Proclaiming the Good News: A Christmas Call
Summary
In this Christmas season, we are reminded of the powerful message encapsulated in the carol "Go Tell It on the Mountain." This song, like many Christmas carols, serves as a sermon in song, urging us to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ's birth. The history of this carol is deeply rooted in the African-American spiritual tradition, preserved by John Wesley Work, Jr., who ensured that its message would endure through generations. The theology behind this song is profound, drawing from Isaiah 52 and Romans 10, which speak of the beauty of those who bring good news and the necessity of sharing the message of salvation.
The immediate context of Isaiah 52 was the return of the Israelites from Babylonian captivity, a message of hope and freedom. However, its ultimate fulfillment is found in the coming of Jesus, who brings salvation to all. This is the essence of Christmas: God sent us salvation through Jesus Christ. The apostolic message, as Paul reiterates in Romans, emphasizes the importance of preaching and hearing the word of God, for faith comes by hearing.
The strategy to "go tell it on the mountain" is clear. We are called to share the gospel everywhere, starting from our local communities to the ends of the earth. This is not just a task for missionaries but for every believer. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses, and our message is backed by the authority of Jesus Christ. The urgency of this mission cannot be overstated, as time is short and the need is great.
In our local and global missions, we see the impact of this message. Through various ministries and outreach programs, we are reaching thousands with the love and message of Christ. The call is for each of us to be active participants in this mission, whether through giving, going, or praying. As we approach Christmas, let us be intentional in sharing the good news, for it is only good news if it reaches people in time.
Key Takeaways:
- The carol "Go Tell It on the Mountain" is a powerful reminder of our call to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. It is rooted in the rich tradition of African-American spirituals and serves as a sermon in song, urging us to share the message of salvation. [36:45]
- Isaiah 52 and Romans 10 highlight the beauty and necessity of sharing the gospel. The immediate context of Isaiah was the return from Babylonian captivity, but its ultimate fulfillment is in Jesus' coming. This message of hope and salvation is the essence of Christmas. [41:20]
- The strategy to share the gospel is clear: we are to go and tell it everywhere. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are witnesses of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. This mission is urgent, as time is short and the need is great. [43:31]
- Our local and global missions demonstrate the impact of sharing the gospel. Through various ministries, we are reaching thousands with the love and message of Christ. Each believer is called to be an active participant in this mission, whether through giving, going, or praying. [55:39]
- The urgency of the gospel mission cannot be overstated. The Bible reminds us that the time is short, the fields are ripe, and the laborers are few. We are called to pray more, give more, and do more than ever before, for good news is only good news if it reaches people in time. [01:11:45]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [36:45] - Introduction to "Go Tell It on the Mountain"
- [38:46] - The Theology Behind the Song
- [41:20] - Isaiah 52 and Romans 10
- [42:25] - The Message of Salvation
- [43:31] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
- [45:07] - God's Pardon and Forgiveness
- [46:10] - The Joy of Sharing the Gospel
- [51:31] - The Global Reach of the Gospel
- [52:17] - The Strategy of Missions
- [53:15] - The Role of the Local Church
- [55:39] - Local and Global Missions Impact
- [58:40] - Opportunities for Involvement
- [01:04:44] - The Mobility of the Gospel
- [01:11:45] - The Urgency of the Mission
- [01:13:46] - Invitation to Respond
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 52:7
- Romans 10:14-15
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Observation Questions:
1. What is the historical context of Isaiah 52:7, and how does it relate to the message of "Go Tell It on the Mountain"? [38:46]
2. How does Romans 10:14-15 emphasize the importance of preaching and hearing the word of God? [41:20]
3. What role did John Wesley Work, Jr. play in preserving the carol "Go Tell It on the Mountain"? [36:45]
4. How does the sermon describe the power of the Holy Spirit in the mission of sharing the gospel? [43:31]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the return of the Israelites from Babylonian captivity in Isaiah 52 symbolize the coming of Jesus and the message of salvation? [41:20]
2. How does the sermon suggest that the message of salvation can change one's mindset and eternity? [42:25]
3. What does the sermon imply about the urgency of the gospel mission, and why is it considered urgent? [01:11:45]
4. How does the sermon connect the authority of Jesus with the mission to "go tell it on the mountain"? [43:31]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the carol "Go Tell It on the Mountain." How can you incorporate its message into your daily life, especially during the Christmas season? [36:45]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel in our local communities. What specific steps can you take to share the message of Jesus in your neighborhood or workplace? [53:15]
3. Consider the urgency of the gospel mission mentioned in the sermon. What are some practical ways you can prioritize this mission in your life? [01:11:45]
4. The sermon highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to share the gospel. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit in your efforts to witness to others? [43:31]
5. The sermon discusses the impact of local and global missions. How can you get involved in these missions, whether through giving, going, or praying? [55:39]
6. Reflect on the idea of having "beautiful feet" by bringing good news. What does this mean to you personally, and how can you embody this in your interactions with others? [01:04:44]
7. The sermon encourages believers to be intentional in sharing the good news. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the message of Jesus. How can you share it with them this week? [01:09:25]
Devotional
Day 1: Proclaiming the Good News Through Song
The carol "Go Tell It on the Mountain" serves as a powerful reminder of our call to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. Rooted in the rich tradition of African-American spirituals, this song acts as a sermon in song, urging believers to share the message of salvation. The carol's history, preserved by John Wesley Work, Jr., ensures that its message endures through generations. It draws from the profound theology found in Isaiah 52 and Romans 10, which highlight the beauty and necessity of sharing the gospel. As we sing this carol, we are reminded of our mission to spread the good news of Christ's birth to all corners of the earth. [36:45]
Isaiah 52:7 (ESV): "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns.'"
Reflection: Think of a person in your life who needs to hear the good news of Jesus. How can you creatively share this message with them today, perhaps through a song or a personal story?
Day 2: The Fulfillment of Hope and Salvation
Isaiah 52 and Romans 10 highlight the beauty and necessity of sharing the gospel. The immediate context of Isaiah was the return of the Israelites from Babylonian captivity, a message of hope and freedom. However, its ultimate fulfillment is found in the coming of Jesus, who brings salvation to all. This message of hope and salvation is the essence of Christmas: God sent us salvation through Jesus Christ. The apostolic message, as Paul reiterates in Romans, emphasizes the importance of preaching and hearing the word of God, for faith comes by hearing. As we reflect on these scriptures, we are reminded of the profound hope that Jesus' birth brings to the world. [41:20]
Romans 10:14-15 (ESV): "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'"
Reflection: Consider the hope and freedom that Jesus' birth brings. How can you embody this hope in your interactions with others today, especially those who may feel captive to life's challenges?
Day 3: Empowered to Share the Gospel
The strategy to share the gospel is clear: we are to go and tell it everywhere. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are witnesses of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. This mission is urgent, as time is short and the need is great. Every believer is called to participate in this mission, not just missionaries. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses, and our message is backed by the authority of Jesus Christ. As we approach Christmas, let us be intentional in sharing the good news, for it is only good news if it reaches people in time. [43:31]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: Reflect on a specific area in your community where the gospel is needed. How can you take a step today, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to be a witness in that area?
Day 4: The Impact of Local and Global Missions
Our local and global missions demonstrate the impact of sharing the gospel. Through various ministries and outreach programs, we are reaching thousands with the love and message of Christ. Each believer is called to be an active participant in this mission, whether through giving, going, or praying. The call is for each of us to be active participants in this mission, whether through giving, going, or praying. As we approach Christmas, let us be intentional in sharing the good news, for it is only good news if it reaches people in time. [55:39]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: Identify one way you can support local or global missions this week. Is there a specific ministry you can pray for, donate to, or volunteer with to help spread the gospel?
Day 5: The Urgency of the Gospel Mission
The urgency of the gospel mission cannot be overstated. The Bible reminds us that the time is short, the fields are ripe, and the laborers are few. We are called to pray more, give more, and do more than ever before, for good news is only good news if it reaches people in time. As we reflect on the urgency of this mission, let us be reminded of the importance of sharing the gospel with those around us. The time is now to be active participants in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. [01:11:45]
John 4:35 (ESV): "Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest."
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to share the gospel with someone in your life? How can you prioritize this mission in your daily routine, recognizing the urgency of the task?
Quotes
"How beautiful on the mountain are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, Your God reigns." [00:40:03] (12 seconds)
"God is a loving heavenly father but God is also the righteous judge and he had rather pardon the sins of his children I thought well my soul there's no way that Isaiah could have known." [00:46:13] (13 seconds)
"Jesus paid it all all to him I owe sin left a crimson stain he washed it white as snow it doesn't matter what generation sings it thank you Jesus for the cross there's a lot of ways that we sing it today." [00:51:10] (14 seconds)
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