Waking Up On Christmas: UNION

Follow Along with the Message

If no one expected the incarnation, NO ONE expected a visit from the magi.

God tells stories (writes them) to teach theology.

     "Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times?"--Matthew 16:2

600 miles away.  One God actively involved with all men.  Star appears and they connect it to Israel and the promised Messiah.

     "Solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil."--Hebrews 5:14

To find His will and do it.

--UNION

     "He appointed twelve, so that they might be with Him and that He could send them out to preach."--Mark 3:14

     "For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection."--Romans 6:5

     Two become one

--ALLEGIANCE

They present gifts--v. 11

Salvation By Allegiance Alone--Matthew Bates

--JOY

     "They rejoiced exceedingly with great joy."--v. 10

David danced.  Michal thought it was tacky and undignified.

--STRUGGLE

     "God assumed from the beginning that the wise of the world would view Christians as fools. . .and He has not been disappointed. . . Have the courage to have your wisdom regarded as stupidity.  Be fools for Christ and have the courage to suffer the contempt of a sophisticated world."--Antonin Scalia, Former Associate Justice, Supreme Court.

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     "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."--Proverbs 9:10

     "Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near.  Let the wicked forsake His way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon."--Isaiah 55:6-7