SERMON NOTES

With Jesus birth, the angels announce the good news that Gods kingdom is no longer a distant promise but a tangible reality.

Gods Kingdom has a People and a Place

Gods Kingdom has a Culture or Way of Life

Gods Kingdom has a King

Question to consider: How does the angels announcement of good news of great joy challenge the way I respond to fear, struggles, or uncertainty in my life?In what ways do I experience Gods peace in the midst of the chaos and brokenness of the world?

SERMON NOTES

The Good Shepherd arrived to lay down His life for the sheep.

Question to consider: What does the inclusion of shepherds in the Nativity story tell us about Jesus and His mission? How can you respond to the Good Shepherd this Advent?

SERMON NOTES

Jesus shows up in unlikely places so we will know He is all we need

Micah 5:1-6

Jesus shows up in unlikely places...

.so we will know He is all we need

Questions for reflection: This advent season, how can I be on the lookout for God in unlikely places? How can I feed on the Bread of Life instead of relying on other things to fill me?

SERMON NOTES

Advent invites us to place our hope in God

Questions to reflect on: In what areas of your life are you like King Ahaz and in what areas are you trusting in God? What are some ways you can incorporate focus on Christ this Advent season?

SERMON NOTES

I can forgive myself because Jesus has forgiven me.

Matthew 18:21-35

The Challenges of forgiveness

Psalm 130

Reflect: Do guilt and shame play a role in your life? How? What might it look like for you to believe Gods forgiveness for you? Is there anyone you need to forgive?

SERMON NOTES

Solitude connects our souls to God.

The blessings of solitude:

How to practice solitude:

Consider: How might the experience of solitude bring benefit to your life? What obstacles do you need to overcome in order to practice this more regularly?

SERMON NOTES

Solitude forces me to confront my false selfwith Gods help.

The challenges of solitude:

Jesus example:

Put it into practice: If you dont have an already established practice of solitude, take 5 minutes twice this week to be alone without distraction. Feel no pressure to experience anything in particular. Pay attention to where your mind goes and bring those thoughts to God. Journal about the experience when youre done.

SERMON NOTES

The disciples were in the __________ of the boat, in the __________ of the lake, in the __________ of the night, when they got caught in the __________ of a storm while being in the __________ of the Lords will.

PRIORIITY #1: Storms are used by the Lord to D__________ G__________ in us.

PRIORITY #2: Storms are used by the Lord because He wants to D__________ G__________ to us.

PRIORITY #3: Storms are used by the Lord because He D__________ G__________ from us.

SERMON NOTES

Community is foundational to a faith in Jesus

Community Strengthens Us

Community Shapes Us

Community Mirrors God

Question to ponder: How does my community reflect my faith in Jesus?

SERMON NOTES

The rule of life is a schedule and set of practices and relational rhythms that create space for us to be with Jesus, become like him, and do as he did, as we live in alignment with our deepest desires. (John Mark Comer)

Big idea - when God brings revival, He begins by preparing those disciples who are faithful to Him.

Historical Examples

Josiah

Nehemiah

What the practices are not

A barometer of spiritual maturity

A gloomy bore

A form of merit

A Christian version of virtue signaling

A means of control

9 core practices

Sabbath

Solitude

Prayer

Fasting

Scripture

Community

Generosity

Service

Witness

Where do you start?