Preached by Jay Shelbrack, 12/21/2008

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Download audio

David Anderson (2nd from right) Gets Baptized

Let’s look at how the Christmas story of Jesus’ birth comes together with the cross in a brief and powerful 17 minute communion message.

Matthew 1:18 through Matthew 2:23
- Jesus’ birth was full of conflict. Joseph was originally going to divorce Mary until the angel spoke to him. Believing the virgin birth takes faith and involves controversy.
- Herod is not joyfully excited about the messiah. With a newborn baby, Joseph and Mary escape to another country. Herod orders all boys two and under to be killed in Bethlehem. Jesus’ life was full of turmoil.

Matthew 1:21
- Jesus will save people from their sins. He will be your shepherd. He will rescue you.
- The closer you get to Jesus, the more violent it gets. Satan goes after the son to try to hurt the father.
-There is no changed life without sacrifice. It takes a willingness to suffer to be like Jesus.
- Rejoice because God has given you a chance to repent and know Jesus by responding with gratitude to his death on the cross.

Categories: Sermons
No Comments »