Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy & Love
Advent is a season of reflection, preparation, and celebration of Christ’s arrival. Explore how the four themes of Advent—Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love—can transform your heart and mind this Christmas season.
Pastor John’s sermon slides:
Pastor John’s sermon notes:
Advent – Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love
Advent is a season of expectation, preparation, and celebration. It’s a time for Christians to pause and reflect on the arrival of Jesus Christ and what His birth means for us. The four themes of Advent—Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love—offer us powerful reminders of God’s promises, presence, and purpose in our lives.
Hope: The Fulfilled Promise of the Savior
For centuries, humanity waited for the fulfillment of God’s promise, stretching all the way back to the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3:15. The birth of Jesus brought hope to a weary world:
“For to us a child is born…” (Isaiah 9:6)
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son…” (Isaiah 7:14)
In the midst of our struggles, it’s easy to lose hope. We wonder if God hears our prayers or sees our pain. But the message of Christmas reminds us that Jesus came to bring light to the darkness and hope to the hopeless. “He has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
Peace: Jesus in the Midst of the Storm
True peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of Jesus. While the world promises peace through wealth, success, or comfort, these are fleeting. The peace Jesus offers is supernatural and unwavering, even in the face of trials:
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27).
This peace is demonstrated in stories like Daniel in the lion’s den and Jesus’ prayer on the cross. Even in life’s most challenging moments, Jesus is our anchor.
Joy: Found in the Presence of Jesus
Joy is not circumstantial but rooted in the presence of Jesus. The shepherds and wise men overcame fear and rejoiced in the good news of the Savior’s birth:
“I bring you good news of great joy…” (Luke 2:10).
“In your presence there is fullness of joy…” (Psalm 16:11).
Fear can rob us of joy, but when we trust God’s promises and take action in faith, joy is restored. This Advent season, seek His presence daily to rediscover the joy that only He can provide.
Love: The Ultimate Gift of God
“For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16). The birth of Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s love for humanity. Advent calls us to reflect on this love and extend it to others. Through reading Scripture, prayer, worship, and daily acts of kindness, we can live out the love of Jesus in a world that desperately needs it.
As we journey through this Advent season, let us remember the significance of Christ’s arrival. Hope, peace, joy, and love are not just themes to study but truths to embrace and share. May we celebrate His presence in our lives and invite others to experience the gift of Jesus.
Being Thankful
Introduction
Thankfulness and worship go hand in hand, transforming our hearts and lives when we pause to reflect on God’s goodness. This message explores how gratitude flows naturally from understanding who we are apart from Jesus and the abundant life He offers.
Key Points:
Gratitude Begins with Awareness:
Recognize your state apart from Jesus—spiritual death, separation from God, and enslavement to sin.
Understand the abundant life Jesus brings: freedom from guilt, purpose, and a relationship with God.
The Story of the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19):
Ten men with leprosy called out to Jesus for healing, and He restored them physically and socially.
Only one returned to thank Jesus, showing that true gratitude stems from a heart posture of humility and worship.
Why Thankfulness Matters:
Thankfulness transforms grumpiness into joy and allows others to experience Jesus through us.
Pausing to reflect on what Jesus has done ignites worship and deepens our relationship with Him.
Practical Steps to Cultivate Thankfulness:
Pause daily to reflect on God’s work in your life.
Worship regularly—through music, prayer, or scripture.
Express gratitude tangibly by writing thank-you notes to others as an act of love and reflection.
Reflection Questions:
Am I acting like the one leper who returned to thank Jesus, or the nine who did not?
How can I integrate thankfulness into my daily life beyond the Thanksgiving season?
Call to Action:
This week, take time to pause, reflect, and write a thank-you note to someone who has impacted your life. Let your gratitude inspire action and worship as you walk in thankfulness every day.
Conclusion:
True thankfulness is more than words; it’s an attitude of the heart awakened by recognizing what Jesus has done. Let this season be a reminder to live a life of worship and gratitude.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Pacific Point Church!
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Pastor John’s sermon slides:
Forgiving Others
Sermon Notes
Entering the Story: The Lord's Prayer and the Power of Forgiveness
The Lord’s Prayer, as taught by Jesus in Matthew 6:9-13, is a model for how Christians should approach prayer and their relationship with God and others. This week, we dive into the powerful phrase: “as we also have forgiven our debtors,” exploring its significance and practical application in our lives.
The Core of Forgiveness in the Lord’s Prayer
Last Week: “Forgive us our debts”
Salvation:
Acknowledges our sins and the need for God’s grace.
Marks the beginning of our relationship with God.
Right Relationship with the Father:
Goes beyond initial salvation.
Calls for an ongoing, harmonious connection with God.
This Week: “As we also have forgiven our debtors”
Forgiveness is not just a command but a reflection of God’s grace in our lives.
Resentment and unforgiveness imprison us spiritually and emotionally, as highlighted by Nelson Mandela and Robin Sharma.
How This Prayer Shapes Us as Christians
1. A Relationship with God
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35):
A servant forgiven an enormous debt refuses to forgive a small debt owed to him.
The parable highlights the importance of mirroring God’s mercy toward us in our relationships with others.
Key Takeaway:
Forgiveness is central to our relationship with God, as refusing to forgive breaks this bond (Isaiah 59:2).
2. Stunted Spiritual Growth
Unforgiveness hinders prayer and spiritual maturity (Mark 11:25).
It opens the door to bitterness, anger, and sin (Ephesians 4:26-27).
3. Eternal Consequences
Jesus warns of God’s judgment for those who fail to forgive others (Matthew 18:35).
4. Internal Turmoil
Unforgiveness causes inner anguish, robbing us of peace (Hebrews 12:15).
Forgiveness Is Not Optional
Jesus’ Teachings on Forgiveness
Forgiveness Is a Process:
Not a one-time event but a continual attitude (Matthew 18:21-22).
Requires humility, grace, and perseverance (Mark 11:25).
Forgiveness Is Not Tolerance of Abuse:
Does not mean accepting ongoing mistreatment (Proverbs 4:23).
Accountability and justice remain vital (Psalm 9:7-8).
Forgiveness Does Not Erase Pain:
Emotional healing takes time and God’s help (Matthew 11:28-29).
The Consequences of Unforgiveness
Self-Preservation Through Anger:
Leads to bitterness and blocks spiritual growth (Matthew 16:25).
Desire for Retribution:
Entrust justice to God, who judges righteously (Romans 12:19).
Fear of Losing Control:
Resentment can create an illusion of power. True peace comes through trust in God (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Living in Forgiveness
Bringing It to the Cross Daily
The Cross Reminds Us of God’s Forgiveness:
Reflect on His mercy to soften our hearts (Ephesians 4:32).
The Cross Breaks the Power of Sin:
Christ carried our burdens, freeing us from bitterness (Colossians 2:14-15).
The Cross Offers Healing:
Surrendering pain to Jesus brings renewal (Isaiah 53:4-5).
The Cross Changes Our Perspective:
Helps us see others through God’s grace (Hebrews 12:2).
Why Forgive?
Forgiveness is not about letting others off the hook but freeing ourselves to live fully in God’s peace.
Conclusion: A Posture of the Heart
Forgiveness reflects the character of Jesus. It requires grace, mercy, and humility but ultimately frees us to experience peace and spiritual growth. By living at the cross, we allow God to transform our hearts, replacing resentment with love and joy.
Forgiveness is not optional—it’s freedom.
Forgive Us Our Debts
Sermon Notes
Enter The Story - The Lord’s Prayer
1. Introduction: The Power of the Lord’s Prayer
Reference: Matthew 6:9-13
Key focus: The phrase “forgive us our debts” and its significance.
2. Defining Key Terms
Debts (Trespasses): Our moral and spiritual obligation owed to God due to sin, leading to separation from His holiness.
Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Grace: The unearned, undeserved favor of God offering forgiveness and a restored relationship through Jesus.
Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…”
Justice: The fair and righteous application of God’s law, ensuring sin receives its due consequence.
Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”
Mercy: Compassionate forgiveness where God withholds deserved punishment.
Titus 3:5: “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.”
3. Understanding Grace and Mercy
Grace Defined: Receiving forgiveness and salvation we do not deserve.
Illustration: “Hell’s Best Kept Secret” by Ray Comfort.
Mercy Defined: Not receiving the punishment we do deserve.
4. The Role of Justice in God’s Plan
God’s Justice: Ensures truth and fairness, holding all actions accountable.
Romans 2:1-2: The caution of judgment and hypocrisy.
If God is just, how does He grant grace without compromising justice?
5. The Gospel: The Good News
John 3:16: “For God so loved the world…”
The Gospel is central because it highlights our need for a savior.
6. The Transformative Power of “Forgive Us Our Debts”
Hope and Renewal:
1 John 1:9: God’s faithfulness in forgiving and cleansing us.
Restored Relationship with God:
Romans 5:1: Justification through faith brings peace.
Freedom from Guilt and Shame:
Psalm 103:12: Removal of our transgressions.
A New Purpose:
2 Corinthians 5:17: Becoming a new creation in Christ.
Eternal Life:
Titus 3:7: The hope of eternal life through grace.
7. Conclusion: The Hope in “Forgive Us Our Debts”
Emphasis on God’s grace and mercy bringing hope and renewal.
Psalm 103:12: A reminder of God’s profound removal of sin.
Encouragement: If you have lost hope, pray as Jesus taught: “Forgive me my debt.”
8. Practical Application Points
Daily Prayer Practice: Integrate the Lord’s Prayer into your daily routine, focusing on the phrase “forgive us our debts” to seek God’s forgiveness and extend forgiveness to others.
Reflect on Grace and Mercy: Take moments throughout the day to acknowledge where you’ve experienced God’s grace and mercy, fostering a heart of gratitude.
Forgive Others: Actively work on forgiving those who have wronged you, mirroring God’s forgiveness toward us.
Live Justly and Humbly: Strive to uphold justice in your actions, understanding that God’s justice is perfect.
Share the Gospel: Use opportunities to share the message of grace, mercy, and hope with others, emphasizing the transformative power of Jesus’ sacrifice.
Maintain Hope: When facing guilt or shame, remind yourself of God’s promise of cleansing and renewal, anchoring your hope in Him.
Vote for the Kingdom!
Sermon Notes
1. Vote with a Biblical Perspective
The speaker addresses Christians, urging them to view their voting choices through a Biblical lens.
He acknowledges that this message might be intense but emphasizes the importance of aligning one’s vote with God’s word and values.
2. Christians’ Responsibility in Society
Engaging in Society: Christians have a responsibility to actively engage in society rather than remaining silent. Staying silent or inactive can mean indirectly consenting to harmful policies.
Historical Warnings: Examples like Nazi Germany and American slavery highlight how the church’s silence allowed evil to continue. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor who opposed the Nazis, criticized churches for singing louder to drown out the cries of Jewish prisoners, an image used to warn against avoiding tough social issues.
3. The Lord's Prayer and God’s Kingdom
The speaker reflects on the Lord's Prayer, particularly the line, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.”
God’s Call for Action: Christians are encouraged to actively bring God's kingdom to Earth by aligning all aspects of their lives with God’s will—relationships, work, finances, and voting.
4. Key Voting Issues Based on Christian Values
Sanctity of Life:
The speaker emphasizes voting for policies that value and protect life, particularly concerning abortion.
He argues that each life is known by God from conception and that Christians should prioritize policies that protect unborn children.
Family Values:
Traditional family values are highlighted as a priority in voting.
He criticizes the influence of certain educational materials and policies that promote gender identity and sexuality discussions among young children, suggesting these policies are against Biblical teachings.
The speaker urges Christians to support candidates who will promote Biblical family values and resist policies that may confuse or mislead children.
Child Safety and Human Trafficking:
He discusses how open border policies can contribute to child trafficking and exploitation, a serious concern for the protection of children.
As children are vulnerable and unable to protect themselves, Christians are encouraged to consider policies that enhance safety for children, particularly in areas impacted by trafficking.
5. Silence as Consent
Tacit Admission: The speaker uses a legal concept to argue that silence can imply agreement. For example, when Christians do not vote or speak up, it can be interpreted as consent to policies that may contradict Biblical values.
Breaking the Silence: He urges Christians to avoid passivity and stand up for their beliefs. The separation of church and state, he suggests, has often been misunderstood to mean the church should avoid political involvement altogether. However, he argues that if Christians do not engage, they leave leadership to those who may not align with Biblical principles.
6. Final Encouragement and Prayer
The speaker closes with a prayer for wisdom, guidance, and courage for Christians to live and vote faithfully.
Hope in Jesus: He emphasizes that Jesus is the ultimate source of hope and that voting is one way Christians can positively impact society.
He prays specifically for protection over vulnerable groups, such as children, and that God’s kingdom would be visible through the lives and actions of believers.
3 Ways to Apply:
1. Evaluate Your Decisions Through a Biblical Lens
When making choices—whether voting, career decisions, or personal matters—pause to consider how each decision aligns with Biblical values. Ask yourself, Does this reflect God's principles? and Will this bring a piece of God’s kingdom to Earth? This habit can help ensure your life decisions consistently reflect your faith.
2. Stand Up for Biblical Values in Conversations
In social or work settings, respectfully stand up for values that align with your faith, especially on important issues like the protection of life, family integrity, and justice for vulnerable groups. You don’t have to be confrontational but can be prepared to calmly and kindly explain your perspective, helping others understand the values behind your beliefs.
3. Actively Support Policies and Leaders that Reflect Your Faith
Research and support leaders, organizations, or policies that uphold values important to your faith, such as the sanctity of life, family values, and child safety. This may mean voting, volunteering, donating, or even advocating for these issues within your community.
