WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.560 What a blessing. 00:00:06.679 --> 00:00:09.120 If you have your Bibles and want to turn to Luke chapter 1, 00:00:10.240 --> 00:00:14.560 Luke chapter 1, 700 years ago before the birth of, excuse me, 00:00:14.640 --> 00:00:19.120 700 years before, longer than ago, 700 years before the birth 00:00:19.120 --> 00:00:24.260 of Christ, there was a prophecy spoken that told of his coming. 00:00:24.839 --> 00:00:26.280 It's a popular passage. 00:00:26.400 --> 00:00:27.519 You've probably heard it before. 00:00:27.519 --> 00:00:31.160 It's in Isaiah chapter 9, verse 6 and 7. 00:00:31.300 --> 00:00:31.579 It says, 00:00:31.800 --> 00:00:34.780 For us a child is born, to us a son is given. 00:00:35.519 --> 00:00:37.299 And the government shall be upon his shoulder, 00:00:37.359 --> 00:00:41.500 and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, 00:00:41.600 --> 00:00:44.060 Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 00:00:44.460 --> 00:00:47.640 Of the increase of his government and of his peace, 00:00:48.079 --> 00:00:51.159 there will be no end on the throne of David and over his kingdom 00:00:51.159 --> 00:00:54.879 to establish it and uphold it with justice and righteousness 00:00:54.880 --> 00:00:58.120 from this time forth and forevermore. 00:00:58.660 --> 00:01:02.679 The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. 00:01:03.520 --> 00:01:08.640 The truth is that Christ coming to earth was not some change of heart 00:01:08.640 --> 00:01:09.879 in the plan of God. 00:01:10.659 --> 00:01:14.159 He was not surprised at our sinfulness or our need for a Savior. 00:01:14.659 --> 00:01:16.879 He knew that before he even created us. 00:01:17.219 --> 00:01:18.859 He planned it from the beginning. 00:01:18.859 --> 00:01:22.400 And God was at work before the earth was formed, 00:01:22.500 --> 00:01:24.480 and he is still at work in our midst. 00:01:24.640 --> 00:01:28.840 And nowhere is that seen any greater than this time of year 00:01:28.840 --> 00:01:31.500 when we look at the virgin birth of Christ 00:01:31.500 --> 00:01:36.219 and the incarnation of God into the flesh of human form. 00:01:36.219 --> 00:01:43.760 This is as great an event as you could ever imagine. 00:01:43.900 --> 00:01:48.459 Not only is it a key part of God's plan for the redemption of the world, 00:01:48.599 --> 00:01:55.180 but it's also the strongest sign that God is at work around us in our midst. 00:01:56.219 --> 00:02:01.299 The events around his birth are evidence of God preparing us, for instance, 00:02:02.259 --> 00:02:05.280 preparing us for what is going to happen before it happens. 00:02:05.280 --> 00:02:06.799 He did it then. 00:02:07.780 --> 00:02:09.120 He does it now. 00:02:10.099 --> 00:02:12.080 John prepared us for Jesus. 00:02:12.659 --> 00:02:14.020 He paved the way for Jesus. 00:02:14.219 --> 00:02:17.159 And Jesus prepared the way for the Holy Spirit 00:02:17.159 --> 00:02:18.599 and told us it was coming. 00:02:18.680 --> 00:02:23.020 And the Holy Spirit prepares us for the coming of Christ. 00:02:24.060 --> 00:02:25.180 God prepares us. 00:02:25.259 --> 00:02:27.780 But not only does he prepare us, but he provides for us. 00:02:28.280 --> 00:02:33.199 And the evidence of that is again seen in the prophecies about Christ. 00:02:33.199 --> 00:02:36.259 The first one I mentioned was hundreds of years before. 00:02:36.959 --> 00:02:41.419 However, I want to focus this morning on, most of the morning, 00:02:41.539 --> 00:02:47.959 on the prophecy the angel gave to Mary when he announced to her 00:02:47.959 --> 00:02:51.719 that although she was a virgin and had known no man, 00:02:51.879 --> 00:02:55.899 she was pregnant with the Son of God, the Savior of the world. 00:02:56.299 --> 00:02:59.859 It's in Luke chapter 1, beginning in verse 30, and it says this. 00:02:59.860 --> 00:03:01.400 And the angel said to her, 00:03:01.520 --> 00:03:06.400 Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 00:03:07.180 --> 00:03:10.240 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear son, 00:03:10.320 --> 00:03:12.600 and you shall call his name Jesus. 00:03:13.340 --> 00:03:17.480 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. 00:03:17.640 --> 00:03:21.540 And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father, David. 00:03:21.880 --> 00:03:24.500 And he'll reign over the house of Jacob forever. 00:03:24.500 --> 00:03:29.360 And of his kingdom there will be no end. 00:03:29.979 --> 00:03:32.860 Of all things, to me, as I read that today, 00:03:33.039 --> 00:03:38.039 it screams of an announcement of the provision of God. 00:03:38.699 --> 00:03:41.020 God will provide. 00:03:41.599 --> 00:03:47.120 And this angelic message that is given focuses on three areas of God's provision 00:03:47.120 --> 00:03:49.159 that I want to focus on this morning. 00:03:49.159 --> 00:03:55.620 And I hope it will give you comfort, encouragement, possibly conviction, if needed, this morning. 00:03:56.680 --> 00:04:00.539 First thing is, he is the one who rules. 00:04:01.180 --> 00:04:03.159 That is the theme of this passage. 00:04:03.620 --> 00:04:06.400 There are five descriptions given to this point. 00:04:06.900 --> 00:04:08.960 He says in verse 32, he will be great. 00:04:09.379 --> 00:04:14.300 That may not sound like much, but when you realize it was spoken in contrast to the rest of humanity, 00:04:14.740 --> 00:04:17.920 it just begins to get the ball rolling of sorts. 00:04:17.920 --> 00:04:21.720 He goes on to say, and will be called the Son of the Most High, 00:04:22.040 --> 00:04:25.080 which means he will be the offspring of God himself. 00:04:26.160 --> 00:04:27.640 It speaks of the throne of God. 00:04:27.720 --> 00:04:29.300 He will reign over the house of Jacob. 00:04:29.660 --> 00:04:32.040 In other words, he is the Messiah. 00:04:32.280 --> 00:04:33.780 He is the Savior. 00:04:34.160 --> 00:04:37.639 He is the one that the Jews were looking for. 00:04:38.740 --> 00:04:43.000 The greatest king in the history of Israel up to this time was David. 00:04:44.100 --> 00:04:46.600 David grew the kingdom like nobody else ever did. 00:04:46.600 --> 00:04:50.520 He was a warrior and also quite a rider. 00:04:51.080 --> 00:04:54.340 And he messed up, and God don't hide those things from us. 00:04:54.379 --> 00:04:56.140 He shows us the mess ups of folks. 00:04:56.240 --> 00:05:01.520 That's why I love the biographies in scripture of people, because it gives us the whole truth. 00:05:02.400 --> 00:05:04.660 God used David in a mighty way. 00:05:04.840 --> 00:05:10.080 And so when people anticipated a coming Messiah, they would always think of what David was 00:05:10.079 --> 00:05:12.659 and how great David was. 00:05:12.659 --> 00:05:14.279 And he was a great king. 00:05:15.560 --> 00:05:26.079 But as great as King David was, what he did came through King David and came through the lineage of David. 00:05:26.560 --> 00:05:29.779 But in reality, it would be much greater than David in Christ. 00:05:30.399 --> 00:05:32.500 He'll be the leader of God's people. 00:05:33.039 --> 00:05:36.779 Forever, his kingdom will never end. 00:05:36.779 --> 00:05:42.159 Not only would he lead God's people, but it would never stop. 00:05:42.379 --> 00:05:43.779 Now, have no doubt. 00:05:45.299 --> 00:05:46.919 I want to clarify something. 00:05:48.799 --> 00:05:55.000 Even in the state of our world today, with all the wickedness in our world, I want you to understand something. 00:05:55.639 --> 00:05:56.719 God is on the throne. 00:05:57.719 --> 00:05:59.139 He never left the throne. 00:05:59.599 --> 00:06:01.219 He never will leave the throne. 00:06:01.220 --> 00:06:03.220 He rules. 00:06:04.820 --> 00:06:07.640 And Israel has looked for a savior. 00:06:07.760 --> 00:06:08.540 They had looked for him. 00:06:09.000 --> 00:06:10.440 They were chosen by God. 00:06:11.100 --> 00:06:18.660 And God wanted to work in them and to allow them to do a work in the world to reach the world. 00:06:18.740 --> 00:06:21.800 He was to use them to spread his good news to the world. 00:06:22.040 --> 00:06:24.220 And they were failing at the job. 00:06:24.860 --> 00:06:26.160 And now Christ is coming. 00:06:26.160 --> 00:06:36.439 Now God's people, those who have faith in God, have a much more defined opportunity at understanding the ruler that will lead them forever. 00:06:36.640 --> 00:06:38.500 So what does all that mean? 00:06:39.720 --> 00:06:42.440 Well, it speaks of the sovereignty of God, for one. 00:06:44.140 --> 00:06:49.260 And the sovereignty of God says that what God says he'll do, he will do. 00:06:49.920 --> 00:06:51.140 You can rest in that. 00:06:51.139 --> 00:06:58.659 It also speaks of the eternity of God, that God's not here for a portion of time. 00:06:59.879 --> 00:07:01.939 He will never stop. 00:07:02.800 --> 00:07:04.680 He will never fail. 00:07:05.579 --> 00:07:09.339 When people have no leader, they crumble. 00:07:10.599 --> 00:07:13.419 Without a vision, people perish. 00:07:13.420 --> 00:07:20.759 But when God is on the throne of your life, you have nothing to fear. 00:07:21.360 --> 00:07:22.920 He rules. 00:07:23.520 --> 00:07:24.140 Thank God. 00:07:24.220 --> 00:07:27.100 I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow. 00:07:27.540 --> 00:07:29.879 And I rest in the fact that he rules. 00:07:30.259 --> 00:07:31.280 The prophet said it. 00:07:31.720 --> 00:07:32.800 The angel said it. 00:07:33.180 --> 00:07:34.040 You ought to believe it. 00:07:34.720 --> 00:07:40.040 Not only that, but it also says that he is the one who brings peace and counsel. 00:07:40.040 --> 00:07:49.040 If this reign never ends and the kingdom is forever, then it speaks of a strong, steady, peaceful consistence. 00:07:49.740 --> 00:07:51.939 Again, that is the backup. 00:07:52.320 --> 00:08:00.340 That is backed up by the words of Isaiah chapter 9, verses 6 and 7, when it speaks of the prince of peace and the wonderful counselor. 00:08:00.720 --> 00:08:04.800 Literally in the Hebrew, it speaks of a wonder of a counselor. 00:08:06.259 --> 00:08:08.640 Now, I want you to think about something with me, if you will. 00:08:08.639 --> 00:08:12.240 Who is a counselor? 00:08:14.000 --> 00:08:16.500 It is one that listens. 00:08:18.419 --> 00:08:22.079 It's one that lets you find guidance. 00:08:23.599 --> 00:08:27.919 It's one that brings stability in unstable times. 00:08:29.740 --> 00:08:31.899 Now, I want you to imagine, if you would. 00:08:31.899 --> 00:08:54.039 Can you imagine going to a counselor that knew all about you and knew your situation, every part of it, more than you knew about it, much more than you knew about it, before you even spoke? 00:08:54.039 --> 00:09:00.659 A counselor you could go to, and there would be no need for you to explain your circumstances. 00:09:02.179 --> 00:09:07.459 A counselor you could go to, there would be no need for you to protect what you don't want them to know. 00:09:08.459 --> 00:09:09.939 No need to hide things. 00:09:10.639 --> 00:09:12.120 You could just share. 00:09:12.120 --> 00:09:15.200 My friend, that's God. 00:09:16.340 --> 00:09:18.179 That, that's the Lord. 00:09:19.759 --> 00:09:24.679 God puts a few people in our path along the way that can give good counsel, and I'm thankful for them. 00:09:25.419 --> 00:09:29.159 But no one ever gives it like God. 00:09:29.799 --> 00:09:32.740 And he is to be second to no one. 00:09:32.799 --> 00:09:34.340 He's called the prince of peace. 00:09:34.340 --> 00:09:37.360 What does that mean for us? 00:09:37.440 --> 00:09:41.180 Well, Paul puts it really well for us to understand. 00:09:41.879 --> 00:09:45.460 He says in Philippians chapter 4, verse 4 through 7, he says, 00:09:45.540 --> 00:09:46.980 Rejoice in the Lord always. 00:09:47.120 --> 00:09:49.759 Again, I'll say, rejoice. 00:09:52.139 --> 00:09:55.019 If you're rejoicing this morning, inform your face, okay? 00:09:56.019 --> 00:10:01.180 If you know the Lord Jesus, you have an eternal security that you can rest in. 00:10:01.179 --> 00:10:05.779 And no matter what your circumstances may be, you know that God's on top of it. 00:10:06.159 --> 00:10:07.859 And you, well, we ought to rejoice in that. 00:10:08.399 --> 00:10:10.120 So he says, Rejoice in the Lord always. 00:10:10.179 --> 00:10:12.019 And he knew some people didn't get it the first time. 00:10:12.059 --> 00:10:13.620 So he said, Again, I'll say rejoice. 00:10:14.500 --> 00:10:17.279 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. 00:10:18.359 --> 00:10:20.019 That hits a little closer to home, doesn't it? 00:10:21.419 --> 00:10:23.120 The Lord is at hand. 00:10:24.899 --> 00:10:29.139 Do not be anxious about anything. 00:10:31.179 --> 00:10:44.659 But in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God. 00:10:44.779 --> 00:10:46.019 Supplication is asking. 00:10:47.699 --> 00:10:49.379 It's putting out before the Lord. 00:10:50.819 --> 00:10:53.179 It surpasses all understanding, and I love this. 00:10:53.179 --> 00:10:59.759 And it will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 00:11:02.799 --> 00:11:05.559 When do you know that you've received good counsel? 00:11:07.339 --> 00:11:12.120 When you're led by the still waters of peace in the midst of the storm that you face. 00:11:12.219 --> 00:11:12.919 That's when you know. 00:11:13.879 --> 00:11:17.099 And sometimes good counsel brings peace by ushering in the prince. 00:11:17.100 --> 00:11:21.759 And sometimes there's a shaking of the foundations of sorts that come with counsel. 00:11:22.860 --> 00:11:24.080 That's called conviction. 00:11:25.560 --> 00:11:27.879 I often say God throws curveballs. 00:11:29.240 --> 00:11:33.940 You got issues with somebody or you got a burden for somebody and you begin to pray for that person. 00:11:34.920 --> 00:11:35.940 Lord, straighten them out. 00:11:36.860 --> 00:11:37.420 Make them right. 00:11:37.700 --> 00:11:38.980 They don't act right toward me. 00:11:40.279 --> 00:11:41.379 Do something to them, Lord. 00:11:41.379 --> 00:11:41.779 You know. 00:11:44.419 --> 00:11:46.939 Inevitably, I don't pray stuff like that about y'all. 00:11:47.059 --> 00:11:53.820 But inevitably, I'm praying with those kind of sense of feeling. 00:11:53.980 --> 00:11:56.019 I always see God begin to work in me. 00:11:57.860 --> 00:12:00.059 He always speaks to me. 00:12:02.439 --> 00:12:05.379 I'm not saying he don't speak to the person that I pray for. 00:12:07.379 --> 00:12:10.379 But I notice that he always deals with me. 00:12:11.379 --> 00:12:14.899 You know why? 00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:18.919 Because he's a wonder of a counselor. 00:12:19.820 --> 00:12:22.879 He knows what we need. 00:12:22.960 --> 00:12:29.139 I'm thankful this Christmas that I don't have to do much to get good counsel. 00:12:30.340 --> 00:12:37.279 If I'll just kneel and at least in my heart kneel and confess my sins and bear my heart, 00:12:37.279 --> 00:12:45.259 that babe in a manger that we talk about will intercede on our behalf and God's wisdom will come. 00:12:46.019 --> 00:12:48.720 And I'm glad that the storm can be settled. 00:12:50.179 --> 00:12:54.699 Wise counsel is waiting and there is one that is already in our tomorrows. 00:12:54.700 --> 00:12:56.879 So he rules. 00:12:58.240 --> 00:12:59.900 He brings peace. 00:13:01.420 --> 00:13:02.240 He gives counsel. 00:13:04.240 --> 00:13:09.920 But he also, he is the one who redeems. 00:13:09.919 --> 00:13:13.319 He is the one who redeems. 00:13:13.519 --> 00:13:15.139 And I save the best for last. 00:13:16.279 --> 00:13:24.539 Because without this, due to the sovereignty of God and due to the holiness of God, 00:13:25.539 --> 00:13:29.799 we would be separate from him for all of eternity in hell. 00:13:29.799 --> 00:13:39.379 Without that, without this, without his redemption, the peace that we speak of would be short-lived. 00:13:40.279 --> 00:13:43.620 However, he is one who redeems. 00:13:45.039 --> 00:13:48.839 It echoes again and again in the Nativity story. 00:13:48.840 --> 00:13:57.660 In Luke chapters 2, verse 36 through 38, a lady named Anna is brought up. 00:13:59.540 --> 00:14:05.860 She is a godly lady and her life is characterized by prayer and fasting. 00:14:07.420 --> 00:14:13.379 And upon the presentation of Jesus in the temple, she thanked God for Jesus 00:14:13.379 --> 00:14:17.519 and proclaimed that he would be the redeemer. 00:14:17.519 --> 00:14:20.879 In Luke chapter 2, verse 38, it says, 00:14:21.039 --> 00:14:24.980 And coming up at that very hour, that hour they're talking about, 00:14:25.079 --> 00:14:29.079 is the hour in which they presented Christ in the temple. 00:14:30.179 --> 00:14:35.799 She began to give thanks to God and speak to him to all who were waiting for the redemption. 00:14:36.299 --> 00:14:40.179 And to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. 00:14:41.159 --> 00:14:42.220 What a testimony. 00:14:42.220 --> 00:14:47.240 Did she know that 33 years later he'd go to the cross? 00:14:47.519 --> 00:14:50.079 That he'd give his life? 00:14:50.139 --> 00:14:51.319 That he would rise again? 00:14:53.039 --> 00:14:57.559 That he would give hope and resurrected life to all who would receive him? 00:14:58.120 --> 00:14:59.679 Did she understand all that? 00:15:00.159 --> 00:15:01.019 Right there? 00:15:02.500 --> 00:15:04.139 At such an early age in that child? 00:15:04.259 --> 00:15:05.819 I don't know. 00:15:06.819 --> 00:15:08.240 But she told what she knew. 00:15:08.240 --> 00:15:12.740 She knew that somehow he would redeem God's people. 00:15:14.019 --> 00:15:15.139 And it wasn't only that. 00:15:15.519 --> 00:15:17.560 There was another man there named Simeon. 00:15:18.279 --> 00:15:21.340 A man who was waiting on the redeemer. 00:15:22.759 --> 00:15:27.080 God had told him that he would see the Messiah before his death. 00:15:27.360 --> 00:15:31.480 And he had highly anticipated that since he had been told that. 00:15:31.480 --> 00:15:38.440 And when Joseph and Mary got to the temple, they didn't walk up and say, we want to present to you the redeemer of the world. 00:15:39.180 --> 00:15:40.440 They didn't say that at all. 00:15:41.560 --> 00:15:47.720 But Simeon, a man of God, knew when he saw the child it was Christ. 00:15:47.720 --> 00:16:00.139 He took the 40-day-old child and he spoke and said in chapter, excuse me, Luke tells us in chapter 2, verse 29 through 32. 00:16:00.639 --> 00:16:08.040 Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace according to your word. 00:16:08.039 --> 00:16:22.879 My eyes have seen your salvation that you prepared in the presence of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to the people Israel. 00:16:23.879 --> 00:16:27.199 And then notice what he said to Mary in verses 34 and 35. 00:16:28.279 --> 00:16:29.059 It says, 00:16:29.059 --> 00:16:58.500 Holding that baby, he spoke to Mary. 00:16:59.059 --> 00:17:05.599 Because she had given birth to Jesus and she would be there when the Lord died. 00:17:06.480 --> 00:17:11.460 The sword that would pierce her soul that he talked about would be the death of Christ. 00:17:14.200 --> 00:17:20.279 Like a sword through a heart would be the pain of that mother. 00:17:20.279 --> 00:17:29.619 And he is saying that Christ will cause falling and rising. 00:17:32.059 --> 00:17:33.379 What in the world does that mean? 00:17:35.160 --> 00:17:39.299 Or 1 Peter chapter 2, verse 7 and 8 tells us about that. 00:17:39.299 --> 00:18:09.279 It says, 00:18:09.299 --> 00:18:10.299 The cornerstone. 00:18:10.299 --> 00:18:10.799 The cornerstone. 00:18:10.799 --> 00:18:10.839 The cornerstone. 00:18:10.839 --> 00:18:10.919 The cornerstone. 00:18:10.919 --> 00:18:11.919 The cornerstone. 00:18:11.919 --> 00:18:14.839 Literally, cornerstone is the head of the corner. 00:18:14.839 --> 00:18:17.919 And that is translated as a cornerstone. 00:18:17.919 --> 00:18:22.119 That can also be translated as a capstone. 00:18:22.119 --> 00:18:28.039 Now, the cornerstone is the start of the construction. 00:18:28.039 --> 00:18:36.480 And that day, they had to get the right angle at a corner to get the rest of the building straight. 00:18:36.480 --> 00:18:41.960 And they called that first stone to set that the cornerstone. 00:18:41.960 --> 00:18:42.960 It's where the cornerstone. 00:18:42.960 --> 00:18:48.420 It's where the corner is set for the foundation. 00:18:48.880 --> 00:18:50.120 And how important that is. 00:18:50.200 --> 00:18:53.019 I was in a building project one time with a church. 00:18:53.160 --> 00:18:56.500 And they dug the foundations for the building. 00:18:57.100 --> 00:19:00.660 It was a regular, somewhat square building, honestly. 00:19:00.660 --> 00:19:03.340 But they dug the foundations for that. 00:19:03.420 --> 00:19:08.700 And I noticed that there were a couple of changes to it that I didn't recognize. 00:19:08.880 --> 00:19:12.100 And I got to Prince. 00:19:13.060 --> 00:19:14.940 And I walked out there and said, 00:19:15.660 --> 00:19:18.240 Why is this door over here? 00:19:18.240 --> 00:19:21.120 And they said, 00:19:21.180 --> 00:19:24.519 Oh, we've got the building turned 90 degrees. 00:19:24.680 --> 00:19:24.920 I said, 00:19:24.960 --> 00:19:25.700 Well, thanks a lot. 00:19:26.460 --> 00:19:27.180 That's great. 00:19:29.680 --> 00:19:31.819 If they hadn't got the foundation right, 00:19:32.480 --> 00:19:34.220 they never would have got the building right. 00:19:34.960 --> 00:19:37.579 So you had to get the cornerstone correct. 00:19:37.740 --> 00:19:38.660 But not only that, 00:19:38.740 --> 00:19:39.579 but it was also, 00:19:40.420 --> 00:19:41.720 he's also the capstone. 00:19:43.279 --> 00:19:45.440 The capstone is the finale. 00:19:45.620 --> 00:19:46.980 It's the last piece. 00:19:46.980 --> 00:19:52.059 If you've got a brick wall and you put a stone across the top of it that's decorative, 00:19:52.420 --> 00:19:53.740 that's the capstone. 00:19:54.579 --> 00:19:55.980 That closes it off. 00:19:56.900 --> 00:19:59.279 That finishes the project. 00:20:00.819 --> 00:20:02.640 Now, when it's speaking of the Lord Jesus, 00:20:02.779 --> 00:20:04.059 what that means is 00:20:04.059 --> 00:20:06.920 Jesus Christ is the cornerstone. 00:20:07.039 --> 00:20:08.019 He's the starting place. 00:20:09.000 --> 00:20:09.980 And he's the capstone. 00:20:10.700 --> 00:20:12.039 He's the ending place. 00:20:13.640 --> 00:20:16.620 Scripture also says he's the alpha and the omega. 00:20:16.980 --> 00:20:20.519 Which means he's the A and the Z. 00:20:22.460 --> 00:20:26.940 He is the author and the finisher of our faith. 00:20:28.200 --> 00:20:30.680 He's what the church is made of. 00:20:31.140 --> 00:20:33.039 He's what the church is made for. 00:20:33.039 --> 00:20:35.899 But I want to be clear about something. 00:20:37.259 --> 00:20:39.180 But to those who do not believe, 00:20:40.539 --> 00:20:42.000 he is a stumbling block. 00:20:44.000 --> 00:20:45.319 And the point is this. 00:20:45.799 --> 00:20:48.399 You have to do something with Christ. 00:20:48.400 --> 00:20:55.080 Once you are presented the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:20:55.880 --> 00:20:58.980 that Christ came, virgin birth, 00:20:59.560 --> 00:21:00.500 to this world, 00:21:01.160 --> 00:21:02.700 and lived a sinless life, 00:21:03.360 --> 00:21:05.940 and died a death only fit for sinners, 00:21:05.940 --> 00:21:08.640 so that we would have the opportunity 00:21:08.640 --> 00:21:10.080 to have our sins forgiven 00:21:10.080 --> 00:21:13.340 and to be made right with the Lord 00:21:13.340 --> 00:21:16.400 and once again be reunited with God 00:21:16.400 --> 00:21:17.320 the way it ought to be 00:21:17.320 --> 00:21:19.880 and to spend eternity with him. 00:21:21.279 --> 00:21:23.019 If you've been presented that 00:21:23.019 --> 00:21:24.600 and acknowledged that, 00:21:25.059 --> 00:21:27.400 you've got to do something with it. 00:21:27.400 --> 00:21:30.180 You have to do something with Christ. 00:21:31.140 --> 00:21:32.360 You have to decide. 00:21:33.360 --> 00:21:35.440 It's a make or a break. 00:21:36.540 --> 00:21:37.920 Listen, if you're here this morning 00:21:37.920 --> 00:21:39.840 and there's never been a time in your life 00:21:39.840 --> 00:21:41.060 when you surrendered your life 00:21:41.060 --> 00:21:42.180 to the Lord Jesus Christ 00:21:42.180 --> 00:21:44.019 and given him control of your life, 00:21:44.700 --> 00:21:45.800 and you say, you know what? 00:21:46.480 --> 00:21:48.240 I'm just not quite ready for that yet. 00:21:48.519 --> 00:21:50.540 I don't want to make a decision about that. 00:21:50.720 --> 00:21:51.940 And you walk out the door, 00:21:52.060 --> 00:21:53.240 let me be clear about something. 00:21:53.600 --> 00:21:54.900 You made a decision. 00:21:54.900 --> 00:21:57.960 You made a decision. 00:21:58.600 --> 00:22:00.460 If I go to a car lot tomorrow 00:22:00.460 --> 00:22:01.320 and look at a car 00:22:01.320 --> 00:22:03.800 and say I want to ponder on this a little more, 00:22:03.860 --> 00:22:04.600 I want to leave. 00:22:04.880 --> 00:22:05.480 I'll tell you what, 00:22:05.580 --> 00:22:07.240 the sales staff will tell you 00:22:07.240 --> 00:22:08.120 that you've made a decision 00:22:08.120 --> 00:22:09.800 because they don't expect you to come back. 00:22:10.920 --> 00:22:11.960 And the reality is 00:22:11.960 --> 00:22:13.380 when you deal, 00:22:14.360 --> 00:22:15.700 when God speaks to your heart, 00:22:16.720 --> 00:22:18.120 when God convicts your heart 00:22:18.120 --> 00:22:19.060 and you realize 00:22:19.060 --> 00:22:21.440 that there needs to be a change upon your life 00:22:21.440 --> 00:22:23.259 and you walk away from that, 00:22:23.420 --> 00:22:24.440 you've made a decision. 00:22:24.440 --> 00:22:26.440 You've got to do something with Jesus. 00:22:27.160 --> 00:22:28.640 You have to do something with him. 00:22:29.539 --> 00:22:30.299 Without Jesus, 00:22:30.640 --> 00:22:31.680 you are destined, 00:22:31.900 --> 00:22:32.660 that's what scripture says, 00:22:32.900 --> 00:22:34.680 you are destined to stumble. 00:22:35.740 --> 00:22:38.120 You either surrender to him 00:22:38.120 --> 00:22:39.740 or you fail, 00:22:39.880 --> 00:22:40.500 you stumble 00:22:40.500 --> 00:22:43.259 at the most crucial time of your life. 00:22:44.200 --> 00:22:45.279 You'll lose 00:22:45.279 --> 00:22:46.880 for eternity 00:22:46.880 --> 00:22:48.480 if you miss Christ. 00:22:49.640 --> 00:22:50.600 As scripture says, 00:22:50.680 --> 00:22:52.340 you're destined to lose without him. 00:22:52.339 --> 00:22:54.459 Now I want to be clear about something. 00:22:54.500 --> 00:22:56.599 There's a lot of talk about faith today, 00:22:57.599 --> 00:22:58.539 spirituality, 00:22:59.720 --> 00:23:00.259 religion, 00:23:00.519 --> 00:23:01.399 even God. 00:23:02.659 --> 00:23:04.199 And some peacemakers 00:23:04.199 --> 00:23:06.099 that mean well 00:23:06.099 --> 00:23:08.119 have tried to bridge 00:23:08.119 --> 00:23:08.939 and bond 00:23:08.939 --> 00:23:10.959 several faiths and religions together 00:23:10.959 --> 00:23:13.639 as if they were common. 00:23:13.640 --> 00:23:16.660 Do you want to know 00:23:16.660 --> 00:23:17.420 what the stumbling block 00:23:17.420 --> 00:23:18.100 and all that is? 00:23:19.360 --> 00:23:19.800 Jesus. 00:23:21.380 --> 00:23:21.820 Jesus. 00:23:23.820 --> 00:23:25.560 You have to do something with Jesus. 00:23:27.180 --> 00:23:28.640 And people don't like it 00:23:28.640 --> 00:23:29.460 when you say 00:23:29.460 --> 00:23:31.460 the only way 00:23:31.460 --> 00:23:33.160 that you can come to God 00:23:33.160 --> 00:23:34.780 is to surrender your life 00:23:34.780 --> 00:23:36.200 to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:23:36.240 --> 00:23:36.960 They don't like that. 00:23:37.400 --> 00:23:37.960 There's an ex, 00:23:37.960 --> 00:23:39.259 S-X. 00:23:39.640 --> 00:23:39.880 Whoa. 00:23:40.120 --> 00:23:40.640 I'm not going to say 00:23:40.640 --> 00:23:41.200 that word today. 00:23:43.940 --> 00:23:44.420 Jesus 00:23:44.420 --> 00:23:46.019 is exclusive. 00:23:49.140 --> 00:23:50.860 You have to do something with him. 00:23:52.720 --> 00:23:54.180 He said himself. 00:23:55.860 --> 00:23:57.019 People like to 00:23:57.019 --> 00:23:58.720 emphasize the red letters 00:23:58.720 --> 00:24:00.120 of Jesus 00:24:00.120 --> 00:24:01.779 more than the rest of scripture. 00:24:02.299 --> 00:24:03.259 Well, I got news for you. 00:24:03.340 --> 00:24:03.980 It's all inspired 00:24:03.980 --> 00:24:05.059 by the same Holy Spirit. 00:24:05.220 --> 00:24:05.360 But 00:24:05.360 --> 00:24:07.299 let's go to the red letters. 00:24:07.299 --> 00:24:08.099 Why don't we? 00:24:08.559 --> 00:24:09.399 You know what Jesus said 00:24:09.399 --> 00:24:10.359 in John 14, 6? 00:24:11.919 --> 00:24:13.059 I am the way, 00:24:13.500 --> 00:24:14.359 the truth, 00:24:14.639 --> 00:24:15.940 and the life. 00:24:16.700 --> 00:24:18.220 No one comes 00:24:18.220 --> 00:24:19.339 to the Father 00:24:19.339 --> 00:24:21.519 except through me. 00:24:22.740 --> 00:24:23.799 He's the corner 00:24:23.799 --> 00:24:25.960 and he's the cap. 00:24:26.819 --> 00:24:28.659 He holds it all together. 00:24:29.419 --> 00:24:30.279 You can't ignore 00:24:30.279 --> 00:24:32.019 the necessity of Jesus. 00:24:33.819 --> 00:24:35.859 He is what identifies you 00:24:35.859 --> 00:24:38.619 or he is what makes you stumble. 00:24:39.979 --> 00:24:40.959 He is the one 00:24:40.959 --> 00:24:41.959 who redeems. 00:24:43.579 --> 00:24:45.079 So do you need a king 00:24:45.079 --> 00:24:47.079 who's sovereign 00:24:47.079 --> 00:24:47.779 and holy? 00:24:47.899 --> 00:24:48.500 Try Jesus. 00:24:49.779 --> 00:24:50.939 How about counsel today? 00:24:51.879 --> 00:24:52.759 Do you need counsel 00:24:52.759 --> 00:24:53.899 that will provide peace 00:24:53.899 --> 00:24:54.500 for you? 00:24:55.039 --> 00:24:55.740 Try Jesus. 00:24:57.240 --> 00:24:58.019 You want to celebrate 00:24:58.019 --> 00:24:59.179 the real meaning 00:24:59.179 --> 00:24:59.859 of Christmas? 00:25:00.859 --> 00:25:01.879 Celebrate the Redeemer. 00:25:01.880 --> 00:25:03.800 because he came 00:25:03.800 --> 00:25:04.480 to this earth. 00:25:05.280 --> 00:25:06.420 They prophesied 00:25:06.420 --> 00:25:07.040 that he would. 00:25:08.080 --> 00:25:09.420 Even when he was a child 00:25:09.420 --> 00:25:10.580 they prophesied of him. 00:25:11.980 --> 00:25:13.660 In later days 00:25:13.660 --> 00:25:14.940 the magi would come 00:25:14.940 --> 00:25:17.020 and bring gold. 00:25:17.900 --> 00:25:19.500 A gift fit for a king. 00:25:20.800 --> 00:25:22.640 They would bring frankincense. 00:25:23.640 --> 00:25:25.740 A gift fit for a priest. 00:25:25.740 --> 00:25:28.740 They would bring myrrh. 00:25:30.120 --> 00:25:31.420 Prophesying that our Redeemer 00:25:31.420 --> 00:25:33.140 would be a suffering servant 00:25:33.140 --> 00:25:35.759 as part of a mixture 00:25:35.759 --> 00:25:38.220 they put upon the dead. 00:25:39.779 --> 00:25:41.099 All of those gifts 00:25:41.099 --> 00:25:42.180 were prophecies 00:25:42.180 --> 00:25:43.900 of Christ as Savior 00:25:43.900 --> 00:25:45.779 and they were right. 00:25:47.460 --> 00:25:48.099 So what do you want 00:25:48.099 --> 00:25:49.120 for Christmas this year? 00:25:50.960 --> 00:25:52.039 Do you want something 00:25:52.039 --> 00:25:52.900 to come into your life 00:25:52.900 --> 00:25:54.779 that will forever change you? 00:25:54.779 --> 00:25:57.559 How about Jesus? 00:25:58.420 --> 00:25:59.960 He is worth trusting. 00:26:01.119 --> 00:26:02.119 He is worth giving 00:26:02.119 --> 00:26:04.139 all your life to. 00:26:04.759 --> 00:26:06.399 And there's no greater way 00:26:06.399 --> 00:26:08.779 to celebrate Christmas. 00:26:09.759 --> 00:26:10.899 Man, wasn't the baptism 00:26:10.899 --> 00:26:11.559 fabulous? 00:26:12.680 --> 00:26:13.339 Wasn't that wonderful? 00:26:14.779 --> 00:26:15.680 And I told them 00:26:15.680 --> 00:26:16.420 before they baptized 00:26:16.420 --> 00:26:17.200 I said listen 00:26:17.200 --> 00:26:19.859 when somebody asks you 00:26:19.859 --> 00:26:22.079 when you gave your life 00:26:22.079 --> 00:26:22.579 to Christ 00:26:22.579 --> 00:26:23.599 when you got saved 00:26:23.599 --> 00:26:24.240 don't tell them 00:26:24.240 --> 00:26:25.099 about your baptism. 00:26:27.140 --> 00:26:27.920 Because before 00:26:27.920 --> 00:26:29.200 we ever baptize you 00:26:29.200 --> 00:26:30.839 there's come a point 00:26:30.839 --> 00:26:31.420 in your life 00:26:31.420 --> 00:26:32.240 when you've surrendered 00:26:32.240 --> 00:26:32.799 your life 00:26:32.799 --> 00:26:33.980 to the Lord Jesus Christ 00:26:33.980 --> 00:26:35.740 and give Him control. 00:26:36.240 --> 00:26:37.759 And all we did today 00:26:37.759 --> 00:26:39.819 was obediently 00:26:39.819 --> 00:26:40.900 follow His leadership 00:26:40.900 --> 00:26:43.259 and let other people know 00:26:43.259 --> 00:26:44.480 the difference 00:26:44.480 --> 00:26:45.680 Christ has made in us 00:26:45.680 --> 00:26:47.440 personally and privately 00:26:47.440 --> 00:26:49.240 but make that known publicly. 00:26:49.240 --> 00:26:49.859 publicly. 00:26:51.039 --> 00:26:52.019 Have you ever given 00:26:52.019 --> 00:26:52.700 your heart and life 00:26:52.700 --> 00:26:53.120 to the Lord? 00:26:54.579 --> 00:26:55.620 I want you to know 00:26:55.620 --> 00:26:56.319 the invitation 00:26:56.319 --> 00:26:57.519 for you to come to Him 00:26:57.519 --> 00:26:58.240 is open. 00:26:59.160 --> 00:27:00.579 You can come to Christ today. 00:27:00.720 --> 00:27:01.380 He'll accept you 00:27:01.380 --> 00:27:02.380 the way you are 00:27:02.380 --> 00:27:03.519 and He'll make you 00:27:03.519 --> 00:27:04.420 to be what He'd have you 00:27:04.420 --> 00:27:04.680 to be. 00:27:04.759 --> 00:27:05.559 He'll change 00:27:05.559 --> 00:27:07.480 your life. 00:27:07.920 --> 00:27:08.599 Meet you right 00:27:08.599 --> 00:27:09.160 where you are. 00:27:09.660 --> 00:27:10.480 I gotta clean up 00:27:10.480 --> 00:27:10.940 some things. 00:27:11.059 --> 00:27:11.579 No, no, 00:27:11.660 --> 00:27:12.799 you can't clean it up. 00:27:13.859 --> 00:27:14.779 Only by Him 00:27:14.779 --> 00:27:15.640 can you be clean. 00:27:16.599 --> 00:27:17.660 Have you done that privately 00:27:17.660 --> 00:27:18.759 but never made it public? 00:27:19.960 --> 00:27:21.600 I told these baptism candidates, 00:27:21.700 --> 00:27:21.880 I said, 00:27:21.940 --> 00:27:23.259 you're gonna influence somebody 00:27:23.259 --> 00:27:24.980 by your willingness 00:27:24.980 --> 00:27:26.400 to be bold in your faith. 00:27:27.820 --> 00:27:29.680 Have you made a private decision 00:27:29.680 --> 00:27:30.759 but never made it public, 00:27:30.940 --> 00:27:32.000 biblically public? 00:27:33.100 --> 00:27:34.180 That'd be the case you come. 00:27:34.259 --> 00:27:35.259 Maybe God's drawing you 00:27:35.259 --> 00:27:36.200 to be a part of this fellowship. 00:27:37.660 --> 00:27:38.620 You know that God 00:27:38.620 --> 00:27:39.360 would have you to be 00:27:39.360 --> 00:27:41.000 in this place 00:27:41.000 --> 00:27:42.940 to join us in the journey. 00:27:43.480 --> 00:27:44.620 God's doing great things here. 00:27:44.680 --> 00:27:45.120 I thank God 00:27:45.120 --> 00:27:45.700 for what He's doing. 00:27:45.700 --> 00:27:47.759 May we go 00:27:47.759 --> 00:27:48.840 in His speed 00:27:48.840 --> 00:27:51.319 and jump on board 00:27:51.319 --> 00:27:52.279 if God's leading you 00:27:52.279 --> 00:27:53.039 to do that. 00:27:53.120 --> 00:27:54.559 Maybe there's burdens 00:27:54.559 --> 00:27:55.279 that you have, 00:27:55.640 --> 00:27:56.200 things you need 00:27:56.200 --> 00:27:56.880 to get right. 00:27:57.740 --> 00:27:58.580 These steps 00:27:58.580 --> 00:27:59.660 can make for a 00:27:59.660 --> 00:28:00.480 makeshift altar 00:28:00.480 --> 00:28:01.220 for you today. 00:28:01.799 --> 00:28:02.420 You can just come 00:28:02.420 --> 00:28:02.940 and bring that 00:28:02.940 --> 00:28:03.400 before the Lord. 00:28:03.440 --> 00:28:04.220 I'll be happy to pray 00:28:04.220 --> 00:28:05.059 with you if you'd like. 00:28:05.660 --> 00:28:06.660 I have no idea 00:28:06.660 --> 00:28:07.660 what God's telling you 00:28:07.660 --> 00:28:08.640 but I know you'll never 00:28:08.640 --> 00:28:09.640 be satisfied 00:28:09.640 --> 00:28:10.840 until you follow 00:28:10.840 --> 00:28:11.640 His will and His way. 00:28:12.740 --> 00:28:13.380 Lord Jesus, 00:28:13.500 --> 00:28:14.019 I love you 00:28:14.019 --> 00:28:15.139 and I thank you Lord 00:28:15.139 --> 00:28:15.779 for the opportunity 00:28:15.779 --> 00:28:16.299 you give us 00:28:16.299 --> 00:28:17.240 to celebrate Christmas 00:28:17.240 --> 00:28:19.440 not only on December the 25th 00:28:19.440 --> 00:28:20.619 but throughout our lives 00:28:20.619 --> 00:28:22.779 because our Redeemer came. 00:28:24.039 --> 00:28:25.059 Help us, oh God, 00:28:25.099 --> 00:28:26.099 to celebrate that today 00:28:26.099 --> 00:28:26.720 with commitment, 00:28:26.920 --> 00:28:27.500 Father, I pray. 00:28:28.160 --> 00:28:29.700 In Jesus' precious name, 00:28:29.839 --> 00:28:30.079 Amen. 00:28:30.079 --> 00:28:30.200 Amen. 00:28:30.200 --> 00:28:31.240 Amen. 00:28:49.140 --> 00:28:51.180 Amen. 00:28:51.220 --> 00:28:51.360 Amen. 00:28:51.519 --> 00:28:51.700 Amen. 00:28:51.720 --> 00:28:52.900 Amen. 00:28:53.000 --> 00:28:53.759 Amen. 00:28:53.860 --> 00:28:54.259 Amen. 00:28:54.259 --> 00:28:55.059 Amen. 00:28:55.140 --> 00:28:55.920 Amen. 00:28:56.259 --> 00:28:56.740 Amen. 00:28:56.740 --> 00:28:57.200 Amen. 00:28:57.200 --> 00:28:59.259 Amen. 00:28:59.259 --> 00:28:59.400 Amen.