Last weekend at Southeast Christian Church, Dave Stone continued the sermon sermon series entitled, “Hometown Christmas” with the second sermon of the series, “Christmas in the Country” based on Matthew 2.
This sermon series by focuses on the significant places surrounding the place of the first Christmas. The second sermon of the series focuses on Nazareth. The city of Nazareth was quite smaller than other towns. Nazareth was always considered ‘less than.’ It is even quoted from the Bible, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Nazareth was not even mentioned in the Old Testament.
Mary’s and Joseph’s obedience to God during this time is significant. At that time there were 3 steps to a Jewish marriage: engagement or arrangement to be wed, betrothal or the approval which was binding, and the marriage itself. The lessons of obedience that we should observe from their obedience to God.
- Believe the promise of the impossible. If God wants a virgin to conceive and have a child, it will happen.
- Recognize the price tag of obedience — reputation, stress, and even your own agenda.
- Allow the Lord to use you — How can we be servants?
This past weekend at Southeast Christian Church, Dave Stone began a new sermon sermon series entitled, “Hometown Christmas” with the first sermon of the series, “Christmas in the City” based on Matthew 2.
Dave began this sermon series by focusing on the significant places surrounding the place of the first Christmas. Today we will begin with Jerusalem. The city of Jerusalem has a population of about 750,000 which is just a little bit smaller than Louisville, Ky. Jerusalem was the city that Jesus loved. Jerusalem is a very unique city. It is pack with incredible history and political power struggles. Be amazed at the number of political figures that were there when Dave and his wife visited just recently. Jerusalem is a place of significance.
Learn about how King David loved the city and how he chose the place to build the temple. Today we will learn about the promise of a New King which infuriated an old king. Learn about the types of people present during that first Christmas.
- There were many who were threatened by Jesus. King Herod and others in power feel threatened and feared loss of power. King Herod was an example of power gone bad. Learn how even a human plot cannot stop a divine plan. Do you allow yourselves to be threatened by the one who wants to be King of your life?
- Some were complacent about Jesus. Scholars and religious leaders did not even attempt make the trip to check things out. They did not understand that Jesus wanted to have a relationship with them.
- A few people embraced Jesus. Simeon, a godly man who faithfully served in the temple, was on the lookout for the King .
These three ways of reacting to Jesus are still prevalent today. Jesus means the one who saves. Have you turned your life over to Christ? Are you allowing Christ to be the ruler of your life? Are you embracing Him as your Lord and Savior?
