Tuesday, December 25, 2007
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
THE SAVIOR IS BORN
THE SAVIOR IS BORN
Luke 2:1-20
INTRO; Christmas time is a time to go home. For students, soldiers, and anyone, Christmas time is a time to return to our roots. For the Christian, Christmas time should be time for us to go back to our roots as we go to
THE STABLE
The stable reminds us of the humility of Christ.
He left the glories of heaven to come to show us God's love.
While there was no room for Him in the inn, here was room.
While the world does not have room, we can and should.
THE SHEPHERDS
The announcement to the shepherds brings us into the picture.
Jesus birth was first announced to lowly who would believe.
The shepherds sought the child and worshiped him. Will we?
SINGING
The angels sang the glories of God.
They sang the praises of the new born king.
We must sing his praises today.
A STAR
We have to go to Matthew and the wise men to find the star.
The star is a reminder of God's guidance.
It is also a fore gleam of who Jesus would be.
He is the bright and morning star.
THE SAVIOR
Jesus is the central figure. Too often we forget.
Without Jesus there is no Christmas.
Without him all the rest is just tinsel.
CONCLUSION: Remember the star. It has 5 points. 5 things Jesus gives us: hope, love, peace, joy, eternal life. Do you have these? He will give them. Without Him, you will not find them.
Monday, December 17, 2007
JOHN THE BAPTIST -- FAITHFUL FORERUNNER
JOHN THE BAPTIST
Faithful Forerunner
Luke 1:5-20
INTRO: We can hardly talk about Jesus without talking about John the Baptist. Their lives are intertwined from birth. Today we consider John's life and lessons we learn from him.
PROPHECY
Isaiah 40:3 talks about a voice calling in the wilderness:
"Prepare the way of the Lord."
John quotes that in John 1:23 when asked who he is.
Luke 1:16, the angel tells that the people of
MIRACULOUS BIRTH
Angelic announcement
Hard to believe. Parents were elderly!
His father was deaf till he was born because he doubted.
His birth was a blessing for his aged parents.
OBEDIENT MINISTRY
Lifestyle sounds strange. His clothing and food?
He understood his mission: Prepare for the Lord.
Bear witness to Jesus (John 1:6)
He pointed people to Jesus, and then withdrew. John 3:30.
He was faithful to the end. An unexpected end!
LESSONS: God still breaks into history.
He is carrying out His plan. He chooses to use people.
We have John as an example of faithfulness.
Our task is the same: Point to the Savior!
Have you met John's Jesus? Are you following Him?
May God bless as you celebrate the birth of our Savior!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS
THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS
Matthew 1:18-25
INTRO: The shadow of the cross fell over the manger of
HIS NAME (Mt. 1:21)
Call him Jesus for He will save his people from their sins.
Hebrews 9:22 says "
without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." (See Leviticus 17:11)
Sin brings judgment. The only way justice can be met is that a perfect one dies for the condemned.
PROPHESY
Acts 2:23: "This man (Jesus) was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge. (See also Acts 3:18)
I Peter 1:18-20: "
you were redeemed
by the precious blood of Christ
chosen before the creation of the world. "
HIS PURPOSE
John 12:27: Jesus said, "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour."
HIS COMMITMENT
John 4:34: "My food," said Jesus "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work."
John 5:30: Jesus said, "I seek not to please myself but him who sent me." (See also John 6:38 and John 8:28-29)
Luke 22:42: Jesus said, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."
CONCLUSION: Jesus came to reveal the love of God and to demonstrate it on the cross. Though we cannot go to the cross for anyone, we too have a purpose and hopefully a commitment to live up to our (his) name.
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