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"What a Choice" - Fourth Sunday in Advent
Dr. Scott E. Koenigsaecker
Dr. Scott E. Koenigsaecker
Luke 2:8-20 (NIV) ~ December 19, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Advent
INTRODUCTION
A. We live in the age of instant communication.
B. God's personal communication with us is waiting for our response..
"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11
C. Our passage this morning is about responding to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, into the world.
I. HOW DID PEOPLE RESPOND?
A. The shepherds were afraid.
"An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified." Luke 2:9
· Not their final response: "The shepherds returned, glorying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen…"
Luke 2:20
B. The people were amazed.
"…and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” Luke 2:18
C. Mary admired the miraculous coming of Jesus.
"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19
II. HOW WILL WE RESPOND?
A. Some people take cover.
"Anyone who doesn't obey the Son will never experience eternal life.” John 3:36
· Some people deny or avoid the reality of Jesus:
Ø Jesus fulfilled the prophecies about His coming
Ø Jesus really lived
Ø Jesus lived an exemplary life
Ø Jesus died and resurrected
Ø Jesus transforms lives
B. Some people do take notice.
"The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems…." Matthew 13:20-21
C. Some people take it to heart.
"For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved."
Romans 10:13
"To all who received Him, He gives the right to become children of God. John 1:12
· How to take Jesus to heart this Christmas:
Ø We need to identify ourselves with Christ.
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
Luke 10:10
Ø We need to be invested in knowing and following the Bible.
"You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings." John 8:31
Ø We need to be imitators of Jesus Christ.
"You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind...love your neighbor as yourself."
Matthew 22:37-39
CONCLUSION