The Gift Part 6 by Ps Larry Elliott Xmas
Jesus was born into the world, not of the world, He did not emerge out of History like our worldly heroes, JESUS entered History Supernaturally
Luke 1:35b ....that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.
THAT makes JESUS the ONLY REAL Super Hero and not just the THEME of the Bible, but the center of EVERYTHING.
Colossians 1:18 GNTD “He is the head of his body, the church; he is the source of the body's life. He is the first-born Son, who was raised from death, in order that he alone might have the first place in all things.”
Nugget #1: Learn how to put JESUS first in “all things”
Today we celebrate the birth of Christ, our LORD, the Saviour of the world. But today HEAVEN celebrates anybody who receives the GIFT of Eternal Life. [Luke 15:7&10]
When Jesus, who is the greatest GIFT ever, had finished His work and ascended; He gave us the most incredible GIFT, the Holy Spirit.
John 15:26-27 KJV “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.”
Notice, as in many Scriptures, that we see the “Trinity” revealed working in Unity.
Nugget #2: In any Relationship - Unity is the Key to Progress and Power.
Here we have JESUS revealing about the Holy Spirit as the Comforter, and telling us clearly He “Proceeds” from the Father. All coming together for the Purpose of God IN MANKIND.
I want to use this opportunity to conclude our series on “The Gift”
Please notice the powerful relationship between: The Father from whom everything proceeds... Jesus - Captain of our Salvation The Holy Spirit - our Helper And Ourselves - Walking in the Dream God wants for ALL our lives (being a WITNESS)
Nugget #3: The Holy Spirit always Testifies and Shines the LIGHT onto JESUS
The Holy Spirit works in the background like an Executive Director of a MOVIE TITLE: OUR LIVES
Luke 1:26-28 NKJV “Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin‟s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favoured one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
Context and previous verses (in the previous verses Zacharias and Elizabeth had fallen pregnant with John after many years of barrenness) God engages with Mary as He wants to deposit to her a GIFT but it comes through His WORD as a Seed. When God begins to ENGAGE with us, it‟s a time to REJOICE; He is making a statement that we are: Highly Favoured and Deeply Loved We don‟t always see it like that, when things go wrong or bad things happen, we tend to take a negative view point and immediately thoughts come „God did this, He is against you‟ (or similar)
Nugget #4: Remind yourself of God’s Love (The Holy Spirit supports this as does the Word)
When we go through a trial, we tend to ask ourselves, “Does God really love me? How come I don‟t seem to see it?” When that happens, it is time to remember the birth of Christ and what it LED TO; the cross, God‟s love for you is displayed forever at the cross.
Romans 5:8 NKJV “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Devote yourselves to seeing and feeling the love of God through Jesus Christ and you will stay in harmony with the Holy Spirit, that REALITY will flow mightily in your life.
Luke 1:29 NKJV But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.
Mary was thinking, just like we do, „what‟s so significant in my life that I receive such a greeting?‟ Life is very often made up of the ordinary hum drum day to day living; that doesn‟t mean God has forgotten you
Luke 1:30-33 NKJV Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
The Angel gives her a clear description of JESUS and what He will do and become.
Nugget #5: Don’t let FEAR take control
Before this he says to her “Do not be Afraid” I want to encourage us that we need to continue to face and address this in our lives especially when it comes to our dreams.
Dealing with Afraid: 1. Keep your Eyes on Jesus (remind yourself of His love) 2. Ask for Help 3. Live in the Moment 4. Address your Thinking 5. Use the Word
Luke 1:34-35 NKJV Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “ The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.
Question: What is the Holy Spirit birthing into your life today (or has this year) that you will give birth to next year?
Remember that what He births today will take “nine months” to prepare
Even with Jesus there were no shortcuts
Seedtime and Harvest
You see the Holy Spirit gets you ready for the Birth of ______? Where are you? Beginning, Middle, End, etc
Romans 12:2 NKJV “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Nugget #6: TESTIFY / Your Testimony carries power on many levels
Remember when the Holy Spirit births something in us it‟s design is to reveal or glorify Jesus and build God‟s Kingdom.
Mountains where believers are to carry an impact, and influence for Christ Jesus the Lord. As disciples of Jesus are empowered by the Holy Spirit, they in turn are commissioned to “go therefore into all the nations” carrying the light of the world with them. This is another dimension of the seven spirits being sent into all the earth.
Seven Cultural Spheres or Mountains: 1. Family 2. Government 3. Education 4. Economy 5. Church / Religion 6. Arts and Entertainment 7. Media
Luke 1:36-38 NKJV Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”
In verses 36 and 37 Gabriel gives the pregnancy of barren Elizabeth as evidence for Mary that "with God nothing is impossible.”
Nugget #7: Your Dream when Birthed from God moves from Impossible to Possible
Keep your Faith Switched On Keep Praying and Praising Build your Life around the Word, Renew your Mind.
The Spirit does not reveal Himself, the Spirit reveals Christ
Our dreams should always be birthed and strengthened by the Holy Spirit but are always designed to bring God Glory and lift up the name of Jesus