The Joy of the Second Advent: Hope Restored Forever
The Power of the Gospel • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Reflection Time
Today is a special day in the life of Reliant. This is the last Sunday we will spend in this place that God miraculously gave us. Little did I know in November of 2017 when God gave us this building that he would provide us with 28 acres of land to better serve his heart for this community. And this Christmas Eve we will celebrate together for the last time in this place.
During our time here we have seen 60 give their life to Christ.
And after today 75 follow the Lord in baptism.
We have seen 128 begin a new journey of growth through our discipleship path.
We have helped to start 3 new churches around us and made a way for Reveal Chruch with Pastor Ivan Kennedy to continue their church planting journey in this place.
Let’s pause and pray and thank God for all he has done and continues to do.
Introduction
Through the month of December we continue exploring what it means to Just Ask—to live out the gospel with boldness and grace. We’ve learned the importance of:
• A: Asking permission to engage in meaningful spiritual conversations.
• S: Sharing the gospel with clarity and truth.
• K: Keeping the conversation going by pointing others to the larger narrative of God’s redemptive plan.
Once you are given the privilege to sit down with someone and share the gospel, what do you say? How do you reveal the power of the gospel through God’s authority and through his Word.
Isn’t it interesting that that the power of gospel has shifted from the power of God and his Word to the personal testimony of people. Sharing the gospel through the scripture has become a lost art in today’s world, but we have to get back to effectively sharing the Bible if we want the power of the gospel to bring people to salvation.
Four aspect of Salvation to cover:
• The sinfulness of man (Romans 5)
• The salvation of God (1 Cor 15, John 3)
Christmas Sunday is a perfect day for us to end this series, this year, and even this era of Reliant with a clear presentation of the Savior of the world and the sinners choice.
• The Savior of the world (John 1:1-5, John 1:12-14)
12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
• And the sinner’s decision (Rom 10:9-13)
8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
(Clark, Brian. Just A.S.K.: A Complete Soul-winner's Guide (p. 194). Living Faith Books. Kindle Edition. )
This morning, I want to explore three comparisons that challenge and encourage our faith this Christmas season.
If You Can Believe in the Virgin Birth, Is It Hard to Believe in the Resurrection?
If You Can Believe in the Virgin Birth, Is It Hard to Believe in the Resurrection?
9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Believing that God could cause a virgin to conceive requires trust in His sovereignty and omnipotence. If we can believe this, then the resurrection—God raising Jesus from the dead—is no less miraculous.
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
The virgin birth is the central theme of our faith.
The virgin birth is the central theme of our faith.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
The virgin birth led way to fulfilment of Redemption.
The virgin birth led way to fulfilment of Redemption.
4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
The virgin birth leads to the resurrection.
The virgin birth leads to the resurrection.
6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
This Christmas, let the manger point you to the empty tomb. The virgin birth and resurrection are connected; they affirm that our faith is grounded in a God of miracles.
If You Can Receive Jesus as the Savior, Is It Hard to Receive Him as Lord?
If You Can Receive Jesus as the Savior, Is It Hard to Receive Him as Lord?
Jesus was the Savior before he was born.
Jesus was the Savior before he was born.
20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
Jesus was Lord before he was born.
Jesus was Lord before he was born.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Your confession doesn’t determine if Jesus is Lord.
Your confession doesn’t determine if Jesus is Lord.
Your confession determines your salvation.
Your confession determines your salvation.
9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
Acknowledging Jesus as Lord means surrendering every aspect of our lives to His authority. This involves daily trust, obedience, and transformation.
Application: As you receive the gift of salvation this Christmas, ask yourself: Am I also surrendering to Jesus as Lord? True faith embraces both aspects of His identity.
If You Can Hope in the First Advent, Is It Hard to Hope in the Second Advent?
If You Can Hope in the First Advent, Is It Hard to Hope in the Second Advent?
Christmas points us to hope—the hope that God’s promises are true, that light overcomes darkness, and that joy will come to the world. Just as the first Advent was a fulfillment of prophecy, the second Advent, .
Hope in the First Advent:
Hope in the First Advent:
4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.
Hope in the Second Advent:
Hope in the Second Advent:
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
• Application: Let this Christmas season renew your anticipation for Christ’s return. The God who was faithful to send His Son will be faithful to fulfill His promise of eternal restoration.
Christmas Communion Tie-In
As we prepare our hearts for communion, let’s reflect on the miracle of the manger and the message of the cross. The bread reminds us of His body, miraculously conceived and freely given. The cup reminds us of His blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins.
But communion also points us forward—to the marriage supper of the Lamb, where we will celebrate with Christ in His eternal kingdom.
This Christmas, as you partake in communion, let it be a declaration of faith:
• Faith in the virgin birth and resurrection.
• Faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord.
• Faith in the hope of His return.
Let’s pray together as we come to the table, remembering His first coming and anticipating His glorious return.
