December 11, 2016 Teaching Outline

                                                                           In Search of Jesus
                                                            “Being Prepared to Say Yes to Love”
 
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John’s questions and doubt give Jesus the opportunity to clarify the true character of the Messiah as Immanuel, not emperor.
 
 
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.
(Is. 35:5-6)
 
 
The advent newness depicted here by the prophet Isaiah is not disjointed hope; rather, it is a hope grounded in the physical reality and embodiment of the person of Jesus.

It is not the hope of the status quo or the emperor, it is the hope of Immanuel.
 

                                                 Could it be that Love:  Changed the World?
                         We can see how love changed not only the 1st century world, but also our world.

                                                                         Luke 2:1-20


 
Caesar is not in charge; God is.
 It is not human power that changes the world; it is God’s love.
And in Christ, God’s love has changed the world.

• Love changes the world and gives us power (vv. 11, 14) 

 
Or, to slightly paraphrase Andy Stanley, “People now name their daughters Mary and their dogs Caesar.” Love has changed the world and gives us power.

• Love changes the world and gives us pride and purpose (vv. 18, 20).

 
 
In those days, the decree of Caesar went out to all the world so that he could take from us;
in these days, the decree of God goes out into all the world so that we can partake in Him.
Love has changed the world and has given us purpose.

•  Love changes the world and allows us to ponder (v. 19). 

 
 
In those days, it was Caesar who was pondering his empire to see his vast rule, but in these days, it is God in Christ empowering us to ponder the world as his partners in mission. Love has changed the world and makes us ponder.
 

 
Advent Questions for Christians:

• Take some time this week to consider the “power” God has given to you. You may not have a title, but what divine talents do you have?  Do you have a heart of mercy or a spirit of encouragement?
• Re-evaluate your ministries. What are you doing that is of utmost importance and purpose simply because it is part of what God is doing? What are you doing that others might see as very valuable but that doesn’t contribute to the work of God?

 
 
                                      Am I Prepared to say YES to Jesus and His Love for me
                                                                              &
                                         Am I prepared to go share that that with my world?