Sermon Central
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Advent
Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 1, 2008 (message contributor)
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1. Reading The Times
Contributed on Dec 1, 2008
Christians wait and watch for Jesus’ return. We know the season, but we don’t know the time, and we live in the paradox.
Mark 13:24-37 “Reading the Times” INTRODUCTION There is probably not a day that goes by that we don’t wait. We might wait for a train at Bell and Grand, or wait in a line at the grocery store, or twiddle our time away waiting to see a doctor. Waiting is a part of lives, even though ...read more
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2. Life Experience
Contributed on Dec 30, 2013
Jesus comes to us in human form and shines brightly in our world
John 1:1-18 “Life Experiences” INTRODUCTION Humans are social beings. We were created for relationships—relationships with each other and a relationship with our God. Relationships don’t just happen, though. They take a lot of work and even though we may work ...read more
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3. Rebuild
Contributed on Dec 15, 2015
The people of Israel return from exile and rebuild the temple.
Ezra 1:1-4, 3:1-4, 10-13 “Rebuilding” INTRODUCTION The self-improvement industry is a billion dollar business in the United States. Zig Ziegler is still selling thousands of books even though he has been dead for several years. Tony Robbins and a list of big hitters in the ...read more
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4. A Model To Follow
Contributed on Dec 9, 2008
John shows us the model of preparing the way for the coming Savior, but preaching the good news in the wilderness--good news of love, forgiveness, new life and a relationship with God.
Mark 1:1-8 “A Model to Follow” INTRODUCTION The greeting, “Merry Christmas” rings a little hollow this year. Try as we might to joyfully prepare for Christmas and the celebration of Jesus’ birth, we fall short of our goal. Anxiety, fear, depression, and grief describe the mood of the ...read more
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5. It Happened Once
Contributed on Dec 16, 2008
John proclaims the incarnation in the first chapter of his gospel. In the middle of his proclamation John appears as a man, sent, to witness, so that all might believe. We pick up that ministry today.
John 1: 6-8, 19-28 “It Happened Once” INTRODUCTION There are many perspectives of life. • One group of people sees all of life as happenstance. Things happen for no particular reason, and if there is a god, that god is not actively involved in the everyday situations of ...read more
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6. Preparation
Contributed on Dec 12, 2011
John the Baptist is an example of what it means to prepare the way for Jesus' return.
Mark 1:1-8 “Preparation” INTRODUCTION Our journey through Advent seems to be a sprint. We are already celebrating the Second Sunday in Advent. Last week we focused on Jesus’ promise to come again in order to complete his establishment of the kingdom of God. The key ...read more
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7. The Promise
Contributed on Dec 12, 2011
Jesus promises to return someday and fully establish God's kingdom. Jesus always keeps his promises.
Mark 13:24-37 “The Promise” INTRODUCTION Occasionally, the local news programs will feature the homecoming of some of our deployed troops. I especially like it when their return is a surprise. An Army sergeant returned home recently. He surprised his daughter at her school. ...read more
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8. Partnership
Contributed on Dec 21, 2011
The establishment of God's will takes both the Spirit's power and our faithful obedience
Luke 1:26-38 “Partnership” INTRODUCTION Most of us are content simply being a part of the crowd; we don’t want to be singled out. When a teacher asks his or her class a question, immediately all eyes are cast down and everyone hopes that they will not be the one on ...read more
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9. A Comforting Embrace
Contributed on Dec 8, 2015
Comfort, comfort my people, a voice cries out in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord.
“Isaiah 40:1-11 “A Comforting Embrace” INTRODUCTION Pictures of Comfort We all need a hug at some point in our lives. In fact, experts say that we need to experience the touch of another person at least fourteen times a day for us to be able to lower stress, ...read more
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10. Fire Walkers
Contributed on Dec 13, 2013
Three men are loyal to God, but face the possibility of death. God is present in their trials and rescues them.
Daniel 3:1, 8-30 “Fire Walkers” INTRODUCTION Wars are not won solely on the front lines; other tactics are used. In World War II the radio was used. Germany and Japan attempted to spread propaganda though such media personalities as Axis Anna, and Tokyo Rose. The BBC ...read more
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11. A Living Hope
Contributed on Dec 13, 2013
The Spirit breathes and brings life to old dry bones—just like he does in our lives.
Ezekiel 37:1-14 “A Living Hope” INTRODUCTION A couple of weeks ago we celebrated Thanksgiving. Turkeys graced most of our tables. By the end of the day, the carcasses of those turkeys were picked clean. Can you imagine going over to those bones—just before you throw ...read more