Sermon Series - 2011

Trinity United Methodist Church - Rev. Dr. David N. Wentz


Advent and Christmas


November 27, 2011

December 4, 2011

December 11, 2011

December 18, 2011

December 24. 2011

December 25, 2011

Advent 1 - Lessons from Zechariah

Scripture lesson: Luke 1:1-25

Key verse: Luke 1:20 My words will certainly come true at the proper time. Luke 1:20

 

- Even righteous people have problems (verses 6-7 )

- Keep the faith (verse 13)

- God works through people (verses 15-17)

     To persuade

     To prepare

     To turn hearts

     To change minds

- Believe your beliefs and doubt your doubts  (verses 18-20)

- God always comes through (verses 23-25)


Advent 2 - "Why Mary?"

Scripture lesson - Luke 1:26-56 

Key verse: Luke 1:38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come true.” 

 

Mary drew God’s attention because she was:

·       Good

·       Attractive

·       Thoughtful

·       Believing

·       Helpful

·       Joyful

·       Spiritual

 

Anyone can choose to live this way. Do you?


Advent 3 - "My Son the Prophet"

Scripture lesson - Luke 1:57-80 

Key verse: Luke 1:74 We have been rescued from our enemies, so we can serve God without fear. 

  • There is a difference between prophesying and being a prophet

    • Zechariah prophesied (verse 67)

    • John would be called a prophet (verse 76)

    • Every Christian can prophesy (Acts 2:17-18; 1 Corinthians 14:31)

    • Some Christians are called to be prophets (1 Corinthians 12:29)

  • John would prepare the way for the Lord (verse 76; Luke 3:4-6)

    • Lift up the low places

    • Level the high places

    • Straighten the crooked places

    • Smooth the rough places

    • Until Jesus comes back, his people need to keep preparing the way

  • John would tell people how to find salvation (verse 77)

    • Turn from your sins and turn to God (Luke 3:3)

    • Prove it by the way you live (Luke 3:8)

    • Until everyone is saved, God's people need to keep telling people how to find salvation 

Advent 4

Cantata presented by the Chancel Choir

Christmas Eve (Saturday) - "Names For The Baby"

Scripture lesson - Isaiah 9:2-7 and Luke 2:1-20   


Family Service with an Impromptu Christmas Pageant.  All welcome; no rehearsal needed!


Candelight Service at 11:00 pm 

Christmas Day - "The With-Us God"  

(Service is at 10:00 AM only. No Nursery or Sunday School)


Scripture lesson - Matthew 1:18-24

Key verse: Matthew 1:23 Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and he will be called Immanuel (meaning, God is with us).  

  • The With-Us God is Jesus the Messiah
  • The With-Us God was born of a virgin
  • The With-Us God was announced by an angel
  • The With-Us God made himself vulnerable to human obedience
  • The With-Us God saves us from sin
    • From the condemning guilt of sin
    • From the seducing power of sin
    • From the painful results of sin 
    • From the numbing hopelessness of sin
    • From the deadly wages of sin
  • Have you asked the With-Us God to be with you?


Come Worship the Newborn King!