Notes | December 27, 2020

MESSAGE NOTES

Today's Message: A Child Is Born, A Son Is Given | Sean Patterson

This month we are in a message series called PREPARING FOR THE PROMISE. Stay caught up on this series by following the PREPARING FOR THE PROMISE message series playlist on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrEv__Oj59QfbGZbRGw7RdhtN6VlO7dMs

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” – Isaiah 9:2-7

The message of Isaiah is that the God of the Bible cares for His creation so much and takes our misery and suffering so seriously that He was willing to take it on himself.

Christmas is a message of:
What God had to endure to get to us.
What we must endure to receive Him.
Why it’s all worth it.

Isaiah 9:6 says “to us a son is given…” Though God could have come to save the world in many contexts, He chose to do so through family.

• He comes as a son.
• He comes in poverty.
• He comes in vulnerability.

“All human beings are, in their natural condition, in a state of warfare against God. We're all hostile to God. We're all fighting against God, and that's the way it is. The proof of that? The only time God ever became vulnerable to us, the only time God ever became weak, the only time God ever became touchable, we killed him.” – Tim Keller
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Carrying and executing the will of God can only happen through a painful process. And why not? Salvation came to this world through a painful process. The Son was given to die on a cross.

• It’s uncomfortable and disorienting.
• It is a commitment that never leaves.
• It makes a lasting mark on us.

By understanding what it cost Him to come and what it costs to receive Him, we earn the ability to know Him as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

The religious person sees God as useful, but the Christian sees God as beautiful. Christmas is about beholding the wonder of His love.

When Jesus Christ hung on the cross pouring His life out for you and me He was a hero dying for villains.

Your salvation is so sure that it is spoken of in past tense.

Jesus is...

• Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor – He knows everything.
• Jesus is Mighty God – He’s stronger than everything.
• Jesus is Everlasting Father – He controls everything.
• Jesus is the Prince of Peace – He resolves everything.