INTRODUCTION:  God’s promises are vital to the praying Christian. God’s people live solely by the promises of God, and not by explanation of them.

I. THE PROMISES OF GOD (v.4) ARE DESCRIBED AS BEING OF TWO TYPES: ⁽¹⁾Exceeding Great and ⁽²⁾Precious

      A. “Exceeding great”: ⁽¹⁾as to number (30 Thousand+) = 1 new promise each day for 82+ years) they’re also great ⁽²⁾as to scope.  Meaning they are superior to our need(s) or problem(s).

            1. Spirit is saying through Peter, “Whatever your need(s),¹God has plenty of promises [that are equal to or greater than your need (s)], ²find a promise(s) from the Word of God that corresponds to the need and claim it (them) before God in prayer, Who is faithful!“

             2. Naturally, questions arise; such as: ¹Are there such promises?  ²Are they for us today?   Answer to both questions is found in:

Eph. 3:20-21 “Now unto him that is ¹able (willing) to do exceeding abun-dantly above all that we ask or think], according to the power [“dunamis” – Holy Ghost power] that worketh in us,  Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus ²throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”

            3. Is He only able, OR Is He also willing? It is one thing to believe He is able, but quite another to believe He is willing!  God is willing! 

Rom. 8:32 “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”  [“Hard to imagine God not freely giving us all things.”]  Paul also said in:

2 Cor. 1:20 “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” Amen = So be it, it is as good as done.   Again Paul tell us:

Phillip. 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need (all kinds) according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus

      B. Second kind of promises are called “Precious Promises” = Precious means: dear (close to the heart), priceless, and costly.

            1. They were costly to God, yet He knew what He was doing!

            2. They are still dear to Him and should be priceless to us!

            3.God hasn’t forgotten He made them and doesn’t want us to! He even had them recorded for future generations. He doesn’t renege on His promises!

            4. God has every intention of keeping every promise and is able to do so; He is also willing!  Let us look now at some: 

II. EXCEEDING GREAT = Superior and Precious Promises

      A. Promises To Afflicted Saints

            1. Brighter Days

Psa. 30:5 “…weeping may endure for a night, but  joy cometh in the morning.”              2. Song: “The Sun’s Coming Up In The Morning.” Tomorrow can be a day of new beginnings!! Today can also!  He promises:

            3. Deliverance – Psa 34:19 “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: BUT the LORD delivereth him out of them all.”  He promises:

            4. The Comfort Of His Presence

Isa. 43:2 “When thou passest through the waters (ref. Israel & Red Sea), I will be with thee; and ²through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee (ref. Israel & Jordan River): when thou ³walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; (unheard of as of yet) neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”  Did God really mean it? Will He really do so?

               a. Ask the three Hebrews Boys, 109 years later, who found this promise to be great and precious!  [Jesus was the 1st man in the fire.] He promises:

            5. Sufficiency Of Divine Grace

2 Cor. 12:9 “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

               a. This promise was made to Apostle Paul, but it was recorded in the Word of God for our benefit because of its greatness and preciousness, and the scope of what it covers.

               b. It’s like a blank check on the Bank of Grace, signed by God Himself.

      B. GOD HAS MADE SOME SPECIAL PROMISES TO BELIEVERS:

            1. Unlimited blessings – Mark 9:23 “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”

            2. Answers To Prayer – Mark 11:24 “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

“Shall” puts it into God’s hand and leaves “when” up to Him. Listen again to:

Matt. 18:19 “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.”

            3. He promises: Spiritual Fullness  

John 6:35 “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth1 on me shall never thirst.”   Then again He said:

John 7:38 “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”    Find out what the Scripture says!

                  a. We must base what we believe on what the Scriptures say!

            4. He promises: Spiritual Light

John 12:46 “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.”

            5. He left us the: Promise Of An Eternal Home

John 14:1-3 “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. ²In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

            6. He Promises Final Deliverance from Sorrow And Pain 

Rev 21:4 “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

      C.  God’s Promise To Seekers

Luke 11:9 “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; Seek, and ye shall find; *Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (*polite, reverent, sincere knock).

Matt. 5:6 “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”  This includes being filled with Spirit.

Acts 2:39 “For the promise (Holy Ghost Baptism) is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”

       D. Promises For The Tempted

Luke 10:19 “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

            1. Claim that power, humble yourself, resist the devil and he will flee from you.  Let him know that the blood of Jesus is against him.

            2. He promises a way to escape  

1 Cor. 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

                  a. “To escape” means He provides the way, but we must do the escaping.  “Of escape” would have meant God does it all and we do nothing.

            1. Let’s look now at the:

II. PRECIOUSNESS OF THE PROMISES (That which makes them precious)

      A. We are assured of answers by Divine Ability

Rom. 4:21 “And being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform.”  He still has all power in heaven and in earth!

Josh. 23:14 “And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof.”

      B. They are Grounded In Christ

2 Cor. 1:20 “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”

III. OTHER PROMISES TO BE FOUND IN BIBLE – TO THOSE WHO AREN’T SAVED (These promises, all believers need to memorize)

      A. Promise To The Sinner

John 6:37 “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; andhim that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

      B. Promise To Backslider – Jer. 3:22“Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings.” =(Heal the hurts, and injuries caused by people, and those who are sick in spirit, discouraged, etc).

CONCLUSION:

      A. Which of the Promises of God would you like to claim in an altar of prayer? Salvation of  loved ones?  Personal salvation? Healing? 

            1. Needs too personal to mention openly.  Special needs that only He can meet?  

Rom 8:32 “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

      B. God’s people live on the promises of God, not explanations of when or how!  What have you been living on or waiting for?  Dare to believe God!!

      C. Sometimes we have to stretch our faith.  Faith puts God between us and our circumstances. Doubt puts circumstances between us  and God.

      D. Cast your cares and needs upon Him, He cares for you!!

Acts 2:16-21

INTRODUCTION: On the Day of Pentecost Peter experienced a first for him — “the enduement of power and anointing of the Holy Ghost.”

      A. Under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, Peter declared that what the people witnessed was the beginning of two important prophecies being fulfilled:

            #1. The outpouring of the Holy Ghost they had witnessed was in direct fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy, and would include “all flesh”, which he quoted from Joel 2:28-29.

            #2. The time pre-determined for the beginning of the last days had begun.

                  a. A time in which God would give: ¹the last revelation of His Divine will, and ²the last revelation of His grace.

      B. Peter interpreted the events of Pentecost as the “afterwards” of Joel 2:28.

            1. He indicated that the revelation had ushered in the dispensa-tion, known as the “last days” which embodied the “messianic era.’”

                  a. “Last days” was a phrase which was understood among the Jews as “the time of the Messiah”.

            2. In his statement, “This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel”,Peter declared not only that the prophecy which Joel delivered so long ago was, at that time, beginning to be fulfilled;

            3. It was also proof that Jesus, whom they had crucified, was the Messiah and that He arose from the dead and was alive and at the right hand of God in Heaven as man’s high priest and intercessor with the Father.

      C. Peter’s expression, “This is that” seems to indicate his limited understanding of what had transpired.

           1. BUT, He was about to witness and to experience the “dunamis (dynamic) power” that Jesus had promised in Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:8.

           2. Had they asked the question “What meaneth this” months later, Peter’s sermon would have been more extensive than what it was on the Day of Pentecost.

            3. We now know that Joel’s prophecy held wonderful promises for believers as well as a solemn warning concerning the last days. Let us consider first:

I.  THE WONDERFUL PROMISE – “I will pour out My Spirit.”

      A. “Pour out?”  How is this possible?  He is the Third Person of the Godhead.  How can such an expression apply to the Person of the Holy Ghost?

            1. The Spirit of God is not only “personality” He is the”energy” and “power” of God.

            2. “Pouring out His Spirit” is a pouring out of the mysterious personal energy and power of God.

            3. “Pour out” in scriptures conveys the idea of “communicating largely or freely,” as water flows abundantly and freely from a fountain. 

                  a. In reference to the Holy Ghost, it means that God will bestow large measures of spiritual energy and influences upon believers.

Luke 24:49 “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued [Grk. clothed upon (in the sense of sinking into a garment)] with power from on high.”

                4. To “endue” also means to “endow somebody or something with an ability or quality.”

Acts 1:8 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me…”

            5. “Power” [Grk. wd. “dunamis] meaning: miraculous power; ability, abundance, meaning, might / (worker of) miracle (-s), / power, strength, violence (explosive), mighty (wonderful) work.

                  a. Same word we get our English word “dynamite” from.

            4. Jesus promised to endue “clothe” the Church with [explosive, dynamic] power; power to animate and activate with ability, authority, and strength.

      B. Does the church lacks this animating power today. Is this the reason it’s not active? Have we lost sight of its availability, and our need of it?

John 15:16 “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained [given authority] you, that ye should go  and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”

            1. In order for the church to carry out its God appointed task, Jesus not only ordains us, He empowers us.

            2. He does so in order to make us dynamic and enterprising for Him.

            3. It is then that we can obey His command to “go” and make disciples, and then teach them to observe all things whatsoever He commanded.

      C. In the Old Testament period the Spirit of God came and rested (sat) upon His chosen servants, as the situation required.

            1. It was the miraculous power that activated Samson, David, Daniel, Gideon, and many others with ability, authority and strength for their God appointed work.

            2. Beginning with Pentecost and continuing throughout the last days, the Spirit is to be “poured out” in abundance upon “all flesh” (believers, regardless of nationality).

                  a. This includes the poor, un-informed, unlearned and not, as the Jewish rulers taught, “Just upon the wise, the privileged persons and classes of Jews.”

      C. Just as Jesus poured out Himself without measure for man’s re-demption, God has poured out His Spirit without measure for all be-liever’s enlightenment, guidance, and enduement of power for service.

II. THE EXTENT OF THIS OUTPOURING – “UPON ALL FLESH”

      A. All types of humanity – black, brown, red, white, and yellow. There is no respect of persons with God, with the exceptions of the unsaved and unsanctified.

2 Tim 2:20-21 “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”

1 Thess. 4:7 “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.”

Acts 2:39 “The promise is to you and to your children, and to as many as the Lord our God shall call.” To your “sons and daughters, old men, young men, servants, and handmaids.”

            1. Acts 2:39 is what prompted Paul to ask the Ephesian believers (Gentiles) “Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?” (Acts 19:2)

      B. The results predicted — a carrying out of that which cannot be done apart from the operation and power of the Holy Spirit of Promise.  SUCH AS:

            1. “Your sons and daughters shall prophesy.”  Prophesy means: The uttering of words and thoughts by Divine inspiration, either fore-telling or forth-telling.

                 a. Forth-telling (witnessing) whether in a pulpit, coal-pit, in the home, or in the factory; Whether on the street, in the store, or in the sanctuary.

                 b. This is how decades ago, believers with less education and natural ability than you, and I, effectively reached their generation with the gospel message.

            2. “Your old men shall dream dreams.”  The old men may not be able to take part as previously in the fore-front of spiritual warfare, BUT God has ways of bringing refreshing to their weary hearts and receiving service and praise through them.

                  a. In the ministry of the Holy Ghost the elderly are not cast off because of their age. 

                  b. There is a place for them.  Thanks be unto his Name.  I don’t want to quit, nor do I intend to, even when I get old (older)!!

            3. “Your young men shall see visions.”  Young men who have received Christ, yielded to His call, and received the Holy Ghost should expect to have marvelous visions of possibilities in the world-wide harvest field.

                  a. This in spite of having no knowledge, experience, or under-standing of Divine things; just a vision of the potential of being used of God.

                  b. Have you had a vision of your potential, or your possibilities in the harvest?

Joel 2:28 “And upon the servants and the handmaids will I pour out my Spirit.”

                  c. The servants and the handmaids are not to be exempt from this spiritual endowment.  This means increased productivity and spiritual effectiveness in every sphere of spiritual work in the Kingdom.  Example:

Acts 6:3 “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business (serving tables).”

                  d. The Holy Ghost came to put a new and higher value upon all our activities in the Kingdom of God.  Has He yours??

      C. Questions: Have you have received the Holy Ghost? Have you been empowered by the Holy Ghost, and used of Him beyond your own abilities?  Can you testify about the outpouring of the Holy Ghost in our time or to the fulfillment of Joel 2:28-29?

            1. If so, your testimony and the infallibility of the Word confirm, and assure that the “Prophetic Outlook” in Joel 2:30-32 will also be fulfilled in these last days.

Joel 2:30-32 “And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned into dark-ness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. 32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered:..”

            2. In Joel’s Prophetic Outlook for the Last Days there is given:

III. A SOLEMN WARNING.

Joel 2:30 “I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth…before the great and terrible day of the Lord come.”

      A. There is coming a great day (for Christ and His Church) and a terrible day (for sinners and unbelievers) which shall be ushered in with:

            1. Signs and wonders in heaven, and earth, — blood (violence and bloodshed), and fire, and pillars of smoke (brought on by drought, food shortages, riots, oil wells burning, and war).

                  a. The turning of the sun into darkness and the moon into blood refers to a blocking of the sunlight and moon.

            2. The great and terrible Day of the Lord will come just as surely as the outpouring of God’s Spirit did on the Day of Pentecost.

            3. The Day of The Lord will be very different from this day of grace.

                  a. Now is the merciful day of the Lord, then will be the terrible day of the Lord.

            4. Listen to God when He speaks to you by His Spirit. Answer His call, repent, and be saved.

                  a. In these last days it boils down to “Get Right or Get Left!” Get in or be shut out!!

      B. If you have answered His call, sanctified yourself, and you’re filled with the Holy Ghost, then pray for a vision of being used of the super-natural power of God. 

            1. Regardless of your age, dream of God using you before it is too late for yourself or someone else.

                  a. Dream of being a dynamic and enterprising witness for Him.

Acts 2:21 “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 

            2. It is our responsibility to get people to call upon the Lord that they might be saved. Isn’t it time you prayed and sought God that you might receive the “dunamis power” to be able to do so.  Tell God that you want all that He has for you, so that you can do all that He want you to do for Him.                  

3. If you’re not right with God, then “Get Right or Get Left.”

INTRODUCTION:

      A. We all know that kids have a hard time waiting for Christmas.

            1. Admittedly, whether you are an adult or a kid, it can be difficult? Sometimes we adults act like children when it to comes to Christmas.

      B. Let me ask you some questions?

            1. What are you hoping and waiting for this Christmas?

            2. What are you expecting to receive? Are you looking forward to some-thing special this Christmas?

      C. In our text we read about two people who made their appearance in the final acts of the Christmas drama recorded in Luke chapter 2.

            1. One is a man named Simeon; the other is a woman named Anna.

            2. Have you noticed that they don’t appear in any nativity scenes or in many if any Christmas cards, but they are significant players in the first Christ-mas pageant?

            3. Both of these individuals were waiting for something — actually, they were waiting for someone.

      D. Luke uses the Greek word for anticipation (pros-dekh’-om-ahee), which identifies them as waiting with confidence for the coming of the Messiah.

            1. We see this Greek word in Luke 2:25 in reference to Simeon where we read that “He was waiting…” and in Luke 2:38 to describe a woman named Anna who was, “…looking forward to…”         

            2. It literally means that they were “alert and confident of His appear-ance, and ready to welcome Him.”

I. Simeon WAS Waiting For Comfort

      A. We’re introduced to Simeon in Luke 2:25. “Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon Him.”

            1. Simeon was righteous before people, and he was devout in His relationship with God.

      B. Things hadn’t been going well for the nation of Israel for centuries.

            1. In fact, they hadn’t heard from God for 400 years and were under Roman rule.

            2. They had lost their political independence and were living in fear of the capable, and cruel King Herod

            3. And many were wondering if the Messiah would ever come. But not Simeon!! WHY WAS SIMEON DIFFERENT??

      C. Simeon had good reason for his hope and anticipation:

Luke 2:26 “It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.”

            1. Simeon’s expectation focused on the comfort that Christ would bring.

            2. Among the Jews of Simeon’s day one of the popular titles of Messiah was Comforter.

            3. Like some of the Christmas songs we sing, they were longing for the Messiah to come and bring His comfort to them.

The desire to be comforted is a universal human need. We all struggle with lone-liness, emptiness, insecurity, even desperation. In fact, the Christmas season is one of the major crisis times of the year for depression and suicide.

      D. The Holy Ghost prompted Simeon to go to the temple courts at just the right time, on just the right day that Joseph and Mary were bringing the infant Christ Child to the Temple.

            1. When Simeon looked at the baby Jesus, (now about 6 weeks old), he knew that God’s promise had been kept.

            2. Here was Immanuel, “God With Us,” who was to make everything right, to provide significance again for the Jews by His presence, and to eliminate their rejection, fear, and loneliness.

            3. Simeon reached down and took Jesus out of Mary’s arms and began to praise God.

Luke 2:28-32 “Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.”

 Let me pause here and ask those who are parents, “How would you feel if some old man came up to you, took your infant in his arms and started singing out loud?”

                 a. I’m sure this was a bit unsettling for Joseph and Mary. But Simeon didn’t look all that dangerous.

            1. As he broke out in praise, he acknowledged that God had not only fulfilled the individual promise to him, but also the promises of the prophets to send the Anointed One to comfort both Jews and Gentiles.

      E. The other person waiting with anticipation for the Messiah was the Anna.

            1. She was looking forward to the same person as Simeon, but with a different orientation.

II. Anna WAS Waiting foR REDEMPTION

      A. Instead of looking for comfort, as Simeon, Anna was looking for forgiveness.

Luke 2:38 “And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption [forgiveness] in Jerusalem.”

The word redemption is related to the idea of captivity. The Old Testament Passover and the release of Israel from Egyptian slavery stood in Anna’s day as the ultimate redemption and the symbol of God’s power to release captives. Ultimately, Passover pointed ahead to that day when God would provide true deliverance – deliverance from the slavery of sin.

      B. After her husband died, Anna dedicated herself to fasting, and praying.  

Luke 2:37 “And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which de-parted not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.”

            2. When Anna saw Jesus, the long awaited Messiah, she gave thanks to God and spoke “of Him to all who were waiting for redemption.”

                 a. For Anna, there at last was the One who would save His people from their sins.

III. THE COMING OF Jesus still Provides What man Needs

      A. When Jesus came He provided the very things that Simeon and Anna were waiting for — God’s comfort and His forgiveness.

            1. Let me ask you a question: What are you really in need of this Christ-mas? Is it spiritual, emotional, or physical? Whatever it is, Jesus can give it to you.

      B. Can any of you identify with Simeon this Christmas season?

            1. Are you, like so many who, are really hurting right now? You feel lonely, empty, afraid, and maybe maxed out.

            2. In these uncertain economical times, do you need some comfort, or a little consoling that God is in control of your life and will take care of you?

            3. Do you need a fresh sense of God’s presence?

            4. If so, you can find what you’re looking for in Jesus. He came to console us right where we are.

      C. Maybe you identify more with Anna.

            1.  Are you plagued with guilt this Christmas because of something you’ve done or the way you’ve been living?

            2. Do you feel like you’re trapped in a pattern of sin or addiction that you can’t break out of?

            3. If you need forgiveness, Jesus can give it to you today. I can think of no better time than this Christmas season to do just that

IV. Steps OTHERS have TAKEN AT CHRISTMAS

      A. There are three action steps to be gleaned from this passage that will help you experience God’s comfort and forgiveness this Christmas.

      B. Step #1 – Become a “marveler” like Joseph and Mary.

            1. When Joseph and Mary tried to process everything that was happen-ing, they “marveled” at what was said about Jesus.

Luke 2:33 “And Joseph and His mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of Him.”

      2. According to the dictionary, to become a “marveler” is to be filled with wonder, astonishment, and surprise.

            a. Will you be a marveler this Christmas? Or, will you be too caught up in the busyness and stress of the season?

            b. Have you already started running around because of the Holidays, or are you taking the time to make Christmas a “holy” day?

            c. Has Christmas for you become too predictable, too familiar? Have you heard the Christmas story so much that it no longer overwhelms you?

            d. There is a danger that our customary celebration of Christmas in the giving and receiving of gifts can immunize us to its reality.

            e. We hear just enough of the story each year to inoculate us against the real thing, so that we never really catch the true Christmas passion.

Here’s an idea that may help you recapture the marvel of Christmas. Pick one of the Christmas characters and put yourself in their sandals. Imagine what it must have been like to witness the Christmas story first hand. Go ahead; pick one — Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds, Simeon, Anna, or the Wise Men.

      C. Step #2 – Become a “mover” like Simeon and Anna

           1. Both Simeon and Anna were movers. When the Holy Spirit prompted them to move, they didn’t sit still.

Luke 2:27 “And he (Simeon) came by the Spirit into the temple:.,”

Luke 2:38 “And she (Anna) coming in that instant [moment] gave thanks likewise unto the Lord,…”

I wonder what would have happened if they had not responded? Actually, come to think of it, every one of the Christmas characters responded to the Spirit’s leading ­with the exception of Herod.

            2. Mary was ready to move when she said to the angel, “May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 2:38)

            3. Joseph demonstrated that he was a mover when he woke up from his dream and “…did what the angel of the Lord had commanded and took Mary home as his wife.” (Matthew 1:24)

            4. The Shepherds were movers as well when they said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened…” (Luke 2:15)

            5. The wise men saw the star and moved out of their comfort zone to find the King of Christmas.

      D. When God prompts you to do something, then you need to do it. It might mean salvation for you or some of your family or friends.

           1. It might mean full surrender for others as well as for you.

           2. Or, maybe the Spirit wants you to be more involved in serving people.

           3. Do you sense Him asking you to do something today? Are you a mover? Are you willing to move?

           4. Don’t procrastinate when God prompts you to do something — you may miss out on a miracle this Christmas.

           5. What Simeon told Mary about Jesus must have taken her breath away.

 Luke 2:34 “…this child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will spoken against…”

That’s not really a joyful Christmas greeting, is it? Simeon is not saying, “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.” Rather, he pauses, clears his throat and tells her that Christmas will never be merry and the New Year will never be happy until people get moving and surrender their lives to Christ.

      E. Since Jesus has entered the world, He has divided the human race; splitting them in two camps.

            1. Jesus has caused the falling and rising of many. How you ask?

                  a. Because of who Jesus is and what He came to do, He forces people to make a decision about Him.

            2. The Bible uses powerful imagery; ­ Jesus is either a rock that you build your life upon (that’s the sense of rising), OR he’s the Rock that you stumble over (that’s the meaning of falling).

      F. Jesus is constantly calling each of us to spiritual and moral decisions, and ­ based upon our willingness to move and respond, we will either rise or fall.

         1. You can’t stay neutral about Jesus; you are either for Him or against Him.

         2. You’re moving closer to Him, or further away. You either have the Son or you don’t.

      G. Step #3 – Is to Become a Messenger

Luke 2:38 “And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”

            1. Do you have family and friends who are caught up in the customary preparations for Christmas?

            2. Is it possible that deep within them are longings that really represent an inner search for comfort and forgiveness — those things that only He, the Messiah, can provide?

            3. God wants each one of us to become messengers of the Christmas story.

Conclusion:

     A. As you and I become marvelers, the wonder of Christmas will astonish us.

           1. Then, as we become movers, our needs for comfort and forgiveness will be met.

           2. As we take our role as messengers seriously, we’ll be in a position to introduce others to the Christ of Christmas — so that they in turn can find what they have been looking and waiting for.

      B. Christmas is a marvelous, moving, message of God love! It’s only in knowing Him and His love that we can find what we’ve been looking for.

            1. How can we keep quiet about it? Once you have the Son, you have everything. Read the following story and allow it to speak to you:

Whoever Takes the Son

Many years ago, there was a very wealthy man who shared a passion for art collecting with his son. They had priceless works by Picasso and Van Gogh adorning the walls of their family estate.

As winter approached, war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram. His son had died.

Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Christmas holidays with anguish and sadness. The joy of the season had vanished with the death of his son.

On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man. As he walked to the door, the masterpieces of art on the walls only reminded him that his son was not coming home. As he opened the door he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hands who said, “I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you.”

The soldier mentioned that he was an artist and then gave the old man the pack-age. The paper gave way to reveal a portrait of the man’s son. Though the world would never consider it the work of a genius, the painting featured the young man’s face in striking detail. Overcome with emotion, the man hung the portrait over the fireplace, pushing aside millions of dollars worth of art. His task completed, the old man sat in his chair and spent Christmas gazing at the gift he had been given.

The painting of his son soon became his most prized possession, far eclipsing any interest in the pieces of art for which museums around the world clamored.

The following spring, the old man died. The art world waited with anticipation for the upcoming auction. According to the will of the old man, all the art works would be auctioned on Christmas Day, the day he had received the greatest gift.

The day soon arrived and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world’s most spectacular paintings. Dreams would be fulfilled that day.

The auction began with a painting that was not on anyone’s museum list. It was the painting of the man’s son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid, but the room was silent. “Who will open the bidding with $100?” No one spoke. Finally someone said, “Who cares about that painting. It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s move on to the good stuff.”

The auctioneer responded, “No, we have to sell this one first. Now, who will take the son?” Finally, a neighbor of the old man offered $10 dollars. “That’s all I have. I knew the boy, so I’d like to have it.”

The auctioneer said, “Going once, going twice…gone.” The gavel fell.

Cheers filled the room and someone exclaimed, “Now we can bid on the real treasures!”

The auctioneer looked at the room filled with people and announced that the auction was over. Everyone was stunned. Someone spoke up and said, “What do you mean, it’s over? We didn’t come here for a painting of some-one’s son. There is millions of dollars worth of art here! What’s going on?”

The auctioneer replied, “It’s very simple. According to the will of the Father, whoever takes the son…gets it all.”

Puts things in perspective, doesn’t it? The message is the same this Christmas. Because of the Father’s love…whoever takes the Son gets it all.

Will you take Him this Christmas?

You’re invited to a birthday party this Christmas. It’s the birthday of Jesus.

It’s His party ­but He wants to give you a present. He wants to give you the gift of Himself. Will you take Him? �x

INTRODUCTION:
A. It has been said, “Perhaps no single verse of Scripture enhances more fully the meaning of Christ’s coming from the heights of glory to accomplish man’s redemption, than does this passage.”
B. It sets forth very clearly the reason of His GREAT SACRIFICE–“for our sakes (benefit).”
1. He did for us what we could not do ourselves — He satisfied the demands of His Holy Heavenly Father.
a. An angel could not do it; another human being couldn’t do it – only Jesus!
1. In the text Paul states three tremendous facts concerning Christ’s coming in grace. In these he magnifies “THE GRACE OF OUR LORD.” They are:

Open entire sermon PDF THE GRACE OF OUR LORD

Luke 12:13-21

I. INTRODUCTION:

A. We say things that never come to pass. WHY?
1. Primarily, due to a lack of authority, or the failure to exercise it; OR in most instances it’s from a lack of power, resolve, or resources.
2. On the other hand, by comparison, what God says will and does come to pass. For example:
a. In Gen. chap. 1 we see creation taking place at God’s word; then again in Gen. 2:17 what God told Adam and Eve came to pass; and the list goes on.

B. J.F.B. Commentary: “These words flowed from Jesus’ heart and lips at a time when He had begun to speak out more plainly than ever before.”
1. Reason: He was nearing the end of His ministry on earth.
2. As we near the Return of Christ, ministers need to speak out more plainly than ever before!!

C. If there has ever been a generation or a time when people need to hear and heed these words of Jesus, it is in these times and in our generation. WHY? There are several reasons: 1. Jesus gave this parable to reveal the dangers that lurk in a covetous heart.
2. Covetousness is the opposite of thankfulness, which is characterized by giving of thanks because of being thankful, and content with what we have.
a. Placing material things over personal relationships has disastrous consequences; as seen in marriages, families, and one’s relationship with God.
3. Apostle Paul warns us that in the last days “men shall be lovers of their own selves, coveteous.., unthankful, and unholy, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.”(2 Tim 3:2)
a. These maladies characterized the rich farmer in this parable, and so many people today.
b. Of all the generations to live upon the earth, ours has more, so much more, to covet (and ways to have the things which are coveted)…than perhaps any other generation.

Open Entire Sermon PDF – BUT GOD SAID

2 Cor. 5:9-10

INTRODUCTION: Scripture teaches us that the Second Coming of Christ will consist of two stages: (#1) the Rapture, when He comes as a thief, and (#2) the Revelation, when He comes in clouds of glory at the end of the tribulation.

A. Most of the preaching done today about Christ’s Second Coming has to do with world conditions (signs) at His coming OR conditions in the Church at the time of the rapture.

B. Even more preaching is done on the subject of what will take place on earth during the tribulation period. (Mark of Beast, antichrist, etc.)

C. The question needs to be asked and answered: “What will take place in heaven after the true believers, that are raptured, meet the Lord?”

Open Entire Sermon PDF – WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN AFTER THE RAPTURE

Romans 8:28-29

I. INTRODUCTION: What this verse has meant to me.

A. At the time of his writing to the Church at Rome Paul had never been to Rome to preach, BUT HE WAS ANXIOUS TO GO THERE!
Rom 1:15 “So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.”
1. One can sense the excitement in Paul over the prospects of preaching the gospel message to them at Rome. He was so excited that—

B. In the first chapter of Romans he set out to introduce his 1Christ and the 2gospel message to them in the letter, rather than waiting until he went to Rome.
1. Paul didn’t exaggerate in his introduction of Jesus nor of the gospel message.
2. Rom 1:4 “And declared to be the Son of God 1with power, 2according to the spirit of holiness, 3by the resurrection from the dead.
a. Jesus’ resurrection made a statement to the O.T. Church and world about 1who He was and 2about the importance of holiness.
b. Jesus’ resurrection is a standard for our resurrection – “according to the spirit of holiness.” [Spirit – Grk. “Pneuma” = mental disposition, vital principal.]
c. Christ’s resurrection made a statement about who He was and how God feels about holiness.
d. Our resurrection OR transformation will make a statement to the N.T. Church and the world when the Rapture takes place.

Rom 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

(The Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation because its message is about Christ, who is the Son of God with power – Who gives men power to become the sons of God!!

3. Paul would have them and us to understand that the gospel message is the power message. The power message for deliverance for the people of God, as well as salvation for the sinner
C. We need to understand what this means for the Christian [if we don’t know], and to be reminded if we do know. It means:

Open Entire Sermon PDF – VICTORS AND NOT VICTIMS

I COR. 3:10-15

INTRODUCTION:

A. The sum of a man’s life is the works that he has done during his life-time, whether good or bad.
1. This means: The judging of our works is also a judging of our lives.
2. Since our works will be judged by fire we must conclude that our lives will also be judged by fire. Hence the title of this message: “HOW TO BUILD A FIRE-PROOF LIFE.”

B. The fiery test is not to reveal whether we are Christians or not, but whether our works as Christians are a credit to Christ or not.

C. Paul, “as a wise master builder”, under the inspiration of the Spirit, pro-vides believers with several fundamental facts concerning: (1)what the Christian’s life and work is to be; (2)WHAT HE IS TO BUILD UPON, AND 3HOW – IF HIS LIFE’S WORK IS TO STAND THE TEST BY FIRE AND BE REWARDED.

Open Entire Sermon PDF – HOW TO BUILD A FIRE PROOF LIFE

Genesis 2:19-20a

INTRODUCTION: Scientist tell us that today there are over 3500 different mammals, 8600 species of birds, and 5500 species of reptiles and amphibians for a total of 17,600 different species (plus the possibility of 1000’s of extinct ones). (If Adam named 500 per DAY (for 8 hrs. a day) it would require 35 days).
This tells us one thing: Adam’s task was no small one! How did he do it?

A. There are 3 schools of thought as to how he was able to accomplish such a task:
1. J.F.B. = “His powers of perception and intelligence were super-naturally enlarged to know the habits, characters, and uses of each specie that was brought to him.”
2. Matthew Henry = “This scripture gives proof that Adam was endued with knowledge and the faculties both of reason and speech.”
3. “Man was created in knowledge after the Divine image and thus was endowed with powers of perception and discrimination, by which he could know the habits, characters, and uses of the species.”

B. All will agree that Adam’s abilities to name “every living creature” indicates:
1. That Adam must have had a tremendous vocabulary. YET,
2. In spite of this there were seven simple words, unknown and not under-stood, by Adam prior to his fall in the Garden of Eden. How do we know?
a. Simply because they are words most of us know the meaning of; (no thanks to Adam).
b. Thus the title of this message “SEVEN MISSING WORDS FROM ADAM’S VOCABULARY”. These words were:

Open Entire Sermon PDF – SEVEN MISSING WORDS FROM ADAM’S VOCABULARY