Glad-Tidings-We-Bring

Introduction Pastor celebrates last week’s harvest (33,000 in-person; 692 salvations) and warns against treating holy moments as common. Begins Advent series built around the angels’ four-part proclamation: “Fear not, good news, great joy, all people.” Today’s focus: “Fear Not.” Acknowledges modern culture’s anxiety epidemic and media-driven fear. Scripture References Luke 2:1–14 2 Timothy 1:7 Romans 3:25 Genesis 3:10 Exodus 12 Joshua 1:9 Matthew 1:23 John 1:29 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Romans 8:1 Romans 8:38-39 Jeremiah 29:11 Key Points / Exposition 1. God Is For Us—The Atoning Savior “Unto you is born … a Savior” (Luke 2). Jesus’ Aramaic name Yeshua derives from the verb yasha, “to rescue.” Romans 3:25: Christ presented as a sacrifice of atonement. Explains atonement (“at-one-ment”)—reconciling sinners to God. Biblical panorama of the spotless lamb: Genesis 3 – God covers Adam & Eve with a slain animal. Abraham & Isaac – substitutionary sacrifice on the mountain. Exodus 12 – Passover blood on doorposts prefigures the cross. John 1:29 – “Behold, the Lamb of God.” Crucifixion at 3 p.m.—exact hour Passover lambs were slain; temple veil torn, ending separation. Announcement to Bethlehem shepherds (summer) likely addressed men raising sacrificial lambs—God signaling obsolete sacrifices. Result: “No condemnation” (Romans 8:1); fear loses its legal right. 2. God Is With Us—The Incarnate Emmanuel “You will find a baby …” (Luke 2) + Matthew 1:23: Emmanuel, “God with us.” Incarnation (Latin carne = flesh): God con-carne—God in flesh. 2 Timothy 1:7 contrasts Holy Spirit of peace with demonic spirit of fear. Repeated biblical command (366 times): “Fear not … for I am with you.” Personal illustrations: Dad walking with frightened child into the dark; presence, not denial, removes dread. Pastor’s life-review: wife’s cancer scare, infertility/adoption journey, leadership through COVID—evidence of divine companionship clearer in hindsight. 3. God Is Over All—The Sovereign Lord Angels call Jesus “Christ the Lord.” Lordship = absolute ownership of every square inch. Caesar’s census moves Mary & Joseph 95 miles to fulfill Micah’s Bethlehem prophecy; massive empire-wide decree orchestrated for one blue-collar couple. Corrie Ten Boom’s flea-infested barracks: what they begged God to remove became the shield that allowed underground worship and evangelism. Key takeaway: To receive “peace that surpasses understanding,” we relinquish the right to understand and trust His providence. Major Lessons & Revelations Fear is a spirit that prophesies lies; the Holy Spirit counters with truth and peace. Jesus’ birth, life, and death complete God’s centuries-long redemptive pattern—fear is disarmed at the cross. Divine presence (Emmanuel) is the most frequent biblical antidote to fear. God’s sovereignty repurposes even unwanted “fleas” into instruments of salvation. Practical Application Monitor Inputs: Limit fear-inducing media; remember “If it’s free, you’re the product.” Replace Acronym: Shift from “False Events Appearing Real” to “Father Eternal Almighty Reigns.” Declare Scripture: Verbally claim promises (2 Tim 1:7; Rom 8:38-39; Josh 1:9). Celebrate Miracles: Record and revisit past deliverances; celebration perpetuates faith. Practice Gratitude: Obey 1 Thess 5:16-18—even for the “fleas.” Conclusion & Call to Response Christmas proclaims: God is for you (atonement), with you (incarnation), and over all things (sovereignty). Release fear, embrace the Prince of Peace, and step into courageous discipleship. Invitation extended to trust Christ, the Lamb who ended separation. ...

Introduction Series context: “Christmas at the Movies” — using modern films to illuminate biblical truths, mirroring Jesus’ parable method. Seasonal focus: the angelic proclamation that Christ’s birth brings “good news of great joy for all people.” Opening week emphasis: the “all people” element—God’s heart to reach every person wrestling with loneliness. Film illustration: Home Alone. Beneath its humor lies the universal ache of isolation heightened during Christmas. Scripture References Luke 2:10 Genesis 2:18 Genesis 1–2 Ecclesiastes 4:8–12 2 Timothy 4:16–17 Matthew 1:23 Hebrews 13:5 2 Corinthians 2:10–11 James 3:14–15 Ephesians 4:26–27 Key Points / Exposition 1. Loneliness: The Hidden Christmas Crisis Cultural misconception: depression, anxiety, guilt named most, yet loneliness ranks highest during holidays. Biblical insight: God’s first “not good” (Genesis 2:18) addresses human aloneness—even in Eden’s perfection. Home Alone scene: Kevin’s wish to be rid of his family mirrors our own impulse to escape relational strain. 2. We Were Created for Two Core Relationships With God: Genesis 2 imagery—God forms Adam from dust and breathes “ruach” (spirit) into him, face-to-face. True fulfillment flows from restored intimacy with the Creator. With People: Imago Dei means community. Attempting to replace people with work, wealth, or technology (Ecclesiastes 4:8) leaves the soul empty. 3. The Dangers of Isolation Ecclesiastes 4: A lone person toils without satisfaction, falls without help, and stands undefended. Kevin’s carefree solitude devolves into fear and vulnerability once “wet bandits” invade—cinematic metaphor of spiritual attack. Apostle Paul’s testimony (2 Timothy 4:16): “Everyone deserted me.” Experiencing the worst kind of loneliness—rejection. 4. The Healing Pathway a. Forgive Those Who Abandoned You Paul’s choice: “May it not be held against them” (2 Timothy 4:16). Spiritual warfare link: unforgiveness invites demonic influence (2 Corinthians 2:10-11; James 3:14-15; Ephesians 4:26-27). Truth: Holding a grudge keeps you frozen in the past; forgiving releases heaven’s freedom into your present. b. Recognize God’s Immediate Presence Paul: “The Lord stood at my side and gave me strength” (2 Timothy 4:17). Christmas name: Emmanuel—“God with us” (Matthew 1:23). Promise: “Never will I leave you” (Hebrews 13:5). Loneliness is answered first by divine companionship. c. Turn Misery into Ministry God often converts deepest pain into greatest calling. Paul’s prison loneliness birthed epistles that still disciple the church. Christmas outreach: countless neighbors, coworkers, widows, single adults need tangible friendship and gospel hope. Major Lessons & Revelations Loneliness is a spiritual and relational deficit, not just an emotional state. Forgiveness is a decisive spiritual act that shuts demonic doorways and ushers in freedom. Jesus’ incarnation proves God’s willingness to enter our loneliness and stay beside us. Ministry to others is God’s antidote to self-focus and an avenue for personal healing. Practical Application Conduct a relational inventory; list names that stir resentment and verbally release forgiveness. Set daily reminders of God’s presence—read Matthew 1:23 each morning, pray “Thank You that You are with me.” Identify at least one lonely person (elderly neighbor, single coworker, estranged family member) and: initiate a visit or call this week, invite them to a Christmas service, serve a practical need (meal, ride, small gift). Join or host a small group to embed yourself in ongoing Christian community. Conclusion & Call to Response Christ’s birth heralds glad tidings for “all people,” including the lonely. Freedom begins with receiving God’s forgiveness, extending that forgiveness to others, and stepping into community. The sermon concluded with an invitation to salvation—crossing the line of faith into relationship with Jesus—followed by public declarations of that decision. ...