On this last Sunday, and last day, of 2017 we sought to look forward, and look up, to be sure we make God our priority in 2018.

Pastor Allan gave a two part message.

From Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 we saw the importance of remembering our Creator.

From Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 we saw the importance of keeping our vows.

Advent 2017 - Part 3 - Jesus is not what we expected - Isaiah by Allan Quak

Advent means “the arrival of a notable person”. The arrival of Jesus is proclaimed by Isaiah in a series of names - Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

These names cause us to stop and reflect on the significance of Jesus and His ministry in each of our own lives.

It is not in God’s character to crush, or exploit, or oppress, or malign, or break, or extinguish. Instead His character is to rebuild, and empower, and unburden, and restore, and repair, and fan into life.

A bruised reed He will not break, and a smouldering wick He will not snuff out.

Paul has spent the last five verses encouraging his readers in the knowledge that, in Christ, they can be joyful, gentle, at peace and perceptive. These life changes will not happen unless there is also a willingness to be teachable. In Philippians 4:9 Paul equips us with the ability learn, receive, hear and see as we walk with the God of peace.

You can read the written sermon here:

https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/5-in-christ-you-can-be-teachable-allan-quak-sermon-on-teachable-228912?ref=SermonSeriesDetails

The world we live in is full of distractions, mistruths and deception – sometimes it is hard to perceive all that is going on.

Through Philippians 4:8 Paul equips us with the ability to be perceptive as we walk the journey with Christ together.

You can read the written sermon here:

https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/4-in-christ-you-can-be-perceptive-allan-quak-sermon-on-truth-228911?ref=SermonSeriesDetails

Our world is a place which causes much anxiety. To enable us to face these anxieties Paul equips us with a response – it is a call for us to learn to pray properly.

As we pray in this way we will know a peace which is superior to anxiety and our hearts will be guarded and prepared.

You can read the written sermon here:

https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/3-in-christ-you-can-be-calm-allan-quak-sermon-on-peace-228910?ref=SermonSeriesDetails

We live in a world where there are many situations and events which irritate us. In response to these irritations Paul calls us to a response of gentleness.

This gentleness comes because “The Lord is Near” – he has the future sorted and He walks with us moment by moment to that future.

You can read the written sermon here:

https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/2-in-christ-you-can-be-gentle-allan-quak-sermon-on-eternity-228909?ref=SermonSeriesDetails

There are a huge variety of circumstances which we face in life. By directing our attention to having an attitude of joy Paul equips us with a strategy to face the difficult circumstances in life.

We cannot do this in our own strength, or by pretending, but only by having a deep seated trust in the Lord and His work in our lives.

You can read the written sermon here:

https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/1-in-christ-you-can-be-joyful-allan-quak-sermon-on-rejoice-always-228908?ref=SermonSeriesDetails

This is the last sermon in our six part series ... verses 8:5-14 were the focus. Through the sermon we considered:-

What it means to have a sealed relationship.

The ways to keep the fire in the relationship going.

The challenges which are placed on a relationship.

The fact that the song doesn't actually end.

Through the message we also saw that the Lord has sealed His relationship with Himself