His Name Shall Be Called

 Temple Baptist Church - 12-11-2022

Isaiah 9:1-7

(Temple 12-11-22)

 

Introduction:

 

A.  Some 740 years before the birth of Christ, God allowed the prophet Isaiah to look down through the portals of time and bring a message of hope to oppressed Israel and Judah. 

 

B.  Isaiah gives the prophetic hope of the birth of a Child and the giving of a Son.  The long awaited “seed of the woman,” Israel’s Messiah: The Anointed One, the King of Israel, the Deliverer.

 

C.  The conditions were ripe, the stage was set, the Promise to be fulfilled.

 

D.  Thanksgiving sets the tone of the Christmas Season: thankfulness to God for His many blessings.

 

E.  Christmas is a time of contemplation concerning the birth of God’s Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

 

F.  The times in which the Messiah was born were dark times spiritually.  The people “walked in darkness.”  Thus, it is with the world today, in light of the Second Coming of Christ.  The Light of God is being slowly turned off, the wicked riot in the day time now, the “god” of evolution is worshipped, and the Anointed One is coming.

 

G.  Verse 4: The Nation of Israel, God’s Elect:

 

1.  They Carried the Burden of the Yoke of Sin.  Yoke of His burden…A yoke was a tool that harnessed two animals together to pull a load.  A description of the nation away from God.  They were yoked to a burden they could not manage.

 

2.  They Bowed under the Tyranny of the Staff of the Flesh.  Staff of His Shoulder…The staff was used by shepherds to keep the sheep in line.  The reference here is to wrong leadership that has taken their freedom and liberty away.

 

3.  They Suffered under the Oppressive Rod of Satan.  Rod of His oppressor…This instrument was used to beat animals and people that were out of line.  Israel and Judah would suffer at the hands of their enemies.

 

H.  In verses 6-7, we see:

 

1.  We see the Cradle – “For unto us a Child is born.”

 

2.  We see The Cross – “A Son is given.”

 

3.  We see the Crown – “And the government shall be upon His shoulders.”

 

J.  Only Jesus can break the yoke, tyranny, and oppression of Satan.

 

K.  I want to look at that description of Christ in verse 6 for a few minutes.

 

1.  WONDERFUL – Marvelous or extraordinary – Exciting, surprising, astonishing, miraculous, powerful, incredible, exceeding, supernatural, admirable.  Do you hear me this morning?  That is our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ!  Do you know my wonderful Lord?

 

His name is Wonderful, His name is Wonderful,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord;
He is the mighty King, master of everything,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.

He's the great Shepherd, the Rock of all ages,
Almighty God is He;
Bow down before Him, love and adore Him,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.

 

a.  He wonderfully saved my soul in 1976!  What a wonderful thought that I will be in Heaven for eternity because He loves me.

 

b.  He wonderfully forgave all of my sin in 1976!  Past, present, and future.  I am both saved and secured through the Light of the World.

 

c.  He wonderfully changed the direction and desires of my life in 1976!  What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought since Jesus came into my heart.

 

d.  His name became Wonderful to me!  He is the sole reason of my praise!

 

2.  COUNSELOR – to give advice, to purpose, to devise or plan, to conspire, to manage causes in court.

 

a.  He counsels me when my heart is troubled.

 

b.  He counsels me when my faith is tried.

 

c.  He counsels me when my integrity is tempted.

 

d.  He has the remedy for all my problems!  He knows all because He is the COUNSELOR!  His advice is always good, His counsel is always right, and His path is always safe.  He makes no mistake, nor does He turn from His divine purpose.  Ask and ye shall receive!  Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not!

 

e.  Do you know my Counselor?

 

3.  THE MIGHTY GOD – strong, valiant, excelling, powerful, great, prevailing, authoritative, accomplished, extraordinary degree or quality in respect to size, character, importance, and consequences!  That’s my God!  That’s my Lord!

 

a.  He is mighty when I am weak.

 

b.  He is mighty when my enemy is strong!

 

c.  He is mighty when the winds and waves roll over my soul!

 

d.  He is mighty when the impossible becomes the probable.

 

e.  He is the Resource of my power!

 

f.  He can do anything at anytime, anywhere!  When I have to “withstand in the evil day,” He stands with me.  When I have done all and must continue to stand, He stands with and for me.  That’s my MIGHTY GOD!  With Him, I can fear no evil.  With Him, I can face tomorrow.

 

g.  Do you know my Mighty God?

 

4.   THE EVERLASTING FATHER – eternal in duration, never coming to an end, a begetter, a parent, the founder of a family, the head of the home, important, distinguished!

 

a.  As a Father, He loves me.

 

b.  As a Father, He has pity upon me.

 

c.  As a Father, He directs me.

 

d.  As a Father, He corrects me.

 

e.  As a Father, He protects me.

 

f.  As a Father, He provides for me.

 

g.  As a Father, He will never leave nor forsake me!

 

h.  Do you know my Father?

 

5.  THE PRINCE OF PEACE – of the highest rank, in the highest place, of the highest authority, He is the Sovereign, He is the Monarch, He is the Authority, He is the Son of a King, He is of royal blood, He is of great ancestry, there is no one like Him, He is of highest rank, He is the Head of the Church, He is preeminent, He is predominant.

a.  He brings stillness to my troubled soul.

 

b.  He brings rest in restlessness.

 

c.  He brings hope in hopelessness.

 

d.  He brings victory out of defeat.

 

e.  He is the Fairest of Ten Thousand to my soul!

 

f.  There were none before Him.

 

g.  There will be none after Him.

 

h.  He is the Manifestation of Peace.

 

i.  He is the Minister of Peace.

 

j.  He is the Master of Peace. 

 

k.  Do you know Prince of Peace?

 

Conclusion:  As Dr. S. M. Lockridge once said, He truly is indescribable!  He is the “I AM THAT I AM!”

 

TO THE ARCHITECT HE IS THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE.

TO THE ASTRONOMER HE IS THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR.

TO THE BUTCHER HE IS THE LAMB OF GOD WHO WAS SLAIN BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THIS WORLD.

TO THE BAKER HE IS THE LIVING BREAD.

TO THE CARPENTER HE IS THE MASTER BUILDER.

TO THE DIPLOMAT HE IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE.

TO THE DOCTOR HE IS THE GREAT PHYSICIAN.

TO THE EDUCATOR HE IS THE MASTER TEACHER.

TO THE ELECTRICIAN HE IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.

TO THE FARMER HE IS THE LORD OF THE HARVEST.

TO THE FLORIST HE IS THE LILY OF THE VALLEY AND THE ROSE OF SHARON.

TO THE GEOLOGIST HE IS THE ROCK OF AGES.

TO THE HORTICULTURIST HE IS THE TRUE VINE.

TO THE JEWELER HE IS THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE.

TO THE JUDGE HE IS THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE.

TO THE LAWYER HE IS THE CHIEF ADVOCATE.

TO THE PHILOSOPHER HE IS THE WISDOM OF GOD.

TO THE PUBLISHER HE IS GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY.

TO THE SCULPTOR HE IS THE LIVING STONE.

TO THE THEOLOGIAN HE IS AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH.

TO THE ZOOLOGIST HE IS THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH.

 

IF YOU'RE HUNGRY, HE'S THE BREAD OF LIFE.

IF YOU'RE THIRSTY, HE'S THE FOUNTAIN OF LIVING WATER.

IF YOU'RE BLIND, HE'S THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.

IF YOU'RE LOST, HE'S THE WAY.

IF YOU'RE CONFUSED, HE'S THE TRUTH.

IF YOU'RE DYING, HE'S THE LIFE.

 

He is WONDERFUL - He is my DELIGHT

He is THE COUNSELLOR - He is my DIRECTION

He is THE MIGHTY GOD - He is my DEITY

He is THE EVERLASTING FATHER - He is my DEFENDER

He is THE PRINCE OF PEACE- He is my DIFFERENCE

The Five-Fold Witness of Jesus Christ

 Temple Baptist Church - 12-7-2022

John 5:30-47

 

Introduction:

 

A.  The Jews persecuted Christ and would have killed Him if it were possible.  Many though Him to have a “devil” in him because His testimony did not agree with their religion.

 

B.  It is not that the Jews missed the Messiah when He came.  It was that they REJECTED the Messiah. 

 

John 1:11  He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

 

Isaiah 53:3  He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  (They despised Christ!  Then they rejected Cbrist.)

 

1.  The Mosaic Law dealt with the outward result of sin.  The Law judged the sin, penalized the sinner, but had no remedy for the sin as it was inward before it was outward. 

 

2.  Our Lord dealt with the root of the sin problem which was the inward man.

 

Matthew 5:27-28  Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:  (28)  But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

 

C.  In these verses, we find a continuation of our Lord’s introduction of Himself to the Jews.   He used a part of the civil law found in the Old Testament to show His truthfulness.  In the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses a thing was established and also by a man’s works he is known.

 

Deuteronomy 17:6  At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.

 

Matthew 18:16  But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

 

D.  In John, chapter 5, the Lord gives the establishment of who He was through a five-fold witness:

 

E.  His Witnesses:  John 5:30-31  I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.  (31)  If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.

 

Our Lord gave his persecutors a five-fold witness to who He was.  With these witnesses, their rejection became willful and not ignorance.  With knowledge goes accountability.

 

1.  The Witness of John the Baptist:  John 5:33-35  Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.  (34)  But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.  (35)  He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

 

Israel revered and feared John the Baptist!  Matthew 11:7-14  And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?  (8)  But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.  (9)  But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.  (10)  For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.  (11)  Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.  (12)  And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.  (13)  For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.  (14)  And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.

 

Israel thought Jesus was John the Baptist risen from the dead.  Matthew 16:13-14  When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?  (14)  And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

 

2.  The Witness of Jesus’ Works:  John 5:36  But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

 

The Pharisees understood that Jesus came from God.  John 3:1-2  There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:  (2)  The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

 

The miracles that Jesus wrought and the words that He spake were a testimony to who He was.  Luke 7:22  Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

 

John 10:25  Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.

 

John 21:25  And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

 

3.  The Witness of the Father:  John 5:37-38  And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.  (38)  And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.

 

The Father spoke on Mount Sinai - 2 Peter 1:16-18  For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.  (17)  For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.  (18)  And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

 

The Father spoke at the Baptism of Jesus - Matthew 3:17  And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

 

The Father spoke when Jesus was transfigured before them - Matthew 17:5-6  While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.  (6)  And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

 

John 14:9  Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

 

4.  The Witness of the Scriptures:  John 5:39  Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

 

The Bible is a Jesus Book - John 1:1-2  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  (2)  The same was in the beginning with God.

 

Hebrews 10:7  Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

 

Luke 24:25-27  Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:  (26)  Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?  (27)  And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

 

Luke 24:44-45  And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.  (45)  Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

 

John 1:45  Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

 

5.  The Witness of Moses:  John 5:45-47  Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.  (46)  For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.  (47)  But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

 

Moses, the most revered man in Israel’s history - Luke 16:29  Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

 

Moses spoke of Christ Jesus - Deuteronomy 18:15  The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

 

Acts 3:22  For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

 

Christ was counted worthy of more glory than Moses - Hebrews 3:3-6  For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.  (4)  For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.  (5)  And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;  (6)  But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

A God That Judgeth in the Earth

Temple Baptist Church - 12-4-2022

Psalm 58

 

Introduction:

 

A.  Psalm 58 is one of the many Imprecatory Psalms. 

 

Psalms 5, 6, 12, 35, 37, 40, 52, 54, 56, 57, 58, 59, 69, 79, 83, 94, 109, 137, 139 and 143 are considered imprecatory. As an example, Psalm 69:24 states toward God, "Pour out Your indignation on them, and let Your burning anger overtake them."

 

B.  The large number of imprecatory Psalms show us that such praying is not an anomaly but somewhat a norm in certain instances.  Imprecatory is both like precatory praying but with the intent of the opposite outcome.

 

1.  The majority of our praying is precatory in nature.  Precatory – an expression of a wish or a request.  A prayer in the form of supplication, a wish or desire for someone.  In a will - expressing a wish or intention of the testator. 

 

LII (Legal Information Institute) - Precatory means recommended, expected, or expressing a hope or wish.  Precatory expressions are commonly used in wills and trust and are not binding.  The word “supplication” is found 60 times in your Bible.  One verse that we use often is:

 

Philippians 4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

 

2.  Imprecatory – to invoke evil upon or a curse.  To call down calamity, destruction, and or God’s anger upon somebody or something perceived to be an enemy of God.  Psalm 58 is a classic example of imprecatory praying.

 

Psalms 58:6-9  Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD.  (7)  Let them melt away as waters which run continually: when he bendeth his bow to shoot his arrows, let them be as cut in pieces.  (8)  As a snail which melteth, let every one of them pass away: like the untimely birth of a woman, that they may not see the sun.  (9)  Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in his wrath.

 

C.  This Psalm may seem contrary to the New Testament as we read these verses:

 

When I think of Psalm 58:6: “Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth,” I think of the time when I was preaching on loving your enemies and inadvertently said to turn to this verse.  Some of the congregation beat me to the verse and began laughing and so did I when I read it.  I said, “No, don’t do that!”

 

Matthew 5:43-44  Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.  (44)  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

 

Luke 6:35-37  But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.  (36)  Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.  (37)  Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

 

D.  I believe that the Bible gives a clear directive that there are times when imprecatory praying is warranted. Let me show you a few examples of how and when to pray imprecatory prayers.

 

1.  When there is a constant refusal and mockery of the gospel.  We need to be careful at this point as we do not know if or when God is done with someone spiritually but, there is a time to move on which leaves this area or person void of have the gospel presented again.

 

Luke 10:11-12  Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.  (12)  But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

 

Acts 26:28-29  Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.  (29)  And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. 

 

Neither Festus nor Agrippa were given another chance as far as we can discern.  Paul moved on!  There comes a time to just move on.

 

2.  When someone continually preaches a perverted gospel and troubles the people of God with it.

 

Galatians 1:7-9  Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.  (8)  But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.  (9)  As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 

 

When they did not learn better or repent of this, Paul twice said, “Let him be accursed.”  There comes a time when these false teachers and preachers become willfully ignorant or rebellious to the truth of the gospel.

 

3.  When certain people or nations continue to persecute those who preach the gospel.  

 

Galatians 5:11-12  And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.  (12)  I would they were even cut off which trouble you.

The gospel becomes an “offense” to them, and they refuse to change their minds toward both the gospel and God’s preachers.

 

4.  When men withstand and mistreat God’s men who preach the truth of God’s word to them.

 

2 Timothy 4:14-15  Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:  (15)  Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

 

3 John 9-11  I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.  (10)  Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.  (11)  Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

 

2 Thessalonians 1:6-9  Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;  (7)  And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,  (8)  In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:  (9)  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

 

Revelation 6:9-10  And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:  (10)  And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

 

There are some people who hate and try to destroy both the man of God and the work of God (the local church).  These become enemies of the gospel of God and put to death His people.

 

5.  In reference to God haters in general!  Not just people who have not heard of the love and person of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

 

1 Corinthians 16:22  If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

 

I apply this also to those who depict our Lord in a sinful way such as the recent “transgender Jesus.”  These people are probably reprobate and as wicked as they can get.

 

6.  In asking God to bring about His wrath upon ungodly religions that damn the souls of people to hell with their heresies. 

 

Revelation 19:1-3  And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:  (2)  For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.  (3)  And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.

 

Conclusion:  There are times when we righteously call for God’s Justice when things will not change that must to be changed both people and circumstances.

Emmanuel – God with Us - What Christmas Means To Me!

Temple Baptist Church - 12-4-2022

Matthew 1:18-23

 

Introduction: 

 

“The most wonderful time of the year!”  Thanksgiving through Christmas and the introduction to a New Year: 2023.  I do not argue with people over Christmas.  I just enjoy knowing that Christ Jesus, the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth, was born to die for me!

 

A.  Christmas of 2022 is upon us!  I sometimes think back to the many Christmases of time past, and I have now seen 74 of them.  I do not remember them all but, as I reflect, I see how the meaning of Christmas has changed for this preacher.

 

1.  The wonder of Christmas as a little boy – the earliest memories were not spiritual ones but rather the worldly aspect of Christmas.  Presents under the Christmas Tree and thoughts of a sleigh with Reindeer pulling a little fat man with white hair and beard who wore a red suit.

 

2.  It did not take this preacher long to get over “Santa” though.  We normally got one good toy for Christmas, but I was a little disappointed that “Santa” was CEO of Fruit of the Loom!

 

3.  As I grew older, Christmas became a time of cooking cookies, candies, and other great smelling things.  It was a time of buying and receiving presents; a time of family breakfast at mom and dad’s house and Christmas Dinner at Barbara’s Mamaw’s.  Buying and hiding toys from the kids; having to get up right after midnight because someone could not wait until morning to open gifts.  That someone was almost always Barbara!

 

4.  Today, I still enjoy having Christmas with my family.  I still have hobby I call eating which requires pants with pleating!  But, in 1976, Christmas changed for me and took on an entirely new meaning.  I had always seen Manger Scenes and heard the biblical account of the birth of Christ, but that year the meaning changed forever.

 

B.  Salvation changed both my life and my perspective of Christmas forever.  I want to look at a few portions of Scripture this morning that tells what Christmas means to me.

 

1.  You see, He was more than just a Babe in a manger.  He is Emmanuel: God with us!  Matthew 1:23  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

 

a.  He is not just “a son of God!”  He is Almighty Jehovah God!  Mary was not the “mother of God” but rather the mother of the physical body of our Lord.  Jesus Christ was the Creator of all things and made the womb that gave Him birth.  His goings forth was from everlasting to everlasting.  The Creator of all things became a man!

 

b.  He is not just God born in the flesh!  He is Emmanuel: God WITH us!  Though pure, sinless, and separate from sinners, He walked with sinners; He ate with sinners; He was a Friend of sinners; He died for sinners.  He is with us which means to be identified with us through His birth and for us through His life and death.  He is our God!  That is what Christmas is to me.

 

2.  He is more than just a Babe in a manger.  He is the Christ!  Matthew 16:13-17  When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?  (14)  And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.  (15)  He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?  (16)  And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.  (17)  And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 

 

a.  So many who celebrate Christmas have no spiritual comprehension of Who that Babe, born so long ago, was.   They may say that He was Jesus, but Jesus is not a reality in their lives. 

 

b.  Simon Peter said, “Thou are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  Christ means “anointed” and comes from a root word meaning “consecrated.”  Hallowed, blessed, holy, sacred, sanctified, set apart!  To me, Jesus Christ is so special because He is so special to God the Father.  Jesus Christ is most wonderful, unparalleled, matchless Person that has ever or will ever exist!  He is so much more than just a Babe in a manger.  He is the only begotten Son of God sent to this world with a marvelous purpose in mind.  That is what Christmas is to me.

 

3.  He is more than just a Babe in a manger.  He is my Saviour!  Luke 1:46-47  And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,  (47)  And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

 

a.  Jesus Christ was born to die!  He came into the world the seed of the woman in fulfillment of His promise; He came into this world to hang on an old rugged cross and pay for the sin of the world; He came into the world to save sinners.

 

b.  He was Mary’s Saviour because she was a sinner!  She was neither immaculately conceived nor was she was immaculate as a person.  Yes, she was a woman blessed of God to bear the seed of the Holy Ghost and bring forth the Messiah.  Yes, we do called her blessed for she not only was chosen for such a task, in spite of the reproach, she was submissive to it.  In Luke 1:46-47, said, “ And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,  (47)  And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.”

 

c.  Paul said, “Of whom I am chief!”  He came to die for me and 46 years ago, He became my Saviour.  He is my wonderful payment for sin as He became the propitiation for my sin.  He paid my price and purchased for me an eternity in heaven with Him.  That is what Christmas is to me.

 

4.  He is more than just a Babe in a manger.  He is my Lord!  John 20:28-29  And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.  (29)  Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

 

a.  One of the most exciting portions of Scripture is found here.  Old “Doubting Thomas,” as he is so called, confessed with his mouth what he believed in his heart as he said, “My Lord and my God!”  So many people will call Him their Saviour but fear to call Him Lord.  I believe that a person accepts Him as their Lord and Saviour when they are saved.  Lord does not mean you give up something to be saved; Lord does not mean that He is Lord of every area of a person’s life; Lord means that the saint recognizes who He is!  So many want Him as their Saviour but are not willing to accept Him as their Lord.

 

b.  He is my Lord!  No, I am not sinless and must confess with the great Apostle Paul that I am “chief of sinners” and “in me, that is in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing!”  I am a miserable failure at best, but I desire to love my Lord.  I desire to live for my Lord.  I long to be with my Lord!  You see, He is so much more than just the sinner’s Sacrifice, He is the saint’s Joy and Rejoicing.  He is my Lord and my God because I am one of those blessed ones who have not seen and yet believe.  I have not seen the wounds in His hands, feet, and side and yet I believe.  I have not looked into His matchless eyes and heard with my ears His gracious words, yet I believe!  That is what Christmas is to me.

Our Matchless Christ

To many, Jesus Christ is only a grand subject for a painting, a heroic theme for a pen, a beautiful form for a statue, and a thought for a song; but to those who have heard His voice, who have felt His pardon, who have received His benediction, He is music, warmth, light, joy, hope and salvation, a Friend who never forsakes, who lifts us when others try to push us down. We cannot wear Him out; we pile on Him all our griefs and troubles. He is always ready to lift us; He is always ready to help us; He addresses us with the same love; He beams upon us with the same smile; He pities us with the same compassion.

There is no name like His. It is more inspiring than Caesar's, more musical than Beethoven's, more patient than Lincoln's. The name of Jesus throbs with life, weeps with all pathos, groans with all pains, stoops with all love. Its breath is laden with perfume.

Who like Jesus can pity a homeless orphan? Who like Jesus can welcome a prodigal back home? Who like Jesus can make a drunkard sober? Who like Jesus can illuminate a cemetery plowed with graves? Who like Jesus can make a queen unto God out of a lost woman of the street? Who like Jesus can catch the tears of human sorrow in His bowl? Who like Jesus can kiss away our sorrow?

I struggle for a metaphor with which to express Jesus. He is not like the bursting forth of an orchestra; that is too loud, and it may be out of tune. He is not like a sea when lashed into a rage by a storm; that is too boisterous. He is not like a mountain wreathed in lightening, canopied with snow; that is too solitary and remote.

He is the Lily of the Valley, the Rose of Sharon, a gale of spices from heaven.

~ Billy Sunday

 

Conclusion:  Yes, Christmas has changed for me.  I look back at my youth and Christmas with many fond memories but now I look forward to Christmas with hope that one day—just like today—my Blessed Hope will return and take me to heaven where I now belong!