Christmas: A Divine Rescue Mission of Hope
Summary
During this first Sunday of December, we gather to partake in the Lord's communion, a sacred act of remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice. As we enter the Christmas season, we are reminded of the profound truth that God sent His Son, Jesus, to save us from sin and offer us eternal life. This is the essence of Christmas—a divine rescue mission. Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection are central to our faith, offering redemption and hope to all who believe.
Reflecting on the story of Zacchaeus, we see a powerful example of transformation and salvation. Zacchaeus, a tax collector despised by society, encounters Jesus and experiences a change of heart, leading to his salvation. This story illustrates that salvation is not about our heritage or deeds but about a genuine relationship with Jesus, who came to seek and save the lost.
The narrative of Christmas is more than a nativity scene; it is a declaration of God's love and a strategic mission to defeat the works of the devil. Jesus' coming was foretold as a promise in Genesis, a promise fulfilled through His life and sacrifice. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in his letters, revealing the hidden wisdom of God's plan to redeem humanity.
As we celebrate this season, let us remember that Jesus' mission was to rescue us from the power of sin and death. His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of love, canceling our debts and offering us eternal life. This Christmas, may we embrace the truth of Jesus' mission and live in the freedom and hope He provides.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Essence of Christmas: Christmas is a divine rescue mission where God sent His Son, Jesus, to save us from sin and offer eternal life. This profound truth reminds us of God's immense love and the hope we have in Jesus. [20:55]
2. Transformation Through Encounter: The story of Zacchaeus illustrates that salvation comes through a genuine encounter with Jesus, leading to a change of heart and life. It is not about our past or deeds but about embracing Jesus as Lord and Savior. [46:24]
3. A Promise Fulfilled: Jesus' coming was a fulfillment of God's promise to defeat the works of the devil. This strategic mission was hidden wisdom, revealing God's plan to redeem humanity from the beginning of time. [58:28]
4. Victory Over Sin and Death: Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of love, canceling our debts and offering us eternal life. His resurrection signifies victory over sin and death, providing hope and freedom to all believers. [01:08:18]
5. Living in the Light of Redemption: As we celebrate Christmas, let us embrace the truth of Jesus' mission and live in the freedom and hope He provides. This season is a reminder of God's love and the eternal life offered through Jesus. [01:10:10]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[20:55] - Communion and Reflection
[21:43] - Prayer and Thanksgiving
[22:19] - The Comforter in December
[28:34] - Opening the Word
[30:28] - Unexpected Blessings
[31:15] - Economic Relief and God's Timing
[38:56] - Christmas Playlist Series
[42:57] - The Truth in Christmas Carols
[44:02] - The Rescue Mission of Christmas
[44:49] - Zacchaeus' Transformation
[46:24] - Salvation Comes to Zacchaeus
[49:09] - The Hope of Jesus
[51:34] - Who Rescues Us?
[52:31] - Jesus' Mission to Save
[53:32] - Destroying the Devil's Work
[54:44] - The Promise in Genesis
[55:51] - Jesus' Covert Mission
[57:07] - The Declaration of War
[58:28] - The Prophetic Promise
[01:00:54] - The Enemy's Defeat
[01:02:34] - Paul's Understanding of the Mission
[01:03:41] - Secret Wisdom Revealed
[01:05:27] - The Victory of the Cross
[01:06:57] - The Gospel Message
[01:08:18] - Canceling Our Debts
[01:10:10] - The Reminder of Christmas
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 19:1-10
2. John 3:16
3. 1 John 3:7-8
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Observation Questions:
1. What was Zacchaeus' profession, and how was he viewed by society? How did his encounter with Jesus change his life? [44:49]
2. According to John 3:16, what motivated God to send His Son into the world? How does this verse relate to the essence of Christmas as described in the sermon? [20:55]
3. In 1 John 3:8, what is stated as the reason for the Son of God appearing? How does this align with the sermon’s depiction of Christmas as a rescue mission? [53:32]
4. How does the story of Zacchaeus illustrate the concept of salvation being about a relationship with Jesus rather than heritage or deeds? [46:24]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the transformation of Zacchaeus reflect the broader theme of redemption and hope offered through Jesus? What does this suggest about the nature of salvation? [46:24]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Christmas is a strategic mission to defeat the works of the devil? How does this perspective change the traditional view of Christmas? [57:07]
3. How does the sermon use the story of Zacchaeus to illustrate the idea that salvation is available to all, regardless of their past? What implications does this have for how we view others? [46:24]
4. How does the sermon explain the fulfillment of God's promise in Genesis through Jesus' life and sacrifice? What does this reveal about God's plan for humanity? [58:28]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt far from God. How did you experience His rescue in your life, similar to Zacchaeus' encounter with Jesus? [44:49]
2. The sermon describes Christmas as a divine rescue mission. How can you embrace this truth in your personal celebration of Christmas this year? [44:02]
3. In what ways can you cultivate a genuine relationship with Jesus, focusing on transformation rather than relying on heritage or deeds? [46:24]
4. How can you actively participate in Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost in your community this Christmas season? [49:09]
5. The sermon emphasizes living in the light of redemption. What specific steps can you take to live in the freedom and hope that Jesus provides? [01:10:10]
6. How can you remind yourself of the victory over sin and death that Jesus' sacrifice represents, especially during challenging times? [01:08:18]
7. Consider the promise fulfilled through Jesus' coming. How does this assurance of God's faithfulness impact your trust in His plans for your life? [58:28]
Devotional
Day 1: The Divine Rescue Mission of Christmas
Christmas is not merely a festive season but a profound reminder of God's divine rescue mission. God sent His Son, Jesus, to save humanity from sin and offer eternal life. This act of love and sacrifice is the essence of Christmas, highlighting the immense love God has for us and the hope we find in Jesus. The birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus are central to the Christian faith, providing redemption and hope to all who believe. As we enter this season, let us reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and the divine purpose behind Jesus' coming. [20:55]
Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV): "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this."
Reflection: How can you intentionally focus on the divine purpose of Christmas in your daily activities this season?
Day 2: Transformation Through Encounter with Jesus
The story of Zacchaeus is a powerful illustration of transformation and salvation through a genuine encounter with Jesus. Zacchaeus, a tax collector despised by society, experienced a change of heart after meeting Jesus, leading to his salvation. This narrative teaches us that salvation is not about our past or deeds but about embracing Jesus as Lord and Savior. It is through a personal relationship with Jesus that true transformation occurs, leading to a life of purpose and hope. [46:24]
Luke 19:8-10 (ESV): "And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, 'Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.' And Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'"
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about the transformative power of Jesus? How can you share your story with them this week?
Day 3: Fulfillment of God's Promise
Jesus' coming was the fulfillment of God's promise to defeat the works of the devil. This strategic mission was part of God's hidden wisdom, revealing His plan to redeem humanity from the beginning of time. The narrative of Christmas is more than a nativity scene; it is a declaration of God's love and a strategic mission to bring salvation to the world. As we reflect on this promise fulfilled, let us be reminded of the faithfulness of God and His unwavering commitment to His people. [58:28]
Genesis 3:15 (ESV): "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel."
Reflection: What promises of God are you holding onto in your life? How does the fulfillment of God's promise through Jesus encourage you to trust Him more?
Day 4: Victory Over Sin and Death
Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of love, canceling our debts and offering us eternal life. His resurrection signifies victory over sin and death, providing hope and freedom to all believers. This victory is a central theme of the Christian faith, reminding us of the power of Jesus' sacrifice and the hope we have in Him. As we celebrate this season, let us embrace the truth of Jesus' mission and live in the freedom and hope He provides. [01:08:18]
Colossians 2:13-15 (ESV): "And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to experience the victory of Jesus? How can you live in the freedom He offers today?
Day 5: Living in the Light of Redemption
As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded of God's love and the eternal life offered through Jesus. This season is an opportunity to embrace the truth of Jesus' mission and live in the freedom and hope He provides. The narrative of Christmas is a call to live in the light of redemption, allowing the love and grace of Jesus to transform our lives. Let us be intentional in reflecting on the significance of Jesus' coming and how it impacts our daily lives. [01:10:10]
1 Peter 1:18-21 (ESV): "Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God."
Reflection: How can you live out the truth of Jesus' redemption in your relationships and daily interactions this week?
Quotes
"We do this once a month in remembrance of Jesus, as he met with his disciples in that upper room, as they celebrated the Passover meal. And it's December. First year. And so it's the month of the Christmas season. And what a great reminder during this Christmas season that, as we just sang, Jesus has come for us. That that's really what Christmas is about. That there is a God in heaven who loves you." [00:20:06] (27 seconds)
"That he loves you so much that he sent us his son. John 3 .16 says, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever would believe in him, whoever would trust and have their faith in, hope in him, would not perish, but will receive this incredible gift called eternal life." [00:20:33] (22 seconds)
"Jesus, as we hold this cup, once again, we're just reminded of your great sacrifice. Thank you that you shed your blood on our behalf. Thank you that once and for all that you were, that you have done for us. Perfect offering, that perfect sacrifice that pleased your Father for the atonement, for the forgiveness of all of the sins of the world." [00:22:04] (25 seconds)
"Father, I just pray that today, Lord, as we open up your word, that you would just open our eyes and our ears and our hearts to receive whatever it is you have for us. Lord, as I begin this new series and looking at the events of Christmas. at the birth of Jesus and the significance of Jesus coming on this earth and what he did and what he accomplished through his life, through his ministry, through his death and resurrection." [00:28:34] (25 seconds)
"Zacchaeus repents of his sins. He repents to Jesus. That he's cheated people. On taxes. Overcharged people. And in that moment of repentance. Zacchaeus makes a declaration to Jesus. That I'm going to give. Half of my possessions to the poor. To which Jesus responds to him. In Luke chapter 19 verse 9. Jesus said to him. Zacchaeus. Today. Salvation. Has come. To this house." [00:46:24] (28 seconds)
"That just because you're a Jew. Does not mean you're saved. Because of your ethnic background. You're only saved. If you trust. In Jesus Christ. As Lord and Savior. So even Zacchaeus. Even though he's a Jew. He wasn't saved. Because of his ethnicity." [00:47:41] (21 seconds)
"Christmas is more than just a baby in a manger. And shepherds and wise men. Christmas. Is a rescue. Mission. Where God loved you and I so much. God loved all of mankind. His creation so much. That he saw the predicament. We were in. And he came. To seek. And. to save that which is lost, those of us who had gone astray." [00:48:01] (32 seconds)
"Secret wisdom, wisdom that had been hidden, that God destined for our glory before time began. Secret wisdom, secret wisdom that God destined for our glory before time began. Think about this truth, that even before time began, even before creation began, right? Our God is the Almighty God. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end." [01:04:04] (22 seconds)
"That there was a God in heaven who loved you so much that he came for you. He sent his son for you to seek and to save that which was lost. That's why the forgiveness of sins is so important. Verse 14, he continues. He says, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness." [01:07:47] (24 seconds)
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