Bottom Line
A personal story, something funny, something touching, or something vulnerable
Something you screwed up or that you are embarrassed about. (Funny)
Exposition and Background
Advent means “to come”. Many think it is about waiting for the coming of Christmas, but it is more than that – it is about awaiting the coming of Christ in Glory, the second coming, when the earth will be remade and all of creation will be restored.
What should the older brother hear?
It is all too easy for us to learn to be seen as righteous by others when it is day – to be seen as a “good person,” only because we have become good at hiding the works of darkness that we perform in secret. God is not fooled, and he is coming to issue judgement!
The night is far spent, the dawn is coming! Don’t be like the people who ignored Noah until it was too late. Stop making excuses. Stop pretending you have it all together – acknowledge your mess – go to confession often. Pray daily. Reject the pride that keeps you from the poor, and from sharing your message with others!
What should the younger brother hear?
Most of your peers, the people you look up to, and the “heroes” of modern culture are living a lie – they are caught up in the pursuit of worldly things, and worldly activities, and these things only lead us to disappointment.
Christians have taken the “red pill” – we acknowledge your mess before God and we accept the harsh reality that we have a dark, hidden side, and that time is running out… Christ is coming again! It’s time to reject the works of darkness and live in the light!
God wants you and he wants the mess of your life. If you let him, he will transform it into your message – a testimony to his immense love and mercy, and an invitation to all around you to join you in the light of Christ!
Action Item / Challenge
Men: Join Exodus 90 starting January 12! Women: Encourage your man to do Exodus 90!
Questions
“Stay awake!” What are some things in the culture around us that make us drowsy, and tempt us to sleep?
What does it mean to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ”? How would this change things around you?
Repeat the bottom line
Your Mess + God = Your Message
