Immanuel | Week 2 | Pastor Kevin Kringel
Immanuel
Week 2Preparing for the Lord’s Promise
Main Theme: Preparation for the Lord’s Promise
- Focus on how preparation reflects belief in God’s promises.
Key Scripture: Luke 1:26-39
- Mary received the angel's message and prepared her life around that promise.
- Key insight: Mary chose to visit Elizabeth, highlighting the importance of community in shared faith.
Main Points:
1. The Importance of Environment in Preparation
o Preparing a physical space for the baby: analogy for our spiritual environments.
o Personal reflection: miracles often involve us creating spaces for God to work.
2. Natural vs. Prophetic Preparation
o When expecting a baby, there’s a clear timeline and visible growth.
o Prophetic words require faith even with no definitive signs of growth.
3. Scriptural Encouragement (Isaiah 54:1-3)
o Call to expand our capacity and grow spiritually.
o Growth involves stretching—knowledge, skills, spiritual disciplines.
4. The Work of Preparation
o Preparation involves effort and sacrifice (e.g., pursuing a master’s degree).
o God’s preparation for our future often blesses us in the present.
5. The Example of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-18)
o Actively prepared for their journey by studying scripture and signs.
o Sacrificed time and set aside gifts before meeting Jesus.
Preparation as Prophetic Action
- The gifts of the Magi: significance of gold (royalty), frankincense (divinity), and myrrh (suffering).
- Prophetic preparation demonstrates faith in God's promises.
How to Prepare for God’s Promise:
1. Learn and Reflect on God’s Word
o Understand what God says about His promises.
2. Lifestyle Adjustments
o Emotionally and spiritually prepare by realigning priorities.
3. Discipline of Giving God Our Best
o Commitment to serving and working diligently in our responsibilities.
Four Areas to Prepare:
1. Prepare Your Heart
o Repentance and offense release.
o Realign priorities.
2. Prepare Your Life
o Obey God’s last instructions.
o Strengthen spiritual disciplines (prayer, community).
3. Prepare Your Expectations
o Verbally affirm promises; express gratitude in advance.
o Be open to God's interruptions.
4. Prepare Your Environment
o Create space in homes, relationships, church, and workplaces.
Final Reflection:
- Recognize that Christmas is not just about Christ's arrival but the culmination of divine preparation.
- Encourage the congregation to actively prepare for what God intends to do in their lives, mirroring Mary and the Magi's faith.
Invitation to Prayer:
- Pray for faith to believe God’s promises, readiness to prepare actively, and openness for God’s transformative work in our hearts and lives.
Closing Thought:
- Challenge: What would you prepare if you truly believed God's promise was on the way?