Joyful Expectations
Read More About Our Latest
Sermon
Pastor Gearl Spicer, December 15th, 2024
Part of the Share the Joy! It’s all about Jesus series, preached at a Sunday Online service
Luke 1:46
46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
Luke 1:52-53
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
1 Peter 1:3-9
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Sermon Notes
What are your expectations for Christmas?
Our pursuit of joy should exceed any material possession!
Expectations should be balanced through faith that surrenders ultimate control to God!
*And Mary said: My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 1:46
*He has brought down rulers from the thrones, and has exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things; and sent away the rich empty handed. 1:52-53
*and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. I Peter 1:8-9
The purpose of joy is to allow us to reflect His abiding presence!
I. Our living hope—vs.3
*The power of the resurrection is evidenced in our relationship with Jesus!
II. Our undeniable inheritance-vs.4
*The reservation placed in our names can not be removed!
III. Our power in the midst of trials—vs.5-6
*The trials of life only affirm our personal joy!
IV. Our greatest proof of faith is our unhindered joy—vs.7-9
*The test of fire is the key affirmation of our relationship!
Do you anticipate His affirmation?