Big Idea: We all could manage our time better, but only God can lead us to use our time for what is best
1. His wisdom keeps us from squandering our time (Eph. 5:15-16)
2. His wisdom guides us in maximizing our time (Col. 4:5-6)
Following the example of Jesus, the Lord of time:
(from Ordering Your Private World, by Gordon MacDonald)
Jesus clearly understood his mission
Jesus understood his own limits
Jesus focused on a few
Big Idea: Christmas is the shout of joy to a world of sorrow
What is joy?
We shout joyfully because of God's love (Psalm 98:1-3)
We shout joyfully because of God's reign (Psalm 98:4-6)
We shout joyfully because of God's justice (Psalm 98:7-9)
Where is the joy?
The promise of joy: Genesis 3:15-18; Isaiah 9:6-7
The arrival of joy: Luke 2:10-14; 2:25-32
The hope of joy: 1 Peter 1:8-9; Revelation 21:1-5
Big Idea: Christmas is good news that replaces our fear with comfort
1. Jesus became one of us to free us from our fears (2:14-16)
Jesus ended Satan's power
Jesus freed us from slavery to death
2. Jesus became one of us to comfort us with his help (2:17-18)
Jesus opened the way to the good favor of God
Jesus can now help us when we need it most
Big Idea: Christmas is the good news that Jesus is King
1. Beautiful feet deliver good news (Is 52:7)
Peace
Happiness
Salvation
"Your God reigns"
2. Singing fills the city (Is 52:8-9)
Joy
Comfort
Redemption
3. Salvation stretches to the ends of the earth (Is 52:10)
Jesus loves even his fiercest enemies (Lk. 6:27-28)
So, we can also love those with ugly pasts (2 Cor. 5:14-19)
And, we can trust him to repurpose our own ugly pasts (1 Tim. 1:12-17)
Big Idea: Jesus takes ugly pasts and gives them beautiful purposes
1) Saul's ugly past (8:1-3; 9:1-2)
2) Saul meets Jesus (9:3-9)
3) Saul's eyes are opened (9:10-19)
4) Saul the persecutor becomes Saul the preacher (9:20-25)
5) Saul the foe becomes Saul the friend (9:26-31)
Three Lessons:
Jesus loves even his fiercest enemies (Lk. 6:27-28)
So, we can also love those with ugly pasts (2 Cor. 5:14-19)
And, we can trust him to repurpose our own ugly pasts (1 Tim. 1:12-17)