In this message on the third Sunday of Advent, Pastor Carl explores the biblical foundation of true joy, emphasizing that it is not found in fleeting experiences but received through a life transformed by God’s presence. Referencing Luke 3, he highlights John the Baptist’s call for repentance: “Produce fruits that are consistent with repentance” (Luke 3:8). True joy, Pastor Carl explains, comes from spiritual renewal rather than material success or social approval.

Drawing from Zephaniah 3, he reminds the congregation that God’s presence offers hope even amid life’s hardships. Despite Judah’s impending judgment, the prophet declares: “The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will rejoice over you with joy” (Zephaniah 3:17). This joy transcends circumstances, rooted in God’s unwavering love and faithfulness.

Pastor Carl challenges listeners to engage in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, worship, and surrender to the Holy Spirit. He asserts, “You can’t produce joy on your own,” urging the church to seek a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit for peace that guards hearts (Philippians 4:7).

The message concludes with a call to action: share God’s joy with others during the Advent season. Joy isn’t limited to personal experience but becomes a mission—spreading hope, peace, and love through Christ.

As you reflect on this message this week, consider the following:

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In this message, Pastor Carl explored how believers can experience the peace promised by God through Jesus Christ. Acknowledging the struggles caused by fear, anger, and shame, he affirmed that peace is not an unreachable ideal but a divine guarantee. “Peace is not just possible—it’s promised. And He is coming,” Pastor Carl declared, emphasizing that peace is rooted in God’s faithfulness.

Drawing from Malachi 3:1-2, he explained that God’s refining work purifies His people like a refiner’s fire and a launderer’s soap, preparing them for His presence. This transformation is essential for experiencing lasting peace. Pastor Carl reminded the congregation that true peace comes not from perfect circumstances but through God’s transformative power. “Jesus can straighten the crooked paths in our lives, tear down the mountains of obstacles, and fill the valleys of despair,” he proclaimed.

He also highlighted John the Baptist’s message from Luke 3:4-6, calling believers to “Prepare the way for the Lord.” Pastor Carl urged listeners to surrender areas of life affected by fear, anger, and shame, allowing God to bring restoration and peace.

The message concluded with a challenge to trust God’s promises, pursue peace in relationships, and build a community of love and reconciliation. “Where Jesus is in charge, there is peace,” Pastor Carl assured, encouraging believers to live in the peace they were created for through Jesus Christ.

As you reflect on this message this week, consider the following:

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Advent calls us to pause and reflect, not only on Jesus’ birth but also on His promised return. This season is about expecting the Holy Spirit to stir hope in our hearts, even in times of confusion and doubt. Pastor Carl reminded us that we live in a world desperate for hope, and as believers, we are uniquely positioned to carry it. “You were made for hope,” he proclaimed, urging us to expect the Holy Spirit to work powerfully in our lives during this season.

Jeremiah 33:14-15 reveals God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Even when the people of Judah faced devastation, Jeremiah spoke of a future where the “Branch of David” would bring justice and righteousness. That promise came to life in Jesus Christ, showing us that God’s word can be trusted no matter the circumstances. “Our hope isn’t dependent on anything we do; it is firmly anchored in the unchanging promises of God,” Pastor Carl encouraged.

Through the Holy Spirit, this hope becomes more than wishful thinking; it is a living, transformative force. Pastor Carl challenged us to align our hearts with God’s promises, to let the Spirit guide us through waiting seasons, and to be prepared for Christ’s return. “The Holy Spirit sustains hope by anchoring us in God’s promises,” he said.

As we journey through Advent, let us embrace the life we were made for: one filled with Holy Spirit-fueled hope, shaping us into agents of peace, joy, and love for a world in desperate need.

As you reflect on this message this week, consider the following:

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Pastor Carl challenged the congregation to love as God loves, emphasizing that supernatural love is only possible through the Holy Spirit. He outlined that without the Spirit’s anointing and proper oversight, Christians may either become rigidly religious or veer into unhealthy extremes. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 12, he highlighted the diversity and unity of spiritual gifts, which are given by God for the common good and to glorify Him.

The misuse of spiritual gifts in Corinth, particularly tongues, revealed the need for correction. Pastor Carl noted, “The gifts of the Spirit are meant to make people love Jesus, not make us look weird,” stressing that their purpose is edification, not self-exaltation. He underscored the importance of growing in one’s gifts through intimacy with God and community engagement: “You can’t just go to church once a week and expect to hear God in the grocery store.”

Illustrating the transformative power of the Spirit, Pastor Carl shared testimonies of healing and prophetic encouragement within the church. He encouraged believers to identify and develop their unique spiritual gifts, not seeking glory for themselves but building the body of Christ. He concluded by urging the congregation to commit their gifts to love and serve others, declaring, “The gifts of the Spirit empower us to be like Jesus to a world that needs to be loved by God.

As you reflect on this message this week, consider the following:

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Pastor Carl explored the transformative journey of faith through three progressive stages: Christ in Me, Christ for Them, and Christ Among Us. He emphasized that faith begins with a personal relationship with Jesus, grounded in His love and sacrifice. This foundation brings peace, joy, and assurance of salvation, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9 and Romans 8:38-39.

However, faith matures as we share Christ’s love with others. Citing Acts 1:8, Pastor Carl challenged listeners to become witnesses, filled with the Holy Spirit, and to embrace opportunities to supernaturally reach the world. This stage deepens love for people and shifts focus outward.

Finally, maturity culminates in commitment to the church as Christ’s body. Highlighting John 13:34-35, Pastor Carl called believers to love one another, demonstrating unity and service within the church. Spiritual gifts, such as prophecy and healing (1 Corinthians 12:4-7), are activated when believers prioritize the church’s mission. This love fosters growth, community, and a platform for God’s grace to work.

Pastor Carl challenged the congregation to evaluate their spiritual journey: Are they nurturing their personal faith, reaching others, or investing in the church? He concluded with a call to action—prayer, commitment, and taking tangible steps to mature in faith and love.

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In this sermon, Pastor Carl explores the Christian call to embody “agape” love—a divine, unconditional love that goes beyond personal preferences and societal divisions. Drawing from Exodus 15:22–26, he recounts the Israelites’ journey from miraculous liberation to their challenging encounter at Marah, where they faced bitter waters. This situation, Pastor Carl explains, represents the struggles we encounter after spiritual victories. “God’s love causes us to trust even when the journey feels dry and bitter,” he emphasizes, encouraging a faith that endures beyond initial enthusiasm​.

Pastor Carl connects this with the idea of transformation through Christ’s cross, which, like the tree Moses used to turn Marah’s bitter waters sweet, can turn our personal bitterness into life-giving sweetness. “When we bring our hurts to Jesus, He heals and renews us, making us vessels of His grace,” he says, challenging listeners to bring their disappointments to Christ for transformation​.

Reflecting on political and social divides, he calls the congregation to embody love that transcends ideological differences. He reminds them of Jesus’ words in John 7:38, “The one who believes in Me… from his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.” This love, he insists, enables believers to show grace even to those they disagree with, fostering a witness that speaks of God’s transformative power in a fractured world.

As you reflect on this message this week, consider the following:

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In this message, Pastor Carl explores the transformative nature of God’s agape love as commanded in John 13:34-35: “love one another, just as I have loved you.” He contrasts this divine love with other forms of love in Scripture—storge (familial love), eros (romantic love), and philia (brotherly love)—emphasizing that agape is God’s selfless, unconditional love, distinct from these human forms of affection.

Pastor Carl underscores the power of sharing faith, explaining that “when you share your faith, you participate in God’s mission, inviting others into His story of redemption.” Sharing faith is an act of love that plants seeds of eternal significance, and, as he notes, “when you share your faith, you offer others the light that leads them out of darkness.” He reminds the congregation that the Holy Spirit empowers believers, saying, “when you share your faith, Holy Spirit speaks through you,” and each testimony not only impacts others but keeps the truth of God’s work alive in the believer’s own heart.

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In this sermon, Pastor Carl delves into the transformative power of love and serving within the church, emphasizing that true growth in Christ is realized through humility and action. By discussing themes of authentic discipleship and servant leadership, he illustrates that “the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant” (Luke 22:26). This approach, Pastor Carl explains, counters the pride that often surfaces when believers seek a deeper relationship with God purely for personal gain. He challenges the congregation to adopt the mindset of Jesus, who, despite his position, “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).

Pastor Carl emphasizes that serving in church is not just about filling a position but about “fueling a mission,” positioning oneself as an instrument for God’s purposes. Through acts of service, believers reflect Christ’s love, impacting others within and outside the church. He also calls out the “upside-down kingdom” of Jesus, contrasting it with the world’s power-driven mindset and encouraging the congregation to be vessels of love. Ultimately, this message underscores that serving others is fundamental to spiritual maturity, keeping one’s relationship with God “fresh in our hearts.”

As you reflect on this message this week, consider the following:

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In the message, Mike Rentler discusses the theme “Love Rules,” focusing on how God’s love is central to Christian service. He shares stories from the “Go Team” ministry, where food and prayer are used to reach people in need. Rentler emphasizes that love motivates believers to take action, saying, “Your love rules. But we had to step out and love them; we had to do our part.”

He draws a parallel between these acts of service and the story of Abraham buying back his well after it was seized (Genesis 21). Rentler explains that just as Abraham redeemed the well, God sent Jesus to “buy back humanity from the enemy”—a powerful reflection of God’s willingness to reclaim what already belongs to Him.

The message also challenges listeners to love their enemies, referencing Jesus’ command in Luke 6:35: “Love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return.” Elder Mike Rentler stresses the importance of mercy, highlighting that “mercy triumphs over judgment,” and encourages the congregation to extend kindness even to those who may not deserve it.

As you reflect on this message this week, consider the following:

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Pastor Carl’s message focused on the theme of love and judgment, drawing from Matthew 7:1–5. He explained how Jesus’ command, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged” (Matt 7:1), is often misused to silence necessary biblical discernment. Instead, Jesus warns against a hypocritical and harsh attitude that condemns others while ignoring personal failings. This unrighteous judgment harms both individuals and the church by distorting relationships and weakening church discipline.

Pastor Carl highlighted that God’s love is unconditional and reaches us in our brokenness: “If we are going to love the people at our job, neighborhood, and family, we have to see the world through the eyes of love.” He reminded the congregation that many misunderstand God’s love and thus struggle to love others well. God’s love, he emphasized, is sacrificial, patient, and enduring. Quoting 1 John 3:1, he affirmed, “See how great a love the Father has given us, that we would be called children of God; and in fact, we are!”

The sermon closed with a challenge to examine how we view ourselves: “If we are going to carry the message that God loves the world, you gotta get it in you that God loves you.” True transformation begins with accepting God’s love personally.

As you reflect on this message this week, consider the following:

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