What are you dreaming of this Christmas? (Sunday, 15th December 2024)

1. First of all Simeon expected that the "consolation of Israel" would take place. Luke 2:25-35 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

2. Simeon expected that, because of Jesus's birth, God and His ways would be revealed to "outsiders."
Luke 2:31-32 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel

3. When Simeon predicted that Jesus was destined to cause the falling and rising of many, he was expecting that Jesus would upset the status quo.
Luke 2:34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

4. His expectation was that Jesus would be a lightning rod of decision.
Luke 2:34 …and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

Blessed are the Peace Makers (Sermon on the Mount Series) Episode 9 - Sunday, 8th December 2024.

Sermon on the Mount Series Episode 9 [Matthew 5:9 (KJV) - "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."]

1. MAKE PEACE WITH GOD
“Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)

2. BE AT PEACE WITH YOURSELF

(Philippians 4:5-10) “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

3. LIVE IN PEACE WITH OTHERS
Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God

4. PROCLAIM PEACE TO THE WORLD.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Blessed are the Pure in Heart (Sermon on the Mount Series) Episode 8 - Sunday, 1st December 2024.

Sermon on the Mount Series Episode 8 [Matthew 5:8 (KJV) - "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."]