Ordinary Events That Changed The World Series

OUTLINE

From Ordinary to Extraordinary - Part 1

Ordinary events that changed the world

Dr. Tom Bartlett

December 1, 2024

Luke 2:4-7 (NIV) 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

What Was The Innkeeper's Problem?

MAYBE HE WAS HURRIED AND BUSY BECAUSE OF THE SEASON?

The census brought many people back to Bethlehem

Family members came first

Luke 2:1-3 (NIV) 1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

EXTRAORDINARY CHRISTMAS MOVE

It’s ordinary to be busy and miss the point of Christmas, but extraordinary to slow down and enjoy the point of Christmas.

MAYBE HE HAD MORE PRESSING THINGS?

Making money

Not having to deal with the delivery of a baby

He didn’t want family drama

John 1:11 (ESV) 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.

Note: The person who was the innkeeper is viewed by scholars mainly in two possibilities: A manager for a public inn or a relative who did not have room.

EXTRAORDINARY CHRISTMAS MOVE

It’s ordinary to focus on things and use people, but it’s extraordinary to focus on people and use things.

MAYBE HE WAS CLUELESS ABOUT THE FORETOLD EVENTS?

Messiah was promised for thousands of years

The signs were foretold in the ancient writings

The family line was identified.

Numbers 24:17-19 (NIV) 17 “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. . . 19 A ruler will come out of Jacob. . .”

The city of His birth was identified.

Micah 5:2 (NIV) 2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.

EXTRAORDINARY CHRISTMAS MOVE

It’s ordinary to be uninformed biblically but extraordinary to be informed and transformed by God’s Word.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 (NIV) 1Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.

MANUSCRIPT

From Ordinary to Extraordinary - Part 1

Ordinary events that changed the world

Dr. Tom Bartlett

December 1, 2024

CHRISTMAS DINNER THEATER AND PROGRAM

In January, we will be starting a 40-day journey called the 40-day revolution that will include prayer, fasting, and a strategy to change our world starting here in Wilkes County

ME/WE

Good morning, welcome to the Celebration. I hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving Day celebration. There’s so much to be thankful for. My Name is Tom Bartlett; I’m one of the pastors here at Celebration Church.

I’m intrigued by ordinary stories that reveal more profound things, especially when the characters are unaware that something they own has excellent value or that their actions will be life-changing. However, they were clueless at the time.

Take, for instance, this story.

STORY: In the 1930s, a Michigan family found a strangely shaped and heavy rock on their property. They kept it probably because of its novelty. In time, it became a doorstop for them. One day, a friend asked if it could be taken and examined to see what it was. The person took it, and low and behold, it turned out to be a meteor with extraordinary properties that were both valuable scientifically and financially. This little doorstop was worth around $100K.

In their family, an ordinary item found by their grandfather became an extraordinary heirloom for them.