Today’s message summary of December 14, 2014 from Pastor Gus Brown:
It’s not too much longer from right now before we will be opening presents from under the tree.
Have you considered what happens when someone presents to you a gift? The gift is an expression of a person who is communicating to you something of value. Opening the gift is the completion of this expression of thanks or gratitude.
There is something to be said about unwrapping a present to see what you are receiving. When it comes to Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate gift from God to each of us, have you accepted the gift appropriately?
Do you understand His gift? Do you understand its richness and its magnitude?
He is an indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15). He can only use the words we know and understand to begin to describe Him.
Isaiah 9:6
For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
God, in various ways, has repeatedly revealed His love for us.
We still do not comprehend His love for us, nor can we understand all that Jesus is to us, or all that He will be for us in the future.
In Isaiah 9:6, it’s important to see that the child is not born for Himself. He is born for you and me. The child is born in place of you and me because of our sin. His Son was sent for you and me in order for us to see how we are supposed to live before God.
Romans 8:32-33
He did not even spare His own Son but offered Him up for us all; how will He not also with Him grant us everything?
- As a child doing the will of His Father (John 6:38)
- He wanted to please the Father (John 8:29)
- This child set the example for me (Romans 8:29)
John 6:38
For I have come down from heaven, not to do My will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
Jesus, God’s Son, was given to us with a purpose (John 3:16). The purpose was that people might believe in Him and that those people would have eternal life.
He gave His Son in order to show His love for us (Romans 5:8).
Romans 5:8
But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!
He gave that we might be reconciled to Himself (Romans 5:18).
Romans 5:18
So then, as through one trespass there is condemnation for everyone, so also through one righteous act there is life-giving justification for everyone.
Jesus was born and given to us to govern over the people of God. The purpose of a government is to exercise authority over a group. It is a system of rule, in this case, to control the affairs of God’s kingdom (Ephesians 1:22; 1 Corinthians 11:3; Colossians 2:10).
Ephesians 1:22-23
And He put everything under His feet and appointed Him as head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of the One who fills all things in every way.
Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor (Psalm 73:24).
Psalm 73:24
You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me up in glory.
Jesus is the Mighty God (Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37; Psalm 24:8, 93:1-5).
Matthew 19:26
But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Jesus is the Everlasting Father (Psalm 68:5). He is our Provider (Matthew 6:9).
Jesus is the Prince of Peace (John 14:27, 16:33; Isaiah 26:3).
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You.
His government is growing and will continue to grow.
He will sit on the throne of David and will rule with justice and righteousness.
Psalm 89:14
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; faithful love and truth go before You.
Akron Alliance Fellowship 