STAND

Week 2: Stand in Truth and Righteousness Ephesians 6:14 (NLT) - "Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.”

Ephesians 6:10 (NLT) says, "Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power."

I. Stand Firm with the Belt of Truth Ephesians 6:14a (NLT) says, "Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth."

John 17:17 (NLT), "Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.”

Isaiah 40:8 (NLT) declares, "The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever."

John 8:32 (NLT): "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 14:6 (NLT): "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."

II. Protect Your Heart with the Breastplate of Righteousness

Ephesians 6:14b (NLT) says, "...and the body armor of God’s righteousness."

(2 Corinthians 5:21, NLT): "For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ."

(James 1:22, NLT): "But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves."

Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) says, "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."

III. Truth and Righteousness Work Together

Romans 12:2 (NLT) says, "Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think."

Ephesians 4:14 (NLT) says, "Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching."

This Week’s Challenge: Truth: Read a chapter of Scripture daily—start with John or Psalm 119. Righteousness: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of compromise. Confess, repent, and take one step in obedience.

Reflection Questions:

1. In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to stand firm in God’s truth?
2. How can you actively guard your heart with righteousness in your daily routine?
3. When faced with cultural pressures, how do you discern between personal opinions and God’s eternal truths?

What step can you take this week to strengthen both your knowledge of God’s truth and your practice of righteousness?

For more information about Middle River Assembly of God visit https://middleriverag.org/ To help support the mission of Middle River Assembly of God, please go to our new giving platform https://tithe.ly/give?c=4877442 CCLI Copyright License # 1013363 CCLI Streaming License # 20006236 Thank you for your support.

Middle River Assembly of God 9620 Bird River Rd. Middle River, MD 21220 [email protected] FB.com/MiddleRiverAG 410-391-7993

Links: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram https://tithe.ly/give?c=4877442

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STAND ** Week 3: Stand Ready for Battle**

"For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." — Ephesians 6:15-17 (NLT)

I. Wear the Shoes of Readiness—Be Grounded in the Gospel “...For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.” —Ephesians 6:15 "Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us." — Romans 5:1 (NLT) "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!" — Isaiah 52:7 (NLT) II. Take Up the Shield of Faith—Block the Flaming Arrows “In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.” — Ephesians 6:16 "For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith." — 1 John 5:4 (NLT)

"But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you." — Psalm 56:3 (NLT)

III. Put on the Helmet of Salvation—Guard Your Mind “Put on salvation as your helmet…” —Ephesians 6:17 "Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." — Romans 12:2 (NLT) "We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ." — 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NLT) IV. Take Up the Sword of the Spirit—Fight with God’s Word “…and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” —Ephesians 6:17 "But Jesus told him, 'No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’'" — Matthew 4:4 (NLT)

"Jesus responded, 'The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’'" — Matthew 4:7 (NLT)

"‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’" — Matthew 4:10 (NLT)

"For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires." — Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)

Application / Challenge: Use What God Has Given You

• Gospel Grounding: Write one sentence that summarizes the gospel. Say it aloud every morning this week as your foundation.
• Shield of Faith: Name one lie you're tempted to believe. Then find and write down one Scripture promise that tells the truth—and post it where you’ll see it daily.
• Helmet of Salvation: Spend five intentional minutes each day reflecting on who you are in Christ. Let His truth shape your thoughts.
• Sword of the Spirit: Memorize one Bible verse that speaks directly to a struggle you’re facing—and use it in prayer and conversation this week.

Think about it.

• What specific steps can you take each morning to ground yourself in the gospel, ensuring you’re ready to face the day’s challenges?
• Identify one lie you’ve been tempted to believe recently. What Scripture can you apply to counter that lie and strengthen your faith?
• Think about a situation where negative thoughts or doubts overwhelmed you. How can you put on the "helmet of salvation" to guard your mind in similar situations moving forward?

Choose a current struggle in your life. What Bible verse can you memorize and declare to actively fight back with the "sword of the Spirit"?

For more information about Middle River Assembly of God visit https://middleriverag.org/ To help support the mission of Middle River Assembly of God, please go to our new giving platform https://tithe.ly/give?c=4877442 CCLI Copyright License # 1013363 CCLI Streaming License # 20006236 Thank you for your support.

Middle River Assembly of God 9620 Bird River Rd. Middle River, MD 21220 [email protected] FB.com/MiddleRiverAG 410-391-7993

Links Website Facebook Twitter Instagram https://tithe.ly/give?c=4877442

Find out more at https://love-connect-grow-serve-sermon.pinecast.co

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

STAND Week 4: Stand in Prayer and Perseverance

Ephesians 6:18-20 NLT

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.”

I. Prayer Keeps You Connected to the Source

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.” —Ephesians 6:18 NLT "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing." — John 15:4-5 (NLT) 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT): "Never stop praying." II. Prayer Keeps You Spiritually Awake

“Stay alert…” —Ephesians 6:18 “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”Matthew 26:41 (NLT)

III. Prayer Is a Weapon for Others, Not Just Yourself “…and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere” —Ephesians 6:18 James 5:16 (NLT) “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”

Galatians 6:2 (NLT) Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

IV. Prayer Fuels Boldness in the Mission Ephesians 6:19 (NLT) “And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.”

James 5:16 (NLT) “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

Colossians 4:2 (NLT) “Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.”

Think About It. 

How does your current prayer life reflect the idea of staying connected to God as your source of strength and guidance? In what areas of your life do you need to be more spiritually awake and alert? How can prayer help sharpen your awareness? Who are three people in your life that need your prayers right now? How can you stand in the gap for them through intercession? Reflect on a time when prayer fueled boldness in your mission. How did it impact your courage and actions? What practical steps will you take this week to build a consistent rhythm of prayer and persevere in it, not only for yourself but also for others?

For more information about Middle River Assembly of God visit https://middleriverag.org/ To help support the mission of Middle River Assembly of God, please go to our new giving platform https://tithe.ly/give?c=4877442 CCLI Copyright License # 1013363 CCLI Streaming License # 20006236 Thank you for your support.

Middle River Assembly of God 9620 Bird River Rd. Middle River, MD 21220 [email protected] FB.com/MiddleRiverAG 410-391-7993 Links Website Facebook Twitter Instagram https://tithe.ly/give?c=4877442

Find out more at https://love-connect-grow-serve-sermon.pinecast.co

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Tightrope: Balancing Grace and Truth in 1 Corinthians Week 1: “Unity in Diversity” Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17, 12:12-27 **POINT #1 – PUTTING JESUS FIRST HELPS US KEEP OUR BALANCE **

1 Corinthians 1:10-15 (NLT) I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. 11 For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters. 12 Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow only Christ.” 13 Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not! 14 I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 for now no one can say they were baptized in my name.

POINT #2 – UNITY, NOT UNIFORMITY

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (NLT) The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. 13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. 14 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part.

** POINT #3 – PLAY YOUR PART**

1 Corinthians 12:15-27 (NLT) If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? 18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 19 How strange a body would be if it had only one part! 20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” 22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. 23 And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, 24 while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. 25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. 26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. 27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.

Think About It.

1. How can keeping Jesus as the center of our faith help prevent division in our church community?
2. What are some practical ways we can intentionally balance grace and truth in our daily relationships within the church?
3. How do you see your unique gifts and role contributing to the health and unity of our church body?
4. What are ways churches or groups unintentionally promote uniformity rather than unity? How can we avoid that trap?
5. When conflicts arise because of differences, how can the Holy Spirit and our shared focus on Jesus help us “stay steady” and work through those challenges?

For more information about Middle River Assembly of God visit https://middleriverag.org/

To help support the mission of Middle River Assembly of God, please go to our new giving platform

https://tithe.ly/give?c=4877442

CCLI Copyright License # 1013363

CCLI Streaming License # 20006236

Thank you for your support.

Middle River Assembly of God

9620 Bird River Rd. Middle River, MD 21220

[email protected]

410-391-7993

Links Website Facebook Twitter Instagram

https://tithe.ly/give?c=4877442

Find out more at https://love-connect-grow-serve-sermon.pinecast.co

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Tightrope: Balancing Grace and Truth in 1 Corinthians Week 2: “Love and Knowledge” **CHRISTIAN MATURITY IS BEING SENSITIVE TO OTHERS **

1 Corinthians 8:1-8 “Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes. So, what about eating meat that has been offered to idols? Well, we all know that an idol is not really a god and that there is only one God. There may be so-called gods both in heaven and on earth, and some people actually worship many gods and many lords. But for us, There is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live. However, not all believers know this. Some are accustomed to thinking of idols as being real, so when they eat food that has been offered to idols, they think of it as the worship of real gods, and their weak consciences are violated. It’s true that we can’t win God’s approval by what we eat. We don’t lose anything if we don’t eat it, and we don’t gain anything if we do.” (1 Corinthians 8:1-8, NLT)

LOVE IS SACRIFICIAL

1 Corinthians 8:9-13 “But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble. For if others see you—with your “superior knowledge”—eating in the temple of an idol, won’t they be encouraged to violate their conscience by eating food that has been offered to an idol? So because of your superior knowledge, a weak believer for whom Christ died will be destroyed. And when you sin against other believers by encouraging them to do something they believe is wrong, you are sinning against Christ. So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live—for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble.” (1 Corinthians 8:9-13, NLT)

LOVE IS THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE

1 Corinthians 13:1-7 “If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-7, NLT)

Think About it:

1. Paul says, “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” How have you seen knowledge used without love in your own life or in the church? How did it impact people?
2. What does it mean for love to be “sacrificial” in your daily life? Can you think of a recent example where you or someone else practiced sacrificial love?
3. Love transforms knowledge into something meaningful. How can you apply this idea to your words, actions, or decisions this week?
4. How can you tell the difference between doing something just because you can and doing it because it’s loving toward others?
5. Who in your life right now might need you to walk the tightrope—balancing truth, freedom, and love—and what’s one step you can take toward them this week?

For more information about Middle River Assembly of God visit https://middleriverag.org/ To help support the mission of Middle River Assembly of God, please go to our new giving platform https://tithe.ly/give?c=4877442 CCLI Copyright License # 1013363 CCLI Streaming License # 20006236 Thank you for your support.

Middle River Assembly of God 9620 Bird River Rd. Middle River, MD 21220 [email protected] FB.com/MiddleRiverAG 410-391-7993

Links Website Facebook Twitter Instagram https://tithe.ly/give?c=4877442

Find out more at https://love-connect-grow-serve-sermon.pinecast.co

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Tightrope: Balancing Grace and Truth in 1 Corinthians

Week 3: “Freedom and Responsibility”

Write Up: In this sermon, we will look into Paul's teachings on Christian freedom and its limitations. We'll discuss how to balance the grace of freedom in Christ with the truth of our responsibility to others and to God. This includes addressing issues of personal conduct, and how our actions affect the community of believers. We will also discover that just because we can do something doesn’t mean that we should.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, 10:23-33

Think: Freedom in Christ is a gift that carries responsibility.

Feel: Conviction about areas where my freedom may have been selfish or harmful.

Do: Encourage others to live with freedom that is balanced by responsibility.

POINT #1 – WHAT WE DO MATTERS 

1 Corinthians 6:12-18

“You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. You say, “Food was made for the stomach, and the stomach for food.” (This is true, though someday God will do away with both of them.) But you can’t say that our bodies were made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies. And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead. Don’t you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which is part of Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! And don’t you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, “The two are united into one.” But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him. Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:12-18**, NLT**)

POINT #2 – OUR CHOICES EFFECT OTHERS

1 Corinthians 10:23-30

“You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others. So you may eat any meat that is sold in the marketplace without raising questions of conscience. For “the earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it.” If someone who isn’t a believer asks you home for dinner, accept the invitation if you want to. Eat whatever is offered to you without raising questions of conscience. (But suppose someone tells you, “This meat was offered to an idol.” Don’t eat it, out of consideration for the conscience of the one who told you. It might not be a matter of conscience for you, but it is for the other person.) For why should my freedom be limited by what someone else thinks? If I can thank God for the food and enjoy it, why should I be condemned for eating it?” (1 Corinthians 10:23-30**, NLT**)

POINT #3 – WALK THE TIGHTROPE FOR THE GLORY OF GOD 

1 Corinthians 10:31-33

“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.” (1 Corinthians 10:31-33**, NLT**)

Think About It.

1. How have you experienced freedom in Christ, and what challenges have come with it?

2. Can you think of a time when your personal freedom affected someone else—positively or negatively?

3. What “guardrails” could you put in place to help you make choices that honor God and others?

4. How does knowing the Holy Spirit is with you change the way you approach freedom and responsibility?

5. In practical ways, how can you walk this tightrope in your daily life—at work, at home, online, or in relationships?

For more information about Middle River Assembly of God visit https://middleriverag.org/

To help support the mission of Middle River Assembly of God, please go to our new giving platform

https://tithe.ly/give?c=4877442

CCLI Copyright License # 1013363

CCLI Streaming License # 20006236

Thank you for your support.

Middle River Assembly of God

9620 Bird River Rd. Middle River, MD 21220

[email protected] FB.com/MiddleRiverAG

410-391-7993

Links

Website Facebook Twitter Instagram https://tithe.ly/give?c=4877442

Find out more at https://love-connect-grow-serve-sermon.pinecast.co

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Tightrope - Balancing Grace and Truth in 1 Corinthians

Week 4: “Already, But Not Yet”

I. The Foundation of Our Faith: The Resurrection

“But tell me this—since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead? For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.” (1 Corinthians 15:12-19**, NLT**)

II. The Tightrope Between Adam and Jesus: Death and Life

“But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22**, NLT**)

III. The Hope That Transforms Today

“But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-57**, NLT**)

Think About It.

1. What does living in the tension of “already, but not yet” mean to you?
2. How does Jesus’ resurrection as the “firstfruits” impact your view of current struggles?
3. How can you walk “from victory” in moments of temptation or guilt?
4. How can our church better support each other in this tension?
5. Which practical step (Scripture, prayer, generosity, community) will you focus on this week and why?

For more information about Middle River Assembly of God visit https://middleriverag.org/

To help support the mission of Middle River Assembly of God, please go to our new giving platform

https://tithe.ly/give?c=4877442

CCLI Copyright License # 1013363

CCLI Streaming License # 20006236

Thank you for your support.

Middle River Assembly of God

9620 Bird River Rd. Middle River, MD 21220

[email protected] FB.com/MiddleRiverAG

410-391-7993

Links

Website Facebook Twitter Instagram https://tithe.ly/give?c=4877442

"The Power of a Grateful Heart"

1. Gratitude Is a Command, Not a Suggestion

"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)

2. Gratitude Shifts Our Perspective

"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

3. Gratitude Unlocks God's Power

"One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, ‘Praise God!’ He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, ‘Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?’ And Jesus said to the man, ‘Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.’” Luke 17:15-19 (NLT):

4. Gratitude Is a Gateway to Worship

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalm 100:4 (NLT)

Think About It.

1. What’s one thing you’re thankful for today?
2. How does gratitude change your outlook during tough times?
3. When did you last thank God for answered prayers?
4. How can gratitude improve your relationships?
5. How does being thankful draw you closer to God?

For more information about Middle River Assembly of God visit https://middleriverag.org/

To help support the mission of Middle River Assembly of God, please go to our new giving platform

https://tithe.ly/give?c=4877442

CCLI Copyright License # 1013363

CCLI Streaming License # 20006236

Thank you for your support.

Middle River Assembly of God

9620 Bird River Rd. Middle River, MD 21220

[email protected] FB.com/MiddleRiverAG

410-391-7993

Links

Website Facebook Twitter Instagram https://tithe.ly/give?c=4877442

Find out more at https://love-connect-grow-serve-sermon.pinecast.co

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Christmas: the Whole Story

Week 1: “Promise in the Silence”

POINT #1 – TRUST IN THE DARK WHAT YOU KNOW TO BE TRUE IN THE LIGHT

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” (Isaiah 9:2**, NLT**)

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6**, NLT**)

POINT #2 – GOD IS WORKING TO TURN HEARTS

““Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the LORD arrives. His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise I will come and strike the land with a curse.”” (Malachi 4:5-6**, NLT**)

POINT #3 – GOD’S PROMISES ARRIVE IN PERFECT TIME

“When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron. Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old. One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying. While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth.” (Luke 1:5-15**, NLT**)

“When it was time for Elizabeth’s baby to be born, she gave birth to a son. And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her. When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father. But Elizabeth said, “No! His name is John!”” (Luke 1:57-60**, NLT**)

Think About It.

1. Why do you think the 400 years of prophetic silence between Malachi and John the Baptist was necessary for God’s plan?
2. In what ways does waiting on God strengthen our faith and reliance on Him?
3. How can we discern what God is preparing in our lives, even when it feels like nothing is happening?
4. How can we actively participate in God’s work of “turning hearts” in our families, friendships, or communities this Christmas season?

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Middle River Assembly of God

9620 Bird River Rd. Middle River, MD 21220

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