Hope and Miracles: Embracing God's Presence This Christmas
Summary
In the sermon titled "Because of Bethlehem - Christmas 2023," the speaker, whose name is not discernible from the title, delivers a message of hope, miracles, and the presence of God in our lives. The sermon begins with a personal testimony from Tony, who shares his experience with his mother's terminal illness and the struggle to maintain faith in the face of discouragement. He recounts a pivotal moment when a sermon on miracles and trusting God's timing resonated with him, providing comfort during a difficult time.
The speaker then discusses the concept of living a life of abundance rather than merely existing, drawing from John's testimony and the book of Hebrews to emphasize the importance of drawing close to God. The congregation is encouraged to have a true heart and full assurance of faith, as access to God is a gift available to us today.
Miracles are a central theme of the sermon, with the speaker recounting the previous week's prayers for individuals in need and sharing Tony's testimony as an example of a miracle. The speaker insists on the authenticity of live testimony over a recorded video, emphasizing the raw and real nature of God's work in our lives.
The sermon continues with an invitation for the congregation to pray and search their hearts, especially if they are facing issues or feeling frustrated and discouraged. The speaker prays for those who have lifted their hands, asking God to give life to their situations, and urges those without a relationship with God to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
The speaker also highlights the eternal nature of Jesus' sacrifice and his role as the high priest, providing us with a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain. Jesus' birth in Bethlehem is seen as God's statement that He wants to be with us and has removed every barrier between us.
The significance of Jesus coming to earth as Emmanuel, "God with us," is emphasized, with the speaker explaining that Jesus' death on the cross removed the barriers between us and God. The tearing of the temple curtain symbolizes our direct access to God's presence.
The sermon concludes with a reflection on the fulfillment of prophecies regarding Jesus' birth and death, highlighting the improbability of these events occurring by chance. The speaker shares a personal testimony about their son Zach's miraculous recovery from a traumatic accident, reinforcing the message of hope and the power of prayer.
Key Takeaways:
- The power of personal testimony is a profound witness to God's miraculous work in our lives. As Tony shared his struggles and the impact of a timely sermon on his faith, we are reminded that our stories of God's intervention can inspire and uplift others in their moments of need. [46:48]
- Living an abundant life is not just a concept from the past; it is a present reality made possible through Jesus Christ. The speaker urges us to move beyond mere existence and embrace the fullness of life that comes from drawing near to God with a true heart and full assurance of faith. [43:59]
- Authenticity in sharing our experiences with God's miracles is crucial. The decision to have Tony share his testimony live, rather than through a pre-recorded video, underscores the importance of raw and unedited encounters with the divine, which can touch hearts in a unique and powerful way. [45:44]
- Jesus' role as our high priest and the eternal nature of His sacrifice provide us with a steadfast hope and safety in the presence of a holy God. His birth in Bethlehem is a testament to God's desire to be with us and to remove all barriers that separate us from Him. [42:16]
- The fulfillment of prophecies about Jesus' birth and death is not a matter of chance but a demonstration of God's sovereign plan. The speaker's discussion of the statistical improbability of these events occurring by mere coincidence strengthens our faith in Jesus as the promised Messiah and the embodiment of God's love for us. [32:33]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Because of Bethlehem - Christmas 2023"
#### Bible Reading
1. John 10:10 - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
2. Matthew 2:1-6 - The story of the wise men visiting Jesus in Bethlehem.
3. Hebrews 10:19-22 - "Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does John 10:10 say about the purpose of Jesus' coming? How does this relate to the concept of living an abundant life? [28:28]
2. According to Matthew 2:1-6, what was the reaction of King Herod and the people of Jerusalem when they heard about Jesus' birth? [29:08]
3. In Hebrews 10:19-22, what are believers encouraged to do because of Jesus' sacrifice? How does this passage describe our access to God? [44:32]
4. What was the significance of the temple curtain being torn in two, as mentioned in the sermon? [39:56]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of living an abundant life in John 10:10 challenge the way we might currently be living? What does it mean to move beyond mere existence? [28:28]
2. Why is the fulfillment of prophecies, such as those in Micah 5:2 and Isaiah 7:14, significant for our faith in Jesus as the Messiah? How does this strengthen our belief in God's sovereign plan? [30:28]
3. How does the tearing of the temple curtain symbolize the removal of barriers between us and God? What does this mean for our personal relationship with God today? [39:56]
4. In what ways can personal testimonies, like Tony's story, serve as powerful witnesses to God's miraculous work in our lives? Why is authenticity important in sharing these experiences? [46:17]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you feel you are merely existing rather than living abundantly? What steps can you take to draw closer to God and embrace the fullness of life He offers? [28:28]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of authenticity in sharing our experiences with God's miracles. Have you ever shared a personal testimony of God's work in your life? If not, what holds you back, and how can you overcome this? [46:17]
3. Jesus' birth in Bethlehem and the fulfillment of prophecies demonstrate God's desire to be with us. How does this knowledge impact your daily life and relationship with God? [30:28]
4. The tearing of the temple curtain signifies our direct access to God's presence. How can you make use of this access in your daily spiritual practices? Are there specific ways you can deepen your prayer life or time spent in God's presence? [39:56]
5. Tony's testimony highlighted the power of prayer in desperate situations. Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you incorporate prayer and trust in God's timing into this situation? [46:48]
6. The sermon mentioned the eternal nature of Jesus' sacrifice and His role as our high priest. How does this understanding provide you with hope and assurance in your faith journey? [41:05]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt discouraged or frustrated. How did you handle it, and what role did your faith play in that situation? How can you apply the lessons from the sermon to future challenges? [58:18]
Devotional
Day 1: Testimonies Ignite Faith's Flame
Personal stories of God's intervention remind us that faith is alive and active, fueling our own trust in God's miraculous works. Tony's experience with his mother's illness and the impact of a timely message on his faith demonstrate the power of testimony to encourage and strengthen others in their own trials. [46:48]
Psalm 107:19-21 - "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when someone's testimony strengthened your faith? How can you share your own experiences to uplift someone today?
Day 2: Abundant Life Through Assurance
Embrace life's fullness by drawing near to God with a sincere heart and unwavering faith, as promised through Jesus Christ. This abundant life is not a distant dream but a present reality for those who choose to live in close relationship with God, assured by His promises. [43:59]
Hebrews 10:22 - "Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water."
Reflection: What does living abundantly mean to you, and how can you actively pursue this kind of life starting today?
Day 3: Authentic Encounters with the Divine
The authenticity of sharing unedited stories of God's work in our lives can profoundly impact others. Tony's live testimony, rather than a pre-recorded video, highlights the importance of genuine, unfiltered encounters with God that can resonate deeply with others. [45:44]
Acts 4:20 - "As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."
Reflection: How can you more authentically share your encounters with God to genuinely impact those around you?
Day 4: Hope Anchored in the High Priest
Jesus, our high priest, offers a hope that is both steadfast and secure, allowing us to confidently enter God's presence. His birth and sacrifice are the ultimate expressions of God's desire to be with us and remove all barriers of separation. [42:16]
Hebrews 6:19-20 - "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."
Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your understanding of Jesus as your high priest and the hope He provides?
Day 5: Prophecy Fulfilled, Faith Confirmed
The fulfillment of prophecies about Jesus' birth and death underscores the divine orchestration of God's plan, affirming our faith in Him as the promised Messiah. The statistical improbability of these events happening by chance invites us to marvel at the precision of God's sovereign will. [32:33]
Isaiah 53:5-6 - "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."
Reflection: Reflect on the prophecies fulfilled by Jesus. How does this strengthen your trust in God's plan for your life?
Quotes
"We can live a life of abundance and not just exist. I wonder how many people...are just existing day to day...God's going there's so much more for you than that. Let me have fellowship with you." [43:59] (Download)
"You can draw close to God today and you can receive life wherever you're at, whatever you're going through. Great news, amen?" [45:07] (Download)
"This Society sees so much on video that can be doctored up...I felt like the Lord told me it needs to be raw, it needs to be real, and I want it from his lips, I want it live." [46:17] (Download)
"We've prayed for years to heal my mom, and we've heard of the miracles, we've read of the miracles, and I've just really been in a bad spot struggling with that." [47:57] (Download)
"He preached on miracles and he preached on not getting ahead of God and to follow God's instructions, and I felt like he was speaking directly to me." [49:08] (Download)
"Jesus came and because he came we now have life not just eternal life, thank God for that, but we have life abundant right here, right now." [28:28] (Download)
"His sacrifice is eternal; you're never going to need another one. He's enough once and for all, and he lives forever more. His sacrifice will still be enough for you then, just like it's enough for you now to keep you safe within the presence of a holy God." [41:41] (Download)
"This is God's statement to the world that I want to be with you, and I've removed every single barrier from you. Because he came to Bethlehem, we have life; he is the author of Life." [42:16] (Download)
"Because of Bethlehem, God is with us and that means, my friend, there is no more separation between us and God. Do you realize the great gift that we have in just being able to come into His presence?" [39:27] (Download)
"When Jesus died on the cross, the veil was ripped, and what that meant is we now have a sure and steadfast way into the presence of God." [41:05] (Download)
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