Lakeway Church

Advent of Peace: God Declares Peace Between Us

Scripture: Luke 2:8–14; Romans 5:1 

Finally! For generations, God’s people waited. They clung to promises, longed for deliverance, and prayed for the day the Messiah would come. And then—finally—He did. Join us this Advent season as we rediscover the wonder of Christ’s arrival. Each week, we’ll explore the hope, peace, joy, and love that Jesus brings—not as abstract ideas, but as life-changing gifts from the God who keeps His promises. Whether you’re weary from waiting, longing for renewal, or simply needing good news, this Advent season invites you to experience the story of Jesus again… as if for the very first time. Finally—He’s here.

Advent of Hope: God’s Promise Fulfilled

Finally! For generations, God’s people waited. They clung to promises, longed for deliverance, and prayed for the day the Messiah would come. And then—finally—He did. Join us this Advent season as we rediscover the wonder of Christ’s arrival. Each week, we’ll explore the hope, peace, joy, and love that Jesus brings—not as abstract ideas, but as life-changing gifts from the God who keeps His promises. Whether you’re weary from waiting, longing for renewal, or simply needing good news, this Advent season invites you to experience the story of Jesus again… as if for the very first time. Finally—He’s here.

“It is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8 

Five hundred years ago, a revolution was stirring. A young monk named Martin Luther was challenging the institution of the Church — calling it back to Christ and back to the gospel. That moment ignited a Reformation that changed the world. 

The Five Solas became its rallying cry: Scripture alone, faith alone, grace alone, Christ alone, and to the glory of God alone. These are more than theological statements — they’re the heartbeat of real, living faith. 

Join us as we rediscover what it means to be anchored in God’s Word, rescued by His grace, and centered on Christ in every part of life. 

“It is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8 

Five hundred years ago, a revolution was stirring. A young monk named Martin Luther was challenging the institution of the Church — calling it back to Christ and back to the gospel. That moment ignited a Reformation that changed the world. 

The Five Solas became its rallying cry: Scripture alone, faith alone, grace alone, Christ alone, and to the glory of God alone. These are more than theological statements — they’re the heartbeat of real, living faith. 

Join us as we rediscover what it means to be anchored in God’s Word, rescued by His grace, and centered on Christ in every part of life. 

“It is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8 

Five hundred years ago, a revolution was stirring. A young monk named Martin Luther was challenging the institution of the Church — calling it back to Christ and back to the gospel. That moment ignited a Reformation that changed the world. 

The Five Solas became its rallying cry: Scripture alone, faith alone, grace alone, Christ alone, and to the glory of God alone. These are more than theological statements — they’re the heartbeat of real, living faith. 

Join us as we rediscover what it means to be anchored in God’s Word, rescued by His grace, and centered on Christ in every part of life. 

“It is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8 

Five hundred years ago, a revolution was stirring. A young monk named Martin Luther was challenging the institution of the Church — calling it back to Christ and back to the gospel. That moment ignited a Reformation that changed the world. 

The Five Solas became its rallying cry: Scripture alone, faith alone, grace alone, Christ alone, and to the glory of God alone. These are more than theological statements — they’re the heartbeat of real, living faith. 

Join us as we rediscover what it means to be anchored in God’s Word, rescued by His grace, and centered on Christ in every part of life. 

What does it look like to live a life that is compelling, beautiful, and attractive—not because of us, but because of Christ in us?

In Colossians 3, the apostle Paul paints a picture of what happens when Jesus is supreme in our lives. We are reoriented toward heaven, transformed in our daily character, and knit together in a community where His peace rules and His Word dwells richly. This is what it means to live winsome—a life that reflects Christ’s beauty to the world and may even “win some” to Him. 

Week 2: Unity in a New Community
Big Idea: A winsome life begins by fixing our gaze on Christ, not the things of this world.  
Colossians 3:15-17

What does it look like to live a life that is compelling, beautiful, and attractive—not because of us, but because of Christ in us?

In Colossians 3, the apostle Paul paints a picture of what happens when Jesus is supreme in our lives. We are reoriented toward heaven, transformed in our daily character, and knit together in a community where His peace rules and His Word dwells richly. This is what it means to live winsome—a life that reflects Christ’s beauty to the world and may even “win some” to Him. Join us for this short, 3-week series beginning on October 12. 

Week 1: Put On the New You (A New Identity) 
Big Idea: A winsome life is a transformed life —putting off the old ways and clothing ourselves with Christ’s character. 
Colossians 3:5–14 

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.  

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 

PRAYER: God’s Golden Bowls

Guest David Smith

Scripture: Revelation 5:8

Revelation 5:8, John sees golden bowls filled with incense — the prayers of God’s people. Every prayer, from whispered hopes to desperate cries, is gathered and treasured before His throne. God’s Golden Bowls reminds us that our prayers are not forgotten or wasted; they rise like incense, moving the heart of God.

PEACEMAKERS

Jesus calls His followers not simply to be peacekeepers, but to be peacemakers. Peacemaking is not about avoiding conflict, but rather about actively pursuing reconciliation, even when it is costly.  Rooted in the peace we receive from Christ, we are called to extend the same peace to others – our family, our church, and the world.  To make peace is to reflect the heart of God and live as His Children.

Scripture Readings: Matthew 5:1-9, James 3:18, Romans 12:18, Hebrews 12:14

Week 4: All You Need Is Love – Ready, Willing, and Waiting

Commitment: We will commit to building a relationship of love.

Love is more than feelings—it’s a daily choice to serve, sacrifice, and put the other first. God’s love is the model and the power behind marital love. 

Marriage is one of life’s greatest gifts—and greatest challenges. Every couple knows what it’s like to face unmet expectations, conflict, or just the slow drift of growing apart. But what if your marriage could be more than surviving the day-to-day? What if it could become a place of healing, growth, and lasting joy? In Marriage Matters, let’s discover, or rediscover, God’s vision for marriage that can bring new life, fresh hope, and deeper connection. Whether your marriage feels strong, stuck, or somewhere in between, be encouraged, help is here. And, if you’re not married, the principles we’ll explore are valuable for every relationship.  

Each week’s message will be inspired and built from the book Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to Make. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at Lakeway Church at the beginning of the series and will be available until copies sell out.  

Week 3: Sticking Out Your Neck & Someone to Be Trusted 

Commitment: We will work together to build a strong bond of trust. 

Trust is the foundation of intimacy in marriage. Broken trust erodes the relationship, but steady faithfulness rebuilds it over time. 

Marriage is one of life’s greatest gifts—and greatest challenges. Every couple knows what it’s like to face unmet expectations, conflict, or just the slow drift of growing apart. But what if your marriage could be more than surviving the day-to-day? What if it could become a place of healing, growth, and lasting joy? In Marriage Matters, let’s discover, or rediscover, God’s vision for marriage that can bring new life, fresh hope, and deeper connection. Whether your marriage feels strong, stuck, or somewhere in between, be encouraged, help is here. And, if you’re not married, the principles we’ll explore are valuable for every relationship.  

Each week’s message will be inspired and built from the book Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to Make. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at Lakeway Church at the beginning of the series and will be available until copies sell out.