December 2005 Sermon Notes
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December 11, 2005 Getting Back Up!
December 18, 2005 Waiting with Faith
December 25, 2005 Responding to Jesus
December 11, 2005
Getting Back Up!
Romans 11:11 - 12
Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! …
Romans 11:11
Israel’s rejection led to Gentile acceptance
… Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles … Romans 11:11
Principle: God works in the midst of failure
Practice: Security
Gentile acceptance led to Jewish jealousy
… to make Israel envious Romans 11:11
Principle: God works in the midst of success
Practice: Humility
Jewish fulfillment leads to blessing for the world
But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their fullness bring! Romans 11:12
Principle: God works toward a glorious future
Practice: HopeBack to the top
December 18, 2005
Waiting with Faith
Not one of these people, even though their lives of faith were exemplary, got their hands on what was promised. God had a better plan for us: that their faith and our faith would come together to make one completed whole, their lives of faith not complete apart from ours. Hebrews 11:39-40
Timing
1. God operates in eternity
For you, a thousand years are as yesterday! They are like a few hours! Psalms 90:4 New Living Translation
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. Hebrews 11:13
2. We are living in the most opportune time of history
TraditionsJeremiah composed an anthem of lament for Josiah. The anthem is still sung by the choirs of Israel to this day. 2 Chronicles 35:25 The Message
Jeremiah composed laments for Josiah, and to this day all the men and women singers commemorate Josiah in the laments. These became a tradition in Israel 2 Chronicles 35:25 New International Version
1. They can keep promises alive
2. They may get in the way of experiencing God …
a. … when they lead to overindulgence
b. … when they bring on too much stress
c. … when they disobey God
Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? Matthew 15:3
Trusting God1. Promises of God sustain us
who … gained what was promised Hebrews 11:33
Matthew 6:19 – 33
Are you looking for the right thing?
2. Promises of God for ChristmasNot one of these …got their hands on what was promised.
Hebrews 11:39
a. God will live with us"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"-which means, "God with us." Matthew 1:23
b. Our sins will be taken away
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
Matthew 1:21
December 25, 2005
Responding to Jesus This Christmas
Luke 2:16-20
You can be troubled by Him…they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:9 - 10
all who heard it were amazed … Luke 2:18
1. Outrageous assertion about conceptionThis is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. … an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:18-20
2. Mystery of the incarnation"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"-which means, "God with us." Matthew 1:23
The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”
Luke 1:35
3. Claim on your lifea. Your Savior
… give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21
b. Your King
Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end. Luke 1:32-33
You can treasure HimMary treasured up all these things … Luke 2:19
1. Personal experience
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:20
2. Glorify God
3. Contemplation
… and pondered them in her heart Luke 2:19
You can testify about Him
When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child Luke 2:17
1. Tell people the point of the holiday
2. Share how this has changed your life