The Speaking God

Posted on February 19, 2017 by pmayfield

Message by Rev. Richard Jones

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The Speaking God

 Psalm 19

Psalm 19:1-14 (ESV)
1  The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
2  Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.
3  There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.
4  Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,
5  which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
6  Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7  The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
8  the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9  the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.
10  More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
11  Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12  Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
13  Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
14  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

God speaks through nature:

Declares His Glory

Psalm 19:1-6

God speaks through Scripture:

Proclaims His Character

Psalm 19: 7-13

Psalm 147:19-20 (ESV)
19  He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and rules to Israel. 20  He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his rules. Praise the LORD!

Psalm 119:105-106 (ESV)
105  Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 106  I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules.

We Speak Before God

With Humility and Honor

Psalm 19:14 (ESV)
14  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

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Wilderness Witness

Posted on February 12, 2017 by pmayfield

Message by Rev. Richard Jones

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Wilderness Witness

Acts 8:26-40

Introduction…
Acts 8:4-8 (ESV)
4  Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.
5  Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.
6  And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did.
7  For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.
8  So there was much joy in that city.

 

An Unusual Command

Acts 8:26 (ESV)
26  Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place.

 

An Unusual Visitor

Acts 8:27-28 (ESV)
27  And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship
28  and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah.

 

An Unusual Opportunity

Acts 8:29-31 (ESV)
29  And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”
30  So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
31  And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

 

An Unusual Passage

Acts 8:32-35 (ESV)
32  Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth.
33  In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.”
34  And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?”
35  Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.

 

Isaiah 53:1-12 (ESV)
1  Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
2  For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.
3  He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4  Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.
5  But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
6  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned””every one””to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7  He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.
8  By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people?
9  And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.
10  Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
11  Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.
12  Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.

 

An Unusual Response

Acts 8:36 (ESV)
36  And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?”

Acts 8:38 (ESV)
38  And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.

 

An Unusual Transport

Acts 8:39-40 (ESV)
39  And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.
40  But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
15  but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

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Welcome Pastor Jones

Posted on February 10, 2017 by pmayfield

Cross Road Christian Fellowship

Announces

Richard Jones, Senior Pastor

Richard and wife Susan desire “to reach people with the message of Christ and to build-up believers into useful servants of God.”

They are from First Baptist Church Douglasville and were both active participants in their church for many years.  Richard led an adult Sunday school class, was church moderator, has been a deacon, sang in the choir with Susan, supply preached in his home church as well as neighboring churches, and has been a substitute Bible teacher in three local Christian high schools.

Reverend Jones is a graduate of Luther Rice College & Seminary where he received a Master of Arts in Christian Studies and previously graduated from Auburn University in 1976 with a BA in Communications.

Cross Road Christian Fellowship is blessed to receive them into their church family.

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Our Ultimate Choice

Posted on February 5, 2017 by pmayfield

Message by Dr. David Drake

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Series: “Inside / Out”

Living Today the Life of Jesus

A Study Through The Sermon On The Mount

 

Our Ultimate Choice

 Matthew 7:24-29

 Matthew 7:24-29 (NASB)
24  “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.
25  “And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.
26  “Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
27  “The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell””and great was its fall.”
28  When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching;
29  for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.

 

 

 In their book, “How To Make The Right Decisions,”

John Arnold and Bert Tompkins relate seven (7) points

in achieving good decision making. 

One of their points was …

You base a good decision on the adequate amount of information. 

 

 

Notice Jesus ends His sermon on the mountain

with the word … Therefore. 

He states that pointing back to everything

He has just preached to the people. 

Our ultimate choice is based on

the solid adequate information we have heard from Him. 

 

 

Notice …

 

I. The Similarities / Comparisons In His Invitation

 

1. Foundations are presented in both cases

2. Instructions have been given in both cases

3. Everyone has an opportunity to hear and respond

4. Storms in life come equally upon all people

 

 

II. The Contrasts In His Invitation

 

Responses are different in both cases ( acts upon them / does not act upon them)

Wise man vs. Foolish man

Foundation of rock vs. Foundation of sand

Outcomes are different in both cases (did not fall / it’s fall was great)

 

 

 QUESTION … Why do people respond to their destruction?

 

1. They trust in “idle words” of men … Matthew 7:21

(it is fully embracing terminology)

2. They trust in “religious” activity … Matthew 7:22

(it is fully engaging in pious acts)

3. They do not trust in Christ alone … Matthew 7:23

 

Application …

1. Every choice you make is your “testimony”

2. Every chosen foundation will determine your life’s

direction and eternity

3. Every outcome of every person has an effect on the lives of others (vs. 25b, 27b)

 

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Living Sacrifice!

Posted on January 29, 2017 by pmayfield

Message by Rev. Claude Mathis

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Living Sacrifice!

Romans 12:1-2

Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)
1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)
5  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

 

1. Urgency!

 

 

2. What is God”™s expectation for believers?

 

Examples:

Noah

Abraham

Joseph

Moses

Three Hebrew Children

Jesus

Luke 9:23 (KJV)
23  And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

 

 

3. Why should we strive to live up to God”™s expectation?

 

Grace                                                  Mercy

Romans 6:23 (KJV)
23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 1:16 (KJV)
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.

 

 

4. How can we accomplish God”™s expectation?

 

Don”™t yield to the world.            Yield to the Holy Spirit.

 

How?

 

Renewing our minds

Romans 12:2 (KJV)
2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

 

 

 

 

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Our Eternal Journey

Posted on January 22, 2017 by pmayfield

Message by Dr. David Drake

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(Note: recording begins @ 01:00)

 

 

Series: “Inside / Out”

Living Today The Life Of Jesus

A study through The Sermon On The Mount

Matthew 5-7

 

 

Our Eternal Journey

Matthew 7:13-20

 

Matthew 7:13-20 (NASB)
13  “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.
14  “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
15  “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
16  “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?
17  “So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.
18  “A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.
19  “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20  “So then, you will know them by their fruits.

 

 

C.S. Lewis, in his book, The Screwtape Letters said:

“The safest road to hell is the gradual one,

the gentle slope, soft underfoot,

without sudden turnings,

without milestones, without signposts!”

 

 

I. Man’s Destruction … ” Exit from life “

vs. 13

 

Three (3) Questions:

 

1. Where do you start?

“A wide gate and a broad way …”

 

2. What are the results?

” …leads to destruction …”

 

3. Who gets involved?

” …many who enter …”

 

NOTE … Question … “How can this happen to people?”

Answer … It can occur from who we listen to and believe in!

 

Three Truths about False Prophets

1. False prophets are not what they appear to be … Matthew 7:15

(they appear “harmless” but are “harmful”)

Ref. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

 

2. False Prophets can be better seen than heard … Matthew 7:16-18

(their lives are a “revelation” and a “production”)

Ref. Jeremiah 23:1-2

 

3. False Prophets will always get what is coming to them … Matthew 7:19-20

(they will be judged and identified for what they say and do)

Ref. Deuteronomy 13:1-5

 

 

II. Christ’s Instruction … “Enter Into Life”

vs. 14

 

Three (3) Questions

 

1. Where do you start?

“A small gate and a narrow way …”

 

2. What are the results?

” … leads to life …”

 

3. Who gets involved?

” … and few that enter …”

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Paul’s Prayer

Posted on January 15, 2017 by pmayfield

Message by Rev. Richard Jones

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Paul’s Prayer

Ephesians 3:14-21

Ephesians 3:14-21 (ESV)
14  For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,
15  from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
16  that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
17  so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith””that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18  may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
19  and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20  Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
21  to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

 

 

People of Praise

14  For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,

15  from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,

 

Provision of Power

16  that according to the riches of his glory

he may grant you to be strengthened with power

through his Spirit in your inner being,

2 Corinthians 1:8 (ESV)
8  For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.

2 Corinthians 4:7-9 (ESV)
7  But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
8  We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;
9  persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;

2 Corinthians 1:8-10 (ESV)
8  For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.
9  Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.
10  He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.

2 Corinthians 4:16 (ESV)
16  So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.

 

Person of Purity

17  so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith

 

Privilege of Promise

17  so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith

””that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

18  may have strength to comprehend with all the saints

what is the breadth and length and height and depth,

19  and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge,

that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

John 3:16 (ESV)
16  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

 

Possibilities of Providence

20  Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly

than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,

 

Pledge of Purpose

21  to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus

throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3:8-11 (ESV)
8  To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
9  and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things,
10  so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
11  This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord

Ephesians 3:14-21 (ESV)
14  For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,
15  from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
16  that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
17  so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith””that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18  may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
19  and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20  Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
21  to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

 

 

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A New Year…A New Beginning

Posted on January 1, 2017 by pmayfield

Message by Dr. David Drake

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A New Year…A New Beginning

Introduction…In 1843, Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” was published. The story line takes a man named Ebenezer Scrooge from his old ways of misery to a new man, almost “reborn” into a generous and tenderhearted friend of all. The “old” became “new.”

 

As today marks a brand new year on the calendar, we should approach these next 365 days with a new desire and hunger for at least three areas of our spiritual life ”¦

 

 

I. THERE SHOULD BE A NEWNESS IN OUR WORSHIP IN 2017

 

1. Our Worship Needs To Direct Us To God ”“ John 4:20-24

John 4:20-24 (NASB)
20  “Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.”
21  Jesus *said to her, “Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.
22  “You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.
23  “But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.
24  “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

 

Robert McAfee Brown: “The purpose of gathering together on Sunday morning is to praise God and to honor His name. This note is lacking in much contemporary worship. Church services are designed to ‘to do us good,’ or give us a spiritual shot in the arm. The emphasis is all upon US, and what WE get out of it. The center of attention in true worship is not to be us ”“ but God! Not our state of mind, but His glory comes first. The significant thing is that God is honored.”

“A high view of God leads to high worship and holy living, but a low of God leads to trivial worship and low living.” – Steve Lawson

“Worship is our first or foundational ministry. It is not our only ministry, but the one that all other spheres of ministry should be built upon.” – Carl Tuttle

 

2. Our Worship Needs To Focus Us On God’s Word ”“ Nehemiah 8:5-6, 8

Nehemiah 8:5-6, 8 (NASB)
5  Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up.
6  Then Ezra blessed the LORD the great God. And all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands; then they bowed low and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
8  They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading.

David Julius: “Worship is a picture at its best of Isaiah when the young prophet became aware of the Father; aware of his own limitations; aware of the Father’s directives; and aware of the task at hand.”

 

3. Our Worship Needs To Compel Us To Do God’s Will ”“ Ephesians 5:17

Ephesians 5:17 (NASB)
17  So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

 

Question ”¦ “What is the will of God?”

John 6:40 (NASB)
40  “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”

To KNOW God

To GROW in grace

To WALK with God

To FELLOWSHIP in prayer

To SERVE faithfully

 

 

II. THERE SHOULD BE A NEWNESS IN OUR WITNESS IN 2017

 

1. Our Witness Must Be ”¦ REAL! – Acts 2:47

Acts 2:47 (NASB)
47  praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

 

In Arthur Miller’s 1953 play, The Crucible, the statement is made: “There are many who stay away from Church these days because you hardly ever mention God anymore.”

 

James Pike in Look magazine said, “The 11:00 hour on Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in American life.”

 

Vance Havner said, “So much of the church is in the world and the world in the church that you cannot tell the difference between the two.”

 

2. Our Witness Must Have ”¦ PURPOSE ! – Acts 2:44-45

Acts 2:44-45 (NASB)
44  And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;
45  and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.

 

Jesus Christ ends his discourse to the Seven Churches in Revelation

by addressing the BEST and the WORSE of all the churches ”¦

 

Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7-13) ”¦ “Love for others …”

 

Laodicea (Rev. 3:14-22) ”¦ “Love for self …”

 

III. THERE SHOULD BE A NEWNESS IN OUR WORK IN 2017

 

 

1. The Work Of God In 2017 Involves ”¦ YOU! – Nehemiah 2:4-5

Nehemiah 2:4-5 (NASB)
4  Then the king said to me, “What would you request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven.
5  I said to the king, “If it please the king, and if your servant has found favor before you, send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.”

 

The Old Testament reveals many accounts of God using individuals for His work

 

Jesus Christ states in John 15:16: “You did not choose me, but I have chosen you and appointed that you should go and bear fruit.”

 

2. The Work Of God In 2017 Involves ”¦ US! – Nehemiah 4:6

Nehemiah 4:6 (NASB)
6  So we built the wall and the whole wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.

(Illustration: The Tiberius Diamond Factory in Israel)

 

3. The Work Of God In 2017 Involves ”¦ HIM! – Nehemiah 4:20

Nehemiah 4:20 (NASB)
20  “At whatever place you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.”

 

For This New Year, Let’s Remember ”¦

 

* God’s work must be done God’s way

* God’s work must be done in God’s timing

* God’s work must be done with God’s resources

* God’s work must be done for God’s glory

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Three Gifts At Christmas

Posted on December 25, 2016 by pmayfield

Message by Dr. David Drake

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Three Gifts At Christmas

 

Christmas is ultimately about a gift given.

Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)
6  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

 

*It was the Father who provided this gift.

*It was the Son (of God) who became this gift.

*It was the Holy Spirit that empowered this gift.

 

 

I. There were three gifts given at Christmas

 

1. Liberty (Bondage to Freedom)

Galatians 5:1 (KJV)
1  Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

 

2. Life (Death to Life)

Ephesians 2:4-5 (KJV)
4  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

 

3. Love (Rejection to Relation)

1 John 4:8-10 (KJV)
8  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
9  In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
10  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

 

 

II. There are three purposes for giving these gifts at Christmas

 

1. To bring God to man

Matthew 1:20-23 (KJV)
20  But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22  Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

 

 

2. To bring man to god

Colossians 1:19-22 (KJV)
19  For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
20  And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
21  And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22  In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
 

3. To bring God and man to the world

Matthew 28:18-20 (KJV)
18  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 

Posted in Messages | Comments Off on Three Gifts At Christmas

Christmas Is All About JESUS!

Posted on December 24, 2016 by pmayfield

Message by Dr. David Drake

rec1224-170744

Luke 2:1-20 (KJV)
1  And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2  (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3  And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5  To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6  And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15  And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16  And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17  And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18  And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19  But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

 

Christmas has always been here. 

Ephesians 1:4 (NASB)
4  just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. 

2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NASB)
13  But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.

Matthew 25:34 (NASB)
34  “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.


I. Jesus was born to a family.

Luke 2:1-7 (NASB)
1  Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.
2  This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3  And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.
4  Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,
5  in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.
6  While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.
7  And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 

 

Why?

This was done to reveal the very power of God.

Luke 1:26-37 (KJV)
26  And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27  To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
28  And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29  And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
30  And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31  And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33  And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34  Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35  And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
36  And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37  For with God nothing shall be impossible.

 

II. Jesus was announced to a world.

The greatest message ever told was given to shepherds…

A Savior has come to redeem the world! 

Luke 2:15-20 (KJV)
15  And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16  And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17  And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

 

 

The message was announced to Wise Men…

A Sovereign has come to be worshipped! 

Matthew 2:1-2 (KJV)
1  Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2  Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

 

He is the Jesus of ALL mankind!

 

 

III. Jesus was destined for a cross.

Revelation 13:8 (KJV)
8  And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

John 3:16 (KJV)
16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

The sphere of God’s love…the world.

The object of His love…whosoever.

The purpose of His love…to give everlasting life.

 

 

 

 

 

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