Where Love Abounds
*The Gospel empowers us to love and trust God, and love and treasure other people. This text takes us from the ruin and death of man . . to the Gospel of life. *Previous sermons: wise men (presented treasures); Mary (treasured these things); the Gospel is a treasure (2 Cor. 4:1-18) and leads us to not trample, trump, or merely tolerate others – but because it reveals the sanctity of life, we must treasure others as God treasures them and not lose heart in ministry. (Matthew 13:44-46; John 13:34) 1. Extreme Guilt: The mess of...
read moreThe gift of God’s Son, Jesus, is an indescribable gift. He is the perfect Gift from God to us. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” (2 Cor. 9:15) 1. The Gift is personal: something we really personally need, whether or not we realize it. - a Savior is born for you . . . and for all the people. (v.11) - In what way did Jesus fulfill the promise of Genesis 3:15? See Gal. 4:4 - “Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.” - He has made us for Himself, and our hearts are...
read moreMary visits Elizabeth as an act of faith and anticipation, and in this moment she expresses her worship to God in a song of joy. Joy is an essential element in the life of the faithful. (Phil. 4:4; John 16:20-22; Gal. 5:22; 1 Thess 5:16) “My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:46-47) - In what way would Mary also know sorrow and pain in this joy? “And a sword will pierce even your own soul- to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:35) *What...
read more*This week our children present “Angels Aware” as their worship to God this season for the loving gift of His Son. The message will challenge us to also become personally aware of the amazing grace of God toward us through the Incarnation. “See, how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are.” (1 John 3:1) Mary on the birth of Jesus: “My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior . . His mercy is upon generation after...
read moreAdvent confronts and diagnoses us with the themes of hope, peace, love, joy: are these yours and are they increasing? Why or why not? (Romans 15:13) “The unexamined life is not worth living” (Socrates) Peace dimensions: with God (Psalm 119:165; Isaiah 26:3); with self (Phil 4:6-7; Isaiah 66:12; col. 2:15) with others (Prov 16:7; Eph 6:23) Isaiah 9:6; Luke 1:79; John 14:27; 16:33 Peace in Knowing God: Who has believed our message? (Isaiah 32:15-18) The Prologue to John’s Gospel describes the character and work of...
read moreOne of Isaiah’s announcements before the Messiah arrives. Here is so much BEFORE Jesus arrives in Bethlehem: The Advent of Hope: See also Isaiah 9 and Isaiah 14 Hope dawns in the OT with the prophecies of Christ as the suffering servant- (Isaiah 53 has been called the Bible in miniature) Jesus is in a category beyond categories, all by Himself. Very God of very God. 1. In His humility (v.1-3)- tender, parched ground, nothing impressive . . . - He grew up before Him: - First Jesus came like a lamb – - He will come...
read moreThe Third annual Gristmill 5k run will take place on Saturday, January 7th. Registration will begin about 8:00 AM in front of the church. The run will begin at 9:00 AM. Cost per runner is $25.00, kids are $15.00 (16 and under). For more information, contact Jim Martin or Cassandra Davis. Download entry form here....
read more*Paul takes seriously all that has gone before: the context of love, fellowship and relationship is sacred. Notice: Boldness and Humility- from the Gospel. So in order to protect, He appeals for the following: 1. Discernment: (v.17) Urge you brothers: an appeal to vigilance, separation, discernment Watch out for: be on your guard against A. Divisions: some are inevitable; some are unbibilical. Matthew 10:34ff There was an assumed doctrinal and ethical norm. Philippians 1:15-17: some deviate and divide “They push a...
read more*Seeing and grasping spiritual value in Paul’s greeting section as he closes his letter to the Romans. *Greetings: love one another. Twenty Four names of people in Rome to whom Paul was writing. Nine names of people in Corinth with Paul who send greetings Emil Brunner: “This is one of the most instructive chapters of the NT because it encourages personal relationships of love in the church.” 1. Relationships matter- Paul is interested in individual people. Quality relationships: love god love people *what makes them...
read moreRomans 15:22-33 - Paul looks to the future and confides to the Romans his travel plans. He is about to sail from Corinth to Jerusalem. He plans to go from Jerusalem to Rome; From Rome he plans to go to Spain to continue his pioneering ministry. (3,000 miles by ship- more if by land) See a life wrapped around the Gospel, rather than the Gospel as an add-on. Notice the centrality it must have. v.23-24: Paul plans to visit Rome – need for a home support team. No more place for me: Why? Paul’s strategy: Pioneer church...
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