Advent 2017 God s Gift of Pastor Dan Hiatt 12/17/17
Everyone Needs God s Gift of Hope: Victory over Satan and sin! Hope: Immanuel God with us! Hope: A Royal Son is Given! Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Hope: A Specific People, Place, and Time! May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Experiencing God s Gift of 1. Cultivate an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ 2. Hear from God 3. Obey God No God No Peace Know God Know Peace Jesus said: 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
What Brings You Christmas???
Elizabeth s Joy (Luke 1:39-45) 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her! Joy in the Presence of Jesus
Mary s Joy (Luke 1:46-49) 46 And Mary said: My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me holy is his name. Joy in the Presence of Jesus
The Angels and Shepherds Joy (Luke 2:8-20) An angel announces the birth of the Messiah with joy! 10 I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. The angel host praise and rejoice in the Messiah s birth! 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. The shepherds go see Jesus and are filled with joy! 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Joy in the Presence of Jesus
Simeon s and Anna s Joy (Luke 2:25-40) God s promise for Simeon to see the Messiah is fulfilled. 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel. The prophet Anna experiences joy of the Messiah. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Joy in the Presence of Jesus
Christian Joy is a result of the indwelling Holy Spirit the presence of Jesus a deep seated lasting happiness independent of circumstances the process of seeing the world through God s eyes and walking in obedience The present of Jesus presence includes JOY!
Christian Joy is a Fruit of the Spirit Gal 5:22-25 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and selfcontrol. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Abiding In Jesus Cultivates His Joy 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:9-11 Since abiding joy is found by abiding in the presence of Jesus what does it say when we do not have joy?
Receiving God s gift of abiding is dependent on me cultivating an abiding daily presence with Jesus. Joy in the presence of Jesus! How well is this working for me? 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 6:16-18
I've got peace like a river, I've got peace like a river, I've got peace like a river in my soul. I've got peace like a river, I've got peace like a river, I've got peace like a river in my soul.
I've got joy like a fountain, I've got joy like a fountain, I've got joy like a fountain in my soul. I've got joy like a fountain, I've got joy like a fountain, I've got joy like a fountain in my soul.