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New Covenant Church Sunday Service - Nov 30 2025 - Going Up

Written by New Covenant Church | Nov 30, 2025 5:14:59 AM

Welcome to New Covenant Church!

We are so glad you have joined us to celebrate the Risen Lord! This week, we will hear a lesson from Fr. Christopher Caudle called "Going Up."  Here are the scriptures for this week:


Scriptures
Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalm 122
Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:36-44

We look forward to seeing you online with us!

 

Hear the sermon now, "Going Up" - Fr. Christopher Caudle

Fr. Christopher’s sermon, centered on the first Sunday of Advent, explores the importance of waiting with purpose and hope, drawing lessons from the prophet Isaiah’s vision for Israel and the world.

He begins with a personal story about being stuck in an elevator with his children, using it as a metaphor for how we wait during uncertain times. He emphasizes that our attitude during periods of waiting can transform the experience.

Scriptural Focus:
He draws from Isaiah chapters 1 and 2. Isaiah diagnoses Israel’s spiritual and social failings, highlighting injustice and neglect of the vulnerable. Yet, Isaiah also offers hope: a vision of God’s mountain being raised above all others, symbolizing a future where nations seek God’s guidance and justice prevails.

 Advent Reflection:
Advent is presented as a time to:

  • Soak in God’s story and teachings.
  • Lay aside personal and communal conflicts.
  • Prepare hearts for Christ’s coming, both at Christmas and in the future.

 Transformation and Peace:

Isaiah’s prophecy envisions a world where weapons are turned into tools for cultivation, and nations no longer learn war. This transformation is linked to God’s instruction and the coming of Christ, who brings reconciliation and peace.

Practical Application:
The sermon encourages listeners to:

  • Ask God what He wants to teach them during Advent.
  • Consider what burdens or sins they can lay aside.
  • Watch with expectation for Christ’s return, cultivating a heart ready for His arrival.

Closing Promise:
The sermon concludes with the assurance that Christ’s coming brings the possibility of a new world—one of abundance, peace, and God’s presence. The congregation is invited to walk in God’s light and anticipate His arrival together.

Applying the Sermon's Message to Daily Life

1. Wait with Purpose and Hope - The sermon’s elevator story reminds us that how we wait matters. Instead of waiting passively or anxiously, we can choose to wait with hope, faith, and expectation—trusting that God is working even in uncertain times. 

2. Seek God’s Ways and Wisdom - Isaiah’s vision calls us to turn away from distractions and seek God’s guidance. This means regularly engaging with scripture, prayer, and reflection, asking God to teach us new ways of living that bring justice, compassion, and peace. 

3. Lay Aside Burdens and Conflicts - Advent is an opportunity to identify what weighs us down—whether it’s personal struggles, unresolved conflicts, or habits that don’t serve us. The sermon encourages us to let go of these burdens, making room for reconciliation and light in our lives. 

4. Transform Tools of Division into Tools of Growth - Isaiah’s prophecy about turning swords into plowshares is a metaphor for transforming conflict and aggression into productivity and care for others. In practical terms, this means utilizing our resources, skills, and energy to build up our communities rather than competing or dividing them. 

5. Prepare Your Heart for Christ’s Coming - The sermon invites us to cultivate a heart of expectation—not just for Christmas, but for Christ’s presence in our daily lives. This involves spiritual disciplines, acts of kindness, and being ready to welcome God’s surprises with joy. 

6. Live in Light and Anticipation - Paul’s letter to the Romans, referenced in the sermon, urges us to “put on the armor of light.” Practically, this means living with integrity, hope, and readiness—choosing actions that reflect God’s love and justice. 

Reflection Questions for Personal Application

•    What is God inviting you to learn or change during this Advent season?

•    What burdens or conflicts can you lay aside to walk more freely?

•    How can you use your gifts to bring peace and growth to those around you?

•    Are you cultivating a heart that is ready for Christ’s presence—both now and in the future?


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