Trusting God's Presence and Promises This Christmas
Summary
The sermon explores the theme of God's presence in the lives of believers, as evidenced through various biblical narratives. It begins with the story of Abraham and Sarah, an elderly couple who longed for a child. Despite their advanced age, God promised them a son, Isaac, who would be their heir. Abraham's belief in God's promise was credited to him as righteousness. This story sets the stage for the sermon's message that God's presence brings an end to waiting, heals hurt, and stops confusion.
The speaker then discusses the concept of God's timing, referencing 2 Peter 3:9 to illustrate that God's perceived slowness is not an absence but a display of patience, desiring that all should reach repentance. The congregation is encouraged to be patient and trust in God's promises, as exemplified by the birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah. The sermon assures believers that God's promise of restoration in Jesus is certain and will come to pass, and that God will never leave or forsake His people, as stated in Deuteronomy 31:6-8.
Gratitude for God's presence is expressed, and the congregation is asked to pray for the pastor and for their own hearts to be receptive to the sermon's message. The speaker also thanks the congregation for their tithes and offerings and shares a light-hearted moment about their new jacket.
The beauty of the biblical narrative is highlighted, showing how it addresses the deep longing within our souls for God's presence. The sermon encourages the audience to grow in their longing for God, especially during Christmas, which serves as a reminder of God's desire to dwell with us.
The congregation is encouraged to be strong and courageous, trusting that the Lord goes before them. The sermon references Hebrews 13:5-6, reminding listeners to be content and not to love money, as God has promised to never leave or forsake them. The speaker concludes by encouraging the congregation to trust in God's timing and patience.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of sharing the story of Jesus and the good news of the Gospel with others, especially during the Christmas season. The congregation is invited to sing praises to God, drawing inspiration from the joy of Abraham and Sarah when they held Isaac.
Reflecting on the story of Abraham and Sarah, the sermon notes their initial laughter at the idea of having a child in their old age, but their eventual belief in God's promise. Isaac's birth is seen as a fulfillment of God's promise and a precursor to the birth of Jesus in the same family line.
The sermon also recounts the visit of three visitors to Abraham and Sarah, where the promise of a son is reaffirmed despite Sarah's laughter at the improbability of the event. The birth of Isaac is highlighted as a significant fulfillment of God's radical promise.
Lastly, the speaker mentions the non-traditional Christmas songs performed by the music group, which emphasize the cost of Jesus' sacrifice and the true meaning of Christmas. The Advent series is introduced, focusing on God's presence with His people and addressing the feeling of God's absence in the world.
Key Takeaways:
- The story of Abraham and Sarah demonstrates that God's promises are not bound by human limitations or circumstances. Their experience teaches us that faith in God's word can be counted as righteousness, and that God's faithfulness is unwavering, even when His promises seem impossible from a human perspective.
- God's timing is a reflection of His patience and desire for all to come to repentance. Believers are encouraged to wait patiently for the fulfillment of God's promises, just as Abraham and Sarah did, trusting that God's plans are perfect and will come to fruition in His time.
- The biblical narrative is rich with stories that resonate with our innate longing for God's presence. Christmas is a particularly poignant time to reflect on this desire, as it commemorates God's ultimate act of drawing near to humanity through the incarnation of Jesus Christ.
- The call to be strong and courageous, as Joshua was, is a reminder that believers can face the future with confidence because God is with them. This assurance is grounded in the promise that God will never leave or forsake His people, providing a foundation for contentment and trust in His provision.
- The sermon encourages active participation in the Great Commission, emphasizing the importance of sharing the story of Jesus and the Gospel. The Christmas season is an opportune time to spread this message, as it celebrates God's promise to be with us and His faithfulness in keeping that promise through the birth of Jesus.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 15:1-6
2. Genesis 18:9-15
3. Genesis 21:1-7
#### Observation Questions
1. What promise did God make to Abraham in Genesis 15:1-6, and how did Abraham respond to it?
2. In Genesis 18:9-15, why did Sarah laugh when she heard the promise of a son, and what was God's response to her laughter?
3. How did God fulfill His promise to Abraham and Sarah as described in Genesis 21:1-7?
4. According to the sermon, what does the story of Abraham and Sarah teach us about God's timing and promises? [01:10:27]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Abraham's belief in God's promise, despite the improbability, illustrate the concept of faith being credited as righteousness? [01:10:27]
2. What does Sarah's initial laughter and subsequent joy tell us about human doubt and God's faithfulness?
3. How does the story of Abraham and Sarah's long wait for Isaac relate to the idea of God's perceived slowness being a display of His patience, as mentioned in 2 Peter 3:9? [01:13:25]
4. How does the sermon connect the birth of Isaac to the larger biblical narrative, particularly the birth of Jesus? [01:11:56]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like God was moving too slowly in your life. How did you handle the waiting, and what can you learn from Abraham and Sarah's story? [01:20:20]
2. The sermon encourages us to be strong and courageous, trusting that God is with us. What specific fears or challenges are you facing right now where you need to apply this encouragement? [01:17:50]
3. How can you cultivate a deeper longing for God's presence in your daily life, especially during the Christmas season? [01:00:57]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of sharing the story of Jesus and the Gospel. Who in your life needs to hear this message, and how can you share it with them this Christmas? [01:22:13]
5. Consider the areas of your life where you might be struggling with contentment. How does the promise that God will never leave or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5-6) provide comfort and perspective? [01:18:38]
6. How can you actively participate in the Great Commission during this Advent season? What specific steps can you take to tell others about Jesus? [01:22:13]
7. Reflect on the cost of Jesus' sacrifice and the true meaning of Christmas. How can this understanding transform the way you celebrate and share the holiday with others? [56:58]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Beyond Circumstances
Faith in God transcends our human limitations and the constraints of our circumstances. Abraham and Sarah's story teaches that even when situations seem impossible, faith can lead to righteousness and the fulfillment of God's promises. Trust in God's word is not just an abstract concept; it is a transformative act that aligns us with His will and timing. [07:40]
Romans 4:18-21 - "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, 'So shall your offspring be.' Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised."
Reflection: Can you identify an area in your life where you feel challenged to maintain faith? How can you strengthen your trust in God's promises despite the circumstances?
Day 2: Patience in God's Timing
God's timing is perfect, reflecting His patience and desire for everyone to find repentance. The fulfillment of His promises may not align with our schedules, but they are always on time from a divine perspective. As believers, waiting is not a passive state but an active trust in God's plan, knowing that He is working for our good and His glory. [07:40]
Habakkuk 2:3 - "For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay."
Reflection: What promise are you waiting on God to fulfill in your life? How can you cultivate patience and trust in His timing during the wait?
Day 3: Longing for God's Presence
The biblical narrative resonates with our deep longing for God's presence, a theme that is especially poignant during Christmas. This season reminds us of God's desire to dwell among us, fulfilled in the incarnation of Jesus. Our souls yearn for this closeness with the Divine, and the stories of Scripture invite us to explore and deepen this innate desire. [07:40]
Psalm 42:1-2 - "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?"
Reflection: How does your soul express its longing for God's presence? What can you do this Christmas season to draw nearer to Him?
Day 4: Courageous Trust in God's Promise
The call to be strong and courageous is rooted in the assurance that God is with us. This promise enables us to face the future with confidence, knowing that we will never be forsaken. Contentment and trust in God's provision stem from this deep-seated belief in His constant presence and support. [07:40]
Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Reflection: In what situation do you need to exercise courage and trust in God's presence today? How can you remind yourself of His promise to never leave you?
Day 5: Sharing the Gospel of Presence
The Christmas season is an opportune time to share the story of Jesus and the good news of the Gospel. As we celebrate God's faithfulness and His promise to be with us, we are called to participate in the Great Commission. Sharing the story of Jesus is not just a seasonal activity but a year-round mission, inspired by the joy of God's presence among us. [07:40]
1 Peter 3:15 - "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Who in your life could benefit from hearing the story of Jesus this Christmas? How can you prepare to share the hope of the Gospel with them?
Quotes
"God will be with us; He will never leave us nor forsake us. Does that give you hope? It sure does for me." [01:18:38] (Download)
"God's slowness is not a sign of His absence but of His patience, waiting for everyone to come to recognize Jesus as their Savior and their Lord." [01:20:20] (Download)
"Help us to see that you are always with us, your people, help us to be patient like you, but while we wait, help us to fulfill the Great Commission to go and to make disciples of all Nations." [01:22:13] (Download)
"May we use this time as we wait for Christmas to prepare our hearts, to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord, but also to tell others about Jesus." [01:23:00] (Download)
"Thank you for your promise to never leave us nor forsake us, to always be Emmanuel, God With Us." [01:23:00] (Download)
"From the throne in glory to a Manger in the dirt, the Bible says he emptied himself. That's cost, isn't it? And I was so grateful to be reminded of the cost of Christmas to the godhead, to the second person of the Trinity, what it must have cost him to come down into a manger like that and be a baby, helpless in a stable in a dark and dangerous world." [56:58] (Download)
"This year our Advent series is going to focus on God's presence with his people, with us. Have you ever been tempted to think that God has abandoned you? This year I felt that we needed to focus on the theme of God's presence with us, Emmanuel, more specifically to look at the recurring problem that we find in the Bible, God's perceived absence from the world." [58:27] (Download)
"God is not slow, he is not absent, he is being patient, and that distinction should give us the ability to be patient as well, waiting on him to fulfill his promises to us." [01:14:26] (Download)
"Though it seems slow, it will come. God always keeps his promises; he kept his miraculous promise to provide a son for Abraham and Sarah... nothing can prevent God from keeping his promises." [01:16:07] (Download)
"Christmas is one of God's clearest reminders to us all that he longs, he desires to come and to live with us. The message in John 1:14 says he became flesh and moved into the neighborhood; it's been his heart all along from the beginning." [01:01:46] (Download)
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