Jesus: Our Savior and Hope Amidst Crisis
Summary
In the sermon delivered on 3 December 2023, the speaker delves into the profound significance of Jesus' mission as outlined in the Bible. The sermon begins with a reference to Luke 4:18-19, where Jesus proclaims His anointing to bring good news to the poor, freedom for captives, sight for the blind, and release for the oppressed. The speaker underscores that Jesus is the only savior, offering salvation from addictions, demonic oppression, and sin, and contrasts this with the ineffectiveness of politicians, the United Nations, and science in providing true salvation.
The pastor emphasizes that excluding Jesus from our lives results in a perpetual crisis, and that acknowledging Him as the savior is the true meaning of Christmas. The sermon concludes with a prayer of gratitude for Jesus stepping into humanity's mess to offer hope and salvation.
The speaker also highlights the recurring biblical theme of serving others and fulfilling God's will, noting that Jesus' birth was an act of God's initiated grace, with humanity as the recipients. The sermon points out that Jesus' central purpose was to save sinners, a message proclaimed by angels to the shepherds at the first Christmas.
The concept of salvation is further explored, with the speaker explaining that Jesus came to call sinners and give His life as a ransom for many. The contrast between life and death, light and darkness, is used to illustrate Jesus' mission to bring life and rescue from darkness. The speaker acknowledges the brokenness of the world, characterized by conflicts, climate change, and various crises, but offers hope in Jesus as the savior who brings peace, joy, and personal freedom.
The sermon concludes with a prayer for the salvation of the world and for the success of the church's Christmas Outreach event. The speaker prays for God's miraculous work in opening people's eyes to Jesus as the savior and for the congregation's active participation in spreading the Gospel. The service ends with a musical worship experience and a quiz on the season of Advent and Jesus' purpose, reinforcing the message of the sermon.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus' mission, as described in Luke 4:18-19, is not just a historical event but an ongoing reality where He brings freedom and salvation to those in need. This freedom extends beyond physical needs to spiritual liberation from sin and its consequences, offering a transformative hope that is as relevant today as it was two millennia ago. [01:03:30]
- The true essence of Christmas is found in recognizing Jesus as the savior of the world. The festivities and traditions should serve as a reminder of the hope and salvation that Jesus brings, especially in a world that often seems to be in a state of crisis. Celebrating Christmas is an opportunity to reflect on the gift of Jesus and to share this hope with others who are burdened by the troubles of the world. [01:04:53]
- Gratitude is a fitting response to the understanding that Jesus came to save sinners, which includes each one of us. This gratitude should not be passive but should inspire joyous celebration and an eagerness to share the good news of Jesus' saving grace with others, especially during the Christmas season. [57:09]
- The theme of salvation is central to Jesus' mission, emphasizing that He came to offer life and rescue from darkness. This message is a powerful reminder that the Christian faith is rooted in the transformative work of Jesus, who calls sinners to a new life characterized by freedom and redemption. [55:49]
- The brokenness of the world is evident in the myriad of issues we face, but the message of the Gospel provides a beacon of hope. Jesus as the savior is not just a distant theological concept but a present reality that offers tangible forgiveness, joy, peace, and freedom. This hope is not only for the afterlife but is meant to be experienced in the here and now, amidst the challenges of our daily lives. [01:02:43]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 4:18-19 - "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."
2. 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."
3. 1 Timothy 1:15 - "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Luke 4:18-19, what are the specific missions Jesus was anointed to accomplish?
2. In John 10:10, what contrast does Jesus make between the thief and Himself?
3. What does 1 Timothy 1:15 say about the purpose of Jesus' coming into the world?
4. How does the sermon describe the world's current state and the role of Jesus as the savior? ([01:02:43])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for Jesus to bring "good news to the poor" and "freedom for the prisoners" in today's context? ([01:03:30])
2. How does the concept of Jesus giving "life to the full" in John 10:10 relate to the idea of salvation and freedom from sin?
3. Why is it significant that Jesus' mission is described as saving sinners in 1 Timothy 1:15? How does this shape our understanding of His purpose?
4. The sermon mentions that excluding Jesus from our lives results in a perpetual crisis. How does this idea challenge or affirm your current understanding of the world's problems? ([01:04:53])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on Luke 4:18-19. How can you personally participate in Jesus' mission to bring good news, freedom, and healing in your community? ([01:03:30])
2. John 10:10 speaks of having life to the full. What areas of your life feel like they are not experiencing this fullness? What steps can you take to invite Jesus into those areas?
3. Considering 1 Timothy 1:15, how does recognizing yourself as a sinner saved by grace impact your daily interactions and relationships?
4. The sermon emphasizes gratitude for Jesus' saving work. How can you express this gratitude in tangible ways during the Christmas season? ([57:09])
5. The world is described as being in a state of "permacrisis." What specific actions can you take to share the hope and peace of Jesus with those around you who are burdened by the world's troubles? ([01:02:43])
6. How can you actively participate in your church's Christmas Outreach event to help others see Jesus as the savior? ([01:08:42])
7. Reflect on the idea that Jesus is the only savior and that other solutions (politics, science, etc.) fall short. How does this influence your approach to solving problems in your personal life and community? ([01:04:15])
Devotional
Day 1: Freedom in Christ's Mission
Jesus' mission is a beacon of liberation, offering spiritual freedom and hope that transcends time. His proclamation in Luke 4:18-19 is not confined to the past but is a dynamic force that continues to free individuals from the shackles of sin and despair. This freedom is comprehensive, addressing the totality of human need—body, mind, and spirit—and is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. [01:03:30]
Isaiah 61:1 - "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners."
Reflection: In what ways do you feel captive or oppressed in your life? How can you seek Jesus' liberating power in those areas today?
Day 2: Christmas: Celebrating Our Savior
The essence of Christmas is the celebration of Jesus as the world's savior. Amidst the festivities, it is vital to remember and share the hope and salvation Jesus brings. This season is a reminder that in a world filled with crises, the birth of Jesus stands as a beacon of light, offering peace and joy to all who acknowledge Him. [01:04:53]
Titus 3:4-5 - "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: How can you keep the focus on Jesus' saving grace amidst the busyness of the Christmas season?
Day 3: Gratitude for Divine Rescue
Gratitude is the natural response to the realization that Jesus came to save us, sinners. This gratitude should fuel a joyous celebration and a desire to spread the good news of His grace. Recognizing Jesus as our rescuer compels us to live out our thankfulness in tangible ways, sharing the message of salvation with others. [57:09]
1 Timothy 1:15-16 - "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life."
Reflection: How can you express your gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice in your daily interactions and relationships?
Day 4: The Transformative Power of Salvation
Salvation through Jesus is not merely an escape from condemnation but an invitation to a transformed life. He calls us out of darkness into His marvelous light, offering a new existence marked by freedom and redemption. This transformative power is at the heart of the Christian journey, beckoning us to embrace a life of purpose and hope. [55:49]
Colossians 1:13-14 - "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Reflection: What areas of your life need the transformative power of Jesus' salvation, and how can you open yourself up to His work in you?
Day 5: Hope Amidst Worldly Brokenness
The Gospel provides hope and solace in a world rife with conflict, climate change, and crises. Jesus, as our savior, offers a present and active source of forgiveness, peace, and freedom. This hope is not an abstract concept but a tangible reality that we can experience and share, even in the midst of our daily struggles and the world's brokenness. [01:02:43]
Romans 15:13 - "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: How can you be a bearer of hope to those who are struggling with the brokenness of the world around you?
Quotes
"Jesus came to save the world and he's doing that right now, person by person. The big picture is that the world is in a constant state of crisis, but at grassroots, people are experiencing forgiveness and joy and peace and freedom." [01:02:43] (Download)
"Lord, we pray that people who have perhaps no understanding of what Christmas is about will suddenly see, and that seeing might lead to submitting, that seeing might lead to grateful acknowledgement of Jesus, the savior of the world." [01:09:27] (Download)
"Every day Jesus is doing that every day people are finding freedom, freedom from addictions, freedom from demonic oppression, freedom from sin, peace and joy even in difficult circumstances." [01:04:15] (Download)
"The good news of Christmas is God has given a savior... we can tell those who are weighed down by the state of the world there is hope, there is a savior." [01:05:37] (Download)
"It is easy to be gloomy but Lord we thank you that it's also very possible for us to be people of Hope because there is a savior; all is not lost." [01:06:32] (Download)
"We want to see our broken world healed, we want to see individuals healed and saved; we ask that you will be at work powerfully, and Lord, we ask that you'll help us to work alongside you to be part of this world finding the Savior." [01:10:00] (Download)
"Our first response might be enormous gratitude to God. You might know that you are one of those Sinners that Jesus came to save. You know that he laid down his life as a ransom for you, you've put your faith in him and chosen to follow him." [58:31] (Download)
"Jesus came to call Sinners to save them... He hadn't come to call the righteous but Sinners; he had come not for those who thought they were just fine, but for those who knew they needed a savior." [53:55] (Download)
"Jesus came to give his life as a ransom for many... a ransom is a price paid to rescue someone from captivity, to save those who are prisoners to sin, to redeem." [54:34] (Download)
"Christmas is about God acting. Christmas is a story of God's grace. We did not organize that first Christmas; we were merely the recipients of God initiated Grace." [51:48] (Download)
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