Friday First - Zechariah's Song of Salvation (2)

I’m very excited to be back with you in the pulpit Sunday! It’s been a long month.
Sunday concludes a two part series inside a series that we began the last time I preached. This year, as we focus on Jesus, it is our intention to understand who Jesus is and why He came. Matthew 11.5-6 says He came to bring hope. The New Testament says He came to show us God. Ephesians 1.4-8 says He came to fulfill a plan. Christianity is no accident.

Our text on Sunday will focus on the second half of Zechariah’s song of praise at the birth of John the Baptist. He understands, via inspiration of the Spirit, that everything is finally coming to pass. He is literally standing at the pivotal point in history. He understands, everything going on … everything happening to him and his family, is the direct fulfillment of everything promised in the Old Testament.

In Zechariah’s song of praise, a.k.a., the Benedictus, we’ll look specifically at Luke 1.76-79. As we consider these verses, we will discover three important points that provide us with rich and immense insight. We’ve received a new heart and the Spirit by the power of Christ. Light has shattered the darkness of our heart. And, despite living in a dark and sinful world, every day we can experience the hope and joy that comes through Christ.

On Sunday we’ll talk about three important things from Zechariah’s Song of Salvation:

• Forgiveness
• Salvation
• Peace

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, please give consideration to these questions:

1. In what ways have you experienced the forgiveness God provides?
2. How has that changed your life?
3. What does it mean to you that God has “visited” you? 
4. What did God do for us in coming for us? How has our condition changed? (1.79)
5. What does the peace of living in Christ mean to you?

OPENING / WELCOME
Kody Pritt

SONG LEADER
Roy Pyle

PRAYER OF PRAISE
Boyd Hastings

LORD'S SUPPER
James Johnson

SCRIPTURE READING
Justin Spargo
Luke 1.67-80

PREACHING
Matthew Allen

CLOSING COMMENTS & PRAYER
Rich Walker

WELCOME CENTER
Emily McDonald / Judy Hickey / Connie Walker

USHERS
Bob Hoopes / Marvin Lewis

CLOSING THE BUILDING
Dillon Sluss