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"What a Peaceful Reality" - Third Sunday in Advent
Dr. Scott Koenigsaecker
Luke 2:8-15 ~ December 12, 2010
INTRODUCTION
A. Everyone, everywhere is looking for inner peace.
B. "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased." Luke 2:14
C. Peace in the Bible is defined as, "An inner spiritual/emotional state of call or joy not dependent on positive external circumstances."
D. Inner peace radiates from people who:
· Know who they are
· Have the best priorities in life.
I. FIRST, CHRISTMAS DECLARES WHO WE REALLY ARE.
A. Who are we really?
B. Jesus Christ came to our planet, the Bible states, so that we would know, without a doubt, that we are children of God.
"God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure." Ephesians 4:5
C. God made us to love Him.
"I have loved you…with an everlasting love." Jeremiah 31:3
"…God had already chosen us to be His through our union with Christ….because of His love…" Ephesians 4:4
D. Who we belong to brings with it certain privileges and securities.
· One privilege, of belonging to Christ, is to experience a fulfilling life.
"My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." John 10:10
· Our security is ultimate because we can live forever with God.
"For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
· How do we receive this privilege and security?
Ø Faith---in the facts
Ø Trust---where we don't know the facts
Ø Action---a personal response
II. SECOND, CHRISTMAS ENCOURAGES US TO MAKE JESUS THE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY IN OUR LIFE.
A. Everyone surrounding the birth of Jesus knew that His birth was a profound, first-order priority for them and for the world.
B. We are a child of God by choice "
“…those who believe in Him…" John 3:16
· The Bible makes it clear that Jesus is the Lord over:
Ø all creation (Colossians 1:15-17)
Ø the angels in heaven (Hebrews 1:4)
Ø evil (Colossians 2:15)
Ø the earth (Exodus 9:16)
· The only question is whether we will choose Him to be the Lord of our life.
C. Choosing Jesus Christ is where inner peace is found.
"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them… And I am convinced that nothing can separate us from God's love." Romans 8:28 & 38
CONCLUSION