So much about Christmas is impressive. The lights in DOWNTOWN CDA. One of the most impressive streets. The Xmas tree in the Spokane Mall.
|
|
- Lillian Norton
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 1 So much about Christmas is impressive. The lights in DOWNTOWN CDA. One of the most impressive streets. The Xmas tree in the Spokane Mall. It has to be one of the tallest trees ever. House decorations in neighborhoods are becoming like a high budget Hollywood set. There is a 25 foot tall abominable snowman in my neighborhood. It is so cool! My neighborhood is very pleasing to the eye. Very impressive. Christmas productions, church music programs and church backdrops/sets and advertising is more and more impressive. The Christmas economy is impressive. Americans are spending even more than expected this year. We are approaching 4 Trillion dollars in holiday retail spending. That is impressive. This is very interesting to me because the origin of this impressive Christmas display was about as un impressive as it could be. The first Christmas was obscure, humble and lowly. The purpose of Christmas was not to be impressive, the purpose was to be impactful. Sometimes we all have to decide what we want in life. Do you want to be impressive or do you want to be impactful? They are not necessarily complimentary or mutually inclusive and can actually cancel each other out. If I really want to impress you it can cancel out my ability to impact you. If I really want to impact you it quite possibly will cancel out my ability to impress you. Present whisperer illust. I could accurately predict the gift inside the wrapping. Very impressive. It soon became clear that I may have been impressive I was also very annoying and losing my ability to impact people for good reasons. Tan Honey you re being annoying. What started as oohs and aahs became uughs. God chose and was committed to impacting the world at the cost of impressing the world. I want to talk about the IMPACT OF CHRISTMAS! 1
2 2 Where is Jesus from, where is his hometown? Where did the baby Jesus grow up? A very unimpressive location. Nazareth had a sordid reputation amongst the proper folks of Israel. There was a Roman garrison in this Jewish village. A tiny town full of soldiers of depraved habits with not much to do. Could be trouble. The slogan of Nazareth became, Can anything good come from Nazareth? If Jesus grew up in Jerusalem that would have been impressive. The impact of Christmas says It is not where you are from but who you become that matters. Let s continue with the lowliness and obscurity of Christmas. It first starts out with the genealogy. Nothing very exciting here. Matthew 1:1-2 This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: 2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, Vs. 5 Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab vs.6 and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah s wife, This is how the Christmas story starts in the bible. We like to skip that part. Not very impressive! Geneology of Christmas Genealogies were a deeply integral part of Jewish society at the time of Jesus. Land was inherited based on family lines, and those who could not prove their ancestry in Israel were considered outsiders. Jesus is the Savior who was promised throughout history. We can trace his ancestry some 4000 years. The genealogies in Matthew and Luke show Him as the descendant of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and eventually David men to whom these prophecies of the Christmas gift were made. The geneology is the resume of Jesus. It established prophetic credibility. But then you start to analyze who is in it and you really begin to wonder. 2
3 3 We know how important a good resume, the content, experience and skills within are intended to impress and to get a good job. The more impressive, the better chances of employment. For ancient Jews their resume was who they were connected to, not what they could do. Their lineage, their family ties, their clan. You impressed others based on how impressive the men were in your geneaology. Ancient Jews would modify their lineage to make sure they listed relatives they could be proud of and hide the ones that were less impressive morally and spiritually. If your cousin Vinny was a professional shoplifter you could just use some genealogy white out and remove him. Jesus resume has very suspect characters in it. Not very impressive. He lists Judah and his brothers Why not just Judah? Do we know the story of Judah and his brothers? These brothers first wanted to kill Joseph, the youngest, they ultimately betrayed and abandoned their little brother Joseph and left him to die in a cistern due to jealousy. They then sold him into Egyptian slavery because they could at least profit from him. Highly dysfunctional family. The geneology says, you remember those evil, dysfunctional jealous brothers? Yeah, those are my relatives! Jesus is claiming them. Impact of Christmas: If you are dysfunctional in any way Jesus desires to claim you as one of His. He lists 5 women, 3 not even Jewish. In a male dominated culture most ancient Jews would not include women. Caananites and Moabites. Vs. 5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Rahab, is a Caananite and a prostitute. God includes her in the lineage and resume of the Son of God, the Messiah. The impact of Christmas is: Jesus includes those that other people might exclude. He lists David and Uriah s wife, not Bathsheba. Why doesn t it just say Bathsheba? Why Uriah s wife, one of David s most loyal Mighty Men, whom David had killed after he had an affair with his wife. An adulterer 3
4 4 and a murderer. And God includes him in the genealogy of the Holy One of God. Not David s best moment. The Bible is real and transparent and does not sterilize reality. Because God knows we don t live sanitized lives. God s forgiveness reaches the harshest sin. The impact of Christmas: You can betray your closest friend, cheat, steal and murder and can still be forgiven through Jesus. This genealogy is not very impressive for a spiritual leader in the eyes of the Jewish readers. But it is very impactful. It says no one is excluded from the family of God through Jesus. It says the grace and forgiveness of God is available to anyone and everyone. God did not sacrifice His holiness by including sinful people in the faith family. Do you have a past or a family heritage that isn t perfect? Do you have some dysfunctional relatives? Have you inherited it in your own life? Do you have friends or family members that are unspiritual and highly sinful? Jesus says, so do I. The geneology of Jesus has a full range of the human condition and each one of us might be able to see ourselves within it. Which is just the point. Have you been jealous of others success? Have you had bad intentions towards someone? Have you been unfaithful and sexually immoral? Have you ever betrayed a good friend? Do you ever feel your past prevents you from being loved fully and experiencing God s absolute best? The impact of Christmas a checkered past does not disqualify you from His love. God saying loudly I still want you to be a part of my family. Even the greatest human being in the world is in need of God s grace and the worst human being in the world can receive the forgiveness and acceptance of Jesus. God loves you the way you are, and He loves you so much not to keep you that way. Jesus came for you. To redeem you and bring you into His family. God is not ashamed of you to be called His Son or Daughter. 4
5 5 Additionally our association with unspiritual, unholy people does not contaminate us. This was the fault of the religious elite. They believed association with sinners contaminated them. They believed the less contact with unholy people made you more holy. That is not the Christmas message. Quite the opposite. Your assimilation with unholy people will contaminate you, but not your association. Visiting a prisoner felt most holy this last year. The impact of Christmas: God is always thinking how can I reach people, not how can I avoid people. Poverty of Christmas Luke 2:7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger. Actually garments or strips of clothing that used to be clothes. Several commentators called them rags. This would suggest they were poor. The parents of Jesus were poor. We know this by the type of offering they gave at the temple on behalf of Jesus. In describing Jesus circumcision, Luke reports that Mary and Joseph offered two pigeons as a temple sacrifice for Mary s purification. Leviticus 12: explains that the usual sacrifice at the time of circumcision was to be a lamb, but if the birth mother could not afford a lamb, then she shall take two turtledoves or two pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. Apparently, then, Jesus parents were too poor to offer the customary lamb. It appears that Christ had very little by way of material possessions during his ministry. Consider the following: Jesus preached from borrowed boats, multiplied borrowed food, rode on a borrowed colt, and was buried in a borrowed tomb. We don t have to have a certain financial status in order to have an impact on people. 5
6 6 71% of the world s population is in the poor to low income category. What if Jesus was middle class or even from a higher income family? How well could he relate to the poor or could the poor relate to Him? Have you ever had hard times financially? Do you feel like you are behind and can t catch up? Do you have more expenses than you have assets? Do you feel like you haven t achieved the American dream? The impact of Christmas: Jesus understands every trial, loss and financial challenge you have experienced. Jesus knows how you feel. Jesus did not live the American dream. I grew up poor but never once did I see how that limited me in impacting people and being a blessing to people. You can be poor and rich at the same time. Our financial level does not have to dictate the level of our impact. It may effect the level of how we can impress others in culture but not impact people s hearts. Popularity of Christmas Not many people knew of the birth of Jesus and those that did know not many people knew. Luke 2: And suddenly there appeared (to the shepherds) with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased. The first and biggest crowd to hear the Christmas message were the shepherds. Shepherds were very unpopular with people but seem to be popular with heaven. In a Jewish book called the Mishna, buying from shepherds food and clothing was forbidden because they were probably stolen goods. They weren t allowed to give court testimony in judicial or civil cases, because they were judged to be utterly untrustworthy men. Shepherds were despised; they were considered unclean, and so they were banned from entering various homes; they couldn t enter the courts of the temple in Jerusalem because they weren t ceremonially clean men. The impact of Christmas: God is known to give His best to the least. 6
7 7 God shared his first heavenly chorus with the most overlooked unpopular group of people, the shepherds. No Christmas production can ever equal this one. Yet God gives the shepherds the best Christmas choir ever. He goes to them. Popularity and spirituality don t always go hand in hand. I was very popular, and very unspiritual, then I became a Christian and became spiritual and then very unpopular, and I was lonely. I was in the in crowd at school. Then I was in the no crowd, which is a step down from the out crowd. It was the healthiest time of my life. Here is something I have learned. To be unpopular in the world does not mean you are unpopular in heaven. Do you feel ignored or unnoticed in life? Do you wonder if people even know who you are? Are you overlooked at work or in your family? Do you ever wonder if people really care about you or are interested in you? Jesus initially was not impressive in the world, but his influence grew and He became the most impactful person in history and He continues to impact people for all eternity. The impact of Christmas: You don t have to pursue popularity and self promotion to be impactful. Social research says people try to look more impressive than they are. Social media teaches us to project an image to impress. What if we laid that aside and sought to be more impactful. 1. Serving people would matter most. God wasn t seeking to make a name for himself as much as He was serving the needs of the world. He did what was best for us not what was best for His Son. 2. Including people would matter most. Outlying people would get our attention fast. Christmas should make us sensitive to the outcasts or outsiders. There are many people new to our community. People are moving here for a reason. 7
8 8 3. Praying for people would matter most. Christmas is about a great light, a spiritual light. The most productive thing we can do in the Kingdom is pray, because what we do next will be more effective. Everyone needs spiritual light to see God. 4. Pointing people to Jesus would matter most. Being impactful is not just about being nice. What do we leave behind that will help people in life and in eternity? Bethlehem: The way to true satisfaction is through the bread of life. Candle Lighting to recognize His impact and our desire to make an impact for Him. 8
GOD WITH US Part 8: JESUS. Message 13 Son of David, Son of God
GOD WITH US Part 8: JESUS Message 13 Son of David, Son of God Introduction Only Matthew and Luke gave us infancy narratives of Jesus and genealogies tracing His family history. Both writers had unique
More informationA Journey with Christ the Messiah The Birth of the Messiah
A Journey with Christ the Messiah The Birth of the Messiah Luke 2:4-20, Luke 3:23-38, Matt. 1:1-25 December 25, 2016 This morning we are continuing a new series that I have entitled A Journey with Christ
More informationThe Surprise of Christmas 2017 This Advent Season we have talked about the Comfort of Christmas, the Violence of Christmas, the Good News of
The Surprise of Christmas 2017 This Advent Season we have talked about the Comfort of Christmas, the Violence of Christmas, the Good News of Christmas and this morning we are going to talk about the Surprise
More informationThe Christian Arsenal
LUKE 2:1-53 Today's lesson is so familiar to all of us. We usually have this passage in Sunday School at Christmas. In fact, this is the passage most of us read with our families on Christmas Eve or Christmas
More informationCHRISTMAS IS AN ADOPTION STORY
CHRISTMAS IS AN ADOPTION STORY GALATIANS 4:4-7 LETHBRIDGE MENNONITE CHURCH BY: RYAN DUECK DECEMBER 28, 2014/1 ST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS A few years ago, I was at a workshop in Surrey, BC where we were
More informationTitle: Who is Jesus? Where is he from? What does it mean? Why does it matter? Text: Matthew 1:1-17 Date: December 16, 2018 at FBCW
1 Title: Who is Jesus? Where is he from? What does it mean? Why does it matter? Text: Matthew 1:1-17 Date: December 16, 2018 at FBCW INTRO. Due to the traditional way that most of us celebrate Christmas,
More informationWHAT S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT? Jesus Family Tree Mathew 1:1-17 December 7, 2014
1. 4 Periods of Jesus Family Tree A. 1 st Period Abraham David B. 2 nd Period David the Deportation WHAT S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT? Jesus Family Tree Mathew 1:1-17 December 7, 2014 C. 3 rd Period Deportation
More informationValley View Chapel December 14, 2014 I Know WHERE Jesus Was Born Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1-6; Luke 2:1-8. Introduction
1 Valley View Chapel December 14, 2014 I Know WHERE Jesus Was Born Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1-6; Luke 2:1-8 Introduction I came across a provocative billboard sponsored by the American Atheists Association.
More informationA YOUNG MAN S PREDICAMENT Matthew 1:18-25
A YOUNG MAN S PREDICAMENT Matthew 1:18-25 Matthew 1:18-25 (NKJV) 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found
More informationThe Announcement December 15, 2013 Luke 2:8 20
The Announcement December 15, 2013 Luke 2:8 20 I. Introduction We celebrate birthdays and anniversaries and other significant events in our lives because they are important times for us and we don t want
More informationLessons from Bathsheba
Lessons from Bathsheba One mom was out walking with her 4-year-old daughter when her girl picked up something from the ground and started to put it in her mouth. The mother tells what happens in her own
More informationYou probably did not read our scripture passage today for your devotional reading this morning. It is likely that you have not sought to memorize it
This sermon is from the series on the LIFE OF CHRIST and was preached at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Cherry Log, Georgia on Sunday, October 5, 2014 by Pastor Paul Mims. You can hear this sermon at www.csbccl.org
More information1 CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL SUMMARIZE IT
1 CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL The people of Israel had waited a very long time for their Messiah (or A LOOK AHEAD During the month of December there will be about 10 devotionals focusing on the birth of Jesus
More informationInternational Bible Lessons Commentary Exodus 13:13-15; Luke 2:22-32
International Bible Lessons Commentary Exodus 13:13-15; Luke 2:22-32 King James Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, December 20, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform
More informationShepherds December 20, 2015 Luke 2:8-20. For hundreds of years before His birth, prophets foretold the coming of the Anointed One from
I. Introduction Shepherds December 20, 2015 Luke 2:8-20 For hundreds of years before His birth, prophets foretold the coming of the Anointed One from God the Messiah or, as He is called in Greek, the Christ.
More informationCHRISTMAS: A SEASON OF SALVATION
CHRISTMAS: A SEASON OF SALVATION SERIES: JESUS, SAVIOR OF THE LOST By Ron Ritchie Christmas has different meanings for each one of us, but family gatherings, good food, friends, travel, shopping, ball
More informationTHE SHARING CHOICE Life s Healing Choices: Part 8
Special thanks to Rick Warren and Saddleback Church for allowing us to be a part of this great series. THE SHARING CHOICE Life s Healing Choices: Part 8 Because we live on a broken planet pain is a part
More informationAll of this seems very strange, until you look at the reasons for these rituals.
1 Texts: Luke 2:21-35, Exodus 13:11-16 Title: Holy Dedication The idea of preaching about the dedication of Jesus in the Temple may seem strange in itself. After all, Jesus didn t do or say anything important.
More informationText: Psalm 132 Title: God Delivers
Text: Psalm 132 Title: God Delivers Well our Christmas celebration is in full swing here at Travis. I hope you ll plan to be here tonight for the Christmas concert. Next Sunday is One Day. We ll all be
More informationLuke 2:1-52 Birth and Circumcision and Childhood of Jesus Time and occasion at Birth of Jesus. Events surrounding Birth of Jesus
Luke 2:1-52 Birth and Circumcision and Childhood of Jesus Time and occasion at Birth of Jesus 1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be
More informationTheSkitGuys.com the Call of Christmas Shepherds: A Call to Praise Luke 2:1-20
12-18-16 the Call of Christmas Shepherds: A Call to Praise Luke 2:1-20 Have you ever been faced with something in your sight lines that took your breath away? Maybe you are one of the millions who have
More informationbrings out very painstakingly some salient truths. Mary is approaching the end of her pregnancy and as they arrive in Bethlehem there is no room for
IV. Advent in Biblical Perspective The Advent Names of the Redeemer A Savior, Who Is Christ the Lord Luke 2:8 20 Dr. Harry L. Reeder III December 21, 2014 Morning Sermon We will be in Luke 2 and I will
More informationOctober 12, st - 2nd Grade 9:30am
October 12, 2014 1st - 2nd Grade 9:30am Leader BIBLE STUDY Use Week of: 1 The prophecies concerning Jesus birth are numerous, and many of them refer to Jesus lineage. Old Testament prophecies tell of the
More informationLiving Water, let your word fill our hearts as a spring fills a pool, and help us see the ways you would have us bring life to your world. Amen.
Living Water, let your word fill our hearts as a spring fills a pool, and help us see the ways you would have us bring life to your world. Amen. Throughout Scripture two types of women show up again and
More informationRomans 15:4 (ESV) For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of
Romans 15:4 (ESV) For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 2 Samuel 11:27 (ESV)
More informationLesson 6: What Is Repentance?
STANDARD A: WHO IS JESUS AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO FOLLOW HIM? Lesson 6: What Is Repentance? Introduction Just as Jesus called people to be His followers when He lived on earth, so He does today. All followers
More informationTHE EYES OF SALVATION LUKE 2:21-32
THE EYES OF SALVATION LUKE 2:21-32 In every act, we see God s love for people. Luke 2:21 21 When the eight days were completed for His circumcision, He was named Jesus the name given by the angel before
More informationThe King Is Born. Students will see God s grace in human history through the birth of the Son of God. LESSON OBJECTIVES
The King Is Born Matthew 1:1 25 LESSON GOAL Students will see God s grace in human history through the birth of the Son of God. LESSON OBJECTIVES Students will be able to Praise God for His sovereignty
More informationThe Nativity Story and Jesus Formative Years
The Nativity Story and Jesus Formative Years PREFACE The following account has been compiled from the three different Gospel stories of Matthew, Luke, and John using the New King James translation of the
More informationOur Coming Savior The Shepherds a Story of Joy Luke 2:8-20 Pastor Pat Damiani December 13, 2015
Our Coming Savior The Shepherds a Story of Joy Luke 2:8-20 Pastor Pat Damiani December 13, 2015 Do you ever feel like you don t really matter to God? Do you ever think that God is so busy running the universe
More informationGRADE 7 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NOTES UNIT 1: GOD REVEALS A PLAN OF LOVE. Lesson # 1: The Bible Reveals God s Saving Love
GRADE 7 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NOTES UNIT 1: GOD REVEALS A PLAN OF LOVE Lesson # 1: The Bible Reveals God s Saving Love General Objective: To examine how God reveals a Plan of Love in the Old Testament Specific
More informationGod chooses women the world would use and discard
God chooses women the world would use and discard Matthew s record of the genealogy of Jesus is positioned at the beginning of the first book of the New Testament. Matthew writes to show that Jesus is
More informationMonday - Philippians 4:2-9
Verse 2 Verse 7 Monday - Philippians 4:2-9 Let the peace of the gospel be evident in your lives Euodia and... Syntyche They were two prominent women in the congregation who became involved in some dispute.
More informationTHE BIRTH & EARLY LIFE OF JESUS & JOHN THE BAPTIST
THE BIRTH & EARLY LIFE OF JESUS & JOHN THE BAPTIST The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold The Birth of Jesus Foretold Luke 1 5. In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who
More informationto be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.
Jesus is Here 1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Luke 2:1-2 (ESV) 3
More informationthe newness of life that we find with eyes wide open, open to experience, embracing the mystery
1 Ephesians 1.3-10 Matthew 1.1-17 As children we are surrounded by mystery, everything is new and magical. We approach the newness of life that we find with eyes wide open, open to experience, embracing
More informationThe Nearer Kinsman. Ruth 4:1-22
That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. Philippians 3:10. The Nearer Kinsman Ruth 4:1-22 1. Now Boaz went up to the gate
More informationThe Jesse Tree. "A shoot will spring forth from the stump of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots. Isaiah 11:1
Written By Shannon Schultz, published and hosted by 1+1+1=1 www.1plus1plus1equals1.com The Jesse Tree "A shoot will spring forth from the stump of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots. Isaiah 11:1 Jesse
More informationLuke 1:26-31, 2:22, New International Version December 23, 2018
Luke 1:26-31, 2:22, 25-35 New International Version December 23, 2018 The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday, December 23, 2018, is from Luke 1:26-31, 2:22, 25-35.
More informationJesus Saves. What s something you d love to add to your celebration of Christmas? #BSFLjesus QUESTION 1 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 37
4 Jesus Saves What s something you d love to add to your celebration of Christmas? QUESTION 1 #BSFLjesus BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 37 THE POINT Jesus was born to bring us into a relationship with God. THE
More informationIn the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Pastor Gregory P. Fryer Immanuel Lutheran Church, New York, NY 1/2/2011, Epiphany Sunday Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Now when
More informationChristmas Eve. The scripture text is taken from Luke 2:1-20
Christmas Eve. The scripture text is taken from Luke 2:1-20 Danish Philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard tells the following story: Once there was a young king who was very wealthy. His power was known throughout
More informationNativity Story Advent Chain
Joyful Catholic Families Nativity Story Advent Chain Advent is not a set number of days. It can be 22 to 28 days long. If Advent is 28 days long, use the first four pages of this chain. If Advent is less
More informationChristmas Day: Family Worship Guide by Jenna Hallock
Christmas Day: Family Worship Guide by Jenna Hallock This family worship time should take you 15 minutes to 1 hour depending on the size of your family and how much time you would like to devote to worshipping
More informationThe Beginning of the Story. Matthew 1:1-17. You are to tell someone who knows absolutely nothing about Christianity the basic story of Jesus Christ.
1 The Beginning of the Story Matthew 1:1-17 [A sermon preached by the Rev. Stan Gockel at the First Presbyterian Church of Portland, Indiana on the Second Sunday of Advent, December 4, 2016] Here are your
More informationExplore the Bible Lesson Preview December 20, 2009 "Why did Jesus Come" Background: Luke 2:1-35 Lesson: Luke 2:8-15, 25-35
Explore the Bible Lesson Preview December 20, 2009 "Why did Jesus Come" Background: Luke 2:1-35 Lesson: Luke 2:8-15, 25-35 Motivation: Jesus' birth gives us cause to celebrate, not just at Christmas, but
More informationSession 2: Israel and the Nations in the Old Testament
Session 2: Israel and the Nations in the Old Testament I. INTRODUCTION A. Most believers assume that the Old Testament is primarily about Israel and the New Testament is a shift in emphasis in the nations.
More informationThe Gospel The Humility of God
1 The Gospel The Humility of God Christology Copyright Charles M Garriott, 2006 Washington, D.C. I am not attracted to poverty. I am not sure if I can correctly define what it means to classify someone
More informationThe Christmas Story According to Matthew 4 Dec. 2016
The Christmas Story According to Matthew 4 Dec. 2016 (Scene: Small table, covered with books and papers, at center stage. Two chairs by the table.matthew enters from back of house after Children s Sermon
More informationA shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. -Isaiah 11:1
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. -Isaiah 11:1 Advent is a time of waiting a time of anticipation and preparation for the coming of Jesus. In the early
More informationPP The Shepherds Christmas Adventure Text Luke 2: /17-18/2016
PP The Shepherds Christmas Adventure Text Luke 2:1-20 12/17-18/2016 We are looking at 4 Christmas Adventures from the bible, all brought about by angelic visitors PP And you want to notice that the Advent
More informationGenesis 30:22-32, 43 New International Version November 25, 2018
Genesis 30:22-32, 43 New International Version November 25, 2018 The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday, November 25, 2018, is from Genesis 30:22-32, 43. Questions
More informationJoy from Above Luke 2:1-20
Sermon Transcript Joy from Above Luke 2:1-20 Joy s pretty popular this time of year, I would say. It s one of those attributes that gets a lot of face time in December, a lot of holiday cheer for several
More informationLife s Greatest Questions: Part I--Investigating Answers from the Bible
Life s Greatest Questions: Part I--Investigating Answers from the Bible Lesson 1 What are life s greatest questions? Where do I turn for answers? How can I know if my answers are correct? Lesson 2 Why
More informationIn The Face Of Adversity
In The Face Of Adversity By faith Moses parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king s edict. By faith Moses, when
More informationThe Prince Of Peace. Grace be unto you and peace, from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Rev. William J. Shields St. Mark Lutheran Church, Lindenhurst, Illinois Christmas Eve December 24, 2014 Gospel Lesson Luke 2:1-20 1 The Prince Of Peace 1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
More informationLesson 43: The Circumstances Surrounding the Birth and Early Life of Jesus, the Messiah
Lesson 43: The Circumstances Surrounding the Birth and Early Life of Jesus, the Messiah A. Introduction: Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. When I was a little kid, I couldn t even
More informationChristmas Movies at the Port The Island of Misfit Toys Westport Christian Church
Christmas Movies at the Port The Island of Misfit Toys Westport Christian Church December 21, 2014 When you are talking to someone about the church, not this congregation but the Church in general, do
More informationGlory to God in the Highest
FOCAL TEXT Luke 2:1 20 BACKGROUND Luke 2:1 20 Christmas Lesson Glory to God in the Highest MAIN IDEA Jesus birth brought peace and is worthy of the highest praise. QUESTION TO EXPLORE How can we praise
More informationRomans 8:1 Christmas & No Condemnation. Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1 Christmas & No Condemnation Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Matthew 2:1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod
More informationMALACHI BROKEN COVENANTS
MALACHI BROKEN COVENANTS Malachi 2 1 And now, you priests, this warning is for you. If you do not listen, and if you do not resolve to honour my name, says the LORD Almighty, I will send a curse on you,
More informationJoseph and Mary couldn t find a room at the inn, so they slept outdoors in a stable, where Jesus was born.
The Birth of Jesus How Many Inaccuracies Can You Find? Joseph and Mary couldn t find a room at the inn, so they slept outdoors in a stable, where Jesus was born. LUKE 2:4 4 So Joseph also went up from
More informationThe Ancient Path Adam and Eve are driven from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:22-24)
Thus says the Lord: Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths,where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16a Introduction In many Western countries
More informationJesus and Courageous Women by Rev. Kathy Sides (Preached at Fort Des Moines UMC )
Jesus and Courageous Women by Rev. Kathy Sides (Preached at Fort Des Moines UMC 5-22-2016) Greetings! It s so good to see so many of my brothers and sisters here. People of faith. People of Courage. Oh,
More informationLuke 1:26-31, 2:22, King James Version December 23, 2018
Luke 1:26-31, 2:22, 25-35 King James Version December 23, 2018 The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday, December 23, 2018, is from Luke 1:26-31, 2:22, 25-35. Questions
More informationSERMON: December 16, 2018 Third Sunday in Advent PEOPLE TEXT: Luke 2:8-20 SUBJECT: Whom God loves THEME: God comes for all, as evidenced by the presence of the shepherds. PURPOSE: So that all would know
More informationVerse 3. All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. Verse 4. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to
31 And a sword will pierce your very soul." Verse 36. Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when
More information12/19/10 Mt 1:18 25 THE MESSIAH HAS COME!! 2010 Brenda Etheridge Page 1
14 The Birth of Jesus 2 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
More informationBorn This Day: A Savior
LIGHTHOUSE MINISTRY LEADER S STUDY GUIDE BORN THIS DAY: CHRISTMAS 2016 Born This Day: A Savior Luke 2:11 Core Virtue: Hope December 4, 2016 Week 01 Series: Born This Day: Christmas 2016 This guide is designed
More informationThe Parable of the Mustard Seed Mark 4:30-34 As Christians it is easy to look around and grow frustrated with the current state of affairs both in
The Parable of the Mustard Seed Mark 4:30-34 As Christians it is easy to look around and grow frustrated with the current state of affairs both in the church and in the world. Every night the news is filled
More informationFree Indeed Part 8 We are wrapping up this series of messages dealing with freedom. Among other things in this series we ve talked about freedom from
Free Indeed Part 8 We are wrapping up this series of messages dealing with freedom. Among other things in this series we ve talked about freedom from materialism and freedom from bitterness, freedom from
More informationSESSION POINT WHAT S THE MOST INTERESTING TRIP YOU VE EVER TAKEN? JESUS CAME FOR OUR SALVATION. LUKE 2:1-14 THE THE ANGELS ANNOUNCEMENT
SESSION 4 WHAT S THE MOST INTERESTING TRIP YOU VE EVER TAKEN? THE ANGELS ANNOUNCEMENT THE POINT LUKE 2:1-14 1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman
More informationLOOK WHERE WE ARE GOING LUKE 19:28 40 FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT NOV 29, 15
LOOK WHERE WE ARE GOING LUKE 19:28 40 FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT NOV 29, 15 28 And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at
More informationGod Chooses David. Lesson Overview. Key Theme. Key Passages. Objectives. Come On In. Studying God s Word page 4. Activity: The Bethlehem Thread page 7
12 Key Theme God is sovereign over all things. God Chooses David Key Passages 1 Samuel 16:1 23; 1 Corinthians 1:26 31 Objectives Students will be able to: Identify God s criteria for choosing David. Describe
More informationChrist and His First Coming The Earthly Birth and Advancement of Jesus Christ
THE LIFE and TIMES of JESUS CHRIST MEDIA REFERENCE NUMBER SM-343 AUGUST 1, 1999 THE TITLE OF THE MESSAGE: Christ and His First Coming The Earthly Birth and Advancement of Jesus Christ THE THEME OF THIS
More informationWhat Love Looks Like
What Love Looks Like Luke 2:1 14 About that me, Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel
More informationLong Unexpected Jesus Page 1 of 8
Long Unexpected Jesus Page 1 of 8 Long Unexpected Jesus Matthew 2:1-12 Today is January 6, the church holiday called Epiphany, and it s the official end of the Christmas season. You know the song, The
More informationWho is this? March 29, 2015 Matthew 21:1-11
I. Introduction Who is this? March 29, 2015 Matthew 21:1-11 Passover was one of the most important Jewish festivals and it was less than a week away. Passover commemorated the time when God brought the
More informationStudents will place a bookmark at 1 Samuel 16 and 1 Corinthians 1. Students will practice the memory verse using the Memory Verse Strips.
12 God Chooses David Key Theme God is sovereign over all things. Key Passages 1 Samuel 16:1 23; 1 Corinthians 1:27 29 Objectives Students will be able to: Identify God s criteria for choosing David. Describe
More informationfenlason.net./brightshinythings
fenlason.net./brightshinythings Day 24 Day 1 The pieces of God's plan can be seen all throughout God's word. His plan to rescue his people from sin, His plan to bring a savior to God's people from the
More informationDEDICATIONS OF FIRSTBORN MINISTRY INVOCATION My God: We give thanks to You for the manifold blessings to us. We shall remain eternally grateful. Amen.
December 20, 2015 ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON DEDICATIONS OF FIRSTBORN MINISTRY INVOCATION My God: We give thanks to You for the manifold blessings to us. We shall remain eternally grateful. Amen. WHAT
More informationJoseph, Part 2 of 2: From Egypt to the Promised Land
1 Joseph, Part 2 of 2: From Egypt to the Promised Land by Joelee Chamberlain Another time I was telling you about Joseph, the son of Jacob, wasn' t I? But the Bible tells us so much about Joseph that I
More informationCAPITAL BIBLE CHURCH December 24, 2016 SERMON NOTES. PASTOR BILL HAKEN. A Christmas Touch. Touching the Overlooked. Luke 2:8 20
CAPITAL BIBLE CHURCH December 24, 2016 SERMON NOTES. PASTOR BILL HAKEN A Christmas Touch Touching the Overlooked Luke 2:8 20 Big Idea: God uses ordinary people to do extra-ordinary things. 1. God used
More informationOctober 12, th Sunday in Ordinary Time Exodus 32:1-14 GOLDEN CALVES
October 12, 2014 28 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Exodus 32:1-14 GOLDEN CALVES I mentioned last week when we read the Parable of the Evil Tenants, that I had considered just skipping over it because it is
More informationTHE SHEPHERDS Luke 2:8-20 I. INTRODUCTION-
THE SHEPHERDS Luke 2:8-20 I. INTRODUCTION- a. Not many celebrities politicians intellectuals the rich and powerful and the elite of this world recognize their spiritual poverty and embrace the simple gospel
More informationThe King Is Born. Students will see God s grace in human history through the birth of the Son of God. BIBLE TRUTHS
The King Is Born Matthew 1:1 25 LESSON GOAL Students will see God s grace in human history through the birth of the Son of God. BIBLE TRUTHS God is sovereign and shows grace to sinful men. Jesus is both
More informationBIBLE MAP #6 Isaiah 11:1-10: Responsive Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19: Luke 2:1-7
P a g e 1 BIBLE MAP #6 Isaiah 11:1-10: Responsive Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19: Luke 2:1-7 This is the sixth and final week in our message series BIBLE MAP, where our goal has been to make the Bible: Meaningful:
More informationSunday Morning. Study 9. Jesus
Sunday Morning Study 9 Jesus Jesus The Objective is the key concept for this weeks lesson. It should be the main focus of the study Objective To teach that Jesus is the name by which we must be saved.
More informationCLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF A CHRISTMAS KIND. Part 2 THE FIRST CHRISTMAS. Randy Broberg December 2010
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF A CHRISTMAS KIND Part 2 THE FIRST CHRISTMAS Randy Broberg December 2010 Our Lord and Savior The Lord My Lord A Savior Luke Luke Luke Horn of Salvation Luke Divinity of Christ Christ
More informationBirth of Jesus: Luke 2:8-20; Luke 3:23-38 (abridged) Lesson Plans WRM Season 2 Session 4: Movement & Games, Arts & Crafts, Storytelling
Birth of Jesus: Luke 2:8-20; Luke 3:23-38 (abridged) Lesson Plans WRM Season 2 Session 4: Movement & Games, Arts & Crafts, Storytelling How to Read This Lesson Plan OVERVIEW SECTION The Overview Section
More information1. - Whatever the Lord pleases He does, in heaven and in earth..." Psalm 135:6
The Will of God Part 2 Review: Sovereign Will of God This facet of God s will comes out of the recognition of God s sovereignty and focuses on the fact that God sovereignly ordains everything that comes
More informationJOSHUA: THE LORD IS SALVATION Rahab s Salvation Joshua 2:1-24 Layne Lebo June 19, 2016
JOSHUA: THE LORD IS SALVATION Rahab s Salvation Joshua 2:1-24 Layne Lebo June 19, 2016 The theme for our Joshua series comes from the meaning of Joshua s name: The Lord is salvation. Today we ll see the
More informationThe Journey to Bethlehem: Joseph December 4, 2016
The Journey to Bethlehem: Joseph December 4, 2016 Matthew 1: 18-24 18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together,
More informationGOD WITH US Part 2: Conquest and Chaos Joshua Judges Ruth
GOD WITH US Part 2: Conquest and Chaos Joshua Judges Ruth Message 12 Ruth: The Promise Continues Ruth 3-4 Introduction On one level, Ruth is the story of a single family struggling to find a way forward
More informationLife of Christ. Beginnings to Baptism. NT111 LESSON 02 of 07. An Angel Brings Good News
Life of Christ NT111 LESSON 02 of 07 An Angel Brings Good News Christian University This course was developed by Christian University & Our Daily Bread Ministries. But the angel said to him, Do not be
More informationDaily Bible Reading. What?
What? Daily Bible Reading Sometimes we find it hard to read the Bible, don t we? At church we hear it all the time: read the Bible more. But how? Some of the devotionals on offer seem to have less Bible
More informationAnd the WORD BECAME FLESH and dwelt among us, and WE HAVE SEEN HIS GLORY, glory as of the only Son from the Father, FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH.
2017 And the WORD BECAME FLESH and dwelt among us, and WE HAVE SEEN HIS GLORY, glory as of the only Son from the Father, FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH. John 1:14 WHAT IS ADVENT? And the Word became flesh and
More informationFrom Nazareth to Bethlehem Advent December 11, 2011
From Nazareth to Bethlehem Advent December 11, 2011 Sermon s response = As disciples of Jesus Christ, we celebrate God s supremacy from our life to His life. Introduction I ve entitled our Advent series
More informationTOØ MESSY / A Messy Christmas Sermon 1: Even they rejected him November 29, 2015
TOØ MESSY / A Messy Christmas Sermon 1: Even they rejected him November 29, 2015 Our theme this Fall has been TOØ MESSY. Are we willing to lean in to the messy, or do we tend to lean away, because we consider
More informationSession 1 PRESCHOOL UNIT 19 1 UNIT 19 // SESSION 1 // CYCLE 1 PRESCHOOL 3-5 YEAR OLDS
BIBLE STUDY The prophecies concerning Jesus birth are numerous, and many of them refer to Jesus lineage. Old Testament prophecies tell of the promised Messiah being born from the seed of a woman (Gen.
More information