Sermons

Everything God created was created with a function and preordained purpose in mind.

1. Purpose: The reason for which something is done, is created, or exists

Gen – 1: 3-5 “3And God said, let there be light: and there was light. 4And God saw the light, that it was good: and God

divided the light from the darkness. 5And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening

and the morning were the first day.” …. The Lord created light to govern the day.

Gen – 1: 26 – 28 “26 And God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over

the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping

thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him;

male and female created he them. 28And God blessed them, and God said unto them, be fruitful, and multiply, and

replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over

every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” …….. The Lord created Man to reflect the image of God, have dominion,

to be fruitful, multiply, replenish the earth and subdue it.

Eph – 2:10: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand,

that we should walk in them.” ….. There was something God had in mind that needed done that made each one of us

necessary.

God told Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart;

I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Many people are feeling unfulfilled because they are not operating in their purpose. They are operating in someone else

purpose, copying someone else or trying to be like someone else.

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21

When you are operating outside of the domain which God has created for you to thrive, you will always malfunction.

Depression is a malfunction. Feeling lost is malfunction. Unfulfillment is a malfunction. One can only feel fulfilled when

operating in the area of and purpose for which we were created.

2. Calling: a strong internal impulse toward a particular course of action accompanied by

conviction of divine influence

1 Corinthians 7:17

“Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God

has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.”

We must be careful to operate not only in our purpose but in the situations and areas that God has assigned to us.

2 Timothy 1:10

He has saved us and called us to a holy life — not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose

and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through

the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light

through the gospel. Our calling is for the glorification of Christ not self-enrichment!

YOUR PURPOSE, CALLING, AND YOUR DESTINY

Even if one knows their purposes and had headed their calling, we must still conduct ourselves in the manner in which

God wants to operate in unless we will be in danger of missing the mark.

3. Destiny: The completion of events that happen in line with one’s divine purpose

To accomplish one’s destiny, works are required. Eph 2:10 say: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for

good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

It is in the presence of God that we can truly accomplish all we were created to accomplish.

1 King 2: 1- 5…. 1Now the days of David drew near that he should die, and he charged Solomon his son, saying: 2“I go

the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. (In other words, handiwork of God.)

Human: A creature made of dirt/earth by the hands of God

Manager: one who handles employees and affairs

Manuscript: something written by hand

Manure: fertilizer spread by hand

Manual: done by hand (manual/stick shift vs automatic)

Manufacture: some one who makes something by hand

Manicure: Taking care of one’s hand

Emancipation Proclamation: Proclaiming the release of the hands of people once bound.

3And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His

judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and

wherever you turn; 4that the Lord may fulfill His word which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons take heed

to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul,’ He said, ‘you shall not lack a man

on the throne of Israel.’

Acts 13:36…. “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep, he was buried with his

ancestors and his body decayed.”

David served the Lord according with his calling and purpose for which his life was created and accomplished his destiny.

Summary: Romans 8:29 NIV

“For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that he might be the firstborn

among many brothers and sisters. And those He predestined, He also calls; those He called, He also justified; those He

justified, He also glorified.”

It's only those we have lived their lives within the calling and purpose of God that receives complete glorification.

He Who Has Been Born – Matthew 2: 1 – 8

“1. Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise

men from the East came to Jerusalem,

2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the

East and have come to worship Him.”

3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired

of them where the Christ was to be born.

5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out

of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”

7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the

star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and

when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”

Introduction: Christmas is about the kingdom of God breaking into the kingdom of the earth.

Message: The kingdom of God is better than what we can imagine, and it is now available for all

of us now. We celebrate the birth of Christ because this is the moment when heaven comes to

earth. This is the moment when God’s kingdom of light begins to shine into man’s kingdom of

darkness.

Herod the Great was a descendant of Esau and therefore a traditional enemy of the Jews. He got

converted to Judaism (a religion developed among the ancient Hebrews) but his conversion was

politically motivated. The Wise Men from the East might have been pagan priests who have

knowledge and predictive powers often chosen as counselors to kings. We don’t know where

they lived in the East, how many they were, and the length of their journey. The star in the East

gave them the awareness of the birth of Jesus who they came to worship. They might by familiar

with the Old Testament prophecies. But probably, it seems the knowledge was supernaturally

communicated to them.

Now, from our text, the enemies of the son of God who are also your enemies:

Always call secret meetings.

Are always lying as Herod lied “that I may come and worship Him also.”

2

They always have competitive spirit for Herod believed no one’s star should the brighter

or more popular than his.

They always get troubled and feel threatened of the presence of the sons and daughters of

God because of their good stars.

They try to eliminate God’s people when they feel threatened or become extremely

envious.

What His Birth Attracted:

Jesus’ birth attracted the enemy’s secret meeting, lies, envy, and exterminating intention, but as

those of Herod failed on the Lord, so those of all your enemies shall as well fail both on you and

on your family in the name of Jesus.

International Day Message

Unkillable Star – Luke 2: 8-14

“8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over

their flock by night.

9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around

them, and they were greatly afraid.

10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great

joy which will be to all people.

11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a

manger.”

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and

saying:

14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

On this Christmas day that coincides with our International Day, as you thank God and praise the

Lord,

May the angel of the Lord stand by you.

May the glory of the Lord shine around you.

May the angel of the Lord bring you and your family good tidings of great joy.

May you all be granted the privilege to join the heavenly host to praise God and say:

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” in the name of

Jesus Christ.

Happy International Day and Merry Christmas!

1 Thessalonians 2: 12. “That you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory”.

The exhortations to the Church in Ephesus as enumerated in Ephesians Chapter 4 are to:

1. Walk worthy of your calling, v 1,

2. Walk in all humility of mind and lowliness v 2.

3. Walk in meekness, v 2

4. Walk in longsuffering, v 2.

5. Forbearing one another in love, v 3.

6. Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of pace, v 3.

Message

As you draw close to God, he will not likely take you up to heaven as He did to Enoch. However, He does desire to reveal the beauty of His face to you. As we walk with Him, He will open the scriptures to us through the Spirit of wisdom and revelation and reveal to us the light of the glory of God that is to be found in Him.

When we walk with God, we enter the dimension where God unfolds the secrets of his kingdom. These are the paths that the ancients trod before us. Noah knew the secret of walking with God (Genesis 6:9), as did Abraham (Genesis 24:40). Through Christ, you can explore the glorious riches of knowing God like they did—and to even a greater degree because of the Spirit which has been given to us!

God works with his friends. When God has a friend, divine activity accelerates. When God has a useful vessel that has been prepared for noble purposes, he will use that vessel. To illustrate, if you put a riding lawn mower in my garage, I promise you this—I will use it! Similarly, God will use the one who walks with him. But he's looking especially for three crucial qualities: humility, faithfulness, and loyalty. He wants to work with friends who are loyal to him, no matter what. Even when circumstances would suggest God is unjust, His true friends continue to walk with Him.

Jesus was the most perfect example of a man who walked with God, He walked so closely with God that He was always in the Spirit, even when shaking Himself awake from a sleep. When they awakened Jesus out of a deep sleep, he silenced the storm! What an amazing attainment, to be awakened out of a dead sleep and be instantly in the Spirit.

The secret place is where we develop a walking relationship with God. We must develop a secret history with God before he gives us a public history before people. Hidden in the secret place, we learn what He's looking for in friends, and we find out what pleases Him. Our inner chamber with Him becomes our training ground for a life that is rooted and grounded in love.

Jesus told us that he confides his kingdom purposes to his friends (John 15:15).

Lord, I want to be your friend, your confidant, loyal to death. I want to walk with you, talk with you, listen to you, hear your heart, and participate in your activities in this hour and beyond. Teach me. Lord, to walk with you!

PRAYER

When we belong to Christ, the enemy never has the final word over our lives. We are secure in God's hands. Press on – courageous and free – never held back by fear or defeat. The battle belongs to the Lord, and He has the final victory.

"This is what the Lord says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's." 2 Chron. 20:15

2 Thessalonians 3:3. "But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one."

Isaiah 57:14 And it will be said, “Build up, build up, prepare the way, Remove every obstacle out of the way of My people.”

Nehemiah 4:8 All of them conspired together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause a disturbance in it.

As they failed in the days of Nehemiah, they will not succeed in their disturbance plans against you throughout this coming New Year.

Galatians 5:1 For freedom, Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Psalm 118:5 Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free.

Psalm 119:45 And I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts.

Malachi 4:2 But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.

Isaiah 46:4 Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.

Isaiah 19:20 It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry to the LORD because of oppressors, he will send them a savior and a Mighty One, and He will deliver them.

Proverbs 11:9 With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.

Psalm 91:14-15 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.

Psalm 72:12-14 For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence, he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight.

Psalm 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.

Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 25:20 Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.

Psalm 6:4 Return O Lord, deliver me! Oh, save me for Your mercies’ sake.

"Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7

"You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” Luke 10:19

“The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before you. They shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.” Deut. 28:7

“Do not fear them, for the Lord your God is the one fighting for you.” Deut. 3:22

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” Rom. 8:31

“Through You we will push back our adversaries, through Your name we will trample down those who rise up against us.” Ps. 44:5

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Josh. 1:9

“For You have girded me with strength for battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.” Ps. 18:39.

Hebrew 12: 2 --- looking unto Jesus, the ^[author and ^[finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Introduction

The cross is the instrument of crucifixion and during the time the Lord was crucified, crucifixion was the type of death meant for the hardened criminals. Now, this type of death was what man (Jews and Gentiles alike) considered to be the most appropriate for the Son of God, the Lord of glory who because of the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despised the shame, and is now sitting down at the right hand of the throne of God. Since then and till now, which position of the throne of God do His enemies and haters including Satan their father occupy?

What the cross represents

Physically, the cross is a symbol of:

1. Physical pain,

2. Mental anguish,

3. Heart sorrow,

4. Troubled soul

5. Grieving spirit,

6. Bruised body

7. Agony of thirst,

8. Holocaust of divine judgement; He cried out, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” (Mt. 27:46),

9. Satan’s wicked might, and

10. Man’s slavery to the evil power.

Those Present by the Cross

1. Man was there: The Jews and the Gentiles joined together to crucify the Lord of glory and to demonstrate what was in man’s heart, namely, hatred against the God who had made him.

2. Satan was there: he and his fallen legions mustered all their reserves to make one last assault upon the Son of God, and they used men as their own foolish instruments to perpetrate their diabolical deeds.

3. The angels were there: “Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” Mt. 26:53. This means there were twelve legions of angels ready in heaven to come to the aid of Jesus, their Creator, had He said a prayer for their assistance.

4. God the Father was present: The Father was there looking with divine satisfaction at His beloved Son as He was bringing glory to His Name in the forever putting away of sin. The Savior yielded His life to the Father “Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit” (Lk. 23:46). Never was Jesus nearer and dearer to His Father than when He was on the cross, ^“So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately” (Jn. 13:31-32).

What the cross symbolizes

1. The Cross is the eternal symbol of the endless and unfathomable love of God: “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” (Jn. 3:16).

2. It is the power of God: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God”. 1 Corinthians 1: 18.

3. It is the symbol of completeness: Thomas Kempis said “In the Cross is salvation; in the Cross is life; in the Cross is protection against our enemies; in the Cross is infusion of heavenly sweetness; in the Cross is strength of mind; in the Cross is joy of spirit; in the Cross is excellence of virtue; in the Cross is perfection of holiness. There is no salvation of soul, nor hope of eternal life, save in the Cross.”

4. Symbol of Grace and healing: Matt Farlow writes, “The cross is the place where heaven meets earth and grace erupts. The cross is the place where Jesus does not simply meet our suffering but becomes our suffering so as to transform the world.” Jesus’ suffering is the doorway through which you and I can experience healing. He suffered so that we might be healed as expressed in Isaiah 53: 4-5 more than 700 years before Jesus was born.

5. It is the symbol of salvation: The cross was not the end of the story, if the cross were to be the end of the story, we would have no hope. But the cross isn't the end. Jesus didn't escape from death; he conquered it and opened the way to heaven for all who will dare to believe.

6. It is the symbol that demands faith and a new way of thinking: It demands that we have the mindset of Christ. His blood has sanctified our minds so that they can be renewed by aligning our thoughts with the word of God. The cross demands a new life of faith for “The just shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:17). Faith brings us into God’s presence and gives us access to His grace and abundant provisions.

What Christ Expects from us on this Good Friday

Our Master expects us:

• To totally surrender and draw closer to Him so that He might use us to make progressive divine impacts in our generation, starting from the family.

• To allow Him to empower us as we live right so that our presence will be frustrating the operation of the kingdom of darkness and be delivering the people around us from their attacks.

• To allow Him to use us to shine the light of His glory in this world of darkness and bring cleanliness to the floor we stand on whether in the market, at home, or in our place of work.

Jesus did not die on Good Friday for us to become powerless Christians. Will you allow Him?

Conclusion

After going through so much (looking at what the cross physically represent) and providing the grace needed to live like God here on earth, if anybody abuses this grace and misses out on this precious salvation for which a supreme price was paid, it will be the fault of that person. The Lord suffered a lot on the cross!

Altar Call

Do we have anybody here that feel that he or she is nor measuring up to His required standard and who want to renew the vow of his or her union with Him on this Good Friday?

If that describes you, please come to this altar and kneel before Him, silently confess your sins to Him and renew your vow with Him. Also, please, repeat after me: “Lord Jesus, I surrender all to you, help me not to disappoint you as I continue in this journey of my life”.

Receive the completeness of His divine nature into your life in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen!!!

As you go back to your seat, please join me in appreciating Him on this Good Friday by singing: Hallelujah praise the Lord, Hallelujah praise the Lord, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, my Jesus. Hallelujah! praise the Lord.

Exodus 23:25-28 “So you shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you. ²⁶ No one shall suffer miscarriage or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days. ²⁷ “I will send My fear before you, I will cause confusion among all the people to whom you come and will make all your enemies turn their backs to you. ²⁸ And I will send hornets before you, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite from before you.”

Introduction: Serving God means submitting to Him even when it doesn’t make sense and serving others faithfully even when they don’t appreciate our efforts.

From the text,

• He will bless your bread and water

• He will take away sickness from your midst

• There will be no miscarriage

• There will be no barrenness

• There will be no premature death

• You will have long life and fulfill destiny

• Your enemies will turn away from you

God has done much for us in the saving of our lives by sending his own Son as our redeemer and sin-bearer. To serve God is not a hard task because God is a great rewarder. Please, get involved in serving God. If you ask, 'So how do I serve God?' You shall

1. Serve God with your life

2. Serve God in your church

3. Serve God with your talents

4. Serve God with your time

5. Serve God with prayers and fasting

6. Serve God with your money - tithes and offerings

7. Serve God by serving others

Apostle Paul says:

1. “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” Colossians 3:23-24.

This means someday beyond the sunset, we will give an account of how we served Him with our talents, gifts, and time. Those who are faithful to God and serve Him diligently will receive an eternal reward. So, if you’re still wondering about serving God, please know that at the end of time, God will reward you.

2. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord”, 1 Corinthians 15:58.

Not in Vain: You are God’s masterpiece, and God knew you before you were born. He wants you here on earth. He wants you to accomplish His purposes in your life and the lives of others, but you need to be willing to serve God. All of us have been given the mandate to advance the kingdom of God on earth in different capacities. However, God will not force us to serve Him. Just as it is up to us to accept salvation is the way it is up to us to accept serving God. However, we should always remember that serving God is not in vain.

The Psalmist declares: “Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s, Psalm 103:3-5.

God will Take Care of Your Needs: God gave up His only dear Son for us to have life more abundantly. When we refuse to serve God and walk in His purposes, we become very frustrated. That is why many people are committing suicide because they feel empty despite having wealth because they are not serving God genuinely. They feel that something is missing in their lives.

When we serve the Lord, we give Him access to our lives. And when that happens, God will take care of all our needs according to His glorious riches (Philippians 4:19). He will fully satisfy every need you have as you live according to His commandments, one of which is serving Him.

Conclusion: Serving God is something that every human being should do, but very few of us do. Make serving God part of your everyday life and start living life more abundantly. You will never lose when you serve God. He has done much for us and he will do much more for you.

Luke 2: 8-20

Introduction: His birth removes fear, brings great joy to all people, destroys discrimination, gives redemption, brings salvation, brings down the glory of God, and brings peace and favor.

Removes Fear (v. 10)

It could be fear of bandits or of the Roman soldiers who harassed them from time to time, or of death like every human. The Savior, born on Christmas, specializes in making fear to disappear in our hearts. He conquered death when he rose the third day, and permanently conquered the fear of death.

Brings Great Joy (v.10)

Shepherding is one of the loneliest careers in the Middle East. It denied them the opportunity to attend activities, social gatherings, attend church services, and parties. Shepherds spend all their time watching their flocks. However, Jesus was a man of sorrow so that He can give us joy as it is stated in Rev 21:4 “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away”.

Destroys Discrimination (v.10)

Shepherd is one of the lowliest jobs in the Middle East. This work is intended to servants or the least in the family like David, who was a shepherd boy that was called by his father when required by Samuel to be present in the anointing ceremony. The good news of the birth of Christ is not only for the famous and the rich, but for all people including the lowly shepherds. Therefore, His birth has broken down the walls of discrimination as stated in Gal 3:28 “There is [now no distinction] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is not male [2] and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus”.

Gives Redemption (v.11)

God could send an angel to deliver his people from the bondage of darkness, but He chose to personally involve Himself in the redemption of mankind. "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." Mat 1:23. In the Old Testament, God spoke to the people of Israel through prophets like Moses, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. But when the Lord was born, God communicates his messages to people directly through His Son Jesus Christ. The best demonstration of God’s love is when the Son of God became man so that man could become children of God. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16.

Brings Salvation (v.11)

The birth of Christ liberates those who believe from the Kingdom of darkness and transferred them to the Kingdom of God. “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father! Therefore, you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ”. Gal 4:4-7. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name”: John 1:12.

Brings Down the Glory of God (v.14)

“Glory to God in the highest”. There is no other way that the glory of God can be best demonstrated for the redemption of unworthy people than through this birth, the incarnation of God’s son. “⁶ who, being in the form of God, did not consider it ^[a]robbery to be equal with God, ⁷ but ^[b]made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. ⁹ Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, ¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, ¹¹ and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” Philippians 2: 6-11.

Brings Peace and Favor (v.14)

The result of redemption through the blood of Jesus is not only the salvation of our soul but the peace with God through reconciliation. “We are no longer enemies of God but his friend, not only friend but his children.” Rom 5:1 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” Rom 5:8-10.

Conclusion: As learnt in our last Bible Study, at His birth, the three wise men from the East gave Him Gold that represents his royalty, frankincense that represents His deity, and Myrrh that represents His humanity, and worshiped Him even as a Baby. On this Christmas day, and with all these that his birth brought for you, what have you brought for Him? Are you worshiping him? If “yes”, how?

God bless you!!!

Text: John 12: 20-36

The Fruitful Grain of Wheat

²⁰ Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast.

²¹ Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”

²² Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus.

²³ But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. ²⁴ Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much ^[a]grain. ²⁵ He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. ²⁶ If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

Jesus Predicts His Death on the Cross

²⁷ “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose, I came at this hour. ²⁸ Father, glorify Your name.”

Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.”

²⁹ Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.”

³⁰ Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. ³¹ Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. ³² And I, if I am ^[b]lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” ³³ This He said, signifying by what death He would die.

³⁴ The people answered Him, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?”

³⁵ Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. ³⁶ While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them.

Prayer: The Lord humbled and submitted Himself to the will of the father and the father glorified His name. Let the Lord give me the grace

• To submit to His will to the end.

• To become a child of light and daily walk in His light and reflect it to the world.