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2nd Sunday of Advent
at 9:00 a.m. DEC 5, 2021
Sermon: "Now I Have Come"
This is the 2nd Sunday of Advent. Advent is a word taken from the Latin which means, “a coming to.” This season we are looking at places in Scripture that show us "a coming to." More specifically, we are looking at where Christ has come to someone or some people group.
One of the most significant passages where Christ has come to anyone is found in Joshua 5:14. In this passage Joshua is preparing to lead the people of Israel into the promised land. An imposing warrior appears and stands in front of Joshua with a drawn sword in his hand and identifies himself as the Commander of the Army of the Lord. This warrior is none other than the pre-incarnate Christ! He declares, "Now I have come."
Why come now? The context makes this profoundly significant for Christ to appear and "come" now. First, He has come to make certain that Joshua knows that it is not the might of Israel that will grant them the promised land. The victory belongs to the Commander and His army. Second, He will make certain that the promised land is given to Israel because the Father made that promise to Abraham centuries earlier. Just like all of the promises of God, this promise is fulfilled by God alone!
Therefore, we too will enter the "promised land" of heaven because Christ has come and made it absolutely certain. His life, death, burial, and resurrection are all we need for justification and to enter heaven.
Celebrate the coming of Christ both to Joshua that day in Jericho and the day he came born of a virgin. In every case, when Jesus comes, he comes to fulfill the promises of the Father. Are you longing for the presence of Christ and His appearing? Are you longing for Him to show Himself strong in your life and your church? These are valid desires. Where would you like to hear Jesus say, "Now I have come?" As a pastor, I long to see Christ come in power as His Word is preached resulting in the saving of soul's! I long to see Christ come causing a great move of His Spirit to flow over this city and land making much of His Name! We often see His coming in small ways. For example when our children understand the truth of the gospel, or when righteousness prevails in the laws of our land, or when truth exposes the hidden things in our life and culture. Paul the apostle reminds us,
"For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory" (2 Co 1:20).
"Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God" (2 Co 7:1). God is faithful. He will surely do it. Christ has come and will come again!
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SUNDAY SCHOOL 10:30 AM
CLASSES OFFERED:
ADULT Men's study of the Westminster Larger Catechism
ADULT Women's study of "The Epistle of James."
YOUTH Teen's study the topic of Spiritual Warfare in addition to the Catechism.
LIBRARY PRAYER MEETING
SUNDAY 8 AM
Please join some of the other regular folk for 15 minutes of prayer for our worship. Located in the library.
As we fill the prayer room...God will fill our church!
PRAY FOR:
- Pray for the Supreme Court to be led by God to preserve life, protect women, and promote physician's integrity by overturning the abortion laws of our land.
- Pray for Josh, Amanda, Ethan, Brett, Bobby, Johnny, Jane, Tim, Lori, Mike, Amy, Anthony, Sam, Taylor, Mikani, Rick, Mike, Sarah, and others who need Jesus and a church like ours.
- Pray for all the NEW faces that arrive in worship; also there are many people floating around without a Christ-centered family!
- The Lord's blessing! Pray for SALVATIONS!
- Pray for THAT ONE FRIEND to trust Christ this new year!
RISEN LIFE GROUPS
GOOD TIMES THAT MEET WEEKLY IN HOMES!
Life Groups will be on recess the last two weeks of December. Check out these offerings:
TUESDAY 7PM - "Dust to Glory" w/Sproul @ Avato's (St. Pete Beach) 727 432-3132.
WEDNESDAY 7PM -"The Letter to the Hebrews" w/J.D. Greer @ Perron's (Tyrone) 727 240-8094.
THURSDAY 7PM -"Identity Theft" w/Jen Wilkin & more (women's study) @ Anne Altstadt's (St. Pete) 216 280-5967.
FRIDAY 7:30PM -"The Mission of God" by Joseph Boot book discussion w/Ben Boyan @ church library 727 400-9964.
SUNDAY 6:30PM -"Fear and Trembling" w/Sproul @ Osorio's (2 blocks away from church, St. Pete) 617 935-4048.
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Worship through Giving!
THANKS FOR GIVING!!
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(This was sent last Tuesday)
DEAR CHURCH FAMILY & FRIENDS,
As you may already know, today is Giving Tuesday, and we’re overjoyed to participate in this global day of generosity. Today, our goal is to put our church budget back into the plus column. We realize that life moves fast and some of you may have fallen behind in your giving goals. Will you examine your year-to-date giving and partner with us toward this effort? This is especially appropriate as we approach Christmas and the new year.
Whether or not you can today, would you also consider supporting us in other ways?
1. Will you pray for God’s provision for our church so that we can continue to proclaim the gospel without compromise? Pray for God to meet the needs of our people, whether spiritual, physical, mental, or emotional.
2. Will you pray for the pastor, elders, and leadership of Risen City Presbyterian Church? We have some exciting plans unfolding, and we need continued wisdom as we seek the Lord.
3. Would you share the word about Risen City Presbyterian Church with your friends and family? Personal invite is the most effective means of leading someone to faith in Christ and overall church growth.
Thank you for your generosity in the past, present, and future. We can’t wait to see what God does through your generosity and support.
May the Lord bless the prayers of His Church!
Pastor Mike
Press the "GIVE" link to give now.
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Weekly Bible Reading Schedule |
Click on "Read the Bible" this will take you to "Today's Reading" where you will see D. A. Carson's commentary, then four selections from the Bible. Really solid stuff for you to feed upon! |
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