This Sunday we will explore the theme of Jesus the Mighty God as recorded in the Song of May in Luke chapter 1.
Luke 1:46-49 (ESV)
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
Week One Advent Devotional
The Rise of Hope – Jesus the Wonderful Counselor
Isaiah 9:1-2 1
But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
2 The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.
God chose Nazareth of Galilee to announce to Mary that she, virgin would give birth to God’s Son, Jesus. The peoples of Galilee, where Nazareth is located reflects the hope of all nations for God to step into the darkness and light our lives with His salvation.
Isaiah 9:6 6
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
A child born + a Son given.
Child in Hebrew is “Yeled” = male child. God announced ahead of time that His Son was coming to be born as a human child. Fully human experiencing all that we do in both joy and sorrow.
But He is also the Son of God who already existed who was given for us. For God so loved you and so loved your family, and so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son so that anyone who believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.
The Son who is given is both God and Everlasting therefore his identity can only be Divine. Only of Christ Jesus can it be said that neither his birth nor his conception in the womb signaled the beginning of his existence. Prior to His birth, he had existed for all eternity with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus, with the Father and the Sprit is everlastingly the living one.
Long before the manger, Jesus the Wonderful Counselor, created the universe in all its vastness, and continually sustains it by his own mighty power.
This prophecy was an announcement 700 years in advance that God was doing something incredible. He promised to come to us, to be with us, to rescue us and make us His own.
Hear the promise of the Lord, our hope…
Psalms 33:18
Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,19 that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. 20 Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. 22 Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.
Today we light the candle representing the hope we have in Jesus Christ. May the truth of God with us, Immanuel bring hope to our hearts and empower us to live a life of faith and obedience.
Light the candle representing Jesus our Hope
Pray Romans 15:13 (ESV)
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
This week we explore how three people, Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter and John, were dramatically changed by their encounter with the Almost Empty Tomb and the Risen Jesus. What we see in the tomb gives us powerful evidence of Jesus resurrection from the dead. What is more what Jesus left behind in the tomb points to deep spiritual truths.
In our last message in our Face to Face Series we will see how lives are transformed by the risen Savior into new creations that are born again, through faith in Jesus' resurrection.
Join us this Sunday online as we enter the Almost Empty Tomb.
This week on our face to face encounter with Jesus, we explore how Jesus interacts with the two thieves who are crucified with him. The two thieves represent all of us and how we respond both to suffering and more specifically to Jesus Christ. Join us this week for a very important study on the "Man in the Middle" from Luke 23.
Jesus' face to face encounter with Pilate shows the heart of God for us. Jesus takes an interest in Pilate even though he knows that Pilate will condemn him to death. For Pilate, he must answer the question every human faces. "What will you do with Jesus?" Join us this week as we explore this key question at the center of Jesus' encounter with Pilate.
We live in a world filled with injustice. But the greatest incident of injustice is the betrayal, trials, scourging, and crucifixion of Jesus. This week Pastor Drew will explore the trials of Jesus in our face to face encounter. Last week Dan and Preston did a great job exploring what happened in the Garden of Gethsemane. We pick up this week with the arrest and trials of Jesus. There is so much going on behind the scenes. But as we explore this monumental event we discover how God turned the greatest act of injustice into Gospel justice for us!
Join us this week for an in-depth study on the Unjust Trials of Jesus.
The Garden of Gethsemane is where Jesus prayed on the night of His betrayal and arrest ( Mark 14:32-42 ).
1. What do you notice in the passage?
2. What blessed or encouraged you? What did you find difficult to understand or accept?
3. What do you think the original audience understood from this?
4. What does this text tell us about God, or more specifically, about Jesus? About us, and our relationship to him?
5. What other Scriptures might help us understand this passage?
6. What is your takeaway from this? How has God spoken to you through this? What will you do differently based on this text?
7. Whom do you know that needs to hear this?
In the final segment on Jesus' teaching on the Holy Spirit, we will explore how the Spirit speaks to us and learn how to separate the conviction of the Holy Spirit from the condemnation of the enemy.
Join us as we look at Jesus' words in John 16 on the work of the Holy Spirit. Remember in Christ we are Never Alone, the Holy Spirit is with you right now.
This week we will further explore the Person and work of the Holy Spirit in Never Alone part 2. This week we will begin with John 15 and then explore how the presence of God's Holy Spirit has been displayed in symbols throughout the Bible. Each Symbol or sign of the Holy Spirit teaches us about how He works in our lives. The presence of the Holy Spirit was displayed as a mighty rushing wind, a fire, and an earthquake.
Join us as we learn about our constant companion who is more beautiful, more powerful, and closer than we can truly imagine. Believer in Jesus, we are never alone.
As Prague returns to a state of emergency it can increase the sense of loneliness. ICP will be meeting for Worship service Online for the next few weeks due to the increase in the virus and the prohibition against singing together. For many the circumstances are stressful. But we are not alone, even if you are the only human in your flat. We have one another. Our small groups will still be meeting either in person or online or a hybrid of both. If you need anything please give Drew, Becky, or one of the elders a call or email. We are here for you.
What is more significant is that this can be a season of great spiritual growth in developing your relationship with God through His Word and with the Holy Spirit.
In John 14 Jesus promises his followers that they will never be alone and that they are at home with the Holy Spirit wherever we are. The setting of this chapter is an intimate meal together with Jesus' disciples. The way to best with what Jesus says is to envision that you are right there at the table. Jesus is speaking to you and to all believers with incredible promises. Join us this week as we encounter Jesus' promise that in Him, "We are never alone."
In John 14:1 Jesus literally says, "do not let your hearts be shaken, trust in me." Jesus' words resonate in a world filled with anxiety. Social media is not the way to find truth or life. In this incredible passage, Jesus encounters our anxiety and offers peace in the midst of fear and chaos. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
Jesus is the way to the Father. He has promised us a future and a hope that transcends the brokenness of the world.
Jesus is the truth. In an age of confusion, we need the person of truth to speak into our lives.
Jesus is Life. The life Jesus offers is one of wholeness. He offers peace with God, peace with one another, and peace with ourselves.
Thomas Kempis summarizes Jesus' words well.
"Follow me. I am the way and the truth and the life. Without the way there is no going; without the truth, there is no knowing; without the life, there is no living. I am the way which you must follow; the truth which you must believe; the life for which you must hope.
Join us this week as we explore Jesus' Encounter with our Anxiety.
Our next face to face encounter with Jesus centers on a celebration that has continued for over 3,000 years the Passover. Jesus said this to his disciples...
Luke 22:15-16 (ESV) 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”
Passover was important to Jesus. And he tells us that Passover is fulfilled in his second coming at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. In the meantime, Jesus told us to eat the "Bread" and drink the "Cup" of Communion in remembrance of him.
Many Christians are unaware of what a Passover Seder looks like and how this celebration meal points to God's plan of redemption. Join us this week for a powerful multisensory encounter with Christ Jesus our Passover, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Last week we began our exploration of Jesus' teaching from Matthew 24 and 25. It is a complex passage, Jesus answers 2 questions from the disciples concerning the future. This lengthy passage about the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, and the End of the Age, has puzzled people for generations. The confusion stems from the fact that Jesus is answering 2 very different questions. He has some specific instruction for the early church that was in Jerusalem concerning events that would soon occur. Jesus also has some instruction for His church throughout the ages on how to live expectant of His return.
It is a challenging passage. This week in our encounter with Jesus we will seek to bring some clarity to this very important passage by following Jesus' words closely. So as we learned last week, we will put on our Monovision glasses to see what was near, what was far, and what was blended together in Jesus teaching from Matthew 24 and 25.
In Matthew 24 and 25, Jesus answers 2 questions from the disciples concerning the future. This lengthy passage about the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, and the End of the Age, has puzzled people for generations. The confusion stems from the fact that Jesus is answering 2 very different questions. He has some specific instruction for the early church that was in Jerusalem concerning events that would soon occur. Jesus also has some instruction for His church throughout the ages on how to live expectant of His return.
It is a challenging passage. This week in our encounter with Jesus we will seek to bring some clarity to this very important passage by following Jesus' words closely.
Last week on Encounter with Jesus focused on the Jesus Parable of the Persistent Widow in Luke 18 and discovered how believer's are called to enduring faithfulness in prayer. We are called to remain faithful in prayer until we see Jesus.
A Kingdom P.U.U.S.H. to Persevering Prayer
Pray Until U(you) See Him
Pray until you see Him with eyes of love so that He is your only focus in worship.
Pray until you see His reflection in your attitude and love towards others.
Pray until You see His likeness take control of your desires, and your thinking.
Pray until you see Him in the lives of your friends, family members and acquaintances that do not know Him as Lord and Savior.
Pray for justice for the oppressed and persecuted.
Pray until you see Him proclaimed to every people on earth.
Pray for us as a church that God will lead us to know how to reach the unengaged.
Pray until you see Him return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
James 5:16 (ESV) The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
We also were challenged to form Prayer Bands to pray together.
Click here for the Prayer Bands Insert.
This week we will explore Jesus teaching in John 14-16 about what it means to pray "In Jesus Name." It means far more than what we normally think of. It is not the closing words of a prayer, it is an entry into the presence of God.
Join us as we explore Praying in Jesus' Name from John 16.
Last week on Encounter with Jesus focused on the conditions of Mountain Moving prayer in Mark 11:22-25.
F.A.S.T. Prayer
Forgiveness - God only answers our prayers when we are in a right relationship with Him and with others. Seek reconciliation and forgive others as God has forgiven you. 1 Timothy 2:5-6, Matthew 5:22-24, 1 Peter 3:7-9, Ephesians 4:32
Ask and Believe - Fix your heart and eyes on God Himself, fully convinced that God will keep His promises. Remember faith is measured by obedience not emotion. Luke 11:9-13, Romans 4:20-21, Romans 16:25-27
Share prayer with others. We are meant to pray in harmony with others for God’s glory. Acts 2:42-44, Matthew 18:19-20
Trust in the Person, Power, Purpose, Plan and Promises of God. To increase your faith you must increase your view of and trust in God Himself. Have faith in God. Faith is not emotional, it is our view of God.
Faith in the Person of God. He has proven his love and character.
Faith in the Purpose of God. He works for his glory and our good.
Faith in the Plan of God. His timing weaves the lives of others together for his glory and our good.
Faith in the Promises of God. Base your faith and your prayers on God’s Word and He will move impossible mountains.
We also were challenged to form Prayer Bands to pray together. Click here for the Prayer Bands Insert.
This week we will follow up our focus on perseverance in prayer with Jesus Parable of the Unjust Judge and Widow and his probing question... "Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Luke 18:8.
Join us as we explore Faith and Prayer in an Unjust World from Luke chapter 18.
This week we will explore how Jesus' living parable of the fruitless fig tree and the cleansing of the Temple set the stage for Jesus to teach us about the power of prayer.
The lesson is amazing. What is even more amazing is how our lives and our faith grow when we learn to "trust in God" as Jesus teaches. Faith in God's plan, promises and power can move mountains and make the impossible, possible.
Join us this week as we explore Mark 11 and discover how Jesus teaches us to move mountains.
This week our face to face encounter with Jesus features one of the most puzzling passages of Scripture in the New Testament. Shortly after Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem where he is proclaimed as King, he curses a Fig tree and drives the sellers and money changers out of the Temple courts.
Are these two events connected? If so what does it mean? This is the only destructive miracle recorded in the New Testament and it is often misunderstood. We will explore this passage and verses that Jesus quotes from the Old Testament to try and not only understand but apply this intriguing passage.
Join us this week as we explore Mark 11 and discover how Jesus encounters a Barren Temple
This week our face to face encounter with Jesus features a man in a tree. In Luke 19, Jesus shows how with God, the impossible becomes a reality. Just a short time earlier, Jesus had said, "For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:25-27 (ESV)
Just before entering Jerusalem for the last time before his crucifixion, Jesus encounters Zacchaeus in a tree. There is much to learn from this encounter, not the least of which is that Jesus really sees you, and he knows you by name. He calls you to himself. Are we willing to seek him? The truth is Jesus is already seeking you, will you respond a go past the crowd to see Jesus for yourself?
Join us this week as we explore Luke 19 and discover how Jesus transforms the man in a tree.
Two weeks ago, as we explored how Jesus wept at the death of Lazarus we saw how Jesus Christ understands our deepest pain. Jesus has experienced the full spectrum of human suffering: emotional, relational, physical, psychological, and spiritual pain. But Jesus not only understands our pain, but He has also overcome it.
This Sunday as we explore John 11, Jesus gives us an encounter with the proof that He is God and that he is victorious. And his victory gives us hope in every circumstance. The resurrection of Lazarus from the dead is the last of seven signs that John highlights in his Gospel that reveal the full identity of Jesus as God. Each of the signs strengthens our faith and gives us the courage to trust in God no matter what our circumstance.
