During the Christmas season, many of us decorate with a scene that looks like this (show picture of Nativity).
What is true about this scene??
The world will accept the fact that there was a special baby born about 2000 years ago which makes us think about peace, joy, and love.
But what is the problem with just focusing on a baby Jesus in a manger??
It is good to see love, peace, and joy through a baby in a manger but if that is just the message, people will miss out on the whole story of Jesus Christ which leads to eternal life and a life of purpose on earth.
We discussed last week that Jesus Christ was a real person on earth; But Jesus was not only born, He became a human being because He is God! Jesus Christ is God! Jesus Christ has always been God!
Why did God become a human being as Jesus Christ?
Jesus had a purpose on earth! What was it?
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, appropriately called the Good News, truthfully record for us what Jesus did and say while He was on earth. Most Bibles today have in red letters what Jesus said; and so we can read what Jesus specifically said about His life on earth. We can also use a Concordance and look up the phase “I have come, or came to earth, because……”
And let us not forget, after the Gospels, the rest of the New Testament Bible is a testimony of the reality of what Jesus accomplished on earth!
Someone might tell you that Jesus was just a regular man on earth. If Jesus did not accomplish anything while on earth, what would the world be like if there were no Christian churches, hospitals, or other Christian organizations which impacted communities? In America alone, about $300 billion are given annually to charities and 1/3rd of that total are given by Christians! Why do American Christians give over $100 billion a year to charities? Do you think Jesus has something to do with it?
If Jesus did not have a purpose on earth, why are so many people impacted by Him? It is important for us to know the whole purpose of why Jesus came to earth, not only for strengthening our faith in God but also to help people with the truth which will set them free!
It is true that the reason for the Christmas season is Jesus Christ, BUT, what does that really mean? What did Jesus do besides being born in a manger?
The Apostle John sums up the reason for Jesus Coming to this earth in John 18:37. This is our Scripture of the Week, which is written in front of your bulletin. Let us read it together………….
Jesus Christ is a King and He testifies the truth!
Is Jesus Christ really King of our lives or are we listening to our own wisdom or the wisdom of others?
If Jesus Christ is not King in your life, you are really living a life of lies. Jesus said, “I am the Truth!”
Are you convinced of the “truths” of what you’ve learned from the world (science, philosophy, psychology, etc..)?
The question we need to ask is, “What did Jesus say about those things?” Jesus is the truth!
Lies lead to darkness and pain. Truth leads to light and freedom! Is Jesus your King?
You know, Jesus is King no matter what we believe because He is God! God is One but exists in Three Persons. We read in Matthew 26:42 before He was crucified, Jesus went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." And in John 12:27-28 Jesus said, "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ’Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!"
In John 17:20-22 we read Jesus praying about His disciples, "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.”
God Jesus came to earth to glorify God! God, the Creator of the entire universe and people, exists and Jesus Christ leads us to Him!
And what is the main thing that Jesus wanted us to know about God? Jesus Christ came to earth to demonstrate God’s agape love! Jesus tells us in Luke 19:10, He came to earth to seek and save the lost. Lost people are those living in lies and will be eternally separated from God unless they are saved. Lost people are those who truly do not know the Triune God! Do you know anyone who does not know the Triune God?
God took the initiative to look for the lost! If you are still lost, God found you today! The question is, will you accept the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ? I pray that no one leaves today rejecting Jesus Christ as Savior and God!
Because Jesus Christ, who is God and never sinned, died on a cross for people’s sins, those who believe in Christ are forgiven of their sins! The prophet Isaiah tells us "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” as God forgives through Jesus Christ. But in the same passage, Isaiah states, “but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.”
Jesus told His followers to always remember this truth of forgiveness by establishing communion. Open your Bibles to Matthew 26:26-28, page….
Before we take communion, there is one more major reason why Jesus came to earth. Turn your Bibles to Matthew 16:15-18 ……………
Jesus came to earth to testify the truth!
Jesus came to earth to glorify God!
Jesus came to earth to demonstrate God’s love!
Jesus also came to earth to build His church!
Throughout the Gospels we hear Jesus saying, "Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men." Jesus taught His followers how to live and be Kingdom minded!
The reason for the season is not just about a wonderful baby being born in Bethlehem but about God’s plan and desire to expand the Kingdom of God! Christmas is to lead us to Jesus’ death and resurrection and ultimately to the work of expanding the Kingdom of Jesus Christ! Christ is the focus of Christmas! The focus of Christ is the work of expanding the Kingdom of God!
The greatest gift that a person can have is eternal life in Christ’s Kingdom! Are you assured of being in this eternal Kingdom of God? Personally receive Jesus Christ as your only King and Savior!
Jesus is the Way! We are to learn from Him and imitate Him. Are you listening to Christ everyday or are you just satisfied with a baby in a manger? Listen, believe, and take action. The main purpose of Christ coming to earth was to seek and save the lost!
Your job is a mom or a dad, that’s good, but your main purpose is to seek and save the lost!
Your job is a service person, that’s good, but your main purpose is to seek and save the lost!
Your job is in the office, that’s good, but your main purpose is to seek and save the lost!
Your job is in Sales, that’s good, but your main purpose is to seek and save the lost!
Your job is in the health field, that’s good, but your main purpose is to seek and save the lost!
Your job is to help people learn or you’re still learning yourself, that’s good, but your main purpose is to seek and save the lost!
Not only this Christmas season but for the rest of our earthly lives, let us follow Jesus Christ by seeking the lost and telling them how to be saved.
