The Hallows Church

We live in a world where people desire truth but often only want it on their own terms. In this passage we see Jesus confronting this attitude. The people were wanting a sign to prove who Jesus really was but the truth is, there is no greater sign than Jesus Himself! We are to trust Jesus simply for who He is and not just for what He does. Our response to that truth is to reflect the glorious Light of Christ to a darkened world.

The religious leaders in Jesus’ day thought they were good with God, right with God and would be blessed by God based on what they did for God. In today’s passage, Jesus warns us in a sobering way about approaching God with any sense of entitlement or expectation. He reminds us how dangerous, deceptive and demonic a works-based approach to God can be, and how fortunate we are that He came for relationship not just empty religion.

The season of advent is a season we look back in awe as we move forward in anticipation. Revelation 22 displays this example as Jesus’ words share the awe of his first advent and anticipate His second advent. In Revelation 22:16-17 we are invited to hear the announcement of advent, accept the invitation of advent, and celebrate the Savior of advent.

-The Announcement of Advent

-The Invitation of Advent

-The Celebration of Advent

Christian joy is not tethered to circumstances or feelings but to the plans, purposes and promises of God. As such, it is not circumstantial. Rather, Christian joy is a settled state of contentment, confidence and hope that can only be found in Jesus. In this message, we explore some of the reasons we have joy as Christians in the Christmas narrative of Luke 2:1-11.

We follow how Luke adapts the themes of 1 Samuel as he announces the arrival of Jesus the King. We see how the Old Testament describes the role of the Queen Mother, and how lowly Mary is lifted into it. In all eras, God lifts up the lowly who are faithful to him, and so we are encouraged to hear and do God’s word to enter into the joy of his kingdom.

God sent his one and only son into the world to demonstrate his love for us. We can know God through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. Knowing God without exception results in us loving people and we are commanded to love one another.

Through Jesus’ death and resurrection has provided us a way to to have fellowship with Him and each other. The Communion Table gives us an opportunity to love God and others.

Peace is an advent theme we celebrate each year. The theme of peace is a reminder to us that in Jesus, God declares peace, restores us in peace, and satisfies our waiting. Jesus is our peace and

righteousness, so we can walk in God’s purposes, keep our eyes on Jesus and endure.

God’s Declaration of Peace

-Jesus Grants us Peace in our Distress

God’s Restoration for Peace

-Jesus Secures our Peace in Salvation

God’s Purpose of Peace

-Jesus Satisfies Peace in our Anticipation

In Jeremiah 23, God shares hope with the people of Israel in a time of darkness and disaster. As we reflect on God's word of hope, we see how Jesus will turn our seasons of hopelessness and uncertainty into hopeful anticipation and expectation.

Let’s Learn about the Hope we have in Jesus through His life, death and resurrection!