GOD USES ORDINARY PEOPLE Luke 1:39-56 Turning Point Church 12/10/17 Dependence upon God makes heroes of ordinary people like you and me! --Bruce Wilkinson 1 Corinthians 1:26 (NIV) Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 1
2 Chronicles 16:9 (NIV) For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. Luke 1:45 (NIV) Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her! John 3:3 (NIV) 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) Jesus replied, Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2
Dear God. Thank you for sending Jesus to die for my sin. I want to give you control of my life. Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of the Holy Spirit and eternal life. Help me to know you better and to learn from the Bible how I can live a life that pleases you and helps others. Amen. John 17:14, 17-18 (NIV) 14 I have given them your word 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. Luke 1:48 (NIV) for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, Luke 5:10 (NIV) Luke 22:69 (NIV) and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, Don t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God. 3
Luke 1:39-40 (NIV) 39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah s home and greeted Elizabeth. Hill country of Judea Luke 1:6 (NIV) Both of them (Zechariah & Elizabeth) were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord s commands and decrees blamelessly. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 4
Luke 1:41-42 (NIV) 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! Matthew 16:15-17 (NIV) 15 But what about you? he asked. Who do you say I am? 16 Simon Peter answered, You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. 17 Jesus replied, Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. THE WORSHIP OF MARY Worship of Mary 432 A.D. Feasts in her honor 650 A.D. Ave Maria ( Hail Mary prayer) 1316 A.D. Immaculate Conception 1854 A.D. Luke 1:44-45 (NIV) Romans 12:10 (NIV) 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 5
John 1:27 (NIV) John 3:30 (NIV) He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He must become greater; I must become less. Luke 1:46-49 (NIV) 46 And Mary said: My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me holy is his name. Luke 1:50 (NIV) His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 6
Luke 1:51-53 (NIV) 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. Luke 1:54-55 (NIV) 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers." Luke 1:56 (NIV) Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. Mary is a great model Faith Obedience Knowledge of the Word 7
Hebrews 13:15 (NIV) Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name. INTRO: GOD USES ORDINARY PEOPLE 1. MAKE A FAITH DECISION 2. MAKE A FROM NOW ON DECISION 3. GET TOGETHER WITH LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE 4. HONOR OTHERS 5. PRAISE GOD CONC: MAKE SACRIFICES OF PRAISE Follow-Through Guide 8