AVBC - Sunday 12/07/25 – Sermon Title: “Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled” (“Christmas Hope” - Sermon Series: Part 2 of 5) – Isaiah 9:6-7, Jeremiah 23:5-6 (2nd Sunday of Advent)

 Sunday 12/07/25 – Adams Village Baptist Church

Sermon Title: “Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled” (“Christmas Hope” -    Sermon Series: Part 2 of 5) – Isaiah 9:6-7, Jeremiah 23:5-6 (2^nd Sunday of Advent)

          Last Sunday, I started a five-week sermon series called “Christmas Hope.” This sermon series is a series that leads us through the season of Advent and then into the twelve-day season of Christmas. Last Sunday, we talked about how the season of Advent that we now find ourselves in, is one where we are awaiting the birth of Christ, the return of Christ, and it is also a season that we are called to invite Christ into our hearts anew. This sermon series will end on Christmas Eve, but today my message is called “Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled.” Or to say another way, does the Old Testament or Hebrew Bible predict the coming of Jesus? Further, does the Old Testament predict Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection?

          The answer to this question is yes. Specifically, do you know that there are two-hundred to four-hundred scriptures in the Old Testament that prophetically predict multiple things about Jesus, the Messiah, the savior. The reason there is such a variance in the number of scriptures that predict the birth, life, and death of Jesus, is because some verses of scripture are very vague. As a result, it is harder to prove that these specific scriptures are prophetic around the birth and life of Jesus.

          The next question to ask then is, if many scriptures from the Old Testament prophetically predict the birth and life of Jesus, then why does this matter? It matters brothers and sisters, because I firmly believe that any Christian Church in 2025 and beyond that does not have a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will not last in the long term. Why do I believe this? I believe this because our faith in Jesus Christ for nearly two-thousand years has been what has made us Christians. To be transformed spiritually by Jesus Christ, to know Him, and to know the life and the transformation that only He brings. This is the very life blood of our faith, and the power of the church.

          Beyond this, when we come to Christ, then we are called by Christ, to live like Him. This means, coming to Christ, being transformed by Christ, and then living the life that Jesus lived. Jesus taught us how to love and care for each other, and how to love our neighbor as ourselves. I believe that churches in 2025 and beyond that are deeply rooted in Christ and live the life and the mission that Jesus did will be spiritual forces to be reconned with. In this church, I preach Christ crucified. I preach His love, His transformation, and the new life that only He can bring, but then I challenge myself and all of us to love, serve, heal, and forgive like He did. When the Christian Church is at its best we are seeking Christ, loving like Christ, and living and serving like Christ. This is why knowing what the Old Testament predicted about Jesus’ birth, life, and death centuries before His birth matter.

          While we await Jesus’ birth on Christmas, anticipate his return, and invite Him anew in our hearts, what did the prophets and writers of the Old Testament tell us about Jesus. What did the prophets and the writers of the Old Testament tell us about who our Lord and Savior would be, and still is?

          The two examples of “Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled” around Jesus Christ that I picked for this morning, are from the Old Testament Prophet Isaiah, or the Book of Isaiah 9:6-7. For a little context, these words were written about seven-hundred years before the birth of Jesus on that first Christmas nearly two-thousand years ago. This is what Isaiah 9:6-7 says, once again:

⁶ For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ⁷ His authority shall grow continually,
    and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom.
    He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness
    from this time onwards and for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this (Isa. 9:6-7, NRSV).

          I first remember hearing this scripture in church one year as a child on Christmas Eve. Anyone here ever hear Isaiah 9:6-7 on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day before? If you have, the question to ask then is, why would we read on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day the words of an Old Testament prophet written about seven-hundred years before the birth of Christ? I mean, on Christmas are celebrating Christ’s birth? Why would we read something that the Prophet Isaiah wrote, in what we now call the Old Testament Book of Isaiah?

          The answer is, while the Old Testament prophets, like Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Jonah, Daniel, Isaiah, etc., were called by God to preach and live as God calls us to live, they were also called by God shepherd the Israelite of Jewish people back to God. The Israelites or Jewish people would fall into sin and brokenness, and over the centuries God would call one prophet in the Old Testament of the Hebrew Bible after another, to call the people God back to Holiness and righteousness. In the process of doing this, however, the Holy Spirit also revealed to these same prophets’ glimpse of the messiah or the savior that would come one day. These scriptures and other scriptures in the Old Testament are prophetic scriptures that predict Jesus’s birth and life.

          Given all of this, if we have heard Isaiah 9:6-7 read at Christmas Eve services or on Christmas Day, then what is prophetic about the coming of Christ in Isaiah 9:6-7? First, Isaiah tells us that a child will be born, and this child will have authority upon his shoulders. Even more, this same child will be called “Wonderful Counsellor,” “Mighty God,” “Everlasting Father,” and “Prince of Peace.” Since two of these names say that this child would be called “Mighty God,” or “Everlasting Father,” this child would then be divine. This child would be both man and God. Or to say it another way, this child would be fully God and fully human. This child predicted by the Prophet Isaiah about seven-hundred year before Christ’s birth on that first Christmas, is Jesus Christ.

          Not only this, but Isaiah also then says in 9:7 of the messiah, of Christ, or Immanuel, that this child’s authority shall grow continually. One day, when Christ returns, as a descendant of the great King David who killed Goliath with a stone and sling, there will be endless peace. When Christ returns to complete what He began on this earth, will be fully established a uphold. This process of the Kingdom of God breaking into the world continued at Jesus’ birth on that first Christmas, but it will come to full fruition when Christ returns in glory. At this point, the world will then be perfected, and Christ will rule forevermore. This brothers and sisters is why this scripture from Isaiah 9:6-7 is often read on Christmas Eve and even Christmas day. Isaiah 9:6-7 tells us about the Jesus who is coming and will come again.

          One other example of a prophetic Old Testament scripture about Jesus being born and who he was is from Old Testament prophet Jeremiah. This is also called the Book of Jeremiah. Here is what Jeramiah 23:5-6 says once again this morning about the coming of the Messiah, or Jesus the Christ:

Jeremiah 23:5-6:

The Righteous Branch of David

⁵ The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. ⁶ In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness’ (Jer. 23:5-6, NRSV).

          The Old Testament said that the coming Messiah must be part of the lineage of the great King David. In fact, in the Book of Micah in the Old Testament, or the Prophet Micah, it says in 5:2 that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Why? The answer is, is that Messiah, the Christ, must be born in the city that King David himself was born in. Bethlehem is also called “The City of David.” Jesus was in line of King David. To show how important this is, if you take your Bibles and turn to the first chapter of the gospel of Matthew, you will notice that entire first chapter of the gospel of Matthew is the lineage or ancestors of Jesus. Why is this important? It is important, because in the first chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, Matthew starts with Jesus’s lineage and ancestors. Why? To prove that Jesus was a decedent of the great King David.

          In the midst of calling the people of Israel back to God and back to holiness, like all the Old Testaments prophets did, they also made predictions about Christ’s birth, life, and death. In Jermiah 23:5-6, Jermiah wrote that a day would come when a descendant of the great King David, will be born and raised up as “righteous branch,” or a righteous ruler. This messiah, this descendant of King David, according to the prophet Jeremiah will “reign as king and deal wisely and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.” Jesus, who was fully God and fully human on earth, ushered God’s Kingdom of justice and righteousness though His birth, life, death, resurrection, and this will come to full perfection when Jesus returns. When this Messiah, this savior, this Christ comes, Judah will be saved, Israel will live in safety, and this person will be called “The Lord is our righteousness.” Among the many meanings of this title “The Lord is our righteousness” in Hebrew, This title is applied to the Messiah, Jesus, who brings salvation and justice.

          The fulfillment of the Old Testament prophets about Jesus, are central to Christmas, the life of Jesus, His death on the cross, His resurrection, and His return one day. I mean, why else would the disciple Matthew spend the whole first chapter of his gospel writing all the ancestors of Jesus’ lineage? He did so to prove unequivocally that Jesus is our Lord and savior.

          Of the many other prophecies of the Jesus in the Old Testament, here some random ones, and I would encourage to look these up. Type in Old Testament prophecies about Jesus in Google, make sure they are reputable websites, and you can see for yourself. This will impress you! Here are some examples of the many scriptures:

• Isaiah 7:14 – Jesus would be born from a virgin
• Psalm 72:10 – Jesus would be worshipped and given gifts at his birth
• Jeremiah 31:15 – King Herod would murder children in an attempt to kill Jesus
• Hosea 11:1 – Joseph would be warned to take Jesus to Egypt for a time to protect him. 

PROPHECIES ON THE LIFE OF JESUS

• Psalm 40:6-8 – Jesus would be the perfect sacrifice
• Psalm 78:1-2 – Jesus would teach using parables
• 1 Samuel 2:35 – God would raise up a faithful priest
• 2 Samuel 7:12-13 – Jesus’ Kingdom would be eternal
• Isaiah 6:9-10 – Those who heard Jesus’ parables would not understand
• Isaiah 9:1-2 – The ministry of Jesus would begin in Galilee
• Isaiah 40:3-4 – Jesus’ ministry would be preceded by a voice calling in the desert
• Isaiah 42:1-4 – Jesus’ message of salvation would also extend to the Gentiles
• Isaiah 53:3 – Jesus would be despised and rejected  
• Isaiah 61:1 – Jesus would be the anointed one to proclaim good news to the poor
• Zechariah 9:9 – The King would come riding on a donkey
• Zechariah 11:13 – Jesus would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver

PROPHECIES ON THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS

• Exodus 12:21-23 – Jesus would be the Passover Lamb
• Exodus 12:46, Numbers 9:12 – None of Jesus’ bones would be broken
• Leviticus 17:11 – Jesus would die and pour out his blood for the atonement of sins
• Numbers 21:9 – Jesus would be lifted up
• Psalm 16:10 – Jesus would not be abandoned to the dead
• Psalm 22:1 – Jesus would be forsaken
• Psalm 22:8 – Jesus would be mocked
• Psalm 22:15 – Jesus’ mouth would be dry
• Psalm 22:16 – Jesus’ hands and feet would be pierced
• Psalm 22:18 – Lots would be cast for Jesus’ clothes
• Psalm 31:5 – Jesus would commit his spirit to God
• Psalm 68:18 – Jesus would ascend to heaven
• Psalm 69:21 – Jesus’ would be given vinegar for his thirst

(https://www.preaching.com/articles/the-ultimate-guide-to-old-testament-prophecies-jesus-christ-fulfilled/).

 

These prophetic scriptures about Jesus’ birth, live, and death, are just some of the prophetic scriptures of Christ in the Old Testament. In fact, if you read in the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John you will read of Old Testament prophecies that Jesus did some of the things that he did, (In order to fulfill the scriptures).

          For example, it says this in John 19:28, when Jesus was on the cross on God Friday:

²⁸ After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfil the scripture), ‘I am thirsty’ (Jn. 19:28, NRSV).

          The question is, “fulfil” what scripture. This fulfillment is the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies about Jesus Christ. In fact, I just mentioned this scripture a minute ago, which is once again:

• Psalm 69:21 – Jesus’ would be given vinegar for his thirst

Why did Jesus when he was getting close to death on the cross ask for the sponge with sour wine that was put on a branch of hyssop and lifted to his mouth? “In order to fulfil the scripture.”

Brothers, the child that will be born to us on Christmas morning, is not just any child. This child is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. This child was expected for centuries, and He is coming on Christmas, into our hearts anew, and one day returning in glory.

I said to a couple of our church leaders a few days ago that the churches that are growing in 2025 and beyond have two major components:

1.    They will have a strong and an abiding faith in Jesus Christ, and they will believe in who He is, and His return.

2.    They will be mission oriented, and they will strive to be like Jesus and to live the life that Jesus lived.

If we believe in Jesus, if we love like Jesus, and lastly if we live like Jesus, this church will continue to a beacon of light and hope for so many. This church will continue to grow and flourish.

When my parents visited last Sunday, they heard the gospel of Jesus Christ preached, and they felt the incredible love of Jesus Christ through all of you. They said, if they lived around here, they would be here. Growing a church is not hard, if we surrender the reigns of the church to Jesus and live like He lived.

People want to be loved. People want to know that they are forgiven, and people want to, whether they realize or not know Jesus. When this happens, watch what God will continue to do at the Adams Village Baptist Church. This is the vision that God has given me for this church, to preach Christ, and be like Christ as church and in the world. Further, we can know that Jesus is real, that He was prophesied for centuries, that we was born, that he lived a life that changed the world forever, that He died for our sins, rose again, ascended to heaven, and will return one day in victory.

With all this said, how does the “Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled” in Jesus Christ relate to us today, and how can we take these truths into Adams and the world with us? Here are some the reasons knowing that many Old Testament scriptures predict Jesus over and over:

Key Reasons for their Importance:

●        Proof of Identity: They serve as foundational evidence that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah prophesied for centuries, fulfilling specific predictions about his lineage, life, and suffering.

●        Demonstrate Divine Plan: The prophecies reveal God's long-term plan for redemption, showing that Jesus' arrival wasn't accidental but part of a foreordained purpose.

●        Offer Hope & Guidance: For ancient Israelites and modern believers, these prophecies provided hope during dark times and guidance to recognize their Savior, reinforcing God's faithfulness.

●        Connect Old & New Testaments: They bridge the gap between the covenants, showing how the New Testament events fulfill the promises made in the Hebrew Scriptures, validating the entire biblical narrative.

●        Evangelistic Tool: They are crucial for presenting Jesus as the Messiah, particularly to Jewish people, and serve as strong evidence for all seekers of truth. 

Brothers and sisters, on this second Sunday of Advent and this “Christmas Hope” sermon series, this is why I gave this message we discussed the “Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled” in Jesus Christ. Amen. 

AVBC - Sunday 11/30/25 – Sermon Title: “Jesus Came, and He Will Return!” (“Christmas Hope” - Sermon Series: Part 1 of 5) – Luke 21:25-36, Revelation 21:1-4 (1st Sunday of Advent)

 Sunday 11/30/25 – Adams Village Baptist Church

Sermon Title: “Jesus Came, and He Will Return!”                                                         (“Christmas Hope” - Sermon Series: Part 1 of 5) –                                                      Luke 21:25-36, Revelation 21:1-4 (1^st Sunday of Advent)

 

          Brothers and sisters, this morning we are starting a new sermon series called “Christmas Hope.” This sermon series will run through Christmas Eve, on Wednesday December 24^th. This year we will have the seven o’clock service, and then on Sunday December 28^th Melissa and I will be away.

          With this said, in many traditions of Christianity, we call the season leading up to the season of Christmas, the season of Advent. Advent is a season of preparation, and we now find ourselves in this season. Further, full disclosure, there is nothing in the Bible about the season of Advent, or the season of Lent leading up to Easter Sunday. The early Christian Church over the years developed these seasons, as part of church tradition to prepare us and to orient us towards Christ. Since Jesus is born on Christmas, this sermon series is called “Christmas Hope.”

In addition to the season of Advent not being in the Bible, neither is an Advent Wreath, the Christmas Tree, the candy cane, the hanging of the greens, and definitely not our mixed pot of soup that will have after we hang the greens. In every Christian Church then, we all have some traditions. We all have some things that we have integrated into the life of the church, our lives, our communities, and in worship that we have added on top of Holy Scripture. This is not always a bad thing, as long as these extra things that we have added in point us to Christ and grow our faith in Christ. The ongoing debate, therefore, is how Christian tradition is enough, and how much is too much?

          With this said, about a week or two ago, a memory picture popped on my Facebook page. For those of us that have Facebook, you might notice that a “memory” or previous post pops up periodically, so that you may re-share the post once again on your Facebook page. This memory of mine that popped up was from November 21, 2012, and it was picture of Melissa and I, taken at my parents’ then home in the Adirondacks. It was my first-year pastoring two churches, back when I knew everything!

          When I saw this picture, I then remembered back to my first season of Advent and Christmas as a new pastor. I was excited, because in the season of Advent we were awaiting the birth of Jesus. In fact, most of my years when I was a Methodist Pastor, we used pre-canned scriptures from what was called the “Revised Common Lectionary.” We even had what was called “Lectionary Groups” to meet weekly, just to discuss the weekly scriptures, and how were going to preach on them. So, this means some churches all read the same scriptures for each service and each Sunday, and some still do.

          So, in 2012, I was preparing for my first Advent sermon, as I was totally clueless at that point. I did figure out though that we had to light only one Advent Candle on the first Sunday though, so that was good! As I looked over the readings for the First Sunday of Advent in 2012, the gospel reading was from Luke 21:25-36. I remember reading it, and I was reading I said, “Hey Melissa, can you come in here for a minute?” At home I only say this to Melissa about fifty times a day. I asked Melissa to come into my church parsonage office because I was confused as to why our gospel reading for the First Sunday of Advent, the season where are preparing for the birth of Jesus, did not seem to fit. (Office Sign)

          Once again, our reading for this morning from Luke 21:25-36 says:

The Coming of the Son of Man

²⁵ ‘There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. ²⁶ People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ²⁷ Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in a cloud” with power and great glory. ²⁸ Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.’

 

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

²⁹ Then he told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees; ³⁰ as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. ³¹ So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. ³² Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. ³³ Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

 

Exhortation to Watch

³⁴ ‘Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, ³⁵ like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶ Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man’ (Lk. 21:25-36, NRSV).

          So, Melissa walks into my church parsonage office, and I show here the first part of this gospel of Luke 21:25-36 reading. I then asked Melissa, doesn’t this reading seem a little dreary for the season of Advent?

          I then started doing research, and I began to research what Advent actually was and what it meant. What I discovered was that Advent was not just about waiting and anticipating the birth of Christ on Christmas, but Advent is also about anticipating and waiting for Jesus’ second coming or return to earth of Jesus Christ. This is why in Luke 21:25-36, Jesus is not telling us about His birth, but instead, He is telling us about the day He will return. To drive this point home further, Jesus gives us “The Lesson of the Fig Tree,” then encouragement to watch and wait, and anticipate that one day He will return in glory.

          In doing more research, I also learned the word Advent is from the Latin word “Adventus,” as Christians have had this season of Advent for 1400-1500 years (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventus). This season of Advent that we find ourselves in now though, is about awaiting the birth of Jesus, and also His second coming. We are also invited to invite Jesus into our hearts anew during this season.

          The reason that I chose our second reading for this morning from the Book or Revelation 21:1-4 is this scripture describes our world when Christ returns. There will of course be judgement, but what will the world look like for those who loves Jesus. In Revelation 21:1-4, it says once again:

The New Heaven and the New Earth

21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. ² And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,

‘See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; ⁴ he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away’ (Rev. 21:1-4, NRSV).

          This is why my sermon is called, “Jesus Came, and He Will Return!” If you think about it, since Jesus was born almost two-thousand years ago, every Christmas we are awaiting the memory of Jesus’ birth. I mean when we are born, we are not re-born as a baby every year. Even so, Christmas is a day where we remember the birth of Jesus. The season of Advent though is about much more that just remembering Jesus’ birth on Christmas. It is also about inviting Jesus into our hearts anew and also awaiting Christ’s return.

          I know some people that profess to be Christians but have told me that they do not believe in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Common things that I have heard is that “it just doesn’t make sense,” “it is not scientific,” etc. In being person of faith though, is to believe that the God of the universe can do all things. To be a person of faith, is to believe that God can work within and outside of the natural world in which we live. Further, we hear in various scriptures about Jesus returning. In fact, we even hear Jesus himself discuss this in the gospels, as we heard an example of this morning.

          On this First Sunday of Advent 2025, I would submit to us all then that if we no longer believe in the second coming or the return of Jesus Christ, then we have forfeited part of the greatest hope that we have as Christians. Here is why, for those of us that are or were history or social studies majors of teachers, here is the historical argument for the second coming of Christ. In our world, we have roughly six-thousand years of recorded human history. Fragments of writing, artifacts, things showing how different civilizations lived and functioned. Beyond about six-thousand years ago though, it is harder and harder to really understand how societies or people functioned fully.

          Over these six-thousand years of recorded human history, I believe we have tried everything. We have had Egyptian Pharaohs, we have tried Roman Emperors, and other kinds of Emperors. We have had kings, queens, dictators, democracies, republics, communism, socialism, capitalism, religion governments, etc. It would seem like brothers and sisters that in the past six thousand years of recorded human history, we have tried just, as I said, just about everything. Hopefully, we had the goal of creating a perfect world in the process. A world of peace, no war, harmony, human flourishing, and a world where everyone had the basic things that they needed to live.

          I believe that in many ways life in many countries is much better than it was just one-hundred years ago, or less, but is the world perfect? No, far from it. With knowing how many retired educators and some active educators who are in this church, if were to give humanity a report card grade, would be give humanity an A+? I would not give humanity and F, but I certainly would not give us an A+. Even though medical technology and so many other aspects of our lives have improved so dramatically, why is there still so much brokenness in the world? Or to ask it another way, can we as humans create a perfect world, and a perfect society? As I said, we have about six thousand years of recorded human history and have tried just about everything.

          Should we give up? No, but do we really think that we as humans have the capacity to make this world perfect? I believe that we can make it make much better, but making it perfect, I mean perfect, I believe that this will only happen when Jesus Christ our Lord returns to this earth to live and reign. In my years of ministry, and in life I have encountered Christians that got burned out, jaded, or even became cold in their faith. You see some of them had just seen so much, so much suffering, so much brokenness. Year after year they served Christ and they gave and gave, and while progress was made for Christ, the world did not become perfect. In some places, it seemed like no matter how much the people of Christ did, it actually became harder and harder.

          Some people I have talked to have also asked hard questions, such as, “why would God allow a child to die from a disease.” These are hard questions, and sometimes we will not fully have all of the answers that we seek on this side of heaven. Brothers and sisters, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem almost two thousand years ago, his earthly mission was not to have us make the world perfect. His mission was to show us a radical new way of living and loving, to die for our sins, and to save our souls and transform us. For nearly two-thousand years, the followers of Christ, Christians have been called to move this world towards the perfection the world will be when Christ returns.

          Not only do I believe in the return of Jesus Christ, but I am also putting all my eggs in that basket. Why? I believe that our church, and others like it can do so much to make Adams, Adams Center, and the world better. Jesus is coming on Christmas as baby in manger in Bethlehem, as a rescue mission. Jesus is coming to save and restore a broken humanity, knowing that this broken humanity will not be fully restored until He returns. For if there is no second coming of Christ, which I believe that there is, then how will this world be perfected? I believe we can continue to make our communities and the world much better, but when Jesus returns it will a perfect world.

          As our reading for this morning from Revelation 21:3-4 says once again of Jesus’ return:

³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,

‘See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; ⁴ he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away’ (Rev. 21:3-4, NRSV).

          Imagine a world where every tear will be wiped for our eyes. A world with no sorrow, no suffering, no pain, no disease, no war, no death, no anger, no crying, no mourning, and no pain? Imagine a world with no cancer? A world where cancer units close because no one has cancer? A world that no longer has chemotherapy or radiation, as no one needs it. A world that, as much as we love our military, will see our militaries dissolve, as we no longer need defense against war and aggression. A world where would no longer need police officers, as no crimes would be committed. A world where all elected leaders would always tell the truth, and always do what is right. A world with no poverty, no hunger, no homelessness, and only peace. A world led by the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ.

          When Jesus comes on Christmas, his earthly mission continued God’s perfect plan for how the world will be made perfect when Christ returns. The season of Advent is about so much more than just the birth of Jesus. Even when Jesus was on the cross that first Good Friday, He prayed for His enemies, he offered one of the criminals on the cross next to Him salvation, and he made sure that His mother Mary would be taken care by His “Beloved Disciple” John. Our lives and our faith as Christians is not always easy, but generation after generation at our church and others, the work of the gospel continues. We continue the work of our ancestors that with culminate with the return of Jesus Christ our Lord.

          One of my heroes of our Christian faith, is Mother Theresa, or as she is now known as Saint Mother Theresa of Calcutta. Mother Theresa served the poorest of the poor Calcutta, India. She had times of immerse sorrow for the human suffering that she saw. She could not fix it all, but our Lord Jesus Christ called her and calls us to be His representatives in the world. Until Jesus returns, we will continue the mission of the gospel. Bringing people to the hope and salvation found of Christ and equipping them to serve and love a world that desperately needs it now more than ever.

          One of my favorite contemporary Christian songs is a version of the song “Come Jesus Come We’ve Been Waiting So Long,” by Stephen McWhirter. In this song the singer sings about wanting Jesus to come back to us now. I posted this song on our church Facebook page, but here are some of the lyrics of this song:

“… Sometimes I fall to my knees and pray Come Jesus come let today be the day. Sometimes I feel like I'm gonna break … But I'm holding on To a hope that won't fade. Come Jesus come We've been waiting so long For the day You return To heal every hurt and right every wrong. We need you right now Come and turn this around. Deep down I know this world isn't home. Come Jesus come Come Jesus come” (https://lyricsondemand.com/stephen_mcwhirter/come_jesus_come).

 

          The Bible talks about those Christians that went before us as that “great cloud of witnesses.” Every name on a stained-glass window, every portrait, every placard, all part of that line of heroes. For we stand in a line of heroes, and we stand on the shoulders of giants. We continue to preach Christ, so that people will know Him and have eternal life. We continue to preach Christ, so that people will be transformed from the inside out. We continue to preach and serve like Christ, knowing and believing that one day He will return in glory. None of us know when, but Jesus will come back. As my sermon for this morning is called, once again, “Jesus Came, and He Will Return!” Not only do I believe this, but I bet the names we read on stained glass windows, that we see on portraits, and that we read on placards in this church, I am sure believed it and still do in glory.

          How then can we take this sermon on this first Sunday of Advent called “Jesus Came, and He Will Return!” and take it with us out of the church this morning, into Adams and the world? This, brothers, and sisters, is why season of Advent is important:

Key reasons Advent is important:

·       It prepares for Christmas: The four weeks of Advent serve as a reflective and spiritual preparation for the celebration of Jesus's birth.

·       It anticipates Christ's return: Advent is also a time to prepare for Jesus's second coming, encouraging believers to be alert and ready for his future return.

·       It emphasizes hope and joy: Each week of Advent often focuses on a theme like hope, peace, joy, or love, helping people refocus on these spiritual values.

·       It connects to tradition: Advent connects modern Christians to centuries of church tradition and the generations of people who longed for the Messiah.

·       It encourages reflection: The season encourages a pause from the usual holiday rush to reflect on the spiritual significance of the season, providing a time for self-examination and prayer. 

Brothers and sisters, “Jesus Came, and He will Return!” Amen.

AVBC - “Giving Thanks” (“A Thankful & Giving Thanksgiving” - Sermon Series: Part 4 of 4) – Colossians 3:15-17, Psalm 107:1

 Sunday 11/23/25 – Adams Village Baptist Church

Sermon Title: “Giving Thanks”                                                                                  (“A Thankful & Giving Thanksgiving” - Sermon Series: Part 4 of 4) –                 Colossians 3:15-17, Psalm 107:1

 

          This morning, we are completing our four-week sermon series called “A Thankful and Giving Thanksgiving.” With Thanksgiving being this Thursday, and this being the month of November, this month is in part known for the holiday of Thanksgiving. Due to this, we have been talking about different aspects of Thankfulness, receiving, giving, hope, and today “Giving Thanks.” This made me think of the 1978 song “Give Thanks.” In this song it says:

… Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given
Jesus Christ, His Son

(https://genius.com/Don-moen-give-thanks-lyrics).

 

I never knew the history of this song, so I looked it up. What I learned in preparing for this sermon on “Giving Thanks” about the song “Give Thanks,” was amazing! Here is what I learned:

"Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart" was written in 1978 by Henry Smith. The song was his only published worship song out of 300 unpublished compositions. It was written after Smith had trouble finding work after graduating from university. He also suffered from a degenerative condition that eventually left him legally blind. While at his church in Williamsburg, Virginia, his pastor inspired him with a reference to how Jesus made himself poor to make others rich through him. When Smith started performing the song in church, a visiting United States Military officer took the song to Europe, from where its popularity spread.

In 1986, Integrity Music published the song on their Hosanna! Music audio cassette but credited it as "author unknown". Later that year, Don Moen released the song on his Give Thanks album. Smith contacted Integrity to inform them of his authorship, and they said that they had been attempting to track him down. As a result, Smith signed a writer-publisher agreement with Integrity for distribution rights to the song.

The lyrics have been erroneously credited to Moen rather than Smith in some media reports. In the United States, the song was used by a Catholic news website to focus on returning a Christian focus to Thanksgiving celebrations. The song has also been cited by Christian authors to be used for thanksgiving and giving thanks to God. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Give_Thanks_with_a_Grateful_Heart#:~:text=The%20song%20was%20his%20only,eventually%20left%20him%20legally%20blind).

 

          I found it amazing that God just gave me that song, which is in our Celebration Hymnal. I had no idea that song “Give Thanks” was and is often centered on Thanksgiving celebrations. As I am preaching on “Giving Thanks,” this history of the song “Give Thanks” is exactly how God calls us to be, not only on Thanksgiving, but in general. Sometimes it can be hard for us to be thankful, or to “Give Thanks,” even though the Bible calls us to do so. Here is a question for us all to consider this morning, what can we “Give Thanks” for today. Here is another question for us all to consider this morning, what are we struggling to “Give Thanks” for today?

          Every year many of us have this feast called Thanksgiving dinner, and for those that have nowhere to go, many people often invite folks over, or meals are delivered to people who cannot get out or have nowhere to go. Since all of this is true, and since such efforts will go into this great holiday that we are celebrating this Thursday, will we “Give Thanks” to God? It can be hard if we have experienced a loss, or our lives have changed radically. Yet, God is the same today, yesterday, and forever. Melissa and I are blessed to have Thanksgiving dinner this Thursday with my mother and stepfather, and her parents. I “Give Thanks” for that, because my parents live in Wisconsin, and Melissa’s parents are often busy on their farm. Who knows when the next time all of us will be able to do this again? Who knows if my mother Susan will finally call it “Pulaski,” and not “Pulaaaski”?

          When I was a little boy, I loved Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I had all of my grandparents, and most of family. As I got older though, God called some of these family members home, and all my grandparents are now with the Lord. This reminds me that our time on this earth is so quick, and I do not want to waste the opportunity to “Give Thanks.” We do not know for certain who will be with us or not for Thanksgiving 2026, and we are called to “Give Thanks”.

          In our scripture reading from Colossians 3:15-17 for this morning, we hear once again:

¹⁵ And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Col. 3:15-17, NRSV).

 

          Now this, I am sure is what we should all strive for everyday, as God’s word tells us, but life happens to us. We love Jesus, but sometimes we have the loss of loved one or something else. Yet, we are called to “Give Thanks,” for God is so good. What I love about Adams Village Baptist Church, is that we are a family. We are called to love each other, pray for each other, to bear one another’s burdens. Sometimes we are even called to tell each other to get our acts together if needed. This has not happened to me yet, but I am sure it is coming. The church of Jesus Christ our Lord, is an extension of our biological family, and as a result you all are my extended family. Since this is true, we have even more reason to “Give Thanks” to God. Further, if we are honest, who does not like Thanksgiving dinner? We probably all have memories of grandpa or that old uncle snoozing in the recliner after dinner, and I still have memories of sitting at the kid’s table. Thanksgiving is one of the ways that God calls together.

          The other scripture that I picked for this morning is Psalm 107:1, which says once again:

¹ O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    for his steadfast love endures for ever (Ps. 107:1, NRSV).

 

          Sometimes in our lives some of us find this easier to do than others, yet God is always with us, and we are called to “Give Thanks.” One of the hopes that I have as your new called pastor here at Adams Village Baptist Church is to have new ministries. Why? Not so that Pastor Paul will work 100 hours a week, but because we need each other. Imagine we had an in person or online weekly women’s prayer meeting? Imagine we had a weekly prayer meeting right here in the sanctuary. Imagine small groups here or in people’s homes? Imagine the church having enough ministries that you could be connected to brothers and sisters throughout the week?

          I think I might have told you this before, but a man that joined a church I was pastoring once told me that he would join on the condition that we were not “A Sunday only Church.” Adams Village Baptist Church is not a Sunday only church, but some potential new ministries can lift us up, give us strength, and help us to “Give Thanks.” Imagine a ministry for single mothers. Imagine a ministry for those who have or are experiencing grief? The Thanksgiving holiday reminds us that we need each other. The church is our extended family.

          As I was praying about this sermon for this morning, I wanted to tell a story about “Giving Thanks.” Melissa and I met at Potsdam College, and I have loved Saint Lawrence County ever since. It was only a few years ago that I heard about martyrdom of the original Saint Lawrence, that Saint Lawrence County was named after. When I read this story, my heart was warm, and I “Gave Thanks.” Here is the story of martyrdom of Saint Lawrence:

Saint Lawrence was a Christian martyr whose unwavering faith and incredible courage left an indelible mark on Christian history.

Saint Lawrence was born in Huesca, Spain, in the third century AD, when the Roman Empire was vehemently persecuting Christians. He grew up in a devout Christian family and felt a strong calling to serve the Church. Lawrence eventually journeyed to Rome and became one of the seven deacons of the city’s Christian community.

In 258 AD, the Roman Emperor Valerian issued a decree ordering the persecution of Christians, and the Church faced increased scrutiny and danger. The Roman authorities targeted Christian leaders, and Lawrence, one of the deacons, was among those they sought to apprehend.

One day, the Roman Prefect demanded that Lawrence hand over the Church’s treasures, believing that the Christians had accumulated great wealth. Lawrence asked for a few days to gather these treasures. Instead of collecting riches, Lawrence worked diligently to distribute the Church’s resources to the poor, widows, and orphans of Rome.

When the appointed day arrived, Lawrence and a group of impoverished Christians presented themselves before the Prefect. He boldly declared that these were the treasures of the Church. Enraged by this act of defiance, the Prefect ordered Lawrence to be tortured mercilessly.

Lawrence endured unimaginable pain with incredible fortitude while refusing to renounce his faith. Legend says that during his torment, he cheerfully exclaimed, “Turn me over; I am well done on this side!” This display of unwavering faith and his willingness to endure suffering for the sake of Christ moved those who witnessed it.

Ultimately, Lawrence was sentenced to a gruesome death by roasting on a gridiron. As he lay dying over the hot coals, he is said to have prayed for the conversion of Rome, sealing his martyrdom with a profound act of love for both God and his fellow believers.

Saint Lawrence’s martyrdom inspired many during his time and continues to inspire Christians today (https://persecution.org/2023/10/31/faith-under-fire-the-life-and-martyrdom-of-saint-lawrence/).

 

          “Giving Thanks” is this is one probably the many reasons that we have a county called “Saint Lawrence” County. This level of faith and this level of “Giving Thanks” is something that we should all aspire to. Not seeking martyrdom necessarily, but “Giving Thanks” under all circumstances. Are we thankful? If we are thankful, what do we “Give Thanks” for? Is it possible to “Give Thanks” in all circumstances? Regardless of what is going on in our lives, we have Jesus, and we have each other. Jesus gave us the church, not just to come to worship on Sunday, but to be a community, a family, that loves, prays, and lives out our faith together. When we have family, and when we have the extended family of the church, we have so much. So much that it is much easier to “Give Thanks.” I “Give Thanks” to God for my family, for my friends, for my cute little dog, and for my church family. If we feel like we are alone, we are not alone. When Jesus created this thing we call church, He knew exactly what he was doing.

          He is another good story about “Gratitude” or “Giving Thanks.” This is a story about a blind boy. Here is how it goes:

A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by, his feet. He held up a sign which read, “I am blind, please help.”

There were only a few coins in the hat – spare change from folks as they hurried past.

A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. Then he put the sign back in the boy’s hand so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.

Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy.

That afternoon, the man who had changed the sign returned to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, “Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?”

The man said, “I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way.”

I wrote, “Today is a beautiful day, but I cannot see it.”

Both signs spoke, the truth. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind, while the second sign conveyed to everyone walking by how grateful they should be to see…

---

 

When your life seems full of troubles, it seems difficult to maintain an attitude of gratitude, doesn’t it? All we see are our problems, like a blackened storm cloud casting a dark shadow over our lives.

And the times when everything just seems to be going smoothly? We often take these precious moments for granted too, don’t we? Caught up in the bliss, comfort, and familiarity of it all, we can simply forget to be thankful.

So, what, then, is gratitude?

Simply put, gratitude is a habit. It’s a way of looking at the world and all the good things in it with a feeling of appreciation, regardless of whether or not your current situation is to your liking.

Gratitude is a heart-centered approach to being at peace with yourself and with all you have. When you practice this feeling of gratitude, it attracts even MORE things into your life for which to be grateful.

 

          In the song “Give Thanks,” it says once again:

 

… Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given
Jesus Christ, His Son

(https://genius.com/Don-moen-give-thanks-lyrics).

 

          So once again, what we are talking about is not always easy, but at the ripe old age for forty-four this is what I know, we will never be here on Sunday November 20, 2025 again. If we are honest, we have all wasted time being worried, stressed, or even lost sleep. Of all the things that we can regain in this world, time is generally speaking not one of those things. We have an opportunity this Thanksgiving and in general, to be present, to love, and to “Give Thanks.” I hope I, and I hope that we will take this opportunity to be all that Jesus has called us to be. May we “Give Thanks” of this Thanksgiving, and in general. Amen.