| • Reading from Luke 1, verses 67-79 | |
| • Appreciation for congregation's feedback and support | |
| • Discussion of difficulties in preaching during pandemic times | |
| • Personal anecdotes about being stuck behind obstacles (snow plows, garbage truck) | |
| • Parables about feeling stuck and wanting to hurry through challenges (Covid-19 waiting periods, end-of-year anticipation) | |
| • Delayed journey due to snowplows | |
| • Reading from Zachariah's song (also known as the Benedictus) | |
| • Story of Zachariah and his encounter with Gabriel, leading to his wife Elizabeth becoming pregnant at an advanced age | |
| • Zachariah's initial skepticism and subsequent punishment of being unable to speak until the child was born | |
| • Birth of John the Baptist and his naming ceremony | |
| • Zachariah's song of praise and its significance | |
| • Explanation of the first part of Zachariah's song, describing the coming of a savior who would bring redemption and salvation | |
| • Jesus as the son to be born to Mary | |
| • Relationship between John and Jesus | |
| • Zachariah's prophecy about his son John | |
| • Purpose of John as a prophet: to prepare the way for Jesus | |
| • Connection between God's mercy and peace in one's life | |
| • The gift nature of God's mercy, grace, and peace | |
| • The concept of peace in the Bible and its relation to God's mercy | |
| • The difference between the world's peace and Jesus' peace | |
| • The idea that Jesus' peace is whole-life restoration, returning individuals to God's design and intent | |
| • The Hebrew concept of "shalom" as a greeting and a word for peace | |
| • The connection between the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and peace | |
| • The biblical concept of shalom and its meaning | |
| • Shalom as wholeness, flourishing, and delight | |
| • God's intention for humanity and the state of affairs in the world | |
| • The consequence of shalom breaking and its impact on individual lives | |
| • The gospel of Jesus Christ as a means to restore relationship with God and bring peace | |
| • The ongoing process of restoration and transformation through living out the gospel | |
| • The speaker is experiencing peace through their faith in Jesus | |
| • They are justified and sanctified by the gospel | |
| • There is a growing emphasis on justice among younger Christians, particularly in youth ministries | |
| • Church leaders and established churches are taking notice of this trend | |
| • The church needs to adapt its mission to reflect this new generation's values, such as fighting for shalom (peace) | |
| • The concept of "severe mercies" as God's use of extreme events to reveal His mercy and peace | |
| • The idea that waiting or being slowed down can be a form of preparation or protection from something greater | |
| • The sovereignty of God over all creation, including the purpose behind suffering or trials in life | |
| • A book called "Severe Mercies" by Sheldon Van Alken as an example of severe events used to reveal God's mercy and peace. | |
| • God's severe mercies can be used to bring glory to Himself, even if they are difficult or painful | |
| • Jonah's experience being swallowed by a fish was a correction from God | |
| • Naaman's leprosy was also used by God for His own purposes and glory | |
| • Severe mercy can lead individuals to the end of themselves and make them realize their brokenness and selfishness | |
| • This realization can be a gift, allowing people to discover the truth about themselves and their relationship with God | |
| • God promises that present sufferings are not worth comparing to the future glory that will be revealed in believers | |
| • God works for the good of those who love Him, according to His purpose | |
| • The trouble is often that we may never know God's purpose on this side of heaven | |
| • Restoration of life and being to one's intent and design | |
| • Being fully human and alive for the glory of God | |
| • Trusting in God's goodness, plan, and power through trials and challenges | |
| • Praying in Jesus' name | |
| • Confidently facing difficulties with a reliance on God's guidance |