ARCC Sermons

As we continue into the season of Advent, let us be reminded that it is only the Consolation of Israel-Jesus, that can bear the weight of our Ultimate expectations. When our lesser expectations are framed around the person and work of Jesus, we can then, begin to truly enjoy this season for what it was meant to be.

The prophets weren't asking whether or not God would fulfill His promises. They were searching and inquiring to know when they would come to pass. And in God's promise of Advent, that the Messiah would come, His faithfulness was proven to us in the greatest way of all.

The Spirit of God is our teacher. One of the marks of the Spirit is that we are driven to one another which is arguably the Spirit’s primary classroom for our sanctification and formation as the sons and daughters of God. It could be said that the work of the Holy Spirit will lead us to a quiet life rather than an extraordinary one.

Essentially we are closing out a segment of interactions with Jesus where He brings to light the true realities of the Kingdom of God.

The questions we ask don’t mean much without a pure hearted curiosity to go along with it. Jesus isn’t fooled or drawn in by our weaponized flattery and loaded questions. In the end we are left with faulty discipleship resulting in liars and pretenders.

Life and life to the full is found in the reminder that we are but tenants and not owners. Will we have eyes to see this and will it be good news to our souls?

We only begin to see the true substance of the Kingdom of God, when we find our ultimate delight in King Jesus and His ways. We cannot give our primary affection and attention to building our own kingdom and the Kingdom of God at the same time. Jesus though, graciously offers us a place at His table in a far superior Kingdom, where He reigns supreme, for His own glory and our joy.

This life matters. What we do now and how we finish by the grace of God is of eternal significance.

The Kingdom, eternal life, heaven, salvation are all terms that allude to the same reality. And yet, each one uniquely helps us understand that we are being brought out of something and transferred to something else entirely. Jesus helps us to see what it means to receive the Kingdom like a child.

Jesus gives us a vision for the kind of work that God is doing in order to make ready a people for His Kingdom.