A CHILD IS BORN
Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6-7
LAST WEEK: we read Matthew 1:20-23
INTRODUCTION:
The idea of giving gifts was not started by advertisers; they just distorted it for their own gain!
(Illus. “Tickle me Elmo” Wal-Mart employee hospitalized after being stampeded by 300 people opening the door.)
OUR QUESTION: DOES GOD REALLY LOVE ME?
God answered our question before we asked it. So we’d see his answer, He lit the sky with a star. So we’d hear it, He filled the night with a choir; and so we’d believe it, He did what no man had ever dreamed. He became flesh and dwelt among us.
Jesus’ birth was announced by prophets, angels, Wise men, Shepherds, Priests and God Himself!
SEVEN POSSIBILITIES BECAUSE OF JESUS’ BIRTH:
1- Jesus Makes It Possible to Comprehend GOD.
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 14:8-9 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
2- An Atonement for SIN is Available to All Men.
Colossians 1:19-22 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
3- God by Participation Identifies With ME.
Hebrews 2:11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Philippians 2:7-8 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
1. He chose not to act as GOD.
2. The Master became a servant.
3. His life was like ours in “likeness”.
4. He subjected Himself to His own curse.
4- Jesus Is a Great High Priest Who CAN Continually Represent Me Before the Throne of God.
Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
5- The Work of SATAN Can Be Destroyed In My Life.
Hebrews 2:14-15 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
6- DEATH as an Enemy Has Been Conquered.
John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
1 Corinthians 15:55-57 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
7- I Have an EXAMPLE of How to Live the Abundant Life
John 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
INVITATION
The gift that God has given to all mankind is the gift of His Son. The gift of salvation. He has made it available to all, ours for the taking. The problem is that mankind will not take it. If you put a pot of money on a table with a sign which read, "free for the asking," people would literally break their necks getting it. But offer the salvation of God the same way, and it is ignored. Someday, men will regret very deeply that they had the chance to take this gift, but refused. By then, unfortunately for them, it will be too late.
The unique thing about this gift is that He gave it to those who hated Him, and were rebelling against Him.
Think: would you give a gift to someone who was driving nails through your hands, or who killed your son? What a true example of grace! What a true example of mercy!
