Wk 17 - The Holy Spirit and The Virgin Birth

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

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Jan 5, 2025 In-Person

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DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Our church family is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit, and we are missionaries.

Prayer for...

Madison, WI shooting

Mahomet, IL shooting

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

WHY?…

TODAY: The Holy Spirit and Jesus’ Conception

The miraculous nature of Christ's birth encourages us to embrace the reality of God’s presence and action in our lives, fostering faith in His ability to work wonders amidst our struggles.

Opening Scripture:

Luke 1:35 “35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.”

Matthew 1:18 “18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.”

Matthew 1:20 “20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”

Isaiah 7:14 “14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

The Miracle of the Incarnation: God Among Us

1. Prophecy's Promise

*VIDEO*

Isaiah 7:14 “14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

Isaiah's prophecy of a virgin bearing a son named Immanuel foreshadows one of the greatest miracle—God with us.

Recognize God’s long-range plans and His faithful fulfillment of promises as seen in Christ’s incarnation.

When life seems challenging, God has made a way and He is always present with us, just as He was promised to be with Israel.

Think of the most surprising Christmas gift you ever unwrapped—something completely unexpected that brought joy to your heart. Isaiah's prophecy about a virgin bearing a son named Immanuel is just like that. A profound promise wrapped in an ordinary event, showing us that God’s greatest gifts often come in humble packages, reminding us to always be open to surprises!

2. Protective Intervention

Matthew 1:18–19 “18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.”

They faced societal pressures.

God's miraculous intervention through an angel provided guidance and reassurance.

Encourages us to trust God’s plans and interventions, even when situations seem daunting.

Divine guidance is available to navigate life’s uncertainties.

The Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years, facing uncertainty at every turn. Yet, God provided manna from heaven daily, teaching them to rely on His provision one day at a time. This biblical narrative illustrates that even in periods of waiting and uncertainty, God is actively involved and nourishing our spirits, preparing us for the promised land ahead. Trusting Him transforms our waiting into a journey of faith.

3. Promise of the Holy Spirit

Matthew 1:20 “20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”

The child is conceived by the Holy Spirit.

This miraculous intervention underscores Jesus' divine nature and God’s direct involvement in human affairs.

It provides assurance that God’s plans defy human limitations and can transform what seems impossible into a beacon of hope and salvation.

In the biblical narrative of Moses, we encounter a man who felt utterly unqualified for the mission God called him to. He stuttered and was a fugitive on the run, yet God chose him to lead His people out of Egypt. When Moses hesitated, God reminded him that He made the mouth and would speak through him. Moses’ story is a powerful reminder of how God’s purposes operate far beyond human limitation. When we feel incapable, we can trust that God equips those He calls, often transforming our perceived weaknesses into strengths for His glory.

4. Presence of Power

Luke 1:35 “35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.”

The angel informs Mary that the Holy Spirit’s power will bring about this miraculous birth, making Jesus both the Son of God and a beacon of divine love.

The incredible power of God's presence in our lives is wondrously working through those who yield to Him.

Reflect on the story of a little light flickering in a dark cave. Just as that light fights against darkness, Jesus' birth signifies hope breaking into a world weighed down by sin and sorrow. The miracle of His arrival demonstrates that no matter how daunting our challenges may seem, a flicker of hope is always present in God’s plans.

Conclusion/Reflection:

Understanding the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth provides hope during challenging times

It reminds us that God can intervene in our lives in extraordinary ways.

It reassures believers that God is with us, even when life seems impossible.

Talk It Over

How does the story of Mary and Joseph illustrate the theme of trusting God's plan?

How can understanding the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth change the way we view our struggles?

Why is it important to recognize God's long-range plans as mentioned in the sermon?