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Tag: LET US ADORE HIM

Let Us Adore Him 3

Written by Lee Ames on . Posted in Sermon.

Luke 2:1-20
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The Christmas story has been shared for almost 2000 years. The sacrifice of Mary and Joseph, the birth of Jesus, and the bad decision-making of an innkeeper all work together to bring us the greatest birth narrative ever told. This week, in our focus on the Christmas story, one would imagine that if the Son of God was entering the world, great care would be taken to prepare a place for his birth. One would also assume that the whole world would be on point, waiting to receive this child. Neither of these two things happened. With no fanfare or great celebration, Jesus was born.
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In our time, we will explore the ancient registration that took Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and consider the role of shepherds in this incarnation story. The events of this night changed the world forever, and studying the people engaged in its unfolding will help us discern our own connection to the greater story.

Let Us Adore him 2

Written by Lee Ames on . Posted in Sermon.

LET US ADORE HIM
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Week 2: Luke 1:26-56
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In week two of our series, we focus on Mary and Elizabeth. These two ladies couldn’t have been in more different life scenarios. Elizabeth was older, with life winding down. Mary was young and engaged to be married. Both are pregnant with God at work in their stories. Mary is pregnant by the Holy Spirit and carrying the Son of God, while Elizabeth is expecting the one prophesied to be the front runner for Jesus to prepare the way. The responses of these two women shape the biblical narrative in great ways, becoming icons of the faith in how they willingly allow God to use their lives to change the world.
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Our study considers what our response might have been to this type of announcement. Would we be willing to sacrifice to the degree of Mary and Elizabeth? Would our faith withstand an untimely pregnancy or even the visit of an angel? Join us as we learn about the sacrifice of these amazing women.

LET US ADORE HIM

Written by Lee Ames on . Posted in Sermons.

LET US ADORE HIM
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The wonders of Christmas seem to abound when we gather together on Christmas Eve with fellow believers to celebrate the greatest gift ever given to our broken world: Jesus. We sing songs, light candles, and wrap our hearts around the significance of a child born 2000 years prior; then, as quickly as it arrived, the moment passes, and we move back into our hurried lives.
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But what if there is more? What if we pulled back the veil that separates the natural from the supernatural? What if we recognized that this gift of Christmas is available today, right now? How would we respond? What emotions would rise if we truly understood God’s desire to connect with our hearts?
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Let Us Adore Him is a sermon series exploring real-life responses to our Christmas story. Joseph, Mary, Elizabeth, Herod, shepherds, scribes, and even angels all had a response to the Incarnation. Some were nervous, some apathetic, but others responded with obedience, sacrifice, and adoration. What will be our response?
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You are invited to join us as we explore this age-old story that has moved us for thousands of years.

Let Us Adore him 1

Written by Lee Ames on . Posted in Sermon.

Matthew 1:18-25
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In week one, we are confronted with the life of a simple carpenter who finds himself in an impossible situation. The Biblical text considers Joseph a righteous man, with his life burgeoning and the hope of marriage and family. The sudden announcement of an unplanned pregnancy flips Joseph’s plans upside down. Later, clarification comes to Joseph in the form of a divinely inspired dream, suddenly making Joseph’s impossible situation an opportunity for obedience.
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It is hard to believe that a deviation in plans to this degree might lead one to a place of worship or adoration. Joseph was caught off guard by this scenario in that a dream would be required to connect him to the greater purpose of this moment. One has to wonder if Matthew’s intention in sharing Joseph's dream might be an intentional nod to Joseph, the dreamer found in the Old Testament text. Both would play a significant role in the greater life of faith.
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Does God still confront us with unexpected opportunities to be obedient? Might we have responded in the same way as Joseph? Join us as we consider Joseph’s response to the Incarnation of Jesus