of

God but has recently passed away, leaving her in debt.

The creditors are coming to take her two sons as slaves to pay off what her family owes.

In her desperation, she turns to Elisha for help…

2 Kings 4:2 – "Elisha replied to her, 'How can I help you?

Tell me, what do you have in your house?'

'Your servant has nothing there at all,' she said, 'except a small jar of olive oil.’”

The widow’s response to Elisha

Well what do you have?

Elisha's response is profound:

he asks her what she already has in her house.

At first, the widow thinks she has nothing of value, replying,

"Your servant has nothing there at all," but then she remembers a small jar of olive oil.

This humble jar, though small, becomes a key element in the miracle that God is about to perform.

Whatever little seed you have God can Multiply it~

Elisha's question prompts the widow to look at her situation with new eyes.

What she perceives as insignificant becomes a resource through which God can work.

Obedience Of Faith-

involves both belief and action,

Romans 16:25–27,

Elisha then instructs her to collect empty jars from her neighbors and pour her little oil into them.

Miraculously, the oil continues to flow until all the jars are filled,

Providing her with enough to sell, pay her debts, and support her family…

She had to WORK in FAITH To SEE THE GLORY OF GOD~

This story teaches us that God can use what we already have, even if it seems small, to bring about a solution that is beyond what we could imagine.

When you plant seed it will GROW~

Everything on the Planet Stats With A SEED~

God Blesses Seed~

"He who supplies seed to the sower" is a verse from the Bible, 2 Corinthians 9:10

It encourages us to trust that God sees value in what we bring, no matter how insignificant it may appear, and that He can multiply it when we place it in His hands.

When you give to the Lord You might think

I Pray This Makes A Difference

IT WILL AND IT DOES~

FAITHFULNESS TO GIVE GOD GIVES MORE~

God’s provision often starts with what we already possess.

God multiplied her small jar of oil to meet her needs and more.

Application:

Even when we think we’re at a deficit, God can multiply what we already have.

Small acts of obedience open doors to great miracles.

5 Trusting God with Small Things for Big Miracles

The Feeding of the 5,000

Scripture: John 6:9-11 – "'Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?

' ... Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted.”

The Feeding of the 5,000

In John 6:9-11, we see an example of how God uses faith, even when we have very little.

Here, Jesus is with a large crowd of people who are hungry, and all they have to feed them is a small boy’s lunch:

five small loaves of barley bread and two small fish.

The disciples see this tiny amount of food and think it’s nowhere near enough to feed thousands of people.

When you give to God’s Church You God Blessed it and reaches thousands~

But Jesus shows that even a small offering, when given in faith, can lead to a great miracle.

He takes the little food, gives thanks to God, and starts passing it out. Miraculously, the food multiplies, and everyone in the crowd eats as much as they want, with plenty left over.

This story shows that when we bring whatever we have to God—even if it seems like “not enough”—He can multiply it to do much more than we expect when we give to Him

IT STEPPING OUT

Faith isn’t about having a lot;

it’s about trusting that God can use whatever we bring.

It reminds us that with God, even the smallest offering can become a great blessing when given with a willing heart.

: God used a small lunch to feed thousands. God does not need much; He asks us to trust and offer what we have.

Offer God what you have, even if it feels small. He can multiply it beyond what you imagine.

Conclusion

Reflect on what’s in your hand and what’s in your house. No matter how common or insignificant it seems, trust that God can use it.

Declaration: "I am not lacking; I am equipped, empowered, and anointed."

I Believe that God will turn the ordinary into the extraordinary and provide in abundance.

Philippians 4:19 – "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."

Trust in God's provision and walk boldly, knowing He has given you all you need to fulfill your

Hope Joy Peace Love

December 19, 2024 • Pastor Joe Sabolick Ph.D. • Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 7:14, Galatians 4:3, Leviticus 17:11, John 5:39

Advent - Hope Peace Joy Love The Meaning of Advent Advent is a season of preparation and anticipation of the coming of Christ— both in the celebration of His birth and His promised return. Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love are gifts we receive through Jesus Christ. Scripture: Isaiah 9:6 - "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." 1 HOPE: The Promise of the Messiah Isaiah 7:14 - "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." It doesn’t mean young woman~ That is no sign that a young women get pregnant~ But A Virgin Yes! That is a sign ~ Explanation: The prophecy of Immanuel gave hope to a weary and oppressed people, pointing to God’s intervention. God Delivered The Children of Israel from Egyptian Bondage ~ The in the Time of Judges everyone was doing what was right in their own eyes~ Ignoring the Law Of God and making it say something it did no say~ The Moral Depravity Much Like Today~ Led them to Babylonian Captivity Then God keeps His Promise to Bring them To The Place God Had Chosen for them to be~! Back into Jerusalem~ But Now under the ternary of Roam~ The Hope Of Messiah Now Arrives~ Gal 4:3 In the Fullness of Time God Brought Forth His Son Born of a Woman Born Under the Law~ The Prophetic Promise of Gen.3:15 God Speaking To the Serpent And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” John 3:14 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: And if I am lifted Up I will Draw all Humanity to myself~ God established the Blood Covenant~ Lev. 17:11 Without the Shedding Of Blood There would be no forgiveness of sin~ Separation Being under the Babylonian oppression and now Roman Oppression The Messiah is Long awaited~ God announced His Arrival and His Name Hashem to MARY~ His Name Will Be Called Jesus ~ Joshua. John 5:39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. Through Moses (THE LAW) you could not enter into the Promises Of God Joshua God Has Become Our Salvation…. New Testament Realization: Scripture: Luke 1:30-33 - "But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.'" Application: Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise. Our hope is anchored in His life, death, and resurrection… None Like Him None Compared to Him…. 2 PEACE: The Restoration of Relationship Is. 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace God’s promise of peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of reconciliation through the Messiah. SHALOM Peace that Makes You Whole ~ Micah 5:5 - "He will be our peace when the Assyrians invade our land and march through our fortresses." New Testament Fulfillment: Jesus Said in John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Jesus brings peace between God and humanity, offering calm in the storms of life. Romans 5:1: "Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" Isaiah 26:3: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you" 1 Peter 5:7: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" Colossians 3:15: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful" John 16:33: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble" Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" Romans 12:18: "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” You have The Power TO Make Peace~ 3. JOY: The Good News of Great Joy Psalm 16:11 - "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Joy is found in God’s presence and His eternal promises. Being in the Presence Of God There is nothing Like it~ Celebration: Luke 2:10-11 - "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'" The birth of Jesus is the source of true and lasting joy, transcending circumstances… You have to come to Him by Faith` Looking for Love in all the wrong Places~ 4. LOVE: The Heart of the Gospel Jeremiah 31:3 - "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness." God’s love for His people is steadfast, demonstrated through His covenant faithfulness. Romans 5:8 God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Jesus Said For God So Loved The Whole World~ John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” Coming TO God on HIS TERMS~ No Other Way~ Jesus embodies God’s love, which is sacrificial, unconditional, and eternal… Thats the Love He Gives you When YOU Come To Him on His Terms~ By Believing~ John 14:1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know. ” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Conclusion: Living in Advent Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love Advent is a time to reflect, repent, and rejoice in God’s gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love through Jesus. Embrace these gifts in your life and share them with others as a testimony of Christ’s transformative power. Romans 15:13 - "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Thank God for the gift of Jesus Christ, who brings hope, peace, joy, and love into our lives. Pray for the congregation to live out these truths during the Advent season and beyond.

Advent 3 Joy

December 15, 2024 • Pastor Joe Sabolick Ph.D. • Luke 2:10, Isaiah 6:7, Isaiah 9:6, Habakkuk 3:17–18, Leviticus 17:11

The Promise of Joy- Like Sholom Peace which Was the Desire of God For His People God also desired EVERLASTING JOY~ Advent is a time of anticipation and reflection as we prepare to celebrate the Birth of Messiah~ The Long Awaited One To Redeem God’s People From Slavery and Ternary Of Oppressive Nations~ But HaShem Came To Deliver Us From SIN that separated us from God~ Physical FreedomYES BUT SPIRITUAL FREEDOM IS WHAT GOD DESIRED Throughout the Ages God Has A Plan For His People and Through the Seed Of Abraham All there Nations of The Earth Would Be Blessed~ The Long awaited ADVENT that would change World History and Separated Time~ The Prophetic Became the Actual~ To Bring —hope, peace, Joy and Love, —today we focus on joy. God Told His People Through the Prophet Isiah~ That HE Himself Would Deliver Them~ Blood Had To Be Shed For the Forgiveness of Sin~ Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22 Without the shading of Blood there would be no forgiveness of Sin~ God Promised That Messiah would be cut off from His People Is. 53 He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. and would be the blood sacrifice For the Nations~ THE GOOD NEWS Scripture: Luke 2:10 “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Joy is more than happiness. Happiness depends on circumstances; Joy is rooted in the unchanging promises of God. Life is full of opportunities to get upset— delays, inconveniences frustration over traffic, delays, and loss of keys. The rude coworker or A relative who always finds fault. Life's challenges are unavoidable But the key to lasting joy is how you respond to them. Joy is within your control; you have to give it away. 1 The Source of Joy: God's Presence David Said In Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Your ultimate goal is spending time with Your Creator~ He Made You~ Joy is in your Control~ Don't let anyone Control Your Joy~ True joy begins with Our Creator. This Life is So Fleeting~ No one knows you like God Knows You~ That is why self deception is so scary~. John 8:32 Jesus Said you will know the Truth (HIM) and HIS truth will set you free~ It’s not found in Possessions, Success, or Relationships, A Carrer But In The Presence of the Lord. Emmanuel— God with us— is the source of our joy~ As we reflect on the birth of Jesus, let’s take time to seek His presence in prayer, worship, and the Word. Is:6:7 Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and Everlasting Joy will be Yours. Step aside from the cares of this life and cuddle into to His Presence~ Shift from "I have to”go to work "I Have To go To Church to I get to church Thank You God I Get To Be A Part of you plan in this time of HISTORY 2 Joy in the Fulfillment of God’s Promises Scripture: Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” The birth of Jesus fulfilled centuries of prophecy. His coming is proof that God is faithful to His promises. When Mary visited Elizabeth, both women rejoiced because they saw God’s promises being fulfilled. Luke 1:46-47 “And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’” Reflect on how God has been faithful in your life. Rejoice in His promises for today and the future. All the things you desire He desires to fulfill in You According To His Word~ 3 Joy That Transcends Circumstances Scripture: Habakkuk 3:17-18 “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Though the promises of God have not all manifested You Have His Assurance they are coming to pass~ Habakkuk’s joy wasn’t dependent on his circumstances but on the character of God… 1 Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful Is He Who Calls you Who Will Also Do it~ The shepherds were the first to hear the angel’s announcement of great joy. Despite their humble status, they experienced the joy of encountering Jesus. Understanding God’s Purpose in Opposition There’s THE BIGGER PICTURE God is setting you up for bigger things- Joseph: Betrayal by his brothers led to the palace. Genesis 50:20 – "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." David: King Saul’s jealousy prepared him for the throne. 1 Samuel 24:12 – "May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you." Nehemiah: God Called to rebuild The Wall Of Jerusalem~ Was ridiculed by his own peers~ They tried to discouraged him~ Ignored insults to complete the wall. Nehemiah 6:3 – "So I sent messengers to them with this reply: 'I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?’" You don’t have to answer to people Why You Do What You Do~ People Don’t determine your Destiney Only God Does~ You Just Stay In JOY~ Key Principle: Some opposition is ordained to propel you into your destiny. To accomplish Gods Call On Your Life~ Application: Even in trials, we can have joy because Jesus has come, and He will come again. Trust in His faithfulness. Remember The Deliverances Of The Past Scripture References: Exodus 15:20-21 – The Israelites sing for joy after crossing the Red Sea… Isaiah 51:11 – "The redeemed of the Lord shall return... everlasting joy shall be upon their heads." Hebrews 12:1-3 – Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. Biblical Stories~ Exodus 15 After God parted the Red Sea, Miriam and the Israelites sang and danced with joy, even though they were not yet in the Promised Land The Promise is Not Quite Yet There~ Daniel 3 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Despite facing the fiery furnace, They rejoiced in their trust in God, who ultimately delivered them. David & Goliath Goliath wasn’t there to Kill Dave He Was There To Introduce David! What ever season you are in God IS With You And He Will Deliver YOU~ OUR JOY thrives even in the wilderness or oppressive circumstances. It is grounded in hope for future deliverance and trust in God’s promises. Jesus Said~ Matthew 5:16 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. All Things Are Working For Your Good ~ Thought we cant see all the Behind The Scenes it’s Happening~ 4 Sharing the Joy of Christ with Others Scripture: Matthew 2:10-11 “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 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 gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (When you see the promise The Manifestation of Joy Takes Place~) The Magi rejoiced as they worshiped Jesus and offered Him gifts. Their joy Led to Action. Joy is contagious. When we live in the joy of Christ, it overflows to those around us. Illustration: Think of a time when someone’s joy brightened your day. How can you be that light for others this Advent season? Application: Share the joy of Christ through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, and pointing others to Jesus. 5 The Eternal Joy of Christ’s Return Scripture: Revelation 21:3-4 “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’” Advent not only celebrates Jesus’ first coming but also anticipates His return. The ultimate joy is the hope of eternity with Him, where there will be no more pain or sorrow. John 16:22 – "So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy." Application: Live in joyful anticipation, sharing the hope of Christ’s return with others. Conclusion: Choosing Joy This Advent Season Scripture: Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” RE Joyce comes From The Meaning as To RE Joyce Re Joyce ~ Keep Repeating JOY~ Choose joy—not because of what’s happening around you but because of what Christ has done and the promises of what’s to come. Challenge: Take time each day this Advent season to reflect on God’s

Peace Pt 2 Advent

December 12, 2024 • Pastor Joe Sabolick Ph.D. • Job 5:24, 2 Chronicles 7:11, Luke 2:9–15, Colossians 1:19–23, Ephesians 2:11–16

The Prince of Peace: Restoring Shalom Shalom as Completeness and Wholeness Job 5:24: "You shall know that your tent is in peace; You shall visit your dwelling and find nothing amiss." Shalom can describe personal well-being or the state of one’s possessions and relationships. Shalom as Restoration To bring shalom means to restore or make whole what is broken. 1 Kings 9:1; 2 Chronicles 7:11: Solomon brought shalom by completing the temple of the Lord. Examples: Repaying damages to a neighbor’s field to restore what was lost. Reconciliation and healing of broken relationships. Prophetic Vision of Shalom Israel’s kings often failed to cultivate shalom, but the prophets foresaw a future king, the Prince of Peace. The concept of peace is deeply rooted in Scripture, not merely as the absence of conflict but as the presence of something much greater: Completeness, Wholeness, and Restoration. The biblical concept of peace, or shalom, as revealed through the Word of God, and how Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, Fulfills this divine promise of restoration. The Prophecy of Peace Isaiah 9:6-7 The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of a future king who would establish a covenant of shalom and heal all that was broken. Let us read: He Heals The Broken Hearted, Those who have gone astray~ Isaiah 9:6-7 6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. The reign of this Prince of Peace is marked by justice, righteousness, and endless shalom. His coming sets the foundation for God’s ultimate plan to restore creation. You Can not have peace or Completeness Outside of Jesus Christ~ Coming to Him By Faith~ Turning from your Former lifestyle and Being Born again By the Holy Spirit Of God 2. The Fulfillment in Jesus Luke 2:9-15 At the announcement of Jesus’ birth, the angels proclaimed peace to the world, affirming Him as the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. Let us read: Luke 2:9-15 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 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!” 15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” God chose to announce the arrival of His Son to humble shepherds, reflecting His kingdom's nature— one of Humility, Grace, and Love~ God is Compassionate In His Love And Mercy for those who desire Him on His terms~ His Love Does Not Permit what ever feels good to you is ok with God~ That is the frivolous outlook of this world~ His Compassionate Love Embraces The Broken Hearted the Hurting the Rejected~ But To Heal the Broken hearted~ Healing Broken who have lost their way` The Prodigal's~ 3. Reconciliation Through the Cross Colossians 1:19-23 The peace Jesus brings is not superficial. It addresses humanity’s separation from God and restores the broken relationship. Let us read: Colossians 1:19-23 19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus restored what was broken, making peace between humanity and God. 4. Unity Through Christ Jesus’ peace also unites people. He broke down barriers between Jews and Gentiles, creating one new humanity. Let us read: Ephesians 2:11-16 11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. The separation~ Jesus reconciled divided groups, showing that His peace is meant to restore not just individuals but communities. 5. Living in the Unity of Peace As followers of Christ, we are called to maintain this unity through humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Let us read: Ephesians 4:1-3 1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. If you are a Child of God ~ You are called to keep PEACE THE PEACE HAS TO DO WITH MAKING THINGS COMPLETE~ Fulfilled~ Not Strife~ Where the spirit of the lord is there is Peace~ Proverbs 20:3: "It is to one's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel" Proverbs 13:10: "Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice" James 4:1: "What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don't they come from the evil desires at war within you?" Ephesians 4:31: "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor . . . be put away from you with all malice" Galatians 5:20: "Now the works of the flesh are plain: . . . strife, jealousy, anger . . . " Matthew 5:22: "Every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment" James 3:16-17: "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work" When these virtues are absent, unity breaks down. But when they are present, they reflect the true nature of Christ’s peace in His body, the Church. Conclusion: Restoring Shalom The biblical concept of peace—shalom—is about restoration and wholeness. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, came to restore what was broken: our relationship with God, with each other, and with the world. This restoration requires humility, patience, and love. As we follow Jesus, let us become people of peace, participating in His work to reconcile all things to God. True peace is not the absence of conflict but the active presence of restoration. May we live out this peace in every area of our lives.