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And again, Isaiah says, "The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope." May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:12-13

When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali – to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles – the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near". Matthew 4:12-17

From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."   Matthew 4:17

Action Plan: Take some time this week to go through Saddleback's advent retreat. You can download the retreat guidehere.

Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near!

1. The Hope of the Kingdom

"The Kingdom of Heaven"

God Rules Over All of The World.

" The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all." Psalm 103:19

The World is Broken and Lost

"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient." Ephesians 2:1-2

We Are Given a New Life and New Hope.

"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."  Colossians 1:13-14

Action Plan: Memorize Colossians 1:13-14 this week

2. The Hope of the Already but Not Yet

"Has Come"

3. The Hope We Bear

"Near"

"The kingdom of heaven has come near."    Matthew 10:7

Action Plan:  Be thinking about who you can invite to a Christmas service.  Pray daily for God to lead your conversations with the person or persons in the coming week. 

4. The Hope of Christ

"Repent, because . . ."

And again, Isaiah says, "The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope." May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:12-13

Doable Discipleship: This week's episode of Doable Discipleship has a little fun with a Christmas story trivia quiz. New episodes release every Tuesday. To watch or listen,click here

Talk It Over: Have you ever discussed the weekend message in your small group? Talk It Over provides weekly small group discussion questions as a way to bring the weekend message into your small group. To view this week's Talk It Over,click here