Sermon

Keeping a Promise

Christmas is about a promise that was kept!
 
Don’t we live in a world where promises made are often not kept?  

    * Politicians make promises. I promise that there will be no flood in the city next year.
    * Parents make promises…  I promise I’ll take you to the movies or to the Mall
    * Business people make promises… oh yeah let me open a check you can cash it tomorrow.  Blong!!!!!!
    * Spouses make promises…  I promise I’ll be home on time…  I promise I won’t buy that..
    * Someone once said Promises are made to be broken


I. What was the promise?  

    * 1. Gen. 3:15; This is called the “Protoevangelium” or the “first mention of the Gospel.” Christ would be the ultimate vindication of the woman.
    * Gal. 4:4 "But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,“
    * 2. Gen. 22:18; The Messiah would be of the Seed of Abraham
    * 3. Gen. 21:12; Son of Isaac
    * 4. Num. 24:7; Son of Jacob
    * 5. Gen. 49:10 7 Micah 5:2; From the tribe of Judah
    * 6. Isaiah 11:1-5; From the family of Jesse
    * 7. 2 Sam. 7:12-16; Come from the house of David.
    * 8. Micah 5:2; Teaches that He would be born in Bethlehem and His Pre-existence.
    * 9. Isaiah 7:14; "Behold" – points to a remarkable fulfillment, not a customary birth "virgin" – (almah) a young woman who has not physically known a man.  "Immanuel" – means "God with us" and means He will have a remarkable nature (sinless)
    * 10. Isaiah 9:6-7; Occupy the throne of David, and be called "the mighty God" and be  
      called "the everlasting father"
    * 11. Isaiah 35:5-6; He will perform miracles
    * 12. Psalm 78:2; He will teach in Parables
    * 13. Zechariah 9:9; He will enter Jerusalem on a donkey
    * 14. Zech. 11:12; He will be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver.
    * 15. Zech. 12:10 & Psalm 22; His hands & feet will be pierced (crucified on a cross)
       

    * Who were the recipients of the promise?
          o Mary
          o The entire human race


II. The Reason for the Promise  

    * What kind of promises are you waiting for from God?
    * How much of our belief in Christianity is based on what we think God has promised us?
          o That he Loves Us
          o That He wants to save you
          o That He has created you for a purpose.
          o That we can spend eternity with Him.
    * The entire Christmas story is about a promise to human kind that Their condition would be made right.  We would be reconnected to our creator

III. The Response to the Promise  

    * A. Mary believed God.she accepted the promise by Faith.
    * B. She was available for God.  She was willing to be used by God.
    * C. She was equipped by God.  He worked in her life to equip her in such a way to accomplish His will.
    * D. She was used by God.