Origin-al Christmas

Luke 1:26-38

December 3/4, 2011

From the Viewpoint of a Teenager FOLLOWING THE MESSAGE 1) A recurring theme in Scripture is that God has laid out His plans in advance. A Sovereign King already knows the end from the beginning. 2) In conjunction with all this knowledge of God’s activity outside the fabric of time, there is an additional truth...God intentionally designed purposes for YOUR life, purposes which transcend time. You are part of a much larger story. 3) God opens up the door for you to join Him in His activities. You can certainly choose to accept or reject it. We call it free will. But when God comes calling, know that it is part of HIS purposes and plans, laid out far before the dawning of time on this planet, predetermined in eternity past. 4) The Origin of Christmas isn’t found in the barn of Bethlehem, but rather in the Throne Room of the Creator of the Universe. We recognize that the events unfolding as they did are consistent with the nature and character of God. 5) Many times what God intends to do in your life makes no sense...at first. This requires you to lean even more into Him, because He can see the completed masterwork that is being shaped in your life.

11) 1:34 The superstructure of Christian theology is built on this truth. The essence and the power of the gospel is that God became man and that, by being both wholly God and wholly man, He was able to reconcile men to God. 12) 1:37 When GOD says “nothing is impossible,” He means NOTHING. 13) 1:38 This is where faith really begins to show itself. In the hours and days that followed, Mary must have begun to question...”Wait, did I really hear from God?” 14) 1:38 Mary accepts the sacrifice. She knows it will bring in its wake unknown sufferings, as well as untold blessing.

GREEK TERMS USED TODAY Mnesteuo (mnace-tyoo'-o)—to give a souvenir (engagement present), betroth; espouse Diatarassō (dee-at-ar-as'-so)—to disturb wholly, i.e. agitate (with alarm); trouble Dialogizomai (dee-al-og-id'-zom-ahee)—to reckon thoroughly, to deliberate (by reflection or discussion); cast in mind, consider, reason, think Episkiazō (ep-ee-skee-ad'-zo)—to cast a shade upon, to envelop in a haze of brilliancy; overshadow

FOR THE WEEK AHEAD

7) 1:30 Nothing is made of Mary’s personal godliness. The emphasis is on God’s sovereign choice, not on human acceptability. Finding favor with God means being in the place where He can use you.

What does a proper response to God’s hand on your life look like?  LISTEN—Be in a place emotionally where you can hear from God by spending time with Him in His Word.  ASK—Do you need clarification or confirmation? Ask. Spend time in prayer.  RESPOND—Take action.  WALK TOGETHER—Tell someone who is spiritually mature about your decision.

8) When God gives the assignment, you will know it. Because it’s a Godsized assignment, it is something only HE can do.

God has a calling on your life. God speaks to you and wants you to hear Him and to respond. It all begins with the relationship.

6) 1:28 This is not a wish, but a statement that refers to God's mighty power being present in Mary's life.

9) 1:31-33 For the warrior angel who stands in God’s presence, there is no doubt that what God has purposed and planned will happen. It is a definitive statement. This WILL happen! 10) 1:34 Having questions does not make you an unbeliever. It simply means you want to understand. An unbeliever rejects what he thinks he understands. A believer accepts what he doesn’t fully understand.

ARE YOU IN RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?