Isaiah 7:14 (NLT) All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). “CHRISTMAS HAS BECOME COZY. ADVENT CALLS US TO STAY AWAKE.” ~ N.T. Wright The Problem of Rebellion. Humanity’s choice to against God led to separation & sin. Genesis 3:21 (NLT) And the Lord God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife. The Promise of Redemption. God’s faithful commitment to His creation through a Savior. Genesis 3:15 (NLT) And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 12:1–3 (NLT) The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” The Prophets of Revelation. God’s messengers this hope across generations, keeping the promise alive. Isaiah 7:14 (NLT) All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). WHAT NOW? You can trust every one of God’s promises while you’re waiting. 1. God promises eternal life. John 3:16 (NLT) “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” 2. God promises never to leave or abandon you. John 14:16–17 (NLT) And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. Hebrews 13:5 (NLT) “For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’ 3. God promises to cause everything to work together for good. Romans 8:28 (NLT) And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 4. God’s promises rest for the weary. Matthew 11:28–29 (NLT) “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” 5. God promises peace that will guard your heart and mind. Philippians 4:7 (NLT) 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. John 14:27 (NLT) “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” 6. God promises to provide for your needs. Philippians 4:19 (NLT) And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. 7. God promises wisdom to those who ask. James 1:5 (NLT) “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” 8. God promises to answer prayer. Matthew 7:7–8 (NLT) “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” 9. God promises Jesus will return. John 14:2–3 (NLT) “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home… When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION 1. Centuries after God promised to save the human race from sin’s destruction and condemnation, Jesus fulfilled that promise by rescuing us. a. Does this strengthen your trust in God to keep His promises? Why or why not? 2. In light of God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promise of salvation, you can trust every one of His promises while you wait for something. a. Which of these promises do you find easiest to trust? Why? b. Which of these promises challenges you to grow in trust? Why? 1. God promises eternal life. 2. God promises never to leave or abandon you. 3. God promises to cause everything to work together for good. 4. God’s promises rest for the weary. 5. God promises peace that will guard your heart and mind. 6. God promises to provide for your needs. 7. God promises wisdom to those who ask. 8. God promises to answer prayer. 9. God promises Jesus will return.