Sermon Notes 12-20-09

Acclamation of Peace

Advent Series: Promises Fulfilled

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Scripture Reading: Micah 5.2-5a   Mobilize! Marshal your troops! The enemy is laying siege to Jerusalem. They will strike Israel's leader in the face with a rod. But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past. The people of Israel will be abandoned to their enemies until the woman in labor gives birth. Then at last his fellow countrymen will return from exile to their own land. And he will stand to lead his flock with the Lord's strength, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. Then his people will live there undisturbed, for he will be highly honored around the world. And he will be the source of peace. 

Sermon Text: Luke 1.47-55   “How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever." 

1- What Promises Do You Hear In the Texts? 

      Micah 5 

      Luke 1.46-55 

2- How Is the Promised Messiah A Source of Peace for You? 

   a- Peace on Earth, good will to all (Lk 2.14)

   b- The Prince of Peace (Is 9)

   c- “I came not to bring peace, but a sword” (Lk 12.51)  

3- How Are You Appropriating God’s Peace In Your Life? 

a-   My peace I give you (Jn 14.27)

b-   Shoes for peace (Eph 6.15) 

c-   Holy Spirit’s gift of peace (Gal 5.22) 

d-   Called to live in peace (Col 3.15) 

Questions for Personal Reflection:

Am I a person of peace?

Does that peace reflect Christ’s peace?

How do others experience my peace?

How can I more fully incorporate Christ’s peace?

Study Guide