Even though we know prayer is important it's difficult to explain how prayer works and even harder to teach. The best way to learn about prayer, the way it works and how we experience the benefits of prayer can only come by doing it. When a person experiences answered prayer the joy, fellowship and importance of prayer all become clear to us. This sermon explores the directing our prayer time through following the a simple acrostic for prayer A.C.T.S. as a way to help people become comfortable with prayer. 

We start each new year reminding ourselves of our mission as a church so we are sure not to end up somewhere we don't want to be. Please join us on this journey to follow God's word multiplying Christ followers who love God love others and serve both.  

What does Advent reveal about God's Love for the world? The world exists under the judgment of sin and the advent of Jesus reveals God's love for the condemned. God's Son is the gift for the world that meets our greatest need, forgiveness of our sins. John 3:16-17 God's Love is in Christ.   

There has been one constant throughout human history and it is war. War has dominated 90% of our recorded history revealing just how fragile and rare peace is for mankind. Conflict between nations, states, groups and families is a bitter reality in our lives. Celebrating Advent reminds us of God's gift to the world in sending His Son Jesus who is our peace for all who believe in him by grace through faith.  

We celebrate Advent remembering God's gift to the world is the source of all of our Joy Psalm 16. (Due to technical difficulties the message is broken into two parts.) 

ADVENT is here. We are celebrating the season of Advent remembering the arrival of the Son of God brings hope to the world. That hope was born the morning the women found the tomb empty, and on the road and in the room hope was revealed when Jesus appeared to the disciples, and Hope was Alive in Christ when he commissioned all believers to be His witnesses to the world. Luke 24:1-53 is the last chapter in the gospel of Luke that we celebrate the beginning of Advent celebrating Hope is Alive in Christ!  

All of understand the benefits of Jesus dying on the cross, but have we ever considered the role we each play in putting him there? In Luke 23:1-56 there are two important points the author wants us to know about the day Jesus died. First, he was in control of all the circumstances leading up to this point and throughout all the terrible moments and merciful moments of his crucifixion. Second, is that Jesus was innocent of all he was accused of but was condemned to die because of our sin and for our sins.  We are each one of us responsible for Jesus dying on the cross. Which he did willingly so hat when we believe in Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins we live as a living sacrifice in Christ. 

Jesus arrives at the Mt of Olives with his disciples after celebrating Passover Luke 22:39-71. He asks them to prepare for the temptations that are coming by praying. Jesus prays while they sleep and soon he is arrested and taken away. The disciples failed to prepare for the evil that came upon them that night and while Jesus was on trial Peter was in denial. Jesus knows the plans of Satan and that all believers will face temptations and trials the best way for us to face our trials is preparing faithfully in prayer so we can proclaim God's word when we are called upon as his witness.  

We experienced some technical difficulties on Sunday that caused our Live Stream to be interrupted. We have posted the sermon in three segments so you can watch it in its entirety. Jesus preparing the disciples for his exodus to the cross. The enemy is in full attack mode and Jesus wants to prepare the disciples to serve faithfully remembering their great salvation Luke 22:1-38.   

How do we prepare for the End times? It is a subject that captures our attention. When Jesus entered Jerusalem the week leading up to his death, burial and resurrection he gave very clear instructions to his disciples about the end times and the judgment coming to Jerusalem and the world before he returns to rule as King. He warned them not to be fooled by frauds, fearful of wars or natural disasters but to live joyfully even through persecution and to pray continually until creation announces his victorious return. Luke 21:5-38.