Christmas Eve 2024
He Came for You
Dr. Chris Montgomery
Who is Jesus and why should his birth matter to me?
Jesus’ Position
1. Jesus is the Creator:
(Colossians 1:16) For through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.
2. Jesus is Eternal. He existed before time began:
(John 8:57-58) 57 The people said, “You aren’t even fifty years old. How can you say you have seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I am!”
3. Jesus has all Authority in the Universe.
a. Jesus Christ’s authority Comes from The Father.
(John 10:18) No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
b. The authority of Jesus Christ is seen in his works. Jesus has authority over nature, sin, sickness, evil, and even death
c. His authority is recognized by others:
(Mark 1:22) And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.
(Mark 1:27) And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority!
Jesus’ Purpose
(Luke 2:10-11) …the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
(Luke 2:28-32) 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, 29 “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. 30 I have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared for all people. 32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”
JESUS’ PURPOSE IS YOUR GREATEST GIFT!
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE RECIEVE GOD’S GIFT OF JESUS?
1. God’s gift of Jesus sets me free.
(John 8:31-32) If you follow my words, you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
2. God’s gift of Jesus gives me a place to belong.
(1 Timothy 3:15) That family is the church of the living God…
(Ephesians 1:4-5) Because of his love, God’s unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ.
3. God’s gift of Jesus gives me a new destiny.
(1 Peter 1:4) God has reserved for his children the priceless gift of eternal life… (Romans 6:23) The free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Ephesians 3:18-19) “I PRAY that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love. And I pray you’ll be able to feel and understand how long, how wide, how deep, and how high God’s love for you really is; and to experience this love for yourself, though it is so great you’ll never fully understand it.”