When A Leader Has A Heart For God

Nehemiah 12:27-36 At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres. The musicians also were brought together from the region around Jerusalem—from the villages of the Netophathites, from Beth Gilgal, and from the area of Geba and Azmaveth, for the musicians had built villages for themselves around Jerusalem. When the priests and Levites had purified themselves ceremonially, they purified the people, the gates and the wall. I had the leaders of Judah go up on top of the wall. I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks. One was to proceed on top of the wall to the right, toward the Dung Gate. Hoshaiah and half the leaders of Judah followed them, along with Azariah, Ezra, Meshullam, Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, Jeremiah, as well as some priests with trumpets, and also Zechariah son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micaiah, the son of Zakkur, the son of Asaph, and his associates—Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah and Hanani—with musical instruments prescribed by David the man of God. Ezra the teacher of the Law led the procession. 

Nehemiah 12:36 with musical instruments prescribed by David the man of God. 

David sang out in the fields watching the sheep of his father, Jesse.  He wrote Psalms out there. Psalm 23 and the nature Psalms 104, 145 and others were inspired from those pastoral treks and work. Out there David developed a love for music to worship the LORD with. These were songs between him and his God. Little did he know that 3,000 years later, around the world those words would be read by the people of God, sung by the people and cherished in the pure in heart. The words of these Psalms written by man who loved his LORD are being used today by God's people to express their love for Him. There is nothing like this anywhere on the earth or in the history of the world.

The Dedication of the Wall was quite a time of celebration to say the least.

It symbolized the restoration of security and safety and the glory returning to Jerusalem.

It was a time to remember God's mercies and provisions.

Church in Haiti... What a celebration is coming up!

It was a tangible proof that God had not abandoned His people but was working to restore the nation. He was at work.

Thing you hear about a leader...

Dynamic

Motivator

What a preacher!

Just once I would love to hear... That man loves His LORD!

Romans 15:5-6 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

It is the God the Father and the LORD Jesus Christ that we are to be glorifying.

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” 

David began out in the fields of Bethlehem... Then in the palace... Let your ministry flow out of your walk with the LORD. 

So many try to train for the ministry. Men need to be anointed for the ministry. Ministry is not something you learn from without. It is something that flows from within the heart to the hearts of others. It is the work God is doing in your heart going out to those in need.

1. A True Man of God will be the same person shepherding a flock or leading a nation.

That is why Joseph, Moses, and David were such wonderful leaders.  They were anointed and they began their careers as shepherds.

When a leader has a heart for God he will relate to God's people he is leading as a shepherd. In fact he will notice little difference between the two tasks.

When a leader has a heart for God he is following the Shepherd of Israel.

Psalm 80:1-3 Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock.You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken Your might; come and save us. Restore us, O God; make Your face shine on us, that we may be saved. 

God had the men He wanted to lead Israel and the Church shepherd a literal flock. There is little difference between the two. "Pastor" is the latin word for Shepherd. Those who lead he church are referred to as Shepherds. Jesus, the LORD, is my Shepherd. He is the Good Shepherd. He is the Great Shepherd of the Sheep.

When a leader has a heart for God, he will have a heart for people.

When a man is man after God's own heart he is going to lay down his life for the flock.

The shepherd is to reflect Christ. Following him as we he follows Christ.

2. A True Leader Will Have a Relationship With the LORD That is Special.

Too many cookie cut Christians today. There should be some similarities but there also should be great diversity. God so deires to shine through our uniqueness!

Our walk with the LORD is with other Christians. We need the fellowship! Hebrews 10.25 is not meant to beat up people but to build them up. The ones not in fellowship are struggling with things they do not need to struggle with. Helen's words to me this week: I do not know how I would have gotten through this without my church family.

We also need a walk with the LORD for each moment of each day. That is our personal walk with Him. I love the LORD. We have such great times together. Sometimes in the warmer weather I will grab my Bible and guitar and go out early in the backyard and the birds and I will make a joyful noise to Him together.

In Haiti I have so enjoyed listening to the roosters crowing and watching the sun rise with my Bible in my hand, reading the Psalms.

Those who lead Israel or the church had wonder filled walks with God.

David did.

Joseph did.

Paul did.

John did.

Hang around with Jesus and you will see things others will miss. Serve Him out of a pure heart and He will let you see things that amaze you and bless you deeply.

Let Him work through your unique personality. Do not try and be someone else.

3. A True Leader Will Leave A Legacy.

What are you sowing these days?

The Proverbs speak of this:

Proverbs 13:22 A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous. 

Inheritance= Property, acquire testimonies, heritage

Bob Pawson left us a legacy. Those who remember Brother Hazard... he left us a legacy. 

David's legacy was his music that originally was just between him and the LORD... well Gene Edwards said it best:

On those pastoral jaunts, this youngest son always carried two things: a sling and a small, guitar-like instrument. Spare time for a sheepherder is abundant on rich mountain plateaus where sheep graze for days in one sequestered meadow. But as time passed and days became weeks, the young man became very lonely. The feeling of friendlessness that always roamed around inside him was magnified. He often cried. He also played his harp a great deal. He had a good voice, so he often sang. When these activities failed to solace him, he gathered up a pile of stones and, one by one, swung them at a distant tree with something akin to fury.

When one rockpile was dissipated, he would walk to the blistered tree, reassemble his rocks and designate yet another leafy enemy at yet a farther distance.

He engaged in many such solitary battles.

This slingsman-singer-shepherd also loved his Lord. At night, when all the sheep lay sleeping, and he sat staring at the dying fire, he would strum upon his harp and break into a concert of one. He sang the ancient hymns of his forefathers’ faith. While he sang, he wept, and while weeping he often broke forth in abandoned praise until mountains in distant places picked up his praise and tears and passed them on to higher mountains still, from whence they eventually were cast up to the ears of God.

When he did not praise and when he did not cry, he tended to each and every lamb and sheep. When not occupied with his flock, he swung his companionable sling and swung it again and again until he could tell every rock precisely where to go.

Once, while singing his lungs out to God, angels, sheep and passing clouds, he spied a living enemy: a huge bear! He lunged forward. Both found themselves moving furiously toward the same small object, a lamb feeding at a table of rich, green grass. Youth and bear stopped half way and whirled to face one another. Even as he instinctively searched into his pocket for a stone, the young man realized, “Why, I am not afraid.”

Meanwhile, brown lightning on mighty, furry legs charged at him with foaming madness. Impelled by the strength of youth, he married rock to leather and soon a brook-smooth pebble whined through the air to meet that charge.

A few moments later, the man, not quite so young as a moment before, picked up the little ewe and said, “I am your shepherd and God mine.”

And so, long into the night, he wove the day’s saga into a song. He hurled that hymn to the skies again and again until he had taught the melody and words to every angel that had ears. They, in turn, became custodians of this wondrous song and passed it on as healing balm to brokenhearted men in every age to come.

Nearly 3,000 years had passed since David reigned in Jerusalem. His music and the use of musical instruments in worship was remembered. Godly men's influence last so much longer than their lives.

If our founders could see where we are as a church it would be amazing to them.

We are leaving a legacy by the lives we live.The legacy is our lives. Our lives are speaking so loudly we cannot believe it. Leave a godly good legacy by living a life of love for Jesus!

For audio: https://www.facebook.com/groups/167379759957148/1184853461543101/?notif_t=group_activity

God Leads Us Along

Nehemiah 9:12 By day You led them with a pillar of cloud, and by night with a pillar of fire to give them light on the way they were to take. 

The journey out of Egypt and through the Red Sea and across the wilderness was in the plan of God. He worked wonders in the lives of the children of Israel. It was not an easy journey. It took faith and obedience to make it and sadly the generation that left Egypt did not get into the Promised Land due to their lack of faith. They vexed God. He was providing for them and leading them. They were going their own way.

We can learn much about the way He leads through this verse this morning out of Nehemiah. It is a simple and concise statement. It speaks volumes. It speaks of our lives today.

God wants us to follow His Leadership. You say we do not have the pillar of cloud and fire they had. But we have His Word and His Spirit. His Word which stands eternal in the heavens. Hi Spirit which He has poured out freely on all who believe His Word.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. 

John 16:13 But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; He will speak only what He hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 

The Comforter has come and we have all we need in His Word.

2 Peter 1:3-4 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 

God is guiding us, not into happiness or riches or being sucessful in the eyes of the world. He is not wanting us to win the Lotto Jackpot- He doesn't even want us playing it. 

The guidance of God is primarily to get us to heaven.

Article on things lasting 5 years and how consumerism is going to only get worse.

We need to fight the good fight of the faith today. It takes wisdom, wisdom that only comes from His Word.

1. The Love and Mercy and Grace of God Causes Him To Lead Us Along The Path of Life.

Nehemiah 9:19 “Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud did not fail to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take. 

The path of life winds through this world. The Pilgrim's Progress speaks of this. We go through all kinds of situations. 

Along this path as we encounter opposition to our faith we experience the love and mercy of God.  

*God is compassionate.

He understands that we are human beings.

He is full of compassion.

His mercy see that we dont get what we do deserve.

His grace sees that we get what we dont deserve.

2. Sometimes the Path is Bright.

We may not feel our need of God as we should.

We need to remember (and He puts things there to remind us) that we need Him always.

In times of blessings we experience the greatest spiritual danger. It is when blessings are abundant that we can easily forget where they came from. The 10 lepers.

Israel is an example. 

3. Sometimes the Way is Dark.

The Valley of the Shadow of Death.

Depression

Stresses of Life

Proverbs 11:8 The righteous person is rescued from trouble,and it falls on the wicked instead. 

He lights the way with fire!

During those times we cannot see ahead at all.

One step at a time.

One Day at a time.

Do not to try and figure God out. 

Romans 11:33-34 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!How unsearchable his judgments,and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord?Or who has been his counselor?” 

4. He is Leading Us to Heaven.

This past week we commemorated the death of Jim Elliot, the missionary to the Auca Indians in South America. Jim was martyred at 29 years of age. He wrote in his journal  a few years before: I must not think it strange if God takes in youth those I would have kept on earth till they were older. God is peopling eternity and I must not restrict Him to old men and women. 

Oswald Chambers, Keith Green

One of the truths of this passage is that on the way to heaven He never leaves us alone. We may have feelings we are alone, but the fact i He is always with us. The two pillars show that. He was witht he people in the day and in the night, all day long and all night long.

Proverbs 12:28 In the way of righteousness there is life;along that path is immortality. 

The Power of Prayer

Ephesians 3:14-21 

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from Whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. 

There is power in prayer. Tennyson: More is wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.

We have seen some incredible answers to prayer this year.

Here in our church.

Down in Haiti.

In our lives God has kept us.

1. The LORD Jesus Christ is the focus of our prayers.

Think about the way He lived!

Lady with Lotto ticket the other  night at the Deli.

Homeless, no record of any possessions. 

He is the One Who opened up the way for us to the Father.

John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

Our prayers are to Him and for His Kingdom coming to this earth.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 

He set the example in prayer while here on earth and continues to intercede for us in heaven.

The prayer life of Jesus.

The LORDs Prayer

The Great Intercessory Prayer

His teaching on prayer

Praying from the cross

2. He is Able to Do Immeasurably More Than We Ask or Imagine.

We forget this often. We are reminded when He does this.

Our prayers of faith unite with God Almighty and He moves mountains.

All of the faith missions of centuries past have begun in prayer and depended on prayer.

3. The Power of Prayer is His Spirit Within Us.

Faith is the gift of God. Ephesians 2.8-9

Knowing Him is a gift. John 4.10

Knowing His will is a gift. Romans 3.1-3

The Holy Spirit is a gift. Luke 11:13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” 

4. Answers to Prayer Are For His Glory.

"Why this difference between the early church and the church of Jesus Christ today(1923)?...early church, It was a praying church...not merely occasionally, but where they all 'continued steadfastly...in prayers.' They all prayed--not a select few, but the whole membership of the church--and all prayed continuously with steadfast determination...a praying church and a praying ministry! Ah such a church and such a ministry can achieve anything that ought to be achieved. It will go steadily on, beating down all opposition, surmounting every obstacle, conquering every foe, just as much today as it did in the days of the apostles." RA Torrey

It is difficult to get to the point of knowing His Will and seeking His Kingdom and praying for His Glory. All of Jesus' prayers were grounded in these subjects.

 The pathway to the place Jesus was at is one of surrender to God's will, willingness to be made nothing and oneness with our Father in Heaven. 

We need to discover more and more the power of prayer. May our entire libes be a prayer to God. May we live in His Presence.

Into 2016!

Joshua 1.1-9

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” 

Moses, my servant is dead.

The end of an era

The finality of death 

God is in control

The death of Moses did not mean the end of Plan of God for His people.

New frontiers ahead for us:

Haiti Trip March 4-18

2 more, possibly three in the making this year. I believe we are going to see that church building completed. 

Nazarene Cafe on Valentines Weekend

Live Streaming our services soon.

The equipment is in and ready.

This means that people all around the country and the world will be able to watch our Sunday Morning Worship Service Live on their computers, laptops, iPads, iPhones and Smart TVs

Homeless Ministry

Psalm 1:6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous

How do we go into 2016?

On our knees!

Psalm 3:3-4

1. Pray!

Part of preparation for the crossing of the Jordan River into conquest of the land was consecration.

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 

Prayer in our Bible Studies

Reviving our once a month prayer meetings on Sunday Evenings at the parsonage beginning next week with Haiti.

Prayer in your personal times: We prayed for over the church financial situation this past year and God answered and did immeaurably more than we could have imagined. He is taking care of this building and two churches!

Prayer when you are together for the church and its work.

2. Be strong in the Word

This particular Word this morning. 1.2

Joshua 1:2-3 “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. 

It is for the nation/ church

It is for each individual like it was for Joshua who makes up the Body of Christ.

*Moses, My servant is dead.

We faced the death of dear Roseanne this past year.

We are facing the soon departure of Bob Pawson.

Some have faced it personally.

I remember an encouraging note when I lost my Dad from Jay Bergers. It was appropriate that he went to be with the LORD at this time. Now i the time to allow our faith shine. Last evening with Helen and her family. Margot encouraging me to go back. 

Now is the time to apply the Book of Joshua, to claim its promises!

The whole counsel of God. 

Acts 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 

Now...

Get ready

3. Let Go

Of

doubts

past failures

past ways of doing things

vs.6,7,9 Be strong and courageous

We have never passed this way before.

There will be obstacles that can only be overcome through prayer.

Romans 4:18-21 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 

Only one letter and an apostrophe between Let Go and Let's Go but it is huge!

Let's Go!

When the Angels Had Left Them

Luke 2:15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 

The wise men followed the star they had seen in the east until it came over the place where Jesus was.

God directed them out by a dream.They had their instructions.

The Angel Choir sang. Then they left the shepherds. They had their announcement. The invitation to come and see came from the angels in the form of a choir. Shepherds Field today in the outskirts of Bethlehem.

The star, the angels, the dream were times of God speaking directly to hearts in supernatural ways.

We have to be careful. They are wonder filled and yet are not to be sought after. There are times when the LORD interupts our lives and does something unexplainable but that is not the normal ebb and flow of life. What happens after these exoeriences is what matters... The LORD is looking for obedience always.

He caught these men off guard. They were going about their work when God came to them in an unusual way. He does this from time to time to get our attention so we can be do works of service for Him. He comes to us to reveal something He wants us to do.

What we do after an extraordinary experience is all important.

When the Angels had left them...

1. Supernatural appearances are usually brief.

A few moments

Get our attention

Show us something ahead

The Angels in the sky that night over Bethlehem was spectacular. Wen it was over they listened to what the Angel of the LORD proclaimed.

When Jesus led Peter, James and John up Mount Hermon and was transfigured before them, Peter wanted to build three tabernacles. He wanted to keep the awesome and amazing experience going.

 Mark 9:2-7 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with Him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There He was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for You, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, they were so frightened. Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to Him!” 

Again obedience, looking to what is to follow in the form of following the LORD is so important after He comes to us in a supernatural way. Mark 9:9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 

2 Peter 1:16-18 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with Him on the sacred mountain. 

See Peter never forgot the experience. He even referred to it years later as Jesus told the three He would. John also wrote about it. John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, Who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 

2. Supernatural appearances are for a purpose.

General

Genesis 12:1 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 

Specific Giving instructions as to what to next.

Obedience is always appropriate.

Sometimes it is an interuption. 

There is no way to follow Jesus without Him interfering with your life.

Sometimes we are inconvenienced.   

When God's Hand is upon us it is always right to proceed. 

Luke 2:15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” straightway NASB

3. Our Obedience is often tested by adversity.

Genesis 22:1-2 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”“Here I am,” he replied. Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” 

For some reason our Haiti Trip next month was not coming together like it should. Kevin, Adly and I spoke last Sunday. I had been praying. Then this week it seemed like it was. Then the doors shut. We postedponed it to March- wisdom came from counsel. We are being tested. I am being tested. It is causing us to rely more on the LORD which is always good. 

We are beginning to see why. This does not always happen

Gene Edwards - A Tale Of Three Kings

How strange, is it not, what suffering begets? 

Psalms David wrote.

Spiritual Maturity.

A change in perspective.

This too will pass- James last nighgt after I spoke to him about my back pain.

4. The Adversity Makes Us Strong By Breaking Our Hearts.

Spiritual strength does not lie in the outward clothing of the power of God alone. It lies within the brokenness of spirit. It lies in taking disappointment well. It is with the crucible of life that character emerges. C.S. Lewis believed that it was not until a man was tortured that you found out the true character of the man.

How a an handles adversity alwasy shows the kind of man he is. God changes us by our daily walk with Him. During that walk there is the Valley of the Shadow of Death, there are time when we ask why are we downcast. There are times when we are in awe of God's ways because we do not understand.

Supernatural experiences are wonder filled. They are for purposes. After they occur we must follow Christ.

Acts 26:19 “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. 

Acts 26.1-23

Psalm 119:49 Remember Your word to your servant, for You have given me hope. 

When God spoke to you, personally, when He put His Hand upon you, when He revealed Himself in a special way... could have been a long time ago. Expectation, Waiting. Let Him stir your heart this morning and follow Him.

For All The People

Matthew 2.1-12

The Magi / Wise men were the first non Jewish people to come to worship Christ. Souls from another nation were guided to Christ by God. He did it with a star. Albert Einstein said, "Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind." The star was probably a Supernatural Light sent by God to point them to the exact place. A Supernatural Star after a Supernatural Announcement of a Supernatural Birth. If they had followed the star instead of going to Jerusalem Herod would not have known about it and the slaughter of the baby boys would not have taken place. Heaven was rejoicing and hell was reeling at the Birth of Jesus.

The Wise men came from where the human race began, from what is called the cradle of civilization. 

This is where Abraham was from, where the Jews were taken into captivity, where the prophet Daniel had lived and prophesied and served in government. These men came to worship Christ the newborn king. Somewhere in between 40 days and 2 years of age they arrived.

They could have heard about the coming of Jesus through the Jewish people there in captivity or they could have studied the prophecy of Daniel which pinpoints the time of the Anointed One. It was probably both.

Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy for all the people. 

Isaiah 9:1 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan— 

Luke 2:29-32 “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation, Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A Light of revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.” 

The nation of Israel needed a Messiah. The whole World needed a Savior.

The Political situation of first century Israel.

Luke 2.1/ Matthew 2.2  Caesar Augustus/ Herod

The Spiritual condition of First Century Israel

2 Corinthians 3:15 But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; 

Romans 11:25-26 For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written,“The Deliverer will come from Zion,He will remove ungodliness from Jacob.” 

Jesus came as the Messiah to be the Savior of the world. Today a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ, the LORD.

So Jesus was born. He grew up in Nazareth. Jospeh was a carpenter there. He went about doing good, teaching and performing miracles. He died and rose again. Just before He ascended back into heaven He gave the His Disciples a commission, the Great Commission...

1. The Great Commission Sent the Disciples of Jesus Into All The World. Matthew 28.18-20

It was prophesied by the Angel of the LORD that appeared to the shepherds... A Savior... Peace on earth, goodwill toward men. Around 6am EST this morning... Two suspects have been held for questioning. Air France Flight 463 enroute to Paris made an emergency landing in Mombasa after the device was found in the plane's bathroom. Suspicious Device on Flight Confirmed as Bomb by Kenyan Authorities.  473 people were on board. Certainly the peace the world gives but Jesus Himself said that. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 

 John records at the end of the first century the account of Jesus coming and mission: John 1:11-14 He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, Who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 

Acts is a record of it being fulfilled.

Acts 1.8 Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth.

Acts 17:6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. 

Friend of Sinners and this...

Hope they can say  both of  these things about us!

This was a fulfillment of Isaiah 49:6 

Indeed He says,‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant 

To raise up the tribes of Jacob, 

And to restore the preserved ones of Israel;

I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles,

That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.’” 

The Great Commission stil sends people today... Haiti... where ever the LORD leads... India...

Our mission giving here goes to over 100 world areas where the Church of the Nazarene is.

Operation Christmas Shoe Box into world areas which are the most difficult. Prayers we send up to heaven on behalf of those suffering persecution for their faith.

God sent His Son to the Savior because

2. Everyone Needs Christ

Some people don't find out til its too late.

Some turn Him away like the inn.

Some put him off like Felix. Acts 24:25 As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” 

 John 1:11-13 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 

Look at the people who became followers of Jesus, those who Jesus transformed: Tax Collectors- Matthew and Zaccheus, zealot- Simon... he touched those in the military- centurions, women whose lives were a mess- Mary Magdalene and the women at the well and men who were highly respected like Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimethia. He came for all the people.

Isaiah 40:5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together.For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” 

What is foretold by the prophets is a visible kingdom, with the Messiah reigning on the throne of David, over a reunited Israel and the Gentile Nations in a world empire. 

The kingdom was rejected by the Jews and the King crucified. But He rose again and reigns from on high. One day His Kingdom will fully come to this earth. We wait for that day. Today the offer to entrance to the kingdom is for all the people of the earth. 

Begin thinking of people you know who need Him. Begin to pray. Think of the brokenhearted people.

Invite them to the February Event, Friday, February 12th.

The Messiahs Birthplace

Micah 5.1-5a

Micah 5:2-4 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,though you are small among the clans of Judah,out of you will come for Me, One who will be ruler over Israel,whose origins are from of old,from ancient times.” Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. He will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD His God.And they will live securely, for then His greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. 

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 

John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 

Revelation 1:1-2 The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 

God had Bethlehem in His heart before the creation of the world. It was always a part of His plan in sending His Son to this earth.

He is a God of Might and Power Who delights in using out of the way places and seemingly insignificant people to accomplish His purposes.

Bethlehem was perfect for this.

1. Bethlehem, the Place of David's Birth

 Bethlehem, the city of David

The place he grew up in.

The place he tended the flock of his family.

1 Samuel 16:10-12 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The LORD has not chosen these.” So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”“There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.”Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features.Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” 

David became Israel's King after Saul died. He was of the tribe of Judah. Joseph and Mary were descendants of David. Mary gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem, the place of His father, David's birth. They certainly did have the look of royalty- a young carpenter and his wife, humble, working class.

It is translated The House of Bread.

John 6:35, 41 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty. “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 

With Jerusalem 6 miles away, Bethlehem was a very insignificant place. Many believe the place where the temple sacrificial sheep were raised.

2. Bethlehem, Least Among the Tribes of Judah

The previous chapter is about the Daughter of Zion, Jerusalem.

God delights in using nobodies. 

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God. 

Celebrity Christianity is a gross distortion.

God is using unnamed people all around the earth today who are advancing His Kingdom. Friends who are undercover missionaries in a place where it is forbidden by the government.  Friends in India running orphanages and ministering to lepers, Young pastors in Cambodia planting churches. You who put together shoeboxes going to needy parts of the world, part of millions going out. Least, small, God has chosen the weak things of the world.

Our faith in Him is used by Him to show His great power and so that no one can boast before God.

3. Bethlehem Today

Church of the Nativity

Christmas Carols About It

Philip Brookes

O Little Town of Bethlehem

After an early dinner, we took our horses and rode to Bethlehem,” so he wrote home in Christmas week of 1865. “It was only about two hours when we came to the town, situated on an eastern ridge of a range of hills, surrounded by its terraced gardens. It is a good-looking town...

Somewhere in those fields we rode through the shepherds must have been. . . . As we passed, the shepherds were still “keeping watch over their flocks or leading them home to fold.” Mr. Brooks returned in September, 1866, and it must have been while meditating at home over what he had seen that the carol took shape in his mind.

Lewis Redner writes:“As Christmas of 1868 approached, Mr. Brooks told me that he had written a simple little carol for the Christmas Sunday-school service, and he asked me to write the tune to it. The simple music was written in great haste and under great pressure. We were to practice it on the following Sunday. Mr. Brooks came to me on Friday, and said, ‘Redner, have you ground out that music yet to “O Little Town of Bethlehem”?’ I replied, ‘No,’ but that he should have it by Sunday. On the Saturday night previous my brain was all confused about the tune. I thought more about my Sunday-school lesson than I did about the music. But I was roused from sleep late in the night hearing an angel-strain whispering in my ear, and seizing a piece of music paper I jotted down the treble of the tune as we now have it, and on Sunday morning before going to church I filled in the harmony. Neither Mr. Brooks nor I ever thought the carol or the music to it would live beyond that Christmas of 1868.

In our lives- how He works

God is looking for us to offer ourselves to Him.

Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 

A person who has fully given his life over to Jesus will be used in way more wonderful than he can imagine in the work of the kingdom of God on earth.

We think so far ahead at times or we think too much.

We need to be like Isaiah who said when God asked for someone to send. Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 

Great prayer for these times in our church. Rough week. God is purging us. This is the way He strengthens us. Cut back- make us stronger so we will bear even more fruit.

Jesus Here Am I please use me.