Second Sunday Of Advent
Preaching
THE WESLEYAN PREACHING ANNUAL 2001--2002
WORSHIP HELPS
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Praise!
People: Praise and glory.
Leader: Praise and glory and honor.
People: Praise and glory and honor be to God.
Leader: Praise and glory and honor be to God who provides life.
People: Praise and glory and honor be to God who redeems life.
Leader: Praise and glory and honor be to God who satisfies life.
People: Praise and glory and honor be to God who establishes life.
Leader: Praise and glory and honor be to God.
People: Praise and glory and honor.
Leader: Praise and glory.
All: Praise!
OFFERING THOUGHT
In this Advent season, giving with joy is truly joyful giving!
BENEDICTION
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24--26)
SERMON BRIEFS
A Full Rooted Faith
Isaiah 11:1--10; Romans 15:4--13
Introduction
Christmas offers peace, joy, and hope. Advent begins the Christian's calendar and provides occasion for celebrating Christ's coming. It recognizes his entrance into the hearts of those who love him and anticipates his return to judge the world and reign supreme.
Paul reassures us of a past we can trust, a present we can claim, and a future we can anticipate.
I. Faith offers a heritage we can trust. (Romans 15:4)
Feed your faith and starve your doubts. Advent provides more than a history lesson, it prepares a banquet. The first Advent unfolded around the manger as living actors grappled with timeless issues. Later, Paul reminded Timothy God equips believers through this inspired drama (2 Timothy 3:17).
Consider the Exodus. Discover the prophets. Read the story of Jesus. In this record, one finds a searching God: the "One who chooses out of unbounded love to seek restored relationship while we are yet sinners" (Callen/God As Loving Grace/Evangel Press/17).
His--story fills our past, revealing a personal God, a divine Christ, and a visible church empowered by His Holy Presence. It confirmed His promises to the patriarchs, but did not stop with one person, nation, or minority.
Coming as a servant of the Jews, Christ brought increased understanding allowing Gentiles to also "glorify" God for mercy and praise Him for generous grace (15:8--12). This is our heritage!
One day this seeking God found Paul. Christ became Paul's magnificent obsession, recalling Admiral Robert Peary's goal of reaching the Pole. Paul could also have said, "Strange as it may seem, I long ago ceased to think of myself save as an instrument for the attainment of that end."
God's activities inspire confidence and trust, and Paul spent his life modeling a walk with God anyone can achieve. "I know whom I have believed," he concluded, "and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted ..." (2 Timothy 1:12b NIV).
II. Faith allows us to claim our present.
Paul discovered a rock--ribbed abundance of peace, joy, and hope. It began with a past he could trust, but resulted in a day--to--day walk with Christ.
"Christian living," wrote James Earl Massey, "is a life anchored in the life and purpose of Christ, an existence identified with Christ and shared with him through faithful and obedient response. It becomes a life forever open to his intentionality and forever dependent upon his life" (The Hidden Discipline/Warner Press/1972).
Threat of war brought dismissal to a Christian employee at a steamship company. Workers bade her "Good--bye," but she replied, "I'll see you Monday."
"See you Monday - I thought you were fired!"
"So I am," she replied, "but somebody's got to help these new girls understand my filing job. I'm coming in to help them."
"Without pay?" he asked.
"Yes," she said, "I'm grateful to this company. I've been here fifteen years, and they have given me a month's pay for every five years I've been here, so I'm cared for the next three months while I look for another job."
"Now I understand the kind of religion you have talked about."
She experienced personal peace while faithfully walking through adversity and her pastor reported she was later reemployed, although 128 others were discharged without a single recall.
III. Faith anticipates the future.
God writes tomorrow's history today. After unleashing "murderous threats" against Christ's followers, Paul's life changed. Enroute to Damascus, he met Jesus, called "Immanuel" (God is with us, Matthew 1:23). Paul would eventually discover,
I know there are no errors
In the great eternal plan,
And all things work together
For the final good of man.
(Anonymous)
Later, he added, "I have fought the good fight ... finished the race ... kept the faith." With growing anticipation he confided, "... there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord ... will award to me on that day - and also to all who have longed for his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7--8 NIV).
Conclusion
We sometimes experience life like the small boy trying to lift the heavy rock. Seeing his son's failure and frustration, Dad questioned, "Are you using all your strength?"
"Yes, I am," the boy exclaimed indignantly.
"No, you are not," suggested Dad. "You haven't asked me to help."
We achieve our capability only when we ask our Heavenly Father for his help.
Wayne M. Warner
The Kind Of Leader God Blesses
Psalm 72:1--7, 18--19
Introduction
There seems to be a real dearth of great leaders today. Especially, there is a famine of great godly leaders. In his book Living Above the Level of Mediocrity, Charles Swindoll recites the need for men (and women) "who cannot be bought," "who put character above wealth," "who will be as honest in small things as in great things," "who will make no compromises with wrong," "who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for the truth when it is unpopular."1
Psalm 72 is a prayer for the king who is coming to the throne of Israel or who is renewing his vows of leadership in an annual ceremony. It is known as a royal psalm.
In this psalm we see the qualities of leadership which God blesses and which bless others. Verse 17 ends with these words, "All nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed."
I. God blesses a leader of character.
A. Two key terms show up frequently in this psalm, "righteousness" and "justice."
1. The "righteous" person is one who is committed to honoring the Holy God and living according to His will and ways. He is a person who is faithful to keep his covenants with God and with others. He does not use his power and authority to dominate others, but rather to bless them.
2. Being a person of "justice" refers to his ability to be fair. He is not swayed by political clout but rather by what is right and good. Even the person with little or no resources will have as fair a trial as the wealthiest person. Special interest lobby groups will not get far with this leader unless their cause is right and just.
3. General Norman Schwarzkoff once said, "Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy."2
B. God blesses leaders who will consistently live and lead with integrity.
1. Warren Wiersbe in his book The Integrity Crisis described how the early church selected leaders based on commitment, character, and conduct. Very definite Biblical qualifications had to be met before a person was ordained to lead the church. He writes, "In the church today, leadership is too often based on personal charisma: the 'gifted' person, not the godly person, gets a following and builds a religious kingdom for himself. Too often, the important thing is personality, not spirituality."3
2. William Barclay reminds us that "a man's message will always be heard in the context of his character."4
C. The result of godly character is a God--given prosperity.
1. Verse 7 describes the flourishing of righteousness and an abounding prosperity that touches many people.
2. The prosperity referred to is the fruit of the righteousness and justice of this godly leader whom God blesses.
II. God blesses a leader who has compassion for people.
A. Verse 4 describes the godly leader as "defending" the afflicted, "saving" the children of needy people, and "crushing" the oppressor. A closer look at verses 12--14 in this psalm will give an even clearer picture of this God--blessed leader's compassionate heart.
B. This compassionate leader does not allow the down--and--outers of society to be trampled. He steps in at their point of need and makes a real difference in their lives. The unborn, the elderly, the disabled, the poor, the mentally challenged, the sick matter to this God--blessed leader. Those without a voice or a defense will find this leader helpful and dependable.
C. The word compassion is a combination of com, "together" and pati, "to feel or to suffer." The compassionate leader feels with and for those in need and takes any necessary action to help.
III. Ultimately, it is Jesus, the Christ, who fulfills this leadership role perfectly.
A. During this Advent season, consider the character and compassion of our Lord. See Him reaching out His hand to touch and heal a leper. Feel His heart as He sees the crowd approaching and realizes that they are harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd. Hear His call to leave a life of sin and to begin to take up your cross and follow Him. Submit to His gentle and powerful Lordship over your life.
B. As a follower of Jesus, let Him develop His righteous character in you. Allow Him to stretch the capacity of your heart for loving the less than loveable around you. Be re--formed in mind and heart by His Holy Spirit who is at work in you.
C. The psalmist closes with a doxology of praise to the Lord for His "marvelous deeds" and "glorious name." His hopeful prayer is that "the whole earth be filled with His glory." Could there be any greater advent prayer in our day? Let's praise our God "from whom all blessings flow."
Gary Reiss
____________
1. Charles R. Swindoll, Living Above the Level of Mediocrity (Waco, Texas: Word Books, 1987), pp. 107--108.
2. Reader's Digest, June 95, p. 185.
3. Warren Wiersbe, The Integrity Crisis (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1988, 1991), p. 118.
4. William Barclay, Daily Study Bible, "The Letters to the Corinthians" (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, Revised Edition, 1975), p. 208.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Praise!
People: Praise and glory.
Leader: Praise and glory and honor.
People: Praise and glory and honor be to God.
Leader: Praise and glory and honor be to God who provides life.
People: Praise and glory and honor be to God who redeems life.
Leader: Praise and glory and honor be to God who satisfies life.
People: Praise and glory and honor be to God who establishes life.
Leader: Praise and glory and honor be to God.
People: Praise and glory and honor.
Leader: Praise and glory.
All: Praise!
OFFERING THOUGHT
In this Advent season, giving with joy is truly joyful giving!
BENEDICTION
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24--26)
SERMON BRIEFS
A Full Rooted Faith
Isaiah 11:1--10; Romans 15:4--13
Introduction
Christmas offers peace, joy, and hope. Advent begins the Christian's calendar and provides occasion for celebrating Christ's coming. It recognizes his entrance into the hearts of those who love him and anticipates his return to judge the world and reign supreme.
Paul reassures us of a past we can trust, a present we can claim, and a future we can anticipate.
I. Faith offers a heritage we can trust. (Romans 15:4)
Feed your faith and starve your doubts. Advent provides more than a history lesson, it prepares a banquet. The first Advent unfolded around the manger as living actors grappled with timeless issues. Later, Paul reminded Timothy God equips believers through this inspired drama (2 Timothy 3:17).
Consider the Exodus. Discover the prophets. Read the story of Jesus. In this record, one finds a searching God: the "One who chooses out of unbounded love to seek restored relationship while we are yet sinners" (Callen/God As Loving Grace/Evangel Press/17).
His--story fills our past, revealing a personal God, a divine Christ, and a visible church empowered by His Holy Presence. It confirmed His promises to the patriarchs, but did not stop with one person, nation, or minority.
Coming as a servant of the Jews, Christ brought increased understanding allowing Gentiles to also "glorify" God for mercy and praise Him for generous grace (15:8--12). This is our heritage!
One day this seeking God found Paul. Christ became Paul's magnificent obsession, recalling Admiral Robert Peary's goal of reaching the Pole. Paul could also have said, "Strange as it may seem, I long ago ceased to think of myself save as an instrument for the attainment of that end."
God's activities inspire confidence and trust, and Paul spent his life modeling a walk with God anyone can achieve. "I know whom I have believed," he concluded, "and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted ..." (2 Timothy 1:12b NIV).
II. Faith allows us to claim our present.
Paul discovered a rock--ribbed abundance of peace, joy, and hope. It began with a past he could trust, but resulted in a day--to--day walk with Christ.
"Christian living," wrote James Earl Massey, "is a life anchored in the life and purpose of Christ, an existence identified with Christ and shared with him through faithful and obedient response. It becomes a life forever open to his intentionality and forever dependent upon his life" (The Hidden Discipline/Warner Press/1972).
Threat of war brought dismissal to a Christian employee at a steamship company. Workers bade her "Good--bye," but she replied, "I'll see you Monday."
"See you Monday - I thought you were fired!"
"So I am," she replied, "but somebody's got to help these new girls understand my filing job. I'm coming in to help them."
"Without pay?" he asked.
"Yes," she said, "I'm grateful to this company. I've been here fifteen years, and they have given me a month's pay for every five years I've been here, so I'm cared for the next three months while I look for another job."
"Now I understand the kind of religion you have talked about."
She experienced personal peace while faithfully walking through adversity and her pastor reported she was later reemployed, although 128 others were discharged without a single recall.
III. Faith anticipates the future.
God writes tomorrow's history today. After unleashing "murderous threats" against Christ's followers, Paul's life changed. Enroute to Damascus, he met Jesus, called "Immanuel" (God is with us, Matthew 1:23). Paul would eventually discover,
I know there are no errors
In the great eternal plan,
And all things work together
For the final good of man.
(Anonymous)
Later, he added, "I have fought the good fight ... finished the race ... kept the faith." With growing anticipation he confided, "... there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord ... will award to me on that day - and also to all who have longed for his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7--8 NIV).
Conclusion
We sometimes experience life like the small boy trying to lift the heavy rock. Seeing his son's failure and frustration, Dad questioned, "Are you using all your strength?"
"Yes, I am," the boy exclaimed indignantly.
"No, you are not," suggested Dad. "You haven't asked me to help."
We achieve our capability only when we ask our Heavenly Father for his help.
Wayne M. Warner
The Kind Of Leader God Blesses
Psalm 72:1--7, 18--19
Introduction
There seems to be a real dearth of great leaders today. Especially, there is a famine of great godly leaders. In his book Living Above the Level of Mediocrity, Charles Swindoll recites the need for men (and women) "who cannot be bought," "who put character above wealth," "who will be as honest in small things as in great things," "who will make no compromises with wrong," "who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for the truth when it is unpopular."1
Psalm 72 is a prayer for the king who is coming to the throne of Israel or who is renewing his vows of leadership in an annual ceremony. It is known as a royal psalm.
In this psalm we see the qualities of leadership which God blesses and which bless others. Verse 17 ends with these words, "All nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed."
I. God blesses a leader of character.
A. Two key terms show up frequently in this psalm, "righteousness" and "justice."
1. The "righteous" person is one who is committed to honoring the Holy God and living according to His will and ways. He is a person who is faithful to keep his covenants with God and with others. He does not use his power and authority to dominate others, but rather to bless them.
2. Being a person of "justice" refers to his ability to be fair. He is not swayed by political clout but rather by what is right and good. Even the person with little or no resources will have as fair a trial as the wealthiest person. Special interest lobby groups will not get far with this leader unless their cause is right and just.
3. General Norman Schwarzkoff once said, "Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy."2
B. God blesses leaders who will consistently live and lead with integrity.
1. Warren Wiersbe in his book The Integrity Crisis described how the early church selected leaders based on commitment, character, and conduct. Very definite Biblical qualifications had to be met before a person was ordained to lead the church. He writes, "In the church today, leadership is too often based on personal charisma: the 'gifted' person, not the godly person, gets a following and builds a religious kingdom for himself. Too often, the important thing is personality, not spirituality."3
2. William Barclay reminds us that "a man's message will always be heard in the context of his character."4
C. The result of godly character is a God--given prosperity.
1. Verse 7 describes the flourishing of righteousness and an abounding prosperity that touches many people.
2. The prosperity referred to is the fruit of the righteousness and justice of this godly leader whom God blesses.
II. God blesses a leader who has compassion for people.
A. Verse 4 describes the godly leader as "defending" the afflicted, "saving" the children of needy people, and "crushing" the oppressor. A closer look at verses 12--14 in this psalm will give an even clearer picture of this God--blessed leader's compassionate heart.
B. This compassionate leader does not allow the down--and--outers of society to be trampled. He steps in at their point of need and makes a real difference in their lives. The unborn, the elderly, the disabled, the poor, the mentally challenged, the sick matter to this God--blessed leader. Those without a voice or a defense will find this leader helpful and dependable.
C. The word compassion is a combination of com, "together" and pati, "to feel or to suffer." The compassionate leader feels with and for those in need and takes any necessary action to help.
III. Ultimately, it is Jesus, the Christ, who fulfills this leadership role perfectly.
A. During this Advent season, consider the character and compassion of our Lord. See Him reaching out His hand to touch and heal a leper. Feel His heart as He sees the crowd approaching and realizes that they are harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd. Hear His call to leave a life of sin and to begin to take up your cross and follow Him. Submit to His gentle and powerful Lordship over your life.
B. As a follower of Jesus, let Him develop His righteous character in you. Allow Him to stretch the capacity of your heart for loving the less than loveable around you. Be re--formed in mind and heart by His Holy Spirit who is at work in you.
C. The psalmist closes with a doxology of praise to the Lord for His "marvelous deeds" and "glorious name." His hopeful prayer is that "the whole earth be filled with His glory." Could there be any greater advent prayer in our day? Let's praise our God "from whom all blessings flow."
Gary Reiss
____________
1. Charles R. Swindoll, Living Above the Level of Mediocrity (Waco, Texas: Word Books, 1987), pp. 107--108.
2. Reader's Digest, June 95, p. 185.
3. Warren Wiersbe, The Integrity Crisis (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1988, 1991), p. 118.
4. William Barclay, Daily Study Bible, "The Letters to the Corinthians" (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, Revised Edition, 1975), p. 208.
