20071224 Midnight service ver 2

24/12/07 23:30

Luke 1:67-79 and Acts 13:16-26

God has a plan of Salvation – what is it? – Is it for? Does it bring?

Introduction (setting the scene)

Who was Zechariah?

He was a priest (vs 8)
He was old! (vs 18)
Struck dumb during a period of service (vs 19-20)
Wife was Elizabeth who was to have a child in her old age (vs 36). Miraculous conception.
Named his son John – unusual (vs 59-63)
Father of John the Baptist
Prophesied this song of over John, but pointing to Jesus

Strange that a father seeing his son for the first time would sing the praises of another – But God had a plan of salvation for the world - just goes to show the impact his vision had on him
John in a preliminary & Jesus in an ultimate way will be instruments of the end-time outpouring of the tender mercies of God – i.e. his salvation.
Cannot fully understand C’mas if we separate it from Easter. Jesus was born for one purpose, that is to die = His death is our salvation if we accept this gift
Quote SOF 152…in his death is my birth. In his life is my life. This is my salvation

Salvation – What is it?

Salvation is not from political/military power, despite the Romans, but from spiritual powers.
True enemies are spiritual foes.
If we are concerned with the vital matter of salvation, then there is no evading what seems to be the exotic items – angels, predictions / prophecies and miracles – all are an integral part of the gospel
Why? Because it concerns a supernatural breakthrough into our world.
Lk 1:68b – 69a. ‘has come’, ‘has redeemed’, ‘has raised up…’ = happened at conception.
‘Horn of salvation’ – explain symbol of strength / strong king.
Acts 13:23 Paul says ‘From this man (David)’s descendants, God has brought to Israel the saviour, Jesus, as he promised

Salvation: - What does it bring?

Lk 1:77-79 give his people the knowledge of salvation through forgiveness of sins – Brings knowledge and feeling of forgiveness – felt real clean
Salvation is to guide our feet into the path of peace. i.e. Internal and external peace and happiness.
The promise of salvation & redemption are linked with peace
Acts 13:26 “Brothers, children of Abraham and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent.

Salvation: - what is it for?

Lk 1:74-75 rescued to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness & righteousness. i.e. in a right relationship to God.
The ultimate purpose of God’s salvation is in fact undisturbed worship (vs 75)” before him all our days”
The worshipping community is therefore invited to join their voices with Zechariah’s and Luke’s, to serve God and to live in holiness & righteousness.

So as we go from here tonight, to celebrate Jesus birth with our families, let us remember that salvation is from spiritual powers, it brings forgiveness and so peace both to individuals and to the world and the purpose of salvation is so that we can worship God without fear, in lives that are holy and in a right relationship with God.