A timeless message encouraging faith and trust in Christ (shared at Christmas Eve Service). Luke 2:8-20, Titus 2:11-13
"Celebrate the Life-Changing Gift of Jesus - Christmas Eve":
I. Introduction: The Spirit of Giving at Christmas
- Illustration: The experience of giving and receiving gifts
- The material gifts we give pale in comparison to the life-changing gift of Jesus.
II. The Gift of Jesus: Our True Source of Hope
- A. Uncertainty in Life and Our Need for Assurance
- Reflecting on the unpredictability of recent times (weather, economy, social challenges)
- Jesus provides peace and hope amidst life's uncertainties.
- B. The Shepherds and the Good News
- Shepherds as unlikely recipients of the angel's message
- The humble circumstances and divine announcement to shepherds reflect God’s love for all.
III. Jesus as Both Shepherd and Sacrifice
- A. The Significance of the Shepherds’ Role
- Shepherds often cared for sheep destined for sacrifice, symbolizing Jesus’ role.
- B. Jesus: The Good Shepherd and the Perfect Lamb
- Jesus embodies both the caring shepherd and the sacrificial lamb for our sins.
- His life and death ended the need for sacrifices, fulfilling God’s promise.
IV. God's Invitation to All People
- A. The Personal Nature of the Gift
- Jesus' birth is a personal gift, meant for "you" individually.
- Salvation isn’t exclusive; it's available to everyone, breaking barriers of culture and status.
- B. The Peace and Favor of God for Believers
- Through Jesus, we receive peace with God and live in His favor.
- This peace allows us to face struggles with confidence in God’s plan.
V. Living in Hope, Awaiting Christ’s Return
- A. Living Out Our Faith While We Wait
- Titus 2:11-13 - Living a self-controlled, godly life as we await Christ’s return.
- God equips us to resist sin and pursue righteousness in challenging times.
- B. Sharing the Message of Hope and Discipleship
- As recipients of God’s grace, we are called to share the gospel with others.
- Jude 23 - "Rescue others from the flames" as we hold out the word of life.
VI. Personal Reflection and Assurance in Christ
- A. Assurance of Salvation Through Faith in Jesus
- Testimony of finding salvation in Jesus and assurance through the Holy Spirit.
- B. Offering Christ to Others
- Encouraging others to receive Jesus and find peace and purpose in their lives.
VII. Conclusion: Responding Like the Shepherds
- A. The Shepherds’ Response to the Good News
- They immediately shared the message with others, spreading joy and wonder.
- B. Embracing Opportunities in 2024
- Encouragement to celebrate, share, and live out the hope we have in Christ as we enter the new year.
Well Faith shares recent sermons from Pastor Chris Teien and occasional Rockwell Church guest speakers, along with highlighting timeless replay messages from his earlier years (marked with *). These Biblical messages apply timeless truth to everyday life, offering practical guidance, encouragement, and hope for living out WELL Faith: Worshiping, Encouraging, Learning, and Loving. Find more resources and message notes by topic, series, and year at ChrisTeien.com/messages Come worship with us Sundays at 10:15 AM at Rockwell.Church 93 Midway Drive, Virginia, MN. If this message encouraged you, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review, and let us know what you think at WellFaith247@gmail.com
