THEME: - SHALOM

 25^TH DECEMBER 2022

THEME: - SHALOM

OCCASION: - CHRISTMAS DAY

SCRIPTURE TEXT

o       ISAIAH 9:2-7

o       TITUS 2:11-14

o       LUKE 2:1-14

 

OPENER: - “GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST AND ON EARTH PEACE TO MEN ON WHOM HIS FAVOUR REST.”

INTRODUCTION

WHAT IS PEACE?

Peace is the state of calm. Freedom from strife or discord; harmony in personal relationship with God (Life Application Study Bible)

EXPOSITION OF THE SCRIPTURE

Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom His favour rests.” Some of the Jews waiting for a Savior to deliver them from Roman rule; other hoped the Christ (Messiah) would deliver them from physical ailments. But Jesus, while healing their illnesses and establishing a spiritual Kingdom, delivered them from sin His work is far-reaching than anyone could imagine. Christ paid the price for sin and opened the way to peace with God. He offers us more than temporary political or physical change – He offers us a new heart that will last for eternity (Life Application Study Bible)

HOW DO WE KNOW THAT WE BADLY NEED PEACE?

Ø  Because we walk in darkness and live in the land of the shadow of death (Isaiah 9:2a and Matthew 4:15-16)

Ø  Because we are humbled (Isaiah 9:1)

HOW DO WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE PEACE?

We know that we have peace when…

o       We see great light (Isaiah 9:2b)

o       There is no more distress and gloom (Isaiah 9:1a)

o       We will be honored (Isaiah 9:1c)

o       We will be enlarged and our joy increased (Psalms 4:7; 119:162)

WHAT PREVENTS US FROM GETTING PEACE?

o       Fear (Luke 2:9b, 10a)

HOW CAN WE GET PEACE?

We can get peace when…

o       We call on the Lord … (Isaiah 62:6b; 60:18)

o   The angle of the Lord appears to us and the glory of the Lord shines around us (Luke 2:8,9)

WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN WE HAVE PEACE?

We shall…

o       Be glorious (Isaiah 9:1)

o       Praise the Lord (Luke 2:13-14, 20)

CONCLUSION

Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom His favour rests.” Amen

THE HOLY ONE OF GOD IN YOUR MIDST (Onyankopon Kronkronni no wo mo mfinimfini)

 Readings

Isaiah 7:10-16

Romans 1:1-7

Matthew 1:18-25

Memory Verse: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son and they will call Him Immanuel" - which means, "God with us"

Introduction 

The Holy one of God in this context is the son of God: Jesus Christ. This means that Jesus Christ is in our Midst. Amen.

Exposition of the texts

Matthew 1:12, the Virginia will be with child and will give birth to a son and they will call Him Immanuel - which means, God with us.

Jesus  means "the Lord Saves". Jesus  came to the earth to save us because we can't  save ourselves from sin and its consequences. Only Jesus can do that. Jesus didn't  come to help people save themselves; He came to be their Saviour  from the power and penalty  of sin, and then ask Him to take control  of your life.

Jesus will fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah, for He would be Immanuel (God with us Isaiah  7:14). 

Who is the Holy one of God?

He is a descendant of David and the Son of God: Jesus  Christ our Lord (Romans 1:2-4)

How did/is the Holy one of God come/coming in out midst?

By the means of the angel Lord appearing to us in a dream (Matthew 1:20)

When Mary gave birth to Jesus (Matthew 1:18,21a, 22, 23; Is 7:14; Luke 1:13; 2:11; Acts 13:23)

How can the Holy  one of God come in our Midst?

Unless we are  righteous(Matthew 1:19)

Unless we are called and set apart for the Gospel of God (Romans 1:1; Acts 9:15)

Expect we are obedient to the Lord and His Commandment (Matthew 1:24)

What are the benefits of the Holy one of God coming  in our Midst/what have we benefited as the Holy one of God is in our Midst?

He saved or will save us from our sins (Matthew 1:21b)

We will called to belong to Him the Christ (Romans 1:6-7)

Conclusion 

Matthew 1:23, the Virgin will be with child and will.give birth to a Son and they will call Him Immanuel - which means, God with us.

May the good Lord be with us and in our Midst. Amen!

Behold Your Promised Redeemer

 Readings 

Isaiah 35:1-10

James 5:7-10

Matthew 11:2-11

Introduction 

What is promise?

Promise means hope expectation or that which afford expectation or future distinction.

What is Redeemer?

Redeemer in Hebrew  is goel that is one charged with the duty of restoring the rights of another and avenging his wrongs (Numbers 5:8, Ruth 4:1) this title is peculiarly  applied to Christ. He redeems us from all evil by the payment of a ransom.

Exposition of the text

Isaiah 35:1 ... He will come to save you.

When the Lord comes, He will offer salvation. 

Who is the promised Redeemer?

As stated above, He is Jesus Christ (Mat. 11:2-3)

He is a prophet (Mat. 11:7-10)

What should  we do before the coming of the Promised Redeemer?

Be patient and stand firm (Jam 5:7-8; Dt. 11:14)

Don't grumble against each other (Jam 5:9; 4:11)

Evangelise the people of what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the Good News should be preached to the poor (Matthew 11:4)

What are the benefits for those who wait for the coming of the promised Redeemer?

They will be blessed (Matthew 11:6)

Conclusion 

Brethren be strong, do not fear, behold your Promised Redeemer will come with vengeance and divine retribution and save you from all kinds of problems. May ahead redeem as now and the days ahead.  Amen!