Luke 2:8-14 "God Speaks To People"
Michael L. Gill
As a pastor, I am commissioned to speak on God's behalf. I don't know how any person can say anything for God in a better way than He has already said for Himself. I would use my best words and highest skill to move each of you closer to Him. A preacher's perpetual problem arises, however. How does one describe that which defies description? How does one explain that which is beyond comprehension? In fact, all that I know of God and His love may be discovered by you without me! Yet, God has called me to speak for Him.
This calling frightens me and blesses me. Because I fear the power of my words to mislead you, I pray that He will tell me just what and how to speak. The blessings come when His thoughts appear in my head. A section of Scripture accompanied by specific ideas are imprinted in my mind. I begin writing feverishly immediately, glancing often at this "downloaded" information. With an open Bible I begin to explore what He gave me, and find He is still guiding by prompting me toward additional scripture verses that document and support and example the word He gave me. My sermon preparation often becomes a personal refreshing, revival, repentance time, and can be quite emotional for me.
The next blessing occurs while I am speaking to you what He has led me through. It is a special communion of thought and heart when, at some moment of His choosing, the Holy Spirit begins to craft the words that come through my lips. I desire that experience every time I speak. Most of the time, however, I deliver what He gave trusting that He will teach and inspire and convict and convince and comfort and draw you closer to Himself. Amen!
Why would I begin a sermon in this manner? It is because I want you to understand that God still speaks to people, directly and personally! Just as is recorded in the Bible, so it is today, God speaks to people!
A. "HEAVEN TO EARTH"
http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Luk/Luk002.html#8
1. The Congregation - "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night." They were really just common folks doing a job that sometimes required that they work around the clock! Please notice that God chose to speak to them when they were NOT in church! I seriously doubt that any one of them began their evening with hymns, announcements, prayer requests, and a sermon. Their purpose for the night had nothing to do with desiring to hear from God. Our choice isn't whether we hear God, but whether we obey. Recognizing God's voice is much easier when Bible Study is a daily habit and when obeying Him is an instant response. Understand that God speaks any time, and that means when you are on the job also.
2. The Messengers -
Luke 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,...
God chooses His messengers. This is, obviously, the most unique announcement the world has ever heard. On other occasions God has used a donkey, handwriting on a wall, a murderer (Moses & Paul), and a dead staff that budded to life to convey His messages. Every time God speaks, pay attention! Every way God speaks, pat attention!
3. The Message -
Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:12 And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Focus on just two things with me, even though all of the message is very important!
The first point of focus is Savior. If a savior is needed it is because someone else cannot save himself from deadly danger. Romans 6:23, Romans 3:10 & 23. A savior accomplishes, not merely attempts, salvation. John 19:30, http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Hbr/Hbr010.html#12 Hebrews 10:12-14.
The second point of focus is Good will toward men. Which means that God is not willing that any should perish, II Peter 3:9. That God would even sacrifice Himself to rescue the perishing, Romans 5:8. And there is nothing that can put you beyond the reach of His love. Romans 8:35-39. http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Jer/Jer029.html#11 Jeremiah 29:11 (showing promise/purpose for captivity in Babylon)
You can lose a great many things in this life, but not lose the love of God.
Even if you lose your job, God still loves you.
Even if you lose your spouse, God still loves you.
Even if you lose your parents, God still loves you.
Even if you lose a child, God still loves you.
Even if you lose your way, God still loves you.
Even if you have lost your faith, God still loves you.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/2Ti/2Ti002.html#13 II Timothy 2:13
This love with which God loves you is not detatched, professional, impersonal; but involved, active, personal. God's love for YOU affects HIM deeply. In fact, God's love for you DEFINES Him since "God is Love". In fact, God's love for you DEFINES the message of the Bible from cover to cover.
B. "GOD TO MAN"
http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Gen/Gen003.html#8 Genesis 3:8-9
1. Sinners Hide From God -
Why? If God is truely God, then no one can really be hidden from Him. Also, no sin occurs without His knowing it already. Hiding, running, blaming, excusing, denying, re-defining, are all but useless "aprons" and pointless "hiding" in God's sight. Why do we do it?
...Because we don't trust His love to find a way to forgive us?
...Because we don't understand why Jesus came?
...Because we have made ourselves unacceptible to Him, we think we must do something to make ourselve acceptible again, and know we cannot, so we assume some form of hopelessness or pursue some distraction till we die and face the judgement?
2. God Calls To Us -
"Where are you?" Allow this true and historical event to apply to you today. Think about "where" you are in your fellowship with God. He is calling you, "wherever" you are right now, to draw you nearer to Himself. Genesis 3:15 predicts satan's defeat and Christ's sufferings. As soon as Adam failed, God immediately promised a redeemer! Do not punish yourself by staying aloof, keeping busily distracted, remaining at a "safe" distance from God. Hear what God is saying to you. Understand what Christmas is all about.
C. SPIRIT TO YOU -
http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Rev/Rev022.html#17
Revelation 22:17
1. The Spirit and the Bride -
The Holy Spirit is God, the Bride is all believers, and these say, "Come." Whatever your condition, whatever you have done, whatever your doubt or fear. Come to Jesus.
2. Him that hears -
Those who hear this invitation are to repeat it to others! Evangelism is NOT a difficult duty requiring specialized training. In it's purest form it is repeating an invitation to which you responded. "Come"
3. The thirsty -
Aren't you finally ready to admit you might be thirsty? Religion is that dry, chalky form that talks about refreshing living water! Aren't you ready for the real water yet?
4. One simple requirement -
Whosoever will... willing... wanting it...
Christmas is the grand introduction to the perfect expression of the greatest love that never ends or even fades. If you must run, run into it!
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