City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

Romans 12:18 Family of God #3 – Living as a Family Intro: Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. ‘ John Nolland To build a city on a hill is a piece of assertiveness. It expresses a certain confidence and a claim to importance, and flags a desire on the part of the inhabitants to play a wider role in human affairs. People who want to live a quiet and secluded life build their cities tucked out of sight in the hope that they won't be noticed. The Gospel of Matthew: a commentary on the Greek text Homes were lit with small terra-cotta oil-burning lamps. These could be carried around when required, but would normally sit on a stand conveniently located to provide a basic level of illumination for the whole dwelling (this is possible because the homes in mind consisted of single rooms, as was typically the case with Palestinian homes of the period). Lighting a lamp in order to hide it under the something is as senseless as thinking that a city built on a hill can be kept from the sight of those who pass by. In order to fulfill their nature, those who are the light of the world must be prepared to be located in places of clear visibility. This is all about a mission perspective. The outcome is that people are impressed by what God is currently doing. Our city is broken by sin, and the God-designed role of the family has been fractured.Because of this, our church must be a visible, living example of what it means to live as a family the way God intended—so people can find a place to belong that glorifies Jesus and points them to Him. Get ready to be visible! This is not to scare you but to make you realize that with Jesus, you are different from the average person! You do stand out! BUT Luke 8:16-17 ‘ “Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light. ‘ If I come into your house and you have most of the lights off in an attempt to hide the mess, it's still visible, even if you don't think so. If our church is hiding sin or not following the commands of Jesus, it will come to light! Perfection is not the goal here but rather, reliance on God and our church family so that others learn to do the same! What fruit do we want evident in our church? Fruit: Love! Agape: selfless, sacrificial love John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Philippians 2:2-4 ‘Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. ‘ Fruit: Unity: Harmony within a community (family) John 13:34′ Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. ‘ Romans 12:18 ‘Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. ‘ Does not mean we have to be everyone's best friend or even like everyone. How do we do this as individuals? (we are family, made up as individuals, what the individual does, affects the whole family) How do we live as a family: Believe the best Currently people are suspicious, always wondering others motives (from a negative view) Family should be in a posture of grace Colossians 3:13 – ‘Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. ‘ DEF: The amount that something is permitted. Sewing definition : a built-in buffer for errors and future alterations, giving you “wiggle room” to make garments bigger or smaller”. Colossians 3:13 says allowances for faults, not sin. But sometimes, when we are hurting, we can equate someone’s faults with sin. Why? ‘“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? ‘Jeremiah 17:9 In contrast 1 Cor. 13:4a – Love is patient, love is kind. (gives allowance) If we do not do this and suspicion settles into our spirit then it's like: 1 Cor. 13.1 – ‘If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. What settles in your heart starts to come out in your conversation! How do we give allowance? Pray for the person! In the moment On your own Ask the Holy Spirit if your heart is deceiving you BONUS: What if it is sin? Matthew 18 – go to them! First!!!!!! I have seen this broken so many times. It is incredibly divisive! It is the opposite of unity! More later Watch our words Watch our language (my bible tiles this section as “living as children of the light” Ephesians 4:29 – 32 – ‘Don't use foul or abusive language. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander Watch our motives Are we believing the best or trying to comfort our own soul and wrong thinking? Are we believing the lies? From our past, our enemy etc. Luke 6:45 – ‘A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. ‘ Don't gossip Bible “gossip” definition: whispering, tattling, spreading of secrets or rumors for the purpose of slander (which has to do with what I want/need) The Social Issues Research Centre found that 55 percent of men's conversation and 67 percent of women's conversation involve gossip. Research shows that women are more likely to participate in gossip than men Romans 1:29 – gossip is evil Gossip phrases “What do you think about…, did you hear, did you notice…” The gossip prayer request If you hear these phrases this is how we should respond Please stop talking about that. I don't want to gossip. Sounds like you are hurt. Have you prayed about that? Is this about a sin issue in their life? (Matthew 18) How to help with Matthew 18… Why is gossip so serious? It brings pain to the person It is a way for us to feel “better” than someone else” (by pointing out their “flaws”) This is the opposite of Agape, what we want to produce in our church. It brings divisiveness and disunity, the opposite of the unity Christ wants for his Bride! Encourage 1 Thess. 5:11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. Listen! James 1:19 – ‘Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. ‘ Listen to learn Listen to love Listen to serve Agree to disagree Serve one another ‘God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. ‘ 1 Peter 4:10 Honor one another Romans 12:10 – ‘Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. If you are struggling with these things (unity, love, gossip, listening, honoring etc. it is a sign of heart issues. Wrong thoughts Unhealed past Unforgiveness Bitterness 8. Prayer to pray: ‘Holy Spirit, please point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life and may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord , my rock and my redeemer.’ (Psalm 139:24, Psalm 19:14) Why does all this matter? How we treat each other as a family determines if others want to be a part of our church and how people view Jesus! As this church grows, whatever WE are will determine what the church will be in the future! What does the word say? Matthew 5:16 – Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven. John 13:34-35 ‘So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” ‘ Romans 15:5-6 ‘May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ‘

Adoption: Neither Rejection Nor Abandonment Could Stop God’s Adoption Plan Introduction The Lies We've Let Ourselves Believe The Phrases of Abandonment and Rejection i.      “I’m not good enough and I need to be perfect or successful to be worthy of love.” ii.      “Everyone secretly hates me and no one wants me around.” iii.      “My emotions are too big to control, so I’m consumed by my anger and rage.” iv.      “I should feel shame and fear [about my life or life experiences].” v.      “I need to medicate the deep internal isolation/rejection I feel with [a physical stimulus].” vi.      “I have no worth beyond what I can provide.” vii.      “I’m a victim to circumstances I can’t escape.” viii.      “I cannot find rest in this world.” ix.      “No one else will ever understand me or what I’m going through.” x.      “I’m in competition with other people; there’s not ‘enough’ for all of us.” What We Say About Ourselves Matters i.      Key Scripture: Proverbs 18:21 [MSG] ii.      There's an enemy on the prowl 1.      1 Peter 5:8 2.      John 10:10 iii.      There’s an enemy on the prowl; he is looking to steal, kill, and destroy, but he has no real power over you. His time and power are limited and he’s looking for you to let him in. Your words can be his way in. iv.      Book Recommendation: Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left out, and Lonely by Lysa Terkeurst v.      We have to confront the lies we have allowed ourselves to believe. Jesus did not redeem you so that you can still be stuck believing that your temporary circumstances still define who you are. BUT GOD! Key Scripture: Ephesians 1:5 The Details of Adoption i.      Greek word transliterated into “huiothesia.” ii.      Huiothesia is derived from two Greek words: “huios” meaning “son” and “tithemi” meaning “to place, put, or set.” iii.      Huiothesia literally translates to “placing as a son.” iv.      Additional Scriptures where huiothesia is used: Romans             8:15, Romans 8:23, Romans 9:4, Galatians 4:5 New Testament View on Adoption i.      Roman adoption was almost always something that happened to an adult, not a child Key point: You belonging, your adoption into a new family, was always the plan. Scripture vs. The Lies We Believe Lie: “I’m not good enough and I need to be perfect or successful to be worthy of love” i.      Scripture: Ephesians 2:10 ii.      Key point: You've already been called a masterpiece; the worth is already there. Lie: “Everyone secretly hates me and no one wants me around.” i.      Scripture: Psalm 139:14 ii.      Key point: How can someone shaped by God Himself not be wanted? This is a voice that’s meant to draw you into isolation, don’t follow it… Lie: “My emotions are too big to control, so I’m consumed by my anger and rage.” i.      Scriptures: Romans 12:21; Galatians 5:16, 19-21 ii.      Key point: Hey, all emotions are valid, all behavior is not. The Spirit of the LORD can and will help you not be consumed by your emotions. Lie: “I should feel shame and fear [about my life or life experiences]” i.      Scriptures: Romans 8:33-34; 2 Timothy 1:7 ii.      Key point: It’s okay to leave behind fear and shame. Lie: “I need to medicate the deep internal isolation/rejection I feel with [a physical stimulus].” i.      Scripture: Colossians 2:10 ii.      Key point: You can't find the healing and fulfillment you're craving anywhere else. Every “solution” will be temporary (yes, even healthy ones) when they’re not paired with Christ. When we draw near to God, He draws near to us and this is where healing actually begins. Lie: “I have no worth beyond what I can provide.” i.      Scripture: Romans 5:6-8(MSG) ii.      Key point: We, you and I both, had nothing to offer God. No skill, no talent, no resource, no activity He was interested in, no nothing. He thought and thinks you’re valuable in spite of that detail. We don’t need to beg for “scraps of His love” by presenting Him with our accomplishments, you already are loved and therefore have worth. Additionally, in relationships sometimes you will be the one giving help and other times you'll be the one receiving it, but both times you still have the same worth! Lie: “I’m a victim of circumstances I can’t escape.” i.      Scriptures: Psalm 71:20; 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 ii.      Key point: Your suffering hasn’t gone unnoticed and while it can fool you into believing there is no escape, you are not destroyed. Turn your eyes towards God who has created an escape for you, so that with Him you may be able to bear. Lie: “I cannot find rest in this world.” i.      Scriptures: Isaiah 40:30-31(NKJV); Matthew 11:28 ii.      Key point: I want to point out that to grow weary is not a fault of yours; it’s not some defect exclusive to you…it’s okay to be tired. Even the youths get tired, but here’s the Good News: the wait is over. There’s a lighter burden available, but we need to see it in the spiritual. However, there is a choice to be made: we must choose to come. Lie: “No one else will ever understand me or what I’m going through.” i.      Scriptures: Psalm 139:1-2; John 15:18; Hebrews 12:3 ii.      Key point: Please excuse my sense of humor, but you’re not that special…There’s nothing new under the sun (Ecc 1:9); suffering is not unique to you, it's the human condition. The LORD knows everything about you AND our suffering Savior knows exactly how you feel. You’re not crying out to someone who isn’t empathetic. His innocence met hostility and mistreatment, it’s not an experience unique to you…let Him comfort you. Lie: “I’m in competition with other people; there’s not ‘enough’ for all of us.” i.      Key point: Maybe this isn’t one you’ve said out loud or even admitted to yourself, but I wonder if it has shown up in your behavior. Desperate for acceptance and successful relationships we begin to act out of scarcity. Seeing the success of others begins to make you feel like there’s now somehow less success available for you. The success of their relationship means there is now less opportunity for you. Now suddenly you’re in secret competition with the people you should be praying for. A scarcity mindset is unbelief and comparison kills joy. Be the best YOU because that's who God made you! ii.      Scripture: 1st the admonishment — James 3:14-15 iii.      Scripture: 2nd the truth – 2 Corinthians 9:8 iv.      Scripture: 3rd the requirement – Philippians 2:4 v.      There is a God who is big enough to see and provide for all of us and any statement otherwise is a lie from the pit of hell. Still Room for Improvement Key Scripture: Romans 8:1 Am I Part of the Problem? i.      Understanding your identity as a child of God doesn't mean you just become a perfect person. Wearing a Kingdom identity well requires us to do some work. ii.      An Illustration from King David 1.      Innocent David a.       Scriptures: 1 Samuel 18:28-29; 19:1-5, 9 2.      Not so innocent David a.       Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:1-9 3.      Two things can be true at once: 1) we can be innocent and be mistreated and 2) we can behave in ways that produce negative outcomes. We need to be aware of both. 4.      Trauma shaped identities can cause turmoil in our relationships and result in people not wanting to be around us. This is not persecution; it’s the direct consequence of our undesirable behavior. Fooled By Our Sin Nature i.      “God made me like this.” With love, He didn't. ii.      Scripture: Psalm 139:23-24 1.      God can (and will) reveal to us the parts of our identities that we have taken on that are not from Him. Sin has distorted our standard of right and wrong; this means it’s not safe for us to rely solely on our own thoughts. iii.      Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:5 1.      Genuine faith should produce obedience and faith and obedience produces Christ-like behavior. 2.      We must repent, turn away from, and make amends when our behaviors cause harm or else we will never maintain and experience the fullness of relationship with others and this is a detriment to our spiritual family and our Kingdom assignment. Conclusion: Taking on a New Identity Key scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 i.      There is no need to identify ourselves by our hurts, struggles, or failures. There is a more important title for you: An heir to the Kingdom of God. Here’s another one: Beloved Child of God. ii.      It has always been God’s pIan to welcome you home to Him. Please put on and live out your proper identity, the Kingdom needs its workers. Closing Scripture: John 1:12-13

Ephesians 2:20, 3:6 Family of God: The Church I.  Intro – I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God…. II.  God's Purpose for the Family:   a. Marriage and parenthood would reveal God's character.   b. Love. (God put children in families so they can experience His love and learn how to love others.)   c. Relationship and a sense of belonging   d. Support   e. Provide resources   f. Maintain physical and mental health   g. Pass on values to the next generation III.  Sin fragmented God's plan for families. Part of God's redemption plan is to adopt people into a new family, the Church. IV.  Family is not just a social structure, we should see it through the lens of the Trinity. Humanity, created in the image of the three-in-one God, is designed for relationships that mirror the Trinity itself.   a. This establishes family as not just about bloodlines but rather about covenant bonds. Mk 3:31–35 Ephesians 2:20-21 V.  Covenant Refresher: Parts of the covenant   a. Word – Jesus , living word, The Bible and it's truths   b. Terms   c. Blessing & Cursing   d. Oath   e. Blood      i. Sacrifice: Jesus death on the cross      ii. Priesthood, Us (1 Peter 2:9)   f. Seal – Holy Spirit (John 14:16, 17) VI.  God created humans and commanded them to fill the earth both with natural children and “godly offspring” (Genesis 1:28) to extend God's Kingdom. VII.  The Church family   a. functions as an instrument through which God accomplishes salvation. Col 1:18–22   b. is a means through which God blesses his people. §  Eph 3:6 And this is God's plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God's children. Both are part of the same body (family), and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus VIII.  Quotes   a. Lexham Survey of Theology The doctrine of the church can deliver us from individualism, from the idea that Christianity can all somehow be reduced or concentrated to fit into my experience, my personal relationship with God. As important as that relationship is, God has something much larger in mind. All of God's ways move towards the end of establishing the people of God, who he has called out from the world to be set aside as his people   b. Edmund Clowney – The Church The church is the community of the Word, the Word that reveals the plan and purpose of God. In the church the gospel is preached, believed, obeyed. It is the pillar and ground of the truth because it holds fast the Scriptures (Phil. 2:16) IX.  The Church is to be:   a. Holy – Set apart   b. Universal – the application of teaching should be accessible to all people and should not be added to.   c. Apostolic – remains faithful to the teaching and the mission of spreading the Good News of Jesus. X.  How does the church function? Acts 2   a. Devotion definition: to preserve, constantly diligent, great care and perseverance, adhere closely to.   b. Devoted themselves to the apostles teaching   c. Devoted themselves to prayer   d. Worshiped at the Temple each day   e. Met in one place   f. Devoted themselves to the fellowship §  Some theologians say that the real miracle of Pentecost is “from every nation under heaven” a body of believers is formed.   g. Devoted themselves to sharing meals (including the Lord's Supper)   h. Shared everything they had   i. This communal spiritual and practical way of life created a “family” of people that were not only set apart from the rest of society in how they loved and cared for each other but which also produced “signs and wonders”. (Acts 2:43) XI.  What are we to do?   a. Have a personal relationship with Jesus – this affects the others in the church. Who am I when I show up? Does God want to give me a word of encouragement or a scripture to someone in my church?   b. Go to church (Hebrews 10:25)   c. Be Devoted to your church   d. Be in unity      · Unity affords the greatest identifying mark of the people of God. That's why Luke emphasizes, all the believers were together and had everything in common. – “Acts” by Kenneth Gangel      · The most prominent features are the brotherly love and the undisturbed harmony of the believers. – A commentary on the Holy Scriptures by Lange (et. al.)   e. Be who God has called you to be, do what God has called you to do.   f. Be fruitful and multiply – Make disciples XII.  The Church is the Bride of Christ (Covenant Relationship)   a. Revelation 19:6   b. Ephesians 5:27

Old Testament examples: Ezekiel 3:17-19 Esther 4:1-3 Esther  4:12-14 New Testament examples: Isaiah 61:1-3 (NLT) (cf Luke 4) Matthew 28:18-20 Romans 10:13-15 Application: Posture – Ask God for His heart for the lost, and feel a sense of righteous urgency  for salvations. Holman Commentary: “God's charge to Ezekiel and Hosea is also a charge to every Christian. Christ warned His followers to “watch” for His return and to keep their lamps burning and trimmed. Servants of the Lord, who are found watching, will be given special favor for being ready. Jesus, the faithful watchmen of His sheep, has instructed us to follow Him. In so doing, believers keep themselves focused on the Lord, constantly growing in their relationship with Him.” Prayer – Keep a prayer calendar and intercede like Mordecai for your city. Isaiah 62:6-7a Purpose – Reach out to those in your sphere of influence. Invite them to church, and serve them as Jesus would. “Do the unbelievers in my life know that I am a Christian? Do they know how Jesus has affected my life?”

Luke 2:8-18 Advent Week 4: Love The word “advent” means “coming;” The season of Advent, which leads up to Christmas Day and includes four Sundays, is a time to reflect on the coming of Jesus on one holy night in Bethlehem — a coming that caused a great turning for the world toward  hope, peace, joy, and love. The four themes just listed are the four themes the Church traditionally explores during the Advent season. We’re going to explore the final theme of Advent: love. Because the coming of Jesus brings a turning toward love. There are 2 ways we can talk about love in today’s message. God's love for us Horizontal love, love towards each other. Luke 2:8-18 Our main theme for today is. He came. They went. Later in this story we see in Matthew 2 the Magi visit Jesus and his parents at their house. He (Jesus) came. The Magi go. Jesus' “coming” inspired “going “ in the Gospels. As seen in the Sending of the Twelve Sending of the 72, for example. And all four gospel accounts, in each their own unique way, show a Resurrected Jesus urging the disciples to ‘go.' At the start of the story of Jesus, a pattern is set for God's people and embraced by God's people. This pattern and response is repeated in the middle and end of the gospels and all throughout the story of the Early Church. Shouldn't we also embrace this same pattern? He came. We go. Is the U.S. Church going? Barna (2019) Almost all Christians say that the best thing that could ever happen to someone is for them to know Jesus. Almost all practicing Christians believe that part of their faith means being a witness about Jesus Pew Research did a huge study over 17 years, 4 separate surveys with more than 35,000 surveyed EACH TIME, shows that after many years of steady decline, the share of Americans who identify as Christians show signs of leveling off. Millennials in particular feel equipped to share their faith with others. For instance, 73% say they know how to respond when someone raises questions about faith , and that they are gifted at sharing their faith with other people . This is higher than any other generational group: Gen X (66%), Boomers (59%) and Elders (56%). Despite this, many Millennials are unsure about the actual practice of evangelism. Almost half of Millennials (47%) agree at least somewhat that it is wrong to share one's personal beliefs with someone of a different faith in hopes that they will one day share the same faith. Only 44% of Christian adults say they pray at least once a day. 33% of Christians say they go to a service once a month Approximately half (54%) of evangelical church attenders believe people are basically good and(50%) believe that people can earn salvation through their good works. Unexpectedly large minorities (24%) of evangelical church attenders reject the biblical nature and character of God and (26%) worship spirits other than the God of the Bible. An astonishing number—15%—revealed that they occasionally cast spells on other people. Is our church going? Jesus says Acts 1:8 – ‘You (all y'all) will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” ‘ He came. We go to the ones nearest us.

Luke 2:8-15 Third week of Advent is based around Joy Luke 2:8–15 recounts the angelic announcement to shepherds: “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” This joy is tied to the birth of the Savior in Bethlehem. Understanding Joy Joy is described as “an often cheerful contentedness,” rooted in hope and peace rather than circumstances. It's marked by calm within a person and sustained by faith. Often means that maybe sometimes it may not be the same as just laughing and smiles. There is however peace. Peace that passeth understanding Sometimes you maybe grumpy but still have joy like Statler and Waldorf from the Muppets. Supporting Scriptures References to Philippians 4:6–7, 2 Corinthians 12:7–10, Romans 8:28, and 1 Corinthians 12 emphasize peace, grace in weakness, God's purpose, and unity in suffering. For the world around us The world often feels joyless—seen in news, entertainment, politics, and mental health struggles—highlighting the need for authentic joy. That is where we as believers can step in and be the joy, be the peace, be the example of Jesus on Earth. Call to Action “Joy to the World!”—a reminder that hope has come through Christ. Highly suggest listenting to the words fo Hope has Come

Luke 1:26-37 – Matthew 1:18-25 Holy Night – Part One Again and again in the Old Testament, God promises a broken and pained world that he will send a Messiah — that is, a Deliverer — to start to renew and restore all things. Genesis 3:15 Isaiah 9:1-7 Micah 5:1-4 Because the coming of the Messiah was a long time coming, it was easy for God's people to start to think of it as an impossibility. Most scholars agree that by the time we enter the period of the New Testament, nearly 400 years had passed since the last messianic promise had been given by God — and the Messiah still hadn't come. Two messages that broke the 400-year silence — the angels' messages to Mary (Luke 1:26-37) and Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25) Luke 1:26-37 – Matthew 1:18-25 I. The coming of the Messiah, Jesus, was never to be thought of as an impossibility, because all things had already been proven possible for God. Today marks the beginning of Advent: (1) the word “advent” means “coming,”   (2) the season of Advent, which leads up to Christmas Day and includes four Sundays, is a time to reflect on the coming of Jesus to begin to renew and restore a broken and pained world,  (3) it’s also a time to look ahead to when Jesus will come again to finish the renewing and restorative work he started at Christmas. God has indeed promised the Messiah, Jesus, will come again:  Matthew 24 & 25  John 1 & 2  1 Thessalonians & 2 Thessalonians  Revelation Because the second coming of Jesus has been a long time coming, it's easy for us to start to think of it as an impossibility. As we consider what Joseph & Mary may have been thinking, we may also be experiencing doubt, distraction, or discouragement such as: “Maybe the powers of the world hold too much power for Jesus to topple them. Maybe the powers beyond this world hold too much power. Maybe we've sinned too much, and we're undeserving. Maybe too much is needed by way of miracles to pull this off.” II. The second coming of Jesus is never to be thought of as an impossibility, because all things have already been proven possible for God. This is a time leading up to Christmas Day to remember the coming of Jesus. It's a time to remember how his coming brought about a great turning point for the world. The world had been hounded by hopelessness, shame, great sadness, and the coldness of self-concern and self-preservation, and his coming caused a great turning toward hope, peace, joy, and love. Each of the four Sundays in Advent speak to these four themes, respectively: hope, peace, joy, and love. We're going to speak to each in the four Sundays of Advent, and we're going to do so by exploring the angelic messages that were passed along either in the days leading to the holy night of Jesus's birth or on the holy night itself. We've already covered the first angelic message this morning, haven't we? “Nothing is impossible with God.” Which, of course, gives us hope — a confident expectation that nothing is impossible for God, because nothing ever has been. Hope November 30 Peace December 7 Joy December 14 Love December 21 You're probably familiar with the practice of the lighting of the Advent candles — four candles arranged in a circle (for Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love), with another larger candle in the middle (often referred to as “the Christ candle”). The lighting of the Hope candle takes place on the first Sunday of Advent, the lighting of the Peace candle on the second Sunday — and so on. The lighting of the Christ candle often takes place on Christmas Eve, but traditions vary. (Some wait until Epiphany in January.) Your church might already take part in this practice, but if your church has yet to do so, this series might be the perfect time to introduce it into the life of the congregation. If you decide to take part in the practice, you could explain the tradition and then during the conclusion of the sermon, you could light the first candle — the candle for Hope.

Matthew 6:9-13 Praying according to God's Purpose: “Kingdom come, will be done,” Praying on Purpose – in alignment with God's purpose What would your neighborhood look like if each person received God’s love? What would your neighborhood sound like if each person shared God’s love with others? In what ways would the daily interactions change if each person shared God’s value on peace? What needs would be met and what challenges would be overcome if each person looked to Jesus as Savior King? “Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.” – Jesus in Matthew 6:9-13 “We can approach God with confidence, honestly confessing our need and heart condition. At the same time, we can learn to speak faith and align our heart, emotions, and confession with the Word of God. We can learn to pray the prayer of faith.” – Wendell Smith “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power (as it is working) and produces wonderful results.” – James 5:16 “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them.” – 1 Timothy 2:1 “'Don't be afraid, Daniel,' he said to me, ‘for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me after I had been left there with the kings of Persia.” – Daniel 10:12-13  CSB Prayer Topics for the church? God's instrument for His purpose here and now! Pray according to God's Kingdom / Jesus Movement Purpose. Pray for the lost. Praying for God's purpose > current events. This service has been helpful to me, in keeping up with the news. The free account has been better than several paid services I’ve used. For local news I use a digital subscription to The Baltimore Banner and for the USA, The Pour Over: https://www.web.thepourover.org/subscribe?ref=Kw6vI7VQq4 Corruption? “So don't judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God.” – 1 Corinthians 4:5 (CSB) Praying for the miraculous, according to God's value system & power, over famine/war What should we do?  Plan it. Pursue it. Weekly Prayer Calendar ideas Closing Prayer: “O God, we acknowledge that too often we have not had confidence in Thy power to bring light out of darkness, good out of evil; by faith we believe through Thy chosen one Jesus the Carpenter, People's Leader, Chosen One, Prisoner, Defendant, Condemned Man and Confident Man, that good will indeed overcome evil, love overcome hate, and life overcome death.” – M. Moran Weston 1972 Good Friday Declarations of Awareness “Loving Savior and Ever Present Friend, we thank you this morning for the opportunity to pray for ourselves and for others. We know that no prayer goes unanswered. We trust you Lord, and we love you. We know that you will be steadfast – Oh thank you Jesus.” – Nancy Lynne Westfield I Must Tell Jesus 

Matthew 6:9-13

1 John 5:14

Acts 1:14

Colossians 4:2 Romans 15:13

“But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had […]

“no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, of God's household,” – Ephesians 2:19

As ambassadors for Jesus, we invite people to receive and respond to this Good News covenant.

Philippians 3:20-21

Matthew 14:22-32

Hebrews 11:1 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. (NLT) Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (NIV) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (ESV) […]

Matthew 25:14-30

Perfect Love: How Imperfect People Can Love One Another With God's

Romans 14:17 - " For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit"

Matthew 13:47-50

Matthew 13:44-46

Matthew 13:18-23

Matthew 13:9-17

God desires us to earnestly ask Him for more workers for the harvest and to actively participate in that work by following the example of Jesus.

Wedding feast - a countrywide celebration of several days, coming to the feast represents entering His Kingdom

Mark 4:26-29

The Kingdom of heaven is the culmination of the good news of Jesus.

Key Verses: Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43

Mark 4:1-9, 4:13-20

Matthew 25:1-13

Revelation 5:5

The Parable of the Vineyard Worker

PREVIEWING our series on the KINGDOM of Heaven

Revelation 1:5-6

Ephesians 1:19-23

Hebrews 9:15

Amos 3:3

Romans 4:24-25

2 Corinthians 5:15

2 Corinthians 5:21

Romans 3:23-26

Matthew 5:1-16

– Matthew 5:13-16   Context: The teaching of Jesus, in Matthew 5:1-16, helps us learn more about who God is and invites us into a blessed interaction with God. Jesus teaching about those who have received salvation through faith in the grace given by God and are responding in wholehearted devotion. We read about the heart […]

The teaching of Jesus, in Matthew 5:1-10, helps us learn more about who God is and invites us into a blessed interaction with God.

Blessed  The teaching of Jesus, in Matthew 5:1-10, helps us learn more about who God is and invites us into a blessed interaction with God.   Jesus is teaching the Good News and inviting people into the Kingdom of God.   “This is how God showed his love to us: He sent his one and only Son into […]

The teaching of Jesus, in Matthew 5:1-10, helps us learn more about who God is and invites us into a blessed interaction with God.

The kingdom of God is the very essence of God and He wants us to interact with his Kingdom every day.

Hebrews 11:6

Jesus teaches that Father God is a Provider.