A New Year's Sermon....Filled with Grace and Hope!

INTRO: Mertens…custodianre

https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-school-custodian-gets-a-gift-of-life-from-teacher/573218011/

SHOW THE COMPARISION OF THIS STORY AND JESUS ‘ SACRIFICE...

As we go into 2021 what do we need to keep forefront in our hearts and minds?

times have been tough this year

maybe the toughest year in our lives

folks have died that we all know

society is struggling

many have lost their businesses

OUR GRACE AND OUR HOPE IS FOUND THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS!

LET’S CONSIDER THIS AM:

MAIN BODY:

REVIEW THE STORY OF JESUS’ COMING ALONG WITH THE PROPHECYS...

Gabriel appearing to Mary Matt. 1

Angel appearing to Joseph Luke 1

Micah 5:2, Isa 9:6 prophesied his birth and He came. 700 yrs prior to Jesus

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isa. 9:6

2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

THE STORY OF JESUS’ BIRTH, IS A STORY OF GRACE AND HOPE!

Marker Scripture Slide

2 Scriptures for us to reflect upon this am

Titus 2:11-14

Titus 2:11–14 NIV84

11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Romans 5:1-5

Romans 5:1–5 NIV84

1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Pts. to consider:

ELABORATE ON BOTH OF THESE...

PAST....

Titus 2, “has appeared”

Rom. 5 “therefore”

both Scriptures refer back to what has been done for us.....

God’s gift demands a response!

faith, walk with Him, living godly lives....

PRESENT....

Titus 2:12, 13 Rom. 5:1.2,3

FUTURE

Titus 2:13...”while we wait”...

Rom. 5:5....”and hope does not disappoint”

CONCLUSION:

Romans 15:13

Romans 15:13 NIV84

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

THE END