Anticipating Immanuel – His Salvation
November 29, 2020
We need Christmas this year!
Biblical HOPE is anticipation
Children who grew up in poverty but had success later in life all had one thing in common – hope. American Psychology Association
The Bible is filled with Hope
Hope asks a question… “What will make your life better?”
First Century Hope? Save us from our enemies
Better Future? Give us our own good King who will save us from our enemies
Luke 1:68-75 “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago. Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us. He has been merciful to our ancestors by remembering his sacred covenant—the covenant he swore with an oath to our ancestor Abraham. We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live.
Anticipating a King who could save
Luke 2:38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Jesus was the King who would save
Luke 17:20-21 Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”
John 18:36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm”
The Kingdom of God is not about government or politics
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Matt. 18:3 And he said: Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus made it possible to enter the new Kingdom of God
I vote, but I don’t put my hope in politics
Matt. 2:2 “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is… of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit
Anticipate Christmas, Anticipate Immanuel our King