Embracing Christmas: Salvation, Hope, and God's Promises
Summary
The sermon at His Place Huntington Beach on December 24th, 2023, delivered by the pastor, delves into the significance of Christmas and the Christian faith's foundational truths. The pastor begins by addressing the sinful mentality pervasive in society and the devil's influence on God's creation. He underscores the importance of understanding the context of Christmas and God's overarching plan, including the promise symbolized by the rainbow not to destroy the earth with a flood again. The pastor emphasizes the role of Jesus, sent by God to reconcile humanity with the divine, and the disciples' witness to Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection.
The pastor shares a personal experience of running away from God and finding a welcoming and loving return, illustrating the church as a community for imperfect people. He transitions to the story of Noah and the flood, highlighting God's choice to save the righteous and cleanse the earth, yet making a promise never to bring such destruction again. The true gift of Christmas, according to the pastor, is salvation through Jesus Christ, who entered humanity's mess to save us. He encourages the congregation to be the light of the world, taking their light to dark places and making disciples.
The pastor offers an opportunity for transformation through the Holy Spirit and expresses awe at the positive changes in people's lives who have been touched by it. He references First John, emphasizing the truth found in the Bible and the testimony within believers, while non-believers are seen as making God out to be a liar. The pastor reflects on childhood beliefs and the realization that some stories may not be entirely truthful, leading to an investigation into Jesus and the God of the Bible. He highlights the Bible as a consistent story about a loving God and the entrance of sin into the world.
The pastor discusses the significance of humans being at the top of the food chain and God's covenant with Noah, emphasizing the Bible as a guide for all generations. He focuses on the birth of Jesus and the fulfillment of prophecies, particularly Isaiah's prophecy about a virgin conceiving and bearing a son named Emmanuel. The pastor urges the audience to bring the light of Jesus into dark places and to turn towards the one true light for direction and hope. He emphasizes the importance of knowing and acknowledging the presence of God, worshiping together, and the profound meaning behind the statement that without Jesus, they wouldn't be gathered.
Key Takeaways:
- The pastor highlights the necessity of recognizing the sinful influences in our world and the importance of understanding the true meaning of Christmas within the context of God's redemptive plan. He points out that the celebration of Christmas is deeply rooted in the fulfillment of God's promises, including the covenant symbolized by the rainbow and the birth of Jesus as the Messiah. [01:31:54]
- Personal testimonies serve as powerful reminders of God's grace and the church's role as a sanctuary for the broken. The pastor's own journey back to God exemplifies the transformative love that awaits all who seek reconciliation with the divine. This love is the foundation of the church's mission to extend hope and community to those in need. [01:19:50]
- The story of Noah is not just a tale of destruction but a narrative of salvation and promise. God's decision to cleanse the earth through the flood was accompanied by a commitment to preserve the righteous and establish a covenant of mercy. This covenant is a testament to God's enduring love and serves as a precursor to the ultimate gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. [01:23:24]
- Jesus' humble birth in a manger is a profound demonstration of God's willingness to enter into the complexities and struggles of human life. The pastor emphasizes that the gospel message is about God's salvation entering into our mess to redeem us, and this message is the beacon of hope that Christians are called to carry into the world. [01:49:39]
- The Bible's truth stands as a bulwark against the deceptions of the world. The pastor encourages believers to cling to the scriptures as a source of truth and guidance. By accepting the testimony of God within us, we affirm the gift of eternal life through Jesus and embrace our responsibility to live out our unique purposes. [01:47:22]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 7:1-5 (ESV)
> Then the Lord said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation. Take with you seven pairs of all clean animals, the male and his mate, and a pair of the animals that are not clean, the male and his mate, and seven pairs of the birds of the heavens also, male and female, to keep their offspring alive on the face of all the earth. For in seven days I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and every living thing that I have made I will blot out from the face of the ground.” And Noah did all that the Lord had commanded him.
2. Isaiah 7:14 (ESV)
> Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
3. 1 John 5:11-12 (ESV)
> And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
#### Observation Questions
1. What command did God give to Noah in Genesis 7:1-5, and how did Noah respond?
2. According to Isaiah 7:14, what sign did the Lord promise, and what was the significance of the name "Immanuel"?
3. In 1 John 5:11-12, what is the testimony that God has given us, and what is the condition for having eternal life?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Noah and the flood illustrate God's judgment and mercy? How does this relate to the promise symbolized by the rainbow? [01:23:07]
2. What is the significance of Jesus being born of a virgin as prophesied in Isaiah 7:14? How does this fulfill God's plan of salvation? [01:35:56]
3. How does 1 John 5:11-12 emphasize the importance of believing in Jesus for eternal life? What does it mean to have the testimony of God within us? [01:47:37]
#### Application Questions
1. The pastor shared a personal story of running away from God and finding a welcoming return. Have you ever experienced a time when you felt distant from God? What steps did you take to return to Him, or what steps could you take now? [01:20:48]
2. The story of Noah shows God's commitment to preserving the righteous. How can you strive to live a righteous life in today's world? What challenges do you face in doing so? [01:23:07]
3. Jesus' birth in a humble manger demonstrates God's willingness to enter into our mess. How can you invite Jesus into the messy areas of your life? What practical steps can you take to allow His light to shine in those areas? [01:45:26]
4. The pastor emphasized the importance of being the light of the world and taking that light to dark places. Identify one "dark place" in your community or life where you can bring the light of Jesus. What specific actions can you take to make a difference there? [01:50:51]
5. Reflecting on 1 John 5:11-12, do you have the assurance of eternal life through Jesus? If not, what questions or doubts do you have about this promise? How can you seek answers and grow in your faith?
6. The pastor mentioned the significance of the Bible as a consistent story about a loving God. How can you make Bible reading a more integral part of your daily life? What specific plan or method will you use to stay consistent? [01:17:16]
7. The pastor urged the congregation to worship together and acknowledge God's presence. How can you make worship a more meaningful part of your life? What changes can you make to ensure you are regularly gathering with other believers? [01:13:11]
Devotional
Day 1: Sin's Shadow and Christmas Light
The pervasive sin in the world often obscures the true meaning of Christmas, which is the celebration of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Recognizing the sinful influences around us is crucial to appreciating the depth of God's promise, fulfilled in the birth of the Messiah. This understanding reorients the heart towards the divine narrative of salvation and the hope it brings. [01:31:54]
Hosea 11:1 - "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son."
Reflection: How can you actively seek to understand the deeper meaning of Christmas amidst the commercialization and distractions of the season?
Day 2: Sanctuary for the Broken
God's grace is evident in the church's mission to be a sanctuary for the broken, offering hope and community to those in need. The transformative love of God is available to all, and personal testimonies of returning to God exemplify this. The church is called to extend this same love and grace to others, reflecting the welcoming heart of God. [01:19:50]
Luke 15:7 - "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
Reflection: Can you think of someone who may feel broken or distant from God? How might you extend an invitation or show love to them this week?
Day 3: Promise in the Flood
The story of Noah is a narrative of both judgment and mercy, where God's promise to preserve the righteous and establish a covenant of mercy is a testament to His enduring love. This covenant, marked by the rainbow, foreshadows the ultimate gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. It serves as a reminder of God's commitment to humanity and His desire for reconciliation. [01:23:24]
Genesis 9:13-15 - "I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind."
Reflection: How does the story of Noah and God's covenant with him influence your understanding of God's promises and your trust in His faithfulness?
Day 4: Humility in the Manger
The birth of Jesus in a humble manger is a powerful demonstration of God's willingness to enter into the struggles of human life. This act of humility and love is the beacon of hope that Christians are called to carry into the world, sharing the message of salvation and redemption. The gospel message is about God's love entering our mess to redeem us. [01:49:39]
Isaiah 53:2 - "He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him."
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate humility and love in your own life, as Jesus did, to share the hope of the gospel with others?
Day 5: Clinging to Scriptural Truth
The Bible stands as a source of truth and guidance against the deceptions of the world. Believers are encouraged to cling to the scriptures, affirming the gift of eternal life through Jesus and embracing the responsibility to live out their unique purposes. The truth of the Bible is a bulwark that empowers believers to navigate life's challenges with divine wisdom. [01:47:22]
1 Thessalonians 2:13 - "And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you can more fully embrace the truth of Scripture, and how can you apply it to your daily decisions and interactions?
Quotes
"When we realized that it's not just a fable handed down from generation to generation, that the documented information in the truth of God, encapsulated in one canon is corroborated by many eyewitnesses over the centuries." [01:17:12] (Download)
"It's not just some story that somebody made up to make us all feel better. It's the truth of God. And if you accept that it's the truth of God and you accept that scripture is the overarching word of God, then maybe we have a response and a responsibility towards him." [01:18:28] (Download)
"God said he'd never bring the flood. But he brought us what? A savior. He brought us a savior because he loves us. And he doesn't want you to leave this world without him." [01:53:24] (Download)
"Because true light drives out darkness. That's why we go into the gutters. That's why we go into the places where darkness prevails. So that we just bring a little bit of a light of Jesus." [01:51:24] (Download)
"The light inside you never goes out. Amen? Take them into the darkness. Take them into your families. Take them into your workspaces." [01:52:52] (Download)
"And the truth will what? Set you free. Amen. It'll set you free indeed. The only way to everlasting life like scripture said is through Jesus." [01:52:52] (Download)
"The true gift of Christmas is our salvation. To have life everlasting through the son of God that he placed here among that dirty manger." [01:49:39] (Download)
"You get inside a dark room and you might not know which way to go. But you light just a little bit of light. And what do you have? You've got a direction. You've got a hope." [01:50:47] (Download)
"It is so awesome to be back in the house of the Lord with you. Amen? So the best part of my night just happened. It's our time of worshiping unto the Lord, our time of singing these age-old songs of praise and worship." [01:12:54] (Download)
"Like Natalie said earlier, if it wasn't for Jesus, we wouldn't be here. Amen? And that simple sentiment has so many different layers to it, right? Because if it wasn't for God, we wouldn't be here, right?" [01:12:54] (Download)
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