DECEMBER 23, 2018

PASTOR MARTIN CHILDS JR. D. MIN
<p style="text-align: center;">TEXT: LUKE 2:1-20</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">TITLE: IS IT A BOY OR GIRL? NEITHER, IT IS GOD – PART 3</p>
INTRODUCTION

A. Is it a boy or a girl? Neither, it is God…

B. Incarnation

1. Incarnation = Latin incarnari = “made flesh.” (in = in, carnis = flesh)

2. Jesus had two natures – full humanity and full divinity

Full humanity: Jesus was subject to every temptation, heartache and disappointment as any human, as well as every human emotion and response. (Hebrews 2:17, 18, 17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. NIV)

Full divinity: At the same time, Jesus possessed the fullness of God as witnessed through His miraculous conception, performance of miracles, authority to forgive sin and resurrection from the dead. (John 1:14, 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.)

Therefore, Jesus was not inferior to God, but begotten of God and possessing the same substance as God and humanity in one package. (Philippians 2:6, 7, 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. NLT)

3. We focus on Jesus’ humanity and miss the power of Jesus’ divinity

THE ANGEL TOLD MARY!!! (Luke 1:26-38)

A. Who He Is: 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

B. Why He Is: The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. He will reign over Israel forever, and His kingdom will never end. Also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God

THE ANGEL TOLD MARY???? (Luke 1:26-38)

A. Mary was an unwed, teenage mother

B. Mary’s first son is born, and laid in a manger (in a barn, feeding trough)

C. In spite of what Mary did not have…

1. Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God

2. The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you

3. With God, nothing is impossible

WHY WAS GOD BORN, THE WAY THAT HE WAS BORN?

A. To be able to understand me

B. To be able to identify with me

C. To know it is not from where you came, it is where you are going.

D. To know it is not from where you started, it is where you finish

E. To know it is not only Who I am, it is also Why I am