Quote from Forum Archives on December 12, 2006, 8:38 pm

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OUR TENTH YEAR

SERMON SEEDS FOR DECEMBER 11, 2006

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IN THIS ISSUE OF SERMON SEEDS I have included four past Christmas Outlines plus the latest outlines in the Life of Christ, Colossians, and Great Bible Words series.

 

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JOURNEY OF FRUITION

Luke 2:1-20

JOURNEYS WITH MARY - Lesson #2 of 4

A COMPLETE LESSON

 

·       What are you looking forward to come to pass?

·       Why is it difficult to wait for God to work?

·       How is waiting on God like waiting for a baby to be born?

·       Can you think of examples in the Scriptures of God doing what He had promised?

 

We continue our “Journeys with Mary” in Luke 1-2.  Last time we saw Mary’s “Journey of Faith” to see Elizabeth after the angel’s announcement of Jesus’ birth. This week we see God doing as He promised after a “Journey of Fruition”.

THE REASONS FOR TRAVEL - Vss. 1-5,  Micah 5:2

·       Micah 5:2 - But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

·       Micah tells us that Bethlehem was small and insignificant.

·       How should the smallness of Bethlehem encourage us when we feel small and insignificant?

·       What does Micah teach us about Jesus?  How should these insights influence our daily walk?

·       Vs. 1 - Caesar Augustus (Octavian) was the nephew of Julius Caesar, and even worshipped as a god.  Under him, Rome’s strength was established and there was a long peace in which much building was done.

·       It is ironic that one who allowed himself worship, was in reality a pawn in the hands of God.  How is that evident, comparing Luke 2:1-2 with Micah 5:2? 

·       Vss. 3-5 – Through no planning of his own, Joseph helps to fulfill prophecy.  What should we realize when circumstances force us into unexpected situations?  Romans 8:28

·       When the 80 mile journey began, Mary was very pregnant.  We do not know if she rode on a donkey or walked.  Either way of travel would have been grueling.

·       Humanly speaking, what would Mary’s concerns have been?

·       Humanly speaking, what would Joseph’s concerns have been?

·       What were Mary and Joseph’s comforts on this journey?

THE REALITY OF CHRIST’S BIRTH – Vss. 6-7

·       Notice that this baby was right on time, because He was born on God’s timetable.  How should we strive to be on God’s timetable?

·       Inns in those days were very crude. Not even a simple room in an inn was available, so Jesus was born where they kept the animals.  Sanitary conditions were bad.

·       The birth of Jesus was difficult for Mary and for Joseph. In spite of the pain, the cold, and the unsanitary conditions, this birth was an astounding moment in history.  Why?

·       How could the birth of Jesus be actually shocking for the angels to behold?

·       Warren Wiersbe pointed out that Bethlehem means “House of Bread” and that it was fitting that the “Bread of Life” was born there.

THE REPORT OF ANGELS - Vss. 8-14

·       Vs. 8 – Shepherds of that day were social outcasts, and considered to be dishonest.  Being a shepherd was a humble job.

·       Why do you think that God chose to report the Good News of Jesus’ birth to shepherds?

·       Vs. 9 – What were some of the thoughts that probably ran through the shepherd’s minds when the angel appeared?

·       Vs. 10 – In what ways have you seen God turn fear into joy? 

·       Why is it comforting that the birth of Jesus is for all people?

·       Vs. 11 – The most important word in this verse is “savior”.  Why was the birth of a savior such good news?

·       Two other words are used to describe Jesus, “Christ” and “Lord”.  How should these words impact your life?

·       Vs. 12 – I guarantee that there wasn’t another baby in any manger in Bethlehem wrapped in swaddling clothes (pieces of cloth) that evening. The shepherds would not be able to miss Him!

·       Vs. 13 – A multitude was a number too large to even begin to count.  Why do you think God sent such a large “choir”?

·       Vs. 14 – Why was God to be glorified?

·       How was the birth of Jesus an expression of “peace and good will toward men”?

THE REPORT OF SHEPHERDS – Vss. 15-18

·       Vs. 15 – Why should the shepherds be commended?

·       Vs. 16 – Do you think the shepherds reported what they saw to Mary and Joseph?  Why?

 

·       Vs. 17 – What motivated the shepherds to witness? Why was it not hard for them to witness?

·       What should motivate us to witness?

·       Vs. 18 – Why did the shepherds’ report get the response that it did?

·       How might our witness for Christ cause others to marvel or wonder?

THE REFLECTIONS OF MARY – Vs. 19

·       How was Mary’s heart a treasure chest?

·       Why should we treasure and reflect on the things that God has done for us?

·       How will God’s Word help in this process?

THE REJOICING OF BELIEVERS – Vs. 20

·       What specific things that the shepherds had heard and seen caused them to glorify and praise God?

·       What specific things that you have heard and seen lately cause you to glorify and praise God.

·       What does this verse tell you about God’s Word?

 

 

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THE CHRISTMAS TOP TEN – PART 1

 

Lord willing Part 2 of this list will appear next week.  If you would like a Power Point for Part 1, please request it at jpeters@alltel.net

 

Thanks to David Letterman and others, top ten lists abound.  It seems that a lot of subjects have top ten lists, so why not a top list for Christmas? Here’s one I found on the internet:

 

·       10 - Without Christmas, the candied fruit market would collapse!

·       9 - Without Christmas, our slow, uneventful lives would have no stress whatsoever!

·       8 - Without Christmas, barking dogs wouldn't have a music career!

·       7 - Without Christmas, Santa would only be a really weird fat guy with poor fashion sense!

·       6 - Without Christmas, there would be no Christmas bonuses!

·       5 - Without Christmas, you'd have to waste money buying all your own underwear and socks!

·       4 - Without Christmas, your cat would never know the joy of coughing up tinsel!

·       3 - Without Christmas, December would feel a lot like February!

·       2 - Without Christmas, Eggnog becomes just a disgusting beverage!

·       And the number one reason for keeping Christmas alive is: Without Christmas, there would BE no Easter! — That means there would also be: no hope, no forgiveness, no victory over the grave. If that's the case, then the TRUE meaning of Christmas is certainly something worth celebrating! graceland.gentle.org/topten/xmas98b.html

 

So much emphasis is made in our secular society about the Christmas Holiday season, that it is important that when who name the name of Christ have a true understanding of the real meaning of Christmas.

 

With the Lord’s help, I have put together my own list of a Christmas Top Ten.  This “top ten” list includes the major players in the Christmas story, and what they teach us about Christmas.  To give this list a fair treatment, we will look at it in two parts.

 

10 - HEROD – THE FOE

 

This was the first of several “Herods”.  He is known as “Herod the Great”.

 

He was actually an Edomite, a descendant of Esau.  Although he took on the title “King of the Jews”, he was not.

 

He was a great builder, among other things rebuilding the temple.

He was a Roman vassal, and as such a great military leader, subduing Rome’s enemies in the area where he ruled for them.

He was sometimes a great ruler.  He Returned taxes in times of economic despair and even melted down gold objects in the palace during famine and used it to buy food for the poor.

 

There was another side of Herod that was the exact opposite.

He often acted like a mad man.

He was very jealous and did everything he could to stay in power.

He had his brother in-law, wife, his mother in-law, and three sons killed.

 

According to John MacArthur – “One of the cruelest evidences of his bloodthirstiness and insane cruelty was having the most distinguished citizens of Jerusalem arrested and imprisoned shortly before he died. Because he knew no one would mourn his own death, he gave orders for those prisoners to be executed the moment he died – in order to guarantee that there would be mourning in Jerusalem.

John MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Matthew 1-7, (Chicago, Moody Press, 1985), p. 26

 

Matthew 2:1-8 - Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, [2] Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. [3] When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. [4] And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. [5] And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, [6] And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. [7] Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. [8] And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

 

Matthew 2:16 - Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.

 

What was the bottom line reason for Herod’s cruelty?

What motivated Him?

It was His unbelief.

It was not that Herod was a foe of Christmas.

He was a foe of Christ!

 

He believed in himself, and His own power.

He did not believe that God would give his power to another.

And the ironic thing was that Jesus was no threat to his immediate kingdom, or even subsequent kingdoms of his sons.

Jesus still hasn’t established his kingdom on earth.

 

What would make you a foe of Christ?

It would be your own unbelief.

 

Acts 16:31 - And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

 

Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

 

 

9. THE PROPHETS – THE FORETELLERS   

 

Isaiah 7:14 - Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

 

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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

 

Micah 5:2 - But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

 

8. – ZACHARIAS AND ELIZABETH – THE FAITHFUL   

 

Luke 1:5-7 - There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. [6] And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. [7] And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

 

1 Corinthians 4:2 - Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

 

Revelation 2:10 - …be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

 

7. – SIMEON AND ANNA – THE FULFILLED

 

Luke 2:25-30 - And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. [26] And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. [27] And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, [28] Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, [29] Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: [30] For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

 

Luke 2:36-38 - And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; [37] And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. [38] And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

 

1 Corinthians 1:30 - But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

 

6. THE WISE MEN – THE FOLLOWERS

   

Matthew 2:1-2 - Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, [2] Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

 

Matthew 2:9-11 - When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. [10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. [11] And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

 

Matthew 2:12 - And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

 

Luke 9:23 - And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

 

 

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THE JOY BABY BRINGS

 

I'm sure the birth of Jesus was a time of Joy for Mary and Joseph, and perhaps even a stranger or two who was staying at the Inn in Bethlehem.  But the birth of Jesus was also a time of joy for all mankind.  The angel said in Luke 2:10-11 - And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. [11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

 

 Some of the characters in the Christmas Story remind me that there are at least three types of joy concerning the birth of the Lord Jesus.

 

THERE IS THE JOY OF PRIVILEGE - Luke 2:15-20

 

Some time you and I have the joy of knowing things first, or knowing them when nobody else knows.

The shepherds had the joy of privilege because they were the first to be told about the arrival of Jesus, The Messiah, The Savior of the world.  They were also privileged because they received their information from an angel and witnessed the sight and sounds of the angels as they proclaimed glory to God. Luke 2:13-14,

 

The Shepherds were also privileged to go and see the newborn babe and to share what they had seen with those around them.

 

I want you to think about the privileges that you have this Christmas that should bring you joy.

 

First of all you can count it privilege because you have been told about the birth of the Son of God.  Actually you have had the privilege of hearing more than just the birth of Christ.  You have been told about the life of Christ and the death of Christ for your sins.  You have been told how you can have a home in Heaven if you put your faith and trust in Christ.

 

Most of you have placed your faith and trust in Christ as your Savior.  You have a privilege that is greater than seeing the Savior.  You have the privilege of knowing and following him. You also have the privilege of Jesus knowing you and leading you. John 10:14, John 10:27-28,

 

Jesus also gives us the privilege of continual joy as we abide in Him and do as He says. John 15:11

 

And we have still another privilege.  We have the privilege of speaking for Jesus. Just as the shepherds shared their experiences concerning Jesus, we have the privilege of sharing our faith. Acts 1:8, 1 Peter 3:15

   

THE JOY OF PROMISE - Luke 2:21-38   

   

Some times we are joyful when people make promises.

We are more joyful when people keep their promises.

We are joyful when God makes promises to us.

We are especially joyful when God keeps His promises, and He always does.

 

In Jerusalem their lived a Godly man named Simeon.

Simeon was waiting for the consolation of Israel.

Simeon was looking forward to the day when God would keep His promise of sending the Messiah.

He was looking for God to send the one who would solve Israel's problems.

Simeon was waiting for the one of whom it was said in Isaiah 9:6

 

Simeon was given a promise through the Holy Spirit of God that he would not see death until he had seen the Lord's Christ, the Lord's anointed one.

 

The Spirit of God led Simeon to the temple on a day when Baby Jesus was there.  The Holy Spirit indicated to Simeon that this baby was the Messiah.

 

You can imagine Simeon's ecstatic joy as he took the baby into his arms and held the promise of God.

 

I love Simeon's statement in Luke 2:29-30, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: [30] For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

 

Simeon's statement never fails to remind me that salvation is in a person.  Forgiveness for sin is in a person. Everlasting life is in a person.  Hope for eternity is in a person. Help for today is in a person. Simeon saw the salvation of God and it was a person. That person was the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

So many people struggle to be good so they can earn salvation. It doesn't work.

So many people give so much so they earn salvation. It doesn't work.

So many people work so hard so they can earn salvation. It doesn't work.

 

Salvation is not in what we do, it is in who we know.

Jesus has already died for your sins. Jesus has already paid for your sins.  If you know Jesus, you have seen and experienced God's salvation. Acts 4:12

 

There was another person in Jerusalem waiting for the Lord's Christ. Her name was Anna. She was a prophetess, and she was old.  She had been a widow for 84 years.  She was also waiting for the promise of God's Messiah, and after seeing Jesus.

 

After seeing Jesus, Anna told the others who were also waiting for the Messiah that He had arrived.

 

We Christians also have the joy of promise.

 

God promised a Savior, we have Him.

God promised peace, we have peace through Christ. Romans 5:1, John 14:27, Philippians 4:6-7

 

God promised healing from sin. We have that. Isaiah 53:5-6

 

God promised that Jesus would return and we look the fulfillment of that promise. Simeon was promised that He would not die until he saw the Lord's Christ.

 

We Christians are promised that whether living or dead, we will be part of the glorious appearing of the Lord Jesus for His followers. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17

 

We too have the joy of seeing God keep His promises.

 

THE JOY OF PRESENTATION - Matthew 2:1-12   

 

You know the story of the Wise Men.

They came from far away to worship the Lord Jesus.

The Wise Men knew the joy of giving.

 

First of all the Wise Men knew the joy of presenting themselves to Jesus. When they came a long distance and placed themselves at His feet. This was an indication of their submission to Him.

 

Say, have you thought of what you're giving Jesus for Christmas this year?  You've thought of everyone else. It's His birthday. What are you giving Him?

 

May I suggest the best possible gift?  Give Him yourself. Romans 12:1

   

The wise men not only presented themselves, but they presented their worship.  They worshipped and adored the Lord Jesus.

 

That's another thing we can give Jesus our Worship. Revelation 4:11

The Wise Men also presented their resources.  They laid before Him the gifts of gold, frankincense, and Myrrh.

 

We too, can lay our resources before the feet of Jesus.

We can support our local church and the work of missions throughout the world.

But we can also lay before those abilities, those talents, those gifts that He's given to us.  And remember God loves a cheerful giver!   

 

THE JOY OF PRIVILEGE

THE JOY OF PROMISE

THE JOY OF PRESENTATION

 

 

AN EXPANDED VERSION OF A PREVIOUSLY SHARED OUTLINE

 

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Isaiah 9:6-7

GREAT NEWS

 

Isaiah 9:6-7 - 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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. [7] Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

 

THE PERSON   

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder:

 

THE PROCLAMATION

…and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

 

THE PROMISE

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

 

 

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Luke 2:10-14

CHRISTMAS WISHES

 

Luke 2:10-14 - And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. [11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. [12] And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. [13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, [14] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

 

THE WISH OF PRAISE

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.   

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

     

THE WISH OF PARDON

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

 

THE WISH OF PURSUIT (They were to go find Him!)

Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

 

THE WISH OF PEACE

and on earth peace

 

THE WISH OF PARTICIPATION

good will toward men.

 

 

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Matthew 2:1-12

WISE MEN

 

WISE MEN INQUIRE – Vss. 1-6

WISE MEN INVESTIGATE – Vss. 7-10

WISE MEN INDULGE OR INTERACT – Vs. 11

WISE MEN ARE INSTINCTIVE – Vs. 12

 

 

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Luke 2:1-20

GOD’S MAGIC MOMENT

 

GOD’S INFLUENCE – Vss. 1-5

GOD’S INVOLVEMENT – Vss. 6-7

GOD’S INFORMATION – Vss. 8-14

GOD’S INQUIRERS – Vss. 15-20

 

 

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