The Savior's Earthly Birth and Heavenly Mission (Part 1)

Dec. 22, 2024

Background:

Some will not let you join their church
From His Birth, Jesus came with a major news that He was the Savior for all people, not just Jews or wealthy people (John 4:9)
Jesus didn't get caught up in the societal trappings of dislikes, but he loved everyone
Jesus broke those barriers...he spoke to the woman at the well (John 4:16-18)
So, why do we ask people to put barriers back up when Jesus destroyed those barriers
We are to do as Jesus did (1 Peter 23:21)

Key Sermon Points (from Part 1):

1. Jesus Christ's birth

She (Mary) brought forth her firstborn Son
Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem to pay taxes, but we know that God was orchestrating all of this
Jesus was not born in comfortable surroundings, but in a manger in a feeding trough (the dinning table of the animals) for you and me
Jesus is with and in us
He was turned away by all men
There was no room in the inn
Have we made room for Jesus today or are we pushing him out?
When was the last time we let him have complete control in us? Do others know that we have been transformed and are different?
Jesus was born into poverty, obscurity, and lowliness
His birth took place away from a lot of people
He didn't have friends, relatives, or a doctor's care
He was born in a manger, but is not in any manger anymore (nor on the cross anymore)
How many people missed out on the coming of his birth during that time? How many will miss out on his return?
Jesus was the prophesized Son of David, his royal lineage of Israel
David was born in Bethlehem
Scriptures stated that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)
Jesus came in the worst environment and gained it all back

2. Angels showed up with a message for the shepherds

There was the unbelievable appearance to shepherds
In the eyes of many, angels would never appear to shepherds
Shepherds would not found to be praising God and religious people would not deal with them
God came to the unexpected people and places that we would not expect
Jesus was a Sacrificial Lamb that came from God
The shepherds were despised
God gave the first message of his Son to common shepherds that were looked upon as sinners
None of us have a right to look down on others because we are made in God's image
Once we get close to God, something begins to happen to us that we begin to affect people in a different way
When God's glory shows up, it changes us (Matthew 17:5-8)
Angels come bringing a message from God
Angels gave signs that the Savior wrapped in swaddling cloths in a manger
God shows up in unexpected ways
We may be looking for one thing, and God will show us something different
He comes to the sinful shepherds and came lowly so that all can claim him as Savior and Lord
Jesus didn't come for the righteous
God knows where and to whom to take His Word
We can be afraid on one hand and on the other hand have joy

3. Angels praising the Savior