James: Practical Biblical Living Pt. 1

A LIFESTYLE OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH

We need this book as a church; we need wisdom to guide our discipleship. The Book of James mirrors the book of Proverbs at times. Prescribed practice is detailed then Theology explains why or Theology is explained by citing ‘Normative Practices.

The book of James is considered a ‘wisdom’ book in regard to Biblical genres along with Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, Psalms and Song of Songs. It was written to guide a flock that had yet to develop a culture of shepherding. James is caring for their souls with his explicit warnings about sin and it’s consequences.

Here at the beginning of the letter, the stage is set for series of practical lessons that are meant to have the goal of glorifying Christ through our character and spiritual maturity. It is about embracing the idea that Spiritual Growth is a lifestyle for those of us who have surrendered our lives to Christ!

The rest of our world is not concerned with ANY personal growth, much less growth towards OUR CREATOR. The rest of the world is becoming more and more self-absorbed. We cannot imitate Christ AND live self-centered lives; unless we are living in ‘virtual reality’, which is where narcissism lives. How do we reject this wretched life of self absorption? We live for OUR Lord, we do it by BEING His Body, here, now, in person, warts and all.

Our vision here at Midtown church is Biblical Church Culture. That means reading The Scriptures, Old & New Testaments as Jesus Christ’s ‘Called Out Ones’ have always read it. That reading of it HAS to include real life application! That is what we mean when we say we ‘read’ the Bible as Christ’s followers have for 2000 years. This means in order to live as we are called to we ALL have to GROW UP! Spiritually / Emotionally / Relationally We ALL have a lot of growing to do!

The rest of this world is not trying to grow, they are trying to lower the bar. They argue that the world of today should be accepting of attitudes and behavior that have been rejected by humanity for centuries, even millennia. The rest of the world is not concerned with growing, it is concerned with being made to feel good about their selfishness, FEEL good about their consumerism, their dysfunctional way of doing relationships, Feel GOOD about their greed and lust and destructive obsessions. We are going to be different. We are committed to a lifestyle of Spiritual Growth! Are you good with that? Have you embraced that?

James 1:1-12 (JB Phillips)

1 James, servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, sends greetings to the twelve dispersed tribes.

  • Authorship
  • Audience
  • Historical Context
  • Social Context

2 When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives my brothers and sisters, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! 3 Realize that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance. 4 But let the process go on until that endurance is fully developed, and you will find you have become people of mature character with the right sort of independence.

  • When, not if trials come… Trials are normative for Christians
  • Trials feel like and represent failure (change your thinking about failure)
  • Failure having such bad connotations is a recent thing, a snowflake thing…
  • A Lifestyle that embraces & learns from trials / failures is ‘Biblical’: Discipleship
  • Renounce the fear of failure / Own your failures and let that humble you
  • Nothing has value until it is tested. Is faith OUR meant to be worth something?
  • We are to view it as a process (Sanctification) We signed up ‘to be made Holy’

5 And if, in the process, any of you does not know how to meet any particular problem, they have only to ask God. He gives generously to all without making them feel foolish or guilty, and each may be quite sure that the necessary wisdom will be given to them.

  • The process is a given… now let’s talk about how we navigate the process
  • PROBLEMS THAT WE DO NOT HAVE SOLUTIONS FOR IN SCRIPTURE
  • James assumes a reliance on the Scripture (Old Testament)
  • Beyond the particulars of Scripture we seek God in Prayer (Governed by Bible)

6 But you must ask in sincere faith without secret doubts as to whether you really want God’s help or not. 7 One who trusts God, but with inward reservations, is like a wave of the sea, carried forward by the wind one moment and driven back the next. 8 That sort of person cannot hope to receive anything from God, and such a life of divided loyalty will reveal instability at every turn.

  • Wholehearted / Undivided
  • Humbled / At The End Of Yourself
  • Only God can get rid of your doubts. He doesn’t always do it right away.
  • The anything refers to things only God can give: ETERNAL THINGS
  • If your loyalty is divided you are hoping on superstition and magic, NOT GOD
  • No one is able to ‘Practice’ undivided loyalty in each decision they make
  • Stability comes for the ‘Author of Stability’: THE TRIUNE GOD

9 The person who is poor may be glad because God has called them to the true riches. 10 The rich may be glad that God has shown them their spiritual poverty. For the rich person, as such, will wither away as surely as summer flowers.

  • Your material possessions &connections DO NOT reflect your Spiritual State
  • God has mercy on the humble and down trodden when it matters: ETERNALLY
  • The hope of the rich lies in the discovery of their spiritual poverty (Matt. 5:3)
  • The things of comfort and luxury are not lasting

11 One day the sunrise brings a scorching wind; the grass withers at once and so do all the flowers—all that lovely sight is destroyed. Just as surely will the rich person and all their extravagant ways fall into the blight of decay.

  • This life is but a season
  • The prioritizing of material things over the things of GOD brings death & decay!
  • Everything in this world is temporary. We can choose to invest in eternal things!

12 The person who patiently endures the temptations and trials that come to them is the truly happy one. For once the testing is complete they will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to all who love Him.

  • For those without STUFF inTHIS world, HOPE lies in Eternity with Christ!
  • The definition of true happiness, eternal happiness, eternity with Christ
  • God has a plan for salvation and growth that is a lifestyle and a lifelong deal.
  • Those who are undivided in their trusting Christ for eternity GET THE CROWN!
  • The crown of life IS ‘Eternal Life’ with Christ!…
  • The Bible also teaches of another kind of eternal life…one without Christ

SUMMARY:
A lifestyle of growth is a lifestyle of actively participating in that growth (DISCIPLESHIP), this happens in challenges, trials and temptations (failures).
God’s Word calls us to embrace what God allows in our life, enduring the process that HE has chosen for our growth spiritually. God’s goal is to make your character reflect HIM (Spiritual Maturity).
As we navigate the process of God developing our character, we are directed to consult with our Master on how to proceed. He is generous, gracious and able to provide the wisdom we need to grow spiritually.
The basis of a biblical relationship with God is to approach Him from wholehearted, undivided surrender to Christ as Lord. The stability of our relationship is only as strong as our complete loyalty. Solid Biblical Gospel Foundation.
Our spiritual condition is not based on or reflective of our socioeconomic position. Scripture teaches the ‘Anti-Prosperity Gospel’. Material poverty is helpful in overcoming spiritual poverty. Material success can be a roadblock to overcoming spiritual poverty: We ALL need to overcome spiritual poverty!
Trusting Christ for Eternal life is reflected / expressed in trusting Him for THIS life. When we place Christ in priority over everything this world can offer, then we can find peace in the promise of that eternal life with Christ.
APPLICATION:
What would help you embrace failures as part of God’s process of spiritual growth?
What would help you seek God’s wisdom in the challenges you face?
What do you see when you honestly evaluate what divides your loyalty to God?
How much do you connect your dependence on God and your prayer life?
How well do you recognize when material things distract you from biblical spiritual growth?

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OUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST

Scripture Based Identity of Every Believer

THIS is an exciting time here at Midtown Church!

I want to thank everyone who has thoughtfully read ‘Letters To The Church’. I pray it has helped you to apply Scripture more specifically in your life as a church body part. I thank those who attended our 1st listening session 2 Wednesday’s ago and all who gracefully shared thoughts and ideas for corporate changes.

If you are a Covenant Member or want to be, THIS Sunday & THIS Wednesday night are Big! We are clarifying the Biblical Vision for Christ’s Body, THIS body! How we go forward as a church will only be as Biblical as the level of Biblical living each of us does as individuals. We are only as strong as the weakest link! Chan’s book points us to Scripture that describes the identities we CAN grow into as ‘Body Parts’. We are here to become ‘Functioning Body Parts’… HEALTHY Parts!

Our Membership Covenant: the message is on line if you were not here. Everyone should listen to that. Today: More of God’s vision for this Body: The Biblical Identity of Every Body Part.

Chan has taken the Biblical truth about the local church and laid it out so it gives us guidance on how the Scripture envisions Jesus Christ’s Body. I am going to focus on the middle section of the book which addresses the core identity of local church members as it is described in Scripture. There is a series of identities described by these chapter titles. Chan shows how it is normal for each and every member of the Body of Christ is to be described in these ways, identities we grow in to by God’s Spirit working in us. If we are going to be as Biblical as we can as a church, then EACH of us must embrace these identities. We are all called to be GANG MEMBERS, we are all to be SERVANTS, we are all to be SHEPHERDS and we are all meant to eventually be CRUCIFIED!

We believe, based on Scripture, that the ONLY thing that makes people Members of Jesus Christ’s Body gathered together locally is their individual confession of Biblical Salvation and subsequent eternal life. This is an explicit and complete surrender of your entire life to Jesus Christ’s Lordship. We believe that all who have surrendered their lives then begin and continue throughout the remainder of this life to pursue Biblical Christ Discipleship. Biblical Salvation makes you part of The Body, Biblical Discipleship makes you a healthy, growing part of the body you belong to (YOUR Local Church). The Biblically given identity of healthy, growing members a local Body of Christ is perfectly communicate by Chan in four terms: Gang / Servant / Shepherd / Crucified

Gang Member (Undivided)

The metaphor Francis Chan uses in chapter 5 of his book ‘Letters to The Church’. It is a helpful twist on understanding how Scripture describes being part of the ‘Body of Christ’.

You join a Gang because you believe the Gang is the only place you belong. You join a Gang because there is no other choice. But it takes a ‘Whole-Hearted’ commitment…It demands ‘Undivided Loyalty’… You don’t go hang with another gang every now and then. You don’t give some of your business profits to another gang, even if they are doing some ‘Really Great’ Things’. You are ‘Undivided’ in your loyalty to the gang, just as Christs calls us to be as members of HIS body!

Philippians 2:1-5

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.

  • A description of what be each of us becomes as God makes us part of His Body
  • The reasons why we give our lives to Christ are the same as how we live our life In Christ
  • A oneness of love is about how we value our body parts, how we value THIS body
  • Unity: John 17 ‘The Ultimate Apologetic’ Our unity proves Christ is God
  • The practice of putting others first flows from a heart of unity and undivided loyalty
  • We are only as united as our level of humility towards each other
  • We are to imitate our Lord and Master in His selfless relational practices
  • Undivided unity is a ‘Mindset’, an identity as a fully attached part of THIS body

Servants: (Humble)

What is the difference between serving and being a ‘servant’? One does stuff, the other IS something. It is a matter of God given identity. This is who we are supposed to be, IN CHRIST!

Mark 10:42-45

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

  • The rest of the world is set up so that success is getting served
  • Successful economic, social, political and health choices result in being served
  • Not in the Gang…I mean Body of Christ… this is going to be opposite
  • Jesus measures success by your level of servanthood
  • Servanthood is more than serving (we serve to get attention & dissuade guilt)

The most narcissistic person in the world can serve others, but it take humility to truly BE a Servant. (serving is humiliating). True humility is found not in words or even public actions (public actions can be opportunities to perform). Rather humility is found in what is done day in and day out to serve Christ and HIS mission. BEING a servant means you will go unrecognized, serving Christ’s Body week after week, year after year. Consistent practice serving Christ’s Body transforms us into Servants.

Shepherds: (Selfless)

Caring for those God entrust to you every way you need to, with your entire life. This is not just for Christian leaders, it is for each and every one who has surrendered their life to Jesus Christ as Lord! We are all to care for each other AS HIS BODY, THE LOCAL CHURCH!

John 21:15-17

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter,“Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”

  • The only thing that matters to Jesus is whether or not Peter loves HIM
  • Peter is like: ‘Yes Lord’, then ‘Yes Lord’ then you are God, you know!
  • ‘Feed my lambs’ is special care for baby body members to grow into the flock
  • ‘Take care of my sheep’ is about watching over them where they are (local Ch)
  • ‘Feed my sheep’ is about helping them grow to be more
  • This is often thought of to be only for the leaders of churches (Peter 1st Pope)
  • This is for the same audience as Matthew 28: It’s for everyone who loves Christ
  • When we have become servants then we are ready to be ‘Care Givers’

John 10:14-18

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.

  • We are to be ‘little Christs’, so we are to eventually be ‘little Good Shepherds’
  • He is going to be bringing other sheep in on a regular basis but unity remains
  • He lay down His life, we lay ours down to be like Him…
  • And being like Him means we join the ranks of ‘the crucified’

Crucified: (Sacrificial)

A Lifestyle of laying down your life for people at a local church: THGIS is where you do it, where followers of Christ have always done it! I have this as my goal, this is to be the goal of EVERY follower of Christ!

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

  • Paul was not the 1st or the last to go to this place
  • This is not just for ‘super christians’ this the normative
  • This is the goal…we are not going to lower the bar
  • To be HIS church we all need to agree and act in way that imitate this lifestyle
  • This is going back to why we joined the Gang in the 1st place

First: As members of Jesus Christ’s Body Our surrender to Christ’s Lordship creates a bond as tight as a street GANG. UNDIVIDED unity that flows from each member living selflessly, imitating Christ. As a healthy, growing part of this Gang / Local Church we serve others. Through this we actually become SERVANTS in our attitude, actions and identity. As practicing servants of the local church we grow to care for other body parts and we start to become SHEPHERDS. Not only are we doing for others, but more and more will God entrusts the care & growth of others to each of us! Finally: When We are a seasoned shepherds we begin to think, feel and act as ‘a good shepherd’ (following Christ’s example) you are identified as one who lays down yourself constantly for others. Whatever it takes, in a sense being CRUCIFIED with Our Christ. If this is our pattern of living then God will truly be glorified and we will fulfill the Biblical Vision for Jesus Christ’s Church.

Standards which shape BIBLICAL church culture

  • Healthy, growing members of Christ’s Body live as gang / local church members
  • Healthy, growing members of Christ’s Body live as servants of the local church
  • Healthy, growing members of Christ’s Body live as Shepherds in their church

If you are a follower of Jesus the normative state for you to be in is one of spiritual growth. This doesn’t happen by chance. We believe Biblical Christ discipleship is the lifestyle of EVERY member of Christ’s Body known as Midtown Church.

We want to have a conversation about where this church can grow and or change to be more biblical. But we must put the horse before the cart…as in we must operate in the proper order and that is for us all to get on the same page about what is most important to a Biblical Church Culture.

SUMMARY:

We are only as united as a body if each member is undivided. The Body Metaphor in Scripture is used because it can only be understood one way: being part of Jesus Christ’s Body is an exclusive relationship with a particular group of believers at a particular time.. Each body part is only part of one body, Biblical Christianity has always and will always be about collective ‘Body Life’.

You cannot be a Servant on your terms, a true servant serves how and when and in ways dictated by their Master. Biblical Christianity calls us to imitate our Master Jesus Christ in His Servanthood, not doing some service projects.

Each of us who confesses they love Jesus as Peter did are called to care for sheep. A Shepherd must grow into the identity. You learn to care about sheep by caring for sheep (on the job training only). Wether you care for a few or for many, there is no alternate biblical Christian Identity.

As an undivided member of THIS Gang, we become servants in heart, and deed. As we serve our Master He will grow us into the identity of a shepherd, caring for the body above our own self interests. When we do that as a lifestyle we are ‘crucified with Christ’.

APPLICATION:

GANG MEMBER: How are YOU going to reorder your life to get to being undivided here at Midtown?

SERVANT: How are you going to specifically practice ‘Being’ a servant in the coming months?

SHEPHERD: What is your plan for your ‘on the job training’ to learn how to care for other sheep here at Midtown this year?

CRUCIFIED: ???

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Naaman & Elisha

2nd Kings 5:1-16

1 Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. 2 Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman’s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”

4 So Naaman went in and told his lord, “Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel.” 5 And the king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.”

So he went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. 6 And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you Naaman my servant, that you may cure him of his leprosy.”

7 And when the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Only consider, and see how he is seeking a quarrel with me.”

8 But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come now to me, that he may know that there is a prophet in Israel.” 9 So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.”

11 But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage.

13 But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” 14 So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

15 Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and he came and stood before him. And he said, “Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel; so accept now a present from your servant.” 16 But he said, “As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused.

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Encouragement to Live By

1 Thessalonians 5:14-18

Paul writing on behalf of the leadership group he is part of (the whole letter is from the plural) to the body that is the local church in Thessalonica. This passage near the end of the letter, is a guide to some basics of how we are to live as Jesus Christ’s body; the local church known as Midtown Church.

This morning let it serve to encourage us to a lifestyle that glorifies God as members of Christ’s body, the local church.

14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

  • What is the warning and why do we bother?
  • You can’t encourage someone who is disheartened if you don’t know they are hurting
  • The weak need to be real that they need help, admitting they are that they are weak
    • Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.
  • ‘Making Sure’ This should be an agreed upon cultural norm: NO responding to evil with evil
  • With in the family / body we do what is best for individuals AND the whole body

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

  • We are to live with joy! How do we do that? Big picture we live surrendered lives to Christ
  • To do that WE PRACTICE!
  • Practicing always being Joyful
  • Practicing continuous Prayer
  • Practicing being thankful no matter what
  • This is how we are to BE as members of Christ’s body

I encourage you to serve our body in ways that create harmony, not disruption. I encourage you to get emotionally involved in the life of you fellow body parts, patiently helping those you can. I encourage you to not respond to wrong with more wrong but rather to seek what is good for everyone, thinking of the good of the entire family that is the membership of Midtown church!

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OUR COVENANT COMMUNITY

Biblical Church Culture

This is document meant to synopsize aspects of The Old and New Testament Scriptures as they pertain to the current church age and to specific bodies of Christ. Our desire here at Midtown Church is to have a Biblical Church Culture, and by culture I mean concrete actions, lifestyle, practices; what we actually do, not ideas, theories or intentions. (Culture does not consist of ‘intentions’, it consists of action, deeds, relationships, practices, habits, rituals, and words spoken face to face) These paragraphs communicate standards, values and practices that are expressed in norms and values and behaviors that mark our ‘Biblical Church Culture’.

Preamble:

Having surrendered our lives to God’s grace as followers of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and having been publicly baptized as a testimony of our love and submission to Him, we, the members of Midtown Church, purposefully and joyfully enter into this covenant with one another, affirming our God-given leadership, in common unity as a family in the Lord. Together before Christ Our Lord, God The Father and The Holy Spirit, as members of Midtown Church we covenant:

  • ‘Christ-Given Unity’
  • A surrendered life is a prerequisite, each member’s response to God’s Grace
  • Baptism is a common declaration
  • We covenant together by choice with purpose and joy
  • In submission to Christ we submit to HIS body
  • John 17 / Ephesians 4 / Philippians 1

Article 1:

Together before Christ Our Lord, God The Father and The Holy Spirit, as members of Midtown Church we covenant: To affirm by action, word, presence and heart, The Midtown Church Statement of Belief. And in unity of belief we will identify as ‘Life-long Disciples of Jesus Christ’ and actively pursue sanctification.

  • ‘Body Member Identity’
  • Our complete agreement on the ‘Biblical Essentials’ found in our Statement of Belief
  • The identity of a disciple means it permeates every aspect of your life (Goal)
  • The active pursuit of sanctification requires showing up and growing
  • John 13 / John 17

Article 2

Together before Christ Our Lord, God The Father and The Holy Spirit, as members of Midtown Church we covenant: To live out our valuing of the gatherings of this body by our consistent attendance in our Sunday Activities as well as other gathering prioritized by the Leadership, fully participating in the discipleship journey of our church body, including mentoring and small groups.

  • ‘Body Presence’
  • 1st you value being here by prioritizing it in your life, then you live that out
  • Sunday matters! Members of Christ’s body figure out how to be here
  • Gatherings prioritized by the leadership means the stuff we are all doing together
  • Hebrews 10 / Romans 12 / Psalm 133

Article 3

Together before Christ Our Lord, God The Father and The Holy Spirit, as members of Midtown Church we covenant: To Biblically practice the sacraments of Immersion Baptism and The Lord’s Supper. To be dedicated to the prayerful, consistent study and application of God’s Word, and the Spirit-Led praying for others and ourselves.

  • ‘Common Basics’
  • Immersion Baptism: Jesus did it, each of us should do it.
  • The Lord’s Supper: Jesus commanded we do this every time
  • Matthew 3 / Mark 1 / Luke 3 / Acts 2
  • Matthew 26 / Mark 14 / Luke 22 / John
  • 1st Corinthians 11 / Ephesians 6 / 2nd Timothy 3

Article 4

Together before Christ Our Lord, God The Father and The Holy Spirit, as members of Midtown Church we covenant: To prioritize being a part of communicating the Biblical Gospel of Jesus Christ in humble cooperation with God’s Spirit in every sphere of our lives.

  • ‘Shared Purpose’
  • We exist to be the ongoing presence of Jesus Christ
  • ‘Holistic Gospel Declaration’…
  • Spirit led living
  • CANNOT BE DONE WITHOUT A LIFESTYLE OF DISCIPLESHIP IN CHRIST
  • Matthew 10 / Luke 4 / Acts 5, 8, 9 & 17 / Romans 15 / Colossians 4
  • Jeremiah (19 references…) 20:9 ‘God’s Word is a fire, I can’t keep in me’

Article 5

Together before Christ Our Lord, God The Father and The Holy Spirit, as members of Midtown Church we covenant: To practice with our actions, words and attitudes, loving other members by considering others’ needs and perspectives more important than our own, following Christ’s example.

  • ‘Consideration’
  • The practice of caring for people, consistently matching intention with action
  • We will never consider other member’s needs if we don’t know the other members
  • Christ put the needs of the members of His Body before His own needs
  • Philippians 2 / Romans 12:3 / James 4 / Deuteronomy 8

Article 6

Together before Christ Our Lord, God The Father and The Holy Spirit, as members of Midtown Church we covenant: To pursue intimacy in our relationships with other church members, living all of our lives together in brotherly/sisterly love as exemplified in Scripture. To value and practice transparency and openness in our relationship together.

  • ‘Relational Health’
  • The ‘One Anothers’ of Scripture
  • Transparency and openness requires equal commitment and shared sacrifice
  • Healthy relational intimacy comes from real unity of action, belief and attitude
  • Intimacy takes time and trust (Consistent demonstration of commitment)
  • John 13:34-35 / Romans 12 & 13 / 2nd Corinthians 13 / 1st Peter 3

Article 7

Together before Christ Our Lord, God The Father and The Holy Spirit, as members of Midtown Church we covenant: To exercise ‘Spirit-Given Tender Care’ for each other, with the goal of faithfully encouraging, instructing, and admonishing one another in truth and love; guided by The Spirit through The Scriptures. Going out of our way to be slow to take offense, quick to reconcile, sharing burdens and joys with tangible humility and love.

  • ‘Biblical Conflict Resolution’
  • God’s principals for interpersonal issues
  • Recognition of our shared identity and condition
  • We need Jesus to teach us how to encourage, admonish and instruct in healthy way
  • Giving up our rights to everything as Jesus’ disciples, we should be hard to offend
  • Tangible humility and love is the way of Christ / our honoring of HIM
  • Ephesians 4 / 1st Thess. 4 / Hebrews 10 / 1st Peter 1 / 1st John 4

Article 8

Together before Christ Our Lord, God The Father and The Holy Spirit, as members of Midtown Church we covenant: To generously and consistently give financially to the general fund of Midtown Church, as well as to approved designated budget items, based on Scripture and an informed understanding of Body Undertakings.

  • ‘United Generosity’
  • 10% of your net income is a good starting place, give it to your church body
  • In unity we agree how everyone’s shared sacrifice will be used (no ‘pet’ giving)
  • We agree to be informed about what the financial priorities of the church are
  • 1st Corinthians 16 / Malachi 3 / Mark 12 / Luke 20

Article 9

Together before Christ Our Lord, God The Father and The Holy Spirit, as members of Midtown Church we covenant: To serve the church body and our neighbors in humble and repentant representation of Our Lord Jesus Christ, informed by Scripture and empowered by The Holy Spirit who indwells us equally.

  • ‘Servant Attitude’
  • The opposite of demanding and entitled
  • We all serve each other in The Body because we are all vessels of God’s Spirit
  • We don’t serve from our own resources; rather we are empowered by God’s Spirit
  • Philippians 2 / John 13 / 1st Peter 4 / 2nd Corinthians 5 & 8

Article 10

Together before Christ Our Lord, God The Father and The Holy Spirit, as members of Midtown Church we covenant: To actively work together (collaborate with and encourage fellow members) to advance Christ-centered ministry in our church and other Christ Affirming Entities for the purpose of identifying and cultivating our spiritual gifts as we discover and practice them.

  • ‘Body Ministry’
  • There is no ‘My Ministry’ only ‘Our Ministry’ or Christ’s Ministry or Church ministry
  • The use of the gifts God has given us is not optional,
  • Matthew 25; the parable of the talents / Hebrews 13 / Ephesians 2 / Ephesians 4

Article 11

Together before Christ Our Lord, God The Father and The Holy Spirit, as members of Midtown Church we covenant: To submit in unity to the authority of The Midtown Church Body, as led by Our Elder Team, in all matters that are Biblical, align with our Statement of Belief, Our Church Constitution, By-Laws and this Covenant.

  • ‘Biblical Leadership’
  • Biblically Qualified Elders & Deacons
  • The Authority is held by the Body, exercised by and through the Elders
  • We each submit to the body as we submit to Christ
  • Ephesians 5 / Hebrews 13 / Luke 22 / Hebrews 13

Article 12

Together before Christ Our Lord, God The Father and The Holy Spirit, as members of Midtown Church we covenant: To respectfully question in reverent order, all matters and practices of the church that are not being led in accordance with Scripture, our Statement of Belief, Our Constitution, By-Laws and this Covenant.

  • ‘Biblical Accountability’
  • The leadership of the church is accountable to members
  • The Body is responsible to ensure the leadership is doing what we have agreed to
  • 1st Timothy 5 / Acts 15 / 1st Corinthians 1

SUMMARY:

Our membership covenant is a synopsis of our Biblical Church Culture. It is a summary of God’s Word pertaining to the function of Christ’s Body. It is what we agree to do together as Jesus Christ’s church, standards, beliefs, norms, attitudes and practices. The more Biblical our church culture, the more God is glorified!

APPLICATION:

Learn the Covenant and the Scripture behind it, work through any questions you have and then practice the actions and attitudes prescribed by it.

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BE ON THE LOOKOUT!

Discipleship Is Looking For God

We continue to celebrate Jesus’ Birth, and I want to encourage you to look at this coming year through the lens of Christ. What this means is putting Christ in the foreground of you view so you do things with Him in view. If we live with a continuous view of who Christ really is our future will be bright. Christ came to be the light of revelation for all the nations. This text gives us two big ideas as to how we are to biblically follow Christ. Being on the lookout for what God is doing. Being obedient while being on the lookout. 4 examples of how we are to be as followers / disciples of Christ: Joseph, Mary, Simeon and Anna.

Matthew 2:21-40

21 Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived. 22 Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.

  • Named & Circumcised on the 8th day (today is the 8th day…imagine)
  • 41 days from birth they take the 10 mile walk from Bethlehem to Jerusalem
  • Star is still up there…they just do the next thing they know they should do
  • The way they looked to the future is by letting God continue to lead

23 The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.” 24 So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord—“either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

  • This is an example of a clear command from God and a timely obedience to it
  • They saw something special was going on but didn’t seek special treatment

25 At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him 26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.

  • Scripture gives this man high praise
  • Not just waiting but eagerly awaiting…
  • God promised him he would see the Messiah before he died

27 That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, 29 “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. 30 I have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared for all people. 32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

  • Divine Appointments: They happen when you are looking for the Messiah
  • Holy Spirit Guidance (Simeon) and Basic Obedience (Mary & Joseph)
  • Simeon recognizes Messiah because of his consistent walking with the Lord
  • He knows that this baby is going to be the salvation of all nations
  • He is the light that will help everyone see God!
  • Total Recognition of four Spiritual Realities
  • Jesus IS God’s salvation
  • God gives Christ to all kinds of people
  • Jesus is A Revelation of what God is all about
  • Jesus is EVERYTHING to God’s people, the Spiritual Israel

Living In Light of Christ means you are on the lookout for what God is doing
33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”

  • 1st the shepherds now this…
  • Simeon blesses them then makes the pronouncement to Mary:
  • This child will define who rises and who falls
  • Even though He is a sign from God He will face much opposition
  • He will cause many to get real, but all of that reality will be painful for Mary

36 Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. 37 Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four.

  • She is called a Prophet where Simeon is not…
  • She had lived a lifetime of devotion (Set Apart)
  • Made the most of her situation & trusted God had her where He wanted her

She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. 38 She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.

  • She was persistent in her pursuit of God, an example of Spiritual Consistency
  • She lived in God’s presence looking for what HE was doing
  • When she saw God at work she told others who were intentionally seeking

39 When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. 40 There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.

  • They knew what was expected of them and they did it!
  • That is what God expects from us: once we know what He wants, we do it!

Four people looking for God

Four people with incomplete pictures of what God is doing

Four people willing to do what it takes to see God

In your life as a disciple we can be like the examples given in Scripture

Application Suggestions:

Be like Mary & Joseph; while the info is still making sense, focus on obedience.

Be like Simeon: when you know what God wants, be on the lookout for the how, where and when.

Be like Anna, when you know how, where & when to be for God, be on the lookout for what.

Be on the lookout for The Spirit’s scheduling of ‘Divine Appointments’.

Be persistent in your looking for God and His revelation

These are Be-Attitudes of Christ’s Disciples

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How To Approach The Christ Child

Matthew 2:1-18

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; for from you will come forth a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod secretly called for the magi and determined from them the exact ]time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.”

9 After hearing the king, they went on their way; and behold, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on ahead of them until it came to a stop over the place where the Child was to be found. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

11 And after they came into the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary; and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And after being warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.

13 Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.” 14 So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt. 15 He stayed there until the death of Herod; this happened so that what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”

16 Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent men and killed all the boys who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi. 17 Then what had been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: 18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, Weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; And she refused to be comforted, Because they were no more.”

SUMMARY

• It would have been so hard to make something fit as perfectly as it does. This chapter has 4 of the over 300 prophecies Jesus fulfills.

• In the Mormon bible, Joseph smith had to write additional verses at the end of chapter 50, at the end of genesis. He could not find ripe prophecy for the taking, to be interpreted to predict him.

• The reason this is important, is there are more prophecies in the Bible that have not yet been fulfilled. Christ says he is coming back. Much like Herod back then, Satan is not a legitimate king. Satan is troubled, because his dominion over this earth and over us has come to an end.

• The announcement of Jesus as foretold hundreds and even thousands of years ahead of time, gives us confidence in the words of God.

• We can be Herod and all of Jerusalem. Or we can be the magi.

• Jerusalem was perfectly content to sit around and ignore what God was doing around them. They averted their eyes from the star above because it was in their short-term best interest.

• Herod could have gone with the Magi, instead of paying lip service. The bible does not tell us of anyone who goes with them.

• The wise men were seekers, looking for the truth. They went to great lengths, sacrificing earthy possessions and a great deal of time. And when they found the Christ, they fell to the ground and worshiped.

• It did not matter that the magi were foreigners. They were not the religious leaders of the day; they were not Gods chosen people. They were far away from God, but God drew them to Him.

• When David was running from King Saul, his followers consisted of similar outsiders

• 1 Samuel 22:2 “And everyone who was in distress and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul gathered to him”

• David gathered the downtrodden, the rejects, and built-up a following. 1,000 years later Jesus would do the same thing, the religious establishment was content, already worshiping themselves and their wicked ways, they refused to look up, or make a 6-mile journey to Bethlehem.

• Sometimes we can feel like Jerusalem, thinking we’re on the inside of God’s plan. It can be easy to think of ourselves as a pretty good person who was raised in a Christian home, that we go to church, have religious friends. God shows us that isn’t enough.

• Make the trip to Bethlehem. Give what you have, and fall down before him.

Ways we can apply this text

• When God reveals himself, take time a figure out what he’s telling you.

• There is tension between taking time to listen, and to act when he tells you!

• Drawing near to God and serving Him takes obedience and sacrifice

• Study the Old Testament, it will enrich our understanding of who God is and what He has done.

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THE GIFT

Isaiah 9:6-7

For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace. On the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness, from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of armies will accomplish this.

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ADVENT: Part of the Back Story of God’s Ultimate Glory

Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy & Love. It is all about God glory, and this is part of the back story… We celebrate the Advent of Glory, God’s ultimate glory: JESUS CHRIST!

Living this life for God based on who HE IS, not circumstances

The story of this glory is full of revelation about God and about US! The Biblical narrative is about the preparation that went into the preparation for the advent of our Lord! This greatest of all stories has quite a back story, we refer to it as the Hebrew Scriptures or The Old Testament. The back story has lessons for us if we desire to be used by God for HIS glory. Part of our celebration of Advent and Christmas is learning about God and about ourselves. The back story of God’s ultimate glory is all about humble people who believed God was who HE says HE is. That is who Zach and Beth were…

Luke 1:5-25 & 39-45

5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.

  • They were righteous in God’s sight yet childless
  • The culture at that time saw children as a blessing from God
  • Since they had no child their neighbors would view them as disobedient to God

8 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.

  • Priests lived all over Israel and would travel to Jerusalem to serve a period
  • A group would serve for a week and some would get to do special things
  • Worship and prayer took place durning the ceremony of burning incense
  • Incense symbolized the prayers and praise going up to God (pleasing aroma)

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.

  • We can’t comprehend what it is like to see an Angel (it always causes fear)
  • There is a difference between feeling afraid and BEING afraid
  • More than 200 times in scripture God says: ‘Do not be afraid’
  • A child, and specifically a son, must have been a focus of Zach’s prayer life
  • The answered prayer will be a great joy for Zach & Beth that many will share in
  • The child that the Angel is foretelling will be great in the sight of the Lord
  • Notice the distinction between being great to people & being great to God
  • Jesus confirms his cousin John’s status in Luke 7:28
    • “I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

  • Aspects of the Nazarite Vow regarding alcoholic beverages
  • Filled with the Holy Spirit even while still in the womb (must be a person)
  • We will explore this term ‘Filled with The Holy Spirit’ later in the text
  • He will lead Jews to reconnect with God (lots of disconnection is present)
  • He is to set the stage for the coming of the Lord
  • How to find God: Gratitude for what HE gives & desiring HIS wisdom
  • These 2 PRACTICES (giving God gratitude & seeking God’s wisdom) Biblical paths to God

18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” 19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”

  • Zacheriah asks the question we all ask: ‘How can I be sure of this’
  • This is an expression of our desire for control
  • Even those who are righteous in God’s sight can doubt revelation from God
  • Gabe says: Look I am an Archangel, I hang with God and do HIS business
  • You can be sure of what I tell you because I am a projection of God’s will
  • As a lesson, Zach is struck speechless until the birth of the child
  • My guess is that he never doubted God again…or maybe he did (only human)

21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

  • The people gather at the temple for these daily sacrifices.
  • The incense burning only took a couple minutes, what was the hold up?
  • He was able to communicate that something had happened with gestures
  • Why is Zach disciplined and yet Mary will not be?

23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

  • Once he is reunited with Beth they conceive
  • Perhaps she thinks she is pregnant but waits to be sure (no ultrasound)
  • It is a good practice to be sure of what God is doing before we declare it
  • Beth recognizes that God has in this act declared HIS favor for Zach & Beth
  • Since the disgrace was removed that means it must have been there
  • People had judged what God thought of Zach & Beth based on circumstances
  • People who serve God suffer; it is part of the deal
  • Their years of suffering through childlessness prepared them for this

Then Gabriel visits Mary (Luke 26-38)

Guess what Mary, you are going to give birth to God!!!

You will have a child even though you are a virgin, even your relative Beth (cousin or aunt) who was thought to be barren has conceived, because God can do anything!

39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

  • Right away (at that time) Mary goes to see the one person who will understand
  • Once Mary (and Jesus) were in Beth’s (and John’s) presence sparks fly!
  • John in her womb was already ‘Filled with The Holy Spirit’; now Beth is also
  • What does ‘filled with the Holy Spirit’ mean?
  • Luke uses this term ‘Filled’ here and in the book of Acts

42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

  • When ‘filled’ with the Holy Spirit she speaks with His voice
  • The filling of the Holy Spirit always results in God being glorified (Acts 4 & 13)

SUMMARY:

God’s favor is not equal to earthly prosperity. In Scripture, God’s eternal grace is not always displayed in earthly circumstances. This ‘long-suffering’ couple is used to birth the greatest human ever…God’s blessings are not denoted by worldly success.

Zach & Beth are model servants, observing God’s Word blamelessly for decades, even though their dreams of a family go unrealized. God will refine willing vessels by hardship and faithful obedience, and then use them for HIS glory!

As spiritually mature as Zach was, he still doubted God’s messenger; all of us humans doubt. Obedience over time lays the groundwork to overcome doubt. This season is given by God to encourage us, even when we doubt. It is hard to doubt when you rejoice!

God fills HIS people with HIS Spirit creating focus and connection to participate in what HE is doing.

This text is just a chapter of the story of how God HIMSELF came to earth without comfort, acceptance or accolades. HE was unappreciated, un-thanked and to many, HE seemed cursed not blessed! The ONE who appeared to this world as most despised is in fact, the definition of blessing, the definition of love, the definition of Grace and Mercy and Forgiveness!

HE did not strive for a successful career or family or empire or office or travel or the accumulation of things …. He was born into lowliness and died in lowliness… for you and I. Born in a cave! Killed on a cross! That you and I might be united with God! Might we surrender our lives more fully to HIM today!

And THIS SEASON we get to celebrate this REALITY, God with us! Not just today but for weeks!

APPLICATION:

What circumstances in your life keep you from fully obeying and serving the Lord?

When you have doubts about God how do you go about alleviating them?

What are the eternal blessings that you count on to get you through tough times?

VISION & PRACTICE:

When we focus on what God has done and what He is doing, HE will lead us to belief in HIS favor for us. Let us intentionally celebrate HIM this Christmas and rejoice in our belief in God’s grace to us in Christ.

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WELCOME TO ADVENT!

Advent Scripture

Prepare

Isiah 40:3-5 A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

Hope

Isaiah 53:5 “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

Romans 8:24-25 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Peace

Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Galatians 4:4-5 “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”

Luke 2:13-14 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

Joy

Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

Isaiah 55:12 For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Psalm 5:11 “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, so that those who love your name may exult in you.”

Philippians 4:4-5 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Love

John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

John 15:13 ”Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

1 John 4: 7-10 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

ADVENT PRAYERS

Preparation:

Father, just as You sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for Jesus, help me to clear the path in my heart, too. Show me the distractions in my life that block me from all-out worship of You this Advent. Lord, I await Your coming! As I celebrate the first Advent––the first coming––I look toward the day where I will see You face to face. I imagine what it will be like. Give me a heart, Lord, that looks for Your coming on a daily basis. Help me to live my life where I’m constantly seeking Your presence. My offering to You today is my righteous life for I know I am only clean because of Jesus. Show me today how I need to be refined, purified, forgiven. Give me the strength to ask for forgiveness and to then change my ways. Amen

Hope

God, as I head into December, I want pause and remember all that You’ve done in my life, my family, and community. I praise You because You are the God who saves. You are Immanuel, God with us. I thank You that my hope is in You, not in circumstances or people. Because I hope in You, I am confident that You will fulfill Your promises to Me. Remind me today of what truly matters. Fix my hearts on You. Help me to see how You are working in the middle of my waiting. Draw me closer to You this Christmas season, and prepare My hearts for the fulfillment of Your promises. Amen.

Peace

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Thank You for you caring, and thank You for promising to give me your peace. Please guard my hearts and mind with Your peace. You know the things that have been weighing me down with worry, anxiety, or fear. Lord, please help me fix my mind on You instead, and on Your Spirit. Thank You for promising to bring me life and peace. Amen

Joy

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the joy that entered the world when Jesus was born. You have given us pure joy by becoming God with us. Lord, sometimes it’s difficult to live joyfully, especially in difficult or busy seasons. Please purify my heart this Christmas season and remind me that You’re in control. Help me to consider it joy when I experience trials of any kind because I know You’re creating something beautiful and eternal. Enable me to fix my eyes and heart on You, fill my soul with renewed strength, courage, and hope. Lord, you are always worthy of being praised – and I want to joyfully worship You! Amen

Love:

Lord, thank You for loving me so much that You gave Your Son for me, even before I loved You. Thank You for inviting me into Your family. Thank you for the sacrificial display of your love for me on the cross. Thank you for enabling me to surrender my life to you love. Help me to live a life that sacrificially display the love you have placed in me by your Spirit. Please help me to love others as You have loved me Father, please help me to see every person the same way that You see them. Help me love them the way that You love them — even when that love is not returned. Please show me how to walk continually in Your love, that perfect love which casts out fear. Amen.

Prayer Points

Pray for openness to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Pray for attentiveness to what truly matters, without being distracted by trivial things.
Pray for opportunities to learn something new.
Pray for discernment of how God would like you to set your priorities.

Pray for the ability to focus on biblical priorities consistently to fulfill His purposes in your life.
Pray for the grace to be able to rest, become aware of God’s presence, and enjoy it.
Pray for strong relationships with other people in the bond of a loving community.
Pray for peace in all situations, no matter what the circumstances.
Pray for freedom from all that burdens you – past mistakes, fears, destructive habits, hurts and more.
Pray for joy and a sense of humor.
Pray for confidence in God’s love for you and trust in His power to work things out for the best in your life.
Pray for a clear mind and the ability to clearly communicate what you value to others.
Pray for purity so you can grow as a person and encounter God more fully.

Pray for a genuine awareness of God’s grace in your life and the humility to extend grace to others.

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