The Gift of the Savior: Sharing Christ's Love
Summary
In a sermon titled "Dec 10 Sunday 5PM The Gift of The Savior Matthew 1:21," the pastor, whose name is not discernible from the title, delivers a message centered on the significance of Jesus Christ as the Savior and the various ways this gift is manifested and celebrated. The pastor begins by contemplating the understanding of Jesus' sacrifice by those who witnessed his crucifixion, such as the shepherds, and emphasizes that deep knowledge of God's word is not limited to those with advanced degrees. The importance of making God the main focus in life is highlighted, and the congregation is encouraged to promote Jesus Christ as the Savior during Christmas.
The pastor reflects on the significance of God choosing shepherds, working-class individuals, to receive the message of Jesus' birth, and the importance of being diligent in one's work as a form of honoring God. The pastor shares an anecdote about visiting a shepherd and discusses the characteristics of sheep and the shepherds' vigilance. The fulfillment of Malachi's prophecy concerning Elijah is discussed, with a humorous mention of society's obsession with entertainment. The pastor clarifies that the message is against sin, not people, and expresses the intention to boldly proclaim Jesus.
The congregation's attentive response during a recent church service is noted, with the pastor's daughter-in-law observing the lack of movement, attributed to the prayers of the people. The pastor shares personal anecdotes, including visiting newborns at the hospital and rearranging a wall in the church. The importance of turning the hearts of fathers to their children and vice versa is emphasized, with the pastor highlighting the need for wisdom and prayer and the significance of a purely spiritual ministry over performing miracles.
The pastor discusses the divine institution of marriage, sharing a story about a couple celebrating a 95th birthday and an encounter with a lady asking for prayer. The congregation is encouraged to continue serving the Lord and being a blessing to others. The joy of witnessing others saved and the importance of sharing the message of Christ is underscored. The pastor shares a story about broadcasting sermons online and the biblical story of Joseph's obedience to the Lord.
The pastor shares a story about bringing treats to a lady in the hospital and praises the congregation's generosity. The importance of listening to the Lord is emphasized through the story of Joseph. The pastor discusses the concept of generations and the lineage leading to Mary and Joseph, focusing on the gift of the Savior and the significance of Joseph as Mary's husband. The trade of carpentry and Jesus' humble beginnings are also discussed, along with the anticipation of the Christmas season.
The congregation is thanked for their prayers and volunteer work, and testimonies of answered prayers are shared. The pastor acknowledges the good attendance and the importance of inviting others to church, mentioning the rich history of Jesus' family. Finally, the pastor reflects on the tradition of circling items in catalogs as a child and encourages the congregation to share the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ during Christmas, emphasizing the impact of acts of kindness and thoughtfulness.
Key Takeaways:
- Deep spiritual understanding and the ability to witness God's work are not confined to those with formal theological training. The pastor illustrates this through the shepherds at Jesus' birth, who, despite their humble status, were entrusted with the divine proclamation of the Savior's arrival. This serves as a reminder that God often uses the unassuming and the faithful to carry out His most profound works. [41:41]
- Diligence in our daily work is a form of worship and a testament to our faith. The pastor draws parallels between the shepherds' prompt response to the angels' message and the Christian's call to honor God through their labor. By fulfilling our responsibilities with excellence, we not only provide for our needs but also contribute to the Lord's work, receiving blessings in the process. [42:45]
- The pastor emphasizes the importance of a spiritual ministry that focuses on faithfulness and obedience to God's word over the pursuit of miracles. This perspective is grounded in the biblical account of John the Baptist, who, like Elijah, turned the hearts of the people back to God without performing miracles. Such a ministry is powerful and transformative, as it is rooted in the truth of Scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit. [50:47]
- The pastor encourages the congregation to be active participants in sharing the gift of the Savior with others. By witnessing to others and inviting them to church, believers can be instrumental in God's plan for someone's life. The joy and fulfillment that come from seeing others come to salvation are unparalleled, and the pastor shares personal experiences to illustrate this point. [46:55]
- Acts of kindness and thoughtfulness, such as sharing cookies or decorating the church, can significantly impact others and open doors for sharing the gospel. The pastor's personal testimony about delivering cookies to individuals serves as a reminder that simple gestures can soften hearts and prepare them to receive the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ. [21:57]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 1:21 (KJV): "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins."
- Malachi 4:5-6 (KJV): "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse."
- John 10:41 (KJV): "And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 1:21, what is the significance of the name "Jesus"? How does this relate to His mission?
2. In Malachi 4:5-6, what role is Elijah prophesied to play before the coming of the Lord? How does this prophecy connect to the sermon’s discussion on John the Baptist? [34:09]
3. What does John 10:41 reveal about John the Baptist's ministry? How does this align with the pastor's emphasis on a spiritual ministry over performing miracles? [35:57]
4. How did the pastor describe the shepherds' role in the nativity story, and what lesson did he draw from their diligence? [42:45]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the pastor mean when he says that deep spiritual understanding is not confined to those with formal theological training? How does the example of the shepherds illustrate this point? [41:41]
2. How does the pastor's reflection on the shepherds' work ethic relate to the idea of honoring God through our daily labor? What practical implications does this have for Christians today? [42:45]
3. Why does the pastor emphasize the importance of a spiritual ministry focused on faithfulness and obedience rather than miracles? How does John the Baptist serve as a model for this type of ministry? [35:57]
4. How does the pastor encourage the congregation to share the gift of the Savior with others? What personal experiences does he share to illustrate the joy of witnessing to others? [46:55]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the pastor's statement that deep spiritual understanding is accessible to everyone, not just those with formal training. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of God's word in your daily life? [41:41]
2. The pastor highlights the importance of diligence in our work as a form of worship. What specific steps can you take to honor God through your work or daily responsibilities this week? [42:45]
3. Considering the pastor's emphasis on a spiritual ministry, how can you focus more on faithfulness and obedience in your own spiritual journey? Are there areas where you have been seeking miracles instead of being faithful? [35:57]
4. The pastor shared personal stories about witnessing to others and the joy it brings. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear about Jesus. What specific action can you take this week to share the gift of the Savior with them? [46:55]
5. Acts of kindness and thoughtfulness can open doors for sharing the gospel. What simple gesture can you do this week to show Christ's love to someone in your community? [21:57]
6. Reflect on the pastor's story about the shepherds and their diligence. How can you be more diligent in your spiritual practices, such as prayer, Bible study, or serving others? [42:45]
7. The pastor mentioned the importance of turning the hearts of fathers to their children and vice versa. How can you work towards strengthening family relationships in your own life? What specific actions can you take to foster reconciliation and love within your family? [33:30]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Messengers Beyond Academia
God often chooses the humble and faithful to reveal His profound truths, demonstrating that spiritual insight is not confined to scholarly achievement. True understanding of God's work comes from a heart aligned with His will, not just intellectual pursuit. [41:41]
Luke 2:15-16 - "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."
Reflection: Consider a time when you felt God used you in a situation where you didn't feel qualified. How did that experience affect your understanding of God's work through you?
Day 2: Worship Through Work
Diligence in daily tasks is an act of worship that honors God. By working with excellence, believers reflect their faith and contribute to God's kingdom, often receiving blessings through their faithfulness. [42:45]
Colossians 3:23-24 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Reflection: How can you approach your daily responsibilities as acts of worship? Identify one area of your work life where you can improve your diligence for God's glory.
Day 3: The Power of a Spiritual Ministry
A ministry grounded in faithfulness and obedience to God's word is transformative, even without miraculous signs. The focus on Scripture and the Holy Spirit's power can turn hearts back to God, as seen in the ministry of John the Baptist. [50:47]
James 5:17-18 - "Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a ministry in your own life that prioritizes faithfulness and the truth of Scripture over the pursuit of signs and wonders?
Day 4: Sharing the Savior's Gift
Active participation in evangelism brings joy and fulfillment. Inviting others to church and witnessing to them can be instrumental in God's salvation plan, creating opportunities for others to receive the gift of the Savior. [46:55]
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 is one person in your life that you can invite to church or share the message of Christ with this week? How can you prepare for this opportunity?
Day 5: Kindness Opens Hearts
Simple acts of kindness and thoughtfulness can soften hearts and open doors for the gospel. These gestures, no matter how small, can have a significant impact and lead others to the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ. [21:57]
Hebrews 13:16 - "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
Reflection: What is one act of kindness you can perform today that might open someone's heart to the message of Jesus? How can you show God's love through this action?
Quotes
"It's a Lifeline to reality, a neat thing that you've done, and I'll be doing this over and over again. Giving out something small with an invite can make a day, and the Lord can use you." [23:04] (Download)
"People enjoy hearing the scriptures, a prayer, and about the Lord, but they also like to get something. It doesn't cost much, a little something, and an invite, and you could do that." [23:32] (Download)
"Every service will have the theme of Christ, that's what we're sharing today. And this is what this man Joseph was about, wasn't he? He was building, he was listening to the Lord." [24:03] (Download)
"It pleases the Lord Jesus Christ for each of us to do what God would want and help what God would want." [38:56] (Download)
"When the Lord speaks to you, you do what he tells you, amen. That's what we need to do." [29:12] (Download)
"Doing things in a hurry usually shows it's important, it's diligent. You've got to get it done. When you're doing your job, you're more apt by doing your job to be able to provide for your need and provide for the Lord's work." [42:17] (Download)
"Wouldn't it be something to see somebody else saved, to see God work, to see your neighbors come to Christ, someone to sit with you and be able to say, 'I needed the Lord'?" [46:55] (Download)
"God has a pre-ordained opportunity for you. This has been my best Christmas season ever, having had the opportunity to see a couple of people get to be saved." [47:31] (Download)
"His main thing is God; everything else is a side thing. Make your main thing God." [45:07] (Download)
"Would you promote Jesus Christ this Christmas as a savior, the gift to the world?" [45:47] (Download)
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