Collinsville Church of Christ Sermons

God has created each of us with a plan for our lives. We are his handiwork and he longs for us to take part in the good work that he has for us to do. However, living in God's new plan for us means letting go of our old plan. In the book of Acts, we see a man named Saul who is persecuting the early church. He does it with zeal; he lives for it. But then, Saul encounters Jesus along the road to Damascus and he is transformed. His purpose is renewed as he no longer is hunting down Christians, but becomes a church planter and writes a large portion of the New Testament.

When Jesus meets Zacchaeus, he is a thieving traitor who is only thinking about himself. But when he encounters the love of Jesus in his home, Zacchaeus’ heart is renewed and it is evidenced by his extreme transformation. He used to cheat and steal, but now, he becomes generous and eager to make things right.

As we transition from our celebration of Christmas and prepare to head into a new year, what of the holiday remains with us? The decorations are put away and the carols have faded; a new season of life begins. But we can step forward boldly knowing that Immanuel—God with us—is still with us!

God’s promise in Isaiah is that He would come to dwell with His people and to rescue them. This is fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ, who is known as Immanuel, God with us. Jesus made a great sacrifice, giving up the splendors of heaven to come to earth. But He did more than just live among us, because of His great love, He provided a way for us to have eternal life. Jesus became the Savior of the world.

God would prepare the way for Christ’s birth through his cousin John. John’s unlikely conception and birth bring his father Zechariah great joy because this child would be one crying in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Messiah’s coming.

God promised in Isaiah that a day was coming when the Messiah would come and usher in a government of peace. The angels bring good news to the lowly shepherds and confirm that a new and unexpected way to govern was coming to pass that would indeed bring peace on earth.

God was offering His people hope in Isaiah 9:2 by promising a light that would come to expel the darkness. Simeon’s encounter with the baby Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring salvation to all people. Simeon had the audacity to hope that God would come through, even after years of waiting.