I’ve got to admit, these Advent sermons are growing on me:). I’ve really enjoyed the sermon prep, and I’ve been deeply affected by what I’m learning again. Thinking through big themes, like hope and peace, in the Bible has been a delight to my soul. I pray it’s been encouraging to you as well.
Jesus is our Peace:
Just think of all the ways that Jesus is the peace with me:
- He’s made the way for all our sins to be forgiven.-Colossians 2:13-14
- He’s our Advocate before God for us, eternally.-1 John 2:1-2
- He justifies us before God and makes peace with God for us.-Romans 5:1
- He’s the treasure from which God provides for all our needs-Romans 8:32; Philippians 4:19
Greatest Conflict=Resolved
As I thought through the sermon yesterday, there are many implications of our greatest conflict being resolved. But the major one that works in my heart regularly is…if Jesus made it possible for the impossible to happen (my sin being forgiven and my relationship status with God forever changed from enemy to child), He will also make it possible for seemingly impossible relationship breaches to be reconciled. Jesus is the master peacemaker, and he’s given us His power to be peacemakers.
This is perhaps why Paul told us that, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18) And it’s probably the reason he entrusted to us the ministry of reconciliation.
So, give these verses a good look and when looking over them, remember…God made peace with you through Jesus and gave you His power to be at peace with others: Matthew 5:23-26, Matthew 18:15-12, Galatians 6:1-3.
Also, notice in the Matthew 5 text how we need to be at peace with others before taking the Lord’s Supper. Interesting that there’s the peace connection with others in that passage.
Upcoming:
This coming Sunday, we have our Annual Family meeting after church, where we will discuss what God has done in our church in 2021 and look ahead to 2022. It’s always a joy to be with our church family to discuss what God has done and is doing. And it’s a privilege to hear from them about their questions and thoughts.
Also, on Christmas Eve, we will celebrate Jesus’ birth together from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. We can’t wait. It will be the culmination of our Advent series, and I pray that you can make it. It’s a great night to invite your friends.
Great blog posts:
I was the recipient of two great blog posts this past week from a couple of guys in our church.
Mike Keller sent me this one: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/labor-to-give-or-take-no-offense.
Seth Buechley sent me this one: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevin-wax/love-basis-church-reform/.
I think you’ll find both of these encouraging and challenging. Both posts list things that I’ve attempted to keep at the forefront of my heart. I want to love deeply and work hard at not counting offenses.
From the Cheap Seats:
- What exactly is the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl?? I don’t know either. Besides, it’s played in SoFi Stadium, which is awesome, and the Beavers will be in it.
- Where oh where has baseball gone?? MLB and MLBPA, please don’t let the lockdown last long!
- All these college coaches changes…I really don’t know what to think about it. In the years before the Transfer Portal (sounds like something from Star Trek), I thought coaches changing jobs was deceitful and wrong. Now, since players can change as well, I’m not sure how I feel about a guy taking a big raise to go somewhere that’s a new challenge. And some say, “well, they’re under contract,” but the contract can be bought out, which is also in their contract. So, I’m a bit at a loss over all of this.
- Just like it should be…the NFC East’s biggest game this coming weekend is between Dallas and Washington. And don’t tell me the score during church! Thanks.
Praying for you and thanking God for you.
To watch or listen to the sermon described in this post, please click here.
In Christ,
Dave York
