God's Christmas Tree

This morning, I want to look at God’s tree of provision. Many will gather around the Christmas tree and tear open gifts from their loved ones. Today let’s go back and look at the God’s Christmas tree and look at the most valuable gift ever allocated to mankind: The GIFT OF ETERNAL VALUE- THE CROSS (GOD’S CHRISTMAS TREE).

- “For believers in Jesus Christ, the cross means the storm of God’s judgment against sin is behind us. By His death and resurrection, Christ has broken the power of sin, and ahead of us is the hope of Heaven” (Billy Graham)

WE FIND IN 1 PETER 2:24: GOD’S CHRISTMAS TREE

I Peter 2:24- (n) Who his own self [Jesus] bare [to carry as a sacrifice] our sins in his own body on the tree [the cross], that we [notice the paradoxes here]: (1) being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: (2) by whose stripes [wounds] ye were healed.

(n) Let’s look at this tree and see what gifts God has given to us this morning keeping in mind that these gifts were not a product of a quick Christmas sale but purchased through the agonizing pain and precious blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

(n) WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD

Romans 5:1- Therefore being justified by faith, we have (presently) peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

- We are no longer God’s enemies but objects of His favor… Did you realize we were once enemies of God? (Colossians 1:21)

- Many think the root of all our problems in today’s world are political, economical, etc; but it is simply that the world is at enmity (a deep rooted hatred) with God.

- Jesus is the PRINCE OF PEACE- Isaiah 9:6- For unto us a child is born, unto us a

son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be

called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince

of Peace.

(n) WE HAVE ACCESS TO GOD

RM 5:2- By whom also we have access [to describe a person who gave someone

else admittance to see the king] by faith into this grace wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope (expectation) of the glory of God.

- “THE ACCESS OF A SON” Dale was one of my childhood friends. His dad ran the projectors in one of the local movie theatres. If I went to that theatre without Dale I paid full admission and had to sit on the main floor with everyone else. If I went with Dale, I got in free and got to sit up in the projection booth. Through Dale I had access to his father and all the same privileges of his son. In the same way WE HAVE THE SAME ACCESS TO THE FATHER AS CHRIST HAS. God will not turn us away. He will never refuse us entrance. He will never make us pay. We have unlimited, free access - any time, for whatever reason - to God the Father. Jesus walks us in and says, "Dad, my brother - or sister - here wants to talk with you." And God will give us His undivided attention! Ref: Contributor: Curry Pickkaart. Sermon Central Sermon Illustrations/Access. The Access Of A Son. https://sermoncentral.com/sermon-illustrations/80622/the-access-of-a-son-by-curry-pikkaart. December 18, 24.

(n) WE HAVE HOPE

Titus 2:13- Looking for that blessed hope [expectation of good in Greek word, elpis; uncertainty in English word: hope], and the glorious appearing of the great

God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

John 14:3- And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. HE’S COMING BACK!

-- What a gift! We see so many abandoned, unloved and delusional around us today. God gives us and can give them an enduring and everlasting hope.

(n) WE ARE LOVED

Romans 5:5- And hope maketh not ashamed [to be put to shame]; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

- It is the Lord Jesus that is the great master of love: It is His school (His own church) that is the school of love. His disciples are the disciples of love, and His family must be the family of love. (Matthew Henry).

(n) WE ARE INDWELT WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

Romans 5:5- …The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who is

given unto us.

- "Is shed abroad" is in the Greek text the perfect tense of ekcheo, "to pour out," which Denney translates, "has poured in, and still floods our hearts." Ref: Wuest, Kenneth S. Wuest Word Studies in the Greek New Testament (3 Vols). Romans, Chapter 5:3 (Eerdmans. BD of May 26, 2001) Olive Tree Edition.