River of Life | Sermons

As we enter a new year, instead of making resolutions based on our own willpower, we can partner with God to discover His purpose for our lives by naming our year according to His promises. Throughout Scripture, God changed people's names to match their assignments, giving them identity and direction. When we name our year, we're not naming what our circumstances currently are, but what God says they can be. This practice involves praying and asking God what He sees for you in the coming year. Just as Jesus called Simon 'Peter' (rock) before his transformation, God calls us by our destiny, not our history. Naming your year helps align your heart with God's purpose and brings rest as you agree with His completed work rather than striving in your own strength.

In a world filled with fear and division, Christians must learn to fight like Jesus, not like the world. When Jesus was arrested, Peter drew his sword to defend Him, but Jesus rebuked this violent reaction. The story reveals two crucial postures for believers under pressure: choosing grace over offense and trust over control. Instead of reacting emotionally with worldly weapons like anger and retaliation, we're called to respond with God's weapons of truth, prayer, and love. Pressure will come, but our posture is a choice we can make ahead of time.

The Christmas story reveals God's answer to our deepest fear - that we're not good enough for Him. When God announced Jesus' birth, He chose shepherds, society's outcasts who were considered unworthy and unclean. This choice demonstrates three powerful truths: we cannot earn God's acceptance, the law shows us our need for a Savior, and we are made right by faith alone. Christianity isn't about religion or performance - it's about relationship through what Jesus has already done. God proved that no one is too far from His reach, too low for His love, or has sinned too greatly for His grace.

Joseph faced a choice between protecting his reputation and obeying God's calling when an angel told him to marry pregnant Mary. His fear wasn't of the supernatural, but of what people would think. Many of us struggle with this same tension between people-pleasing and God-pleasing. We often choose safety and comfort over significance and calling because we're worried about others' opinions. However, God sees our hearts and potential differently than people do, and His perspective brings clarity when fear creates confusion. Joseph's immediate obedience changed history and made him part of the greatest story ever told. When we choose obedience over comfort, we step into legacy and eternal impact that extends far beyond our own lives.

Fear tends to grow heavier as we age, but the Christmas story offers a powerful antidote through God's presence. When the angel appeared to Mary, her plans were completely disrupted, yet God's interruptions are often divine invitations into our purpose. Mary's initial confusion was natural, but she learned that divine favor doesn't always feel favorable in the moment. The key to overcoming fear isn't avoiding it, but surrendering to God's will even when we don't understand the complete picture. Mary's response teaches us that fear is defeated not when circumstances change, but when our hearts surrender to God's greater plan.