Peace Advent 2

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Peace Advent 2

December 8, 2024 • Pastor Joe Sabolick Ph.D. • Luke 2:14, Isaiah 5:20, John 14:27, Isaiah 9:6, Ezekiel 36:26

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The Prince of Peace

Key Verse: Luke 2:14

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests."

Introduction

Reflect on the time of Christ’s birth, marked by political and social upheaval under Roman rule.

The Children of Israel were back in their homeland but under Roman tyranny.

They longed for deliverance amidst unrest and insecurity.

They Longed for what it would be like to be Free~

To have Hope To have Peace”

To have Life~ They waited throughout the centuries from being delivered to doing what was right in their own eyes and going from freedom to bondage over and over again

The Need Of A Savior~ To Have PEACE~

Compare this to our world today:

Social unrest: Increased division, violence, and moral confusion.

Substance abuse: Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. have exceeded 130,000 annually—the highest in history.

Human trafficking:

An all-time high, especially among children,

exposing the depths of

human depravity.

Mental health crisis:

Rising levels of anxiety, depression, and suicide, especially among youth.

Cyberbullying and distorted ideals on social media add to the weight of pain many feel.

Isaiah 5:20: We live in a time where society calls evil good and good evil, distorting God’s standards.

Media Calling Truth Misinformation~

Misinformation called truth…

Romans 1: Humanity has exchanged truth for lies, leading to chaos and suffering.

But in this darkness,

There is hope—

Real peace found in Jesus Christ.

Jesus offers peace, unlike the fleeting and false promises of the world.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Isaiah 9:6

"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."

Introduction

The powerful Propounding Power of peace, as foretold by Isaiah,

Was fulfilled in Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Why is Jesus called the "Prince" of Peace and not the “King"?

A prince acts under the authority of the king.

Jesus, while fully God, fulfills His role as the One Who would Die a Substitutionary

Death on the Cross

Because Death and Sin entered into the World Because of Adam’s Disobedience~

Ezk 33:11

Say to them:

‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD,

‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.

Turn, turn from your evil ways!

For why should you die, O house of Israel?’

God Is Holy and The Only Way You Can Stand Before His Presences Is Holiness

God Made a Plan For you So you can know Him~

Blood had to be shed~

Ezk. 36:26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you;

I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

1 John 4:9 n this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.

Philippians 2:8

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Real peace can only be found in Jesus.

1 Jesus Provides Peace With God

Romans 5:1 – "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 2:13-16 – "For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall."

Sin separates us from God

Romans 3:23,

Romans 8:7

Jesus, through His death, reconciles us to God, becoming our peace offering.

Analogy:

A courtroom where the guilty are set free because the innocent steps in as their substitute.

Our sin debt is paid; we are justified and made righteous.

Our account with God is settled, and we now have peace with Him.

2 Jesus Provides Peace in Circumstances

John 16:33 – "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."

Philippians 4:6-7 – "Be anxious for nothing... and the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

John 14:27 – "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.”

Worry Is a Thief

The Cost of Worry

Steals

Sleep

Joy

Reality

Matthew 6:27 – “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

Put God on the Throne

Shift focus from problems to praise.

Psalm 55:22 – “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you.”

Guard Your Mind

The Power of Thoughts

Your life follows your thoughts.

Where the Mind Goes the Body Follows~

Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

As believers, we are no longer of this world, but tribulation is inevitable.

Peace is not the absence of trouble

but confidence in the presence of Christ.

My God will Deliever Me~

Application:

Prayer is the antidote to anxiety, resulting in peace that surpasses understanding.

3 Jesus Provides Peace in Relationships

Romans 14:19 – "So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.”

Ephesians 4:1-3 – "Be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

The SPIRIT OF THE LORD-

Not The Spirit of compromises

Yes We Love everyone but not every Thing Is Acceptable if it contradicts the Word-

Luke 12:51-53 – "Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division."

Come out from among them says the Lord-

2 Corinthians 6:17-18

Wherefore Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch not the unclean thing; And I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, And ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty

Explanation:

True peace can only come when we are united in Christ.

The devil’s idea of unity through compromise is deceptive and temporary.

Peace isn’t found in acceptance of Sin

It’s Found In the Surrender of Sin and acceptance of God’s Provision~

Peace within the spiritual family requires submission to the Spirit and God’s Word.

Application:

Choose daily to pursue peace through

humility, love, and unity in Christ.

4 Jesus Provides Peace That Rules Our Hearts

Colossians 3:15 – "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.”

The word "rule" means to act as an umpire, deciding what is right and wrong.

To Know God Is Not Through Being religious But a Living Relationship With Him~

By hearing the Holy Spirit

John 10:27-38

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

My sheep know my voice

The World Offers a temporary Peace Through Lies of the devil

By Deception of Confusion~

God is not the Author of Confusion

1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace…

The Holy Spirit guides us through God’s Word, bringing peace when we follow His lead.

Allow the peace of Christ to guide your decisions and behavior.

5 Jesus Provides Eternal Peace

Isaiah 9:7 – "There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace."

Isaiah 26:3 – "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."

Explanation:

Our current peace is often disrupted by

sin, fear, and trials.

Eternal peace will be fully realized when Jesus returns to establish His kingdom.

Application:

Keep your mind fixed on Christ, trusting Him as your source of perfect peace.

Conclusion

Summary: Jesus, the Prince of Peace, provides:

Peace with God.

Peace in circumstances.

Peace in the relationships.

Peace that rules our hearts.

Eternal peace.

Call to Action:

Lean on Jesus and trust in His promises.

Reflect His peace in your daily life and relationships.

Closing Scripture:

Isaiah 26:3 – "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in

Practical Steps to Protect Your Peace

Daily Quiet Time with God

Start each day at peace.

Hebrews 4:9-11 – “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God... let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest.”

Trust God's Plan

Stop worrying about the "what-ifs."

Matthew 6:34 – “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”

Rely on the Good Shepherd

Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”

Declare Your Trust in God

Put Worry in Its Place

Take your problems off the throne and let God reign.

Psalm 37:5 – “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will do this.”

Promise of Peace

Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”

Closing Challenge

Declare: “Dear problem, my God is bigger than you!”

Final Declaration

Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Commit to living in peace, trusting God, and overcoming obstacles as you fulfill your destiny

HOPE

December 5, 2024 • Pastor Joe Sabolick Ph.D. • Jeremiah 29:11, 2 Corinthians 6:17–18, Hebrews 6:19, 1 Peter 1:3, John 20:19–20

A Message on Hope Hope is an essential theme in the Bible that sustains believers through trials, inspires trust in God’s promises, and focuses our eyes on eternal life through Jesus Christ. Let us explore hope through the lens of Scripture, drawing from both the Old and New Testaments. 1 Hope in God’s Promises (Old Testament) Jeremiah 29:11 The Old Testament is filled with stories of hope rooted in God's faithfulness to His promises. Key Scripture: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) This verse was spoken to Israel during their exile in Babylon—a time of despair and uncertainty. Yet, God assured them that He had a plan for restoration and hope. How Did Israel get were they were? Even though… They Were Calling Evil Good and Good Evil They were doing what was right in their own reasoning and own desires~ Unsound Biblical Views lead to Self Deception and Distraction~ Saying a Man is a Woman Is A lie of Lucifer~ Read Romans 1 Don’t be deceived~ Love Is Truthful and Will Deliver People caught up in Sin whatever it is want and need to be delivered~ God Is Not Mocked Read Romans 1 God Calls Us OUT~ 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 17 Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” 18 “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.” The Promises OF God Far outweigh the Lies of the Enemy~ Example: Abraham’s hope in God’s promise of a son (Genesis 15:1-6). Though Abraham was old and Sarah barren, he believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness. His hope was not in his circumstances but in the faithfulness of the One who made the promise. 2. Hope as an Anchor in Trials (New Testament) Hebrews 6:19 “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. The New Testament teaches that hope is a steadfast anchor for our souls, especially in suffering. Key Scripture: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 5:3-5) Paul reminds us that trials are not the end of the story. Through suffering, God strengthens our character and deepens our hope. Example: The early church, persecuted for their faith, held fast to the hope of eternal life. Stephen, the first martyr, saw the glory of God even in his final moments (Acts 7:55-60), demonstrating hope that transcends life and death. 3. Hope in Jesus Christ: Fulfillment of Prophecy 1 Peter 1:3 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” The ultimate hope of humanity is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who came to save us from sin and reconcile us to God. The resurrection of Jesus gives us living hope—not just for this life but for eternity. Example: The disciples’ transformation after the resurrection. John 20:19-20 Before Jesus rose, they were filled with despair, but when they saw the risen Christ, their hope was renewed, and they boldly proclaimed the gospel 4. Hope in Eternal Glory Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” The Bible assures us that our hope is not confined to this world. It points to an eternal inheritance in Christ. Key Scripture: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) “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.” (Revelation 21:4) Example: Job’s unwavering hope in eternal justice and restoration (Job 19:25-26). Despite his immense suffering, Job declared, “I know that my redeemer lives.” Conclusion Hope is a powerful force that sustains us through trials, connects us to God’s promises, and points us to eternal glory. Whether in the Old Testament promises to Abraham and Israel or the New Testament fulfillment in Christ, the message is clear: our hope is secure in God. Let us hold on to this hope as an anchor for our souls, trusting that God, who began a good work in us, will bring it to completion in Christ Jesus.

Light Of Hope Advent 1

December 1, 2024 • Pastor Joe Sabolick Ph.D. • Isaiah 9:2, Hebrews 6:19, Isaiah 9:6, Zechariah 12:10, Isaiah 53:5

Tithes Offerings~ Tis The Season~ The Event That Changed History And Separated Time~ The Light Of Hope~ Isaiah 9:2: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” First Sunday: Hope, also known as the Prophecy Candle Second Sunday: Peace, also known as the Bethlehem Candle Third Sunday: Joy, also known as the Shepherd's Candle Fourth Sunday: Love, also known as the Angel's Candle Our culture is a culture with more information at the tip of their fingers- Than all of human history YET WE ARE A Dis-eased culture Inferiority- Despair- Anxiety- Guilt- People numbing themselves with drugs antidepressants Alcohol Fear of what’s next Throughout the centuries People from the non influent to the affluent- Every one on the planet Desires hope and desire to live forever… Humanity desires Hope Ecc 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from Beginning to End. But there was a Star 💫 A light of Real Hope For God So Loved The WORLD~ This December At New Creation Church As We Approach Christmas~ God Desires To Bring You Emotional Healing- We Have All Felt~ Distressed Left Out Rejected Isolated Misunderstood Loneliness Jobless Children’s Astray Parents Astray Maybe you are in a spot of feeling insecure worried From The Beginning Of Creation Until Now GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOU A PLAN FOR THE WORLD HE CREATED A PLAN FOR YOU WHO HE CREATED~ A PLAN TO REDEEM US TO REDEEM YOU Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a HOPE. TO GIVE YOU A FUTURE AND A HOPE~ The Light Of Hope~ The Anchor in the Storm- Hebrews 6:19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil In Gods Love letter to us Humanity OVER 7 Billion copies HAVE BEEN sold Isaiah 9:6 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. A Child is born. A Son is Given… —700 years before His Birth- The Prophet —Micah 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.” —Zech. 12:10 God spoke of how He himself would be pierced- —Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us —————————————————— “A Child will be born” speaks of the Word becoming flesh John 1,14, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…. 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” —Gal. 4:4, “But when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law.” —Heb. 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. —————————————————— HE WAS BORN AND GIVEN SO WE COULD BE SAVED FOR ETERNITY- —————————————————— —Galatians 3:13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), Duet. 21: 23 who is hung on a pole is under God’s curse. —————————————————— In that CHILD WAS~ The Majesty of God… The Glory of God… HOPE FOR THE WORLD~ The Omnipresence of God was in submission to the Law So you And I Could Have Hope! IN HUMAN FORM BECAUSE OUR PRICE OF REDEMPTION COULD ONLY COME THROUGH THE BLOOD~ “A son that was given” is a gracious gift from God the Father… He Gave… JESUS SAID It was the Father who sent the Son. — John 8:18, “I am He who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me.” 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 eternal life.” The Word did NOT give up- His deity when He joined to human nature and became the person of Jesus, The Christ. But He Emptied Himself` Instead, He SUBMITTED with the limitations of humanity SO HE COULD REDEEM US FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW! Phil. 2:8 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. So, when the Word became flesh. The eternal became the mortal… The infinite became finite. The glory put on sandals The majestic wore clothing The creator walked among us Eternal love eventually became bleeding flesh… And the government will rest on His shoulders What does this mean? The Hebrew word “government” is (misrah) and it occurs only here and in the next verse. Isaiah 9:7, “There will be no end to the increase of His government… Not some frail political reign of man or woman… Isaiah 22:22, “Then I will set the key of the house of David on His shoulder when He opens no one will shut when He shuts no one will open.” John 18:36, “My kingdom is not of this world.” We are called out of this world, and into the kingdom of God. Light Of Hope~ Isaiah 9:6 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. And His name will be called Wonderful Wonderful Hope Counselor Of Hope Mighty God Of Hope Eternal Father Of Hope Prince of Peace Of Hope ————————————————— His name exhibits Five aspects of His character… 1 WONDERFUL- Hope Is.9:6 Everything about Him is Wonderful~ Everything about Him is Glorious~ God in Human Form~ He Who Made The Cosmos. For God So Love The Cosmos~ Colossians 1:16 - (Jesus made all things) All things are made by Him~ The Wonderful ENORMOUS God Who made the Universes and set in motion this planet in this Galaxy~ Humanity wants to know if there are is life on other planets! How about Life form the one Who Made The planets & the Solor systems- -The Galaxies- 1000 MPH… We are Traveling 67,000 MPH Whirls around the center of our galaxy at 490,000 Miles per hour. The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ was THE visitor from outer-space – Astounded the angles He was God incarnate! The humility of God becoming a baby to save All Of Humanity That virgin-born baby was God in human form. Numbers 24:17 There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel. 1 WONDERFUL Hope 2 COUNSELOR Of Hope THE EARTHLY COUNSELOR MUST ASK TO KNOW YOUR NEED - To do any kind of a throughly accurate psycho analogy takes up to several years of evaluation of that individual- This Counselor Made You- He knows you In and Out- THE WONDERFUL COUNSELOR KNOWS YOUR NEED BEFORE YOU ASK- A counselor must have knowledge of the person he or she is seeking to advise. The earthly counselor must ask about your need. The wonderful Counselor knows what you need before you ask. Jesus said Matthew 6:8, “…Your Father knows what you need before you ask him." He Knows Our Past Injustices, The Disappointments, The Hurts, The Pains, The Why’s & The Why Nots… He is the Wonderful Counselor Because He has all the knowledge of our past in His heart and mind. He knows the secrets of your past. He knows the hidden hurts of your past. He knows the lost dreams of your past. He knows all about your past experiences. Heb. 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. He Knows Our Present Jesus! The Lord knows your present pressures, your present temptations, and your present trails. David said in Psalm 139 You know my thoughts before I think them… He’s all knowing All loving All Forgiving All understanding He is wonderful in His knowledge of us. - He Knows Our Future Jer. 29:11 He knows the Thoughts He Thinks Toward you Peace Not Evil- A earthly counselor or psychologist can’t tell you your future~ No one can~ Our Lord knows what is ahead of us. He Is there for you… Jesus said He would give you another advocate besides himself~ The Holy Spirit~ John 14:26, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” Jesus gave us wisdom and teaching. He is the wonderful Counsel. —————————————————— Wonderful Counselor —————————————————— 3 Mighty God- Of Hope Jesus Was Is And Always Will be Almighty God` John 1:1-3 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made... 1:14 - And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, Jesus Said: John 5:23 - that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. -John 8:24 - “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I AM He, you will die in your sins.” John 8:58 - Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” John 10:30-33 - Jesus answered them, “I and My Father are one.... The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.” John 14:6-7 - Jesus said to him, “I AM the way, the truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:10 He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?” John 20:28 - And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Acts 4:12 - “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Colossians 2:9 - For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily 1 Timothy 3:16 - And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory. John 20:28, “Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Heb. 1:8, “But of the Son, He says, “Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom.” —————————————————— 4 Everlasting Father Of Hope John 10:30, “I and the Father are one.” John 14:9, “Jesus said to him,He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how do you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” Heb. 1:3, “And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature…” Rev. 1:18, “and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.” —————————————————— 5 He Is The Hope Of Peace- He Is the Hope Of PEACE~ What do you need today~ Jesus is the Answer To Every Human Need~ John 14:12 He who believes in Me the works that I do he will do also and greater works than these he will do because I go to the father and whatever you ask I’m my Name I will do it the the Father may be glorified in the Som .. Ask anything in my name I will do. What do you need? Forgiveness? Healing? Ask for Healing, Peace he is the prince of Peace, Deliverance ? He is our deliver, Has your life put you in debt? Have you been robbed of your livelihood and provision ? Abandoned ? Jesus Said Matthew 6 Ask and It shall Be Given Seek And You will Find Knock and the door will be opened~ https://biblia.com/bible/esv/luke%202.14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” Matt. 11:28, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Col. 1:20, “and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross…” Christmas is a time of celebration of the birth of the Lord God in our world so that He might save us. https://biblia.com/bible/esv/isa%209.6 is a prophecy that is fulfilled in Jesus who was born so that He might die. It was Jesus who was born in a manger so that He might hang on a cross. In the birth of Christ is our redemption, our blessing, our cleansing, and all our hope.

Freedom From Your Past

November 25, 2024 • Pastor Joe Sabolick Ph.D. • Exodus 20:6, Exodus 14:13–14, Isaiah 61:3, John 8:36, 1 Timothy 1:12

Freedom From Your Past Introduction Everyone has faced negative experiences—mistakes, hurts, betrayals, or trauma—that can imprison us in the past. But the good news is this: Nothing in your past has to stop your future. Isaiah 61:3 – God gives beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, and praise for despair. No mistake or hurt is too big for God to redeem. I. The Power of God's Mercy Over Your Past Isaiah 61:3 – "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." God forgives and cleanses the skeletons in our closet when we come to Him. Some of you are still in your Past~ But God Is waiting for you To be Set Free 100% It was done at the cross but you have to Clam it! There are things that you have to pull out of~ Is God Compassionate? YES~ Is God Long suffering? YES Patient YES Forgiving YES Jesus was the Friend of sinners, but He didn’t join in their sin. Instead, He came to deliver them from sin and bondage, setting them Free from self-deception, destructive misconceptions of Gods Moral Law and their past. His purpose was to bring true freedom and transformation, leading them into a new life in Him. John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. But He delivered you to be delivered You know I have Heard It All why some people think it’s ok to deny God’s Principles… CROSSROADS IN LIFE` EVERYONE HAS TO COME TO A CONVERSION EXPERIENCE~ ONCE YOU DO IT’S AMAZING!! Paul 1 Tim. 1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 1 Timothy 1:13-14 – Paul reflects on God's mercy despite his past as a persecutor of Christians. Paul could have been imprisoned by guilt, but Instead, he stepped into his destiny, writing much of the New Testament. Are you letting PAST guilt or regret paralyze you? Bring it to God and step into your calling. You have other influences that are in your life that you and only you can deal with~ But you have to be honest and true to yourself~ Not what others think but What Does God Think~ 2 Generational Patterns and the Power to Break Free Exodus 20:6 – God shows love to thousands of generations of those who love Him. Negative experiences and trauma can be passed down through generations. Genesis 11:4-9 – a man by the name of Nimrod Nimrod, Noah’s great-grandson, lived in fear of another flood, despite God’s promise it would never happen again. This fear drove him to build the Tower of Babel, relying on human effort instead of trusting God. Like Nimrod, we can let past traumas—our own or inherited— shape our actions, Building walls of fear that bring disaster and doubt Instead of embracing God’s promises. Studies of Holocaust survivors reveal how trauma can affect generations. Even grandchildren of survivors, who live in safety, often struggle with inherited fears and triggers rooted in the past. Similarly, patterns of fear, insecurity, or defeat can be passed down through families, shaping how we see the world. But just as trauma and dysfunction can be inherited, So can blessings and freedom. God calls us to break these cycles and establish new legacies of faith and victory. The Israelites’ escape from Egypt reflects this. Pharaoh symbolizing The Past, Chased them, But God parted the Red Sea, proving He won’t let the past dictate your future. YOUR PAST IS DEAD! AT THE CROSS IT WAS CRUCIFIED When fear or past hurts try to hold you back, remember God’s promise: The flood won’t come again, and He has made a way forward. Don’t build towers of fear or walls of self-protection. Instead, trust in God’s healing, step into His promises, and build a life rooted in hope, faith, and freedom. Deny yourself and take Up Cross of JESUS~ Well my dad or my mom struggled with Depression, Addiction, Fear~ They weren’t successful… Generational Trauma Manifests as Fears, Triggers, and Feelings of Insecurity— Even When External Conditions Are Safe. These experiences are not just mental but biological, rooted in DNA. Well, my dad was or mom was an alcoholic They had strong addictions Bad eating habits… NO You are called to break Generational Strongholds. Exodus 20:6 – God shows love to thousands of generations of those who love Him. 2 Corinthians 5:17 – "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; the new has come." Application: Refuse to let fear dictate your future. Build a "tower of faith" instead of a tower of fear… Say I am Going to believe God` Choose to Bless the Lord At All Times` 3 The Enemy's Lies and God's Truth Exodus 14:13-14 – "The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you." The enemy will remind you of your past to paralyze your future. Past People, Past Teachers, Past Marriage, Past Relationships, Abusive Parents, Abusive Children~ Example: Pharaoh’s army chasing the Israelites symbolizes the past coming after us. Exodus 14:13-14 – "The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you." God doesn’t just part the Red Sea—He drowns the enemy in it. Let go of the fear of “what if” and trust God to make a way forward. Application: Stop looking over your shoulder; Stop looking at who likes you and who doesn’t like you~ WHO CARES~ They are a lief that fell off a tree 1000 years ago~ Trust God's promise that your past is defeated. 4 Your Past Prepares You for Your Future Exodus 4:19 – God tells Moses not to fear returning to Egypt because "those who wanted to kill you are dead. Moses’ story of failure and redemption: Exodus 4:19 – God tells Moses not to fear returning to Egypt because "those who wanted to kill you are dead." Moses spent 40 years in hiding, but his greatest victories came after he stopped running from his past.~ Nothing you've been through is wasted… Romans 8:28 – "God works all things together for the good of those who love Him." God uses your past to equip you for your future calling. Application: Step out of hiding and walk into your God-given purpose. This is Who I Am` Based Fully upon the Finished Work Of The Cross 5 Renewing Your Mind and Declaring God's Truth Replace Negative Memories with God’s Promises. Philippians 3:13-14 – "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal.” Pauls Past Successes were Not Successful before God Until he Came To Christ~ Declare who God says you are: Psalm 139:14 – "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." The enemy wants you to live as a runaway slave, but God calls you a child of the King. Romans 8:15 – "The Spirit you received does not make you slaves... rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to Sonship.” Application: Speak life over yourself daily: "I am chosen, anointed, and set free by God's grace." 6 Step Into Freedom Colossians 2:14 – "He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.” The cross of Christ has dealt with Every Hurt, Mistake, and Injustice. Every Sin~ Every Accusations Not Just Past But Future ~ Is. 61:7 Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs. You Can Not Continue To Walk In Fear~ The Red Sea is closed; The Pharaohs of your past are gone… Exodus 15:1 – "The Lord has triumphed gloriously; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.” The Horse and the Riders of the Enemy has been thrown into the Sea~ God has a Promised Land for you, But you must leave behind the fear and shame of your past. Conclusion Make the decision today to live free. Isaiah 43:18-19 – "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” Declaration: Break free from the chains of your past and step into the fullness of your destiny, in Jesus' name. Invitation: If you’re ready to be free from your past, Come to the cross today and receive the freedom Christ offers. No trauma, failure, or injustice can stop the purpose God has for you. Your past is not your prison— it is the platform for your future in Christ. Isaiah 61:3 – God gives beauty for ashes, Let Go Of The Ashes~ joy for mourning, and praise for despair.