HOW DID WE DO?

HOW DID WE DO?

This is the last Sunday of 2020. Many of us may say “Yaaaa! Glad this is over!” It has been a tough year for all of us. And nobody saw it coming. There may have been hints and some prophets saw this year as a time of preparation for future fruitfulness, but nobody saw this coming. I didn’t. 

I went back to the sermon I preached the first Sunday in 2020. It was on January 5; you can go back and read it on our sermon blog or listen to it on our website. This was my text for that morning. 

Psalm 103:1–5 (NKJV) Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth (life) with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

My emphasis for 2020 was on satisfaction and renewal. Let me go over my definitions. 

Satisfaction

Satisfaction is the contentment that comes when all our needs met. It comes not from possessions and riches. I have seen many who are rich but not satisfied. 

As Christians we live in a tension between two diametrically opposed ideas. The first is a holy discontent with what is not right in our lives. Acting against that is this inward peace that comes from godly contentment, knowing that God has provided everything I need for my present happiness. 

Renewal

Renewal is a freshness in our soul. It carries the idea of restoration and repair, of making things the way they should be again. 

This was my concluding text. 

Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Now I’m not a prophet or the son of a prophet, but that last verse was pertinent to where we have been. We have learned to depend on the Lord for everything in our lives. We have gotten weary, but God has proven Himself faithful. And He will continue to prove Himself faithful in the years to come. 

Let’s look at some earlier verses in Isaiah 40 and see three things Isaiah promises us.

1. God never tires of helping us.

Isaiah 40:28 (NKJV) Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.

Psalm 103:13-14 (NKJV) As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. 14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.

Hebrews 4:14–16 (NKJV) Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Psalms‬ ‭121:3-4‬ ‭(NKJV)‬‬ He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

2. God always strengthens us. 

Isaiah 40:29 (NKJV) 29 He gives power to the weak and to those who have no might He increases strength.

2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9-10‬ ‭(NKJV)‬‬ And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 10 Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

3. God always renews us. 

Isaiah 40:30-31 (NKJV) Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Psalm 34:10 (NKJV) The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.

What should you do in response? What are some personal steps of action you can take?

1. How have you fared this year?

2. Where are you struggling?

3. What can you do?

4. What can God do?

Having these promises, how do we go into this next year? I believe this trial is not going away soon. Jeremiah reminded Israel that the outlook for a quick return to Jerusalem is not likely. Here are the instructions he gave to Israel. 

Jeremiah 29:5–7 (NKJV) Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. 6 Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished. 7 And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace, you will have peace.

1. Provide for yourself. 

2. Provide for your family

3. Provide for your city. 

MINISTRY TIME

ADVENT SCRIPTURES: LOVE

 ADVENT SCRIPTURES FOR 2020

Week Four: Love

 

John 3:16 (NKJV) 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.

 

Jeremiah 31:3 (NKJV) The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love. Therefore, with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

 

Romans 8:35, 38-39 (NKJV) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Romans 5:5 (NKJV) Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

 

Romans 5:8 (NKJV) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

 

Titus 3:4 (NKJV) But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,

 

1 John 4:8 (NKJV) He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

 

1 John 4:9 (NKJV) In 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.

 

1 John 4:19 (NKJV) We love Him because He first loved us.

 

Matthew 22:37–38 (NKJV) Jesus said to him,  “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment.”

 

Matthew 22:39–40 (NKJV) And the second is like it:  “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

 

1 John 4:11 (NKJV) Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

 

1 John 4:21 (NKJV) And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.

 

Colossians 3:19 (NKJV) Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. 

 

Matthew 5:43–44 (NKJV) You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

 

1 John 4:10 (NKJV) In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

 

1 John 3:1 (NKJV) Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!

IF WE EVER NEEDED LOVE

 IF WE EVER NEEDED LOVE, IT’S NOW

 

This is the last Sunday of Advent: the Love Sunday. This is what Christmas is all about.

 

How do we describe the love of God? It has been written about and sung about for centuries.

 

Perhaps there are some listening today who have never heard about the love of God. It is good for all of us to be reminded about the true message of Christmas, God’s incomparable love. 

 

Let’s hear God Himself tell us about this love by reading about it from His Word. 

 

TEXT John 3:16 (NKJV) 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.

 

It is an everlasting love. 

 

Jeremiah 31:3 (NKJV) The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying:“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;

Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

 

It is an inseparable love. 

 

Romans 8:35, 38-39 (NKJV) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

It is an abundant love.  

 

Romans 5:5 (NKJV) Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

 

It is a proven love. 

 

Romans 5:8 (NKJV) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

 

It is a directed love. 

 

Titus 3:4 (NKJV) But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,

 

It is a personal love. 

 

1 John 4:8 (NKJV) He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

 

It is a visible love. 

 

1 John 4:9 (NKJV) In 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.

 

It is an initiated love. 

 

1 John 4:19 (NKJV) We love Him because He first loved us.

 

All of our attempts to define the love of God fall miserably short.

 

The Love of God

(As performed by Mercy Me)

 

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell
It goes beyond the highest star
And reaches to the lowest hell

The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win
His erring child He reconciled
And pardoned from his sin

 

Could we with ink the ocean fill
And were the skies of parchment made, Were every stalk on earth a quill And every man a scribe by trade

 

To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry 
Nor could the scroll contain the whole Though stretched from sky to sky

 

Hallelujah 
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

 

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints' and angels' song

 

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Robby Shaffer / Jim Bryson / Mike Scheuchzer / Nathan Cochran / Bart Millard / Pete Kipley; The Love of God lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

 

What is our response to this love?

 

Love your Lord.

 

Matthew 22:37–38 (NKJV) Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment.

 

Love your neighbor.

 

Matthew 22:39–40 (NKJV) And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

 

Love one another. 

 

1 John 4:11 (NKJV) Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

 

Love your brother.

 

1 John 4:21 (NKJV) And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.

 

Love your wife.

 

Colossians 3:19 (NKJV) Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. 

 

Love your enemy.

 

Matthew 5:43–44 (NKJV) You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

 

MINISTRY TIME

 

1 John 4:10 (NKJV) In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

 

1 John 3:1 (NKJV) Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!

 

 

ADVENT SCRIPTURES: JOY

 ADVENT SCRIPTURES FOR 2020

Week Three: Joy

Matthew 1:20–21 (NKJV) Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

 

Matthew 2:9–10 (NKJV) When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

 

Luke 2:8–11 (NKJV) Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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.

 

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

 

Isaiah 53:4–6 (NKJV) Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted.

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.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

 

Romans 6:14 (NKJV) For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

 

Romans 8:2 (NKJV) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

 

Revelation 21:3–5 (NKJV) And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

 

Revelation 22:1–3 (NKJV) And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.

 

Philippians 2:9–11 (NKJV) Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the namewhich 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, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 

Romans 10:13 (NKJV) For  “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

 

Isaiah 61:1–3 (NKJV) The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,

To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, 

3 To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness,

The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

 

Psalm 30:5 (NKJV) For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

 

Psalm 126:5–6 (NKJV) Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing,

Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him.

 

Isaiah 35:10 (NKJV) And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

IF WE EVER NEEDED JOY

 IF WE EVER NEEDED JOY, IT’S NOW

What do you think is the favorite Christmas song in this country? Let’s take a survey. If you are watching the live stream, go to the chat and type in your answer. You can do the same thing here in the sanctuary. 

While we wait let me give you some other survey results. There is a difference if we consider all Christmas songs or just carols. 

Top 10 Christmas Songs on Spotify in the United States:

1. "All I Want for Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey

2. "Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree" by Brenda Lee

3. "It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" by Andy Williams

4. "Last Christmas" by Wham

5. "Jingle Bell Rock" by Bobby Helms

6. "It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" by Michael Bublé

7. "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby

8. "The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole

9. "Holly Jolly Christmas" by Burl Ives

10. "Let it Snow! Let is Snow! Let it Snow" by Frank Sinatra

The list of carols is different with “O Holy Night” and “Silent Night” leading the way. Another article states that “Silent Night” is the most popular carol of all time. 

“Joy to the World” cracks the top 10 in some surveys. We sang it this morning. Joy is associated with Christmas because it plays an important part in the story of the birth of Jesus. 

First to the shepherds…

Luke 2:8–11 (NKJV) Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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.

Then to the wise men…

Matthew 2:9–10 (NKJV) When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

So, on this third Sunday of Advent, the Joy Sunday, let’s talk about the part joy plays in our life. If we ever needed joy, it’s now! PRAYER

The angels said: “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.”

Joy was coming because a Savior was coming. That Savior’s name is Jesus. In fact, His very name means Savior. 

Matthew 1:20–21 (NKJV) Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” The angels said this is good news. Jesus has come to save us from our sin. 

1. From the penalty of sin.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

These words echo the prophecy of Jesus’s sacrifice. 

Isaiah 53:4–6 (NKJV) Surely He has borne our griefs

And carried our sorrows;

Yet we esteemed Him stricken,

Smitten by God, and afflicted.

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.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

2. From the power of sin.

Romans 6:14 (NKJV) For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Romans 8:2 (NKJV) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

3. From the presence of sin. 

Revelation 21:3–5 (NKJV) And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” 5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

Revelation 22:1–3 (NKJV) And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.

Jesus, what a wonderful Name. Can you say it with me? Jesus. The Name spoken to Mary by the angel. The Name revealed to Joseph in a dream. The Name that is greater than every Name!

Philippians 2:9–11 (NKJV) 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, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Whatever you need today is available to you in the name of Jesus. All you have to do is call upon Him. 

Romans 10:13 (NKJV) For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Listen to what Jesus came to do!

Isaiah 61:1–3 (NKJV) The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,

To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, 

3 To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness,

The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

MINISTRY TIME The wise men were filled with joy because they found what they were looking for. 

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

What do you need today? Joy is yours today. However you define it, it can be yours. 

Psalm 16:11 (NKJV) You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 30:5 (NKJV) For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

Psalm 126:5–6 (NKJV) Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing,

Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,

Bringing his sheaves with him.

Isaiah 35:10 (NKJV) And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

1 Peter 1:8 (NKJV) whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

ADVENT SCRIPTURES: PEACE

ADVENT SCRIPTURES FOR 2020

Week Two: Peace

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

Mark 4:35–41 (NKJV) On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

Luke 2:13–14 (NKJV) 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!” 

John 14:1 (NKJV) Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 

John 14:27 (NKJV) 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. 

John 20:19–22 (NKJV) Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.

21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

John 20:26 (NKJV) And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!”

Philippians 4:6–7 (NKJV) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

Colossians 3:15 (NKJV) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body and be thankful. 

IF WE EVER NEEDED PEACE

 IF WE EVER NEEDED PEACE, IT’S NOW

A group of friends is gathered around a holiday table enjoying each other’s company and discussing plans for the future. The host of the dinner party reminds them that he will be leaving soon. The whole mood in the room changes. Uncertainty and fear move in a like a dark cloud. The host hopes to reassure his friends. He says, “Let not your heart be troubled.” John 14:1 (NKJV)

Of course, I am referring to Jesus’s words to His disciples in the upper room before His betrayal and crucifixion. Just a few minutes later He would tell them, “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. John 14:27 (NKJV)

Years before, a group of shepherds outside of Bethlehem were audience to a heavenly choir proclaiming, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:14 (NKJV)

So, on this second Sunday of Advent, we celebrate “peace,” peace on earth, peace toward men, and peace for us. If we ever needed peace, it’s today. We have fears within and fears without, an uncertain future and a tumultuous present. We see a nation divided, political turmoil, racial unrest, economic insecurity, and a relentless plague.  

Right in the middle of it all, Jesus shows up, proclaiming peace. Taking His rightful place as Isaiah’s “Prince of Peace,” He is not content to just speak peace, He makes peace in threatening situations. 

Surely the disciples remembered this event. 

Mark 4:35–41 (NKJV): On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

Let’s look at some principles in this story that can help us. I don’t know what your storm is, but three things I know from this story. 

1. Jesus is with you in your storm.

2. Jesus is resting in your storm. 

3. Jesus will calm your storm.

After Jesus was crucified, the disciples were in a different kind of storm. In hiding for fear of being arrested as accomplices or terrorists, they contemplated their future. Jesus appears in the middle of their trouble. 

John 20:19–22 (NKJV): Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.

21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

Later, Jesus appears to them again. This time, Thomas is there. He is full of doubt and unbelief. Jesus shows up anyway!

John 20:26 (NKJV): And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!”

Even when we have doubts, Jesus comes and brings His peace. You may be full of doubts today, but Jesus Himself will come and give you His peace. 

The sea of life is raging

The storm clouds round me roll

I’m tossed about in turmoil

It’s growing very cold

By myself I’d never make it

But this one thing I know

When I speak the name of Jesus

The storm clouds have to go.

When I say ‘Master’

My sorrows disappear

When I say ‘Father’

He drives away my fears

When I say ‘Savior’

My blinded eyes can see

When I say ‘Jesus’

He speaks peace to me.

(“When I Say Jesus” by Phil Johnson)

INVITATION/MINISTRY TIME

ADVENT SCRIPTURES: HOPE

ADVENT SCRIPTURES FOR 2020

Week One: Hope

Isaiah 9:2 (NKJV) The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined. 

Isaiah 7:14 (NKJV) Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. 

Isaiah 9:6–7 (NKJV) 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. 

Isaiah 60:1–3 (NKJV) Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. 3 The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. 

Micah 5:2 (NKJV) But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, 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.

Luke 1:26–33 (NKJV) Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 

IF WE EVER NEEDED HOPE

IF WE EVER NEEDED HOPE, IT’S NOW!

Every year, churches around the world observe Advent, a time of waiting and preparation as we look forward to Christmas. Advent is a month of Sundays and Christmas Eve. Each Sunday has a different theme. This is the first Sunday of Advent and the theme for today is hope. 

Folks, if we ever needed hope, it is now! 2020 has been a challenge for everyone. This pandemic has produced pressure, pain, and poverty. I pray that this time of Advent would change our focus from trial to triumph, from poverty to provision, and from sorrow to the Savior. 

Romans 5:5 (NKJV) Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

1. Hope does not disappoint.

Now, I want you to focus on that first phrase: Now hope does not disappoint...

Now, let’s be honest. We have all had times when we were disappointed that what we hoped for did not come true. Is that what Paul is saying here? I don’t think so. He is not saying we will never be disappointed. He is saying that we will never be ashamed because we believed God for something. The word here is also translated: to shame, delude, dishonor, humiliate, disgrace. I am never ashamed because I trust God. I am never ashamed for putting my hope in Him. Disappointed? Yes. Ashamed? Never. The Bible is full of stories of people who had tremendous faith, but did not see their hope come to pass. 

Hebrews 11:35-40 (NKJV) Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.

2. Hope is always distant.

Romans 8:24 (NKJV) For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?

Some of the fun of life is not knowing how it will all turn out! Where would the adventure be if we knew all the answers?

3. Hope is often delayed.

Proverbs 13:12 (NKJV) Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.

I have seen many marriages destroyed by expectations and fantasies. Things people hoped would happen, didn’t.  Disappointment led to despair and disillusionment. This comes because the Bible says to let our expectations be of God alone. 

Psalms 62:5 (NKJV) My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.

4. Hope is built on the ways of God.

Psalms 103:7 (NKJV) He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.

We often desire God’s acts more than His ways. Hope is built on the ways of God. If we understand how God works, then this helps us live in hope. 

Let’s look at an example. As children we begin to dream about what we would like to be. As we grow older that morphs into a more realistic goal or passion. I wanted to play professional baseball, but high school curveballs put and end to that. I wanted to be a doctor, but sometimes got sick at the sight of blood. I loved nuclear physics, but flunked out of trig! I’m glad God called me to preach!

God gives all of us a purpose in life, a vision for our future. God operates on vision. However, many times God will allow that vision to die, so that He can miraculously fulfill it. 

Jesus spoke about it. 

John 12:24 (NKJV) “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.”

Life to death to life. 

Think about Abraham. God told him he would be the father of many nations, yet he was childless. He tried to make it happen, but only trouble came. When God finally gave him a miracle baby, Isaac, God told him to sacrifice him as a burnt offering to God! Abraham obeyed, God stopped him, and the promise was fulfilled. 

This is the way of God. A vision is birthed in us. The vision dies. God resurrects it and brings it to pass. 

Habakkuk 2:3 (NKJV) For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Habakkuk 2:3 (MSG) This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! And it doesn’t lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time.

Joseph, as a young man, had dreams of being a person who would impact the world. Then, he was sold into slavery by his brothers. Arriving in Egypt, he became the trusted slave of Potiphar, an important Egyptian. His wife desired Joseph, and when he refused her advances, she lied about him and he was thrown into prison for twelve years. All hope was gone, yet God raised him up to be the prime minister of Egypt and literally save the world from famine!

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV) “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

In the mid-1990s, God gave me a vision of pastoring a church in El Paso. I thought the church I was serving would be the vehicle to fulling that dream. The vision plan was interrupted when I got relieved of my duties and encouraged to look for another place to serve. I couldn’t find anywhere to pastor. Churches I contacted wanted me as a worship leader, but no one wanted me as a pastor. Finally, a small country church let me come and preach for them. They were so desperate for a preacher, they let me stay. Four years later, a wonderful time for Alba and I, the vision was fulfilled and Restoration Fellowship was born. *Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gifts!*

Just this week, Alba and I saw this process happen again. 

Machai’s story...

Where are you today? Are in the birth of a vision? The death of a vision? Or the resurrection of a vision? Wherever you are, you are not out of God’s will! He is there with you, working to bring your dream, your desire, your vision to pass. Cry out to God. Wait patiently for Him and He will bring it to pass. 

Psalms 37:4-5 (NKJV) Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.

GOD’S INDESCRIBABLE GIFT

 GOD’S INDESCRIBABLE GIFT

 

I am sure that some of us may wonder what we have to be thankful for this year. Somebody remarked the other day that we now have a new four letter word in our vocabulary: “2020”! 

 

I got a phone call yesterday that brought it all into perspective for me. The call came from a preacher friend of mine in east Texas. He suffers with multiple sclerosis and is now in his 70s, bed fast, and basically alone. He lives in a care home and cannot have visitors because of COVID. We talk just about every week. He always asks me, “Has your church found a preacher yet?”, and then he laughs long and loud!

 

He said, “I want you to ask the church a question tomorrow.” I said, “What question is that, Jim?” He said, “Ask the church… If you were writing a letter to Jesus, and could only thank Him for one thing, what would it be?”

 

I asked him, “What would your letter say?” He replied, “The blood; I would thank Jesus for His blood!”

 

I thought, “That’s incredible! Here is a man who has very little to be thankful for, but he can find thankfulness in his heart for the blood of Jesus.” 

 

That brings us to our text today. It is found in 2 Corinthians 9:15.

 

2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

 

We may not have much to be thankful for this year, but we can be thankful for the gift of God. Let’s look at this gift and let thanks fill our hearts.

 

First, this is a free gift, totally undeserved.

 

It is all of grace: God’s unmerited favor. This verse is the final chorus of a hymn that has stretched for two chapters where grace is referred to multiple times. 

 

Romans 5:15–19 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. 17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

 

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

 

Imagine that after celebrating Christmas with your family, your kids come up to you and say, “Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad. I really appreciate the gifts. I plan to get a job and pay you for them just as quick as I can. I promise I’ll make it up to you.” How would you react? You might be moved by their gratitude, but I’m sure you would try to persuade them that the price has already been paid. The gift is given because of love and nothing else is required!

 

Jesus paid the price; nothing else is required. We give Him our thanks and praise out of a grateful heart, not out of a debt! 

 

He paid a debt He did not owe.

I owed a debt I could not pay.

I needed someone 

To wash my sins away.

 

So now I sing a brand-new song,

“Amazing Grace”.

Christ Jesus paid the debt

That I could never pay!

 

Are we thankful today that our debt has been taken out of the way, nailed to the Cross?

 

Colossians 2:13–14 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

 

Second, this is a spiritual or supernatural gift. 

 

John 4:10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

 

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

 

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Romans 8:32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

 

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

 

What do you need today? God loves giving things to His kids!

 

Matthew 7:9–11 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

 

All we have to do is ask!

 

Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

 

Look at the way Luke records this passage. 

 

Luke 11:11–13 “If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

 

Third: this gift is indescribable!

 

This is the only time this word is used in the entire New Testament. It means: Incapable of being adequately expressed or uttered. Some synonyms used elsewhere in the New Testament are unspeakable, unsearchable, inexpressible, unutterable, ineffable. In other words, we cannot begin to understand or explain God’s gift of His Son.

 

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.

 

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

 

Excerpts from Just Give Me Jesus, by Anne Graham Lotz. Originally titled “That’s My King” by S.M. Lockridge. 

 

So here we are, on the verge of Thanksgiving in a year of pain and pressure. What about that letter my friend, Jim, spoke of? Can you write one? What is the one thing you would thank Jesus for? Let’s do that, today!