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?

SERMON NOTES

Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. 1 John 2:6

Whoever claims to remain in Jesus must live as Jesus would, if he were me.

WHO? To whom does this apply?

WHY? Why should I do this?

WHAT? What must I do?

What Jesus actually did:

Jesus lived _____________________

Jesus lived______________________

Jesus lived______________________

OBJECTIONS:

#1

#2

#3

What is the Holy Spirit prompting you to do about doing as Jesus did?

SERMON NOTES

We Become Like Jesus to Love Like Jesus

1. Invitation (Lk. 6:39-40)

2. Formation

3. Transformation (Rom. 12:2)

4. Mission

For Further Reflection: Are you being intentional about who you are becoming? What practical next step can you take to shape your heart toward the things that matter to Jesus?

SERMON NOTES

God with us

Be with Jesus

Obstacles to overcome

Practical first step

Questions to ponder:

What are you abiding in (making your emotional home in)?

What are some tasks that you do where you could focus on Gods love at the same time (practice the Presence of God)?

What obstacles do you need to overcome in order to be with Jesus?

What steps could you take to develop a daily prayer rhythm?