Title: The Message God Sent
Text: Acts 10:34-43
Tracing: Preached December 13, 1992 AM at SDCC.
Topic: Christmas
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A. INTRO
Imagine you know that the volcano on a remote island is on the verge of a
cataclysmic eruption. On that island lives an isolated tribe of people totally
unfamiliar with modern languages or technology. How can you send them the
message that will save them? Radio? Letter? Technical manuals? Boats bearing
gifts? These things are totally outside of their experience and understanding.
No -- you have to send SOMEONE!
The family of Man is like that isolated tribe -- there is a reality and a
type of existence beyond our comprehension. Those who are more perceptive in
that realm of existence can see dangers which we do not recognize. The problem
has always been how to warn mankind about the dangers he faces on a spiritual
level when, for the most part, we are blind to that existence. But God wanted
to send us a message -- So He sent Someone, a baby in Bethlehem!
Hebrews 1:1-2 tells us about His communications with us through the years:
"In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and
in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom
he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe."
B. BODY -- The Message God Sent
1. Its Source -- The Identity of Jesus v.36,38
Look at the phrase "through Jesus Christ": primary meaning is that the
good news is that, through Jesus, peace is possible. However, it is also
valid to say that that message itself is "through Jesus". He is the medium
of God's message.
So who is He? An important question (John 8:24)!
a) The Anointed One (Messiah, Christ) v. 38
b) One God was with v. 38
c) God with us -- Emmanuel (Lord of All) v.36
d) The One who will Judge v.42
2. Its Character -- The Ministry of Jesus v. 36,38
Producing peace (v.36), doing good (v.38), bringing healing (v.38),
defeating Satan (v. 38).
Consider the Gospels: accepting notorious "sinners", forgiving
adulterers, healing, and pointing always to God and true righteousness.
How can people look at the life of Jesus and see any other message than
that? How can they see judgmentalism, self-righteousness, hatred, etc? The
message God sent was all wrapped up in Jesus and it is a message of love and
peace and healing and restoration to God!
3. Its Culmination -- His Death & Resurrection v.39-40
That message reached its forceful culmination between Calvary and the
Garden tomb. An understanding of those two events is pivotal to an
understanding of God's message. There we were told that He loved us in the
midst of our rebellion, no matter the cost. It is no hollow profession of
love but a love that sacrifices! These events are essential to God's plan
because they made forgiveness possible -- but they are also essential to His
message because they made love tangible!
4. Its Results -- Forgiveness & Judgment v.42-43
The message brings with it two possible outcomes based upon our response
to that message. First, Jesus has been appointed to judge all men. This is
God's message to us and is to be part of our message to others -- don't omit
judgment, don't dismiss hell from your message.
But, more importantly, forgiveness is available -- to everyone who
believes in Him.
What kind of belief? Not "Santa Claus" belief -- but TRUST.
What else but belief? Nothing! However -- let's be balanced, not
polarized. The person who lives a rebellious life while professing faith
proves his so-called faith to be false, counterfeit, DEAD. REAL belief
(trust) begins a walk with Him, obeying Him, seeking His ways. That walk
begins today as it did in the first century -- in submission to baptism.
That walk ends today as it did in the first century -- in faithfulness unto
death or the Lord's return!
C. CONCLUSION
That baby in the manger in Bethlehem was not just a chance happening -- He
was a proclamation, an announcement, a love letter to rebellious mankind, a
warning of dangers unseen by us, and a promise of safety otherwise unavailable
to us. How will you respond? Accept the message, heed it, live by it and live.
Reject it or ignore it and perish!
Are you ready to begin that walk -- to step by step let Him lead you out of
the dangers that you may not even yet see? Trust Him in the first step --
belief and baptism!
D. COMMENTS
Prepared in 1992 by Scott L. Purcell
Minister of Stokelan Drive Christian Church
Malden, MO 63863
(314) 276-2343
Reproduce, modify, and use freely
for the glory of God and the Growth of the Kingdom!
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Index of Preacher's Help and Notes
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