The Magi’s Meaning

 The Magi’s Meaning

Matthew 2:1-11

Hearers of the Word:

Theme:  For the believer to have a greater understanding and appreciation for the wise men from the east. 

I. Who Are These Magi?

        a. The myths

        b. The Purpose:  

                i.  Worship

                ii. King Makers

Keynote: The Magi were the kingmakers, and no one could become king unless they appointed them king.

II. Jesus deserves Royal honor

III. Jesus receives Royal honor

Doers of the Word:

1. Explain in your own words the myths you have heard concerning the Magi?

2. In your personal study this week study the magi.  Pay special attention to the biblical accounts of them.  Helpful studies include the journey, origins, and gifts.   These men provide the royal honor that is due to Jesus.  

3. In your personal study this week study Matthew 2.  Read also Jeremiah 39,  Daniel chapters 2, 4, 5, and 6.   Esther 1; Acts 8; Acts 13.

A Theology of Christmas Part B

 A Theology of Christmas Part B

Philippians 2:5-11

 

Hearers of the Word:

 

Theme:  For each of us to embrace the real story of the birth of Christ and to make no mistake about the genuine significance of it. 

 

I.               He Abandoned A Sovereign Position v6

 

II.             He Accepted a Slave’s Place v7

 

III.             He Associated with Sinful People v7-8

 

IV.            He Adopted Selfless Posture V 8

 

V.             He Ascended a Supreme Prince v 9-11

 

Doers of the Word:

 

1.       Explain in your own words the condescension of Jesus Christ?

 

2.      In your personal study this week read 2 Corinthians 8:9. Consider the riches of Christ and what He gave up for your sake.  Write in your own words and knowledge exactly what Christ gave up  in surrender so that we might gain salvation?

 

 

2a.  How does that make you feel?

2b.  How should you respond in light of the condescension of Jesus Christ?

3.      In your personal study this week read John 15:20.   Pastor Steven taught us that Jesus came to earth and accepted a slave’s place. Jesus taught that his disciples are no better than the master. So, what does this say about your spiritual walk and goals as a follower of Jesus?

 

3a.  Are you growing as a servant of the Lord?

3b.  How can you approach a new year and give more than you get?  Can you lift your eyes and see what Jesus sees?

 

 

 

 

A Theology of Christmas {Part A}

 A Theology of Christmas  {Part A}

Philippians 2:5-11

Hearers of the Word:

Theme:  Christmas has always had its critics and those who wanted to diminish its impact upon this lost world. Today, it is my prayer that the importance of the birth of Christ be fully realized not just in our heads but in our hearts and hands as well.

1. He Abandoned A Sovereign Position v6

To be Continued…

Doers of the Word:

1. Explain in your own words the condescension of Jesus Christ?

2. In your personal study this week read 2 Corinthians 8:9. Consider the riches of Christ and what He gave up for your sake.  Write in your own words and knowledge exactly what Christ gave up in surrender so that we might gain salvation?

2a.  How does that make you feel?

2b.  How should you respond in light of the condescension of Jesus Christ?

God Is At Work, Even When We Don’t See Him!

 God Is At Work, Even When We Don’t See Him!  

John 9:25-41

 

Question for Consideration:  If God is at work how can I see him?

 

I.      CLEAN YOUR GLASSES
Spiritual Reality:  Narrow thinking blocks your view

II.     ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES

Spiritual Reality:  Involvement opens your eyes

 

III.  CLOSE YOUR MOUTH

Spiritual Reality: Meaningless talk blurs your vision 

 

IV. Open Your Mind

Spiritual Reality: An open mind, opens your heart and an  
        open heart opens your eyes.

 

V.  Stand On Your Story

      Spiritual Reality:  Your story reinforces God’s Work

 

How to stand on your story:  

A.    Relay our experience

B.    Refused to be intimidated

C.     Reject rejection

 

 

Statement of Truth:

Theoretical knowledge without practical application is dangerous.

 

POINT TO PONDER:

Here is the deal: they reject him, but he rejected them.

D.    Respond  to Jesus

VI.  Hymble Your heart

      Spiritual Reality:  A humble heart responds to Jesus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

God At Work wk2

See God Working 

John 9:1-23

 

Question for Consideration

If God is at work how can I see him?

 

I.    CLEAN YOUR GLASSES
Spiritual Reality:  Narrow thinking blocks your view

II.     ROLL UP YOUR Sleeves

Spiritual Reality:  Involvement opens your eyes

 

III.  CLOSE YOUR mouth 

Spiritual Reality: Meaningless talk blurs your vision 

 

5  Ways Our Words Work Against God’s work:

1.    Skeptical words: Cause us to doubt the possibility

2.   Critical words:  Cause us to doubt the people 

3.   Cynical words: Cause us to doubt the people’s hearts

4. Complaining Words:  Cause us to doubt the sustainability

5.    Consuming words: Cause a fire to BURN anything left

 

 

IV. Open Your MIND

Spiritual Reality: An open mind, opens your heart and an open heart opens your eyes.

 

 

Statement of Truth:  

Nothing is harder to change than self-deception

God At Work Wk 1

God is At Work   {Part A}

John 9:1-

 

 

THEME:

God is Still on His throne and He is Always at work

 

Question for Consideration

If God is at work HOW can I see him?

 

 

 

I.      CLEAN YOUR Glasses

Spiritual Reality:  Narrow thinking blocks your view

 

 

 

II.  ROLL UP YOUR Sleeves

 

      Spiritual Reality:  involvement opens your eyes

 

 

 

To be continued...