Christmas - It's Time!

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

- Isaiah 7:14

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

- Matthew 1:23

Immanuel: A Hebrew name meaning “God with us.”

God with us - Christmas time is about God.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

- John 1:1

58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

- John 8:48

God with us - Christmas time isn’t just about presents; Christmas is about God’s presence.

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

- Hebrews 4:15-16

God with us - Christmas time is about God’s gift to us.

Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! 9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.

- Psalm 137:7-10

Ready for Lights

Difficulty might be on your doorstep.

Then the Lord said to me, “Take a large tablet and write on it in common characters, ‘Belonging to Maher-shalal-hash-baz.’ 2 And I will get reliable witnesses, Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah, to attest for me.” 3 And I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the Lord said to me, “Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz; 4 for before the boy knows how to cry ‘My father’ or ‘My mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be carried away before the king of Assyria.”

- Isaiah 8:1-4 ESV

Distress can rule the day.

They will pass through the land, greatly distressed and hungry. And when they are hungry, they will be enraged and will speak contemptuously against their king and their God, and turn their faces upward. 22 And they will look to the earth, but behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish. And they will be thrust into thick darkness.

- Isaiah 8:21-22

9 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.

- Isaiah 9:1-2

God wants to be with us. 

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.

- Isaiah 7:14

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

- Isaiah 9:6

God brings His light into our lives when we let Him reign.

7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

- Isaiah 9:7

The "Altared" Dreams of Joseph

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was betrothed to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. 19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because the child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin shall be with child and shall bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.

- Matthew 1:18-25

Sound betrothal.

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was betrothed to be married to Joseph…

- Matthew 1:18a

A sense of betrayal.

…but before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.

- Matthew 1:18b

A solid breakup.

19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because the child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin shall be with child and shall bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

- Matthew 1:19-23

Seamlessly bound.

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.

- Matthew 1:24-25

The Lost Art of Gratitude

27 And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres. 28 And the sons of the singers gathered together from the district surrounding Jerusalem and from the villages of the Netophathites; 29 also from Beth-gilgal and from the region of Geba and Azmaveth, for the singers had built for themselves villages around Jerusalem. 30 And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and they purified the people and the gates and the wall. 31 Then I brought the leaders of Judah up onto the wall and appointed two great choirs that gave thanks. One went to the south on the wall to the Dung Gate. 32 And after them went Hoshaiah and half of the leaders of Judah

38 The other choir of those who gave thanks went to the north, and I followed them with half of the people, on the wall, above the Tower of the Ovens, to the Broad Wall,

40 So both choirs of those who gave thanks stood in the house of God, and I and half of the officials with me; 

43 And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.

- Nehemiah 12:27-32, 38, 40, 43

Gratitude - the act of feeling and communicating appreciation and thankfulness for.

Hindrances to giving thanksgiving:

• Busyness

• Forgetfulness

• Laziness

Impact of Thankfulness

• Inspires the believer

• Influences your family

• Influences society

Turning Temptation into Triumph

9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
- Matthew 6:9-13

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your Go and him only shall you serve.’”
- Matthew 4:1-10

3 Things to remember in regards to temptation

You are not Immune - God allows us to experience temptations and trials

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
- Matthew 4:1

You are not Unique - The temptations you experience are the same ones every human experiences.

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.
- 1 Corinthians 10:12

You are not alone - God is our deliverer and He is with you and is able to help you

God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
- 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
- Hebrews 2:17-18 (NIV)

The Heart of Forgiveness

“Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
- Matthew 6:9-13, ESV

21 “Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.

28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
- Matthew 18:21-35, ESV

Forgiveness is RELATING to others based on God’s MERCY toward US and RELEASING others to God’s JUSTICE.

“And out of PITY for him, the master of that servant RELEASED him and FORGAVE him the debt.”
- Matthew 18:27, ESV

“And in anger his MASTER delivered HIM to the jailers, until he should PAY all his debt.”
- Matthew 18:34, ESV

FORGIVENESS ISN’T the same as Justice.

Forgiveness ISN’T the same as RECONCILIATION or TRUST. (although in some cases, this can be re-established.)

We are ALL in DEBT.

“And forgive us our DEBTS, as we also have forgiven our debtors...”
- Matthew 6:12, ESV

“And out of pity for him the MASTER of that servant released him and forgave him the DEBT.”
- Matthew 18:27, ESV

“For the WAGES of SIN is DEATH, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
- Romans 6:23, ESV

“God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the OFFERING for our sin, so that we could be MADE RIGHT with God through Christ.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:21, NLT

“REPENT therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that TIMES of REFRESHING may come from the presence of the Lord...”
- Acts 3:19-20, ESV

Forgiveness Should be EXTENDED to Others.

14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
- Matthew 6:14–15 (ESV)

HOW should we forgive?

Intentionally (it’s a decision)

“And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.”
- Matthew 18:27, ESV

Repeatedly (it’s a process)

“Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but SEVENTY-SEVEN TIMES.”
- Matthew 18:21–22, ESV

Compassionately (From the heart)

So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
- Matthew 18:35, ESV

Restoratively (if possible)

Unforgiveness leads to TORMENT.

“And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
- Matthew 18:34-35, ESV

“Strive for PEACE with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “ROOT of BITTERNESS [poisonous]” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled…”
- Hebrews 12:14–15, ESV

SAMPLE PRAYERS:

For Personal Forgiveness:

“Father, in the name of Jesus, please forgive me for _______(describe what happened)______ . Thank you for forgiving me and for helping to live for you. Amen.”

For Forgiving Others:

“Father, in the name of Jesus, I choose to forgive___(person, yourself, or a situation) for _____(describe what happened)___________. Amen.”

All I Need

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.  Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

- Matthew 6:9-13

Acknowledge God is your provider. He intimately knows what you need and when to give it to you.

Confess your need to God. He is expecting it and is ready to provide. 

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

- Matthew 6:31-32

Trust God. He delivers daily.

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

- Matthew 6:33

The Power of Persistent Prayer

“And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

- Luke 18:1-8, ESV

1. Persistent Prayer Begins with RELATIONSHIP

“Pray then like this: “Our FATHER in heaven…”

- Matthew 6:9, ESV

“And will not God give justice to HIS ELECT...”

- LUKE 18:7, ESV

2. Persistent Prayer Allows God to CHANGE Something IN us.

• He “SENSITIZES” Us. (Our Heart)

• He STRENGTHENS Us. (To Obey)
  
  “And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly…”

  - Luke 22:41-44, ESV
  

• He SHAPES Us. (Our Character)
  
  “Through him [Jesus] we have also obtained access by faith into this GRACE in which we STAND, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces ENDURANCE 4 and endurance produces CHARACTER...”

  - Romans 5:2–4, ESV

3. Persistent Prayer Allows God to Change the World THROUGH Us.

“And will not God GIVE JUSTICE to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily.” 

- Luke 18:7-8, ESV

Create a V.I.P. List

• A V.I.P. List (or “Very Important Person” List) is a simple list of people who can commit to praying regularly to know Christ.

• Prayerfully consider at least five people that you believe God wants you to persist in praying for and write their names down in a notepad or in a note app.

• Take a few minutes to pray that God’s Kingdom will come and God’s will will be done in each person’s life. Also pray that each person would experience God’s love and commit to follow Jesus as Lord in their life. (Matthew 6:9-10, John 3:16, Acts 3:17, Romans 10:9-10)

• Think of a place and time where you can pray for these people regularly. (ex. Every Morning at home, Mondays during lunchtime at work, etc.)

Coming to God isn't Complicated

God wants us to come to Him.

And he left there and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, and crowds gathered to him again. And again, as was his custom, he taught them.

- Mark 10:1

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

- Revelation 3:20

We complicate things.

33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest.

- Mark 9:33-34

13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them.

- Mark 10:13

God wants us to approach Him like children.

14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

- Mark 10:14-15

35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”

- Mark 9:35-37

How do we practically pray like children?

• Children are honest about their feelings.

• Children play.

• Children blurt things out.

• Children are messy.

Be a Blessing

“This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

- Jeremiah 29:4-7 NIV

God’s people are commanded to work towards the good of others in their community.

“let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

- Matthew 5:16 NIV

Being a Blessing demonstrates God’s love and points people to Jesus.

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.”

- James 2:14-18 NIV

“…conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

- Philippians 1:27 NIV

Being a blessing opens doors for relationships to be built.

“…for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man.”

- 2 Corinthians 8:21 ESV

Relationships open the door for the Gospel to be preached. 

“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
- Mark 16:15 ESV

Being a blessing open’s the door for God’s provision.

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

- Philippians 4:19 ESV