The Bethany Bullet Sermon Message - Week of December 16, 2018

Sermon: “The Character of Advent: Surrender”

Text: Luke 1

Surrender is not something we think of too highly.  It equals defeat, it displays weakness.  Yet, the highest of character and most noble of Christian responses is beheld in those who surrender. 

Mary, Virgin Mother, surrenders. Her "wishes" I'm sure. No big church wedding would be hers. The talk of the town would not be her gown nor the choice of caterers. Her will, she says so, "May it be to me as you have said.” Her womb, this most intimate and personal part of herself, is surrendered to the purpose and plans of God.

Like mother like Son!  Jesus surrendered.  His want, "Not mine but yours be done."  His security, He could have called on a detachment of angelic troops to prevent His arrest.  His life, He did surrender it.  No one took it from Him He laid it down of His own accord."

Advent teaches us the nobility of surrender.  We too like the Only Begotten Son and the Virgin Mother exhibit the character of surrender as we: 

1.      Yield to God's Word.  Throughout the season we have seen this displayed as His people have been moved to trust His word even if something appears impossible or sounds illogical. 

2.      Follow God's way.  Though often invited by the old liar, influenced by corrupt culture or inclined by our own fallen nature, we, with the Spirit's aid, turn from those wide roads and follow the narrow path which is Christ Himself. 

3.      Seek His will.  The angels brought insight to, such in the advent texts, but we too have messengers in our midst. Brothers and sisters, fellow travelers and believers who, also yielding to God's Word, following His way and seeking His will, can help us understand His calling and direction. 

Surrender, in this manner, is not weakness for it comes from those who have Christ as their strength.  It is not defeat, for those who surrender in this manner know they are more than victors through Jesus. 

Pr. Kevin Kritzer

The Bethany Bullet will go dark for the weeks of December 23 and December 30. The Bullet will resume the week of January 6, 2019.