December 14, 2014

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Series: Christmas Carols Scripture: Luke 1:26–1:38

Many Christians function practically as Deists

O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.
O come, O come, Thou Lord of might who to Thy tribes, on Sinai’s height, in ancient times didst give the law in cloud and majesty and awe.
O come, thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan’s tyranny; from depths of hell Thy people save and give them vict’ry o’er the grave.
O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer our spirits by Thine advent here; O drive away the shades of night and pierce the clouds and bring us light.
O come, Thou Key of David, come and open wide our heav’nly home where all Thy saints with Thee shall dwell—O come, O come, Emmanuel!
Refrain: Rejoice! rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Emanuel means God With Us

“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).”
(Matthew 1:22–23)

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1, 14, ESV)

Emmanuel Reminds Me That…

1. God Is With Me

“And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”” (Luke 1:28)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

2. God Was With Me

“The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph’s charge, because the LORD was with him. And whatever he did, the LORD made it succeed.” (Genesis 39:23)

3. God Will Be With Me

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”” (Hebrews 13:5)

4. God Is Within Me

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,”
(1 Corinthians 6:19)

“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” (John 16:7)
Responding To Emmanuel

• Worship Him

Secondary Question: What did I Get out of worship today?

Primary Question: What did I Give in worship today?

• Receive Him

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12–13)

• Follow Him

“And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him.” (Mark 1:17–18)

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

• Trust Him

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)

other sermons in this series

Dec 21

2014

Away in a Manger

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Luke 2:10–2:11 Series: Christmas Carols

Dec 7

2014

O Come All Ye Faithful

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Luke 2:8–2:20 Series: Christmas Carols