https://www.bible.com/events/49178177
Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg
God With Us – In the Waiting
The most faithful people of the first advent were the ones who didn’t let waiting cloud their hope.
Today we kick off our Advent series entitled “God with Us”.
Christmas, in a word, is about presence. You can’t talk about the significance of Christmas, the most life-changing story in human history, without talking about presence.
This week we begin by understanding why the presence of God with us is such a foundational part of Christmas, and how we can experience His presence in seasons of waiting.
The presence of God himself, the Creator, coming to take up residence with His creation – in His creation
Matthew 1:18-23
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
Warren Wiersbe
“Jesus is His human name; Christ is His official title; and Emmanuel describes who He is—“God with us.” Jesus Christ is God!
The Israel of Jesus’ day is really not that much different from the plight of many people in our global society. Every day, people suffer the effects of economic, social, and spiritual oppression to which the gospel of Jesus Christ and its message of salvation bring hope and healing.
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.
The presence of ‘God with us’ changes everything.
Malachi 4:2
“But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.
The Intertestamental Period meant 400 years of waiting.
Some may have seen the time as so long, they forgot about the promised Messiah and went on with their lives…
What about you and I as we wait?
Abraham is a powerful example of patience, perseverance while waiting on the Lord.
The apostle Paul reminds us in his book to the Romans
Romans 4:18-22
Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous.
2 LIES WE OFTEN BELIEVE IN THE WAITING
1. GOD IS NOT WITH US (ABSENT)
2. GOD IS NOT WORKING (ALOOF)
HOW WE WAIT MATTERS!
IN THE WAITING DO NOT MISS THE LIFE ALTERING REALITY OF CHRISTMAS
GOD IS WITH YOU
Pastor Adrian Mills
“The beauty of Christmas is that Jesus didn’t just show up once, He keeps showing up.”
2 Peter 3:8-9
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Verses for further study/reflection:
Exodus 33:15
Isaiah 40:31
Isaiah 53
Malachi 4:2-3
Luke 1:18-25
2 Peter 3:8-9
Updates on the new Waynesboro campus
God is inviting us to step out in faith to plant a Spanish-speaking campus in the Waynesboro community. Join us on the journey!
Check out the link below for more information and for frequent updates throughout the journey.
Giving at COTN
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