The message preached in some of the largest churches in the world has changed. A new gospel is being taught today. This new gospel is perplexing – it omits Jesus and neglects the cross. Instead of promising Christ, this gospel promises health and wealth, and offers advice such as: declare to yourself that everything that you touch will prosper, for, in the words of a leading prosperity gospel preacher, “There is a miracle in your mouth.” According to this new gospel, if believers repeat positive confessions, focus their thoughts, and generate enough faith, God will release blessings upon their lives (David Jones and Russel Woodbridge).
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His Coming

His Coming 59 HIS COMING Mt. 1:21 (read 18-25)

INTRODUCTION:

  1. This is a season of celebration of the birth of Christ
  2. At least two religious organizations do not: Armstrong & JW’s
  3. Some feel it is too secularized: still Christ is preached!
  4. Best way to celebrate 1st coming is to prepare for 2nd!!
  5. JESUS’ FIRST COMING WAS IN HARDSHIP
  6. Considered an “illigitimate” by many
  7. Born to poor parents
  8. Born away from His parents’ home
  9. Born in a stable with livestock

II. JESUS’ FIRST COMING WAS TO REVEAL GOD’S LOVE

  1. To leave heaven & come to earth required love
  2. To take on humanity required Divine love
  3. Jesus lived to prove that God was concerned about man
    1. Fed the hungry with bread & fish
    2. Helped the needy to pay taxes (Peter & the fish)
    3. Healed the infirm
    4. Delivered those who were bound by evil spirits
    5. Comforted those who were mourning over dead
    6. Even raised the dead
  4. Jesus preached of God’s love for man (Nicodemus, Jn. 3)

III. JESUS’ FIRST COMING WAS TO PAY THE PRICE FOR MAN’S SIN

  1. The greatest proof of God’s love is His gift of His Son
  2. Man sinned without provocation from God
  3. The righteousness of God demanded punishment
  4. The love of God supplied a scape goat — JESUS

IV. JESUS’ FIRST COMING WAS A DISAPPOINTMENT TO MANY

  1. They were looking for a military leader
  2. They expected to be delivered from their mortal masters
  3. They desired a visible king to give orders
  4. They looked for a king who would remain on the throne forever
  5. They were embarrassed and humiliated that He was crucified
  6. JESUS’ SECOND COMING WILL BE DIFFERENT:
  7. Song: “It’l be different the next time you come” (Annette)
  8. No Hardship for Christ (or the redeemed church)
    1. Those left on earth will suffer untold pain
    2. Rather than being judged, Christ will BE the Judge
  9. God’s love has already been shown, now man will see His wrath!
  10. Christ has once and for all paid the sin debt but those who refuse His gift will have to pay their own
  11. Man has tried to forget Christ and the disappointment
    1. He has turned to other gods
    2. He has said that Christ will not return
    3. But the greatest disappointment will be when they see Him and realize how wrong they have been!

CONCLUSION:

  1. Are you ready for His SECOND coming?
  2. If so, then you can aptly celebrate the first
  3. If not, the first was to enable you to be ready.