Christmas 2024

The Glory of Christmas

I. The Cloud of Glory Comes.

A. The Coming of the Cloud Ex. 13:21,22.

B. The Glory in the Cloud Ex. 16:10.

C. The Cloud Teaches God’s people...

II. The Cloud of Glory Remains.

A. The Cloud of Glory Remains in the Temple 1 Kings 8:10-13.

B. Glory’s Presence and Israel’s Consecration 1 Kings 8:22-30.

C. Glory’s Presence and God’s Promise 1 Kings 9:3.

III. Where is the Glory?

A. Sinners Forsake His Glory Deut. 29:21-29.

B. Consequences of Denial of Glory Ezra 1:1-3.

C. The New Temple: No Cloud Hag. 2:1-9.

IV. The Glory Found in Christmas

A. The Glory Tabernacles Among Us! John 1:1, 1:14.

B. The Glory in a Better Temple John 2:19; Col. 2:9; Heb. 9:11-14.

C. The Glory in a Manger Luke. 2:7-14

D. Where is the Glory of God? In Christ!

Title: He Came is Coming Again

Text: Luke 1:28-33

I. The First and Second Comines Are Linked Together.

A. The obvious link of both comings Luke 1:28-33.

B. The first and second comings are different Isa 53:3; 1 Th 4:16,17.

II. The Comfort and Joy of the First is Also in the Second Coming.

A. Peace on earth now and forever 2 Thess. 1:7,10.

B. The Sun/Son will rise Mal 4:2; Luke 2:25-26.

III. Prophecy Challenges Preparation in Both Comings of Christ.

A. To be hopeful, be truthful John 8:28-32.

B. Christmas is doctrinal and that is both past and future John 5:39.

C. Have higher expectations than a present holiday James 5:7; Heb. 9:28.

Title: God’s Anointed (Messiah Declared) 

Text: Psalm 2 

I. The Conspiracy Against God Ps. 2:1-3. 

A. Turmoil all over 1,2. 

B. Rebellion against the Anointed 3. 

II. Truths About the Anointed Ps. 2:4-6. 

A. The Anointed is incredulous 4. 

B. The Anointed is indignant and in control 5,6. 

III. The Anointed Speaks of Ruling Rulers Ps. 2:7–9. 

A. The Anointed is the Son of God 7. 

B. The Anointed will rule over all rulers 8. 

C. The Anointed will crush all opposition 9. 

IV. The Psalmist Speaks to the Rulers Ps. 2:10–12. 

A. Exhortation for the Kings 10. 

B. The exhortation given 11-12. 

 Series: The Gospel of John 

Title: Anointing Messiah 

Text: John 12:1-11 

I. Passover Dinner with the Anointed Jn. 12:1,2. 

A. Passover with the Anointed 1,2a. 

B. Reminder of the Chosen’s power 2b. 

II. The Anointing of the Anointed Jn. 12:3-8. 

A. Glory = Value 3. 

B. Judas misses God’s choice 4. 

C. Judas’ motive revealed 6. 

D. The Anointed is most important 7. 

III. Reactions to the Anointed Jn. 12:9-11. 

A. Less, but still selfish 9. 

B. “Guilt” by association 10,11 

Title: God’s Anointed (Messiah Implied)

Text: Psalm 20

I. Praying for God’s Anointed Ps. 20:1-4.

A. The Anointed has trouble and needs prayer 1,2.

B. The Anointed expects help when prayed for 3,4.

II. Rejoicing in Victory with God’s Anointed Psalm 20:5-9.

A. The congregation rejoices in God’s care 5,6.

B. The congregation puts confidence in the right place 7-9.

Title: Giving Basics

Text: Psalm 50:10; Acts 17:24,25

I. Principles of Giving

A. Giving is always ‘to the Lord’ Mal. 3:8; 1 Cor. 9:13,14.

B. The Lord’s Work is the Commission of the Church Matt. 28:19,20.

II. Practicals of Giving

A. The priority of ministry in a Christian’s life Matt. 6:19-21.

B. A need to see priority for local church

C. A case for a tithe Gen 14:18-20; Matt. 23:23; Luke 11:42.

D. A clarification of cheerful/offering giving

Title: Beware the Modern: Doctrine

Text: Titus 1:9; 2 Timothy 1:13.

I. The State of Truth Today.

A. The commands of truth 1 Pet. 3:15,16; Eph 4:15;

Jude 3; John 17:14-18.

B. The state of truth Pro. 16:25; 2 Tim. 4:3.

II. Doctrinal Decay in Postmodernism.

A. What is truth decay? John 18:38; John 14:6.

B. Postmodern diet influences doctrine 1 Cor. 8:5;

Jude 10; Acts 17:30; Eph. 4:11-15.

C. Practical effects of Truth Decay Col. 2:8; Exo.

20:7.

III. Treating Doctrine Decay

A. Know the truth John 8:31-36; Matt:28:18.

B. Fight for truth 2 Cor. 10:3-5; Titus 1:9; 2 Tim. 2:4.

IV. Staying True to True Doctrine.

*Seven Challenges for Staying True

1. Resist the dumbing down of culture (Rom. 12:1,2)

2. Oppose biblical illiteracy and theological ignorance

3. Study the Scripture like the Bereans (Acts 17)

4. Live inside and out the truth of Christ (Eph. 4:15)

5. Hard one: If you have Truth Decay – repent

6. Make opportunities to engage (Acts 17:16)

7. Be courageous