King of HOPE: Expecting the The Unexpected King
Pastor Jamie Self - 11/30/2025
Pastor Jamie Self begins the Advent series by focusing on the opening of Luke's Gospel, showing that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's ancient promise to send a serpent-crushing King. Tracing the biblical story from Genesis to the manger, the sermon highlights humanity's ongoing rebellion and the gracious arrival of Jesus, who came to forgive sins and destroy the works of the devil. True joy, peace, love, and hope are found when we recognize the weight of our sin, remove our self-made crowns, and bow to the eternal King who reigns forever.
Weekly Reflection
“Jesus is the promised King who came to forgive our sin and destroy the works of the devil.”
We often treat Christmas as a sentimental season, but Luke opens his Gospel with a stunning claim: God's ancient promise has been fulfilled. From Genesis 3:15 to Luke 1, the story of Scripture is one of rebellion—and of a gracious God who sends a serpent-crushing King. But here’s the tension: we wear self-made crowns without even feeling their weight. We seek peace while resisting the Prince of Peace.
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This Week’s Challenge:
Where in your life are you clinging to control instead of surrendering to the King? This week, confess one area where your self-rule is blocking peace, and pray Psalm 51 each morning as a crown-laying act of worship.
Scripture:
Luke 1:1–4