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Message Notes:
Advent:
Preparing our hearts for Jesus
- Celebrating Advent = A time of preparation leading up to the birth of Christ
MAIN IDEA:
Getting our friends and family ready for advent means we take intentional time to share with them what Jesus still means to us today.
*Revelation 3:20 - 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me .NIV
*
Matt 5:14-16 - 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. NIV
1 Corinthians 12:27 - Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. ESV
1 Cor. 2:1-5 CEV - 2 Friends, when I came and told you the mystery that God had shared with us, I didn’t use big words or try to sound wise. 2 In fact, while I was with you, I made up my mind to speak only about Jesus Christ, who had been nailed to a cross. 3 At first, I was weak and trembling with fear. 4 When I talked with you or preached, I didn’t try to prove anything by sounding wise. I simply let God’s Spirit show his power.
You have more influence over your friends and family than you realize.
IN HOUSE SURVEY:
1. How many of you can point to specific people within your family (immediate or extended) that had a very big impact on your relationship with Jesus?
2. How many of you can point to a specific friend or acquaintance that had a very big impact on your relationship with Jesus?
3. How many of you can say if it weren’t for them, you are pretty sure you wouldn’t even be here today?
MAIN IDEA:
Getting our friends and family ready for advent means we take intentional time to share with them what Jesus still means to us today.
Common excuses people use to not do this:
I don’t know enough about God to share with others…
I don’t really have a great story…
I don’t want to seem pushy
-* 1 Cor. 16:14 - And do everything with love.*
Jesus has not asked us to go pick fights with people about our opinion of their views or their life.
MAIN IDEA:
Getting our friends and family ready for advent means we take intentional time to share with them what Jesus still means to us today.
IN CLOSING:
DON’T FORGET:
The spirit of God that lives in you will give you all the power you need to influence those around you towards Christ.
Matthew 11:11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. NIV
Matt. 13:17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. NIV
THINK ABOUT IT:
A child today who knows the story of the cross possesses a knowledge and security which patriarchs and prophets never enjoyed. Not even John the Baptist.
*You have a power in you that wants to come out and make a difference in the lives of your friends and family
*
I LEARNED A HARD BUT IMPORTANT LESSON…
If they don’t experience the cross…they will never experience the power the cross brings
MAIN IDEA:
Getting our friends and family ready for advent means we take intentional time to share with them what Jesus still means to us today.
CLOSING CHALLENGE:
Who is someone Jesus wants you to share the Good News with?
When and how to you plan on doing it?
If you prayed the prayer to start fresh with God today text “startagain” (one word) to 97000 so we can connect with you and help you take the next steps in this amazing decision.
My Notes:
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