Untitled Sermon (2)

Hope

Scripture Reading: ,

Comments:

First glimpse of Hope ()Paul describes the fulfillment of that hope in ChristWhat hope is not (wishing), what hope is (real)

Prayer Focus: (large group, popcorn, select start/end leaders)

Those struggling with no hope.The lost of our county, nation, and world.Thanks for the hope we have in Christ (articulate it - why?).

Peace

Scripture Reading:

Comments:

Hope is the foundation peace. (sung about this morning)Simeon saw his hope fulfilled and he said that this brought him peace.Peace is not necessarily the absence of conflict, threats, or harm, but peace in the midst of such things.Thomas Watson (English Puritan, 1600s): "If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a storm without, He will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble."

Prayer Focus: (small groups, in the round)

Share something that concerns you or seems to rob you of peace.Pray for the person to your right.Pray for peace without (violence, shootings, protests, fires, etc.) and peace within (through faith in Christ).

Joy

Sing Joy to the World

Comments:

Like Advent itself (looks back to first coming, forward to second coming).Begins with the first coming.Continues with the effects/impact of that first coming.Ends with the promise of the second coming.All of it should lead joy to well up within us.

Prayer Focus: Praise and Thanksgiving to God (large group, popcorn, select start/end leaders)

Love

Scripture Reading: ,

Comments:

Preview of our message on Dec. 22Matthew: notice Joseph's love for Mary, "don't be afraid" love casts out fear (), the meaning of Jesus' name (God is Salvation), God's purpose for sending Jesus was to save, those who love us are present with us (Immanuel, God with Us).Romans: love is the reason God sent Jesus, God's love led Him to send our Savior, love is a decision and act of the will even more than it is an emotion, we did not/could not earn God's love - it was freely given because that's who God is.

Prayer Focus: (quiet, personal prayer, I will close)

Who is your one? Who needs to know God's love as you know it - through Christ?Thank God for His love.Express your love for Him.