Advent 2023
The Prince of Peace
December 17, 2023 • Gregg Parris • Matthew 6:25–34, Isaiah 9:6, John 14:27, Psalm 91:11–12, Romans 8:31
Matthew 6:25-34 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. Isaiah 9:6 Don’t worry about your past Don’t worry about the opinion of others. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27 “Do not worry about your life.” Matthew 6:25 “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:27 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Psalm 91:11-12 Don’t worry about growing old. Worry is an achievement What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8: 31,37 Worry is a killer. Worry is a sin. Don’t worry about death. Don’t worry about your enemies. Don’t worry about what you are not.
The Gift No One Wants
December 10, 2023 • Christopher Glotzbach • Luke 1:26–38, Luke 2:35, Psalm 34:18, Psalm 27:4, Psalm 27:14
Luke 1:26-38 There is so much that we can learn from Mary in her response to trouble and pain. Mary knew very well that there was going to be pain associated with this announcement. The first thing that we can learn from Mary is to: 1. Be honest in our pain. We must first acknowledge pain in order to receive healing. Pain reveals Where you put your trust & where you find your peace. Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. Luke 1:29 Mary was told why Jesus was to be born in Luke 2:35 “so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 God wants to sit with us in our pain. 2. Be patient in our pain. The second thing we see from Mary through this process is she waited to hear from the messenger of God. She quietted herself to hear what the angel had to say. We will never learn a single thing without pain. C. S. Lewis said that “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts to us in our pains: It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” So this raises the question: “How do we become patient in our pain?” i. We Pray – When we pray, we are reorientated. When we are praying, we are reminded that we are not in control and do not have the answers. One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4 ii. We Wait- Waiting is uncomfortable, and hard. Waiting causes us to slow down and view the world differently. Waiting takes strength Later in Psalm 27:14 the David writes: Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! iii. We fix our eyes on Truth: Don’t distract yourself, this will be something you will be tempted to do. Life from God doesn't solve our fears or pains. It only distracts us for a little while. Distraction is not the same as deliverance. We want to stay distracted from our fear or pain so that we don’t have to feel. But then we distract ourselves from pain, we distract ourselves from God as well. But when the center of life is fulfilling desires and avoiding pain, no redemptive purpose for pain can be given. It is merely something to be avoided and soothed. 3. Be hopeful in our pain. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:37-38 We grieve differently than the World. To bookend the life of Jesus, near the end he shares these thoughts in John 16:20-23 “Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 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. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” John 16:20-23 NIV “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 Jesus gives us a hope that we do not have to be in pain forever. When we begin to worship, pain will find its rightful place. And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. Luke 1:46-49 Advent is all about hope coming to this world, in unlikely fashions and working in ways we never anticipated. Because of the birth of Christ, we can have hope in the midst of so much pain, the world is full of pain and Christ wants to be actively engaged with us as we walk through the darkest valleys.
A Season of Praise
December 3, 2023 • Gregg Parris • Luke 2:30–32, Psalm 103:1–2, 2 Peter 3:9, Romans 8:15–17, Matthew 6:33
Psalm 103:1-2 1. Thanksgiving: The Holy Spirit is Always at Work in Everyone Everywhere Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. Psalm 103:1-2 NLT The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9 NLT The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:15-17 “This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. This is my Father’s world: why should my heart be sad? The Lord is King; let the heavens ring! God reigns; let the earth be glad!” (UMH # 144 / OGRP # 19) 2. Advent: Living Between the Cradle and the Coming Again Come, Thou long-expected Jesus Born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in Thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart. (UMH # 196/ OGRP # 163) 3. Christmas: Messiah Jesus is the Center Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 NLT I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” Luke 2:30-32