December 15, 2024 Elwyn Johnston

Verse of the Week: “You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth” Luke 1:14

“when Elizabeth’s neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very kind to her, they shared her joy.” Luke 1:58

“‘Father, glorify Your name.’ Then a voice came out of heaven: ‘I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.’” John 1:28

“when Zacharias came out, he was unable to speak to them; and the people realized that he had seen a vision in the temple” Luke 1:22

“at once Zacharias’ mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God.” Luke 1:64

December 8, 2024 ReGina Johnston

Simeon’s Hope

December 1, 2024 Elwyn Johnston

Luke 2:25 – 35

Verse of the Week: “The people who walk in darkness will see a

great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.”

Isaiah 9:2

1. Hope is living today in light of future promises.

“it had been revealed to Simeon by the Holy Spirit that he would not

see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” Luke 2:26

Hope is more than optimism.

Hope is based on the character of God

“Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become

disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the

help of His presence.” Psalm 42:5

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who

live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.” Isaiah 9:2

“I am the Light of the world” John 8:12

2. We must actively wait

“waiting for the consolation of Israel” Luke 2:25

3. Welcome Jesus this Christmas

“Simeon took Jesus into his arms” Luke 2:28

4. Let God birth hope in you

“my eyes have seen Your salvation which you have prepared”

Luke 2:30 & 31

“a light of revelation to the Gentiles” Luke 2:32

November 24, 2024, Elwyn Johnston

Verse of the Week: “we are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works” Ephesians 2:10

1. God has hand-picked you

“It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.” 2 Corinthians 3:5

“I have loved you, even as the Father has loved Me.” John 15:9

“We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us.” 1 John 4:16

“A spiritual gift is given to each believer so we can help each other.” 1 Corinthians 12:7

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church” Romans 16:1

“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

2. Make serving a priority

“She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor.” Acts 9:36

“she has been a helper of many, and of myself as well.” Romans 16:2

“come and stay at my home.” Acts 16:15

3. Live so your works outlive you.

“She and her household were baptized” Acts 16:15

“The news of Dorcas spread through the whole town of Joppa and many believed in the Lord.” Acts 9:42

November 10, 2024 Elwyn Johnston

Verse of the Week: “I prayed for this boy, and the Lord has given me the request that I asked of Him.” ‭‭ 1 Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬

“It happened year after year” 1 Samuel 1:7

“I have poured out my soul to the Lord.” 1 Samuel 1:15   

“greatly distressed, prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. She made a vow and said, ‘O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and a razor shall never come on his head.”’ 1 Samuel 1:10 & 11

“and the Lord remembered Hannah.” 1 Samuel 1:19

“for the Lord had not enabled her to have children.” ‭‭ 1 Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭

November 3, 2024 Elwyn Johnston

Verse of the Week: “A son has been born to Naomi!” Ruth 4:7

1. Be a person who hears the voice of God

2. You were not designed to walk alone.

3. Keep your attitude in check

“I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty.” Ruth 1:22

4. God desires to bless you.

“A son has been born to Naomi!” Ruth 4:7

October 27, 2024    Mason Worthy

Verse of the week: “And Deborah said to Barak, ‘Up! For this is the day in which the Lord has given Sisera into your hand. Does not the Lord go out before you?’” Judges 4:14

                

1.  Deborah was listening for the Lord.

2.  She took the lead.

3.  She empowered Barak to lead.

4.  Deborah’s obedience led to victory for Israel.

October 20, 2024 Elwyn Johnston

Verse of the Week: “The Lord kept His word and did for Sarah exactly what He had promised.” Genesis 21:1

1. Embrace the season you are in.

2. Waiting patiently is an act of faith.

“the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Please go in to my maid; perhaps I will obtain children through her.” Genesis 16:2

3. God’s plan is greater than your ability.

‘“Can an old woman like me have a baby?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Genesis 18:14

“God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we are able to ask or think” Ephesians 3:20

“I will bless Sarah, and indeed I will give you a son by her. Then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples will

come from her.” Genesis 17:16

4. God’s timing is often different than ours

“Sarah laughed within herself” Genesis 18:12

5. God desires to give you a fresh start.