Lord, Savior, Judge and Friend
The real Jesus is the real reason for Christmas.
The pastor of a church in California put a sign in front of his church during the advent season that said, “Jesus is the reason for the season. Merry Christmas.” He received a complaint from a woman in the community who took exception with the message. She closed the conversation by saying, “I don’t think the church should try to drag religion into every holiday.”
1.) It is easy at this time of year to forget who the real Jesus is.
It’s no accident that American society rushes past Thanksgiving to get to Christmas. After all, Christmas—as the secular world has defined it for us—is about getting more “stuff,” while our Thanksgiving holiday is about being grateful for what we already have. Human nature dictates that the “gift-getting” holiday should naturally take priority.
2.) In the celebration of Christmas there should be a tone of Victory & Worship!
3.) He should not be commercialized out of Christmas!!!
This morning I what us to focus on four reasons why we should make time to adore worship) Jesus this Christmas. (They all have to do with Who He is mostly in the book of John.)
I.) Jesus Is Lord By Reason of Creation.
1.) (Jn. 1:1-3, Eph. 3:9, Col. 1:16, Heb. 1:1-2)
The noted agnostic, Col. Robert Ingersol, during a visit with Henry Ward Beecher, noted a beautiful globe portraying the constellations and stars of the heavens. "This is just what I’m looking for," he said after examining it. "Who made it?"
"Who made it?" repeated Beecher in simulated astonishment. "Why Colonel, nobody made it, it just happened."
2.) 100 billion stars in our solar system. (Stars 100x’s the Sun, neutrinos pass thru =earth w/o touching)
3.) He is not a part of creation, He is the Creator!!!! (Different than most picture at Christmas)
4.) He is the Creator therefore He is Lord!!!!\
II.) Jesus Is THE Savior By Reason of His Death & Resurrection!
1.) (Jn. 1:29, 3:16-17)
If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator;
If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist;
If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist;
If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer;
But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior.
2.) He is a Friend even to the sinner. (Samaritan Jn. 4:1-30, Adulteress 8:1-11)
3.) As Lord He has the power to save!!!
4.) He is the ONLY Savior of the world!!! (Jn. 14:6, Acts 4:12, Especially Jn. 8:24)
III.) Jesus Is To Soon To Appear As the Judge.
1.) (Jn. 5:22, Rom. 2:16, 14:10, 2 Tim. 4:1)
2.) Those to whom He is not Savior, He will be Judge!!!
3.) Illus. # 2861 Finney : Then what?
4.) We had better bow before it is too late!!!!
IV.) Jesus Is a Friend To All Who Will Allow Him To Be.
1.) In the blessings of life. (Marriage of Cana (Jn. 2:1-11) , Christmas, etc)
2.) To the spiritually confused. (Nicodemus Jn. 3:1-21, Peter in Jn. 21:15-17)
3.) To the sick. (Nobleman’s son Jn. 4:47-54, Bethesda 5:1-9, Blind/clay 9:6-7)
4.) To the hungry (poor). (fed 5,000 Jn. 6:10-13)
We can form idea of the natural distance between God and man, but the infinite vacuum is filled up by the Messiah. - Christmas Evans
