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. Nathan Bryant called "Peace Requires a Prophet."  Here are the scriptures for this week:

Scriptures
Isaiah 11:1-10
Romans 15:4-13
Matthew 3:1-12
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

We look forward to seeing you online with us!

Hear the sermon now, "Peace Requires a Prophet" - Fr. Nathan Bryant

Summary of the Sunday Sermon

The sermon centers on the second week of Advent, which traditionally focuses on the virtue of peace. Fr. Nathan Bryant explores the biblical concept of peace, emphasizing that true peace is not passive or sentimental, but rather the result of active preparation, repentance, and right order in the heart and community.

Key Points:

• Advent Peace:
  Advent leads toward peace, but scriptural peace is often preceded by disruption and preparation. The arrival of Christ was not peaceful for the holy family, and before peace can come, a prophetic voice must cry out.
  
  
• Role of John the Baptist:
  John the Baptist is assigned to the second Sunday of Advent. His urgent call to repentance is not a destruction of peace, but its necessary preparation. Repentance is described as the clearing of the ground for Christ to reign as the Prince of Peace.
  
  
• Repentance and Preparation:
  The sermon draws parallels between John’s ministry and the parable of the sower, highlighting that good soil (a prepared heart) is essential for receiving God’s word. Repentance is the act of making room for Christ and straightening the path for peace.
  
  
• Scriptural Connections:
  Fr. Bryant references Isaiah 11, Psalm 72, and Romans 15 to illustrate how peace is a new order established by Christ—a harmony rooted in righteousness and justice, rather than merely the absence of conflict. The peaceable kingdom is birthed where justice and right relationships flourish.
  
  
• Community and Responsibility:
  The church is called to embody this peace by living in harmony, unity, and repentance. The Spirit empowers believers to arrange their lives around Christ’s throne, making straight the paths and smoothing relationships within the community.
  
  
• Advent Challenge:
  The sermon concludes with a call to self-examination: Are there areas in our lives that need repentance, straightening, or healing? True peace comes only when we address these obstacles honestly and prepare our hearts for Christ’s reign.

Fr. Nathan Bryant’s sermon teaches that Advent peace is not passive comfort but the fruit of repentance and preparation. The prophetic voice of John the Baptist calls believers to clear away obstacles, reorder their lives, and make room for the Prince of Peace to reign—both individually and as a community.

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