Embracing the Joy and Hope of Christ's Incarnation

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the profound mystery and joy of the incarnation of Christ. While debates about the exact timing of Christ's birth persist, the essential truth remains that He was born, and this divine intervention is a cause for celebration. Christ, the root and descendant of David, left His divine throne to step into humanity, offering us the hope of salvation. This act of love and sacrifice is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to us.

We also took a moment to appreciate the blessings of family and community, recognizing the joy and support they bring into our lives. In the sanctuary, we find a refuge from the world's chaos, a place to worship and connect with God. As we gather, we are reminded of the importance of gratitude and the joy of being in God's presence.

Reflecting on the challenges of delivering a message, I shared a personal journey of seeking God's guidance. It is not about crafting the perfect sermon but about being open to what God wants to communicate. This led us to the book of Revelation, where we find hope in the promise of a new heaven and a new earth. The vision of a world without pain, sorrow, or death is a powerful reminder of God's ultimate plan for us.

In Revelation 21 and 22, we are assured that God will dwell with us, wiping away every tear and eradicating death and suffering. This promise is a source of hope and encouragement, especially in times of pain and loss. As we anticipate this future, we are called to live with a sense of urgency and purpose, recognizing that life is a privilege, not a right.

Finally, we are reminded of the imminent return of Christ. The call to "behold, I come quickly" is a wake-up call for us to examine our lives and align them with God's will. It is a time to clean up our lives, assess our spiritual journey, and prepare for His return. Let us live with the awareness that we are not the center of the universe, but rather, we are part of God's grand design.

Key Takeaways:

- The incarnation of Christ is a profound mystery and a testament to God's love. Christ left His divine throne to offer us salvation, demonstrating His commitment to humanity. This act of love is a cause for celebration and gratitude. [39:36]

- The sanctuary is a refuge from the chaos of the world, a place to worship and connect with God. It is a reminder of the importance of community and the joy of being in God's presence. [41:06]

- Seeking God's guidance in delivering a message is about being open to His will. It is not about crafting the perfect sermon but about allowing God to speak through us. [42:13]

- Revelation 21 and 22 offer a vision of hope, promising a new heaven and earth without pain, sorrow, or death. This promise encourages us to live with hope and anticipation of God's ultimate plan. [44:28]

- The imminent return of Christ is a call to examine our lives and align them with God's will. It is a reminder to live with urgency and purpose, recognizing that life is a privilege, not a right. [48:39]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [39:22] - The Mystery of Christ's Birth
- [40:13] - Celebrating Family and Community
- [41:06] - Sanctuary as Refuge
- [41:25] - Seeking God's Guidance
- [42:13] - Openness to God's Will
- [43:37] - Revelation's Promise of Hope
- [44:28] - A World Without Pain
- [45:27] - Living with Hope
- [46:50] - The Reality Check
- [47:04] - Life as a Privilege
- [48:12] - The Imminent Return of Christ
- [48:39] - Aligning with God's Will
- [49:07] - Preparing for His Return

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Revelation 21:1-4
- Revelation 22:7, 12

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Revelation 21:1-4 describe about the new heaven and new earth? How does this vision contrast with our current world? [43:37]

2. In the sermon, the pastor mentioned the importance of being open to God's guidance rather than crafting the perfect sermon. How does this relate to the message in Revelation 22:7, 12 about Christ's return? [42:13]

3. How does the pastor describe the role of the sanctuary in our lives, and what biblical support is given for this view? [41:06]

4. What is the significance of Christ being described as the "root and descendant of David" in the context of the sermon? [39:36]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the promise of God wiping away every tear in Revelation 21:4 provide hope and encouragement in times of personal pain and loss? [44:28]

2. The pastor emphasized living with urgency and purpose in light of Christ's imminent return. How does this perspective influence daily decision-making and priorities? [48:39]

3. What does it mean to align our lives with God's will, as discussed in the sermon, and how can Revelation 22:7, 12 guide us in this process? [49:07]

4. How does the concept of life as a privilege, not a right, challenge common attitudes and behaviors in society today? [47:04]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by the chaos of the world. How can the sanctuary, as described in the sermon, serve as a refuge for you in such times? [41:06]

2. The pastor shared a personal journey of seeking God's guidance. How can you practice being open to God's will in your own life, especially when making important decisions? [42:13]

3. Revelation 21:4 speaks of a future without pain or sorrow. How can this promise shape your response to current challenges or suffering you are facing? [44:28]

4. Consider the urgency of Christ's return mentioned in the sermon. What specific steps can you take this week to align your life more closely with God's will? [48:39]

5. The sermon highlighted the importance of gratitude and community. How can you actively cultivate a spirit of gratitude in your interactions with family and friends this week? [40:13]

6. Reflect on the idea that life is a privilege, not a right. How does this perspective influence your approach to daily activities and relationships? [47:04]

7. The pastor mentioned the need to "clean up our lives" in preparation for Christ's return. What is one area of your life that you feel needs attention, and what steps can you take to address it? [49:07]

Devotional

Day 1: The Incarnation as Divine Love and Commitment
The incarnation of Christ is a profound mystery that reveals God's immense love and unwavering commitment to humanity. Christ, the root and descendant of David, left His divine throne to become human, offering us the hope of salvation. This act of love and sacrifice is a cause for celebration and gratitude, as it demonstrates God's desire to be intimately involved in our lives. The incarnation is not just a historical event but a living reality that invites us to experience the depth of God's love daily. [39:36]

"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." (Isaiah 9:6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you celebrate the incarnation of Christ in your daily life, recognizing it as a personal invitation to experience God's love and commitment?


Day 2: Sanctuary as a Refuge and Community
The sanctuary serves as a refuge from the chaos of the world, providing a sacred space to worship and connect with God. It is a place where we can find peace, support, and joy in the presence of God and the community of believers. Gathering in the sanctuary reminds us of the importance of gratitude and the joy of being in God's presence. It is a place where we can lay down our burdens and be refreshed by the love and support of our spiritual family. [41:06]

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:23-25, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to making your church a true sanctuary for others, offering support and encouragement to those in need?


Day 3: Openness to God's Guidance
Seeking God's guidance in delivering a message is about being open to His will and allowing Him to speak through us. It is not about crafting the perfect sermon or message but about being receptive to what God wants to communicate. This openness requires humility and a willingness to set aside our own agendas to listen to God's voice. By doing so, we can become vessels through which God's truth and love are shared with others. [42:13]

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to be more open to God's guidance in your life, setting aside your own plans to listen to His voice?


Day 4: Hope in Revelation's Promise
Revelation 21 and 22 offer a vision of hope, promising a new heaven and earth without pain, sorrow, or death. This promise encourages us to live with hope and anticipation of God's ultimate plan. It is a powerful reminder that despite the challenges and suffering we may face, God has a glorious future in store for us. This vision of a world without suffering inspires us to live with purpose and urgency, knowing that our present struggles are temporary and that God's promises are sure. [44:28]

"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'" (Revelation 21:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: How does the promise of a new heaven and earth influence the way you live your life today, especially in times of pain and loss?


Day 5: Preparing for Christ's Imminent Return
The imminent return of Christ is a call to examine our lives and align them with God's will. It is a reminder to live with urgency and purpose, recognizing that life is a privilege, not a right. As we anticipate Christ's return, we are encouraged to clean up our lives, assess our spiritual journey, and prepare for His coming. This preparation involves living with the awareness that we are part of God's grand design and that our lives should reflect His love and truth. [48:39]

"Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." (Matthew 24:42-44, ESV)

Reflection: What specific changes can you make in your life today to better align with God's will and prepare for Christ's return?

Quotes

I'm not sure who could have imagined the king but I'm just so glad one came there are those who argue with Christmas and they fuss about the Christmas season and they say that's not when Christ was born and you know what in some ways they are right I can't take this in-between things when Christ was born but if I'm to be totally transparent it does really matter to me when he was born I just found myself in God's embrace that he was born the truth in matter is Christ was stayed up in heaven and not get too much concern about us but the Bible said that he is the root and the descendant of David in other word he left divinity and stepped into humanity so you and I could have a shot at salvation I'm so glad that we didn't imagine it but God the Father did and we are here can you've got some praise for the family singing [00:39:07]

I am a happy and content so when family comes run I get excited it is good to be the house of the Lord right now I thank God for this place we are able to leave the world behind us and for a few moments each week step into this holy place and just worship the Lord let's get to the Word of God let's pray father even now speak to us God and Lord I pray that the words of my mouth for meditation for hearts would be acceptable your sight as we stand before your people let the saints of God say Amen [00:40:51]

If I am to have a moment where I share of myself I'll be honest if you say to you that I was troubled this week in preaching I was in trouble because of a lack of sermonic information or a lack of preparation I was trouble because my thoughts were having the best of me I was saying to myself what do you preach and what do you present on the last Sabbath offer year what do you say to God's people and I found myself pondering these things and going through the new sermons going through old sermons going through script changes go through the Lord what do you want for your people to hear but I could realize something it's not my job or my responsibility to find a sermon [00:41:31]

I want you to hear me this one it is not my job and it's not my responsibility to find a sermon my wife taught me a lesson some time ago she's a professor she teaches she says I don't fool anyone I don't give anyone grades all I do is give a dictate or write rather I write whether you present to me let me try a different way you enter this class passing but of course a year based on the mature that you submit it dictates with you pass or fail so I don't feel anyone I just go ahead and write down what you gave me and I find myself in a situation where eyes it is not my job to go and get a service my job to help myself to receive what sermon so as I'm preaching to you trust and blue I just realize God was preaching to me before all this so I said God what is it you want your people to hear and I said God you gotta talk to God sometimes God what is it that she wants you to people to know on this allow south of 2019 what more is there to preach and God said be still and let me show you what to preach [00:42:37]

He brought me to the end of the book Revelation chapter 21 and chapter 22 in Revelation chapter 21 we see it's on the screen I was read so well this morning the Bible says in Revelation chapter 21 and I saw a new heaven and new earth and the first heaven and the first Earth were passed away and there is no more see verse 2 says in I John saw the holy city New Jerusalem coming down from heaven from God out of heaven prepared as a bride adorned for her husband verse 3 continues by saying to us and I heard a great voice out of heaven saying behold the tabernacle of God is with men and he will dwell with them and they shall be his people and he himself shall be with them and be their God [00:43:37]

Verse 4 now hear this somebody may want to shout pond verse 4 cuz verse 4 gives a little bit of hope he says and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death I don't think y'all heard the Bible says there shall be no more death and neither sorrow nor crying neither shall there be any more painful former things have passed away give me a second let me just shut up and thank God for that because I'm so sick and tired of pain I'm so sick and tired of death I can't wait to be their father there's no death the Aldi here I'm just ready to be in a safe place where there's no more sorrow no more hurt no more pain I'm just living life at my best I'm not with my best life right now but my best life I got to help me yeah but like you know something the Bible says in verse 5 and he that sat upon the throne said behold I make all things talk them Jesus and inside to me we write for these words are true and faithful [00:44:28]

The first 6 and he said to me it is done I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end I'll give up to him there's a thirst of fountain water of life freely I found myself reflecting on old-time preaching and I think about powerses I pastor Brooks and I think about the oil time passes and they will preach these sermons and when they preach these sermons sometimes you feel as though they were bringing down health fire on your life it was fire and brimstone and I found myself say to myself man those pastors are preaching some sermons scare somebody and he just stood there's calm as calm as cool Kirby and he preached a sermon and told the folks he said once upon a time you would come to church and some of y'all need to leave Church feeling bad and when the pastor said that my eyes popped open sister harden gonna say we don't want folks leavin Church feeling bad we want them feeling good but I realize the context reality is reality is some of us are taking life for granted reality is some of us are living life as if it's a right and not a privilege truth of the matter is we're going through our day-to-day life just feel as entitled as we want to feel you know all you are all you're the best at this and you're just going in your zone think you have everything right and I just want to start by telling somebody God's told me to tell you as long as he told me at the end of 2019 you're just not all that if you're a problem with this message please feel free to see the Lord it's not me I promise this him cuz I won't give you a high five and give some gifts or send you on your way but God wants somebody understand we are not all that we have to really really really real realize what we're doing here in life and I realized something in Revelation chapter 22 it's taking them give the context in Revelation chapter 22 it's mentioned twice in verse 7 and verse 12 the Bible says as God is speaking behold I come quickly the bodies say to us that God is coming God is coming quickly and I found myself say to God what do you want me to say to your people and the son of the year and God said tell them I'm coming quickly and it's time for some of us to clean our lives up it's time for to really sit down and really assess where are we in this thing called life we all might with God God have [00:45:27]

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Transcript
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