Gtcotr/ws123108
Opening Scripture: Psalms 65:11 You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip with abundance. (NKJV)
What does it mean when God says that He crowns the year? In order to understand this better, let’s look at what King David, the writer of this song, understood the year to be.
Of course King David was an Israelite born to the tribe of Judah. He was very well educated in the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. These books were understood to be written by Moses and handed down as both history and law for God’s children.
Not only was David familiar with the Torah but was also privileged to have prophets and other spiritual leaders surrounding him who continually studied the scriptures and other sacred writings which were handed down through the generations, detailing God’s interaction with mankind. Many stories and traditions were rehearsed and passed on by word of mouth for generations prior to Moses who we understand committed them to writing.
King David was familiar with the covenant God made with Noah recorded in Genesis. This covenant declared that God would never again destroy the earth by a flood. A reminder of this covenant is still seen today, as it was in David’s day, each time we observe a rainbow in the sky. God continued His promise to Noah and his descendants by proclaiming that:
"While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease." (Genesis 8:22)
David knew that each year contained this promise and that one could expect seasons to be predictable according to God’s grace.
When David wrote Psalms 65 as a song of praise and thanksgiving to God, it is no wonder that he included the fact that God crowns each year with His goodness … but why did He use a picture of a crown?
The crown which David speaks of here is in reference to the end of the year, the harvest-time of the year, if you will. You see, the Hebrew calendar is not the same as the Julian calendar … in other words, David’s calendar and his observance of the new year is not perhaps what you are used to if you are more familiar with the Western world’s system of tracking days and weeks and months.
In fact, it can seem a bit strange to some of us when we first realize that the Jewish New Year does not even begin on the first day of the first month of the Jewish calendar. Before I fully explain, let me read a passage from the book of Leviticus, chapter 23. I know this passage is not easy to understand just by simply reading it from our modern day frame of reference, but I will explain it along the way.
Leviticus 23 KJV
23 ¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
24 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.
25 Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
26 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
27 Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
28 And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.
The Jewish New Year for things like people, animals, legal contacts and things like the calculating calendar years and years of jubilee etc, actually begins on the first day of the seventh month, the month of Tishrei. It is believed that man was first created on this day and each year on this day called Rosh Hashanah a new year begins.
The first ten days of each new year are observed as days of repentance, seeking God’s forgiveness of the sins of the past year, concluding on the tenth day of Tishrei with Yom Kippur, known as the Day of Atonement.
Jewish tradition holds that God inscribes each person’s fate for the coming year in a book on Rosh Hashanah, New Year’s day, and waits through the ten days of repentance until Yom Kippur before sealing that fate. During the ten days of repentance people attempt to mend their ways, curb their behavior and seek forgiveness for things done against God and man, hoping to affect a more positive fate for the coming year. At the end of Yom Kippur one considers himself absolved of sins by God and destiny set for the new year.
This is, of course, a very rudimentary lesson on these subjects, however suffice it to say that King David understood what the end of a year hoped to bring. Tishrei, the first month of the new year, coincides with the autumn and harvest time as far as seasons go and more closely with September/October of our more familiar calendar. In fact, Rosh Hashanah was last celebrated beginning at sundown on September 29, 2008, causing Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement this year to fall on October 8th and 9th.
Why is any of this important to you and me?
King David, a man after God’s own heart, understood and wrote that God always intends to crown our year with goodness, to end our year and in perhaps some likeness, our life and time on earth, with a bountiful harvest. God has a habit of saving the best for last!
Many believe, in fact most every studied person I am acquainted with, that God will send His Son, Messiah of the Jews and Savior of the World, back to earth in this Jewish season of the New Year, Rosh Hashanah. Prior to His coming the year, or season or time on the earth, will be marked by the ultimate fulfillment of this David’s prophecy, a great world harvest of souls.
The book of Revelation confirms that God will instruct the earth to be harvested in the season of ripened fruit. And, we are told by Jesus that the word and Kingdom of God will reproduce only three glories or stages of growth before reaching final maturity, first the blade, then the ear and then the full corn in the ear, representing the fruit in its fullness at harvest time.
Notice once again the scripture from Psalms 65:
Psalms 65:11 You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip with abundance. (NKJV)
The New Living Translation says:
Psalms 65:11 You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. (NLT)
I don’t know how exact or accurate this translation is in reference to the hard pathways of God, but these things I do know:
1. Without regard as to when you celebrate your new year … Every New Year is a time to review and rededicate one’s life to the Lord.
2. It is God’s will and intent to bless you as much as you will let Him … this is already written in the Book.
3. The path of God for your life drips with abundance, even when the path seems hard.
Decide tonight that you are going to use this special time to review and rededicate your life to the Lord. Perhaps you too may find the need to enter into some solemn days of repentance, seeking God’s forgiveness and blessing on your next year. Surely He will hear you, He will forgive you and He will bless your life.
4. Lastly, Don’t forget … A great harvest in on its way!
God bless you and Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Finishing Strong
Gtcotr/ss122808
Winston Churchill said, “A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject.”
It has been said that it matters less where you begin in life than where you end up. I believe this statement has merit.
Life can be likened to a race or a game with a definite beginning, a definite end and a whole lot of time in the middle where people jockey for position. As long as you are still in the race, there’s a chance you will win. But, take yourself out of the game and it’s certain you lose.
One significant difference between life and any other game or race, is that in life we only compete against ourselves. Even though others may be involved, each person’s life is judged by no greater criteria than how they did when measured against their own individual potential.
Life offers us opportunities both to fail and to succeed and these always come wrapped together in the same package.
We cannot always determine what we go through but we can determine how we will go through it.
There is a song from the 80’s or 90’s which says,
I am determined to be invincible
Till He has finished His purpose in me
Nothing can shake me and He’ll never forsake me
I am determined to live for the King!
Determination is often the ingredient that holds us true to course even in the midst of winds which blow contrary to our chosen path. Determination turns our potential into reality.
Most stories about people in the Bible contain some element of a hardship they faced and details how they handled these situations.
This morning, as we approach the end of this year, we are going to take a critical look the lives of three people in the Bible. These three people face situations in life which gives them opportunity to fail or succeed, depending on how they choose to handle these situations.
The first person we are going to look at is Joseph, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham. You can find his story beginning in the 30th chapter of Genesis.
Joseph
* Born eleventh of the twelve sons of Jacob, the first son of Jacob’s favored wife Rachael, who had been barren for many, many years.
* As Rachael’s son, Joseph became the favorite son. This disparity created a great sibling rivalry between Joseph and his brothers.
* One day Joseph was sold into slavery to foreigners by his ten older brothers who hated him with a jealous hatred.
* Joseph spent years in slavery and prison in a foreign land.
* But Joseph never forgot his loyalty and his commitment to Jehovah, the covenant God of his fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
* Although his hardships increased and lasted near twenty years, Joseph won the battles within himself and kept his faith.
* In the end Joseph became second ruler over all of the land of Egypt and saved his family from starvation and became a key player in the plan of God for the whole world.
* We remember Joseph best of all from his life scripture when he faced his brothers and had power over them to punish them for what they had done to him. He could have taken revenge but …
* Joseph saw a bigger picture than his painful past and said:
Genesis 45:5 "But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.
* Joseph realized that he had been chosen by God and that the things which had happened to him were for a greater purpose.
* We too have been chosen … Jesus said it this way:
John 15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.
* Neither the world nor the devil holds ultimate authority or power over your life. When standing trial before Pilate, the Roman Governor of Judea, Pilate told Jesus, “Don’t you know who I am? I have the power to crucify you or set you free!”
John 19:11 Jesus answered, "You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin." (Allow me to tell you who is really in trouble here.)
After it was all said and done, Joseph, and Jesus, finished strong.
The second person we are going to look at today is Esther, Queen of the Persian Empire
Esther
* Esther lived in Persia, modern Iran, about the year 479BC.
* Esther was a Jewish girl who lost both of her parents at an early age and began being cared for by her older cousin, Mordecai.
* Most likely still a teenager, Esther was forced to enter a contest to become Queen of Persia … the rules were very strict and required Esther to enter the harem of the King Xerxes … in the course of time, Esther won the King’s favor and was crowned Queen.
* However, Esther was not always welcomed in court, as the law stated that if anyone came to see the King without first being summoned, they would be summarily executed.
* This was also true for even the Queen. The only escape from this certain death sentence was for the King to grant an immediate pardon and this was very, very rare.
* There came a time when the King signed a law that allowed Jews to be stolen from, and even murdered without penalty. At this time the King was unaware that his Queen, Esther, was a Jew.
* Mordecai knew that Esther was the only person who could possibly help. He asked Esther to go to the King on behalf of her people.
* Initially Esther refused out of fear for her life but later realized that perhaps this was the very reason why she had been blessed to become Queen in the first place. Maybe this was all a part of God’s bigger plan.
* We remember Esther best of all from her life scripture as she faced the most difficult decision of her life: Should she risk her life and position to speak up for others who were being mistreated?
* She put her trust in God and said:
Esther 4:16b “I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”
* Esther went unannounced before the King, received his immediate favor and pardon, artfully pled her case strategically guided by the Holy Spirit, and won a great victory.
Now that is finishing strong.
* You see, the Bible says:
Romans 9:16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.
* God really is in control and He is working all things together for the good of them who love Him and for those who are called according to His purposes. (Romans 8:28)
So far this morning we have looked at two very common and ordinary people in their day, Joseph and Esther. You may be more familiar with the next person.
The third person we are going to review is actually a work in progress … the third person is you.
You
* I do not know all it took God to get you to this place or what He has planned for your life which, at this moment, you are completely unaware of. However, what I do know is that God is much more involved in your life than you can imagine and that He is presently working to perfect those things which concern you.
* Just like Joseph, Esther and even the Apostle Paul along with so many others in the Bible, for the rest of your life you will continue to be a work in progress. Each day and in every way the encounters life affords you will present you with opportunities to fail and opportunities to succeed … it all depends on how you handle life.
* You have been chosen by God and are presently being prepared to serve His plan in your greatest capacity.
* Do not fear the pressures, problems and/or the uncertainties of life. Our God is able and with Him all things are possible … even your success.
* What will your life scripture be? What will you say in the end when you have faced the giant like David, been swallowed up by a great fish like Jonah, found yourself in a new place where you have no family or friends like Ruth, are asked to believe something impossible like Mary or given some great tasks to fulfill like the Apostles were given by Jesus when He ascended into heaven?
* What will your last words be? How will others remember you?
* With each decision you are writing the story others will one day tell about you. What will be your legacy?
The Apostle Paul penned his when he said to Timothy:
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Joseph finished strong, Esther finished strong and I have confidence that you can too.
Decide right now that you are going to begin a new chapter in your life. Why wait until January 1st to make your resolution? Make your declaration today and choose to finish 2008 strong.
Victory and success begin with a decision and they gain daily strength through the daily declaration of our faith in God’s future for our life.
The Bible is a book of true life stories in which people, despite the hardships of life, finish strong because of their faith in God.
You can be one of God’s success stories … ask Him to help you and He will.
Get on God’s side and finish strong.
Winston Churchill said, “A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject.”
It has been said that it matters less where you begin in life than where you end up. I believe this statement has merit.
Life can be likened to a race or a game with a definite beginning, a definite end and a whole lot of time in the middle where people jockey for position. As long as you are still in the race, there’s a chance you will win. But, take yourself out of the game and it’s certain you lose.
One significant difference between life and any other game or race, is that in life we only compete against ourselves. Even though others may be involved, each person’s life is judged by no greater criteria than how they did when measured against their own individual potential.
Life offers us opportunities both to fail and to succeed and these always come wrapped together in the same package.
We cannot always determine what we go through but we can determine how we will go through it.
There is a song from the 80’s or 90’s which says,
I am determined to be invincible
Till He has finished His purpose in me
Nothing can shake me and He’ll never forsake me
I am determined to live for the King!
Determination is often the ingredient that holds us true to course even in the midst of winds which blow contrary to our chosen path. Determination turns our potential into reality.
Most stories about people in the Bible contain some element of a hardship they faced and details how they handled these situations.
This morning, as we approach the end of this year, we are going to take a critical look the lives of three people in the Bible. These three people face situations in life which gives them opportunity to fail or succeed, depending on how they choose to handle these situations.
The first person we are going to look at is Joseph, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham. You can find his story beginning in the 30th chapter of Genesis.
Joseph
* Born eleventh of the twelve sons of Jacob, the first son of Jacob’s favored wife Rachael, who had been barren for many, many years.
* As Rachael’s son, Joseph became the favorite son. This disparity created a great sibling rivalry between Joseph and his brothers.
* One day Joseph was sold into slavery to foreigners by his ten older brothers who hated him with a jealous hatred.
* Joseph spent years in slavery and prison in a foreign land.
* But Joseph never forgot his loyalty and his commitment to Jehovah, the covenant God of his fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
* Although his hardships increased and lasted near twenty years, Joseph won the battles within himself and kept his faith.
* In the end Joseph became second ruler over all of the land of Egypt and saved his family from starvation and became a key player in the plan of God for the whole world.
* We remember Joseph best of all from his life scripture when he faced his brothers and had power over them to punish them for what they had done to him. He could have taken revenge but …
* Joseph saw a bigger picture than his painful past and said:
Genesis 45:5 "But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.
* Joseph realized that he had been chosen by God and that the things which had happened to him were for a greater purpose.
* We too have been chosen … Jesus said it this way:
John 15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.
* Neither the world nor the devil holds ultimate authority or power over your life. When standing trial before Pilate, the Roman Governor of Judea, Pilate told Jesus, “Don’t you know who I am? I have the power to crucify you or set you free!”
John 19:11 Jesus answered, "You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin." (Allow me to tell you who is really in trouble here.)
After it was all said and done, Joseph, and Jesus, finished strong.
The second person we are going to look at today is Esther, Queen of the Persian Empire
Esther
* Esther lived in Persia, modern Iran, about the year 479BC.
* Esther was a Jewish girl who lost both of her parents at an early age and began being cared for by her older cousin, Mordecai.
* Most likely still a teenager, Esther was forced to enter a contest to become Queen of Persia … the rules were very strict and required Esther to enter the harem of the King Xerxes … in the course of time, Esther won the King’s favor and was crowned Queen.
* However, Esther was not always welcomed in court, as the law stated that if anyone came to see the King without first being summoned, they would be summarily executed.
* This was also true for even the Queen. The only escape from this certain death sentence was for the King to grant an immediate pardon and this was very, very rare.
* There came a time when the King signed a law that allowed Jews to be stolen from, and even murdered without penalty. At this time the King was unaware that his Queen, Esther, was a Jew.
* Mordecai knew that Esther was the only person who could possibly help. He asked Esther to go to the King on behalf of her people.
* Initially Esther refused out of fear for her life but later realized that perhaps this was the very reason why she had been blessed to become Queen in the first place. Maybe this was all a part of God’s bigger plan.
* We remember Esther best of all from her life scripture as she faced the most difficult decision of her life: Should she risk her life and position to speak up for others who were being mistreated?
* She put her trust in God and said:
Esther 4:16b “I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”
* Esther went unannounced before the King, received his immediate favor and pardon, artfully pled her case strategically guided by the Holy Spirit, and won a great victory.
Now that is finishing strong.
* You see, the Bible says:
Romans 9:16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.
* God really is in control and He is working all things together for the good of them who love Him and for those who are called according to His purposes. (Romans 8:28)
So far this morning we have looked at two very common and ordinary people in their day, Joseph and Esther. You may be more familiar with the next person.
The third person we are going to review is actually a work in progress … the third person is you.
You
* I do not know all it took God to get you to this place or what He has planned for your life which, at this moment, you are completely unaware of. However, what I do know is that God is much more involved in your life than you can imagine and that He is presently working to perfect those things which concern you.
* Just like Joseph, Esther and even the Apostle Paul along with so many others in the Bible, for the rest of your life you will continue to be a work in progress. Each day and in every way the encounters life affords you will present you with opportunities to fail and opportunities to succeed … it all depends on how you handle life.
* You have been chosen by God and are presently being prepared to serve His plan in your greatest capacity.
* Do not fear the pressures, problems and/or the uncertainties of life. Our God is able and with Him all things are possible … even your success.
* What will your life scripture be? What will you say in the end when you have faced the giant like David, been swallowed up by a great fish like Jonah, found yourself in a new place where you have no family or friends like Ruth, are asked to believe something impossible like Mary or given some great tasks to fulfill like the Apostles were given by Jesus when He ascended into heaven?
* What will your last words be? How will others remember you?
* With each decision you are writing the story others will one day tell about you. What will be your legacy?
The Apostle Paul penned his when he said to Timothy:
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Joseph finished strong, Esther finished strong and I have confidence that you can too.
Decide right now that you are going to begin a new chapter in your life. Why wait until January 1st to make your resolution? Make your declaration today and choose to finish 2008 strong.
Victory and success begin with a decision and they gain daily strength through the daily declaration of our faith in God’s future for our life.
The Bible is a book of true life stories in which people, despite the hardships of life, finish strong because of their faith in God.
You can be one of God’s success stories … ask Him to help you and He will.
Get on God’s side and finish strong.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Miracles of Christmas
Gtcotr/ss122108
Key Scripture: Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. (NKJV)
Christmas is filled with miracles. For example, there’s:
I. The Miracle of Incarnation
John 1 NKJV
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
A. Isaiah prophesied that a virgin would conceive and bear a Son, who would be called Immanuel, meaning: God with us.
B. Jesus is both: The Son of Man and The Son of God, God Incarnate, God made flesh.
C. How can this thing be? It’s a miracle … the miracle of incarnation – The Word became flesh.
II. The Miracle of Reconciliation
2 Corinthians 5: 19 … God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself …
A. The death of Jesus did not save every person, but did make salvation available to every person. This is the miracle of reconciliation.
Romans 5:10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
B. Reconciliation has little to do with winning the sinner back to love and loyalty to God. Reconciliation speaks rather to the restoration of God’s forfeited favor and the removal of His merited wrath. God’s anger was appeased and therefore mankind was reconciled.
C. Sin demands death; Justice demands punishment; Reconciliation demands sacrifice. Jesus restored God’s opportunity to forgive. Justice was satisfied, anger appeased, the wall of separation was abolished, all by the death of our Savior, God’s Son, Jesus the Messiah made possible by that first Christmas.
D. The miracle of reconciliation restored man to a place where God’s favor and grace could be accessed by sinners who were once disallowed appeal and pardon.
E. The death of Jesus satisfied justice and made God friendly toward sinners, at peace with mankind, no longer enemies and opened the door of salvation to all who would sincerely apply.
Reconciliation makes salvation a possibility … your decision makes salvation a reality.
F. Both the miracles of incarnation and reconciliation were acts of God on behalf of all mankind. Through these miracles God made a way for us to be saved.
G. Now … Salvation is only one decision away, and that decision is yours! He is reaching out to you … reach back and be saved.
III. The Miracle of Salvation
John 3 NKJV
16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
A. When the Angel Gabriel came to Mary and told her that she had been chosen to be the mother of the Son of God, Messiah of her people and Savior of the world, her answer was simple and yet so powerful:
Luke 1:38 Mary responded, "I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come true." (NLT)
B. Whatever He wants! What does God want?
1 Timothy 2: 4 He wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. (NLT)
C. Even you!
D. We are saved by grace through faith and all of that made possible because of Christmas.
Note: There are people who want to take Christ out of Christmas. They want to celebrate a holiday without it being a holy day. However, without Christ there is no Christmas and there are no happy holidays or seasons greetings with which to bless our family and friends. Salvation comes to every heart because Jesus came to Bethlehem near 2000 years ago, the Son of God, born of a Virgin, a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and placed in a manger.
E. Christmas reminds us of the miracle of incarnation, the miracle of reconciliation, the miracle of salvation and:
IV. The Miracle of Participation
1 Timothy 1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.
A. The miracles did not stop with the birth of Jesus, or the shepherds visitation, the wise men’s gifts or even with the death of our Lord, oh no … these things were only the beginning of miracles.
C. The Miracle of Participation is a miracle of our earthly involvement in a heavenly plan.
1. From Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and wise men, to the angels in heaven, God involves others in His plan.
2. He is a: Whosoever will; He that hath an ear; lest at any time kind of God.
3. God always planned to include each one of us in the Miracle of Christmas.
C. You see, it is true: God has a plan, He will succeed and you have a chance to participate.
C. The Continuing Miracles of Christmas are all about you!
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ …
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light
The Christmas Story demands that we who have received the Good News Ambassador from Heaven, become Good News Ambassadors for Heaven.
Decide right now that you will share the Good News with someone this Christmas. Decide to be someone’s Christmas present this year, sent from heaven’s hand to a hurting soul. Lets all make this Christmas about the Christ Who came, born of the Virgin Mary in a stable manger in the town of Bethlehem.
This Jesus the Incarnate; Jesus the Reconciler; Jesus the Savior, wants to partner with us as we participate together in His Father’s plan.
What will be your answer? Will you participate? Will you be saved? Will you be someone’s Christmas present this year … sent by heaven’s hand to a waiting soul? Why not today!
Let God know your answer right now as we pray together.
Key Scripture: Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. (NKJV)
Christmas is filled with miracles. For example, there’s:
I. The Miracle of Incarnation
John 1 NKJV
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
A. Isaiah prophesied that a virgin would conceive and bear a Son, who would be called Immanuel, meaning: God with us.
B. Jesus is both: The Son of Man and The Son of God, God Incarnate, God made flesh.
C. How can this thing be? It’s a miracle … the miracle of incarnation – The Word became flesh.
II. The Miracle of Reconciliation
2 Corinthians 5: 19 … God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself …
A. The death of Jesus did not save every person, but did make salvation available to every person. This is the miracle of reconciliation.
Romans 5:10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
B. Reconciliation has little to do with winning the sinner back to love and loyalty to God. Reconciliation speaks rather to the restoration of God’s forfeited favor and the removal of His merited wrath. God’s anger was appeased and therefore mankind was reconciled.
C. Sin demands death; Justice demands punishment; Reconciliation demands sacrifice. Jesus restored God’s opportunity to forgive. Justice was satisfied, anger appeased, the wall of separation was abolished, all by the death of our Savior, God’s Son, Jesus the Messiah made possible by that first Christmas.
D. The miracle of reconciliation restored man to a place where God’s favor and grace could be accessed by sinners who were once disallowed appeal and pardon.
E. The death of Jesus satisfied justice and made God friendly toward sinners, at peace with mankind, no longer enemies and opened the door of salvation to all who would sincerely apply.
Reconciliation makes salvation a possibility … your decision makes salvation a reality.
F. Both the miracles of incarnation and reconciliation were acts of God on behalf of all mankind. Through these miracles God made a way for us to be saved.
G. Now … Salvation is only one decision away, and that decision is yours! He is reaching out to you … reach back and be saved.
III. The Miracle of Salvation
John 3 NKJV
16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
A. When the Angel Gabriel came to Mary and told her that she had been chosen to be the mother of the Son of God, Messiah of her people and Savior of the world, her answer was simple and yet so powerful:
Luke 1:38 Mary responded, "I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come true." (NLT)
B. Whatever He wants! What does God want?
1 Timothy 2: 4 He wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. (NLT)
C. Even you!
D. We are saved by grace through faith and all of that made possible because of Christmas.
Note: There are people who want to take Christ out of Christmas. They want to celebrate a holiday without it being a holy day. However, without Christ there is no Christmas and there are no happy holidays or seasons greetings with which to bless our family and friends. Salvation comes to every heart because Jesus came to Bethlehem near 2000 years ago, the Son of God, born of a Virgin, a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and placed in a manger.
E. Christmas reminds us of the miracle of incarnation, the miracle of reconciliation, the miracle of salvation and:
IV. The Miracle of Participation
1 Timothy 1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.
A. The miracles did not stop with the birth of Jesus, or the shepherds visitation, the wise men’s gifts or even with the death of our Lord, oh no … these things were only the beginning of miracles.
C. The Miracle of Participation is a miracle of our earthly involvement in a heavenly plan.
1. From Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and wise men, to the angels in heaven, God involves others in His plan.
2. He is a: Whosoever will; He that hath an ear; lest at any time kind of God.
3. God always planned to include each one of us in the Miracle of Christmas.
C. You see, it is true: God has a plan, He will succeed and you have a chance to participate.
C. The Continuing Miracles of Christmas are all about you!
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ …
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light
The Christmas Story demands that we who have received the Good News Ambassador from Heaven, become Good News Ambassadors for Heaven.
Decide right now that you will share the Good News with someone this Christmas. Decide to be someone’s Christmas present this year, sent from heaven’s hand to a hurting soul. Lets all make this Christmas about the Christ Who came, born of the Virgin Mary in a stable manger in the town of Bethlehem.
This Jesus the Incarnate; Jesus the Reconciler; Jesus the Savior, wants to partner with us as we participate together in His Father’s plan.
What will be your answer? Will you participate? Will you be saved? Will you be someone’s Christmas present this year … sent by heaven’s hand to a waiting soul? Why not today!
Let God know your answer right now as we pray together.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Christmas In Prophecy
The Story Foretold
Gtcotr/ss121408
The Christmas story is one of the birth of Jesus the Christ, Messiah of the Jews and Savior of the world.
Many through the years have claimed to be the Messiah but only one fulfills the prophecies written about Him more than 1000 years before His birth. No man could orchestrate these specific qualifications so as to arrange for himself to be born in the right place at the right time to the right family. No … this birth was not the plan nor the hand of man … this impossibility could only be God!
This morning we will not look at the more than 1000 prophecies easily discovered in the Old Testament concerning Messiah which were all fulfilled in Jesus, but rather we will look at only a few which surround the birth of Messiah, the reason for our celebration this Christmas season.
Watch with me as we review the story foretold and see how it narrows more and more taking us to only one certain conclusion –
Jesus is Messiah!
Prophecy says that:
Messiah will be the seed of a woman
Genesis 3:15 Galatians 4:4
A son of mankind, a descendant of Eve … Narrowing the field farther the prophecies say that:
Messiah will be the descendant of Abraham
Genesis 12:3 Galatians 3:16
Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ.
Farther narrowing the possibilities:
Messiah will be the descendant of Judah
Genesis 49:10 Luke 3:33
Messiah will be the descendant of David
Jeremiah 23 & 33 Luke 1:32-33
Not only is Messiah a son of mankind, the seed of Abraham, from the Tribe of Judah, in the lineage of David, but here is the real clincher …
Messiah will be born of a Virgin
Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:18-25
That’s right, a virgin shall conceive, the scriptures did not say from what town the woman would be from but there is a prophecy about Messiah being called a Nazarene and Mary was from the town of Nazareth … go figure.
Even though scriptures do not say where the mother will be from, prophecy specifically tells the town of Messiah’s birth ---
Messiah will be born in Bethlehem
Micah 5:2 Matthew 2:1
As if that were not enough to narrow the field of prospects, the prophet Daniel recorded a conversation he had with the angel Gabriel concerning a vision God had given him. Guess what?
Messiah will be born at a specific time
Daniel 9:25-26 Galatians 4:4
This is how Gabriel explained it to Daniel …
Key Scriptures:
Daniel 9 NLT
25 Now listen and understand! Seven sets of seven plus sixty-two sets of seven will pass from the time the command is given to rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, (The Messiah), comes. Jerusalem will be rebuilt with streets and strong defenses, despite the perilous times.
26 "After this period of sixty-two sets of seven, the Anointed One, (The Messiah), will be killed, appearing to have accomplished nothing, and a ruler will arise whose armies will destroy the city and the Temple. The end will come with a flood, and war and its miseries are decreed from that time to the very end.
It is certain that when the wise men from the east saw the star rise and came to Jerusalem seeking the one who was to be born as King of the Jews, the religious leaders and priest did not only know the place of His birth but also the time. It had now been 490 years since the decree to rebuild Jerusalem was given by Cyrus and it was now time for Messiah. Furthermore there is the prophecy of:
The Gospel foretold through Isaiah
Isaiah 52:13-53:12 The Gospels
This morning I am taking no personal license suggesting these prophecies refer to Messiah and His coming. Long before the birth of Jesus, learned scholars believed and taught that these portions of scriptures pointed directly to Messiah. It was the most studied and religious Jewish scholars of the day whom King Herod sought out to learn the place of Messiah’s birth. How did they know? It was foretold in prophecy, prophecies which they studied, prophecies which point to Messiah.
One of the confusing elements surrounding the prophecies of Messiah is that these prophecies paint two pictures. There are more than 300 prophecies of the first coming of Messiah as a suffering Servant, (Isaiah 53), but there are 500 prophecies about the second coming of Messiah as a triumphant King, (Zachariah 14).
There are not two Messiahs but rather only one begotten Son. The Jews for the most part are waiting for the triumphant One. People all over the world have questioned why it is so hard for the Jews who are God’s chosen people to accept Jesus of Nazareth as Messiah seeing He fulfilled every prophecy.
Have you ever expected to get one thing for Christmas and got something else which you considered less than what you wanted?
Well that’s the way the Jews viewed Jesus when He came, born as a babe, in humble surroundings, lived His life and died seemingly accomplishing nothing. But that’s what the prophecy in Daniel said would happen … remember …
Daniel 9:26 … the Anointed One, (The Messiah), will be killed, appearing to have accomplished nothing …
*** (Perhaps I will insert the attached personal story) ***
More than simply offering us the kingdoms of this world for a lifetime, a risen and victorious Messiah offers us the Kingdom of Heaven for eternity.
Don’t fall prey to being disappointed with what Jesus has done for you so far. Believe me, it’s not over yet!
Let me leave you with three points to ponder:
1. No one else can make the claim Jesus makes
2. God gives us what we need, not just what we want
3. We should be thankful for everything we get
(If I do not go to this or another personal story, I will close here)
Personal Story of Christmas Expectations
It must have been 1963 or 1964, I was nine or ten years old. That year I went to four different schools: Fort Worth, Lubbock, Oklahoma City and Texarkana. I was in the third grade and my dad was trying real hard to quit drinking while my mom was working to keep the family together and make a new home with each geographical cure which my father attempted.
I was a rambunctious child, a bit overactive, last in the line of four children, the baby of the family and it showed. I don’t remember much about my siblings that year, life seemed to be mostly about me and my mom. Making new friends was hard but not as hard as loosing them. Perhaps that is one of the reasons why I try so hard now to make deep and lasting relationships. I don’t want to digress into self analysis, so let me continue with the story.
We were in Oklahoma City I think, or maybe it was Lubbock … anyway, it was Christmas time and there was snow everywhere. I was so excited about Christmas, there was so much I wanted and I had rehearsed it all to my parents over and over again. I remember wanting a sled to ride down the snow covered driveway, a cowboy rifle and pistol, an electric race car set with a figure eight track and a science kit which the boy across the street said included x-ray glasses that let you see through walls.
I even have a vivid memory of getting back up late one night and talking with my dad when he got home, trying to convince him to buy me a real cowboy pistol, just in case they didn’t make them anymore once I got to be a man. He saw through that argument and assured me that they would still be around for a few more years. Ok, so I couldn’t get the real pistol, I could live with that, but the rest of the stuff I knew was in the bag.
I still remember coming into the living room Christmas morning where there were a few things set around the room for us kids. I saw some gloves and a hat, along with my stocking full of nuts and a candy cane. I quickly handled those things and began searching for the real stash. Under the tree I found a tube wrapped in Christmas paper, twisted at the ends and tied with ribbons. It had my name on it. It felt like the kind of tube Christmas paper came rolled on.
This is the cowboy rifle I thought, the sled must be outside. I attempted to set the tube aside and keep looking but my mom redirected me to the present at hand and said, “Merry Christmas”.
As I opened it to find several small metal matchbox type cars and little trucks, I got that gut wrenching feeling that this was all there was and if I did not act like I was happy, mom sure would be hurt. My gut feeling was right.
I was blessed with loving and giving parents. But, you can only give what you have and since then I have looked back on that Christmas and a few following that one and realize that my parents always gave all they had. Who could be disappointed with a mom and dad like that?
Through the years I have no doubt disappointed the expectations of my children and others but one thing I have never done, I have never given less than all I had, and many times, like you, I have given much more than I could afford.
Yet, at times, and with some people, less that what is expected is just not enough, no matter how much it costs the one who gave.
Have you ever expected to get one thing for Christmas and got something else … something you thought was less than you expected? Well …
Jesus was not what the Jews expected for Christmas. They expected the triumphant king and got the suffering servant … but it’s not over yet!
What we expect to get can sometimes keep us from accepting what we are given.
What we want can keep us from getting what we need.
What we hope to get can keep us from enjoying what others give us.
The Jews of that day did not accept Jesus as Messiah because He was not what they expected, not what they wanted, not what they imagined they needed.
***
More than simply offering us the kingdoms of this world for a lifetime, a risen and victorious Messiah offers us the Kingdom of Heaven for eternity.
Don’t fall prey to being disappointed with what Jesus has done for you so far. God gave His best and believe me, it’s not over yet!
Let me leave you with three points to ponder:
1. No one else can make the claim Jesus makes
2. God gives us what we need, not just what we want
3. We should be thankful for everything we get
Gtcotr/ss121408
The Christmas story is one of the birth of Jesus the Christ, Messiah of the Jews and Savior of the world.
Many through the years have claimed to be the Messiah but only one fulfills the prophecies written about Him more than 1000 years before His birth. No man could orchestrate these specific qualifications so as to arrange for himself to be born in the right place at the right time to the right family. No … this birth was not the plan nor the hand of man … this impossibility could only be God!
This morning we will not look at the more than 1000 prophecies easily discovered in the Old Testament concerning Messiah which were all fulfilled in Jesus, but rather we will look at only a few which surround the birth of Messiah, the reason for our celebration this Christmas season.
Watch with me as we review the story foretold and see how it narrows more and more taking us to only one certain conclusion –
Jesus is Messiah!
Prophecy says that:
Messiah will be the seed of a woman
Genesis 3:15 Galatians 4:4
A son of mankind, a descendant of Eve … Narrowing the field farther the prophecies say that:
Messiah will be the descendant of Abraham
Genesis 12:3 Galatians 3:16
Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ.
Farther narrowing the possibilities:
Messiah will be the descendant of Judah
Genesis 49:10 Luke 3:33
Messiah will be the descendant of David
Jeremiah 23 & 33 Luke 1:32-33
Not only is Messiah a son of mankind, the seed of Abraham, from the Tribe of Judah, in the lineage of David, but here is the real clincher …
Messiah will be born of a Virgin
Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:18-25
That’s right, a virgin shall conceive, the scriptures did not say from what town the woman would be from but there is a prophecy about Messiah being called a Nazarene and Mary was from the town of Nazareth … go figure.
Even though scriptures do not say where the mother will be from, prophecy specifically tells the town of Messiah’s birth ---
Messiah will be born in Bethlehem
Micah 5:2 Matthew 2:1
As if that were not enough to narrow the field of prospects, the prophet Daniel recorded a conversation he had with the angel Gabriel concerning a vision God had given him. Guess what?
Messiah will be born at a specific time
Daniel 9:25-26 Galatians 4:4
This is how Gabriel explained it to Daniel …
Key Scriptures:
Daniel 9 NLT
25 Now listen and understand! Seven sets of seven plus sixty-two sets of seven will pass from the time the command is given to rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, (The Messiah), comes. Jerusalem will be rebuilt with streets and strong defenses, despite the perilous times.
26 "After this period of sixty-two sets of seven, the Anointed One, (The Messiah), will be killed, appearing to have accomplished nothing, and a ruler will arise whose armies will destroy the city and the Temple. The end will come with a flood, and war and its miseries are decreed from that time to the very end.
It is certain that when the wise men from the east saw the star rise and came to Jerusalem seeking the one who was to be born as King of the Jews, the religious leaders and priest did not only know the place of His birth but also the time. It had now been 490 years since the decree to rebuild Jerusalem was given by Cyrus and it was now time for Messiah. Furthermore there is the prophecy of:
The Gospel foretold through Isaiah
Isaiah 52:13-53:12 The Gospels
This morning I am taking no personal license suggesting these prophecies refer to Messiah and His coming. Long before the birth of Jesus, learned scholars believed and taught that these portions of scriptures pointed directly to Messiah. It was the most studied and religious Jewish scholars of the day whom King Herod sought out to learn the place of Messiah’s birth. How did they know? It was foretold in prophecy, prophecies which they studied, prophecies which point to Messiah.
One of the confusing elements surrounding the prophecies of Messiah is that these prophecies paint two pictures. There are more than 300 prophecies of the first coming of Messiah as a suffering Servant, (Isaiah 53), but there are 500 prophecies about the second coming of Messiah as a triumphant King, (Zachariah 14).
There are not two Messiahs but rather only one begotten Son. The Jews for the most part are waiting for the triumphant One. People all over the world have questioned why it is so hard for the Jews who are God’s chosen people to accept Jesus of Nazareth as Messiah seeing He fulfilled every prophecy.
Have you ever expected to get one thing for Christmas and got something else which you considered less than what you wanted?
Well that’s the way the Jews viewed Jesus when He came, born as a babe, in humble surroundings, lived His life and died seemingly accomplishing nothing. But that’s what the prophecy in Daniel said would happen … remember …
Daniel 9:26 … the Anointed One, (The Messiah), will be killed, appearing to have accomplished nothing …
*** (Perhaps I will insert the attached personal story) ***
More than simply offering us the kingdoms of this world for a lifetime, a risen and victorious Messiah offers us the Kingdom of Heaven for eternity.
Don’t fall prey to being disappointed with what Jesus has done for you so far. Believe me, it’s not over yet!
Let me leave you with three points to ponder:
1. No one else can make the claim Jesus makes
2. God gives us what we need, not just what we want
3. We should be thankful for everything we get
(If I do not go to this or another personal story, I will close here)
Personal Story of Christmas Expectations
It must have been 1963 or 1964, I was nine or ten years old. That year I went to four different schools: Fort Worth, Lubbock, Oklahoma City and Texarkana. I was in the third grade and my dad was trying real hard to quit drinking while my mom was working to keep the family together and make a new home with each geographical cure which my father attempted.
I was a rambunctious child, a bit overactive, last in the line of four children, the baby of the family and it showed. I don’t remember much about my siblings that year, life seemed to be mostly about me and my mom. Making new friends was hard but not as hard as loosing them. Perhaps that is one of the reasons why I try so hard now to make deep and lasting relationships. I don’t want to digress into self analysis, so let me continue with the story.
We were in Oklahoma City I think, or maybe it was Lubbock … anyway, it was Christmas time and there was snow everywhere. I was so excited about Christmas, there was so much I wanted and I had rehearsed it all to my parents over and over again. I remember wanting a sled to ride down the snow covered driveway, a cowboy rifle and pistol, an electric race car set with a figure eight track and a science kit which the boy across the street said included x-ray glasses that let you see through walls.
I even have a vivid memory of getting back up late one night and talking with my dad when he got home, trying to convince him to buy me a real cowboy pistol, just in case they didn’t make them anymore once I got to be a man. He saw through that argument and assured me that they would still be around for a few more years. Ok, so I couldn’t get the real pistol, I could live with that, but the rest of the stuff I knew was in the bag.
I still remember coming into the living room Christmas morning where there were a few things set around the room for us kids. I saw some gloves and a hat, along with my stocking full of nuts and a candy cane. I quickly handled those things and began searching for the real stash. Under the tree I found a tube wrapped in Christmas paper, twisted at the ends and tied with ribbons. It had my name on it. It felt like the kind of tube Christmas paper came rolled on.
This is the cowboy rifle I thought, the sled must be outside. I attempted to set the tube aside and keep looking but my mom redirected me to the present at hand and said, “Merry Christmas”.
As I opened it to find several small metal matchbox type cars and little trucks, I got that gut wrenching feeling that this was all there was and if I did not act like I was happy, mom sure would be hurt. My gut feeling was right.
I was blessed with loving and giving parents. But, you can only give what you have and since then I have looked back on that Christmas and a few following that one and realize that my parents always gave all they had. Who could be disappointed with a mom and dad like that?
Through the years I have no doubt disappointed the expectations of my children and others but one thing I have never done, I have never given less than all I had, and many times, like you, I have given much more than I could afford.
Yet, at times, and with some people, less that what is expected is just not enough, no matter how much it costs the one who gave.
Have you ever expected to get one thing for Christmas and got something else … something you thought was less than you expected? Well …
Jesus was not what the Jews expected for Christmas. They expected the triumphant king and got the suffering servant … but it’s not over yet!
What we expect to get can sometimes keep us from accepting what we are given.
What we want can keep us from getting what we need.
What we hope to get can keep us from enjoying what others give us.
The Jews of that day did not accept Jesus as Messiah because He was not what they expected, not what they wanted, not what they imagined they needed.
***
More than simply offering us the kingdoms of this world for a lifetime, a risen and victorious Messiah offers us the Kingdom of Heaven for eternity.
Don’t fall prey to being disappointed with what Jesus has done for you so far. God gave His best and believe me, it’s not over yet!
Let me leave you with three points to ponder:
1. No one else can make the claim Jesus makes
2. God gives us what we need, not just what we want
3. We should be thankful for everything we get
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Christmas Bible Study- Continued
Gtcotr/ws121008
Last week we began the Christmas Story by reading from the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke. We learned some history about how the priests in that day were divided up into groups or courses and assigned certain times and duties to minister.
One day in about 4 to 6 BC a priest who lived in the hill country of Judea, about 12 miles south of Jerusalem, in what was most likely in the city of Hebron, was chosen to burn incense before the Lord at the time of prayer. We are told that this priest was advanced in years, as was his wife. His name is Zacharias and his wife’s name is Elizabeth … they had no children because Elizabeth was barren.
As Zacharias offered the prayers of God’s children upon the altar of incense in the Holy Place of the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem, an angel of the Lord appeared to him.
Note: It had been 400 years since an angel or prophet had been heard in Israel and 500 years since this same angel, Gabriel, had appeared to Daniel and given him understanding of the coming Messiah.
500 years earlier when Gabriel came to Daniel as recorded in Daniel 10:12, Gabriel told Daniel that he had come because of Daniel’s continued prayer.
It is worth noting that this same angel, Gabriel, has now been sent to Zacharias while Zacharias is in church praying. It seems that Gabriel has come for the same reason … because of Zacharias’ consistent prayer.
God still sends help to those who attend church and pray!
Let’s read from this point as we pick up with the Christmas story in:
Luke 1 NKJV
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
14 "And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
15 "For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.
16 "And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.
17 "He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
18 And Zacharias said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years."
19 And the angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings.
20 "But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time."
21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple.
22 But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.
Zacharias remained speechless until their son was born and officially named John, which means: Jehovah is a gracious giver or God is a God of blessings. Once that fact was announced and settled, Zacharias’ tongue was loosed. (Luke 1:63)
Last week we began the Christmas Story by reading from the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke. We learned some history about how the priests in that day were divided up into groups or courses and assigned certain times and duties to minister.
One day in about 4 to 6 BC a priest who lived in the hill country of Judea, about 12 miles south of Jerusalem, in what was most likely in the city of Hebron, was chosen to burn incense before the Lord at the time of prayer. We are told that this priest was advanced in years, as was his wife. His name is Zacharias and his wife’s name is Elizabeth … they had no children because Elizabeth was barren.
As Zacharias offered the prayers of God’s children upon the altar of incense in the Holy Place of the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem, an angel of the Lord appeared to him.
Note: It had been 400 years since an angel or prophet had been heard in Israel and 500 years since this same angel, Gabriel, had appeared to Daniel and given him understanding of the coming Messiah.
500 years earlier when Gabriel came to Daniel as recorded in Daniel 10:12, Gabriel told Daniel that he had come because of Daniel’s continued prayer.
It is worth noting that this same angel, Gabriel, has now been sent to Zacharias while Zacharias is in church praying. It seems that Gabriel has come for the same reason … because of Zacharias’ consistent prayer.
God still sends help to those who attend church and pray!
Let’s read from this point as we pick up with the Christmas story in:
Luke 1 NKJV
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
14 "And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
15 "For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.
16 "And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.
17 "He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
18 And Zacharias said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years."
19 And the angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings.
20 "But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time."
21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple.
22 But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.
Zacharias remained speechless until their son was born and officially named John, which means: Jehovah is a gracious giver or God is a God of blessings. Once that fact was announced and settled, Zacharias’ tongue was loosed. (Luke 1:63)
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Faith & Grace
Gtcotr/ss120708
Christmas is about life and life is all about relationship.
Without healthy and productive relationships, life as we understand it cannot continue.
Life was designed by God to be a positive experience, mutually beneficial, a two way street if you will, a series of giving and receiving by everyone in a relationship. However, this is not always how our lives are lived.
Have you ever seen a relationship between two individuals in which one person felt entitled and was functionally selfish, demanding or self absorbed? I am talking about relationships between friends, siblings or spouses, even parent-child relationships where one person makes most things all about them, what they want, how they feel, a ‘what’s in it for me’ kind of thing, more motivated to get than to give?
God did not design life to be lived like this. It’s sad to imagine people, perhaps some of you listening today, who are burdened with the frustrations and disappointments which come from being in partnership with a selfish and uncaring person. Sadder still is the thought that someone listening this morning might be that self absorbed individual who makes life hell for others whenever they feel like it. God resists us when we are proud and self absorbed but He gives grace to the humble.
Life is designed to be a two way street and even God, though He is Sovereign and therefore accountable to no one, yet He offers us relationship based upon mutual respect and mutual benefit.
Keep that in mind while we turn to our text for today and take a fresh look at faith and grace.
Titus 2 NKJV
11 ¶ For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,
13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
It is the grace of God which brings salvation.
What is grace? Grace is unmerited or undeserved favor. I’m not nice because I have to be but because I choose to be. God does not bless us because He has to but because He wants to. That’s grace …
Mentioned 159 times in the Bible, grace is the constant reminder of God’s goodness and God’s hope for man. The first time we see the word grace appear in the Bible is in:
Genesis 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
In a time when wickedness permeated the whole world and men lived according to their own evil lusts and selfish desires, God brought salvation and hope of a new day through His grace. God offered Noah a partnership. What this partnership required was Noah’s trust in God in return for God’s trust in Noah.
You see, not only was Noah being required to put his future in God’s hands, God was requiring Himself to put His Own future into Noah’s hands.
God required Noah to trust Him however, God was also requiring Himself to trust Noah.
Remember I told you earlier that relationship is a two way street. God did not ask Noah to do anything that God was unwilling to do Himself!
I told you about the first time that the word grace is mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 6:5, let me also show the last time the word grace is mentioned in the bible. It just so happens … well that’s not actually true … nothing ‘just so happens’ in the Bible … it’s a plan, a very well thought out, well laid out and very purposeful, strategic, and revealing plan … anyway … the last time grace is mentioned:
The last thing He wanted to leave with us was just the same thing He had given to Noah that helped Noah get to his new day … grace … So, let’s turn to the very last book of the Bible, the very last chapter, the very last page, the very last scripture … the last word God gave to us:
Revelation 22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
This is the final thought God wanted to leave with us – the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
How can I explain grace in such a way that you are likely not to forget? Well, let’s look at another scripture that will help.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Grace is that gift which saves us and, we access grace through faith.
Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Remember I told you that relationships are meant to be two way streets, even our relationship with God? Well, that is what these scriptures are trying to teach us. Simply put:
Faith is man believing in God.
Grace is God believing in man.
Faith is man trusting God.
Grace is God trusting man.
Faith is what you offer God hoping to change your world.
Grace is what God offers you hoping to change His world.
Do you trust in God? Well He trusts in you too!
Do you trust your life and future to Him?
He trusts His life and future to you.
So once again, what is Christmas all about?
Christmas is about life and life is all about relationship.
Just like we first read in Titus 2:11, I pray that the grace of God which brings salvation appears to all men this Christmas season and … may this grace appear to others through you. May you find both faith and grace for your relationships, faith that they will be all God wants them to be and the grace to do your part in every relationship.
Decide that you are going to be a greater reflection of God this Christmas season and fight every temptation to think, act or be self absorbed. Remember, life is a two way street, it’s not all about you, so give at least as much as you hope to receive.
I pray you find the grace to give to others.
Merry Christmas!
Christmas is about life and life is all about relationship.
Without healthy and productive relationships, life as we understand it cannot continue.
Life was designed by God to be a positive experience, mutually beneficial, a two way street if you will, a series of giving and receiving by everyone in a relationship. However, this is not always how our lives are lived.
Have you ever seen a relationship between two individuals in which one person felt entitled and was functionally selfish, demanding or self absorbed? I am talking about relationships between friends, siblings or spouses, even parent-child relationships where one person makes most things all about them, what they want, how they feel, a ‘what’s in it for me’ kind of thing, more motivated to get than to give?
God did not design life to be lived like this. It’s sad to imagine people, perhaps some of you listening today, who are burdened with the frustrations and disappointments which come from being in partnership with a selfish and uncaring person. Sadder still is the thought that someone listening this morning might be that self absorbed individual who makes life hell for others whenever they feel like it. God resists us when we are proud and self absorbed but He gives grace to the humble.
Life is designed to be a two way street and even God, though He is Sovereign and therefore accountable to no one, yet He offers us relationship based upon mutual respect and mutual benefit.
Keep that in mind while we turn to our text for today and take a fresh look at faith and grace.
Titus 2 NKJV
11 ¶ For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,
13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
It is the grace of God which brings salvation.
What is grace? Grace is unmerited or undeserved favor. I’m not nice because I have to be but because I choose to be. God does not bless us because He has to but because He wants to. That’s grace …
Mentioned 159 times in the Bible, grace is the constant reminder of God’s goodness and God’s hope for man. The first time we see the word grace appear in the Bible is in:
Genesis 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
In a time when wickedness permeated the whole world and men lived according to their own evil lusts and selfish desires, God brought salvation and hope of a new day through His grace. God offered Noah a partnership. What this partnership required was Noah’s trust in God in return for God’s trust in Noah.
You see, not only was Noah being required to put his future in God’s hands, God was requiring Himself to put His Own future into Noah’s hands.
God required Noah to trust Him however, God was also requiring Himself to trust Noah.
Remember I told you earlier that relationship is a two way street. God did not ask Noah to do anything that God was unwilling to do Himself!
I told you about the first time that the word grace is mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 6:5, let me also show the last time the word grace is mentioned in the bible. It just so happens … well that’s not actually true … nothing ‘just so happens’ in the Bible … it’s a plan, a very well thought out, well laid out and very purposeful, strategic, and revealing plan … anyway … the last time grace is mentioned:
The last thing He wanted to leave with us was just the same thing He had given to Noah that helped Noah get to his new day … grace … So, let’s turn to the very last book of the Bible, the very last chapter, the very last page, the very last scripture … the last word God gave to us:
Revelation 22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
This is the final thought God wanted to leave with us – the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
How can I explain grace in such a way that you are likely not to forget? Well, let’s look at another scripture that will help.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Grace is that gift which saves us and, we access grace through faith.
Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Remember I told you that relationships are meant to be two way streets, even our relationship with God? Well, that is what these scriptures are trying to teach us. Simply put:
Faith is man believing in God.
Grace is God believing in man.
Faith is man trusting God.
Grace is God trusting man.
Faith is what you offer God hoping to change your world.
Grace is what God offers you hoping to change His world.
Do you trust in God? Well He trusts in you too!
Do you trust your life and future to Him?
He trusts His life and future to you.
So once again, what is Christmas all about?
Christmas is about life and life is all about relationship.
Just like we first read in Titus 2:11, I pray that the grace of God which brings salvation appears to all men this Christmas season and … may this grace appear to others through you. May you find both faith and grace for your relationships, faith that they will be all God wants them to be and the grace to do your part in every relationship.
Decide that you are going to be a greater reflection of God this Christmas season and fight every temptation to think, act or be self absorbed. Remember, life is a two way street, it’s not all about you, so give at least as much as you hope to receive.
I pray you find the grace to give to others.
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Christmas Bible Study
Gtcotr/ws120308
This year we are going to enjoy and benefit from the Wednesday evenings of December by studying the Word together from the book of Luke, Chapter 1, concerning the events immediately before and leading up to the birth of the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, Son of God, Savior of the world.
In a simple approach to study we will no doubt learn some history and many relevant principles which will apply to our lives today. You may wish to keep a pen and paper ready to write those points which God reveals to you. These evenings together will no doubt prove to be valuable times as we study the word together.
So, without further conversation, let’s turn in our Bibles to Luke 1. I will dispense with the general greetings of Luke contained in the first 4 verses of chapter 1. Not because these are unimportant or without merit, but more that they have little to do with this season we are approaching in which we rehearse and celebrate the Christmas story.
Suffice it to say that of all the writers of the books of the Bible, Luke was perhaps the most studied and academically capable of producing a well researched and well documented argument. This is not the first letter which Luke writes to defend this Gospel of Jesus as Messiah. Luke’s credibility and approach to truth is unimpeachable by any standard and gives great support to the whole counsel of God’s Word.
By the way, Luke was not a disciple of Jesus as was Matthew or John and he is not even a Jew but rather a Gentile. In fact, Luke is the only Gentile writer of the New Testament or perhaps for the whole bible as many understand. He was a beloved physician by profession, one who was converted and became a disciple and follower of the Apostle Paul who felt compelled to search out the truth and write an account of the same.
Lest I digress, allow us to turn and begin now in verse 5.
Luke 1 NKJV
5 ¶ There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.
8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division,
9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense.
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
14 "And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
15 "For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.
16 "And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.
17 "He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
18 And Zacharias said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years."
19 And the angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings.
20 "But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time."
21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple.
22 But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.
23 And so it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house.
24 Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying,
25 "Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people."
Supporting Information:
Herod – (Hero) Herod the Great appointed King of Judea by the Roman Senate in 40BC – died 4BC.
Jacob’s Prophecy:
Genesis 49:10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes; And to Him shall be the obedience of the people.
Shiloh refers to Messiah. For the first time since being established, the scepter has departed from Judah and Herod, a Roman, is now the recognized King --- It is now time for Messiah to come.
Judea = He shall be praised. This is the southern kingdom with its capital in Jerusalem.
Zacharias = Remembered by God.
Abijah = Possessor/Worshipper of God. One of and the eighth course of the 24 courses of priests, sons of Aaron.
Aaron = Light Bringer
Elisabeth = Oath of God
John = Jehovah is a gracious giver
Gabriel = Man of God
It was not an act of sin that had kept Elizabeth barren. Sometimes the answer to the question, “What am I doing wrong?”, is “nothing!”
We must keep praying.
There is more support in the Bible for rolling dice or drawing straws than for raising hands to vote. Zacharias lot of which one of the four courses of priestly duties he would do was determined not by the ‘luck of the draw’, but rather by the ‘God of the draw’. To burn incense was the most favored and special course of duties.
The priest enters the Holy Place and offers incense to carry the prayers of God’s people upward to heaven. Without a priest, who is the mediator between God and man, to offer sacrifice, the people have no access to God.
It had been 400 years since an angel or prophet had been heard in Israel and 500 years since this same angel, Gabriel, had appeared to Daniel and given him the understanding of the coming Messiah.
Gabriel also told Daniel in Daniel 10:12 that he had come to him because of Daniel’s continual prayers. The same thing was told Zacharias … Gabriel mentioned that his prayer was heard.
God still speaks to people who regularly attend church and pray.
This year we are going to enjoy and benefit from the Wednesday evenings of December by studying the Word together from the book of Luke, Chapter 1, concerning the events immediately before and leading up to the birth of the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, Son of God, Savior of the world.
In a simple approach to study we will no doubt learn some history and many relevant principles which will apply to our lives today. You may wish to keep a pen and paper ready to write those points which God reveals to you. These evenings together will no doubt prove to be valuable times as we study the word together.
So, without further conversation, let’s turn in our Bibles to Luke 1. I will dispense with the general greetings of Luke contained in the first 4 verses of chapter 1. Not because these are unimportant or without merit, but more that they have little to do with this season we are approaching in which we rehearse and celebrate the Christmas story.
Suffice it to say that of all the writers of the books of the Bible, Luke was perhaps the most studied and academically capable of producing a well researched and well documented argument. This is not the first letter which Luke writes to defend this Gospel of Jesus as Messiah. Luke’s credibility and approach to truth is unimpeachable by any standard and gives great support to the whole counsel of God’s Word.
By the way, Luke was not a disciple of Jesus as was Matthew or John and he is not even a Jew but rather a Gentile. In fact, Luke is the only Gentile writer of the New Testament or perhaps for the whole bible as many understand. He was a beloved physician by profession, one who was converted and became a disciple and follower of the Apostle Paul who felt compelled to search out the truth and write an account of the same.
Lest I digress, allow us to turn and begin now in verse 5.
Luke 1 NKJV
5 ¶ There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.
8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division,
9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense.
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
14 "And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
15 "For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.
16 "And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.
17 "He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
18 And Zacharias said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years."
19 And the angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings.
20 "But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time."
21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple.
22 But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.
23 And so it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house.
24 Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying,
25 "Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people."
Supporting Information:
Herod – (Hero) Herod the Great appointed King of Judea by the Roman Senate in 40BC – died 4BC.
Jacob’s Prophecy:
Genesis 49:10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes; And to Him shall be the obedience of the people.
Shiloh refers to Messiah. For the first time since being established, the scepter has departed from Judah and Herod, a Roman, is now the recognized King --- It is now time for Messiah to come.
Judea = He shall be praised. This is the southern kingdom with its capital in Jerusalem.
Zacharias = Remembered by God.
Abijah = Possessor/Worshipper of God. One of and the eighth course of the 24 courses of priests, sons of Aaron.
Aaron = Light Bringer
Elisabeth = Oath of God
John = Jehovah is a gracious giver
Gabriel = Man of God
It was not an act of sin that had kept Elizabeth barren. Sometimes the answer to the question, “What am I doing wrong?”, is “nothing!”
We must keep praying.
There is more support in the Bible for rolling dice or drawing straws than for raising hands to vote. Zacharias lot of which one of the four courses of priestly duties he would do was determined not by the ‘luck of the draw’, but rather by the ‘God of the draw’. To burn incense was the most favored and special course of duties.
The priest enters the Holy Place and offers incense to carry the prayers of God’s people upward to heaven. Without a priest, who is the mediator between God and man, to offer sacrifice, the people have no access to God.
It had been 400 years since an angel or prophet had been heard in Israel and 500 years since this same angel, Gabriel, had appeared to Daniel and given him the understanding of the coming Messiah.
Gabriel also told Daniel in Daniel 10:12 that he had come to him because of Daniel’s continual prayers. The same thing was told Zacharias … Gabriel mentioned that his prayer was heard.
God still speaks to people who regularly attend church and pray.
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