God's Faithfulness: The Cost of Christmas and Prayer
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth that God hears and answers the prayers of His people. This assurance is rooted in various scriptures, such as Psalm 139:4, which reminds us that God hears all prayers, and 1 John 5:14-15, which assures us that if we ask according to His will, He hears us. This is a powerful reminder that God is attentive to the cries of His people and is faithful to respond. We also delved into the significance of relationships in discipleship and evangelism, emphasizing that true discipleship is life-on-life, not just lesson-on-lesson. Relationships are the bridge through which the gospel travels, and the love we show opens the door for the truth we share.
Furthermore, we reflected on the cost of Christmas, highlighting that the true cost was an unimaginable price to God. The birth of Jesus was not just a miraculous event but a fulfillment of God's promise to redeem humanity. God's integrity and holiness required Him to enter the world as a man to redeem it, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His word. This act of love and sacrifice underscores the depth of God's love for us and the lengths He went to restore our relationship with Him.
As we celebrate the Christmas season, let us remember the true cost of Christmas and the incredible gift of salvation that God has given us through Jesus Christ. This gift calls us to respond with gratitude and a commitment to live for Him, recognizing that our salvation was purchased at a great cost.
Key Takeaways:
1. God Hears Our Prayers: The assurance that God hears and answers our prayers is a profound truth that should encourage us in our faith journey. Scriptures like Psalm 139:4 and 1 John 5:14-15 remind us that God is attentive to our cries and faithful to respond according to His will. This should inspire us to pray with confidence, knowing that our prayers are heard by a loving and responsive God. [17:18]
2. The Importance of Relationships in Discipleship: True discipleship is not just about imparting knowledge but about building relationships. It is life-on-life, not just lesson-on-lesson. Without a relational foundation, discipleship becomes mere information without transformation. We are called to walk alongside others, fostering relationships that lead to spiritual growth and maturity. [39:06]
3. Relational Evangelism: Evangelism is most effective when it is relational. It is less about shouting the gospel and more about showing the gospel through our lives. Relationships serve as the bridge for the gospel to travel, and the love we show opens the door for the truth we share. This approach reflects the heart of God, who demonstrated relational evangelism through the incarnation of Jesus. [39:36]
4. The Cost of Christmas: The true cost of Christmas was an unimaginable price to God. The birth of Jesus was a fulfillment of God's promise to redeem humanity, requiring Him to enter the world as a man. This act of love and sacrifice underscores the depth of God's love for us and His unwavering commitment to His word. It calls us to respond with gratitude and a commitment to live for Him. [47:27]
5. God's Integrity and Holiness: God's integrity and holiness required Him to fulfill His promise of redemption, even at a great cost. He cannot break His word, and His faithfulness assures us that He will always keep His promises. This truth should encourage us to trust in God's promises and live with the assurance that He is faithful to His word. [52:08]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [17:18] - God Hears Our Prayers
- [17:58] - Confidence in God's Response
- [30:42] - Upcoming Baby Dedication
- [33:30] - Turning Around for Me
- [36:11] - Whispering Changes
- [37:57] - The Beauty of Evangelism
- [39:06] - Importance of Relationships in Discipleship
- [39:36] - Relational Evangelism
- [40:07] - Ultimate Example of Relational Evangelism
- [41:40] - The Cost of Christmas
- [47:27] - Unimaginable Price to God
- [52:08] - God's Integrity and Holiness
- [55:18] - Miracle Payment
- [01:17:26] - Invitation to Salvation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 139:4
2. 1 John 5:14-15
3. John 3:16
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Psalm 139:4, what does it say about God's awareness of our prayers? How does this align with the sermon’s message about God hearing all prayers? [17:18]
2. In 1 John 5:14-15, what condition is mentioned for God to hear our prayers? How was this condition explained in the sermon? [17:18]
3. How does John 3:16 illustrate the cost of Christmas as described in the sermon? What does this verse reveal about God's love and sacrifice? [41:40]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the importance of relationships in discipleship and evangelism? [39:06]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the assurance that God hears our prayers, as mentioned in Psalm 139:4 and 1 John 5:14-15, impact a believer's faith journey? What does this mean for our daily prayer life? [17:18]
2. The sermon emphasized that true discipleship is life-on-life. How does this concept challenge the traditional view of discipleship as merely teaching lessons? [39:06]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that relational evangelism is more effective than other forms of evangelism? How does this reflect the example set by Jesus? [39:36]
4. Reflecting on John 3:16, how does the sermon describe the cost of Christmas? What does this reveal about God's commitment to humanity? [41:40]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God heard your prayers. How did that experience affect your faith? How can you encourage others with this assurance? [17:18]
2. Consider your current relationships. How can you intentionally foster deeper connections that lead to spiritual growth and discipleship? [39:06]
3. Think of someone in your life who may be open to the gospel. How can you build a relationship with them that reflects the love and truth of Jesus? [39:36]
4. As we celebrate Christmas, how can you keep the focus on the true cost and meaning of the season? What specific actions can you take to express gratitude for the gift of salvation? [41:40]
5. How does understanding the cost of Christmas change your perspective on God's promises and His faithfulness? How can this understanding influence your daily walk with God? [52:08]
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to trust in God's integrity and holiness. What steps can you take to strengthen your trust in His promises? [52:08]
7. How can you incorporate the principles of relational evangelism into your interactions with others this week? What specific actions can you take to show the gospel through your life? [39:36]
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Attentive Ear to Our Prayers
God hears and answers the prayers of His people, providing assurance and encouragement in our faith journey. This truth is rooted in scriptures like Psalm 139:4 and 1 John 5:14-15, which remind us that God is attentive to our cries and faithful to respond according to His will. This should inspire us to pray with confidence, knowing that our prayers are heard by a loving and responsive God. The knowledge that God listens to us should transform our prayer life, encouraging us to approach Him with boldness and trust. [17:18]
"Before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether." (Psalm 139:4, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a specific prayer you have been hesitant to bring before God. How can you approach Him with confidence today, trusting in His attentive ear?
Day 2: Building Bridges Through Relationships
True discipleship is not just about imparting knowledge but about building relationships. It is life-on-life, not just lesson-on-lesson. Without a relational foundation, discipleship becomes mere information without transformation. We are called to walk alongside others, fostering relationships that lead to spiritual growth and maturity. This relational approach reflects the heart of God, who desires deep, meaningful connections with His people. [39:06]
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)
Reflection: Identify someone in your life with whom you can deepen your relationship for the purpose of discipleship. What practical steps can you take this week to invest in that relationship?
Day 3: The Power of Relational Evangelism
Evangelism is most effective when it is relational. It is less about shouting the gospel and more about showing the gospel through our lives. Relationships serve as the bridge for the gospel to travel, and the love we show opens the door for the truth we share. This approach reflects the heart of God, who demonstrated relational evangelism through the incarnation of Jesus. By living out the gospel in our daily interactions, we invite others to experience the transformative power of Christ. [39:36]
"So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us." (1 Thessalonians 2:8, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a non-believer in your life. How can you intentionally show them the love of Christ through your actions and words this week?
Day 4: The Unimaginable Cost of Christmas
The true cost of Christmas was an unimaginable price to God. The birth of Jesus was a fulfillment of God's promise to redeem humanity, requiring Him to enter the world as a man. This act of love and sacrifice underscores the depth of God's love for us and His unwavering commitment to His word. As we celebrate the Christmas season, let us remember the incredible gift of salvation that God has given us through Jesus Christ. This gift calls us to respond with gratitude and a commitment to live for Him. [47:27]
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on the cost of your salvation. How can you express your gratitude to God through your actions and choices this Christmas season?
Day 5: Trusting in God’s Integrity and Holiness
God's integrity and holiness required Him to fulfill His promise of redemption, even at a great cost. He cannot break His word, and His faithfulness assures us that He will always keep His promises. This truth should encourage us to trust in God's promises and live with the assurance that He is faithful to His word. As we navigate life's uncertainties, we can find peace in knowing that God is unchanging and His promises are sure. [52:08]
"God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?" (Numbers 23:19, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a promise from God’s Word that you struggle to believe. How can you remind yourself of God’s faithfulness and choose to trust Him in this area today?
Quotes
The word of the Lord says, you know, I just felt like this morning we needed to just be reminded of some scriptures that lets us know that God hears the prayers of his people. I said, I feel like we just need to be reminded of some of the scriptures in God's word that reminds us that God hears the prayers of his people. God hears the prayers of his people. Can I just encourage somebody today? [00:16:27] (29 seconds)
Psalm 139 verse 4, it says, God hears all prayers. Oh, somebody ought to rejoice at that. God hears all prayers. First John chapter 5 verses 14 and 15, if a request is made according to God's will, he hears it. [00:17:07] (22 seconds)
I believe that the beauty of discipleship and the beauty of evangelism is simple. Can I tell you what it is? It's relationships. It's relationship. The beauty of discipleship and the beauty of evangelism is relationship. [00:38:26] (20 seconds)
Relationship is important to discipleship because discipleship produces discipline. And you cannot disciple someone in areas... I'm sorry, you cannot discipline someone in areas that there has been no discipleship. [00:38:54] (17 seconds)
Discipleship without relationship is information without transformation. And I don't know about you, but we want to see lives transformed by the power of the living God and the power of his word. Amen. [00:39:31] (13 seconds)
The price that God paid to bring us Christmas, to bring us Christmas, to bring us Christ the more was unimaginable. See, you're not just, you're not just unwrapping presents. You're actually witnessing the price that God paid to unwrap you in your sin. [00:47:25] (23 seconds)
God's integrity and holiness required him to enter the world as a man to redeem it. That's the reason why when we can, sometimes we think about it and we say, man, if God is so powerful, you know, he's all, he is omniscient, he's omnipresent, and he's omnipotent. [00:52:39] (23 seconds)
Because the wages of sin is death. So if you are a sinner, you must die twice. Spiritually, God forsakes you, and physically, you are put in the earth. Is everybody understanding me so far? All right. So what happens is God had to come in a body. [01:10:37] (24 seconds)
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