Peninsula Covenant Church
Message Title: His Presence
Date: January 1, 2023
Gifts from Above - His Presence
January 1, 2023
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What was the best gift you received for Christmas?
The Gifts from Above that we have been unwrapping this Advent season:
Hope, Peace, Joy, Love, Life
REFLECTION 1
Which gift do you need most for 2023?
Hope, Peace, Joy, Love, and Abundant Life
God’s PRESENCE is a gift that is mysterious, seemingly intangible, yet is a divine being within us that reminds and guides us, if we receive it and remain open to it. This gift of God’s presence is also known as the HOLY SPIRIT.
REFLECTION 2
What impacted you the most about what you watch about the Holy Spirit, God Personal Presence? And why?
Ruakh
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Genesis 1:1-3
Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Exodus 40:34
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord has anointed me. Isaiah 61:1
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3: 16-17
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26
Again Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.” WhenHe had said this, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:21-22
Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16
...keep in step with the spirit (Galatians 5:25) and not to quench the Holy Spirit. (1Thessalonians 5:9)
BIG IDEA:
God’s Personal Presence is the Ultimate Gift that keeps on Giving.
This year, how will you access God’s Personal Presence?
Receive: Acknowledge, Believe, Commit
Reminder: Breath Prayer “God stir your Spirit in me.”
Resource: Jesus Calling Devotional / Partner
Advent Benediction
May God fill you with the hope of eternity, the peace of His presence, the joy of the Lord, and the love of Christ.
And may you grow in astonishment and faith as you receive these glorious gifts from above.
Now and forever more! Amen!
Beyond Sunday
As we close out our Advent season, may these questions guide you into the New Year.
1. What was the best gift you received for Christmas?
2. Revisit the history of the Holy Spirit by reviewing these passages: Genesis 1:1-3, Exodus 40:34, Isaiah. 61:1, Matthew 3: 16-17, John 14:26, John 20:21-22, 1 Corinthians 3:16. Which passage impacts you the most and why? And what does this story tell you about God?
3. How does Romans 15:13 seem to back up the BIG IDEA that God’s Personal Presence is the Ultimate Gift that keeps on Giving?
4. Which gift do you need most for 2023?
Hope -- Peace -- Joy -- Love -- Abundant Life
5. This year, how will you access God’s Personal Presence more and more so you can fully receive His gifts?
-- Receive : Acknowledge God’s Love, Believe in the Jesus, Commit to follow the Spirit
-- Reminder: Daily Breath Prayer “God, stir your Spirit in me.”
-- Resource : Jesus Calling Devotional / Bible App- Pick a Reading Plan /A regular friend meeting
For PCC's budgeted giving year
(June 1, 2022 through May 31, 2023)
Annual Budget: $3,000,000
Giving Update (as of 12/20/22)
Needed to Date: $1,750,000
Giving to Date: $1,547,598
Shortfall to Date: $ 202,402