I have been doing a series of messages at my church that focus on the Theology of Christmas. I have not talked much about donkeys, wise men, and shepherds... though they are important. Instead, my focus has been on what God did in Christ.
You can download here:
The Theology of Christmas: Incarnation
The Theology of Christmas: Kenosis
This week I will preach "The Theology of Christmas: Glory."
Here is the outline of the Incarnation message:
The Incarnation of Christmas
John 1:14
John 1:14 (HCSB) The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
1. God the Son, Who Always Was,…
“The Word”John 1:1-3 (HCSB) 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created.
John 6:38 (HCSB) For I have come down from heaven, not to do My will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
John 8:58-59 (HCSB) 58 Jesus said to them, “I assure you: Before Abraham was, I am.” 59 At that, they picked up stones to throw at Him. But Jesus was hidden and went out of the temple complex.
2. Took On Flesh and Lived Among Us…
“became flesh”Philippians 2:5-8 (HCSB)
Hebrews 2:14-15 (HCSB) 14 Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, He also shared in these, so that through His death He might destroy the one holding the power of death—that is, the Devil— 15 and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death.
3. To Glorify God and Redeem Us.
“We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Hebrews 1:3 (HCSB) He is the radiance of His glory, the exact expression of His nature, and He sustains all things by His powerful word. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
Comments (7)
This is great stuff. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by Jason Hayes | December 18, 2007 9:39 PM
Posted on December 18, 2007 21:39
Thanks, glad to do it!
Posted by Ed Stetzer | December 19, 2007 8:41 AM
Posted on December 19, 2007 08:41
OK Ed, this is a tacky question, I know. I probably shouldn't even ask it . . . but, oh, well . . . Does Lifeway require you to use the HCSB when you put something on the site? When you preach? I have examined it pretty carefully and it is far from the best translation available, IMHO.
Posted by Bill Haynes | December 19, 2007 10:24 AM
Posted on December 19, 2007 10:24
OK Ed, this is a tacky question, I know. I probably shouldn't even ask it . . . but, oh, well . . . Does Lifeway require you to use the HCSB when you put something on the site? When you preach? I have examined it pretty carefully and it is far from the best translation available, IMHO.
But I do appreciate your BLOG and the information you make available . . . I look forward to listening to these messages.
Posted by Bill Haynes | December 19, 2007 10:24 AM
Posted on December 19, 2007 10:24
Bill,
Nope... no one has ever mentioned it. I actaully started using the HCSB and the ESV before I came to LifeWay... so it was not an issue. Maybe if I was using the NRSV I might get a memo... grin.
I like the HCSB. The “optimal equivalence” approach works well for me.
So, it works.
Posted by Ed Stetzer | December 19, 2007 8:22 PM
Posted on December 19, 2007 20:22
You know, some people are experts on everything. I guess Bill Haynes is the expert on all translations of the Bible. After checking him out a bit, a lot of his actions and questions are appear tacky and downright rude. I guess it takes all kinds.
Posted by Jerry Resposo | December 27, 2007 10:24 PM
Posted on December 27, 2007 22:24
Ed,
Thank you so much for the work you are doing here at First Batist Hendersonville. You just don't know how much of a blessing you are to us. By the way since you have three young one's to take care of it sure would be nice have have you as a permanent Pastor (Hint,hint) Just kidding haha
We love the way you approach Gods word and we look forward to hearing you again nest Sunday.
God Blees You and have a safe week
Tom
Posted by Tom Sanders | January 27, 2008 8:45 PM
Posted on January 27, 2008 20:45