Trinity Fellowship Church
Today we continue our study of the Christmas story and the impact it makes into our lives. "BECAUSE OF CHRISTMAS" we know that God doesn't abandon us, but rather He comes close, speaks to us, and guides us through life.
Matthew 2:1-12 NIV
BECAUSE OF CHRISTMAS . . . WE KNOW GOD GUIDES US!
Sermon Series: Message #2
Dr. Charles Hill — Trinity Fellowship Church
Sunday, Date 9, 2018
The Christmasseason is often filled with lots of travel. Max Lucado puts it. He says: Holiday Time is Highway Time!
And in a sense, that’s what the passage we’re going to look at today is all about. Because of Christmas, we know God guides us.
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ’Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, ’In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: ”And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.“’” “Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ’Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.’ After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.”
Matthew 2:1-12 (NIV)
God guides us to Jesus that we might find Him,
and upon finding Him, that we might respond and worship Him!
1. God guides, we must seek!
1-2 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”
Matthew 2:1-2 (NIV)
...When you search for me, you find me; if you seek me with all your heart.Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)
2. God guides, we must listen!
"And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.”
Matthew 2:12 (NIV)
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path"
Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
3. God guides, we must follow!
9 ...they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was.
Matthew 2:9 (NIV)
4. God guides, we must Worship!
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
Matthew 2:10 (NIV)
When God guides you and you discover Him in the midst, respond.
Be grateful. Show thanks. Worship. Give Him all you’ve got.