The Virgin Birth of Christ

Temple Baptist Church - 12-18-2022

Genesis 3:15; Matthew 1:18-25

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  It is the Christmas season, in which we normally celebrate the incarnation of the Son of God, the Seed of the Woman. 

 

B.  The Virgin Birth of Christ Prophesied – 6,000 years ago in the Garden of Eden.

 

Genesis 3:15  And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

 

C.  The Seed of the Woman – The Virgin Birth of Christ.

 

Isaiah 7:14  Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

 

1.  One of the most precious of all doctrines is that of the Virgin Birth of Christ.  How important it is to the salvation of the child of God! The Virgin Birth of Christ is often referred to as “The Doctrine of Holy Ground!” 

 

2.  The wording in Matthew 1:18 differentiates the birth of Christ from the series of “begats” found in the preceding verses. 

 

a)  “Espoused wife” and “before they came together” declares a birth like none other that preceded it. 

 

b)  A birth like none that would come after it.

 

3.  No man or woman since Adam and Eve, except for Jesus Christ, came into the world through a virgin birth or without the seed of man involved.  As God created the world to bring forth after its own kind, so man brings forth after his own kind.  Adam and Eve had no predecessors, and the Father of Jesus Christ was God.

 

D.  In Biblical Theology, the Virgin Birth is referred to as the “kenosis of Christ”. 

 

1.  The word “kenosis” comes from an ancient Greek word that was Romanized and means “the act of emptying.” 

 

2.  Most theologians take this term far beyond biblical truth as they think that Jehovah God gave up all His attributes when “the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us”, but this is false doctrine.

 

3.  The description of the kenosis of Christ is found in Philippians 2:6-8 which reads:  “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

 

4.  The truth of the kenosis of Christ is found in 1 Timothy 3:16:  “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

 

a) God was manifest in the flesh!  Christ Jesus was the “God-Man”!  100% God and 100% man. 

 

b)  No place in the Bible does it say that Jehovah God emptied Himself.  He was Jehovah God, the great “I AM THAT I AM”, the Word of God that created all things (John 1:1-3), the Voice of God that walked in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. 

 

c)  Jehovah God, walking in flesh, losing none of His attributes, but condescending to the form of sinful man (without sin) and dying for the sin of the world.

 

John 1:14  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

 

1 John 1:1  That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

 

E.  The world worships a “babe in a manger” and celebrates a Christmas without God.  They worship Mary giving birth, while we worship God becoming flesh: Israel’s Messiah and our Saviour and Lord.

 

1.  The Virgin Birth Prophesied.  Genesis 3:15  And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

 

Isaiah 7:14  Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

 

Isaiah 9:6-7  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  (7)  Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

 

2.  The Virgin Birth Performed.  Matthew 1:18  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.  (“On this wise” sets the birth of Christ apart from the “begats” of the first 17 verses!)

 

Matthew 1:21-23  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.  (22)  Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,  (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.

 

Luke 2:6-11  And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  (7)  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.  (8)  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  (9)  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  (10)  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  (11)  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

 

3.  The Virgin Birth Purposed.  Matthew 1:21-23  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 

 

a.  The Virgin Birth of Christ was about Sin.  Disobedience to God and God’s hatred for sin.

 

b.  The Virgin Birth of Christ was about Sinners.  God’s love for the sinner despite sinfulness.

 

c.  The Virgin Birth of Christ was about Separation.  Man hiding and God seeking.

 

d.  The Virgin Birth of Christ was about Substitution.  The innocent died for the guilty that the guilty could become innocent.

 

e.  The Virgin Birth of Christ was about a Saviour.  The coming of Messiah, Christ Jesus, the Saviour of the world.

 

f.  The Virgin Birth of Christ was about Salvation.  Free to all who would repent and believe.

 

g.  The Virgin Birth of Christ was about Security.  Eternal restoration, eternal life, eternal joy.

 

Conclusion:  The Virgin Birth was a thing beyond human comprehension!  Dr. Herbert Lockyer said it this way,

 

“The incarnation is the most stupendous miracle comprehending and involving all other miracles, and because it is a theme both deep and delicate, infinite and incomprehensible, how about “finding out acceptable words”. 

 

The Virgin Birth:  It is a doctrine both Sweetly Adored and Severely Attacked.  It the mystery of mysteries, the jewel of all ages, the hope of mankind, and the love of God manifested. 

 

The Virgin Birth: The Doctrine of Holy Ground!  The immortal became mortal that the mortal may become immortal; The untouchable became touchable that the mortal may touch Him; God became a child that we may become His children.

The Importance of Little Things

 Temple Baptist Church - 12-14-2022

John 6:1-15

 

Introduction:

 

A.  In these verses, we find the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 done by the Lord that John recorded.  We also find the same story in Mark and Luke.  There are several aspects of the story that are interesting.

 

1.  Verses 2, 10.  The Problem.   A great multitude of people.  5,000 men and possibly 4 to 5 times that many people including the women and children.  I say that because we find a “lad” in verse 6.

 

2.  Verse 5-6.  The Proving.  “Whence shall we buy bread?”  The place was a mountain with no Walmart Super Centers around and their money insufficient for the task.  The Lord knew what He would do but the disciples did not trust what He could do.

 

3.  Verses 8-9, 11-13.  The Provision.  Five barley loaves and two small fishes supplied the multitude with 12 baskets of fragments left over after everyone had eaten their full.

 

4.  Verse 6, 8-9.  The Perspectives.

 

B.  What I want to do tonight is to look at the 2 perspectives: that of the disciples and that of the Lord.

 

1.  The Lord’s Perspective.  John 6:5-6  When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?  (6)  And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.

 

2.  The Disciples’ Perspective.  John 6:8-9  One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him,  (9)  There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

 

C.  We live in the day of “big things.”  Today, it is always:

 

1.  How much did you make last year?  A great salary does little to impress God. 

 

a)  I am not against making a good living if it is done in such a way as to glorify God.  The Lord did not have much good to say about the rich of this world.  It was the poor that were rich in faith. 

 

b)  The problem with this “big thing” thinking is that people with modest incomes think they are either not as important as the rich or that they are failures because they did not become rich.

 

2.  How big is your home or automobile?  

 

a)  I pray that you have a beautiful home and the best automobile on the road but I am also thankful for a 23 year old truck that still runs and a modest home filled with quietness and love.  That is more impressive to both the Lord and me. 

 

b)  The problem with this “big thing” thinking is that people with less impressive homes and autos feel impoverished instead of blessed.

 

3.  How many points did you score or how many yards did you run? 

 

a)  I am not against scoring points or running yards but where are the assists and blocks statistics?  Media and fans always make men of numbers their heroes while those who assist are overlooked.  Try to score 30 points without rebounders and passers; try to run 100 yards a game without blockers. 

 

b)  The problem with this “big thing” thinking is that it overlooks the fundamentals and team players who make the big plays possible for others.

 

4.  How many people attend your church? 

 

a)  We live in the days of the “super” or “mega” churches.  I am not against numbers, but numbers can define who we are in a wrong way.  If we have great numbers by adhering to the Old Paths of doctrinal correctness and holiness, then these numbers impress and glorify God but, if we have great numbers because we neglect to preach and practice the whole counsel of God, then the numbers only impress and glorify men. 

 

b)  The result of the “big thing” concept is that men who pastor small but sound churches feel that they are a failure in the sight of men and, therefore in the sight of God.

 

5.  The list could go but I think you have the point.

 

D.  Now, let me say that “big things” are important! 

 

1.  I am not minimizing the importance of doing great things or having great thing, but “big things” are normally a result of the “small things” in your life. 

 

2.  If your “small things” are not impressive to God, then your “big things” will not impress Him either.

 

1.  Your “Little Things” are important to God.  He chose to use a little boy’s lunch! 

 

a.  Your little cares are important to God.  1 Peter 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.  (We so often think that God only cares about the burdens that we bring to Him, but we are so wrong.  God cares for everything you and I care about.  “Casting all” means just that.  God cares about what you care about as every aspect of your life is important to Him.)

 

b.  Your little prayers are important to God.  1 Thessalonians 5:17  Pray without ceasing.  (I call this our “small talk” with God.  Most pray only when they have something big to ask for, but God wants to hear from us when we have not big things to worry about.  Enoch walked with God.  I used to walk a lot with a friend and, when we first started walking each day, we would discuss the “big things” that we had on our minds but, after a couple of miles, we would just “small talk.”  God wants you to tell him your “little things” as well as the big ones.)

 

c.  Your little tithes and offerings are important to God.  Fifty dollars a month supports another missionary!  Luke 21:1-4  And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.  (2)  And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.  (3)  And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:  (4)  For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.

 

d.  Your little things are important to God.  1 Corinthians 10:31  Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.  (Here we find a couple of “little things” that precede the “big things” of “whatsoever ye do, do all!”  Even what we eat, and drink is important to the Lord.  What we desire is as important as what we accomplish.  What we think is just as important as what we do.)

 

d.  If we fail to do little things for God, we will not be faithful to accomplish big things for Him.

 

2.  Your “Little Things” are important to you.  Our “little things” develop character in us that will later define our “big things.” 

 

a.  Think on “little things.”  Little things make big things!  Philippians 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  Thinking big is great at times, but the “little things” of our thinking mold the “big things” of our thinking. 

 

Proverbs 23:7  For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

 

b.  Be thankful for the “little things” of life.  If we are not thankful for the little things in life, we will not be thankful for the big things either.  1 Thessalonians 5:18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  (Learn to smell the roses once in a while.  Our Lord rebuked Martha because she was “careful” about many things while missing the “needful” ones.  Too often the cares and problems of this life cause us to miss the little blessings that grace our days.  A breath of fresh air; a sip of cool water; the smell of the honeysuckle in the spring; a sunbeam showing through the trees; a rainbow after the storm; feeling good when you get up in the morning; food on the table, clothes on your back, a roof over your head, shelter from the storm, wind, cold, and heat.  Did I make this one clear?  God has so blessed every one of us that, if we would count our blessings, we would be blessed!)

 

c.  Practice “little things” that develop character.  If we do not have the integrity to do the little things, we will not have the integrity of do big things.  When we practice doing the “little things” right, we will do the “big things” of life right without having to even think about it.  Samuel Smiles once said:

 

“Sow a thought, and you reap an act;
Sow an act, and you reap a habit;
Sow a habit, and you reap a character;
Sow a character, and you reap a destiny.”

Conclusion:  We that are saved belong to Christ.  We were bought with a great price at Calvary.  Let our lives bring glory and honor to the Lord in all that we do: both big and little things.

My Heart is Fixed

 Temple Baptist Church - 12-11-2022

Psalm 108:1-13

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  The word “fixed” is used only 4 times in the Bible with three of these brief mentions being in the Old Testament concerning the heart and once in the New Testament speaking of the gulf between hell and Abraham’s Bosom.

 

B.  The word fixed is only used one time in the New Testament and I believe that the context in which the word is found gives a wonderful definition and description.  

 

Luke 16:26  And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.  (The gulf in Hades was fixed between Abraham’s Bosom and the flames of Hell.  It was immovable.  It was impassable.  It was unchangeable.)

 

C.  Each of the Old Testament examples of the word “fixed” deal with giving praise to God in times of trouble. 

 

1.  In Psalms 57, it is in the context of great persecution from David’s enemies.  It is a time of great trouble, and his heart is fixed upon the Lord in worship.  Beholding His glorious person instead of his great persecution.

 

2.  In Psalms 108, it is in the context of David’s great conquests against the enemies of Israel.  He is looking to God for both strength and victory.

 

3.  In Psalms 112, is in the context of evil tidings.  In all three of these mentions, the heart is fixed in the midst of almost over whelming adversity.  Instead of fixing the heart upon problems, the admonition is to fix the heart upon the Lord of Heaven!

 

D.  Fixed defined.  Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines fixed as: Settled; established; firm; fast; stable.

 

E.  We, because of our weakness of flesh, are prone to fix our hearts upon the circumstances instead of the Lord who controls them!  May the Lord help us to fix our hearts upon Him. 

 

1.  We know that He is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. 

 

2.  We know that nothing is impossible with Him and He certainly “thinketh upon me!” 

 

3.  We know that we are worth many sparrows and yet not one of these falls to the ground without His knowledge. 

 

4.  We know that He can and will supply our physical needs in this life. 

 

5.  We know that He goes before us and has suffered all that we will ever suffer. 

 

6.  We know that He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities and ever liveth to make intercession at the right hand of the Father. 

 

7.  We know that He is coming for us as He said and that we will live throughout eternity in His presence in fullness of joy AND YET WE STILL WORRY BECAUSE OUR HEARTS ARE NOT FIXED!

 

F.  Our lives are in His hand - John 10:28-29  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.   My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

 

Hebrews 12:2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

Job 23:13-14  But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.  For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.

 

G.  A fixed heart does not:

 

1.  Look Back - Luke 9:62  And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

 

2.  Look Around - Matthew 14:30  But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

 

3.  Look Down - Psalms 43:5  Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and my God.

 

H.  A fixed heart looks up - Psalms 121:1   I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

 

1.  A Fixed Heart is an Assured Heart – 1 John 3:18-21  My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.  Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

 

Philippians 1:6  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

 

2.  A Fixed Heart is a Trusting Heart - Psalms 112:7  He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD

 

Psalms 56:3  What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

 

Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 

(Trusting Him in spite of it all!)

 

3.  A Fixed Heart is a Praising Heart - Psalms 57:7  My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. 

 

Isaiah 24:15  Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires, even the name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea. (Praising Him in spite of it all!)

 

4.  A Fixed Heart is a Panting Heart - Psalms 42:1-2  As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.  My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? 

 

Psalms 119:10  With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

 

5.  A Fixed Heart is a Serving Heart - Job 13:15  Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

 

Job 23:11  My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.

 

6.  A Fixed Heart is a Stable Heart - John 20:27-28  Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust [it] into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.  And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.