Over This Jordon

Joshua 1:1-18 “ Now therefore arise, go over this Jordon………..”

Joshua 3:5 “ Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you”

Moses pictures the Old Year & Joshua pictures the coming New Year.
We have a picture of the Law passing to be replaced by Grace.

I. PREPARATION must be made. V. 11
Decisions are a must.
Dedication will be necessary.
Determination is essential.

II. PROMISES of God to be considered. V. 3-5
Property promised.
Protection promised.
Presence promised.

III. POSSESSIONS to be possessed. V. 11
The Land had been given to them but they had to claim it.
The same is true of our Salvation.
The same is true of the Spirit’s Filling.

IV. PRESENCE of the Lord to be realized. V. 9
His presence gives Courage.
His presence gives Comfort.

V. PROBLEMS to be expected. V. 4
The obstacles are opportunities in disguise.
The Lord could have given them the land trouble free.
The Lord could have had an angel cleat the land.

VI. POWER of God to be obtained. V. 5
God’s power is available.
God’s power must be asked for.
God’s power must be assimilated.

VII. PROSPERITY to be enjoyed. V 7,8
Prosperity promised.
Plan of prosperity explained.

A New Year

Psa. 39:12,13 Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.
Psa 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

A. David’s Prayer. (39:12)
B. David’s Patience. (40:1)
C. David’s Praise. (40:2,3.)
D. David’s Preaching. (40:4) Job prayed this same prayer. (Job.10:21)


1. OUR PERISHING CAN BE RESCUED
“He brought me up out of an horrible pit “

2. OUR PLYABLE CAN BE RESTORED
“out of the miry clay”

3. OUR POSITION CAN BE RENEWED.
“ set my feet upon a solid rock”

4. OUR PILGRIMS CAN BE REINFORCED.
“ establishes my goings “

5. OUR PRAISE WILL BE RECEIVED.
“ put a new song in my mouth “

6 OUR PRODUCTIVITY WILL BE THE RESULT.
“ many shall see and trust in the Lord”

Success In 2010

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

To be a success in 2010, don’t plan to reach that fantasy place called success, rather plan to do successful things each day. “Success is a journey, not a destination.”
Formula To Be Successful: Don’t plan to be successful, Plan to do successful things.

1. Being successful on the inside is your first step to doing successful things. God’s first instructions were, “Be strong and of a good courage” (Joshua 1:6).
If you win on the inside, you win your first victory; If you lose on the inside, the battle is over.

2. Take responsilbity for your growth and future achievement.
You acquire your greastest ability, when you begin taking responsibility. “Arise, go over this Jordan, you and all the people” (Joshua 1:2). You start growing to become what you can be, When you take responsibility for what you can do.

3. Follow good role models in doing successful things. Moses was dead. Now Joshua had to do the things Moses had modeled.

4. Commit yourself to your task to do successful things. “Meditate . . . that you may do.”
You get strength to do, when you make a commitment to do.

5. Learn to rise above your mistakes to do successful things.
Joshua knew that Israel had disobeyed God 40 years earlier. Now their children were given the same opportunity to obey God and enter the Promised Land. To refuse because you think you will fail is to do nothing and to actually fail. .God promised Joshua, “I will not fail you, nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5). Let mistakes be the tuition you pay for your education and advancement.

6. Doing what you promise leads to successful things.
I may have failed but, I’m not a failure. God told Joshua, “Rise go over this Jordan” (Joshua 1:2). Next God promised, “Every place that the sole of your foot shall walk upon, that I have given you” (Joshua 1:3). God promised to overcome obstacles, “There shall not any man be able to stand before you” (Joshua 1:5). “So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord said” (Joshua 11:23).

7. discipline yourself to do what you have to do.
First you think about doing, then you commit yourself to doing. Prioriitize your work and life to do successful things.

8. Giving more to others than expected leads to doing successful things.
Don’t judge each day by what you get, rather, judge each day by what you give.

9. Believing in yourself will lead to doing things successfully.
Belief in yourself, is not what you possess. Belief in yourself, is what possesses you.

A YEAR FOR NEW BEGINNINGS!!

2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

A new year always presents a challenge. There is something about the New Year period that makes most of us want to start something over again in our lives. I wonder how many people have started off in life then got messed up and failed? Most of them never start over again.

Maybe today, you are sort of down and out, then you need to start over again. I am going to list five areas that are most common and that need a new beginning this coming year. If any of these speak to you or seem to challenge you, then let God make a new beginning in that area of your life.

I. SOME OF YOU NEED A NEW BEGINNING IN BIBLE READING AND STUDY

When I Was Younger I Thought Only Preachers Read The Bible Through. When I went to Bible college they told the class I was in that one requirement was to read the entire Bible through that school year. I thought it would be impossible to accomplish that. I learned that it really wasn’t very hard. The 1189 chapters can be read in one year by reading a little more than three chapters a day.

II. SOME OF YOU NEED A NEW BEGINNING IN YOUR SERVICE FOR GOD

Nothing can take the place of that peace of doing what God wants you to do.
I was in a service one time when a man in his middle 50’s walked down the aisle weeping, and told the congregation that God had called him to preach when he was 20 years old and he rejected that call. He told us he had lived in misery ever since.

III. SOME OF YOU NEED A NEW BEGINNING IN YOUR MARRIAGE

There are many marriages that are just holding on. Reconstruct your marriage around the Bible, the Church, the people Of God. Most couples won’t argue and fight when they are around other Christians. Keep yourself involved with Christian fellowship.

VI. SOME OF YOU NEED A NEW BEGINNING IS HELPING OTHERS

Ps 41:1 Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
Pr 14:21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
Each of us should be involved in a ministry of helping others.
A ministry of giving to others.
1. Giving self.
2. Giving money.
3. Giving time.
4. Giving kindness.
Our church will never go on to the next level of growth until we each begin to giving ourselves to others.

V. SOME OF YOU NEED A NEW BEGINNING IN YOUR LIFE
“If any man be in Christ Jesus he is a new creature.” Your live has been made over again. A new life exists.

Some Are Saying, “If Only I Could Start Over Again.” You can. Trust Christ.
1. There are some of you who are without Christ. Trust Christ.
2. You may have pretended.
3. You know you are not saved.
4. No one really knows it except you.
5. Jesus said, “If any man will come unto me I will in no wise cast out.”
6. Now is your opportunity. You can start over again today.

Some Of You Have Been Saved, But You Have Made A Mess Out Of Your Life.
1. You, too, can start over again.
2. Forgiveness is not rationed.
3. Forgiveness is not short supply.
4. Forgiveness is not limited.
5. You can be forgiven of any and all sin. 1 John 1:9.

Don’t let this year end and you still be in the same place you are right now. Do something about it. Start over again today.

Gifts

MATTHEW 2:1-12

WHAT IS A GIFT? WHY DO WE GIVE GIFTS?

To show love or appreciation to the recipient, i.e., to add love to someone’s life. The power of bestowment to make the recipient rich, or honored, or special. To value or approve the recipient. What is valued by the giver becomes valuable by the recipient. To bind or hold two people together, i.e., “to wrap up” relationship.

WHAT GIFTS DID THEY BRING?

“They opened their treasures, they presented gifts to him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (2:11).

1. Gold, monetary value, i.e., a measure of trade. They gave to Jesus their power or possessions.
2. Frankincense comes from Persia (Iran), India, or Arabia. Means “whiteness,” comes from the gum of the tree. The tree is “wounded” to gather its gum, used as perfume and medicine.
3. Myrrh, it was used to soothe muscles and wounds. Used to embalm bodies. Burned to eliminate pests. The molecular structure is blues, greens, i.e., cooling color, i.e., gentleness.
Gold to honor the King
Frankincense to worship the King
Myrrh to identify with pain and sorrow of the King
4. Why did they bring these gifts?
They were ordinary or expected gifts for a king. They were symbolic or prophetic. Gold for Christ rules on earth, frankincense for worship, and myrrh symbolizing His sufferings and death.
5. The source of their pilgrimage, the Star of Prediction.
They knew the Old Testament prediction. “There shall come a star out of Jacob, and the scepter shall rise out of Israel” (Num. 24:17). They came from the east (v. 1). “The star which they had seen in the east” (v. 9). The star reappeared. “Once again the star appeared to them” (v. 9, LB). The star travelled. “It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was” (v. 9, LB). The star produced joy. “When they saw the star they were filled with joy” (v. 10, LB). Name. The Eastern Star, the Bethlehem Star, the Christmas Star, His Star.

WHO WERE THE MAGI?

1. The word “wisemen” is Magi in the original language. A priestly caste of Zoroastrianism, they studied the stars. They had embryonic faith to believe and act on the little they knew of the Scriptures. Principle: information about the star didn’t save them, worshipping Jesus did.
2. Their names: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar.
3. From three different nations they came together following the star. Brought different gifts from their nations.
4. Some believe they were kings (Hymns) because of prophetic scriptures. “Nations will come to Your light, and kings to the brightness of your light” (Isa. 60:3). “The kings . . . will bring tributes to Him” (Ps. 72:16). “Kings will bring you gifts” (Psa. 68:29).

WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF THE STORY?
1. To show Christ is King. “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him” (Matt. 2:2).
2. To predict Gentiles will worship Christ, not just the Jews.
3. To teach an attitude of worship. “And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense and myrrh” (Matt. 2:11).

Why People Don't Go To Your Church (Pt 3)

5. Perceived Poor Services and Ministries
When it comes to building a local church (as with most of life), perception is reality. If someone believes your kids ministry is not organised particularly well or unsafe, it might as well be. Turn that perception around! Your challenge is to demonstrate your church ministries and community work so people can see it with his/her own eyes. Provide open days, brochures and even videos online – just a few ideas.

6. Poor Leadership
People are attracted to good leadership. What leadership traits do you and your team possess? Do you have a track record of making wise choices? Do you hold any influence amongst the local community? Are you approachable and in touch with the real world? I guarantee that if you rise in leadership, people will want to be around you. In my experience and from what I’ve seen, people are firstly attracted to the leader, not the church. Powerful thought isn’t it.

7. Failing to Ask
Don’t assume that just because you’ve covered all the bases that people will come. Remember to get your congregation to keep asking people!

Finally – take some risks, be creative, challenge your thinking and throw yourself into it knowing we’re all learning along the way

Why People Don't Go To Your Church (Pt 2)

I began yesterday a study as to why people don't go to your church. I will look at a few more reasons this morning. With the hope of helping some of you

2. People Don’t Think They Need or Want What You’re Presenting.
Many people feel like they don’t need or want the whole ‘God thing’ in their life. I have found that most people will need God for something about once or twice a year. Lose their job, grandma gets sick, their son has a car wreck, they go through a divorce, something. Jesus is a great friend- you’ll never be alone, the Bible will enable you to succeed in life. Oh, and don’t forget eternal life!

3. People Don’t Understand What You’re Presenting
Not everyone understands God or the Bible and many have no idea who Jesus is other than the kid they wheel out for the nativity at Christmas! I wonder how many people have never tried the following because they don’t understand what they are: Facebook. Apple Mac. Apple TV. Twitter. SkyPlus. Iphone 3G. Gift Aid. Maybe if we tried a little harder to communicate what it is we’re so passionate about others may be more open to listening to what we’ve got to say.

4. People Don’t Trust You
Does your community trust you? Do they feel they know you well enough to approach you or interact with you? Consider these questions: Do you follow through on promises? Are you viewed as a respected faith group or a cult? If you have a web presence, does your site list a physical address or a P.O. box? (Physical addresses generate more trust.) Are you active (and therefore visible) in the community? Are your finances in order and available to see? Building trust is an important ingredient for any successful organisation. If you’re unsure whether you’re trusted, ask the local community straight out and see what they say – if you dare!

Why People Don't Go To Your Church

You’ve got a great church. You’ve sent out flyers and brochures, networked with your local community workers and secured a great web presence. No one’s coming. What’s wrong? There are many reasons why people may not be flocking to your church.

Over the next few days I will discuss a few of my ideas that you may not be seeing the results you are looking for

Inconvenience

In today’s age of fast food and high-speed Internet connections, people want instant everything to fit around their schedule. If you have a web site, is it easy to navigate? Do the pages load quickly? Studies indicate web visitors will move on if they don’t find what they are looking for in the first 20 seconds. Similarly, is your website and are your service times easy to find? Do you provide adequate ways people can communicate with you? Can people reach a ministry leader when they need to? Do you provide enough information about what is important to your church – a vision statement or core values? Are you in a convenient location?

Merry CHRISTmas

Dear Family and Friends,

We want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

It’s so hard to believe that 2009 has slipped away so quickly. We continue to feel so blessed under God’s care and are so happy that He has placed us into such a wonderful church family!

The year has brought about some major developments in our family’s life. Nikki and her family moved from Hawaii back to North Carolina, which also meant a job change for Bill as well. The biggest development, for Holly and the boys of course, is that they have moved back to New York and are now expecting Kevin’s safe return from Iraq in Feb.

Within the church, we’ve seen a lot of growth in different areas, and a great start to our “Paving the Way to Growth” project. Jane and I stand amazed at the willingness of God’s people to get involved in seeing lives touched and changed. It’s also been a great privilege to meet many new people and welcome them into Northwest Baptist Church this year.

We count it such a joy to serve alongside each of you and can’t wait to see the great things God will do in, around, and through us in the upcoming year.
May God bless each and every one of you!

Bro Dave and Mrs. Jane

The Christmas Tree

1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

While many of the things associated with the modern celebration of Christmas clearly have a pagan connection with their origin, the Christmas tree is different. In the seventh century a missionary to the Germans came across a group of pagans who worshiped the Oak tree as a god. He suggested they were foolish to worship something that died every year and lost its beauty.

He went on to use the evergreen tree to teach them that the living, God is the same yesterday, today and forever, and provides eternal life for His children. He said the triangular shape symbolizes the trinity. The evergreen tree quickly became a symbol of the gospel message to those living in Northern Germany. Ironically the Roman Catholic church denounced the use of the tree claiming those who failed to trust in the Roman church alone for salvation were heretics. The symbol of the division became so great, that after Martin Luther left the Catholic church he went on to use the evergreen tree as an illustration in the Gospel message in defiance of Rome.

Expanding the illustration he placed candles on the tree to show how it was Jesus and not Rome that was the light of the world. By the twelfth century the common practice was to hang the tree upside down from the ceiling. It was considered a symbol of those who rejected the Catholic church for salvation. Rome countered declaring all those who placed a tree in their home or place of worship incapable of earning salvation.

The first claim to the use of a Christmas tree in America is much debated. A city in Connecticut claims a foreign soldier put up a Christmas Tree in 1777. A city in Pennsylvania said a German immigrant was the first to erect a Christmas tree in 1816

The German reportedly used it in teaching fellow believers about Christ, eternal salvation, and the Trinity. Traditionally, Christmas trees were not brought into the home until Christmas Eve and then taken down on January 6 the date first thought to be the birthday of Christ.

Some Christians feel the practice of having a Christmas tree is prohibited in the book of Jeremiah 10:1-5 Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: 2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. 4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. 5 They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.

A careful reading will help us understand this has nothing to do with the use of a Christmas tree. The trees of Jeremiah had no connection with the birth of Christ, the story of salvation or Christmas. The trees were worshiped as gods having supernatural power. I have never known someone today to pray to a Christmas tree, believing it could hear and answer.

Regardless of the origin of the Christmas tree, there is no doubt that the world had secularized it. It no longer represents to the average person the spiritual teachings of Christians from an earlier time who used it for good or the false teachings of the prophets of the groves or those from Jeremiah’s day. For most the tree is simply a part of the Christmas tradition. A tradition that has forgotten the Christmas message delivered on the first Christmas eve to the shepherds, 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.

Trees have always played an important part for good and bad in the Scriptures. Like every other spiritual symbol, Satan loves to counterfeit and corrupt.
Trees are mentioned 287 times in the Bible. It is first mentioned in Genesis. They played an important part in the Garden story.
Genesis 1:11-12 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

Trees played other important roles in Bible. Used in construction of Temple. Moses placed a branch of a tree in the bitter waters to make them sweet. False prophets often used trees to carve idols and to hide in tree groves when performing their wicked deeds. Psalms 1:3 speaks of the blessed or saved man, “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

The most important reference to a tree is the one in our text.
1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

Whether we choose to have a Christmas tree in our home or not is a personal decision. Whether we see it as a symbol of God’s son, salvation and sovereignty or another invasion of the world into spiritual things and a commercialization of that which is spiritual is left for each to decide. What is important however, is that we understand the real Christmas tree and the gift associated with it was given to us when Jesus hung on the wooden cross and gave his life that we might have eternal life.

Wonderful

Isa 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.

This is the Christmas season. This is the happiest time of the year for most people. It is a time that brings our thoughts to the birth of our Lord.

Santa Claus should not be part of our Christmas season. He is not a person, only a myth. Santa Claus teaches greed & getting; Christ teaches grace & giving.

Nevertheless, our text tells us that His name shall be called Wonderful:

There was a time when a person was given a name that was to identify with that individual’s personality. The Indians used to name their newborn babies whatever the first thing the father saw following the birth: “Flying Bird”; “Running Bear”. In the Jewish culture, names always had a very definite meaning. For instance, Abraham means, “Father of many nations.” Ruth means, “Friend”. James means, “Superior”.

I don’t think that too many parents take into consideration the meaning of the names they give their children. Isaiah tells us in this Scripture that His name shall be called Wonderful.

What does wonderful mean?

A Bible definition is: “a miracle:--marvelous thing, wonder (-ful, -fully).”

Webster’s definition is: That which causes wonder; marvelous; amazing;

We have heard the statements pertaining to the word wonderful:
“Isn’t she just wonderful?”
“He is a wonderful person.”
“That was a wonderful song.”
“What a wonderful meal you prepared.”
“Wasn’t that a wonderful surprise?”

We use the word “wonderful” in various contexts.

God was speaking through Isaiah to King Ahaz and the people of Israel. In chapter 7:14 He says, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” The name Immanuel means: “God with us.”

This is a prophetic proclamation of the coming Messiah who is to come and save Israel from their sin.

Look with me today at the “Wonderful” part of our Lord.

HIS WONDERFUL NAME

His name shall be called “Wonderful”.
“And shall call his name Immanuel”.

A. His Name Is Wonderful Because Of Who He Is.

He is the “I AM” of Moses.
He is the King of Glory.
He is the Shiloh.
He is the Great Shepherd.
He is the Bright and Morning Star.
He is the Lily of the Valley.
He is the Altogether Lovely One.
He is the Rose of Sharon.
He is the Carpenter.
He is the Servant of Jehovah.
He is the Day Star.
He is the Forgiver of Sins.
He is the Anointed One.
He is the Great Physician.
He is the Son Of God.
He is the Word Of God.
He is the Babe Born in a manger.
He is the One that the wise men sought.
He is the Giver of life.
He is the Judge.
He is the Saviour of the world.
His name is Wonderful.
He is the Almighty.
He is Emmanuel.
He is the Gift of God.
He is the Holy One.
He is the King of Kings.
He is the King of glory.
He is the Redeemer.
He is the True Vine.

There are something like 700 names attributed to the Lord Jesus Christ. That’s why His name is truly Wonderful.

THE SHEPHERDS

THE REAL STORY OF THE SHEPHERDS "

LUKE 2:8-20
INTRO: * Imagine yourself in this story as one of the Shepherds.
* Imagine the reaction. ( They were sore afraid)
* Beautiful human interest story.
* I have twelve points (same as 3 main points with 3 sub points)

1. "ABIDING IN THE FIELD." (living in the world) (v 8)
* Jacob - "lambs being torn by beasts"; - "sleeplessness" "drought consumed me" - "frost by night" (Gen. 31:39,40)
* Moses - backside of the desert. (Exo. 3)
* David - Lion and bear attack - smote them both. (1Sam 17:34)
* Ezek. - "My flock became prey, they became meat for the beast of the field" (Ezek.34:8)
* Jesus the good Shepherd said, "The thief cometh to kill & steal."

2. "IT WAS NIGHT." (darkness) (v 8)
*1Th 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
* Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
* Suggests spiritual blindness, confusion, lack of understanding.

3. "OCCUPIED WITH THE SECULAR." (V 8)
(Making a living, doing their job, taken up with the ordinary, concern for food, clothing, wages)
Jesus said, "Take no though for your life, what ye shall eat...."

4. "INTERRUPTION FROM HEAVEN." (V 9) "The Lord came on the scene"
* Moses was caring for Sheep, sudenly, "Moses, Moses"
* Samuel was ready to sleep, when "Samuel, Samuel."
* Saul going to Damascus, " Saul, Saul."
* Peter, Andrew, James & John, fising or mending nets, "Follow me"
* Matt. collecting taxes..."Come follow me."
* Sometimes a sermon, witness, accident, tragedy, sickness.

5. "MESSAGE FROM THE LORD." (V 10) "Fear not", "Good tidings of great joy"
* Angel to Gideon, "Fear Not, I have chosen thee."
* Angel to Joseph, "Fear not, take Mary to wife."
* Angel to Zacharias, "Fear Not, thy prayer is heard."
* Angel to MAry, "Fear Not, thou art highly favored of women."
* Angel to Paul, "Saul, Saul...Interruption..

6. "THEY WERE SORE AFRAID" (V 9) He we have conviction.
* And Saul trembling, sai Who are thou, What must I do."

7. "THEIR RESPONSE." Let us go." (v 15)
* Imagine, " How do we know you are an angel anyway."
" Unless you show us some miracles, we're not going.

8. "THEY ACTED IMMEDIATELY" " (V 15) "Now", Came with haste."
Isa 1:18 "Come, now let us reason together."

9. "THEY SAW IT. (HIM) (V 17) (2 Cor.4:4) "blinded by the God of this world"

10. "THEY BELIEVED" (V 17)

11. "THEY BEGAN TO TELL OTHERS." (V 17) "made known."

12. " THEY WERE FILLE DWITH JOY." (V 20) "glorifing & praising God"

CHRISTMAS INVITATION

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO A CHRISTMAS PARTY

GUEST OF HONOR: JESUS CHRIST


Date: Every day. Traditionally, December 25, but He’s always around, so the date is flexible.

Time: Whenever you’re ready. Please don’t be too late though, or you’ll miss out on all the fun.

Place: In you heart. He’ll meet you there – you’ll hear Him knock.

Attire: Come as you are. Grubbies are okay as He’ll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something about new white robes and crowns for everyone who stays till the last.

Tickets: Admission is free. He’s already paid for everyone. He says you wouldn’t have been able to afford it. It’s cost Him everything He had!

Refreshments: A far out drink he calls “living water.” This will be followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world!!

Gifts Suggestions: Your Heart. He’s one of those people who already have everything else. (He’s very generous in return though-just wait until you see what He has for you!)

Entertainment: Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness, Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power, Eternity in Paradise…and much more!!!
(All ‘G’ rated so bring your family and friend)

RSVP: Very Important! He must know ahead, so He can reserve a spot for you at the table. Also, he’s keeping a list of His friends for a future reference. He calls it the “Lambs Book of Life.”

Party Given By: His Kids. That’s us! Hope to see you there! Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear (linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints) Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper if the Lamb!

ALL OF YOU WHO WILL BE THERE-PLEASE SHARE THIS INVITATION WITH SOMEONE ELSE.

Wrapped Up

It’s All In The Wrapping!!

I remember when our girls were little what is was like for them to see all the Christmas presents under the tree. They would see all of those wonderful presents wrapped up in all that beautiful paper and bows. By the shape of the wrapped boxes they would try to guess what was in them.

Well, there are some presents that God has for us that He intends for us to open. They are all wrapped up and He wants us to notice, accept them and unwrap them in order to have fellowship with Him. God wants everyone to be a part of His family, but He cannot make everyone to accept His gift. His gift is wrapped up in His Son, Jesus Christ.

The Wrapping of God’s Love in His Son.

The Wrapping of the Cross.

The Wrapping of His Body – In the Tomb

It’s interesting to notice a couple of facts concerning His birth and burial:

Jesus earthly Dad was named Joseph.
The man who buried Him was named Joseph.

When Jesus was born He was wrapped in swaddling clothes.
When Jesus was buried He was wrapped in clean linen wrappings.

Joseph the poor, wrapped his adopted son in poor swaddling clothes.
Joseph the rich, wrapped the Son of God in clean linen clothes.

The Wrapping of Heaven.

The Wrapping of Our Sin.

The Wrapping of the Believer – Salvation!!!!
Righteousness

Wise Men

Matthew 2:1-12

There are many wise people mentioned in the Bible. There were Enoch and Noah, wise enough to walk with God. There was Ruth, wise enough to say to her Jewish mother-in-law, "...for whither thou goest I will go; and whither thou lodgest, I will lodge; Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God; (Ruth 1:16)

There was Andrew, who was wise enough to bring people to Jesus. There was David, who was wise enough to say "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." There was Martha, wise enough entertain Jesus in her home. There was Martha's sister, Mary, wise enough to set at Jesus feet and hear his word. And, of course, there were the wise men, who came to Jesus when he was a child.

There are still wise men (and women) today. God is looking for wise men who will imitate the qualities of the wise men of Matthew 2.

WISE MEN STILL COME - Vss. 1-10

WISE MEN STILL WORSHIP - Vss. 2, 11

WISE MEN STILL GIVE - Vs. 11

WISE MEN STILL LISTEN - Vs. 12

"No Room for JESUS"

Luke 2:1 - 7

Our text is one of the most familiar passages in all of the Bible. This text is especially emphasized during the Christmas season. There are several truths that Luke mentions that we would love to draw your attention to.

1. The Prophetic Place (v. 4, Micah 5:2)
*Jesus is called the "son of David" (Matthew 1:1)
*David was born in Bethlehem and reigned in Jerusalem.
*Jesus was born in Bethlehem and will reign in Jerusalem!

2. The Perverted Principle (v. 7) "firstborn son"
*Mary was NOT a perpetual virgin!

3. The Present Presented (v. 7) (II Corinthians 9:15)

4. The Plain People (v. 8 - 9) "shepherds" (I Corinthians 1:27)

5. The Perfect Proclamation (v. 10 - 11) (I Timothy 4:10)

6. The Praising Party (v. 13 - 14, 20)

7. The Painful Pre-occupation (v. 7) "no room for them"

We may stop and wonder why Luke would mention this sad reality in the middle of such a joyful celebration. The fact that our Lord was NOT born in the Inn reflects at least a two-fold truth:

1. Availability -God allowed His Son to be born in such a place where whosoever will could come and see Him!

2. Accountability -Imagine being the Inn Keeper who turned away Joesph, Mary, and the Lord Jesus Christ!

*The sad truth that there was NO ROOM for Jesus is still plain and evident in this day and hour!

I. No Room in the Hotel
II. No Room at the Holidays!
III. No Room in the Home!
IV. No Room in the House of God!
V. No Room in the Hearts of Man!

*Does the CHRIST who had no room in the Inn of Bethlehem have room in your Holiday Plans???

MARY

The Woman God Chose to be the Mother of His Son
Luke 1:1-38

There is a tendency among Baptists and Protestants to down play the role of Mary. But, let’s face it: The Bible tells us she was highly favored (v. 28). I’m talking about the Mary of the Bible—Not the Mary of Roman Catholicism. The Mary of the Bible was blessed among women, not above women (v. 42). She is not lifted above women, but she did lift up motherhood. This is the role she played. Mary is not a mediator between God and man. We don’t make her a goddess nor pray to her.

It was her glorious privilege to be the mother of Jesus Christ.
When Gabriel appears to Mary, she is probably about 16 years old. She was already espoused / engaged to Joseph.

I. Mary’s CHARACTER (vs. 26-34).

A. Piety— She was a godly young lady. Mary was attentive to the message of God (vs. 26-30). She listened to God’s messenger. She was familiar with God’s prophecies.
B. Purity (Luke 1:34). Nazareth was known for it's moral corruption. "Can any good thing come from Nazareth?" You can live a pure life in today’s society. She lived a chaste life in the midst of a corrupt city. God would have never chosen an promiscuous woman to raise His Son. God is seeking clean vessels to use in His service.

II. Mary’s CRISIS— Her life is immediately turned upside down.

A. Her favor. Mary was to be given the greatest honor ever afforded to a woman,
B. Her fear. With the honor came a tremendous social stigma—That of being an unwed mother. Mary is called upon to bear shame, reproach and humiliation for the glory of God. How would she break the news to Joseph?

III. Mary’s CHOICE (v. 38). She submitted to God’s will for her life.

A. It was immediate. She didn’t ask for more time to think about it. She didn’t try to negotiate the timing. There in no advantage to delaying submission to God’s will.
B. It was inclusive – She was completely given over to God. “handmaid” = bond slave—One swallowed up in the will of another. Lord=Master/Boss. She was at the Lord's disposal no matter what shame was sure to come her way. Despite the humiliation she would bear, she offered her body to be used of the Lord for His purposes. She yielded the rights of her life to the Lord.
• Willing to lose her reputation.
• Willing to suffer misunderstanding.
• Willing to jeopardize her marriage to Joseph.
• All for the joy of knowing she was being used of God.

IV. Mary’s CELEBRATION (vs. 46-55).

The months between the announcement of Christ's birth and the actual moment of His arrival were months of hard decisions and anxious waiting on the part of Mary and Joseph. Mary, even though she is young, unmarried and pregnant, begins to lift her voice in praise to the Lord. She reveals a heart that is in love with the Lord and also a mind that has been saturated with the Old Testament Scriptures.
Mary teaches us that we can praise the Lord in spite of our circumstances or apprehensions concerning the future.
A. Mary’s subject—God was the subject of Mary’s praise. Mary was not singing about herself; she was not praising herself. She was not thinking about things which she might accomplish. She said very definitely, “My soul doth magnify the Lord.”
1. The Grace of God (v. 48).
2. The Power of God (v. 49, 51).
3. The Holiness of God (v. 49).
4. The Mercy of God (vs. 50, 54).
5. The Justice of God (vs. 51-53
6. The Faithfulness of God (vs. 54-55).
B. Mary’s salvation (vs. 47). Mary was a sinner. Mary needed a Savior.

SUMMATION:
1. Are you saved?
2. Are you a woman of purity? Teenager, will you be a pure bride at the marriage altar? Mom, do your children know you are a woman of moral purity?
3. Have you placed yourself at the Lord's disposal to be used in service for Him? Have you yielded the rights of your life to God?
4. Are you willing to suffer reproach in order to follow God’s will?
5. Is praise to God a regular part of your life?
6. Is your home the kind that God would pick for His Son to grow up in?

Something Special at CHRISTmas

Matthew 2:1-15

SPECIAL TIME - Vs. 1 - "When Jesus was born..."

SPECIAL PLACE - Vs. 1 - Bethlehem - Micah 5:2

SPECIAL PERSON - Vs. 1 - Jesus - Isaiah 9:6

SPECIAL WELCOMING COMMITTEE - Vs. 2 - The Wise Men

SPECIAL ENEMY - Vss. 3-8 - Herod

SPECIAL JOY - Vss. 9-10 - See Luke 2:10

SPECIAL GIFTS - Vs. 11

SPECIAL PROTECTION - Vss. 12-15

Lessons from CHRISTmas

The Christmas story is full of truths which we can apply to our own lives. Consider these four truths from Matthew 2:

1. GOD'S TIMING IS PERFECT Vss. 1-2

Jesus was born at just the right time and in just the right place (Micah 5:2)
The wise men came at just the right time to just the right place.

2. GOD'S ENEMIES ARE TREACHEROUS Vss. 3-8

Satan, through Herod, would do all that he could to destroy the Lord Jesus, including trying to deceive the wise men.

3. GOD'S SERVANTS ARE FAITHFUL Vss. 9-14

a. To go. Vss. 9-10
b. To share. Vs. 11
c. To obey. Vss. 12-14 (The wise men and Joseph obeyed God's directions.)

4. GOD'S PROTECTION IS POWERFUL Vss. 15-23

Satan through Herod tried to destroy Jesus, but God protected His Son.

JOSEPH

JOSEPH—The Man God Chose To Raise His Son
Matthew 1:18-25; 2:13-23

It is a challenge for families today to find godly role models that have the right values for their own family. Of all the families in human history, I would like to suggest one that every one us should try to be like. This family consists of history's best known parents. Their picture is on the cover of hundreds of millions of Christmas cards that are mailed all around the world at this time.

When God selected this family, He was saying, this is the family I want My Son raised in. Last week we learned what kind of woman Mary was. In this message we will take a close look Joseph—The Man God Chose to Raise His Son.

In most Christmas programs, Joseph is treated as a mere extra—He often takes a backseat to shepherds, sheep, and wise men. He brings no gifts, he sings no songs and he says no lines. He just stands there in his sandals and his robes, watching the scene unfold around him.

Joseph has been referred to as “the unsung hero of the Christmas story.” Joseph played a major role in the birth and life of Christ. He was an ordinary man that God used in an extraordinary way. Not one word of anything he ever said is recorded in the Bible. His actions speak much louder than anything he may have said.

I.The FAITH of Joseph—Joseph was a man of FAITH!

Joseph was a JUST man (v. 19). To be JUST requires faith— “... The just shall live by faith...” (Gal. 3:11).
The requirement of faith (Heb. 11:6). Joseph’s situation required faith (vs. 18-19). Apart from having faith in God’s Word concerning his situation, Joseph would not have been able to deal it. Although you will never face the same situation Joseph faced, there will be times when you’ll be disappointed, heart-broken and troubled. The only thing that will get you through is FAITH.

II. The FEELINGS of Joseph—He was sensitive to Mary.

A. His choices:
1. Have Mary stoned (Dt. 22:13-21).
2. Give her a bill of divorcement. This would have left her destitute and because of the baby, no other man would want to marry her.
3. Marry her and raise the child as if it were his own. This last op-tion would rarely have been chosen by a Jewish man.
None of these options were appealing to Joseph. But he had to choose one of them. We are often faced with some tough choices in life. Put yourself in Joseph’s place. What would you do? Would you think the worse? Would you call the whole thing off? Would you demand justice?
B. His compassion: Joseph was not only just, but also compassion¬ate. His justice was not that which only followed the letter of the law; instead it was tempered with love, mercy, and compassion.

III. The FIDELITY of Joseph.

Fidelity involves believing and acting upon what God has said.
1. In every instance, Joseph's obedience was immediate and com¬plete. He never quibbled or questioned God’s plan.
2. Obedience is not always easy. Joseph’s step of faith would risk bringing reproach on his reputation.
•Jesus was accused of being a bastard son (John 8:39-41). In other words, “We know who our father is and we know about your birth. Your mother was pregnant before she was married. Your birth is the birth of an illegitimate.”
•Joseph took Mary as his wife because He believed God. He was willing to bear the reproach of believing God.
•Joseph knew people were talking about him and Mary. “Some man has been with Mary. Was it you Joseph? If the baby is yours, it is not right. If it is not yours, it’s not right!”
•Joseph knew something they did not know.

Joseph is an example for all fathers! He faced a crisis with FAITH in God; FIDELITY to God’s Word; and FEELINGS for the one he loved. To me, he is the real hero of the Christmas story. Imagine how the Christmas story would have been altered had Joseph acted differently!

God chose Joseph to be the surrogate father of Jesus because he was yielded to the will of the Lord. We ought to look at our own lives and ask ourselves, "Am I the kind of person that God could use in a big way?"
Is your home the kind of home God would choose to raise His Son?

"What Child is This?"

Matt. 22:42 Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.

Intro: A hymn sung frequently at this time of the year is titled, "What Child is This?" That's a very important question. Some people called Jesus the son of David, an occurrence that is the subject of our text.

Others called him the son of Joseph. That was a mistake. The Bible points out the difference between the physical relationship of Joseph and Mary to the Lord in Luke 2:33 (in the King James Bible; most other newer "perversions" butcher the verse).
The Bible calls Him
1. The son of David
2. The son of Mary
3. The son of Man
4. The Son of God
I want to look at those four titles, of which variations are given in scripture, and point out four different aspects of the Christ-child.

I. AS THE SON OF DAVID, HE WAS THE SOVEREIGN CHILD

Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Luke 1:31-33 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
A. He was the rightful king
B. He was the rejected king
C. He is the RETURNING king! Amen!

II. AS THE SON OF MARY, HE WAS THE SUPERNATURAL CHILD

Mark 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
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.
A. This birth was seemingly impossible
B. This birth was stedfastly investigated
1. By Joseph
2. By the shepherds
3. By the wise men
4. By Herod
5. By angels
6. By the devil
7. By God Almighty
C. This birth was supremely important

III. AS THE SON OF MAN, HE WAS THE SERVANT CHILD

Matthew 9:6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
As the SERVANT child, the Lord Jesus Christ
A. Shared the problems of the flesh
1. Physical weariness
2. Hunger and thirst
3. Physical pain
4. However, He never SINNED!
B. Submitted to the purpose of the Father
C. Showed a pattern for us to follow
1. Obedience
2. Patience
3. Ministry to others

IV. AS THE SON OF GOD, HE WAS THE SAVIOR CHILD

Matthew 27:54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. As the Son of God
A. He was the only sinless man who ever lived
B. He was the only sacrifice that could TAKE AWAY sins
C. He is the only Savior who can take you to heaven - Jn. 14:6!!

LIVING GOD

1. The Living God (1 Thess. 1:9) - To Serve

2. The Living Christ (1 Peter 2:5) - To Come To

3. The Living Word (Heb. 4:12) - To Search Us

4. The Living Bread (John 6:51) - To Feed On

5. The Living Way (Heb. 10:20) - To Draw Near By

6. The Living Water (John 4:10) - To Drink

7. The Living Sacrifice (Rom. 12:1) - To Offer

It's All His

GOD Is the Creator and Rightful Owner of Everything

The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, saith the Lord of hosts. — Haggai 2:8

The first thing that every believer should do with what he or she has is to transfer ownership of every possession to God. This includes money, property, education, talents, etc. This step is fundamental getting started on a "journey to financial freedom." Nothing can relieve our concerns and worries about our possessions like transferring ownership to God.

I was at a conference a few years ago where a speaker talked about his first car. He had invested all his money in his car and constantly pampered and cleaned it. When a storm came at night he would lie awake hoping there would be no hail to dent his car. When he parked it at a mall he would worry that someone might steal it. He thought the car would bring him immense joy, but because 1 did not understand that God owns everything, it was a source of constant worry.

Then he came upon the principle that God owns everything, including his car. Therefore, he prayed and admitted that God owned the car and he was only a steward of it. Soon after that decision, his ran out of gas on a dark, isolated highway at night. As he walked away, with great relief he prayed "Lord, I hope no one does anything to damage Your car."

Unless we realize that everything belongs to God, our possessions and finances will lead us into bondage of fear and worry, not freedom. Transferring ownership to God is absolutely necessary if are to have a "journey into financial freedom."

Another way that transferring ownership of all our possessions to God brings freedom is knowing if it all belongs to Him, then He must have some ideas as to how He wants us to use and manage His resources. Indeed the Bible reveals specific principles on how God wants His property to be used and managed. Bible study coupled with prayer will give us guidance and great confidence in handling resources God has entrusted to us.

WALKING WITH THE LORD

Ps 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Ps 37:31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
2 Sam 22:37 & Ps 18:36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip
Job 31:4 Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?
Ps 119:133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
1Pe 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

1. WALK OF DISOBEDIENCE. EPH 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

2. WALK OF GOOD WORKS. EPH 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

3. WALK WORTHY OF CALLING. EPH 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

4. WALK NOT AS GENTILES. EPH 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

5. WALK IN LOVE. EPH 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

6. WALK IN LIGHT. EPH 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

7. WALK CIRCUMSPECTLY. EPH 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

CARING FOR SHEEP.

SHEPHERD CARING FOR HIS SHEEP.
Ezekiel 34:10-17.

1. I Will Seek Them Out.

Vs. 11 For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.

2. I Will Deliver Them.

Vs. 12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.

3. I Will Bring Them Out.

Vs. 13 And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

4. I Will Gather Them Together.

Vs. 13 And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

5. I Will Bring Them In.

Vs. 13 And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

6. I Will Feed Them.

Vs. 14 I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.

7. I Will Give Them Rest.

Vs. 15 I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD.

8. I Will Bind Up The Broken.

Vs. 16 I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

9. I Will Strengthen The Sick.

Vs. 16 I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

Benefits for the Believers

Psalm 103:1-6. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Blesss the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

1. Divine Forgiveness For The Believer. Vs. 3.
2. Divine Healing For The Believer. Vs. 3.
3. Divine Redemption For The Believer. Vs. 4.
4. Divine Mercy For The Believer. Vs. 4.
5. Divine Satisfaction For The Believer. Vs. 5.
6. Divine Preservation For The Believer. Vs. 5.
7. Divine Justice For The Believer. Vs. 6.