God Christmas Gift to the World

Introduction

White Elephant gift giving. Whacky, ugly, junk, the crazy hat.

Received.

Rejected and left.

God gave us his son Jesus, but many treat him like an unwanted white elephant gift.

John 1:10–13 “10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

D. God gave his son freely to us, the whole of humanity..

P. We ought to receive his Son.

T. What kind of receiver are you. Do you recognize you need Jesus or do you think he is some sort of add on to improve your life? This morning we will see how Jesus is not just an addon he is our life.

1. God made everything good.

John 1:10 “10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.”

Explain

God is before all things.

Genesis 1:1 “1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:31 “31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.”

John 1:1 “1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

God created all things. Colossians 1:16 “16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:”

John 1:3 “3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”

John 1:4 “4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.”

John 1:9 “9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”

Every breath you take is a gift of a gracious and good God.

God is unknown by the world Psalm 19:1–3 “1 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, And night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, Where their voice is not heard.”

Not because he didn’t make himself known.

Not because we could not know.

Because we would not know. We suppressed what we could know about God.

Romans 1:19–22 “19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,”

This is done in the common curricula of public schools as children are taught they are some product of random chance. That is a BOLD FACE LIE. You are valuable. You are made by God in His image. Most children I talk to believe their is something that created and they were not told that from the public school. It is an innate knowledge God puts in every one of us. Even those who I have interacted with who claim atheism usually point back to something they are bitter about to excuse their disbelief.

It is true there are hard things in life. But that is the result of sin. Mankind’s rebellion against God has made the world a terrible place. The more a society rejects God, the worse it gets.

Argue

You weren’t there. You are right I was not there, but I know the one who was there: God.

Throughout Scriptures there are numerous times where God said this is going to happen and then it happens precisely as he stated. We call this Bible prophecy. This is one of the strongest arguments for believing the Bible.

Observable science bears witness to an incredible designer.

Scientist Isaac Newton, who is noted for formulating the Laws of motions among a number of other outstanding accomplishments, said, “Atheism is so senseless. When I look at the solar system, I see the earth at the right distance from the sun to receive the proper amounts of heat and light. This did not happen by chance.”

The only way a person believes there is not a God is through suppressing their conscience. John 1:4 “4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” John 1:9 “9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”

Illustrate:

The sunrise and sunset each morning proclaims the glories of our great God.

Apply

God is your creator. As your creator determine that he is also worthy to be your God, for He is God and there is nobody else.

God has revealed himself in three persons, a Trinity, three-in-one: the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. These three are one God of the same essence, equal in power and glory.

T. Because you are created into his image we find that God places an immense value on your soul. Money cannot buy it. Our good deeds fall miserably short of God’s standards. Nothing could purchase your soul except one possible option. God would have to send Jesus to die for the sins of mankind.

2. God came to his own.

John 1:11 “11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.”

Explain

He came

knowing he would not be received.

John 1:11 “11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.”

Psalm 41:9 “9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, Which did eat of my bread, Hath lifted up his heel against me.”

We read in the Christmas story there was not even room for them in the inn of Bethlehem. Jesus was born in a barn and laid in the dirty feed trough. The storybooks glamorize it, but reality is that it was probably cold and dirty. This means he wasn’t born in a palace amongst those in power, but to peasants, poor folk, Mary and Joseph. Yet at the same time the fulfillment of his promise.

When I am going to make a sacrifice I like people to know the effort and time I put into something. God didn’t do that. How silently, how silently the blessed gift is given, when God indwells the human heart the blessing of his heav’n.

weeping over his people’s unbelief.

Luke 13:34 “34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!”

With the choice to not believe, came the eternal condemnation of God’s wrath. In Christ, they could have had no condemnation, but outside Christ there is no salvation. John 14:6 “6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

serving others selfless to the neglect of sleeping and eating.

Mark 6:31 “31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.”

Much like a mother gives herself for her children and family.

surrendering his body to be crucified for our sins.

Philippians 2:8 “8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

John 10:17 “17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.”

John 19:30 “30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”

Matthew 1:21 “21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

His own received him not

Who were his own?

We find that his own people rejected him.

His brothers and sisters rejected him until after Christ’s death.

His city rejected him. They tried to push him over a cliff.

His nation rejected him. They had him crucified.

Why didn’t Jesus’ own receive him?

They were offended at his power.

A brother who never did anything wrong. You just liked to hate him out of pure spite.

A new Christian being saved and changing.

They did not believe Jesus to be who he claimed.

How could an ordinary looking person be the Son of God?

They thought they already knew him, the carpenter’s son.

They did not believe his works.

They simply refused the evidence of Jesus’ miracles pointing he was from God.

John 4:48 “48 Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.”

John 12:37 “37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:”

They would not believe the testimony of those healed. (John 9:18)

Many people refuse to accept Christ because they don’t want to accept Christ because to do so would imply that their are sins in their lives they don’t want to quit doing. This is why Jesus gave the sharp warning. It is better to lose your right hand, an eye, or a foot than to go to hell. (Mark 9:43-48)

Argue

Why is there sin, suffering, sickness and death? Adam and Eve chose to sin. (Romans 5:12)

Why did Jesus have to come?

We are sinners incapable of making ourselves right with God.

Romans 3:23 “23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”

Proverbs 20:9 “9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?”

We can try all sorts of things to try to fill that empty void and hole in our lives to no avail. Only Jesus can satisfy the longing soul with his goodness.

God’s wrath was upon us because of our sin. As a just God, he eternally punishes sinners after their physical death in spiritual torments for eternity. These torments are not imaginary, but felt. Romans 5:12 “12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”

How could a loving God do this?

We sinned. God didn’t Adam and Eve sin. They chose to sin of their own free will.

Daily we often choose to sin multiple times a day of our own free will.

He offers us mercy in Jesus through the Gospel revealed in the Bible.

Illustrate:

The hurt of rejection: Have you ever had a dear friend that said something that cut to your heart? Words can kill.

mocked

embarrass

despised

Proverbs 18:21 “21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”

Apply

Realize that God loves you as an individual. So many lies are in our world like...

you’ll never amount to anything

your worthless

your ugly

However, when God looks at you he sees a person for whom His Son Jesus died.

Realize God sent Jesus to save you from your sins.

T. If you are wonder how there is any who believe let’s move on.

3. God gives power to the believing to be his children.

John 1:12–13 “12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

Explain

Human side:

God holds every individual responsible for their knowledge of God. Romans 1:18–19 “18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.”

God judges every individual who does not receive Jesus Christ. John 3:36 “36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

God saves every individual who receives Christ. - John 1:12 “12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”

God is able to save all humans. - John 5:34 “34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.”

Your salvation was of God. It wasn’t instigated by you. God first sent His Son and through the Gospel you became awakened to your need for Christ.

Notice it is not blood, the flesh, or the will of man.

Blood - just because you are an American, a Jew, a child of pastor, or Christian parents does not make you saved.

Flesh - Just because you declare yourself to be a child of God, does not make you a child of God. You must come to God his way, Jesus Christ.

Will of man - just because your parents wanted you to be saved and baptized you as a little baby, or you were forced to become a Christian, or a family member etc. doesn’t make you a Christian.

You must exercise your will and choose to trust Christ if you will be saved.

God wants you to be saved, but he will not force you. John 3:17 “17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

This verse teaches that it is possible for anyone to be saved. Sadly, many reject Christ. Our text states, “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.”

Divine side:

God knows from the beginning who will be saved.

God is outside of time.

God chooses to save those who trust Him.

Who does God make his children?

What does the text say?

As many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God. 1:12

Born of God. 1:13 Paul describes God’s heart in 1 Timothy 2:4 “4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” God wants you to know the truth and be saved.

It’s not the Christmas gift under the tree that matters it was God’s gift put on the tree, Jesus Christ.

Argue

Sometimes we justify ourselves and our beliefs. But if we truly are going to be saved we must let God’s Word be true when our beliefs about ourselves disagree with God’s Word.

Not good enough - Ephesians 2:8–9 “8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

I’m pretty good - James 4:6 “6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” Matthew 5:3 “3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Sometimes people wonder if they are really saved or are elect. If you trust Jesus as your Savior that is evidence that you are the elect. Living a life pleasing to God is further evidence.

God gave us his Word so that we would be assured of our salvation. 1 John 5:13 “13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”

Illustrate

Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 4772 Neglecting Volcanos Warnings

At exactly 8:02 p. m. on May 8, 1902, almost 30,000 people died instantly in one of history’s worst natural disasters.

The immediate cause of their deaths was the violent volcanic eruption of Mount Pelee (peh-LAY) on the French colonial island of Martinique. It hurled millions of tons of rock and boiling lava and a terrible blast of super-heated air at the town of St. Pierre.

The indirect cause of the catastrophe was a sordid record of human stupidity, greed, and political opportunism.

The volcano first began misbehaving a full week before the final disaster with warnings of what was to come in various degrees including a gigantic rock-and-mud slide which killed several hundred people at a factory outside the town.

But, with few exceptions, none of the persons in authority made any effort to evacuate the town which lay at the foot of the rumbling volcano.

—Prairie Overcomer

How often are we stupid to ignore God’s warning, greedy to live life for ourselves, and make our beliefs for a political thing than submitting to God? We have people in our lives warning us that God wants us to trust his Son, we ignore the invitation. Then something bad happens for our continued disobedience then we’ve got the nerve to be mad at God about it. It’s be like playing on I-75 then getting mad when you got hit by a truck.

So what must I do to be saved and receive Christ.

Apply

You must admit that God is right when he calls you a sinner and that you need his Son to save you - John 6:40 “40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”

Trust God’s Son - John 3:16 “16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jeus died for you on the cross and rose from the dead three days later to redeem you from the wrath of God and eternal hell. Will you accept his gift.

Turn from your sin and ask God to make you one of his children - John 1:12 “12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”

Praise God for the gift of God in Jesus Christ to you. If you have accepted Christ, you are part of God’s family. You have been made a partaker of his divine nature. You are granted 24/7 access in prayer to the Father through Jesus Christ. You have been given the indwelling of His Holy Spirit. You are called beloved. You are granted abundant life in Christ. Are you thankful for his Gift.

Conclusion

While you may get an unwanted gift at the white elephant this year. Don’t reject God’s most precious gift to you this Christmas, Jesus Christ.

The gift under the tree is not all that important it is the gift on the tree. Let us praise him for making salvation available to us all.

Take your hymnal and turn to #249, JUST AS I AM.