Christmas should not be focused on ourselves, on gifts, on lights, or anything else. These practices may not be wrong, but do they distract from the actual message of Christmas? Whatever our “Christmas practices” and our year-around lifestyle are, Hebrews 2 indicates that should emphasize these five essential facts about Jesus’ first coming.
Jesus Seeks a Sinful Man that Seeks After Him (Luke 19-10)
You may have heard of the account of Zacchaeus as a child. This man was hated by his countrymen for at least two reasons. First, he collected taxes for the occupying Roman government. He was a traitor in the eyes of those around him. Second, the way he gained his great wealth was by overcharging his countrymen when collecting taxes. They hated him as a thief. This man, short in stature, knew of his great sinfulness and sought to catch a glimpse of Jesus by climbing a tree. Jesus not only saw this man but went to his house. Zacchaeus believed and was changed forever. He made it right with everyone he cheated and gave his remaining money to the poor. God can save the worst of sinners, and thereby change worst of sinners.
Throughout history, as detailed in God’s Word, God has clearly indicated that our sins can only be paid for through the shedding of blood. All of history points to Jesus, the One who would come and shed His blood for our sins. We trace this wonderful plan through the Bible in 8 steps.
How was Abram (Abraham) saved in the Old Testament? By faith! We look at this key passage which is referred to in detail in the New Testament in several places. Salvation involves being fully persuaded that God can and will perform what He has promised.
If I cannot enter God’s kingdom the way I am, and if the Son of Man (God’s Son, Jesus) needed to die for me in order for me to be born a second time, what do I need to do? What do I do to let Jesus’ payment count for me? The Bible is very, very clear what my responsibility is.
Jesus explains the “second birth,” the spiritual birth, to Nicodemus. Nicodemus, as a teacher of Israel and a Pharisee, should have understood this all along. (His Pharisaical teachings actually clouded his understanding.) Salvation comes through believing in the only-begotten Son, Jesus, Whom God gave as payment for our sins.
A top religious leader of his day approaches Jesus with some serious conclusions. Jesus confronts him with THE key truth that he really needed in order to be able to enter the kingdom of God. What was that? A SECOND BIRTH…
We break down and look at a very well-known passage of Scripture – Ephesians 2:8-10. What do works have to do with salvation? What about grace or faith?
The resurrection of Jesus guarantees six things that YOU need to know.
Following our Christmas Puppet Program, I spoke briefly on the statements angels made to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. Listen to them. Listen closely.