Christmas, A Witness

 

Christmas, A Witness! 

 MATT. 1:21-23; PS. 19:7-11; 33:11; JN. 12:44-50; 2Tim. 3:15-17

 SUBJECT: PROPHECY/BIBLE CREDIBILITY               

THEME: The Inspired Word of God is Completely Reliable and Trustworthy Throughout. We Will Set Forth the Bible’s Credentials by Examining One Aspect of the Christmas Story and Ancient Bible Predictions. By Analyzing These Irrefutable Proofs, We Support the Bible’s Claim to Be God’s Word and Recommend its Truth as the Final Authority for Our Generation. 

RELEVANCY: Clearly Scripture declares that its Word’s are God’s Words and that God promised to Preserve His Words forever in complete purity.     

INTRODUCTION:     

1) The Bible is On Trial, and We Need a Strong Defense.

    A.  Imagine You Are in a Court of Law and the Bible Is on Trial.

        1.  The Accusation is that the Bible is not true and therefore unreliable for salvation, instruction and guidance. 

        2.  You are counsel for the defense.  What witnesses can you call to give testimony to the truthfulness and accuracy of the Bible?  Who can prove that the Scriptures are free of errors and mistakes—thus an authoritative infallible Bible? But who could we call on?  Who could give a testimony that would be completely believed and received by us all?

        3.  We will look at the witnesses of Christmas itself today.  Certainly, we are celebrating a literal historical event about a life that transformed and shaped the course of subsequent history.  

        4.  Jesus Christ was God born into this world to die for our sins is the significance of his life.  The important thing to note here is that all of this was wonderfully predicted in the Bible.

    B.  It Is True That the Lord’s “Pure Words” are “Purified Seven Times.” (Ps. 12:6-7) 

For the English-speaking world, the Bible is accurate, and perfectly preserved for us and for every generation in the KJV.  This much is clearly taught, and we believe it with our whole heart. 

        But how can we convince others that the Bible is 100% Reliable, Credible, Trustworthy, and the Final Answer?  What supporting arguments would be completely plausible evidence? 

2) The Dominate Attitude of Our Age Demands Evidence.

Is it any wonder then that people question the authority of the Bible? As an Evangelist I can say, “The Bible is the absolute authority for English-speaking people. It is inerrant, effective, and absolutely authoritative. It is the final word on how we should all live.”

   A.  People Still Want to Know For themselves. 

   B.  People Still Say, “Show Me.” 

We will answer the skeptics’ questions from Bible Prophesy as it relates to the Life of Christ and His Birth.

MESSAGE:

I.               Consider Fulfilled Prophecies.

Fulfilled prophecy is a witness to the Bible’s trustworthiness.

Matthew 1:22-23, Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, [23] Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

   * Note The Clear Statement of Inspiration for the Scriptures and The Prophets. The Bible’s Words and Message Came from God through men.

   * Note the Clear Statement of Bible Prophecy Fulfilled through the Birth of Christ. A Specific 700-year-old prediction about the birth of Christ fulfilled in detail.    

Perhaps the strongest objective argument for the validity of Scripture comes from fulfilled Bible prophecy.  The fulfilled predictions of the Bible lend powerful support to its being the Word of God.

The Bible is the only book in the world that has specific prophecies clearly fulfilled hundreds of years after they were given. Two-thirds of the Bible is made up of prophecies. Prophecy is history written in advance. Many of these prophecies have been fulfilled, and all fulfilled prophecy has been literally fulfilled -- fulfilled to the very letter. In the Bible we have prophecies relating to places, to events and to persons.  The most helpful approach to this subject of the prophecies of the Bible would be to study the prophecies of the Old Testament which relate to the Person of Christ and see them literally fulfilled in His birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection and ascension. The prophecies that validated the deity of The Lord Jesus are exactly the same as those that validate the Bible as the word of God.

For example, over thirty prophecies relating to His arrest, trial, and crucifixion were all literally fulfilled within twenty-four hours when He died. What is the explanation of the power of this book to predict the future? The explanation is this: The Bible is a credible book. (Based on M. Anders)

A.  THE BIRTH OF CHRIST WAS A FULFILMENT OF PROPHECY.

Jesus fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies, some of them more obvious than others. For our purposes, we will focus on the more obvious ones. So that you can see them most clearly, I’ll state the Old Testament prophecy briefly, and then its fulfillment in the New Testament. Let the record speak for itself.

   1. Prophecy: The Messiah Would Be Born of a Virgin.

       A.  The Prediction: Isaiah 7:14, Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (This prophecy was given (7) seven centuries before it was fulfilled.)  (Also Gen. 3:15).       

       B.  The Fulfillment: the Lord Jesus was born of Mary the young virgin. 

Matthew 1:18, Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 1:21-23, And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. [22] Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, [23] Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.  

Matthew 1:25, And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.

   2. Prophecy: The Messiah Would Be Born into the Family of King David.

        A.  The Prediction: Jeremiah 23:5, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

Isaiah 9:7, Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. 

        B.  The Fulfillment:  In the genealogies in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, Jesus is listed as being in the lineage of David.

Matthew 1:1, The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Matthew 1:17, So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.

Luke 1:32, He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: (Also see Luke 3:23, 31)

   3. Prophecy: The Messiah Would Be Born in the City of Bethlehem.

        A.  The Prediction: Micah 5:2, But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

        B.  The Fulfillment: Jesus was born in Bethlehem. 

Luke 2:4, And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

Luke 2:11, For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

These prophecies have to do with the birth of Jesus, the Messiah.

B.  THE DEATH OF CHRIST WAS A FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY.

Other remarkable prophecies concern His death, some of them in the Old Testament, and some of them in the Gospels.

   1. Prophecy: The Messiah Would Be Tortured and Crucified.

        A.  The Prediction: 

Isaiah 53:5, But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

 Zech. 12:10, And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

          B.  The Fulfillment: Jesus was beaten and then crucified.

Matthew 27:26, Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. 

John 19:34, But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

   2. Prophecy:  Jesus Would Rise from the Dead.

          A.  The Prediction: Psalm 16:10, For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. (Also Ps. 49:15)

          B.  The Fulfillment: Jesus rose from the dead.  

Matthew 28:5-6, And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. [6] He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Mark 16:6, And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. (Acts 2:27, 30-31)

We could continue with many more prophecies and fulfillments. I have selected only a few of the major ones to give an idea of Jesus' remarkable life as it fulfilled one after another of the prophecies that told of the Messiah, in some cases, thousands of years before He was born.

II. Consider Fulfilled Prophecy as Convincing.

The Fulfillment of These Prophecies Is Not Mere Chance nor Coincidence.   

A.  FULFILLED PROPHECY PROVES THE BIBLE IS GOD’S PURE WORD.

   1.  Consider The Highly Reliable Standard for Determining God’s Predictions.

Jeremiah 28:9, The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the Lord hath truly sent him.

Ezekiel 33:33, And when this cometh to pass, (lo, it will come,) then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them.

The Bible itself makes it clear that fulfilled prophecy attests to the supernatural origin of the words of its prophets (Jeremiah 28:9).  When the details of a Divine Prophesy are fully consummated it lends credence to the Bible as being of Divine origin.  Only God can accurately predict the future hundreds and thousands of years into the future.

   2.  Conclude that Prophesy Does Verify that the Bible Came from God.

Jeremiah 28:9, The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the Lord hath truly sent him.

Deut. 18:20-22, But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. [21] And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken? [22] When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

Fulfilled prophecy proved God’s Word is the pure Word of God.

B.  FULFILLED PROPHECY IS NOT A MATTER OF CHANCE.

    1.  The Birth and Life of Jesus Christ Was No Mere Chance.

Consider Josh MacDowell’s Arguments to Helps Us Realize that Prophesy Was Literally and Divinely Fulfilled.

Again, in “Evidence that Demands a Verdict” (167), we see that the chance that any man might have lived down to the present time and fulfilled just eight of the major prophecies that Jesus fulfilled are 1 in 10 to the 17th power. That is, one in 100,000,000,000,000,000.

ILLUSTRATION: In order to help us comprehend these staggering odds, suppose we take this many silver dollars (10 to the 17th power) and lay them on the face of Texas. Now, as you know, Texas is a big state. If you could flip Texas west using El Paso as a hinge, Houston would land in the Pacific Ocean. If you could flip Texas east, using Houston as a hinge, El Paso would land in the Atlantic. If you could flip Texas north using the top of the panhandle as a hinge, the lowest part of Texas would land just short of the Canadian border. Texas is a big state. This many silver dollars (10 to the 17th power) would cover the entire state two feet deep in coins.

Now imagine that one of those silver dollars was painted red. Blindfold a man and tell him that he can travel anywhere in the state he wants to, and pick up one silver dollar. Keep in mind that traveling at seventy miles per hour, he could not drive across Texas in a day. His chances of getting the marked silver dollar are approximately the same as a person fulfilling eight major prophecies of the Messiah by chance. (Based on M. Anders)

    2.  The Birth and Life of Jesus Christ Was No Mere Accident.

God was acting in pure mercy and grace when He sent His Son into the World, there was no other way for man to be saved from the consequences of his sinful heart. This was no accident, but God executing a precision plan to rescue eternal souls from eternal suffering in Hell.

       A.  The Birth of Christ Reflect a Divine Design and Determination.

             1.  Christ Came to Save Sinner, Especially Israel a Privileged Nation.

Matthew 1:21, And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. 

John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 10:10, The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Acts 3:26, Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. (See also Acts 4:12; Acts 5:31; Acts 13:23, 13:38-39)

              2.  Christ Came to Save Sinners, Because Israel’s Guilt Proved the World’s Guilt.

Romans 3:19, Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Romans 3:9, What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

              3.  Christ Came to Save Sinner, By Dying in Our Stead, That We Could Be Saved Through Faith.

Romans 3:23-26, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: [25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; [26] To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

        B. The Odds of These Prophecies Being Accidentally Fulfilled Are Virtually Zero. 

              1.  Now, Consider That Jesus Fulfilled Forty-eight Prophecies.

The odds that any one man fulfilled all forty-eight by chance are 10 to the 157th power. There is no practical way even to illustrate that number.

ILLUSTRATION:  Let's just say that there is about as good a chance of a tornado going through a junk yard and assembling a perfect automobile. When we look at the fulfilled prophecies in the life of Christ, the Bible becomes a very convincing book, and Jesus becomes a very convincing Messiah, God the Son. (Based on M. Anders)

              2.  Of Course, These Prophecies Deal Only with the Lord Jesus Christ.

But many more prophecies in the Bible were fulfilled.

              3.  These Are Not Fortune-cookie Prophecies.

We all have read things like “an attractive person will soon come into your life,” or “things will soon begin looking up for you.” No, these are specific and verifiable. The Bible itself makes it clear that fulfilled prophecy attests to the supernatural origin of the word of its prophets (Jeremiah 28:9). If a prophet ever spoke anything that did not come true, he was not a true prophet (Deuteronomy 18:20–22) and was to be stoned. (Based on M. Anders)

    3.  But Look at the Record of the Psychics in the Tabloid Papers.  No one is able, on any level of credibility, to prophesy things that come true. Yet the Bible is full of such prophecies. They create a set of odds so remarkable that, if the prophecies are believed, they validate the Bible as the word of God. Only if you do not want to accept that conclusion do you dismiss them.

III.        Consider Fulfilled Prophecy as Authoritative.

Fulfilled prophecy is a witness to the Bible’s authority.

Since what the Bible says about Christmas is true, then all its other claims, and prophecies are just as authoritative and trustworthy.

A.  ACCEPT CHRISTMAS AS A WITNESS TO BIBLE AUTHORITY.

Matthew 1:22, Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

     1.  Christ’s Birth Was History Given In Advance.

Since the Bible is given to mankind by inspiration of God then it is not merely the writings of men, but they find their source in Jehovah. The reliability of the scriptures rest in the Power, Sovereignty, and Wisdom of an All-Mighty God, and not human strength or frailty! Christmas is much more than a holiday, it historically marks the fact that God had mercy on sinners and sent a Savior to die for our sins. The scriptures do not only record the historical fulfillment of these facts, but they also literally predicted the history before it happen. 

      2.  We Must Truly Be Sinners in Need of a Savior.

 2 Tim. 3:15, And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

2 Tim. 3:16, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

      3.  The Meaning of Christmas is a Final Reality.

A Final Reality describes the fact that the universe and reality exist in a certain form and are not subject to popular opinion. In other words, final reality is what is real and true.

ILLUSTRATION: The facts that Jesus Christ was born, lived, died, and rose again from the dead is a final reality. Whether or not people choose to accept this does not alter the reality that it happened. That is final reality.  Scripture inform us of this truth.  The fact that we are sinners destine for Hell does not have to be a final reality, receive the gift of Christmas—Jesus Christ the Savior.

B.  ACCEPT THE BIBLE AS YOUR FINAL AUTHORITY.

The Bible Is the Final Authority in Our Lives!

   1.  The Bible Is to Be the Final Authority in the Believer’s Life.

Numbers 23:19-20, God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? [20] Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.

This by application means that ultimately, we should choose to believe and obey what the Bible says, not the opinions of men. The reason for this belief in the Bible as the final authority is not that we choose to be religious legalists whose minds are shut from other opinions or that we are frightened of creative thinking.

         A.  We Believe That the Bible Is the Word of God and Divinely Inspired.

         B. Therefore, We Choose to Believe it above the Opinions, Philosophies, and Writings of Men, Which Constantly Change.

ILLUSTRATION: If you have ever studied Psychology which most college students are at least introduced to the subject. Then you can recall that each theorist differed fundamentally from the other in His teachings.  Whether Rogerian Methodology or Freudian Principles they contradicted each other. I am not surprised nor amazed to find that every major psychological theorist contradicted or markedly disagree with his predecessors. Since psychology is being taught as a science, it is hard to understand why its proponents disagreed so vastly with one another. The reason they did is that their theories were based on their subjective belief systems. In contrast, the Bible is based on what God has to say and not on the opinions of men.

    2.  God’s Word is a Final Reality!

Psalm 119:89-91, For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. [90] Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. [91] They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.

The word “settled” means “to bring to rest; to establish or secure permanently.” God’s Law is eternal and unchanging it is fixed and established forever. In our ever-changing world nothing is established or secured permanently. But God’s Word is forever “settled” or established and secured permanently in Heaven!

        A.  This Means Our Bible is True Throughout!

Here we see that the Bible, God’s Word, is final reality. In other words, it is true—not just in religious or spiritual matters. It is true in every area of life because God created all of life and the universe. He understands how it functions.  Psalm 119:160, Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. (Ps. 19:7-11)

        B.  It is Important to Understand That Christianity Is Truth and Not a Religion!

God’s Word is not just true because you and I choose to believe in it. It is true, because on an objective scientific basis it simply is “true.” When we understand this reality, it should give us confidence in our daily living and relating to our society.  It should give us confidence as we preach, teach, read, study, and witness with it. It should give us confidence as we build our homes, and other relationships by it.  It should reassure us that we are indeed saved and secure in Jesus Christ as our Savior and that we don’t need Confucius, Mohammad, Buddha nor any other religious philosophy.

CONCLUSION:

Prophecy is evidence that proves that the Bible is the word of God.  The weight of all such proofs taken together enables a person to believe that the Bible is the word of God. It takes a mind prejudiced in favor of the anti-supernatural not to agree that the evidence for the Bible's being the word of God is strong indeed.

 

The First Christmas Dream

Matthew 1:18-25

THEME: Mary the virgin miraculously conceives, and her fiancé, Joseph, receives a visit from an angel. Mary and Joseph are married, and the baby Jesus is born.

RELEVANCE: To assure everyone that Jesus is the legal heir to the throne of David and the promises to Abraham are fulfilled in Him. Christ is the Savior and Messiah King. The question is, is he your Savior? Have you believed on Him for the forgiveness of sin? In addition, God guides His people into the details of His grand will. The question is, can He direct and/or redirect you? Will you abandon your will to embrace His? Before Dr. Martin Luther King had a dream, Jehovah God had one and it includes you and me. 

INTRODUCTION:

Joseph did not divorce his fiancé Mary when he discovered her pregnancy because the Lord revealed the truth to him. Through an incredibly important dream, God showed Joseph the miraculous nature of Mary’s pregnancy and the fascinating divine nature of her baby. All of this is a fulfillment of a 700-year-old prophecy concerning Israel’s promised Messiah’s birth in Isaiah 7:14, which says, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, And shall call his name Immanuel.”

Jesus is the virgin-born Son of God; in Christ God dwells with humanity! Truly, the conception of Jesus Christ is a supernatural and absolutely unique event beyond human logic or reasoning. There is nothing else like it in all of human history. Because of this, God sent angels to help certain people understand the significance of what is unfolding (see Matt. 2:13, 19; Luke 1:11, 26; 2:9). In this case, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream. Some dreams function in the Bible as a means to convey God’s message to people. The first Christmas dream tells us of the nature of our Messiah King and the wonder of his conception. It presents us an opportunity to ponder deeply God's grand dream for each of us....

LESSON:

Joseph's Dream Confirms Christ’s Divine Heritage and Virgin Birth (1:20-25)

While this gentle and deliberate man was mapping his strategy to protect Mary, “the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream.” As Joseph began to move forward on his decided course of action, God intervened to prevent a major mistake.

THE MESSAGE IN THE CHRISTMAS DREAM (Matt. 1:20-23): GOD REVEALS THE MESSIAH’S COMING

Angels are spiritual beings, created by God, who help carry out his work on earth. They brought God’s messages to people (Luke 1:26), protected God’s people (Dan 6:22), offered encouragement (Gen 16:7), and gave guidance (Ex 14:19). The angel who appeared to Joseph was one of God’s messengers, sent to correct and guide Joseph in his dealings with Mary. So, what was the message in the dream about? (Wiersbe)

It Confirms the Purity of Mary (Matt. 1:20):

Joseph is reassured that Mary’s pregnancy is caused by the Holy Spirit. Notice how God conveys this reality to Joseph.

The Specific Address.

This greeting, “Joseph, thou son of David,” was clearly designed to stir up the consciousness of his royal pedigree and to prepare him for the unusual advent of Israel’s Messiah-King. (MacDonald)

This signified that Joseph had a special role in a special event. The angel explained that Joseph was to take Mary as his wife, for the child was to be in the royal line of David. Joseph, as "son of David," would establish that royal lineage. God has an incredibly significant role for each of us as we partner with him in service and life-purpose.

The Specific Counsel.  “fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife”

Joseph was not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife; no matter what the social repercussions might be. Of course, she was already his wife because they were pledged, but the angel told Joseph that instead of divorcing Mary, he should complete the marriage process and take her home as his wife. Mary had committed no sin. He should have no misgivings about marrying Mary.

The Specific Reason. (1:20) “that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost”

Any suspicions concerning her purity is groundless. Her pregnancy was a miracle of the Holy Spirit. God himself, with her consent, caused this pregnancy, and the child would be very special -- God's Son. Yes, Mary was a pregnant virgin and the baby is God the Son entering the world as the Son of Man. He would also be the fulfillment of prophecy, as described in the next verse.

When facing big decisions, some people freeze with fright. What if I decide wrong? What if I miss God's will? What if . . .? To make good decisions, first take all these worries and put them under God's promise: God cares for you, watches over you, and guides your steps. Joseph came to the best decision he could, but God had other plans and communicated them clearly. Most of our decisions will not be overruled by angels, but that's no reason for lack of confidence. To make good decisions, examine the Word on the subject, pray, evaluate all the options, talk with trusted Christian friends, then act in faith. God is with you, every step.

It Confesses the Person within Mary (Matt. 1:21):

The Angel of the Lord tells Joseph that Mary will deliver a son and his name will be Jesus. In fact, the angel proceeds to reveal the unborn Child’s sex, name, and mission. (MacDonald)

The Gender of this Unique Person.

Mary would bear a Son.  Isaiah 9:6-7, For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. [7] Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

The Name of this Unique Person.

He was to be named JESUS, (which means “Jehovah is salvation” or “Jehovah, the Savior”). The name Jesus comes from the Hebrew name, Joshua. There were many Jewish boys with the name Joshua (or, in the Greek, Jesus); but Mary’s Boy was called “Jesus the Christ.”  The word Christ means “anointed”; it is the Greek equivalent of Messiah. He is “Jesus the Messiah.” Jesus is His human name; Christ is His official title! Beloved, there is a SAVIOR! (MacDonald)

The Mission of this Unique Person. (1:21)

True to His Name, He would “save His people from their sins.” This Child of destiny was Jehovah Himself, visiting earth to save lost humanity from the penalty of sin, from the power of sin, and eventually from the very presence of sin. From the very start, Matthew explains, to a Jewish audience, that Jesus would not save the people from Rome or from tyranny, nor would he set up an earthly kingdom immediately. Instead, Jesus would save people from sin.  How would Jesus save them from their sins? The answers to these questions will be found in the unfolding story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. (MacDonald)

  

Jesus came to earth to save us because we cannot save ourselves from sin and its devastating and eternal consequences. No matter how good we are, we cannot eliminate our alienation from God. Only Jesus, the Messiah Savior, can do that. Jesus did not come to help people save themselves; he, and he alone, came to be our Savior from the power and penalty of sin. Hell is extremely real, and God’s grace is abundant—Jesus is the only Savior. Why not trust him? This is God's grand dream for you.

This Christmas it would be good to thank the Lord Jesus for his death on the cross for your sin, and then ask him to take control of your life. Believe that he died in your place and for your sin. Trust the truth that he was buried and rose again the third day as he promised. Know that he did all of this to save you. Your new life begins at that moment. Beloved, Jesus came on a mission of mercy to rescue lost and dying sinners from hell and bring us into a righteous relationship with God.

It Concerns the Prophecy about Messiah (Matt. 1:22-23):

This Son, conceived without the aid of a human father, is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s ancient prophecy. Again, in Isaiah 7:14, the great prophet says, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

This Prophecy was Fulfilled. (1:22)

As Matthew recorded these events, he realized that a new era had dawned in the history of God’s dealings with the human race. The words of a messianic prophecy, long dormant, had now sprung to life. Isaiah’s cryptic prophecy was now fulfilled in Mary’s Child! (Luke 1:69-70) (MacDonald)

The Prophecy Was Inspired.  (1:22)

You see, all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was “spoken of the Lord by the prophet.” Matthew claims divine inspiration for the words of Isaiah—the Lord had spoken by the prophet at least 700 years before Christ. This was God’s ancient prediction coming to fruition.

The Prophecy Was Miraculous.  (1:23)

The prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 includes the foretelling of a unique birth (“Behold, a virgin shall conceive”! In addition, think about the name assigned to God’s Son. “Emmanuel” describes who He is— “God with us.” Jesus Christ is God! We find this name “Immanuel” in Isaiah 7:14 and 8:8. The King, then, was a Jewish male who is also the divine Son of God. Immanuel might also be a designation for Christ which will be used primarily in His Second Advent. Note the thoughtfully crafted statement of this truth by the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 3:16, “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” God does the miraculous to save sinners like you and me. Hallelujah! What an excellent Savior! Amen! God is with us.

THE MARRIAGE FOLLOWING THE CHRISTMAS DREAM (Matt. 1:24-25): JOSEPH TAKES MARY TO BE HIS WIFE AND CHRIST IS BORN.

Joseph facing a difficult choice after discovering that Mary is pregnant, takes her as his wife. Though this may have been humiliating, Joseph chooses to obey the angel’s command to marry her.

Joseph Abandons His Plans. (Matt. 1:24) “did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him”

As a result of the angel’s intervention, Joseph abandons his plan to divorce Mary. He continues to recognize their betrothal until Jesus’ birth! Never fear leaving your designs for your future as you embrace God’s plan.

Joseph Adopts God’s Plans. (Matt. 1:25) “and took unto him his wife”

When Joseph awakes from this dream, he obeys the Lord’s guidance. He violates many national customs by immediately taking Mary into his home rather than waiting till the one-year time period of betrothal to pass. Thinking of what would be best for Mary in her condition, he brought her home and began to care and provide for her. (Walvoord)

We can appreciate God’s miraculous working in both Joseph and Mary. Although God’s actions were beyond their comprehension, and although they may have faced misunderstanding and questioning looks from those around them, Mary and Joseph willingly followed God’s guidance. How willing are we to do what God wants, no matter what? Can we follow God’s guidance without question?

Upon awaking, Joseph did not hesitate. The decision was no longer difficult, because he simply does what he knows God wants him to do. His actions revealed four commendable qualities: (1) righteousness (1:19), (2) discretion and sensitivity (1:19), (3) responsiveness to God (1:24), and (4) self-discipline (1:25). Does this accurately describe you and me? Are we cultivating these excellent characteristics? (Wiersbe)

 

Sometimes we avoid doing what is right because of what others might think. Like Joseph and Mary, we must choose to obey God rather than seek the approval of others.

Joseph Adjusts to God’s Plan. (Matt. 1:25) “he knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son:”

To squelch any doubts about the conception and birth of Jesus while Mary was still a virgin, Matthew explained that Joseph had no sexual relationship with Mary until after the birth of this Child, Jesus. Luke (Col. 4:14), records several details surrounding the birth (Luke 2:1-7). (Walvoord)

The statement in verse 25, also refutes the notion that Mary lived her whole life as a virgin; after Jesus’ birth, Joseph and Mary consummated their marriage, and Jesus had several half-brothers (Matt. 12:46). Two of Jesus’ half-brothers were prominent figured in the Jerusalem Church -- James, became the leader, and Jude, wrote the book that bears his name.

Other references which indicate that Mary had children by Joseph are Matthew 12:46; 13:55, 56; Mark 6:3; John 7:3, 5; Acts 1:14; 1 Corinthians 9:5; and Galatians 1:19. Joseph was not the inflexible person that is hard to work with because they must do everything one way. He was agile, nibble, flexible and capable of growing through sound God-given guidance. Are you willingly adjusting to God’s plan for you?  

Joseph Adopts God’s Son. (Matt. 1:25) “and he [Joseph] called his name JESUS”

In taking Mary as his wife, Joseph also took her Child as his adopted Son. This is how Jesus became legal heir to the throne of David. In obedience to the angelic visitor, he called the Baby’s name Jesus. Joseph did everything that God had told him! Thus, Jesus is the indisputable King of Israel and Savior of the world. As Joseph accepted the Lord, why don’t we do the same? After all this is God's dream for you and me. 

CONCLUSION: 

Thus, the Messiah-King was born. The Eternal One entered time. The Omnipotent became a tiny Infant. The Lord of glory veiled that glory in a human body, and “in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Col. 2:9). GOD IS WITH US! God is still speaking to His people through the written Word of God. Read, study, meditate upon the Bible’s teachings to hear His great Voice. You do not need a dream necessarily to be certain you have heard from God, you can trust the Scriptures implicitly. As God guides respond in faith and obedience as Joseph did. Wonderful dreams, God's dreams, become reality when we live in concert with His plans. 

Is It OK To Celebrate Christmas?

Romans 14:1-12

SUBJECT: CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY OBSERVANCE

THEME: today I want to identify the boundaries of Christian liberty and the proper exercise of Christian love regarding Christmas holiday observances.  

In this study series, I hope to articulate the approach a Christian should take regarding holiday observances. Secondly, and in full disclosure, I aim to steer you clear of the two major pitfalls of license and legalism regarding holidays. That is we cannot allow nor forbid all aspects of any holiday observance as a standard practice for all believers. Some aspects may be morally acceptable while others are concretely violations of biblical truth. In those facets that are truly neutral, we must afford liberty to others. Thirdly, we hope to encourage you to live with a voluntary self-restraint regarding gray area issues that may offend others or hinder our efforts of reaching and helping people. We do not want our freedom in Christ to be regarded as evil or needlessly offensive. All of these are worthwhile goals; therefore, exploring this subject, though it came be volatile,  is still a worthwhile time investment.

The way a person observes the Christmas holiday can be a matter of controversy and unnecessary hard feelings or resentment. For example, someone may inquire, "Can I drink eggnog at the office Christmas party?" Another may ask, "Why erect a Christmas Tree? It has nothing to do with the birth of Christ...." Yet someone else may wonder if participation in any part of Christmas observances are pleasing to God...especially since its origin is pagan. Well, the Apostle Paul in Romans 14 gives us valuable guidance and relational principles in the areas of questionable things and practices. He shares powerful guidelines to enable believers to disagree on nonessentials (gray area issues) while maintaining love and unity in the churches and Christian homes.

With as much as Fundamental Christians agree upon, it's quite amazing what we can fight about, and even split churches over. Unfortunately, it has been this way with Christianity from its inception. And in those early days, God gave His people a way to handle these matters so they would not become divisive. His plan? Liberating love. This solid plan is delineated for us all in Romans 14:1–15:13 (also 1 Cor. 8-10), which describes two groups who are at odds with each other over two areas of concern. So let's keep open minds, laying aside our differences so we can hear what God has to say to us from these passages.  

HOW DO WE KNOW CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY OBSERVANCES ARE “GRAY AREA ISSUES”?

Simply stated we know that Christmas is a Gray Area Issue Because the Bible Does Not Address the Subject At All; therefore, the Christian Can Exercise Liberty in the Matter.

In other words, God does not forbid nor command us to observe the holiday. We cannot require another to honor this day, nor can we forbid another’s observance. The choice is up to you whether or not you participate or refrain. It is a matter of personal persuasion. Note what the Apostle Paul actually says in Romans 14:5-6,

One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. [6] He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

It is up to the individual believer as to whether or not she or he will celebrate the holiday of Christmas. But let every believer be “fully persuaded in his own mind” that what he or she does is completely pleasing to God.  The choice is yours but it must be made in faith! Note that Romans 14:23, requires, “And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”

While there are a number of things associated with the observance of the Christmas Holiday that are biblically wrong like lying to children about Santa Claus and the godless parties promoting drugs and alcohol, there are many traditions that are healthy. Time reflecting on the actual meaning of Christ's birth, giving thanks to God for the "gift" of His only begotten Son, and worship services devoted to celebrating the incarnation of God are all worthwhile. Any Christian should be able to subscribed to worship emphasizing these truly scriptural realities without any difficulty. However, if a believer objects to Christmas trees, traditional Christmas tales like Rudolf the Rednose Reindeer, and swapping gifts then they are free to do so as a personal matter. We all must be careful to separate the biblical from the traditional in many matters. Each individual needs to be persuaded about these matters of conscious as a matter of faith. We must be watchful against imposing our personal convictions on another person; they must also be free to act according to their own conscious with impunity.
 

THERE ARE "GRAY AREAS" THAT ARE NOT EXPRESSLY RIGHT OR WRONG FOR EVERY BELIEVER. 

Some may view these as black and white matters while others disagree referring to them as gray areas. Consider these suggestions:

    1.  Consider Just a Few of the Gray Area Issues of Our Day.

         a. Consider the Issue of Christians in The Military and Fighting in War.

         b. Consider the Issue of Christians Holding Government Offices.

         c. Consider the Issue of Christians Attending an Office Christmas Party.

         d. Consider the Issue of Christians Playing or Owning a Pool Table.

         e. Consider the Issue of Christians Owning a Gun or Advocating for Guns.

         f. Consider the Issue of Christians Playing Card Games.

         g. Consider the Issue of Christians Working on the Lord’s Day– Sunday.
         h. Consider the Issue of Christians Working at Stores that sell Liquor and Tobacco. 

All of these issues have been debated for years with little or no resolution or coherency. My aim here is not to revisit them all individually, but to demonstrate that the subject of observing Christmas is categorized with them. In addition, I merely hope to emphasize that true matters of conscious can be real hot button subjects. They can generate much heated debate and drive deep the wedge of division in a family or church. People tend to be quite passionate about their position; they will vigorously defend their perspective. It seems to me the more deeply one's position is rooted in tradition, the more tenaciously it is held. Christmas observances typically present a vast array of secular traditions and of course teachings deeply rooted in biblical truth. It is a potentially explosive subject when a secularist and a believer address the subject to each other. It is also a challenging portion of discussion when two believers haggle over the significance of the holiday and devotion to biblical emphasis. I am simply contending that the proper balance can be struck if we observe the principles of Christian Liberty. Perhaps we need to visit the subject of "Christian Liberty" to help us understand how to handle all such matters.

     2.  “Christian Liberty” is Applied to These Areas of Moral Indifference.

To avoid confusion, please allow me to explore the subject of Christian Liberty so that we all understand what I am actually saying here.

Liberty Means that Believers Are Emancipated from the Bondage of Satan, the Domination of Sin, Guilt, and the Fear of Death. Christians are entirely free of any obligations to sin and its condemnation. Spiritual union with Christ, involving the service of Christ, is compatible with perfect freedom; inasmuch as we are thus restored to the right relationship to God and brought into harmony with His will (see Matt 11:28-30; James 1:25). The season of bondage and fear of death is over for genuine believers. Note that Hebrews 2:14-15, says, "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; [15] And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." (see John 8:31-36; Acts 26:17-18; Rom 7:24-25; 8:15; Heb. 2:14-15). 

Liberty Means that Christians Are Not under Obligation to Observe the Distinctly Jewish Regulations in the Bible. Paul says in Galatians 5:1, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."  We are not required to embrace the Jewish traditional holidays mentioned in the Old and the New Testaments. Christians should insist on liberty concerning such matters of culture, observing holidays, feasts, and ceremonies. All the while we accept the fact that Christianity will look and feel differently in different cultures, but the essential truths and message remain in tact. The result is not a watered down version of Christianity, but real Christianity in another cultural context. I certainly am not encouraging perversions of our Faith, but simply recognizing that Christianity is designed by God to be indigenous, lucid and relevant on many levels regardless of the people group. The Liberty we have through Christ tolerates such nuances as the Faith is expressed through a certain cultural setting. It will differ slightly in other social/ethnic situations without any violation of essential or fundamental truths.     

You see, circumcision, Animal Sacrifices, with the whole body of ceremonial requirements essential to the chosen nation, Israel, during the period that was preparatory to the gospel,  are set aside under the gospel. These features of religion were annulled by the incoming of the new dispensation in Christ. They were not in keeping with the dignity and inward liberty of redeemed souls, our new moral elevation and illumination, or our relationship as children of God. (see John 4:20-24; Acts 15:1-29; Gal. 2:1; 5:1-6; Heb. 8:10,13).  Hebrews 8:13, says, "In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away." The Old Covenant requirements were satisfied through Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. They are accomplished on the behalf of every believer, thus they are nullified. These elements were not transferred to other people groups, but many Jewish converts still continued to observe these traditions for a while. 

                                                           

The Phrase, Christian Liberty, Also Refers to the Privilege of Christians to Regulate Their Lives as Individuals with Respect to Matters That Are Morally Indifferent. The NT instructions upon this point were developed for the most part on account of the attempt to impose Jewish regulations upon converts of Christianity. Again Christians are not obligated to observe these regulations or holy days. We must also understand the principles set forth by Paul have a much broader application and are still of great importance to us today (see Rom 13; 14:14; 1 Cor. 7:8; also Scriptures referred to above). He repeatedly advocated for Christian Liberty concerning days and diets.  

With Respect to Such Things that Are Not Commanded or Forbidden in the Word of God, Christian Liberty May Be Exercised and Should Be Allowed. Actions are not to be pronounced sinful that are not sinful. Different does not mean wrong or a perversion of the Faith. Often there is more than one way to obey a biblical requirement. Any scriptural injunction can be executed in a number of ways; multiple strategies could be employed by any congregation even. Nonessentials are not to be elevated to the place of essential virtues. Some things concerning our Faith are vital and necessary while others are not. Essentials (relative to Christmas) are fundamental teachings like the nature of God, the nature of Christ's birth, salvation by grace, propitiation through one ultimate Sacrifice, the inspiration and veracity of Scripture, and the significance of Christ's birth. Nonessentials are things like Christmas trees, a white Christmas (snow), sleigh rides, turkey dinners, Santa Claus (a lie), gift swapping, gingerbread cookies, and chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Each Christian is free to choose for themselves before their Lord on these matters that are truly neutral. Regarding the essentials, every believer should advocate for these truths, but all the rest is not worth bickering over except to demonstrate they are not fundamental to biblical Christianity.  

Proper Room must Be Left for the Exercise of Individual Judgment or of Enlightened Christian Conscience. That is correct, in these gray area matters it is permissible to allow your conscious to be your guide. Individual preference is appropriate as long as it is exercise with loving consideration for how our actions will impact others. 

But remember, this Liberty with Respect to Things Indifferent Is Not Absolute; There are Limitations. Its exercise is under the limitations of the principles of self-preservation, of expediency, of duty, and of love. Healthy concessions should be made for the sake of "the weak," though care should be taken not to make them in a way, or to such an extent, as to perpetuate their weakness or to promote superstition. If the former is not done "the weak" are needlessly injured. If the latter is omitted the principle of evangelical liberty is violated, Christians are reduced to un-Christian slavery, and the progress of Christ's kingdom is obstructed. Always keep the principles of expediency and edification in mind as you grapple with these matters. The Apostle Paul says in 1 Cor. 10:23, "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not." Is it expedient for the cause of Christ? Does it edify my brother or sister in Christ? These are good questions to grapple with. 

MANY BIBLE SUBJECTS ARE BINDING WHILE OTHERS ARE GOVERNED BY GENERAL PRINCIPLES.

     1.  Some Activities We Know Are Wrong, Because the Bible Clearly Condemns Them.  For instance we do not have to wonder or worry about whether drug usage, immorality, stealing or lying are wrong.  When we are faced with these temptations we do not have to stop and pray about whether or not we should indulge.  We do not need to analyze the situation to see if we should participate; no, we just simply believe God and refuse.  God already said NO about immorality, substance abuse, lying, and stealing.

     2.  Other Activities We Know Are Right, Because the Bible Clearly Commands Them.  Things like faithful church attendance, tithing one’s income, evangelizing the lost, living holy, being honest and beyond reproach, Bible study, and encouraging others with the Scriptures are clearly the expressed will of God as prescribed in the Bible.

But when it comes to areas that are not clearly defined in Scripture, we find ourselves needing some other kind of guidance. Paul gave Christian Liberty principles for this guidance. He explains how believers could disagree on nonessentials and still maintain unity in the church. He gave his readers three important admonitions. We will consider two of them in this series.

     3. Some Matters Can Be Settled Based on General Biblical Principles.

The following are general principles that can be applied to many of these gray area matters. Consider these as questions for personal examination:

       a. Will what I’m about to do raise questions about my motives? (1 Thes. 5:22; 1 Cor. 9:12, 18)

       b. Will what I do have a positive effect on others for the Lord? (1 Cor. 6:12; 10:23)

       c. Will what I do clearly bring glory to God? (1 Cor. 10:31)

       d. Will what I do result in the salvation of souls? (1 Cor. 10:33)

       e. Will what I want to do master or enslave me? (1 Cor. 6:10)

       f. Will what I want to do promote peace in the fellowship? (Rom. 14:19)

       g. Does what I want to do make me feel uneasy in my conscience? (Rom. 14:23)

Again through this study I hope to clarify what position a Christian should take on such holiday observances.  Secondly, I wish to steer you clear of the two major pitfalls of license and legalism regarding the holidays.  Thirdly, I want to encourage you to live with a voluntary self-restraint regarding gray issues that may offend others or hinder our efforts of reaching and helping people. Remember in all matters Christian Love is applicable and prescribed by our Heavenly Father. 

Yes, the way a person observes the Christmas holiday can be a matter of controversy and unnecessary hard feelings or even resentment. It may appear as hypocrisy to observe it or to refrain from observing it. The Apostle Paul gives us helpful guidance and relational principles in the areas of questionable things and practices. Study carefully the passages mentioned above in their original context. Then do the profitable work of working out how these principles apply to us today. You will be gloriously enriched! 

Yes, believers can disagree on nonessentials (gray area issues) and still maintain love and unity in the churches and Christian homes. If we understand and faithfully apply these principles we will not find ourselves tearing up our churches and our homes about things that are neutral before God. We will also learn to tolerate the different preferences of other believers; how to govern ourselves when dealing with “gray” issues are necessary relational skills.  

As always, I am not advocating the sacrifice of biblical truth and important principles of the Scriptures, but I am saying that we should be willing to give up our personal rights in order to win souls to Christ and build-up other saints in Christian love. It is not about what I want, but what is edifying, expedient, or others centered. I realize some folks want to make every subject an absolute matter with universal application. We all function a little bit better when we know the clearly defined boundaries.... In matters of conscious the boundary is the individual's choice or preference under the authority of Christ the Lord. That is the standard Beloved, for us all.