Embracing the Good News: Hope in Christ

 

Summary

The sermon focuses on the theme of "good news" in a world rife with discouragement and bad news. Drawing from Isaiah 61:1-4, the speaker underscores the role of Jesus as the bearer of good news, bringing joy and refreshment to the downtrodden. Jesus, as the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, is presented as the one who visits humanity in its brokenness, offering hope and companionship in times of poverty, exhaustion, and sadness. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus is the ultimate answer to the world's problems, a source of hope and intervention that brings an end to oppression.

The Christmas season is highlighted as a platform to reflect on the significance of Jesus' message. The speaker rejects the notion that the "real world" begins after high school, instead asserting that Jesus is the true reality that provides hope and purpose. The eternal nature of God's word and the good news of Jesus Christ are emphasized, with the congregation encouraged to share the message of God's coming boldly. Jesus' perfect obedience is presented as having fulfilled all of God's expectations for humanity.

The beauty of Jesus Christ is another focal point of the sermon. Jesus' self-sacrificing love, as demonstrated by his willingness to lay down his life for others, is likened to the beauty that surpasses all in the spiritual and material world. This beauty is connected to the celebration of communion during Christmas, a time to remember the Gospel and Christ's mission to save sinners.

The inclusivity of the good news is underscored by referencing Jesus' association with tax collectors and sinners in Mark 2. The speaker stresses that the good news is for everyone, especially those burdened and in need. The congregation is encouraged to imitate Jesus' self-sacrificing love and to listen for the gospel in Christmas hymns. The danger of becoming too familiar with Christmas is addressed, with a call to see the good news with fresh eyes and to recognize the freedom found in Christ.

The sermon concludes by differentiating the church from other religions, noting that while others offer advice, rituals, and laws, the church brings the good news of Jesus' victory. This is compared to the joyous celebration on VJ Day in 1945, illustrating the profound joy that the good news brings. The message of the angels on the night of Christ's birth is also discussed, connecting the announcement to Isaiah's prophecy and encouraging those who are heartsick to find healing in the good news.

Key Takeaways:

- Jesus Christ embodies the good news prophesied by Isaiah, offering solace and companionship to those suffering in a world filled with despair. His presence signifies a beacon of hope, ensuring that no one is ever truly alone in their struggles. This profound truth serves as a reminder that amidst the chaos and bad news that often dominate our lives, there is a steadfast source of joy and renewal available to all. [28:03]

- The Christmas season is not just a time for festivities but also a profound opportunity to reflect on the reality of Jesus and his transformative impact on our lives. The speaker's experience with high school students serves as a metaphor for the broader journey of life, where the true essence of reality is found in the hope and purpose Jesus provides, rather than the worldly milestones often mistaken for ultimate truths. [30:23]

- The sermon calls for a bold proclamation of the good news, emphasizing that the beauty of Christmas lies in the declaration of what Jesus has already accomplished, not merely in advice for living. This declaration is a cause for excitement and joy, as it is a message of a victory already won and a peace already established through Jesus' perfect obedience. [45:44]

- The good news of Jesus is inclusive and meant for all, particularly those who feel unworthy or marginalized. The speaker's reference to Jesus dining with sinners illustrates the universal nature of his message and the self-sacrificing love that underpins it. This inclusivity challenges listeners to extend the same love and to find the gospel's echoes in the hymns and songs of the Christmas season. [51:28]

- The church's role is to be messengers of the good news, bringing joy akin to the celebrations of VJ Day. This comparison highlights the transformative power of the gospel, which is not just another piece of advice but a victorious announcement that changes the very fabric of existence. The church is thus called to embody this joy and to live in the peace that Jesus' victory has secured. [36:39]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 61:1-4: "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations."

2. Luke 4:18-21: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, 'Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.'"

3. Mark 2:15-17: "And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, 'Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?' And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What specific roles and actions does Isaiah 61:1-4 attribute to the anointed one? How does this passage describe the impact of these actions on the people? ([28:03])
2. In Luke 4:18-21, how does Jesus connect himself to the prophecy in Isaiah 61? What is the significance of his declaration in the synagogue? ([47:38])
3. According to Mark 2:15-17, who does Jesus choose to associate with, and what is his reasoning for doing so? ([48:53])
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between good news and good advice? What analogy is used to illustrate this difference? ([32:05])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for Jesus to be the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy in Isaiah 61:1-4? How does this shape our understanding of his mission and purpose? ([29:28])
2. How does the concept of Jesus bringing good news to the poor and oppressed challenge our modern understanding of success and worth? ([46:58])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Christmas season provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the reality of Jesus' message? How can this reflection impact our daily lives? ([30:23])
4. How does the sermon differentiate the message of the church from other religions? What is the significance of this distinction for believers? ([33:27])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt downtrodden or burdened. How can the message of Jesus as the bearer of good news bring you comfort and hope in similar situations? ([29:28])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeing the good news with fresh eyes during the Christmas season. What practical steps can you take to avoid becoming too familiar with the message of Christmas? ([41:01])
3. Jesus' association with tax collectors and sinners in Mark 2 challenges us to extend love and inclusivity. How can you imitate Jesus' self-sacrificing love in your interactions with others, especially those who feel marginalized? ([48:53])
4. The sermon calls for a bold proclamation of the good news. How can you share the message of Jesus' victory and peace with those around you this Christmas season? ([45:44])
5. The beauty of Jesus' self-sacrificing love is highlighted in the sermon. Identify one way you can demonstrate self-sacrificing love to someone in your life this week. ([50:45])
6. The sermon compares the joy of the good news to the celebrations on VJ Day. How can you embody and share this joy in your community, especially during times of widespread discouragement? ([34:40])
7. Reflect on the idea that Jesus' perfect obedience has fulfilled all of God's expectations for humanity. How does this truth impact your understanding of grace and your relationship with God? ([43:43])

Devotional

Day 1: Beacon of Hope Amidst Despair
In a world overwhelmed by discouragement, Jesus stands as the beacon of hope, offering solace and companionship to the downtrodden. His presence is a steadfast source of joy and renewal, ensuring that no one is ever truly alone in their struggles. This profound truth serves as a reminder that amidst the chaos and bad news that often dominate our lives, there is a source of hope that is always available. [28:03]

Lamentations 3:22-23 - "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced Jesus as a beacon of hope in your life, especially during times of discouragement?

Day 2: Reality Found in Christ
The Christmas season is a profound opportunity to reflect on the reality of Jesus and his transformative impact on our lives. The true essence of reality is found in the hope and purpose Jesus provides, rather than the worldly milestones often mistaken for ultimate truths. This season, let us focus on the eternal nature of God's word and the transformative power of Jesus Christ. [30:23]

Colossians 2:17 - "These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus this Christmas season to celebrate the reality found in Christ rather than getting caught up in the material aspects of the holiday?

Day 3: Proclaiming the Victory of Jesus
The beauty of Christmas lies in the declaration of what Jesus has already accomplished through his perfect obedience. This declaration is a cause for excitement and joy, as it is a message of a victory already won and a peace already established. The good news is not merely advice for living but a victorious announcement that changes the very fabric of existence. [45:44]

Hebrews 2:14-15 - "Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death."
Reflection: What does it mean to you to live in the victory of Jesus, and how can you boldly proclaim this good news to others?

Day 4: Inclusivity of the Good News
The good news of Jesus is inclusive and meant for all, particularly those who feel unworthy or marginalized. Jesus' self-sacrificing love, as demonstrated by his willingness to lay down his life for others, is a call to extend the same love to everyone. This inclusivity challenges us to find the gospel's echoes in the hymns and songs of the Christmas season and to live out this love in our daily interactions. [51:28]

James 2:5 - "Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?"
Reflection: How can you extend the inclusive love of Jesus to someone who feels marginalized or unworthy this week?

Day 5: Messengers of Joyous Good News
The church's role is to be messengers of the good news, bringing joy akin to the celebrations of VJ Day. This comparison highlights the transformative power of the gospel, which is not just another piece of advice but a victorious announcement that changes lives. The church is thus called to embody this joy and to live in the peace that Jesus' victory has secured. [36:39]

1 Peter 1:8-9 - "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
Reflection: How can you embody the joy of the good news in your daily life, and in what ways can you share this joy with others?

Quotes

"Good news is for you is that Christ has come to defeat that very sin nature in you, to render it powerless. I hope you have eyes to see that this morning, that your heart is open to that good news." [54:12] (Download)

"All of our categories of beauty come from Jesus. Why is Christmas beautiful? Because Jesus is beautiful. Why is Jesus beautiful? Because he loved us and he gave himself for us. There is nothing more beautiful than that self-sacrifice." [54:46] (Download)

"The good news is for all people, and especially for those who are low, who are needy, who are brokenhearted, who are heavy, weighed down with lots of burdens. And if that's you today, this is good news for you." [50:08] (Download)

"Self-righteousness is the enemy of salvation. The ultimate need of all needs has been provided, and Jesus Christ came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many, embodying the most beautiful self-sacrificing love." [50:45] (Download)

"Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. This season, listen for the gospel in Christmas hymns; you'll hear it everywhere if you take time to truly listen." [51:28] (Download)

"All other religions give advice and they drive everything you're doing on fear, but not so at Christmas time because at Christmas, church is good news of great joy for all the people." [34:40] (Download)

"Every time you see the word 'good news' in the scriptures, it's almost always associated with a messenger who has come, a Herald who has come to say the war is over or get ready." [36:00] (Download)

"We are living in a world full of bad news, where war, isolation, and disintegration seem to lurk around every corner. Yet, the wisdom of the Proverbs shines brightly into this darkness, reminding us that good news refreshes the bones." [28:42] (Download)

"God has come to be with us in our brokenheartedness, poverty, exhaustion, and sadness. We are not alone and we will never be alone." [29:28] (Download)

"The good news is that we don't have to wait anymore; he came and his name is Jesus. All of God's expectations for you, and they are extensive, have been met perfectly in the person of Jesus Christ." [43:43] (Download)

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?