A Forgotten Christmas Story (God Wants You! - Part 1)
(Training message for House Church and individual use: preached 12/6 – 12/12/2020)
Bible reading from Luke 2:21-35:
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
(Luke 2:21-35)
I. God wants you happy, being where he wants you to be!
“And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.” (Luke 2:25)
A. You have a name.
B. You have a location.
C. You have who you are.
D. You have what you are doing.
E. You have what God wants you to do.
II. God wants you happy, doing what God tells you to do!
“And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple:” (Luke 2:26-27a)
A. God’s purpose for your life is revealed.
B. God’s purpose for your life is inspired.
C. God’s purpose for your life is eternal.
D. God’s purpose for your life is Christ-centered.
E. God’s purpose for your life is exciting.
F. God’s purpose for your life is sharing.
III. God wants you happy, preaching what God gives you to preach!
“And when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, ‘Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.” (Luke 27b-33)
A. Surrender and your joy will be full of Jesus!
B. Surrender and your life will be full of Jesus!
C. Surrender and your future will be full of Jesus!
D. Surrender and your salvation will be full of Jesus!
E. Surrender and your effect on others will be full of Jesus!
IV. God wants you happy, leading the way God shows you to lead!
“And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 34-35)
A. God wants you to share the Gospel with individuals!
B. God wants you to share the Gospel with as many people as possible!
Conclusion: God wants you!
OUTLINE:
A Forgotten Christmas Story (God Wants You! – Part 1)
(A Message to the Ministers of the Lord Jesus Christ)
““And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.” (Luke 2:25)
I. God wants you happy, being where he wants you to be!
II. God wants you happy, doing what God tells you to do!
III. God wants you happy, preaching what God gives you to preach!
IV. God wants you happy, leading the way God shows you to lead!
WORSHIP:
Opening:
Silent night lyrics – Christmas carol – Christmas song 2011
Message: