Wednesday, December 24, 2008
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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 should 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.
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Delivered at Greenville (CA) Southern Baptist Church, Dec. 21, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Master in the Manger
MASTER IN THE MANGER
Luke 2:4-7; 5:4-5
INTRO: At Christmas time we hear about the baby in the manger, the wise men, the shepherds and the little town of
Master, Master, we are perishing! Luke 8:24
Master, the multitudes throng and press you. Luke 8.45
Master, it is good for us to be here. Luke 9:33
What does the title imply?
1. SUBMISSION. We first must submit to Him as Savior, then as Lord.
2. LOVE. We express love to one another by exchanging gifts. Christmas should remind us of the love God has for us and call forth our love for Him.
3. ADORATION. It is recognition of His glory. "We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, we glorify You." All this we say when we address Him as Master.
4. ALLEGIANCE. To use the title is to pledge our allegiance to Him. We cannot serve any other.
5. CONFIDENCE. We can trust Him completely. We have signed up for life. He is a Master who cares for us. We can depend on Him.
6. OBEDIENCE. We commit ourselves to Him. As we pledge our obedience to Him, He enables us to obey by His grace and Spirit in our lives.
CONCLUSION: Jesus Christ is the Master in the manger. He deserves our submission, love, adoration, allegiance, confidence, and obedience. We should be able to say, "Master, Take my life and let it be consecrated to Thee."
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Preached December 7, 2008, Greenville Southern Baptist Church
Pastor Fred D. Kerr
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Give Thanks in Difficult Times
GO FORTH WITH THANKSGIVING!
2 Chronicles 20: 1-22
INTRO: Jehoshaphat was a good king in
A FRIGHTENING THREAT
He was just getting the country established.
News came about a dreaded enemy army approaching.
They were near!
AN APPEAL TO GOD (vss. 5-12)
He recognized God's power. (6)
He acknowledged past deliverances. (7)
He acknowledged approaching danger and their weakness.
He appealed to God for direction:
"Our eyes are upon you." (12)
AN ASSURING ANSWER
Do not be afraid or discouraged.
The battle is not yours.
March against them and take your position.
The Lord will be with you.
AN AMAZING STRATEGY
Early in the morning they set out.
He encouraged them to have faith in God.
A choir was appointed to praise God.
The choir was sent ahead of the army!
"Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever."
When they began to sing,
the Lord sent ambushes and the enemy was defeated.
The enemy destroyed themselves!
WHAT IS THE FRIGHTENING THING IN YOUR LIFE? Will you turn to God for deliverance? He has done it before and He will do it again. The battle is the Lord's! Let Him fight it. We are helpless on our own. Let Him fight for you!!!
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Greenville Southern Baptist Church, November 30, 2008
Pastor Fred D. Kerr
