Trusting God's Promises: Hope in Christ's Birth and Resurrection
Summary
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.
Key Takeaways:
- The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not merely an event to be celebrated, but a cornerstone of Christian hope that foreshadows the ultimate redemption awaiting believers. This hope is a call to live in a state of praise, recognizing the power of Christ's victory over death and the future he has secured for his followers. [37:09]
- Trust in God is a central theme of the Christian faith, and the sermon challenges believers to examine the inconsistencies in their trust. While people often place their trust in human-made systems and technology, they struggle to trust God with their lives. This inconsistency reveals a need for deeper faith and reliance on God's promises, especially in times of uncertainty and difficulty. [39:02]
- God's timing is perfect, and the sermon reminds us that just as Jesus was sent at the right time, God's promises to us will be fulfilled in His timing. This requires patience and trust on our part, as the fulfillment of God's promises may not align with our immediate desires or expectations. Believers are encouraged to wait on the Lord with confidence, knowing that His plans are for our good. [01:08:18]
- The sermon emphasizes that signs from God, such as the resurrection and the miracles of Jesus, are given to strengthen faith and point to His divine nature. However, the response to these signs is a matter of the heart. No amount of evidence can compel belief if the heart is hardened. The resurrection stands as the ultimate sign of Jesus' authority and the truth of the gospel. [53:07]
- The fulfillment of ancient prophecies in the birth of Jesus Christ is a testament to God's faithfulness and trustworthiness. The sermon encourages believers to celebrate Christmas not just as a historical event, but as a reminder of the certainty of God's word and His redemptive plan for humanity. This assurance should embolden believers to live with confidence in God's promises. [54:32]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 2:12 - "This will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
2. Isaiah 7:14 - "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."
3. John 1:14 - "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of the sign given to the shepherds in Luke 2:12? How did it relate to the message of hope and deliverance? [42:45]
2. According to the sermon, why is it often easier for people to trust in human-made systems rather than in God? [39:44]
3. How did the speaker use the intertestamental period to illustrate the importance of patience and trust in God's timing? [41:18]
4. What personal story did the speaker share to highlight the stubbornness of unbelief despite the signs God provides? [50:20]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 about a virgin conceiving and bearing a son called Immanuel strengthen our understanding of God's faithfulness? [47:25]
2. In what ways does the resurrection of Jesus serve as the ultimate sign validating His ministry and deity, according to the sermon? [52:19]
3. How can the periods of waiting and silence in our lives, similar to the intertestamental period, be used to strengthen our faith and trust in God? [41:18]
4. What does the story of Stella Thornhope and the Christmas puppy illustrate about finding hope and joy in unexpected places? [01:00:01]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you found it difficult to trust God. What were the circumstances, and how did you eventually find peace or resolution? [39:44]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of trusting God with all aspects of life, including health and uncontrollable circumstances. What is one area of your life where you need to trust God more fully? [01:09:10]
3. How can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness and promises during periods of waiting or silence in your life? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith during these times? [41:18]
4. The speaker mentioned the significance of signs in the Bible, such as the resurrection and miracles of Jesus. How can you be more attentive to the signs of God's presence and work in your daily life? [52:19]
5. The birth of Jesus is a promise of hope and a reminder of God's trustworthiness. How can you celebrate Christmas this year in a way that deepens your confidence in God's promises? [54:32]
6. Think about the story of Stella Thornhope and the unexpected gift from her late husband. How can you be a source of hope and encouragement to someone who might be struggling this holiday season? [01:00:01]
7. The sermon highlighted the importance of living in a state of praise, recognizing the power of Christ's victory over death. How can you incorporate more praise and gratitude into your daily routine? [37:09]
Devotional
Day 1: Resurrection: Cornerstone of Hope
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the bedrock of hope, offering a glimpse into the ultimate redemption that awaits believers. It is a victory over death and a promise of eternal life, which should inspire a life of continuous praise and recognition of Christ's triumph. This hope is not just for the future but is meant to be an active force in the believer's daily life. [37:09]
1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive."
Reflection: How does the resurrection of Christ influence your daily perspective on life's challenges and your interactions with others?
Day 2: Trusting God Beyond Systems
While it is easy to trust in human systems and technology, trusting God requires a deeper faith, particularly in times of uncertainty. This trust is a reflection of one's faith in God's character and promises. It is a call to examine where trust is placed and to realign it with the One who is truly reliable and never fails. [39:02]
Psalm 20:7 - "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."
Reflection: What are some human systems you find yourself trusting more than God, and how can you shift that trust towards Him today?
Day 3: Patience in God's Timing
God's timing is impeccable, and His promises are fulfilled when the time is right. Believers are encouraged to wait on the Lord with patience and confidence, trusting that His plans are for their good, even when they do not align with personal desires or timelines. This patience is an act of faith, acknowledging God's sovereignty and love. [01:08:18]
Habakkuk 2:3 - "For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay."
Reflection: Can you identify an area in your life where you are struggling to wait for God's timing, and how can you cultivate patience in this season?
Day 4: Signs of Divine Authority
The signs given by God, such as the resurrection and the miracles of Jesus, are meant to bolster faith and demonstrate His divine authority. These signs are a call to look beyond the physical and recognize the spiritual truths they represent. However, belief is a matter of the heart, and no sign can compel faith if the heart is closed. [53:07]
John 20:29 - "Then Jesus told him, 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced a sign from God. How did it impact your faith, and how can you remain open to His divine authority in your life?
Day 5: Celebrating the Certainty of God's Word
The fulfillment of prophecies in the birth of Jesus is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness. Christmas is not just a historical event but a celebration of the certainty of God's word and His redemptive plan. This assurance should empower believers to live confidently, trusting in the promises of God. [54:32]
Isaiah 55:11 - "So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
Reflection: How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' birth strengthen your trust in God's promises, and how can you apply this confidence to your current circumstances?
Quotes
"What a foretaste of Deliverance, how unwavering our hope. Christ in power resurrected, as we will be when he comes." [37:09] (Download)
"Why is it that we do all kinds of things in our lives but for some reason we have a hard time trusting the Lord?" [39:44] (Download)
"When you celebrate the birth of Jesus, you're not just celebrating a baby that was born in a manger; you're celebrating the Christ, the Son of the Living God, that came from Heaven to Earth, he bore your sin on a cross, he was raised on the third day, he ascended to the right hand of the father, and then one day this baby that was born in a manger is coming again with all power and authority." [01:05:16] (Download)
"We live in a microwave world that's even faster than microwaves now with technology, and we want God to act in our ways and in our timing rather than realizing that He is the Sovereign God of Heaven." [01:08:18] (Download)
"The birth of Jesus is a promise of hope. When you celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ and you're minded God keeps his promises, God gives signs to his people that he has kept his promises." [01:00:01] (Download)
"The resurrection validates the ministry of Jesus and vindicates his claim to be God. Jesus is the Christ, the son of the Living God. Do you believe this? Amen." [52:19] (Download)
"God never ever ever ever fails to keep his promises. Do you believe that? God never fails to keep his promises." [58:38] (Download)
"A study of signs in scripture helps us to see God at work confirming his promises and strengthening the faith of his people." [43:35] (Download)
"She wiped away the tears and put the letter down, and then, remembering the puppy at her feet, she picked up that golden furry ball and held it to her neck. She looked out the window at the lights and then from the radio in the kitchen, she heard the strains of 'Joy to the World, the Lord Has Come.'" [01:03:07] (Download)
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