Sunday Morning Service - 12/07/25

This Advent sermon contrasts the doubt of Zechariah, an important priest, with the radical faith of Mary, a young peasant girl from Nazareth. While Zechariah questioned God's promise despite his religious status and proximity to the temple, Mary immediately surrendered to God's plan despite the enormous personal cost. The sermon emphasizes that God is not impressed with worldly resumes—wealth, power, status, or credentials—but seeks humble hearts willing to trust and obey. Mary's "Magnificat" reveals a God who lifts up the humble and brings down the proud. The central challenge is whether we magnify ourselves or magnify the Lord through our lives. True discipleship means surrendering control, trusting God's promises even when they seem impossible, and living in obedience to Jesus rather than conforming to worldly values. When we choose forgiveness over retaliation, generosity over hoarding, humility over self-promotion, and service over being served, our souls become amplifiers for God's goodness. The sermon calls listeners to examine what they're trusting in and who they're truly following themselves or Jesus.