When Jesus Comes: "Know Yourself"

Hope that comes in Jesus

I was really blessed on Sunday with the sense of God’s presence and the pursuit of the same among you who were there. Our lives exist with lots of opportunities to be downcast and downhearted at every turn, and yet we have this never-ending source of encouragement, strength, and hope that comes in God’s presence and by His Spirit.

I hope that you sensed Him among us, and I pray you are being refreshed moment by moment this week.

On Sunday, we launched our Advent theme of “When Jesus Comes”. I shared with you the desire to consider the “mess” of Christmas included in the lives of the Christmas narrative. Namely, Elizabeth, Mary, Rachel, and Joseph. As we move through this Advent season, I want to encourage you to make every effort to rest in the good news of Jesus coming. Whatever the “mess” you are experiencing in your life, Jesus is always greater and Jesus cares. His coming brings more than just a moment of salvation, but his coming brings hope, peace, joy, and love for every moment of every day.

No, you may not “feel” hopeful, nor “see” a light at the end of the tunnel, but our faith says to us and through us, “I choose to believe today!”

Let’s pray for one another in this season, asking God to release His grace for us to truly experience the goodness of Jesus coming.

“Even so, Lord Jesus, come.”

If you missed Sunday’s service, you can catch the message by clicking below. Or, you can view it on our webpage at www.riveroaksva.org.

Taking it Home:

LIVE: Take time to consider and write down the “messes” you are dealing with now.

CONNECT: Ask a friend to tell you about his/her “mess”. Listen well and enter into his/her

story.

ENGAGE: Find an opportunity to bless someone randomly, or to bless someone you know

who is in need.

Comments

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On Sunday, we compared the two "guys" Jesus talked about in Luke 18. Jesus compared a Pharisee (religious person) to a tax collector (humble worshipper). He made it clear that the tax collector came away justified in his worship because of his humility. Some of the characteristics of the Pharisee (Don't be that guy) were. He loved to compare himself to "sinners" to feel better about who he was. He loved to compare himself to "lowly worshippers" who weren't giving as much as he was. He kept a list of stuff he did for God as a way of impressing God and others. On the other hand, the tax collector came to God with these attitudes: He came humbly He was sorrowful and repentant. He recognized his need for grace and mercy The Big difference between the two was that the tax collector, in his humility, was able to: Rest in what God had done and would do by His grace. Reach out to others because of what He had been given. Releas...

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River Oaks Church: Live - Connect - Engage

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