Embracing Christ's Return: Hope, Prophecy, and Discipleship
Summary
The sermon explores the significance of Jesus' return, the fulfillment of God's promises through Christ, and the importance of sharing the gospel during the Christmas season. The speaker encourages the congregation to be content with Jesus' delayed return as it provides more time to do the Lord's work and to prepare for what God wants to do in their lives. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is highlighted as the perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins, and Christmas is presented as an opportunity to share this message.
The pattern of good and bad kings in the Old Testament is discussed, emphasizing humanity's need for a savior and the desire for God to be glorified. The speaker points out that true belief in God's love, forgiveness, and new life in Christ is not about following rules but living an exciting life in Christ. The importance of a church family is also mentioned, along with the fulfillment of prophecies, such as those in Daniel, which predicted Jesus' arrival.
During a 400-year silence from God, the people awaited a sign, and in this time, Jesus was sent to rescue them. Born of a virgin and under the Old Testament law, Jesus' purpose was to adopt believers as God's children. The world, spiritually starved and influenced by mystery religions, received the transformative message of the gospel through Jesus' arrival.
The speaker discusses the concept of gifts, emphasizing the Holy Spirit as the perfect gift that grows within believers. The sermon also touches on the prophecies yet to be fulfilled and God's perfect timing, referencing Ephesians 1:9 and the prophecies in Micah 5:1-5.
Prophecies at the birth of Christ, such as Isaiah 7:14, are mentioned, pointing to Jesus as the Messiah. The speaker assures that God is in control and that we can trust Him with our lives, and looks forward to discussing how Jesus prepared for Christmas in the next sermon.
The importance of Bible prophecy is highlighted, particularly in Isaiah 7, where God promises King Ahaz a sign of a virgin giving birth to Emmanuel. The speaker reflects on Ahaz's missed opportunity to trust God and the long-term fulfillment of this prophecy in Jesus.
The cultural and historical context of Jesus' arrival is discussed, with the Greeks' belief in the immortality of the soul and the Jewish nation's failure in worship. The peace under Roman rule and the spread of the Gospel through Roman culture and roads are mentioned, along with a personal longing for Jesus' return.
The speaker discusses personal desires and the importance of leading people to Christ, discipling them, and valuing God. They share a personal anecdote about discipleship and the uncertainty of Jesus' return.
The sermon emphasizes living in alignment with God's will, confessing sins quickly, and preparing for Christ's return through worship and discipleship.
Christmas is presented as a planned event from the beginning of mankind, with the first prophecy of Jesus' coming to save humanity found in the story of Adam and Eve. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a woodworking gift with different messages from various angles.
The speaker addresses the criticism of Christmas being a pagan holiday, supporting its celebration and explaining its origins. They discuss the conversion of Roman celebrations into the Feast of the Nativity and urge listeners to consider the true meaning of Christmas amidst commercialization.
Key Takeaways:
- The anticipation of Jesus' return should be seen as an opportunity to engage more deeply in the Lord's work, preparing oneself for God's plans and sharing the gospel, especially during the Christmas season.
- True belief in Christ transcends mere rule-following and is characterized by a vibrant, exciting life dedicated to God, with the church community playing a crucial role in fostering this lifestyle.
- The Holy Spirit is described as the ultimate gift that continually recharges and grows within believers, surpassing all material gifts and pointing to the ongoing fulfillment of God's promises.
- Prophecies, such as those found in Isaiah, not only foretold the coming of Jesus but also offered opportunities for individuals like King Ahaz to trust in God's provision and care, which can serve as a lesson in faith for contemporary believers.
- The historical and cultural conditions of the Roman Empire, including peace, a common language, and an extensive road system, were providentially used by God to facilitate the rapid spread of the Gospel following Jesus' life and ministry.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 7:14 - "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."
2. Genesis 3:15 - "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."
3. Galatians 4:4-5 - "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship."
#### Observation Questions
1. What sign does Isaiah 7:14 promise, and how is it fulfilled in the New Testament? ([26:18])
2. According to Genesis 3:15, what is the significance of the enmity between the woman's offspring and the serpent? ([25:02])
3. How does Galatians 4:4-5 describe the timing and purpose of Jesus' coming? ([34:41])
4. What were some of the historical and cultural conditions that facilitated the spread of the Gospel during the Roman Empire? ([38:28])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 demonstrate God's control over history and His plan for salvation? ([26:18])
2. In what ways does Genesis 3:15 foreshadow the coming of Jesus and His victory over sin? ([25:02])
3. Why is the concept of "the fullness of time" important in understanding God's timing in sending Jesus, as mentioned in Galatians 4:4-5? ([34:41])
4. How did the peace under Roman rule and the common Greek language contribute to the rapid spread of the Gospel? ([38:28])
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel during the Christmas season. How can you make the most of this opportunity in your own life? ([45:25])
2. Reflect on the idea that true belief in Christ is not about following rules but living an exciting life in Him. How can you cultivate a more vibrant and exciting faith? ([32:45])
3. The Holy Spirit is described as the ultimate gift that continually grows within believers. How can you be more aware of and responsive to the Holy Spirit's work in your life? ([45:54])
4. The sermon discusses the importance of a church family. How can you contribute to making your church community more supportive and loving? ([33:22])
5. Considering the historical and cultural context of Jesus' arrival, how can you use your current context to effectively share the gospel? ([38:28])
6. The speaker mentions the importance of leading people to Christ and discipling them. Who is someone in your life that you can invest in spiritually, and what steps can you take to start this process? ([42:56])
7. The sermon encourages living in alignment with God's will and preparing for Christ's return. What specific changes can you make in your daily life to better align with God's will? ([51:54])
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Wait with Purpose
The anticipation of Jesus' return is a divine invitation to engage in the Lord's work with greater fervor. This period is not a passive waiting game but an active time for preparation, discipleship, and evangelism, especially during the season of Christmas. It's a time to reflect on God's plans and to share the transformative message of the gospel with others. [07:40]
James 5:7-8 - "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand."
Reflection: How can you use the time of waiting for Jesus' return to actively serve and prepare others for His coming?
Day 2: Vibrant Faith Beyond Rules
True belief in Christ is an adventure, not a list of do's and don'ts. It's about living a life that is full of excitement and purpose, rooted in a relationship with God. The church community plays a vital role in nurturing this dynamic faith, encouraging one another to grow and thrive in Christ's love. [07:40]
Romans 14:17-18 - "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men."
Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your relationship with God that go beyond mere rule-following, and how can your church community support you in this journey?
Day 3: The Holy Spirit, Our Ultimate Gift
The Holy Spirit is the perfect gift that continually enriches and empowers believers. Unlike material gifts that can fade or become obsolete, the Holy Spirit is a living presence that grows within us, guiding, comforting, and transforming us to reflect God's glory. This gift is a testament to the ongoing fulfillment of God's promises. [07:40]
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 - "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: How do you see the Holy Spirit working in your life, and what steps can you take to be more open to His transformative power?
Day 4: Prophecy as an Invitation to Trust
Biblical prophecies are not just predictions; they are invitations to trust in God's provision and care. The prophecies surrounding Jesus' birth offered individuals like King Ahaz a chance to witness God's faithfulness. Today, these fulfilled prophecies serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His plans for humanity. [07:40]
Isaiah 30:15 - "For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.' But you were unwilling,"
Reflection: Can you identify a situation in your life where you need to trust God more fully, and how can you take a step of faith in that area today?
Day 5: Gospel Flourishing in God's Providence
The historical and cultural conditions during the Roman Empire were used by God to spread the Gospel effectively. The peace, common language, and extensive road system facilitated the rapid dissemination of the transformative message of Jesus. This serves as a reminder of God's control over history and His ability to use any circumstance for His purposes. [07:40]
Acts 17:26-27 - "And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,"
Reflection: How can you recognize God's providential work in your own life, and how might He be positioning you to share the Gospel with others?
Quotes
"Be content that Jesus hasn't returned yet because we still have time then to do the Lord's work and you might say well I don't have anybody to invest in well maybe you should pray for that maybe you should look for opportunities." [43:30] (Download)
"Jesus shed his blood on the cross as the perfect sacrifice so that we could be saved and that is the Christmas message. It's not Santa Claus, it's not gift-giving, it's not goodwill and cheer, it's the redemption through His blood." [45:25] (Download)
"The promises are fulfilled in Christ and so Jesus says I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. So Jesus came to fulfill the plan, to do what needed to be done because no one else could do it." [44:11] (Download)
"We have time to lead people to Christ, we have time to disciple them and help them grow in their faith, we have time to do things to show God how much we value Him and it's an act of worship and it's reward worthy." [41:53] (Download)
"God has given us the perfect gift and it's better than just a gift that you unwrap once and it's done. It is the kind of gift that keeps recharging itself through the Holy Spirit and it keeps growing in it; it's a gift that keeps on giving." [46:26] (Download)
"Be assured that if God waits longer than you could wish, it's only to make the blessing doubly precious. God waited 4,000 years till the fullness of time when he sent his son; our times are in his hands." [47:04] (Download)
"Christmas was planned from the beginning of man. God had a plan, God knew what was going to happen. The promise of Christmas was planned." [23:50] (Download)
"God wants to be glorified and worshipped, and he deserves our worship because not only does he want to save us from our sins, but he wants to adopt us into his family." [32:06] (Download)
"Being religious or devout, or being sold out to Christ isn't about living a list of rules; it's an exciting way to live life." [33:22] (Download)
"God knows exactly what he's doing and he knows his time frame and he knows what is going on. He lets men make choices, men and women make choices, and there are results of those choices, but he is ultimately in control and we can trust him with our lives." [50:34] (Download)
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