Scripture Reading: Romans 1:8-15

Sermon Text: Luke 3:15-17

Sermon Title: "Two assessments concerning the coming Christ."

Outline:

1. Could John be the Christ (15)

2. No way could John be the Christ (16-17)

Scripture Reading: Psalm 110

Sermon Text: Luke 3:1-6

Sermon Title: "Now Comes the Forerunner"

Outline:

Two backdrops to John's preparatory ministry:

1. The world's setting for the prophet's coming (1-3)

2. The Word's setting for the prophet's coming (4-6)

Scripture Reading: Psalm 93

Sermon Text: Luke 1 - 2

Sermon Title: "Setting the Stage: A Review of Luke 1 - 2"

Outline:

Six objectives that Jesus must accomplish.

1. Jesus must bring social upheaval (1:46 – 55 Mary)

2. Jesus must fulfill God’s promises of salvation for Israel, beginning with the forgiveness of sins (1:67 – 79 Zacharias)

3. Jesus must fulfill God’s promises of salvation for the world (2:29 – 32 Simeon)

4. Jesus must bring division to Israel and expose hearts that oppose God (2:34 – 35 Simeon)

5. Jesus must fulfill the hope of those who expect God to fulfill His promises (2:38 Anna)

6. Jesus must fulfill all that His Father has for Him to do (2:49 Jesus)

Scripture Reading; Psalm 72

Sermon Text: Luke 2:41-52

Sermon Title: "The Son of God Confirms His Mission"

Outline:

Two assertions about Jesus' mission

1. Jesus is able to accomplish His mission (41-47).

2. Jesus understands everything depends on Him (48-52).

Scripture Reading: Psalm 45

Sermon Text: Luke 2:21-40

Sermon Title: "Where Two or Three are Gathered: Prophetic Testimony to Jesus' Centrality"

Outline:

God's salvation is confirmed by His hope-filled witnesses

1. The parents' faith-filled obedience (21-24).

2. The prophets' hope-filled testimonies (25-38).

3. The Savior's grace-filled growth (39-40).

Scripture Reading: Psalm 24

Sermon Title: "Good News of Great Joy: The Savior is Announced"

Sermon Text: Luke 2:8-20

Outline:

Glorify God because the Savior has come!

1. The heavenly announcement (8-14)

2. The human reactions (15-20)

Scripture Reading: Psalm 22

Sermon Text: Luke 2:1-7

Sermon Title: "Good News of Great Joy: The King is Born"

Outline:

Jesus is the Center of God's Plan for the World

1. A proud king exercises his power (1-3).

2. A Davidic descendant travels "home" (4-5).

3. The humble King is born (6-7).

Scripture Reading: Psalm 16

Sermon Text: Luke 1:67-80

Sermon Title: "Praise to the God who Fulfills His Grand Plan of Salvation" Part 2

Sermon Outline: 

Praise God for fulfilling His grand plan of salvation!

1. Unreserved praise to the God who saves (67-75)

2. Prediction of unequaled ministry for John (76-79)

Conclusion: John's growth and life described (80)

Scripture Reading: Psalm 8

Sermon Text: Luke 1:67-80

Sermon Title: "Praise to the God who Fulfills His Grand Plan of Salvation"

Outline:

Praise God for fulfilling His grand plan of salvation.

1. Unreserved praise to the God who saves (67-75)

2. Prediction of unequaled ministry for John (76-79)

Conclusion: John's growth and life summarized (80)

Scripture Reading: Psalm 2

Sermon Text: Luke 1:56-66

Sermon Title: "God Fulfills His Promises: The Birth of John"

Outline:

God's faithfulness in John the Forerunner's Birth

1. God's great mercy brings joy (56-58)

2. God's faithful servants cause amazement (59-64)

3. God's presence causes fearful expectation (65-66)