Grace, Perspective, and the Inclusive Message of Salvation

 

Summary

The sermon explores the theme of perspective, particularly in relation to the Christian faith and the understanding of God's grace and salvation. The speaker begins by acknowledging their own feelings of unworthiness and the realization that salvation is not earned but given by God's grace. They highlight the universal need for God's righteousness and encourage sharing the gospel with others, as it is intended for all people.

The speaker then reflects on the importance of meditating on scripture and allowing it to transform one's life, as exemplified by Mary and the Shepherds in the Nativity story. They share a personal story about how giving glory to God changed their life and invite those seeking peace and salvation to turn to God.

The sermon continues with an emphasis on the importance of sharing Jesus' teachings and the impact of doing so on one's community. The speaker urges believers to deeply consider the word of God and to live out the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.

The good news of great joy, which is central to the Christian message, is presented as God's plan to redeem humanity through the birth of Jesus. The speaker describes Jesus' humble beginnings and his eventual role as the savior who would sacrifice himself for humanity's sins.

The speaker also discusses how God reveals himself to those who are open to receiving him, often choosing the marginalized and overlooked, such as the shepherds in the Christmas story. They emphasize that God's message is for everyone, regardless of their social status or past.

The sermon addresses the different experiences people have with their salvation stories, whether dramatic or steady, and the importance of recognizing the weight of sin and the grace of God. The speaker shares the good news of Jesus' sacrifice and the joy and victory it brings.

The speaker highlights the shepherds' response to the angel's message as an example of taking action when God speaks. They encourage believers to prioritize the significance of Jesus' birth and to be faithful in following through with God's message.

The significance of the shepherds in the Christmas story is further emphasized, with the speaker noting that God chose to reveal himself to the lowly and marginalized, a theme consistent throughout the gospels.

The sermon also touches on the importance of living out one's convictions as a believer, loving God and neighbor, and sharing the gospel with others. The speaker suggests that true peace is found in Jesus Christ, not in material possessions.

Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, the speaker recalls moments of family time and simplicity, relating this to the need for peace and a shift in focus towards God's presence and discipleship.

The speaker calls for inclusivity in the church, emphasizing that the good news is for everyone, and describes the heavenly host praising God at Jesus' birth as a moment of awe-inspiring magnitude.

A humorous anecdote about pretending to have a Scottish accent leads into a discussion on the lack of peace in society and the desire to explore this concept further.

The speaker warns that believers' perspective can become blurry over time, comparing it to a video game screen that needs resetting. They emphasize the importance of refocusing on the gospel and eternal perspective.

The speaker invites non-believers to learn about salvation and challenges Christians to reset their perspective, focusing on the cross and the empty tomb, and to be obedient to the Lord's leading.

The congregation is prayed for, asking God to help them let go of distractions and find peace, hope, and joy in the Lord, and to bring clarity and focus to their mission.

The speaker shares a personal story about gift-giving and emphasizes that the gospel is for everyone, regardless of wealth or status. They express frustration at the lack of diversity in the church and highlight the gift of grace offered by Jesus' sacrifice.

Finally, the speaker recounts the shepherds' visit to baby Jesus and their sharing of the message, contrasting it with Mary's quiet reflection. They draw a parallel between adjusting a VR headset for clarity and adjusting one's life perspective for spiritual clarity.

Key Takeaways:

- Salvation is recognized as a gift of grace from God, not based on personal merit or past actions. This understanding calls for a humble acknowledgment of one's unworthiness and a grateful acceptance of God's mercy. The speaker's own experience of feeling unworthy yet called by God serves as a testament to the inclusive nature of divine grace.

- The transformative power of scripture is highlighted through the example of Mary and the Shepherds. Reflecting on and applying biblical messages to one's life can lead to a heart filled with gratitude and praise. Personal anecdotes reinforce the idea that glorifying God can lead to profound changes in one's life and perspective.

- The act of sharing one's faith is presented as a crucial follow-through on Jesus' teachings. The speaker encourages believers to imagine the impact of sharing their experiences with God on their immediate community, emphasizing the importance of the Great Commission and the Great Commandment in daily life.

- The Christmas narrative is used to illustrate God's redemptive plan for humanity, with Jesus' humble birth and eventual sacrifice at its core. The speaker emphasizes the joy, peace, love, and hope that come from accepting Jesus as the savior who lived a sinless life and became the ultimate sacrifice for sin.

- The inclusivity of God's revelation is underscored by the choice to reveal the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, individuals of low social status. This choice reflects a broader theme in the gospels of God's message being accessible to all, regardless of societal standing or reputation.

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Luke 2:8-20 (NIV)
> "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.' When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.' So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."

#### Observation Questions
1. What was the initial reaction of the shepherds when the angel appeared to them? ([25:22])
2. How did the angel describe the news he brought to the shepherds? ([36:36])
3. What was the shepherds' response after the angels left them? ([51:44])
4. How did Mary react to the events and the message from the shepherds? ([57:05])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose to reveal the birth of Jesus to shepherds, who were considered lowly and marginalized? ([32:56])
2. How does the angel's message of "good news of great joy for all the people" reflect the inclusivity of God's salvation plan? ([37:21])
3. What does the shepherds' immediate action to go to Bethlehem and see Jesus teach us about responding to God's revelations? ([52:19])
4. How can Mary's act of treasuring and meditating on the events be a model for our own spiritual reflection and growth? ([57:40])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy of God's grace. How did you come to accept His mercy and love? ([43:03])
2. The sermon mentioned the importance of resetting our perspective to focus on the gospel. What practical steps can you take this week to refocus on Jesus amidst life's distractions? ([28:46])
3. How can you share the "good news of great joy" with someone in your community this week? Think of a specific person and plan a way to share your faith with them. ([54:37])
4. The shepherds acted immediately upon hearing the angel's message. Is there something God has been prompting you to do that you have been delaying? What steps can you take to act on it now? ([52:56])
5. Mary pondered and treasured the events in her heart. How can you incorporate more time for reflection and meditation on God's word in your daily routine? ([57:40])
6. The sermon highlighted the need for inclusivity in the church. How can you personally contribute to making your church more welcoming to people from all walks of life? ([48:30])
7. Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, what are some ways you can simplify your life to focus more on God's presence and discipleship? ([23:04])

Devotional

Day 1: Grace Beyond Worthiness
God's grace is a gift, not a reward for our actions, and it is freely given to all who accept it, regardless of their past. This grace is a testament to God's love and mercy, inviting us to receive salvation with humility and gratitude. [07:40]

Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
Reflection: How does understanding salvation as a gift of grace change the way you view your relationship with God and others?

Day 2: Scripture's Transformative Power
The Word of God is alive and active, capable of transforming hearts and minds when meditated upon and applied to daily life. It is through scripture that one can find the strength to glorify God in all circumstances, leading to a life of praise and gratitude. [07:40]

Hebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Reflection: What is one scripture that has profoundly impacted your life, and how can you apply it to a current situation you are facing?

Day 3: Sharing Faith with Impact
Living out the Great Commission and the Great Commandment is a call to action for every believer. Sharing one's faith is not just a duty but a privilege that can profoundly affect the community and lead others to the love of Christ. [07:40]

1 Peter 3:15 - "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Who in your community could benefit from hearing your personal testimony, and how can you share it with them this week?

Day 4: The Joy of Redemption
The Christmas story is a narrative of hope and redemption, with Jesus' birth signaling God's plan to save humanity. This story invites us to experience the joy, peace, and love that come from accepting Jesus as our savior. [07:40]

Luke 2:10-11 - "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you more fully embrace the joy and peace of Jesus' redemption in your daily life?

Day 5: Inclusivity in God's Revelation
God's revelation to the shepherds, a group often marginalized in society, demonstrates His desire to include all in His plan of salvation. This inclusivity challenges us to extend the same grace to everyone we encounter. [07:40]

James 2:5 - "Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?"
Reflection: How can you actively work to ensure that your church community is a place of inclusivity, reflecting God's heart for all people?

Quotes

"Our satisfaction is found in the person of Jesus Christ and will never be fulfilled anywhere else. For us to really know peace isn't to have all the junk that we want because we'll never have enough." [55:43] (Download)

"Peace is not the absence of conflict, it is the presence of Christ. It's not about putting out all the fires in your life, it's about just looking at Jesus." [56:21] (Download)

"Maybe we should seek to live out the great commandment to love the Lord Our God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves." [54:37] (Download)

"This is good news of great joy for all the people and you don't even have to pay for it; it's been paid for. God paid for it. It is paid in full; your sin is paid in full." [47:06] (Download)

"Every nation, tribe, tongue will be represented around the Throne of God in heaven. Every single one. It kind of ticks me off a little bit that we don't see that in the church more." [47:51] (Download)

"Can you imagine what would happen if as Believers we went to our neighbors and our co-workers and our loved ones and we told them everything that the Lord has told us through his word and we poured into them what God had poured into us?" [57:40] (Download)

"Be faithful like those Shepherds were to follow through and go do what God lays on your heart to do for His glory." [01:04:13] (Download)

"God reveals himself to the people who are most open to receive it, and we see Jesus spending time with prostitutes and tax collectors. At the very beginning, God sends his angel to speak to night shepherds, not the most popular, but those with open hearts." [34:07] (Download)

"God had a plan to redeem us from our sins that we might be saved, that we have hope and joy and peace and love, all of that through this baby wrapped in rags laid in a food trough." [38:06] (Download)

"Every single one of us gets to a point where we realize we're not worthy but he is and he calls us his own. He takes away our sins and he makes us righteous." [44:19] (Download)

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