Don’t Judge the Wrapping

Pastor Joseph Aranza

December 1, 2024

Main Idea

The main idea of Pastor (insert provided name)'s sermon was that God often uses unlikely people and provides uncommon confirmation to fulfill His purposes. He used the story of Joseph and Mary to illustrate how God chose a young, seemingly unqualified girl to carry Jesus, and how Joseph received divine confirmation through a dream. Pastor (insert provided name) encouraged us to be available for God's use, regardless of our feelings of inadequacy, and to look for God's confirmation in our lives when we seek His guidance.

Scripture References

Matthew 1:18, 2 Timothy 1:7, Isaiah 7:14

How can we identify and overcome fears that prevent us from obeying God's call?

In what ways have you experienced God using unlikely people, including yourself, to accomplish His work?

Discussion Questions:

How can we discern between our own thoughts and God's confirmation when making important decisions?

What steps can we take to become more available for God's use in our lives?

Share a time when you received uncommon confirmation from God about a direction or decision.

Summary

Pastor (insert provided name) shared a powerful message on the Advent, focusing on the arrival of Jesus, not Santa Claus, as the true reason for the Christmas season. He reminded us that Christmas is about Jesus bringing hope to a hopeless world. The sermon delved into the story of Joseph and Mary, highlighting Joseph's initial fear and uncertainty upon learning of Mary's pregnancy. Pastor (insert provided name) emphasized the importance of not partnering with fear but instead choosing faith. He pointed out that fear never comes from God, as God gives us power, love, and a sound mind. The message encouraged us to be obedient to God's voice, as obedience is the doorway to breakthrough.