We know the Christmas story. We know the nativity scene. It’s a beautiful story to tell, but it can also seem so far from our reality. Often, our lives feel anything but full of hope, joy, and peace. Why is that? Maybe we’re relying on the wrong things? Maybe it’s not about how religious we are, but about grasping something else.

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MESSAGE NOTES

God created a perfect world, with perfect people in perfect relationship. God drew a line and said everything on the other side was the opposite of Him and asked mankind not to go over there. But we did. So we are born captives to sin and when we cross that line we are set free.

 

  1. GOD’S PLAN IS TO RESCUE THE WORLD THROUGH A FAMILY

 

 

[Genesis 3:15]

“And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”

 

 

[Galatians 4:4]

“But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law.”

 

 

2. ALL OF US START AS SPIRITUAL ORPHANS

 

 

[John 8:31-47]

“Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.“But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.  Yes, I realize that you are descendants of Abraham. And yet some of you are trying to kill me because there’s no room in your hearts for my message. I am telling you what I saw when I was with my Father. But you are following the advice of your father.”  “Our father is Abraham!” they declared. “No,” Jesus replied, “for if you were really the children of Abraham, you would follow his example. Instead, you are trying to kill me because I told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing. No, you are imitating your real father.” They replied, “We aren’t illegitimate children! God himself is our true Father.” Jesus told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me. Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear me! For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe me! Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don’t you believe me? Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.”

 

 

[Acts 26:17-18]

“And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’”

 

 

3. GOD GIVES YOU THE CHANCE TO BE ADOPTED INTO HIS FAMILY

 

 

[Romans 8:12-16]

“Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.”

 

It’s not what I know that makes me God’s kid. It’s not my bloodline, denomination, membership, baptism. It’s whether or not I’ve placed faith in Jesus, repented and received the gift of His Holy Spirit

 

My question isn’t about your church upbringing, your baptism, bar mitzvah or confirmation.

It’s not about whose family is most religious.

 

What matters is…

  • You’ve moved from spiritual orphan to spiritual adoption
  • You’ve accepted Jesus as the only bridge to go to God

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Application Questions

1. What stood out to you from this message and why?

2. What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?

3. What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?

4. How will this message change how you act at home, work and in the your relationships?