This Christmas… Share the Good News of Great Joy
Luke 2:8-17
Story of four lepers who had good news they didn’t share. (2Kings 7:3-11)
Four leaper’s situation was hopeless, and they faced almost certain death.
Went to enemy camp at dusk but found the enemy had fled & left everything.
They, at that time, had good news for their starving friends/family within the city.
Those four lepers had a real choice. They were saved from starvation, but others...?
They chose to share their good news! (2Kings 7:9)
“We’re not doing right. This is a day of good news & we are keeping it to ourselves.” (2Kings 7:9)
Today, we too have good news of great joy. (Lk 2:10)
Today is a day of good news... Immanuel... God with us. (Mt 1:23)
God has provided the means of salvation for the world... Good news of great joy.
Like the four leapers, our situation was hopeless & we all faced death.
We are all sinners… none are righteous. (Rm 3:10, 23)
The penalty for our sins is death & eternity in hell. (Rm 6:23a; Rev 20:15))
We were hopelessly bound in sin & darkness. Only God could save us.
God gave an amazing gift of love & life... His Son as the sacrifice for our sins. (Jn 3:16)
The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. (Jn 3:16; Rm 6:23b)
If you repent of your sins, believe & receive Jesus as savior & Lord, you will be saved. (Acts 2:38; Rm 10:9-10)
Free gift of eternal life thru Immanuel’s sacrifice is Good News of great joy.
As you go, make disciples… by living & sharing the good news of Christmas.
Freely you have received, freely give. (Mt 10:8)
Give the “light” of Christ-like living. (Mt 5:16; Phil 2:15)
World is in “darkness” & looking for answers to difficult questions.
They want to see the answers walked out in your life.
Jesus taught truth, but then He went out & lived it... He became the light He spoke of.
His typical day included quiet time alone with God.
Does your day include prayer, Bible reading, personal devotions?
Spirit-filled, loving, mature Church is God’s plan for piercing the darkness.
Give yourself in personal witness & testimony.
God determines the time & place of our lives. (Acts 17:26 NIV)
Acquaintances (work, school, neighbors, etc.) are not “chance” encounters.
Give yourself without reservation… Christ gave His all for you! (Jn 15:13)
If you openly live your faith, it will bring criticism, reproach, & persecution. (2Tim 3:12)
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to receive what he cannot lose.”
One light… your light (Christ in you), will make a difference.
On that first Christmas, shepherds were faithful to share good news of great joy. (2:17)
You are the light of the world... let your light (Christ in you) shine. (Mt 5:14-16)
Does your face say you have great joy because of the awesome good news?
Lord, restore to me the joy of your salvation. (Ps 51:12)
This Christmas season, meditate on what it means to have… Immanuel.
Shepherds realized they were divinely called to witness to the birth of the Messiah. (2:17)
You too are divinely appointed… as the Father sent Me, I am sending you. (Jn 20:21)
Each believer has the responsibility to share the good news. (Mt 28:18-20)
Often, we have remained quiet while the lost are dying... we are not doing right!
Why are you living in Marion at this time? Divine appointment? (Acts 17:26)
Many in McDowell don’t know Jesus, or are bound in a religion of faith plus works.
Jesus came to seek and save the lost (1Tim 1:15)… He uses His church to seek them.
Christ will return soon in great glory and light. (Lk 21:27; Mt 25:31; Rev 19:11-16)
Until then, we are to reflect His light… to share His love & light.
Faithful disciples will shine with joy, kindness, & love… pointing others to Jesus.
You are the light of the world... let your light (Christ in you) shine. (Mt 5:14-16)
If you love Jesus, love others as He has you… go & make disciples.
You may not be called to foreign mission field, but you can help send those who are.
You may not be an evangelist, but you can share the Good News as you go.
Today is a day of good news (Lk 2:10)... Immanuel... God is with us. (Mt 1:23)
Most Christians in America never share the good news… we’re not doing right!
12-13-09