Spirit of Christmas Luke 1:46-56

Sermon Nuggets Mon Dec 19 THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

Verses- Luke 1:46-56 And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

Spirit of Christmas

At this time of year we hear a lot about the spirit of Christmas.

What does it mean? Ebeneezar Scrooge was contacted by the spirits of Christmas past, present, and yet to come. In Dicken's classic story, the Spirit of Christmas is a ghost.

You might see advertisements talking about given the spirits of Christmas and what they are selling are liquor; Christmas cards depict the spirit of Christmas as love, sharing, giving.

Of Course the Bible does give us an understanding of the ‘spirit’ of

Christmas. This is different also from the Holy Spirit, although He is involved in everything that surrounds the first Christmas story.

John MacArthur reminds us that "the Spirit of Christmas is a relationship with God out of thankfulness for His salvation. It is praise, a time of worship and filling with the beauty of the Holy Spirit. It is being filled with wonder, and awe at the work of God through Jesus.

The one who was closest with Jesus at that time of course was his mother Mary. And what does she do? She magnifies the Lord. She knew that she would bear God's son. What was her response? "Why me? I can't believe it." She, by her own words, felt unworthy of such a great honor. Let’s look at her song of praise as it reminds us of reasons for rejoicing this and every season.

She begins by acknowledging the joy of her heart and soul. The first thing that comes into her mind when Elizabeth greets he and calls her blessed is praise to God for his salvation. Redemption has come. God is coming to save his people. Her heart is centered on God.

I admit that too often people would have our hearts centered on the externals not the internals. I am not one who thinks the celebration should be banned, as some Christians do, anymore than I feel music should be banned because there is a danger of centering our attention on the beauty of the voice, song, music, instruments and not on the Lord. These are vehicles that can be used for worship. But we need the reminder of the one to whom all of this is dedicated. For the Christian the joy of the season is worthy of celebration, decoration, and symbols around which we can converse and discuss the reason for celebration to our children and to one another. But let’s remind ourselves that Mary's deep desire is to honor God and love him. It is not a shallow superficiality. We worship God in spirit and in truth.

This song is often called the Magnificat Latin meaning to magnify or lift up the Lord. You have a magnifying glass it brings things into focus in a larger way than how we have seen them before. Worship is lifting up and extolling and magnifying the Lord in a larger way that we do normally. I think that is an appropriate purpose of the Spirit of Christmas. It is a time to remind ourselves of the plan of God to save a lost world.

Salvation is the heart of the purpose for Jesus to come into the world. Jesus says, ”the son of man has come to seek and to save that which is lost.” The praise that God desires is because this is His plan. He plans to redeem and save. There is salvation in no other.

To declare the salvation of the Lord is to do so in the real spirit of Christmas.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Dec 20,

Verses- Luke 1:47-49 And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me-- holy is his name.

Grateful for Grace

Mary, the mother of Jesus, recognizes God as her savior, meaning she needs salvation too. She calls God her savior. She knows she is a sinner who needs saving. She is like any other human being.

She does not exalt herself, Elizabeth only recognizes how blessed she was and indeed she was. Nowhere does the attention of praise ever fall on the angels, on Mary on Joseph, on the priest, on the King only on Christ.

The verb tense in the Greek of praise or magnifies the Lord is a continuous action. She magnifies the Lord and keeps on doing it.

I wonder how many rejoice this season because the coming of Christ meant salvation for them. Have you responded to the good news personally? Have you repented of your sins and called upon God to be your savior? That is the root of all praise for we cannot really praise the Lord unless His Spirit lives within and that cannot happen until we commit ourselves to Him.

"..for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant." From now on all generations will call me blessed. for the Mighty One has done great things for me--holy is his name."

Grace is the giving of God that is so undeserved by mankind. Mary is humbled. Indeed, true worship comes from a humbled heart for the more we lift up God the more we recognize our unworthiness for we are not special but God is. She recognizes and is grateful for God’s work in her life. Out of that realization we are fortunate blessed people because of God's grace. Mary had done nothing to deserve the tremendous gracious gift of God.

Now to be sure, God would not have chosen someone who did not have upstanding character and a heart for God. But there were many God could have chosen. She was not a slut, or a profane woman. She had the character that God wanted to raise Jesus from infancy into adulthood. She had a love for God and a servant’s heart. She regarded her lowly estate: she is a handmaiden, a servant, willing to obey and do what God wanted. Only the truly humble can give true worship because when they see Gods' greatness they see their own weakness and undeserving of grace.

Luke 14:11 says, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Ish. 57:15 tells us "For this is what the high and lofty One says-he would live forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite." It is the humbled who recognizes the grace of God.

There is great joy realizing that we have been so blessed beyond what we deserve. If one thinks that he deserves a raise, he isn't nearly as excited about getting one as the fellow who didn't expect or even think he should get one.

Certainly we cannot be compared to Mary who was the mother of the Lord, but do not forget God dwells within us as believers. If we are partakers of the Holy Spirit what more can we desire by way of favor from God? We bear a close a relationship to Christ as did the virgin mother. It is a grace given to us so undeserved but indeed made into flesh as we demonstrate God's grace to the world within our own lives.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Dec 21

Verse Luke 1: 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

Grateful for God's Mercy.

Part of Mary’s song of praise included her thoughts toward God’s mercy. When I think of mercy I think of first, the forgiveness of God. If someone is merciful they are kind even though the other person doesn't deserve their kindness. It is not getting what they deserve. They deserve punishment, they do not get punishment. If I want the judge to be merciful it implies that I have done some wrong and I hope that he will not be harsh with me. If I want mercy from someone I do not want the worse or worse things to happen.

Forgiveness is the means of God’s mercy. Yesterday we addressed the subject of grace when Mary got this unexpected surprise of being the very one chosen to receive the babe. Mercy is recognizing this is undeserved. She felt this ought not to happen to her. When we fear, honor, love, respect the Lord when we are contrite we are seeking forgiveness for our sins and repentance implies the desire to turn from them.

I think of a comment made by Florence Littauer "I used to gather up my husband Fred's faults with the fervor of a child picking berries. I had a whole shelf of overflowing baskets before the concept of forgiveness fell heavily upon me. To be spiritual I plucked out a few of Fred's faults and forgave them, but I didn't want to clear the whole shelf. Where would I go for future reference material?"

Mary is impressed with the mercy of God in working with His people. Eph 2:4 illustrates God's mercy in this way. "But because of his great love for us. God, who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved.”

Grace is given us what we do not deserve, salvation. Mercy is not giving

us what we do deserve, death.

John Prussing told of a woman who complained to a neighbor about receiving poor service at a local pharmacy, intending that her complaint would be repeated to the druggist. The next time the woman went into the

store, the druggist greeted her warmly, told her how much he appreciated her business, and filled her prescription immediately. He added that if he could do anything to help her family, she should be sure to call on him, even if it was after store hours.

The woman mentioned the improvement to her neighbor. "It certainly worked, your repeating my dissatisfaction to him."

"Well, no, I didn't do that”, replied her friend. "Instead, I told him you were impressed with the way he had built up his business, and that you felt his was one of the best-run drugstores you'd ever dealt with." The woman showed mercy. He didn't get what he deserved, but by receiving mercy he responded in kindness.

Instead of being full of judgment God has dealt mercifully with mankind by giving us a means whereby we can be forgiven. Instead of covering up sin and ignoring it and pretending it doesn't exist, we can face it and get it cleaned up and out and have those burdens lifted. God is merciful.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Dec 22

Verses- Luke 1: 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

54 He has helped his servant Israel

Grateful for God's Power

Mary continues her praise to God for his unbelievable power. She reflects in her song to God of what he has and will do for her and for others. She mentions seven things.

1) Has performed mighty deeds with his arm. 2) Scattered those who are proud in their inner thoughts 3) Brought down rulers from their thrones

4) Lifted up the humble. 5) Filled the hungry with good things 6) Sent the rich away empty. 7) Helped his servant Israel

E. Stanly Jones said, "The Magnificat is the most revolutionary document in the world." Why? Because of power against pride. Jesus came to earth to bring death to pride. Jesus knocks the props out of each one of us and says if you are a man or woman of faith; it is shown in your servant spirit, in your humble attitude. He brings down rulers. If you are not sure of that look at the regimes of Hitler, of Mussolinni, or of the communist countries that five years ago seemed like such a threat. Do you known when the rulers of Iraq was brought down, at God's timing.

However, have you thought when the ruler of the United State will be brought down? It will be.

Think for a minute of the rulers and kings that were involved during the time of Christ. There was Herod he was so threatened that he had all the babies killed. Still Christ overcame.

There was Pilate, he had not more power than what God would allow and finally allowed him to be put to death. He mistakenly even thought he had that power, yet he was overcome when Christ arose. Herod, Festus, Agrippa, Caesar and Nero all tried to do away with Christ and his followers. He has brought down rulers from their thrones and lifted up the humble. In that final spiritual conquest when the last of days are done; the mighty forces of this world, defeated, God's humble children have won."

There is a revolution against the rich. The love of Christ is demonstrated toward those who are generally poor, hungry, lost, sinners coming to Christ bring them hope to the hopeless.

How odd that someone like Mary should be picked, a simple poor woman. Joseph was only a carpenter. Disciples were fishermen, tax collector, a political zealot. In fact the whole Christmas story is not to the priests, Sanhedrin ministers, wealthy, but surrounded by shepherds, stable, straw.

Those who find themselves all self-sufficient will find themselves empty. Jesus came also to release the captives. Jesus has come by his power to make all the wrongs of society right again, all the things that are unfair just, and to overturn the oppression and prepare for the way of the final judgment of the righteousness of God. Are you ready?

Mary saw God at work. She became mindful of his power. She was to conceive of a child without having sexual relationship with a man. It was a miracle to recognize the virgin birth of Jesus. He was powerful. It was nothing she did. It was something by the sovereign grace of God that happened to her. That brought her to personal praise to God. It also brought her to reflect over the experiences of God throughout the ages.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Dec 23

Verses- Luke 1: 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Grateful for God's Promises.

Mary is also praising the Lord for keeping his promises. The long awaited and expectant Jesus is the theme of anticipation for the Jews for so many years. Now God was fulfilling what he promised. The time had come for God to show himself in the form of a person and picked of all things, to come to earth as a baby and come to earth as a suffering servant. How unlike what they thought God should be and do.

But God does not forget promises and plans for they are foretold by the prophets and they will come about. How joyous to see that they are coming about now. He promised the seed of righteousness and Jesus is that seed.

It was years earlier when God coveted with Abraham to be his God and to let Abraham offspring become God's people. It was a special relationship that as initiated by faith. His faith was tested you remember with Isaac being placed on the sacrifice and he was instructed to kill his own son, Isaac. yet the angel intervened and said that was not God's desire, he wanted to make sure Abraham was obedience and faithful to the Lord.

What is the promise to Israel. Ish. 11:1-3 that he would be born from the family of Jesse, which was the stock of both Mary and Joseph, Micha

5:2 told he would be born in Bethlehem. Ish. 7:14 prophecies that avirgin shall conceive and bear a son. and many more Old Testament predictions.

Yes, the people have waited a number of years to be freed from the tyranny of Greece and Rome. The Israelites were wondering if the Messiah would ever come. Some are still wondering that. They were looking for the redemption of Israel. Now Mary knew that all the centuries of waiting would culminate in the birth of her son.

I wonder what she would have thought if she had any idea of what God was really doing. For you see, yes God was preserving his promises, all that was mentioned hundreds and thousands of years earlier did come about. But Jesus was interested in more than just Palestine. He was claiming his rightful place on the throne of the world- King of kings and Lord of lords. He was to reclaim the dominion of Satan. He was to see the lost and sinners come to life.

We too have the expectation when all of this will be fulfilled. What was purchased for us at his first coming will be finalized at his second coming?

Just as Mary was filled with praise for God was fulfilling his promises so with faith and hope we are filled with that same expectation that one day, soon, maybe very soon He is coming again so we shall be with him forever.

Listen to these promises: Acts 1:11 Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus who has been taken from you into heaven will come back in the same way you have seen him go in’to heaven. I Thes 4:16-18, Mt. 24:3-8 & 36-44. Rev. 21:3,4 Yes, Jesus coming is something to sing about Mary. May we continue your song of praise to God and may we recognize the spirit of Christmas that spirit of rejoicing and praising God for his salvation, for his grace, for his mercy for his power and for his promises until he comes.

Pastor Dale

Elizabeth's Song Luke 1:5-47

Sermon Nuggets- Mon, Dec 12 Elizabeth’s Song

Elizabeth’s Song

Singing and carols are an important part of Christmas. Yesterday afternoon we had a traditional Christmas Hymn sing. Those who cam enjoyed singing the favorites interspersed with special numbers. Even as Pastor Isaac spoke in his sermon- one of the Christmas traditions is music. I am glad God gave within our hearts and emotions the means of expressing to Him and others joy and love and witness of what He has done.

Literally a carol is a joyous song or lyric. It is from the French. It has become known to relate to the stories surrounding the Nativity.

According to one article I read St. Francis of Assisi tried to change the Church’s Latin formalism with the human warmth of worship. He was acknowledge as the first to set up the crib, ox and donkey, manger and infant Jesus and sung in 1223.

Interestingly, carols were banned in England in 1647, since many of our customs and traditions were adapted form pagan worship of the sun god. Christians decide not to celebrate the winter solstice bur the son of God bringing light to the world so they took that Holiday and used it to recognize the coming of Jesus into the world. The Puritans wanted to throw all of that out because there were also celebrations that involved carousing and feasting. So Parliament outlawed celebrations and even churches were stripped of ornamentation, organs were carted away and religious singing was restricted to only the Psalms. That law lasted about 20 years.

Now it seems ACLU is the Grinch that want to outlaw Christmas singing except in churches. Not only have there been various law suits throughout the country on what songs schools can an cannot include, and whether the nativity scenes can be place on public property, but even I the Salvation Army can solicit funds on pubic grounds to help the poor.

However, real joy isn’t’ in singing and telling the Christmas story as certain time and place, it is in knowing Jesus Christ in a personal way and receiving his free gift of salvation by repenting of sin an by faith following Him. If you haven’t made Christ Lord of your life, my prayer is you will this year.

G. Campbell Morgan writes, “Luke, the artists, has gathered and collected, under the guidance of the Holy Ghost, the stories which reveal the fact that when Jesus came into the world poetry expressed itself and music was reborn.”

Can you imagine the joy as well as the fear ad bewilderment that came to Mary when the angel Gabriel approached her and announce she was to deliver that long expected Messiah? Who can she go to and share the news? Who would understand that she, a virgin, his pregnant? Gabriel tells her about another miracle that happened to her cousin, Elizabeth in her old age. She would understand.

This is something women share with women. Elizabeth could be someone with whom she could share the secret. Instead of being received with suspicion she was received with acceptance, love and excitement. Elizabeth assured Mary of her single blessedness by being selected of God to be the Mother of the Messiah. She indeed was an encouragement. When Elizabeth saw her cousin arrive and realized the joy of her own child within her womb, she responded in praise and song unto the Lord.

This is a time or singing of our salvation, and God’s goodness.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Dec 13 Prelude

Verses Luke 1:5-7

5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron.

6 Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly.

7 But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.

Prelude

Before most of our services we have a prelude of music. Since we have been talking about music at Christmas this week the prelude is usually musical introduction to what is about to happen. It is used to set a mood for worship. Sometimes the organist plays familiar songs and people might think of some of the words that are about God and His works. Sometimes there are musical numbers which are used specifically to quiet our hearts and allow people to pray, think, mediate before a service begins where the Spirit might guide one’s thinking.

We know the prelude to Jesus ministry was found in the person of John the Baptist who was appointed to prepare the way of the Lord spiritually. But the prelude to Jesus birth was also indirectly found in the person of John the Baptist who even in the womb is the first to recognize the son of God who is to come into the world.

You might say the surroundings of Jesus birth was sober and dreary. It was not a happy tune under the strict dominance of the Romans. There was a feeling of despair and a barrenness where God was taking much too long, in the minds of the Jews, to bring the Messiah to redeem the people from oppression once again.

Part of this, I think, is symbolized by Elizabeth’s barrenness and without the joy of a child. Just as Zechariah was a priest Elizabeth was a descendent of the line of Aaron, the first appointed priest. The Bible says they pleased God. They were upright and observing all the Lord’s commands and regulations.

Many women in their barrenness wonder if God is somehow punishing them. Having a baby is key to being a woman in that culture. They would please their husbands and find purpose in raising a family.

We understand more of what Elizabeth must have felt when we read of the barrenness of Sarah with Abraham, or Rachel before she had a child with Jacob. We see Hannah crying out to the Lord in the temple and felt the shame and ridicule for not having a baby. God provided for all these women and their offspring had a significant part to play in redemptive history.

Some people give up on God when their prayers are not answered. But in spite of the circumstances Elizabeth and her husband served the Lord faithfully. They honored God publicly and privately.

This prelude was a preparation for Elizabeth, but it was really Elizabeth spent her whole lifetime being prepared by God to be the mother of John the Baptist. Only she didn’t know it. Her son would be the greatest of prophets according to Jesus. Her name is honored for her humble and faithful service.

Every person used of God had a mother whom God used in different ways to prepare their children. Certainly the Biblical mandate is the train the children up in the ways of God and in the teachings of the Bible. A parent who is doing his and her job walks close to the Lord and wants to pass on the most important truths any child can know. Elizabeth joins her husband in the years ago to have their son follow the Nazarite laws of diet and dress.

But the prelude is the first song to prepare for worship. And she becomes the first spokesperson to declare the wonders of Jesus coming in the flesh. Her song is the first human expression of praise for the Christ child.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Dec. 14 Joy of John

Verses : Luke 1:39-41 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea,

40 where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth.

41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

The Joy of John

John the Baptist, still in the womb, recognizes Jesus, the Son of God ,in the womb of Mary. Baby talk! Elizabeth’s own baby becomes for her the messenger of confirmation of Jesus before either are ever born. When the babies were in proximity the Holy Spirit filled Elizabeth. These expressions are not just her own thoughts -this comes from God.

Luke is a doctor. Most doctors today will recognize emotional experiences of the mother can cause movement in the fetus she is carrying. Some will use that as an explanation for her baby jumping or kicking which Elizabeth understands is a sign from God. Skeptics can explain this away recognizing fetal movement, but not agreeing with conclusion that Elizabeth gives.

I believe this is the inspire Words of God. The Bible is the foundation of our faith and practice. She knew by God when the baby leaped inside of her as Mary greeted her even from some distance, this was the Messiah. The baby was not only filled with the Holy Spirit but had excitement in the presence of the Lord.

People today are continuing to understand more about babies in the womb and their reactions and responses. There are articles about encouraging mothers to have music, sing, rub, and even read to their unborn babies. I am not in a position to know what is or is not advisable. Because of ultrasounds many know the sex of the child before birth, something unheard of a few years ago. I will speak of my experience of being a new Grandfather.

Bryan and Kate wanted to know as soon as possible what their baby was going to be. When they got the first ultra sound pictures confirming she was a girl they began to plan accordingly. I was a bit surprised when they announced to us her name- Madelyn. What surprised me more was how they would no longer speak of her as the baby or certainly not a fetus, but as Maddie. They talked about what she did in the womb, and what they think she would like in her room for decorations. For me I was content to have our babies have a crib and a mobile (not a cell phone). But she became more of a person once she was named in my mind as well. I know she was a person at conception, but it was interesting to me how one’s thoughts and emotions toward her changed when she was named. Both Mary and Elizabeth not only knew the sexes of their boys, but their names as well. Add to that the purpose for which they were to be brought up.

I know the Supreme Court of Minnesota can legally declare an 8 ½ month old fetus as being a non person and allowing legal partial birth abortions. The Bible does not describe babies in this way. It acknowledges the personality of the fetus and recognizes the fetus is a baby and a special creation of God, and a person. I am to believe God rather than man.

If John were nothing more than a complex tissue- indeed if mankind is treated as nothing more than evolutionary accident without any spirit- then one animal is no different in value than a human except in our own eyes. Some animal rights advocates teach that. Why should one animal live over another? That is where evolution leads.

God confirms the sanctity of unborn life and declares in these verses for individuals to be unique creation and the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit blesses their mothers. The joy of Christmas was realized before the babies were born. It spreads with the joy of John

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Dec 15 –

Verses Luke 1: 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!

43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

45 Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

Elizabeth’s Humility

Elizabeth recognizes that not only did God bless her with the privilege of having a special baby in her old age, but sees herself as favored for allowed her to be in the presence of the long awaited Messiah, even if the baby is not born yet. He thoughts were “Why should I be so favored?” Already she knew he was her Lord. That is faith.

The expression of joy and thankfulness is similar to Hannah and Deborah of the Old Testament and their expressions of praise.

The Holy Spirit opened the yes of Elizabeth so she could see Jesus as Lord. A common participation in the divine favor drew the two women together. Mary loved Elizabeth and realized she would understand her feelings. Elizabeth was not the least bit concerned that she was the older deserving respect. The thing that impresses me about Elizabeth is the evidence of her sweet and humble spirit, and the joy she experienced in another’s good fortune.

Some are so quick to give God glory for the blessing of their lives while others seem to be so quick to think they are so special. They act as if others should somehow treat them differently. Pride is so devastating because we don’t want to admit others are better than we are. Pride tries to make us pretend that we are superior in some way to others. If someone does something better in one area we think of something we do better in another to regain that feeling of pride. It is easy to put down others so as to raise ourselves up.

That is the root of gossip. Do you realize that? People who have to prove themselves and their worth struggle with self esteem issues.

An old godly writer name Flavel said “When God intends to fell a soul he first makes it empty; when he intends to enrich a soul he first makes it poor; when he intends to exalt a soul he first makes it sensible to its own needs, wants, and nothingness. Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than of other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your own gifts. It means freedom from thinking about yourself at all.”

Samuel Brengel adds an important lesson on humility- “If I appear great in their eyes the Lord is most graciously helping me to see how absolutely nothing I am without Him and helping me to keep little in my own eyes. He does use me, but I am so concerned that he uses me and that it is not of me the work Is done. The axe cannot boast of the trees it has cut down. It could do nothing but for the woodsman. He made it, he sharpened it, and he used it. The moment he throws it aside , it becomes only old iron. Oh that I may never lose this sight.”

Elizabeth understood this concept that it is God that has blessed her. Gave her a baby, gave her a prophet, blessed her cousin. But joy in the presence of the Lord yet unborn and why God should do this is beyond her understanding. It is totally an act of grace and she gives God the praise.

Think about our life and all that God has given to you recently that is so unwarranted and give Him praise and be filled with joy.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri. Dec 16 Elizabeth’s Joy

Verse- Luke 1: 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

45 Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

Elizabeth’s Joy

Why do you think the angel instructed Mary to go see her cousin Elizabeth? I think there might be several reasons. First, as mentioned, who could possibility understand the miracle of birth of God intervening to produce a child to a virgin? Not only is that hard to believe, but this miraculous birth is something Elizabeth has experienced in God providing a child in her old age.

Secondly, I think to get Mary out of the situation of more ridicule and shame was wise. People in her small village would definitely be judgmental and perhaps encouraging Joseph to have her pay the penalty for infidelity which could be death. The family would need adjustment to that type of story and that is also why an angel came to Joseph in his dream so he could stand as her protector and helper later but not right now.

Thirdly, I think Elizabeth could also use the help of a young girl/relative. Zechariah was silent and could not speak. Elizabeth couldn’t carry on a conversation, or have much to talk about in this important time in their lives because of that hindrance. Elizabeth also had someone to talk to and someone to help her with some of the chores as I am guessing her energy level was not what it used to be.

How long did Mary stay? The Bible says Elizabeth was in her sixth month when the angel came to Mary. And then Luke 1:56 “Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.” That would have made it the 9^th month after she probably delivered the baby. During those last months of pregnancy and at her older age, I also think Mary ministered in a practical was to Elizabeth.

Fourthly, and I think most importantly, she could share openly and ask all the questions freely to someone who could be her mentor, friend, relative, and spiritual encouragement. We need people in our lives with whom we can share.

As I look back on my ministry there is one gapping need that I would do differently if I were to start all over again. I would do what I could to training older people to mentor younger people. We speak of that from time to time, but many people who started growing in the Lord lose the importance of having a friend and mentor who will be with them , teach, guide, and talk. We have had newer believers come and go through some classes and things go well, but then they seem to be left on their own and without ongoing friendship and guidance, their faith seems to grow colder and in time many become inactive if they do not get involved in ministry and mentorship.

2 Cor 1:3-6 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.”

The apostle Paul seeks to instruct and encourage the Corinthian believers. Certainly newer Gentile Christians needed to understand truth through the Bible teaching and instructions of Jesus Christ. They needed to learn a new way to love and live in the Spirit. But an important principle is God is our comfort. And the way God has ministered to us needs to be shared with others. In our good times and in our bad times, in our lonely times and glad times. We need others who can encourage us in the Lord. When we go through pain, suffering, or hardships who best to encourage us in the Lord than those who have gone through the same things? They not only know some of the answers and options we should consider when making decisions but understand the emotions and feelings of facing what we are facing.

When girls get pregnant they find comfort in talking with others who have been pregnant. When someone is a young mother they find help talking with others who have been mothers as to what to do and how to do it. When one goes through facing life with God’s comfort there are people who have been there and done that and find God’s presence and purposes sustaining. It is those type of people God uses to help others grow in their faith.

Younger people in the Lord, seek out someone older who can pray with you, help you, and encourage you in truth. Older people in the Lord, seek out to be available to teach, listen, guide and pray for someone younger in Christ and need counsel and friendship.

Small groups, one on one Bible studies, discipleship is all part of developing a relationship with another who can be a comfort to pass on to others who need comfort.

Elizabeth was one whose true joy praised God and in that acceptance we see Mary following by giving Him praise as well. Someone understood her feelings and they shared them together.

Pastor Dale

Angelic Visit Luke 1:26-38

Sermon Nuggets Mon Dec 5 Angelic visit

Verses- Luke 1:26-27

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.

Angelic Visit

My brother went into professional theatre after college graduation until he got older and realized there was more job security doing voiceovers for commercials and documentaries. But as I was a 6 ½ years younger it was exciting to see what went on both on-stage as well as back stage for plays he was in. I became aware there were lots of people that made a production work. Not just actors, but lighting, and sound, and make up, and properties, and costumes, and set design and construction people were needed. Then I met people in charge of the house- ticket sales, and cleaning and ushers and phone reservations and banking. While the play was going on stage hands were busy getting things ready for the actors.

There was one of the biggest dramas ever to occur in the world when God planned to execute coming to earth as a human. We are not talking about fictional presentation. There were no rehearsals at the first Christmas where people tried to get their lines right for others’ entertainment. The script was, however, pre-written. The characters were chosen carefully to fit their prescribed parts. The stagehands as it were, were the heavenly beings getting things in order for God to not only direct, but participate as the star of the greatest performance the world has ever seen.

In professional theatre there is someone behind the scenes that cues the performers when it is coming close to their time to be on stage.

Last week we looked at the preparation giving through the angelic announcement to Zechariah that his wife, Elizabeth would give birth to a child in her old age. This was part of the script. It was to coming of John the Baptist, a cousin to Jesus. He had a purpose to prepare also the way of Jesus during his public ministry.

The cue prompters in this Christmas story seem to be the angels. They are the one given lines, but do so as announcer to the characters in the story. We know that angels are messengers of God. They go and do what God desires. The Hebrew word translated angel, literally means a sent one. “Angelos” the Greek word, means messenger. They were the messengers to prepare by letting Mary and Joseph and the Shepherds know their parts. And in fact there was even a crowd scene for them coming up as part of the chorus.

. This day Gabriel is a chosen angel to deliver the Christmas message to Mary. Gabriel is a special messenger mentioned a number of times in the Bible

Wouldn’t it be great if we were as eager to give the messages from God to men and women? We have been given a message of Good News. To whom can we share it this week?

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Dec 6 Luke 1:28-29

Verses- Luke 1: 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.

Blessed Art Thou

This time of year FedEX, UPS, and the USPS are all folks delivering packages. The workers look at the name and the address of a package and are paid to see that household gets it. If their customers are like me they really aren’t that interested in the delivery person, but what is in the package and who it was that was sending them this gift. What most folks don't do is go to the door and gush all over the delivery person, "Oh! I'm so glad you came. Please come in for some lunch, sit down, tell me all about yourself." But some people treat the heavenly messengers that way.

Some will sin by worshipping angels and praying to angels. There are passages I the Bible where they speak to angels, but not pray for them Those requests and words of praise are reserved for the sender. The sender is God.

Angels are so much part of our society’s folklore and decorations, and Christmas cards, movies and TV programs.

We know the name of the special delivery agent to Mary the Mother of Jesus. The angel’s name was Gabriel who appeared in Galilee, in the town of Nazareth, to Mary, a virgin, engaged to marry Joseph and announced to her that she would miraculously conceive a son and bring forth Jesus, the Son of God.

Heb 1:14: reminds us "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" So they are ministering spirits sent by God to serve the saints. If we fuss over them, we miss the point. What's important is who sent them. He's the one to pursue.

“Blessed,” cried a woman one day to Jesus, “is she that bare thee” He added “Yea, rather blessed are they that hear the Word of God and keep it.” This Mary is blessed among women. The word of the Lord’s angel is true. She is highly favored of God. It is a personal blessing. Gabriel said twice that Mary was favored by God. God favored Mary, but she is not our intercessor between us and God. 1 Timothy 2:5 ‘For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus”

The Bible never says that Mary is anything more than a regular human being who found favor with God. And she is the one who humbly believes and receives with joy the good news. In that is she most blessed.

What has the eyes of the angels seen? They have seen the Lord up in the heavens preparing his coming. They have seen how in his sovereignty he has planned out each person’s part to fulfill prophecy and those he picks are humble, but blessed. Gabriel was picked to give the word to Mary. The angel understood the blessing of that appointment. Gabriel was in awe that an earthly woman would be chosen of God to deliver Jesus, divine in a fully human body.

This was a once in a lifetime experience never to be repeated again. She was to be the object of the grace of God. This was not a position she earned, but received. Many other people can share in the grace of God with various tasks. Eve was the first woman and God’s grace to be a mother. There were women leaders and judges too. There are men chosen to lead Israel as prophets and priests and kings. But to deliver God the Son into the world is a privilege granted to just Mary. Gabriel understood how highly favored she was.

Can you image the responsibility it would be to raise from babyhood the Son of God? Can you imagine the many thoughts that went through her mind? Who would be worthy? No one. But by God’s grace he involves humans in his greater plan for various purposes and tasks. To all of that we see the blessing from above and give God the praise.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Dec 7 Fear Not

Verse Luke 1: 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.

Fear Not

Can you imagine the scene as Mary is about her business and this heavenly messenger materializes and Gabriel stands before her? Of course she would be afraid. But Gabriel wanted to put her mind to rest. Good things would came from this message. The good news was she had found favor with God. The angel wanted her to know what he knew. She was to be blessed for grace was given to her. This gift had noting to do with anything she did. It happened to her.

Obviously the explanation needed to be required. Since she is a virgin what happened was impossible from a human perspective. It was a child unlike any other. He would be hers, but without any husband or man. The Lord would see to it He would come through her.

The angel had seen some of the script, but not all of it 1 Peter 1:12 “It was revealed to them (prophets) that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven — things into which angels long to look.”

Interesting that angels are outsiders looking in like a FedEx delivery person watching as we open up a package addressed to us. They were excited for us. For not only did they know the sovereignty of God who could do the impossible but they knew what was in the package and what wonderful gift that was given. It was to be the gift that would bring about salvation. This was promised from the line of David. As king he shall rule over the house of Jacob and of his kingdom there shall be no end. The angel knew Mary and Joseph were descendants of David, Jacob, Judah, and Abraham, just as the script said it would be.
The angel was revealing that when God makes a promise, He keeps His Word, even if it takes thousands of years .We usually have a very difficult time waiting on God, but not the angels because they see things we do not. They see a sovereign God who will do what he says in his time. They have the insight of eternity. We do not. This angel of the Lord revealed that God keeps His promises long after many would forget for He is faithful.

But more importantly that being a king over the household of Judah He shall be called Son of the Highest. He is Gods’ son. His name shall be Jesus. The name Jesus means Jehovah saves! There is salvation in no other! Had salvation been possible any other way Jesus wouldn’t have had to be born those many years ago. But there’s salvation no other way. Jesus said that He was the way, the only way, "for no man comes to the Father except through me." The plan was to see this son grow to take our place for the punishment of sin by dying as the punishment so we can be free.

What Gabriel was proclaiming was not only a Sovereign God, but a Saving God. The saving of human beings and the keeping and blessing of the saved is the greatest business that even God Himself in Heaven, and Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit and all the angels of God, can occupy themselves with! Up in Heaven their attention is centered primarily on earth. How the angels delight to see sinners converted! And how lovingly they minister to the saved! And this gift is given to you and me and all who by faith will receive Him. That certainly would take away any fear.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Dec 8

Verses- Luke 1: 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.

Impossibilities

“The power of the Most high will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. “ What was Mary’s response? I am the Lord’s servant,” and her song is the soul glorifies the Lord, nothing about praise for the angel. But all the praise goes to God. Gabriel is delighted to do the marvelous work seeing God get glory.

What the angels see at Christmas is the power of God to do what he wants and the excitement that it is going to be revealed so others will get a glimpse of his glory. God can do the impossible. He is to be praised. They saw God create the world out of the power of his WORD. They saw the way he fashioned mankind out of dust and decided to make it a living soul. They saw the God who does the impossible by taking a rib and creating a helpmate for man. He can blow the waters of the Red sea part. He can make rock give water. He can change dew into bread. There is nothing he cannot do. So it takes angels eyes to know this lady needed convincing that virgin can give birth to a son if this is what the sovereign director says He wants. It will be. For nothing is impossible with God!”

How do we reveal the power of God to so whatever He wants? The angel told Mary that God had the power to make her cousin Elizabeth to get pregnant, even though she was too old to have kids and she had so far been barren. Gabriel was telling Mary that if God had the power to make a woman have a child who was an old woman and who had never been able to have any kids, then he could surely cause Mary to have a child without having a husband and this child was going to be Son’s son. If God had the power to create the universe by simply speaking it into being, He can surely create a child in a virgin! If God had the power to create Adam from the dust of the earth with no father OR mother whatsoever, then He could surely create a child from just a woman! If God had the power to use a small shepherd boy to kill a nine-foot-tall giant, He could surely create a child in a virgin! If God had the power to cause a great rain to flood the entire earth, He could surely create a child in a virgin! If God had the power to start a fire on a heavily water-soaked pile of wood, He could surely create a child in a virgin!
I heard recently there are companies that take an ultrasound picture of unborn children to give the parents their first pictures of their child. It takes a few weeks in the womb before they can determine if it is a boy or girl. In Mary’s case, however, the divine messenger declared that Mary is to give birth to a son, and this declaration was made before the child was even conceived.

But the angel delighted to bring the message of how a great God was going to accomplish benefits for you and me in their life. And what they saw was the power of God to do the impossible. This time he was going to outdo Himself, by becoming a baby from a virgin.

The message of power is summed up in these words “Nothing is impossible.”

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Dec 9 -

Verse Luke 1:38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Trust

As we have been looking at the angelic visit to Mary to announce God’s plan for this virgin to deliver the Son of God, we should remind ourselves some things about Mary. She was young. Mary was pledged to be married. At that time, it was customary for girls to be engaged around the time of reaching puberty. One reason was to ensure girls maintained their virginity until marriage. It’s very possible that Mary could have been as young as 13, or as old as 16 when Gabriel visited her.
She was poor. We understand that also from when Mary and Joseph went to the temple to have Jesus circumcised. Their sin offering was two doves used by the poor instead of a lamb for those with more money.

She also was rural, from Nazareth. Is that reason for humility? We know lots of prideful people out in the country. Remember what Nathanael said when He learned Jesus from Nazareth? “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” I am assuming that was so because of being less educated, less economy, maybe a reputation of poorer communities with crime and lack of social skills.

Yet Mary had two vital characteristics God looks for: humility and faith. She knew she wasn’t worthy of the honor God offered her. Yet she still believed God could use her, if she trusted Him. Do you believe God can use you? Or do you think you’re too small—too young, too poor, too weak to be used by Him?
“If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito.” - Betty Reese.
Do you think you are useless to God? Think again. God is searching for humble people to use. Mary teaches us no matter who you are, God can use you.

When she heard she was a going to have a baby without being with a man and God’s Spirit would provide the conception, she didn’t doubt it. God can do whatever He chooses. “Let it happen just as you said.” Even though the angel’s news was unbelievable, she believed it. Mary didn’t understand it, but she also didn’t doubt it. She believed that no matter what He has promised, the Lord is sovereign.

Mary believed that “nothing is impossible with God.” Whatever God promises, He will do it. She believed!
What promises of God are you tempted to doubt? Are there areas of your life that you do not wish to yield to the Lord’s control? Are you willing to do whatever He asks of you? Do you realize His power is manifested in people who are obedience, of faith, and humble?

Our job is to trust. His job is to do the wondrous works for His glory.

Pastor Dale

Baby of Promise Luke 1;1-24

Sermon Nuggets Mon Nov 28 The Baby of Promise Luke 1:1-25

Verses Luke 1:1-4 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.

3 Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

Baby of Promise

Beginning January 29^th I will begin a preaching series from the Gospel of Luke. Since we will have gone through Christmas I decided to begin those first two chapters by means of our December and January sermon Nuggets.

The story of Luke begins with the story of a couple of miracle babies-John the Baptist to Elizabeth and Zarariah, and Jesus to the virgin Mary. The gospel of Jesus is hard to believe with miracles and the incarnation and resurrection and God’s establishing a new Kingdom with spirit filled followers. That is why Dr. Luke makes a point of beginning his writings from an historical perspective. He researched carefully eye witness accounts the things that happened. There were miracles babies born.

Dr. Joseph MacDougall told a story that happened a number of years ago that he called a Christmas Miracle. His patient Eleanor Munro was 23 years old devout, religious woman, the mother of a one year-old child. She was so near to death from tuberculosis. She asked for only one thing from the doctor. "If I'm still alive on Christmas Eve would I have your promise that I can go home for Christmas."

Dr. MacDougal was disturbed because he knew she shouldn't go, She had what the doctors call open TB and could spread the germs by coughing. But he promised because he was sure she'd be dead before Christmas. The doctor phoned another specialist in New York who thought if a needle could be injected into the peritoneal cavity it might force in air and push the diaphram up against the lung. If they could get pressure against the lower lobe it might force the TB cavity shut. Then it might have a change to close and heal the cavity by letting the sides grow together. In trying that procedure she almost died and they did everything that medical science could do. He told her that her Creator now had the final verdict.

Dr. MacDougal was amazed that she as still alive on Christmas Eve though just barely. She held him to his promise. The smile on her face made it worth it. When she returned every day her condition grew just a bit worse, yet she clung to life.

Toward the end of February, she was down to 80 pounds; she couldn't eat and a new complication set in. She became nauseated and began to vomit even without food in her stomach. The doctor was stumped. The symptoms were odd, she acted like someone pregnant, but everything he knew about medicine added up to that she was so ill, so weak, she couldn't possibly have conceived. Her body just wasn't up to it. Nevertheless, he did take a pregnancy test and to his astonishment it was positive. She now bore a second life within her. It was impossible but true. Legally and medically she could have and should have taken that child through abortion because it imperiled the life of the mother. She could not live long enough to deliver. The patient and her husband were strongly against it. Beside she was so far gone that he was sure her body would reject the baby anyway.

Then an incredible thing began to happen. By late March her temperature began going down. For the first time there was some improvement in her condition. She began to eat and gain weight. The X ray showed that the growth of the TB cavity had stopped. Soon after another X-ray showed that her diaphram was pushing up against the lower lobe of her diseased lung to make room for the child she bore.

Through the child, God was doing what the doctors failed to do. The pregnancy was pressing the sides of that cavity together. The child was literally saving the life of the mother. Indeed as the baby grow it gave the mother needed time to have the hole mend and when the baby was born a natural healthy, the TB cavity was completed closed.

She was soon allowed to go home for good. She continued to send her doctor cards each Christmas, to remind him of the Christmas baby.

The doctor made a promise he didn't want to keep, but God honored that woman and gave her a child that saved her life.

Each baby is planned by God. Luke begins to tell us the tale of two other miracle babies unlike has happened since.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Nov 29 Prepared Parents

Verses- Luke 1:5-14 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.

6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,

9 According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

Prepared Parents

God decided to honor Zechariah and Elizabeth by personally promising to them a miracle child. God's promises are given because of God's love and grace that are even extended to individuals.

The parents of this special child to come were godly. Zechariah faithfully served the Lord in a small rural area as a priest. As was the custom, a lot was cast for a priest each year to take the responsibility of carrying out the function into the Holy area of the temple of the Lord. Different groups of priests would carry out functions at different times in the year. This year Zechariah’s group would prepare the temple in the morning for the daily activities. When the assignments were given a lot was cast to choose the one who would go into the Holy area by himself and prepare the daily incense and take out the ashes. One only did this once in his life time. Most never did. This was the day Zechariah would be chosen for this responsibility.

But God had more in mind. They were pious folk, beyond the age of child bearing. This was the day their prayers would be answered to have a child, even though they probably gave up praying in their older years. Not only would they be parents but parents of a promised child from the prophets. This would be the one who would prepare the way of the Lord.

There are many other things we can say about this couple as revealed in this passage. Both were upright in the sight of God. There are a lot of people who are upright in the sight of people, but this was in the sight of God.

There are lots of people that would be greatly embarrassed if other people were privy to what goes on in the homes. But even more so what about in the sight of God?

Hypocrisy can be easily hid from other people, and sometimes even from family members, but never can we hide our thoughts and motives from God. So when the Bible says they were upright in the sight of God, He saw their motives and their hearts. They were upright and godly.

They observed the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. They were people who kept both the letter of the Law and the spirit of the law.

We are reminded by Jesus that unless our righteousness exceeds the Scribes and Pharisees we cannot see the kingdom of Heaven. When we read all the rules and regulations the Pharisees followed, our mind begins to swim and we wonder who then can possibly be saved? It would take more than what we can possible do. But that was Jesus’ point. As hard as we might try all of our righteousness is as filthy rags. The way our righteousness can exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees is that our righteousness is an imputed righteousness from Jesus Christ. It is given to us based on his grace and our faith. We trust him and are justified.

That would describe Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth. They kept the law, not because they thought they would be made right by it, but rather they kept the law because they loved the Lord and trusted him and desired to please him in their actions as well as in their desires.

James says. You say you Have faith, I'll show you faith by the works they do. The character of Zechariah and Elizabeth was pleasing to the Lord for they were pure in their hearts and active in their expression of faith, not to gain righteousness but out of their love for God.

What would God have to say about you? - Righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless? We don’t have the Old Testament law, but we have a greater law of love to follow.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Nov 30 Barren Parents

Verse Luke 1: 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

Barren Parents-

They had no children. In that culture there is disgrace and humiliation many women face when they are childless. The woman’s worth is in child bearing; it affects their status in the community; it affects sometimes their own spiritual relationship because many of the people felt that if you did not have children and did not have sons, then God was punishing you for some sin or you weren't pleasing God.

That raises a couple of issues that I feel can be a problem when it comes to unanswered prayers. For Zechariah and Elizabeth it was a delayed answer. For others the answer is no.,

The problem can be the judging from others. Some people come to conclusions that if a person's prayers are not answered then they aren't really in God's will. Sometimes sickness is an illustration of that.

Paul had a thorn in the flesh. Some groups will accuse those who've prayed and not gotten well as having weak faith or some spiritual problem because God was not answering their prayers for healing. Sometimes financial or job situations illustrate that. People that are unemployed or whose bills pile up are looked down upon as having something spiritually wrong or God would answer their prayers for financial stability.

Too often people judge others and their spirituality when they do not know their hearts or their relationship with God. Now there are those who indeed are demonstrating decisions and actions that are in disobedience to God and out of the fellowship of the church and decisions they made that have consequences whereby the Lord is teaching them lessons.

There are things that grieve me, such as young people who think they are not affected by the friends they make. It always happens that the close friends will influence us into their way of thinking. Girls and boys who date non-Christians when an emotional attachment and love develops and they want to get married. There are consequences to disobediences.

I see parents for whom church is very little priority but down the line years later they wonder why their children have no spiritual desires. Friends, let be honest. Many times the conclusions are direct results to our choices and many times they are not.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were upright, good, blameless even in the eyes of God, although other people may have been judging them.

The other item relates to the encouragement of perseverance. We talked about that last week in perseverance in prayer. I want to stress in our society that is so impulsive and instant everything that faith is in a different category. We are to be faithful to God in the big and little things in life even then great exciting things are not happening. We praise God for this experience that Zechariah had, but it was have years of consistent service to God and even when their prayers were not answered they did not turn their backs on doing what was right. They continued even if God choose not to give them a child. Do you understand? We can have are hearts set on something, but our faith walks is dependent upon God's timing and wisdom not on the ups and downs of our experiences.

When things are going well, praise God and serve him with all your heart. When things are not going well, pray to God and continue to serve him with all your heart. In growing experiences where prayers are not answered the question isn’t so much, “Why God?” as it is “What God?” “What is it that you want me to learn and allow my faith in you to grow?”

In His time for His reasons God decided to in this life honor Elizabeth and Zechariah with a son. Not any son, but a special son, even in their old age. He would be a blessing to them, and they would find delight in this child. This baby was a personal promise to a couple who had a personal walk with God.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Dec 1 Prophetic Promise

Verses- Luke 1:11-17

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.

12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear.

13 But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.

14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth,

15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.

16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God.

17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous-- to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

(NIV)

Prophetic Promise

It was 400 years since God had spoken to his people you may wonder if God is really alive, or did our ancestors have their stories straight. If we put us 400 years ago that would place it in the 1590s.

Put yourself in their shoes. In the 1590 America wasn't a nation, King Henry the VII broke for the catholic church and declared himself as the head of the church. The reformation had begun with Luther and Zwingli, Calvin were differing their interpretation of Scripture. The church was becoming alive gain and the work of God was promoted, Is it any wonder that we might doubt if that was the last time that God had direct contact with his people. Now the last prophet of Malachi of which we studied in sermons this fall we read.

Mal 4:5-6 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

The beginning words in Luke's account shows how God sought to fulfill that prophecy by the coming of this baby. After Zechariah met the angel he questioned if indeed this could be possible, but after all God is the God of impossibilities.

A prophetic word always means more than can be understood at the time. There are hidden meaning in them that cause us to thrill and wonder when they come about. We see much better picture with hindsight than with foresight. We know that the Messiah that Zechariah is just referring to. We have seen how God did so much more than what Zechariah could have imagined. But he did know the prophets and he did believe that just as God promised a Messiah would come and redeem the people from the enemies. Prophets of old spoke right from God throughout the ages.

Now they were thinking the enemies were the Egyptians, and they Assyrians and the Babylonians and the Philistines, and the Romans and Greeks. It was the thinking of the people that the Messiah was to deliver them from the political powers to make Israel the number one power in the world, but our worse enemies are not political enemies but Spiritual unbelief, falsehood and discouragement from Satan.

Jesus came to conquer evil from within to establish the Spiritual kingdom that will last far after this world is destroyed.

We marvel at all the promises of the Bible that we see fulfilled during this time of Christmas. We see how John the Baptist fulfilled the prophecy of the Old Testament and Jesus proclaimed him the one who is Elijah. Meaning he came in the same power and spirit. He was not afraid to declare repentance to the people.

We have the greatest book that looks into the future by the prophecies fulfilled and yet to be fulfilled. We have a God who keeps his promises, maybe not when we think, or how we thing, but He will.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Dec 2 Purposed baby

Verses- Luke 1: 13 But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.

14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth,

15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.

16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God.

17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous-- to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

(NIV)

Purposed Baby

God had a planned purpose for John the Baptist even before he was born. He had a part in the redemptive history as it was to be played out.

The ultimate purpose of God was salvation from our sins and from death. The plan in carrying it out was the coming of Jesus Christ into the world to be born as a baby. It was a planned promise whereby he gave them glimpses of what would happen in prophecy. But they had no idea it was so great a plan, They had no idea it was so great a promise.

The significance of John’s coming was the fact that he was the forerunner of the Messiah. Even in the following passage Zechariah's song of praise is celebrating not only the birth, but the purpose of his birth will have in the unfolding of god's promise. His son will play an honored part. He is to be the prophet of the Most High God.

God is a God of love, who sympathetically stands by his children. He heard their cries and saves them, I must confess to you I do not understand that type of love of God when He could have and should have said that man is not worth saving. "I have created but man has turned his back on our creator and gone his own way." God could have said "I've had enough, he has already too many chances I will do away with the whole human race", but as if that was not enough God in reasons that are far beyond my understanding to take the place of man and paid the penalty himself for all our sin.

The purpose planned by God for this child was to be a proclaim repentance. There needed to be a moral change of the people to trust God and obey Him to leave their sins. He was to proclaim righteousness and make straight the paths for Jesus. He was to prepare the way of the Lord and when Jesus arrived on the scene there was a group ready to follow. They knew He was the Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world.

As John’s life unfolds he confronted people for their sin. He was to be take the vow of a Nazarite without alcohol, cutting of his hair and restricted in diet. He was to be bold in his message. Because of that he was beheaded. Was that the wonderful plan for his life? He was wearing skins of animals, and camel hair coats, what that the wonderful plan for his life? He was denounced by the Jews and his job was not popular with important people but only those who felt lost in need of direction from God. That purpose was to be used for God's glory and of this earth not to be attached. Let us not become so earthly minded that we think only of earthly blessing and comforts of this world. That is a lie.

There was a child who was promised to precede the Messiah and prepare for people to receive Him.

Pastor Dale