In the sermon delivered on December 17, 2023, during the 11:00 AM Worship Service, the speaker began by celebrating the resurrection of Christ and the hope it embodies for believers. The resurrection was presented as a foretaste of the ultimate deliverance to come upon Christ's return. The congregation was called to praise God for this assurance. The speaker then transitioned to discussing trust, questioning why people often find it difficult to trust God in challenging times despite readily trusting in everyday things like food delivery services or air travel.
The sermon continued with a reflection on the humility of God's message being delivered to shepherds through the birth of Jesus, a baby in a manger. This choice by God to reveal His message to the lowly rather than the powerful was underscored as significant. The speaker encouraged the congregation to have confidence in God's promises, citing God's faithfulness and timing. The importance of trusting God with all aspects of life, including health and uncontrollable circumstances, was emphasized.
The speaker also addressed the periods of waiting and challenges in life, drawing parallels to the intertestamental period, a time of silence before the birth of Jesus. This was used to inspire greater confidence in God and to strengthen faith. The speaker shared a personal story of attempting to share the gospel with coworkers at McDonald's, highlighting the stubbornness of unbelief despite the signs God provides. The resurrection of Jesus was presented as the ultimate sign validating His ministry and deity.
The sermon highlighted the birth of Jesus as a symbol of hope and the promise of His return, with the speaker emphasizing that Jesus' birth is a celebration of the Son of God who came to save humanity. The speaker also discussed the role of signs in the Bible, such as the plagues in Egypt and Gideon's fleece, as ways God reveals His power and keeps His promises. The fulfillment of prophecies regarding Jesus' birth was presented as evidence of God's trustworthiness.
The speaker recounted the significance of the sign given to Ahaz in Isaiah chapter 7, where a virgin would conceive and bear a son called Emmanuel, and the role of signs in the New Testament, such as Jesus' miracles. A personal anecdote about the speaker's transformation after becoming a believer was shared to illustrate the recognition of God's signs.
Lastly, the speaker discussed the nature of promises, contrasting human fallibility with God's unfailing promise-keeping. The birth of Jesus was presented as a promise of hope, and listeners were encouraged to approach God with confidence. A touching story about an elderly woman named Stella Thornhope, who received a puppy as a Christmas gift from her late husband, concluded the sermon, illustrating the joy and peace that can come from unexpected places.
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