Sermons on Advent (Page 3)
The Eternal Priest
Psalm 110 offers one of the most unique descriptions of the Messiah who would come as both king and priest. Referencing the story of Abraham’s encounter with Melchizedek, ruler of Salem (Genesis 14:18–20), this psalm tells us that the Messiah will be an eternal priestly king like this mysterious figure. SERMON OUTLINE “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.’” (Psalm 110:4) An Oracle of God: The Victorious…
The Suffering Messiah
Psalm 22 is one of the most powerful descriptions of suffering in the entire psalter. It is often connected with Christ’s suffering upon the Cross. Taken on its own terms, this psalm speaks of praise to God amidst suffering. Within the context of Jesus’ life and crucifixion, the depth of this psalm only increases. SERMON OUTLINE “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1) Lamenting God’s Distance (Psalm 22:1-11) Lamenting Evil Opponents (Psalm 22:12-21) Praising God for…
The Beloved Anointed of God
Psalm 2 brings us into the conflict between raging nations and God and His people. The Messiah – literally, ‘the anointed one’ – is named as God’s own son and chosen king upon earth. This is a call to God’s people to serve him and the nations to revere him. The New Testament writers connect this psalm directly with Christ the king. SERMON OUTLINE “Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? The…
Word and Deed
In Luke 4:31-44, Jesus begins His ministry with word and deed, proclamation and demonstration, of the Kingdom of God coming into the midst of the earth through Him. He has come to bring good news. He tells of that good news and He shows that good news in healing and deliverance. SERMON OUTLINE Jesus said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” (Luke 4:43) Amazed by…
Jubilee
In His hometown of Nazareth, Jesus launches His public ministry in Luke 4:14-30 by quoting from the Messianic passage of Isaiah 61. His words excite everyone, but in two different ways. Some are thrilled with the possibility of God’s favor coming to them, while others are confused to the point of anger. SERMON OUTLINE “He began by saying to them, ‘Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.’” (Luke 4:21) Three Implications of Jesus and Jubilee The Polarizing Potential of…
Wilderness
Entering into the story of Israel, the Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness in Luke 4:1-13, where He is tested by the devil. His testing shows us what His way is really all about. His testing shows us how to endure the tests of the wilderness. SERMON OUTLINE “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.” (Luke 4:1-2) From…
Prepare
In Luke 3:1-38, John the Baptist appears as a forerunner to the Messiah. John is the Elijah-like prophet foretold, crying out in the wilderness for people to prepare for the Lord. Jesus comes to be baptized and we know He is the one for whom we all have been preparing. SERMON OUTLINE “The word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for…
All I Want for Christmas is Someone to Believe In
David wants to build a house for the Lord, but God promises that David’s descendants will sit on his throne forever (2 Samuel 7:1-16). What does this mean? How does this tap into our longing for a just, righteous ruler as revealed in Jesus? (2 SAMUEL 7:1-16) Sermon Outline “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.” (2 Samuel 7:16) David: a Picture of the One Worth Believing In Anointed by Samuel…
All I Want for Christmas is a New Beginning
The Prophet Isaiah speaks of a time of restoration that will come, both of the return from exile and the ultimate restoration through the Messiah yet to come (Isaiah 61:1-11). Jesus picks up these words and uses them as the outline of His ministry in Luke’s gospel. (Isaiah 61:1-11; Luke 4:16-21) Sermon Outline “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news.” (Isaiah 61:1) The Chosen One Bringing New Beginnings…
All I Want for Christmas is Some Good News
The Prophet Isaiah speaks comfort from God to his people who are broken and in exile (Isaiah 40:1-11). These are some of the most beautiful words that we encounter in Scripture about true comfort and light breaking into a dark world. (ISAIAH 40:1-11) Sermon Outline “You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid.” (Isaiah 40:9) The Good News of God’s Comfort in Our Suffering (Isaiah 40:1-2)) The…
All I Want for Christmas is for God to Show Up
The Prophet Isaiah steps forward in longing and pleading for God to show up and bring ultimate healing and deliverance for a people stranded in the midst of terrorizing enemies (Isaiah 64:1-9). This message is relevant for our community today, especially in the season of Advent. (ISAIAH 64:1-9) Sermon Outline “I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.” (Genesis 12:2) This Christmas Season, We…