Dec. 15, 2024

Background:

• The ups and downs of the walk of faith
• Are you walking in obedience to God's command and not in lock step with the world?
• We should not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2)
• We need to walk in God's will his way in obedience and faith
• There is a blessing in walking in obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-8; 1 Samuel 15:32)

Key Sermon Points:

1. Mary's faith walk
   • People didn't believe that anything good could come out of Nazareth (Luke 1:26; John 1:43-46)
   • God looks at the heart and not the outer parts
   • Mary asked the question of the angel not out of doubt, but because she had never known a man (v. 34)
   • No matter what we are going through, nothing will be impossible with God (v. 37)
   • Mary shared the news with her cousin Elizabeth, who didn't question her or point the finger...but instead was filled with the Spirit, who gave her clarity
   • Mary was so joyful that she came up with a song
   • Mary returned home 3 months pregnant
   • The punishment for adultery at that time was to be stoned to death...and no doubt rumors would be started
   • Despite everything, she kept walking in faith
2. Joseph's faith walk
   • Joseph was pondering the situation
   • An angel visited Joseph and told him to marry Mary
   • God made a way for Joseph to be able to take Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem
   • We also don't have to worry about things because God has our back...it takes a walk of faith and obedience
   • We must be obedient to the Word of God
   • There was no room for them when they arrived in Bethlehem
   • There was a visit from shepherds, who were told by an angel that they would find the Christ child by following a star
   • Mary pondered (meditated) what the shepherds told her
   • We are to meditate on the Word...not just read the Word
   • Another up was in the temple with Simeon (Luke 2:25-32)
   • And another down was also in the temple with Simeon (Luke 2:34-35)
   • Another down period was being in a foreign country and not being able to show Jesus to their parents
   • One minute they were up and the next minute down, but they kept walking in faith...and we must do the same too
3. Our faith walk
   • Our faith walk
   • The real reason for Christmas is that Jesus came to save and redeem us in order to bring us into God's kingdom with everlasting life
   • The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one
   • At this time of year, we should be walking in the joy of Jesus...the best gift ever given
   • There is always something that tries to keep us from celebrating the greatest gift God has ever given to the world
   • Examples of downs for which we need to trust in the Lord:
     • Things breaking down
     • Children going astray
     • Major health issue
     • Losing someone we love
     • Unemployment
   • Know that God can get us through things as well...we have to trust God and keep walking in faith and obedience
   • Instead of re-gifting, we can give Jesus especially at this time of year (Acts 3)
   • We ought to go and tell people that Jesus is the reason for this season (Philippians 2:5-11)
   • We can trust in the promises of God knowing that God is with us