December 21st Sermon
Sermon recap
This past Sunday, Pastor Gustafson led us through a thought-provoking sermon centered around the profound message of "Emmanuel: God with Us". We explored the story of King Ahaz and the promise of God's presence, a message that resonates deeply during this Advent season. Here are some key takeaways from the sermon:
God's Unwavering Promises: Despite King Ahaz's failures and our own shortcomings, God remains faithful to His promises. We are reminded that, like Ahaz, we are still part of God's plan, and His love for us is unwavering.
Recognizing God's Signs: The sermon emphasized the importance of not missing the signs of God's presence in our lives. Whether through the sacraments of Baptism and Holy
Communion or the love we share with others, God continually shows us He is with us.
Being a Sign of God's Love: We are called to be living signs of God's love in our community. Through acts of service and sacrifice, like those of our Open Hearts group, we can demonstrate God's love to those around us.
As we reflect on these messages, let's embrace the signs of God's presence in our lives and strive to be His living signs in our community. Let us approach this week with open hearts, ready to share His love and grace with those around us.
God's Unwavering Promises: Despite King Ahaz's failures and our own shortcomings, God remains faithful to His promises. We are reminded that, like Ahaz, we are still part of God's plan, and His love for us is unwavering.
Recognizing God's Signs: The sermon emphasized the importance of not missing the signs of God's presence in our lives. Whether through the sacraments of Baptism and Holy
Communion or the love we share with others, God continually shows us He is with us.
Being a Sign of God's Love: We are called to be living signs of God's love in our community. Through acts of service and sacrifice, like those of our Open Hearts group, we can demonstrate God's love to those around us.
As we reflect on these messages, let's embrace the signs of God's presence in our lives and strive to be His living signs in our community. Let us approach this week with open hearts, ready to share His love and grace with those around us.
Sermon Study GUide
December 21, 2025 Sermon
Reading
Warm Up
Scripture Exploration
Personal Reflection
Personal Application
Reading
- Isaiah 7:10-14
- Matthew 1:22-23
- Exodus 32:1-4
Warm Up
- Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What circumstances led to that feeling, and how did you address it?
- How do you currently understand the concept of "God with us" in your daily life?
Scripture Exploration
- Read Isaiah 7:10-14. What sign does God promise, and how is it significant for King Ahaz and for us today?
- Examine Matthew 1:22-23. How does this passage fulfill the prophecy in Isaiah?
- In Exodus 32:1-4, the Israelites create a golden calf. What does this reveal about their relationship with God at that time?
Personal Reflection
- How does the promise of "Emmanuel" challenge or comfort you in your current life situation?
- Consider the actions of Ahaz in Isaiah 7:10-14. What can we learn from his response to God's offer of a sign?
- How do the themes of trust and reliance on God, as seen in Ahaz's story, apply to modern-day faith challenges?
Personal Application
- Identify an area in your life where you might be tempted to "build a golden calf" or rely on something other than God. How can you redirect that trust to God?
- What practical steps can you take this week to remind yourself of God's presence in your life?
- How can you be a sign of God's love to others in your community, especially during the Christmas season?
- Plan an action that demonstrates your trust in God, similar to the way the "Open Hearts" group served the community. What will you do, and who will it impact?