Good News for the Overlooked: Why God’s Greatest Announcement Came to a Shepherd’s Field

[00:04:11] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
of Christ.
[00:05:17] and more.
[00:06:42] and more.
[00:07:15] Thank you.
[00:08:03] Let's pray.

[00:08:54] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Good morning and welcome to worship at First Baptist Church of Mooresville.
[00:08:58] We are so delighted that you have chosen to be with us this morning because we know without a doubt that God has something unique and special that he wants each and every one of us to hear and experience this morning.
[00:09:12] And it begins with us gathering as a community of faith.
[00:09:15] and joining together and joining our hearts together in worshiping the one true living God.
[00:09:21] Perhaps you have been joining us for several Sundays and you have questions about First Baptist and how you can get connected here and we would love to be able to answer any questions that you may have or maybe even pray for any prayer concerns that you have.
[00:09:35] You'll find a connect card in the pew in front of you and if you would be so kind as to fill that out you can place it in the offering plate as it is passed around
[00:09:44] And we will be certain to reach out to you with any needs or questions that you may have.
[00:09:49] Perhaps today you are a first time guest with us and we want to certainly say thank you for choosing First Baptist Church as your home this morning.
[00:09:57] You can also use that connect card if you would like to share more information about you with us so we can reach out to answer any questions you may have.
[00:10:05] For our first-time guests, we have a special gift that we would love to be able to give to you to say thank you for worshiping with us.
[00:10:12] So if you would meet with us at the Welcome Center in the back here at the conclusion of our service, we would be, again, so honored to be able to meet you and to be able to thank you and share more about First Baptist Church with you.
[00:10:25] One announcement before we begin our service this morning.
[00:10:27] Today, our kids ministry are having a special event going on called Pajamas and Popcorn.
[00:10:34] It's for our kindergartners
[00:10:36] Let's begin now to prepare our hearts and our minds for worship.

[00:11:13] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
Good morning everybody.
[00:11:14] Good morning.
[00:11:17] It is great to be in the house of the Lord this morning.
[00:11:19] Our scripture this morning, for unto us a child is born, to us a son is given.

[00:11:57] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_06]:
with your name.

[00:12:24] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
Humbly to the earth you came Born into this world to save God with us, Emmanuel Now we adore you Sing it louder There's nothing as the power to save
[00:12:51] Your name
[00:13:03] Jesus in your name we pray come and fill our hearts today Lord give us strength to live for you and glorify your name
[00:13:26] Your name is a strong and mighty tower Your name is a shelter like no other Your name, let the nations sing it louder Cause nothing has the power to save but Your name
[00:14:01] The wonderful council of Prince of Peace Your name is a strong and mighty tower Your name is a shelter like no other
[00:14:27] Let the nations sing it louder, for nothing has the power to save But your name is a strong and mighty tower Your name is a shelter like no other Your name Let the nations sing it louder, for nothing has the power to save
[00:15:10] God with us, Emmanuel God with us, Emmanuel God with us, Emmanuel Now we adore your name

[00:15:36] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
Amen.
[00:15:38] Please be seated.
[00:15:39] And at this time I'd like to invite the Ham family forward for the lighting.

[00:15:59] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
On the first Sunday of Advent, we lit the candle of hope.
[00:16:03] On the second Sunday, we lit the candle of peace.
[00:16:06] Last Sunday, we lit the candle of joy.
[00:16:19] Today, we light the fourth candle of Advent, the candle of love.
[00:16:25] Remember not only that God came, but how he came and who he came for.
[00:16:29] This candle reminds us that the coming of Jesus was not accidental or vague, but intentional and directed.
[00:16:37] Love, as scripture presents it, is not sentimental or abstract.
[00:16:41] It is purposeful, it is costly, and it moves towards those who do not deserve it.
[00:16:47] It is revealed in action, God stepping into our world for our sake.
[00:16:52] Love is not something God merely feels, it is something God does.
[00:16:57] In Luke 2, God announces the birth of Jesus, not in a palace, not in a temple, and not to the powerful, but in a field at night to shepherds.
[00:17:07] Men who were overlooked, men who were unclean, men who were considered wild, men the world ignored.
[00:17:14] These were not men of influence or importance by the world's standards, but men who lived on the margins of society.
[00:17:22] And yet, they were the first to hear the words that Jesus our Savior is here.
[00:17:26] Listen to Luke 2, 8-11 which reads,
[00:17:31] And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
[00:17:36] And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.
[00:17:43] And the angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
[00:17:51] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
[00:17:57] I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
[00:18:02] Church, that is love.
[00:18:04] God's love does not wait for us to become worthy.
[00:18:07] It moves towards us while we are still on the margins.
[00:18:10] It steps into the ordinary, the forgotten, and the broken, and says unto you.
[00:18:16] Love speaks directly, personally, and without conditions.
[00:18:20] The birth of Jesus is the ultimate expression of love.
[00:18:23] Not a love that stays distant, but a love that draws near.
[00:18:27] As we light the candle of love, we remember this truth.
[00:18:31] God so loved the world that he gave.
[00:18:34] And that love was not announced first to the powerful, but to the people just like us.
[00:18:39] This candle reminds us that love came down, took on flesh, and dwelt among us.
[00:18:47] Let us pray.
[00:18:48] Father, thank you for a love that pursued us before we ever pursued you.
[00:18:54] Thank you for a love that came near,
[00:18:56] wrapped in his humility offered freely to all.
[00:19:00] As we wait and worship this season, help us to receive your love and to reflect that love to a world still longing for good news.
[00:19:08] Amen.

[00:19:16] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
Let us stand.

[00:19:30] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
O little town of Bethlehem How still we see thee lie Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars provide Yet in the dark streets shineth
[00:19:59] The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight For Christ is born of Mary and gathered all above
[00:20:24] While mortals sleep the angels keep Their watch of wandering love O morning stars together Proclaim the holy birth And praises sing to God the King
[00:20:51] and Peace to men on earth How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His hand
[00:21:19] No ear may hear His coming but in this world of sin Where meek souls will receive Him still the dear Christ dead
[00:21:43] of Bethlehem, decent to us we pray, that sound our sin at entering be born in us today.
[00:22:04] The great black tiding spell O come to us, abide with us

[00:22:32] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
To get here where we are today, on the big island, it took a flight, it took a ferry.
[00:22:39] And then from where we are now, to get to the places where we want to go, there are hours more ahead of us.
[00:23:00] This week we're on the island of Chiloé.
[00:23:02] We're with Pastor Todd Meadows, a pastor of a local church in Kentucky, along with Pastor Carlos Carrasco, pastor of the local body of believers here on the island, but also a national missionary.
[00:23:13] Together we've had the opportunity to explore the island, to pray together, and to see where are the needs beyond the big island, as we call it, into little places and pockets of islands where there's no or little gospel presence.
[00:23:29] They're hard to reach.
[00:23:30] They're far away.
[00:23:31] A boat ride in a small boat across the ocean to get to a small island.
[00:23:36] A truck ride on dirt roads to get to someone's home.
[00:23:40] And then from there, a walk to other parts of the island to finally get to discover who are these people who haven't heard the gospel.
[00:23:48] Isaiah 42 verse 4 says that the coastlands will await expectantly for his law.
[00:23:53] And as we take the gospel further out, as we lean into this vision, we realize that we're leaning into the ancient promises of God.
[00:24:01] We can reach these hard to reach places because God has already promised us that the coastlands await expectantly for his law.
[00:24:09] Yesterday, we had the opportunity to be hosted by another believer who's working at another small church on the island.
[00:24:17] Having all of us together in the room, having a pastor from Kentucky, having a national Chilean missionary, an IMB presence in the room with this young man, Rodrigo,
[00:24:29] It was a special time.
[00:24:30] It was a time where you see that God is bringing together different people and you see that the vision that God has given over a number of years is beginning to take root, beginning to bloom as we see God raising up people who can extend this vision on out into the future.
[00:24:50] God's Word is powerful, and when we lean into the promise of God, when we partner together in the Gospel, we can be assured that God is going to fulfill His promise for reaching the islands of Cheadle Lake.

[00:25:20] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]:
Good morning.
[00:25:23] I want to take just a moment to share a few important announcements with you.
[00:25:27] First, I want to say a sincere thank you to those who are worshiping today with us in the overflow area.
[00:25:33] Your willingness to sit over there makes room for others in this space, and we're truly grateful for your selflessness.
[00:25:40] The overflow area is located over in the fellowship hall in building B.
[00:25:44] It is a great place to watch the service via live stream.
[00:25:48] You can also enjoy donuts if you're over there and stay connected to the worship service here.
[00:25:54] Tonight our students are going to be heading to go ice skating.
[00:25:59] So if you're a 6th through 12th grader, we're going to meet here tonight at 4 p.m. and then we'll be heading out to Pineville Ice House from 5 to 8 o'clock.
[00:26:08] We'll return here by 9 o'clock.
[00:26:10] The cost is $20 for students and then you may want to bring a few extra dollars for snacks and drinks.
[00:26:16] Also, speaking of our students, we want to shout out to one of our students, Andrew Cummings, who was the star of the Queen City Senior Bowl yesterday.
[00:26:26] On the field full of all-stars, Andrew scored seven points, kicking two field goals and an extra point.
[00:26:39] Way to go, Andrew.
[00:26:43] This Wednesday we'll have our Christmas Eve services and I wanted to personally encourage each of you to come.
[00:26:51] It's going to be a special night.
[00:26:53] In both services we're going to sing, enjoy special music, and hear a meaningful word.
[00:26:58] We'll also be taking communion and close with a beautiful candlelight moment.
[00:27:03] There will be a 5 p.m. service with a kids emphasis and a 7 p.m. traditional candlelight service.
[00:27:09] We would love for you and your family to join us as we celebrate the birth of Christ together.
[00:27:15] Looking ahead to January, we will be offering several Bible studies.
[00:27:19] First, we'll be offering an end times Bible study led by Burns Whitaker.
[00:27:23] This is going to be a great study and we're excited about it.
[00:27:27] We will also be offering the 12 Women of the Bible, which will be led by Doreen, and I'm not going to try to say her last name.
[00:27:37] Additionally, we'll be offering Financial Peace University, and that will be taught by Pastor Vijay.
[00:27:42] This study is designed to help individuals and families learn how to beat debt and build wealth using biblical principles.
[00:27:50] There are going to be sign-ups available at the Connect table, and I hope you'll take advantage of these opportunities to learn together.
[00:28:00] So you just saw the Lighting Moon video, and church family, before we move on, I want to pause and celebrate something together.
[00:28:07] This year, our goal for the Lighting Moon Christmas offering was $15,000, and I'm grateful to tell you that as of today, we have already given $18,000.
[00:28:24] That is the faith-filled generosity.
[00:28:27] And I want you to hear me say this clearly.
[00:28:29] Thank you.
[00:28:31] Thank you for giving sacrificially.
[00:28:32] Thank you for believing in this mission.
[00:28:35] And thank you for loving people that you may never meet on this side of eternity.
[00:28:40] But church, we're not done.
[00:28:41] We still have two weeks left in this offering, and I believe that God is inviting us to lean in even more.
[00:28:48] Not because a number is missing, but because the mission is still urgent.
[00:28:53] When we talk about the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, we're not talking about a fundraiser.
[00:28:58] We're talking about obedience.
[00:28:59] We're talking about the Gospel going where it's never gone before.
[00:29:03] Lottie Moon was an ordinary woman who said an extraordinary yes to God.
[00:29:10] She left the comfort of her home and spent nearly 40 years in China sharing the gospel with people who had never heard the name of Jesus.
[00:29:18] She lived simply, gave sacrificially, and ultimately died having given everything she had to others so that they could hear the good news.
[00:29:27] She once said, I appeal to you to give until it hurts.
[00:29:31] Not because giving saves us, but because Christ is worth everything.
[00:29:36] And today, 100% of every dollar given to this offering goes directly to missionaries on the field.
[00:29:43] Men and women who are planting churches, translating scripture, reaching families and rescuing children, and proclaiming the name of Jesus in some of the hardest places in the world.
[00:29:54] Church family, thank you for what you've already done.
[00:29:57] But let me ask you, what might God do if we don't stop it good enough?
[00:30:02] What if we don't just meet the goal, but we blow it out of the water?
[00:30:07] So over the next two weeks, I want to challenge you to pray again, give again, and trust again.
[00:30:12] Let's finish strong.
[00:30:14] Let's give boldly.
[00:30:15] Let's show the world and the nations that we believe Jesus is worth it.
[00:30:19] Because this mission is not finished, and neither are we.
[00:30:23] Let us pray.
[00:30:26] Heavenly Father, we come before you with grateful hearts, recognizing that every good gift comes from you.
[00:30:32] Thank you for your faithful provision in our lives and for the opportunity to give back a portion of what you have so graciously entrusted to us.
[00:30:44] As we receive this offering, we ask that you use it for your glory.
[00:30:49] and for the work in your kingdom.
[00:30:51] We especially lift up the Lottie Moon Christmas offering today.
[00:30:54] We pray for the missionaries around the world who are faithfully sharing the gospel, often in difficult and dangerous places.
[00:31:03] Encourage them, protect them, and provide for their needs as they proclaim the name of Jesus to those who have not yet heard.
[00:31:11] May our giving be an act of worship, obedience, and love, reflecting our trust in you and our desire to see the gospel spread to the ends of the earth.
[00:31:21] Use these gifts to bring hope, healing, and salvation through Christ.
[00:31:25] We give joyfully and humbly, and we pray all of this in the precious name of Jesus.

[00:31:30] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Amen.

[00:32:08] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_09]:
While shepherds kept their watching O'er silent flocks by night Behold throughout the heavens there shone
[00:32:33] The heart of the Father has heard our prayer Joy to the world, praise to the Lord The Savior is born Over the hills and everywhere Tell it on the mountain
[00:33:19] Jehovah's that held our Savior's birth Over the hills and everywhere The heart of the Father has heard our prayer
[00:33:42] Joy to the world, praise to the Lord, the Savior is born Over the hills and everywhere, no talent on the mountain Gloria, Gloria, in excelsis Deo, Hallelujah
[00:34:14] Go tell it on the mountain Gloria Enex, Celsis, Deo God is with us He is born Over the hills and everywhere
[00:34:41] The heart of the Father has heard our prayer
[00:34:48] Joy to the world, praise to the Lord The Savior is born Over the hills and everywhere Go tell it on the mountain Joy to the world, praise to the Lord The Savior is born Over the hills and everywhere Go tell it on the mountain

[00:35:29] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
I believe most of our kids have already left, but if you are still in here, now's a good time to escape for Children's Church.
[00:35:43] And if you are here for the first time and you don't know where to go, retrieve them up the ramp, behind the piano, turn right down the steps, and turn right again.
[00:35:53] Oh, excuse me, I'm wrong.
[00:35:57] They're upstairs.
[00:36:00] Same place, turn right, go up instead of down and they're right back up there.
[00:36:08] Prayer is an essential part of the life of this church and its members and we encourage you to please let us know when you or someone that you know of is in need of prayer.
[00:36:22] Prayer sheets are at the back of the church.
[00:36:24] We also email them out each week.
[00:36:27] At this time, let us go to the Lord in prayer.
[00:36:31] Heavenly Father, we come before you today just as we are.
[00:36:35] Some weary, some broken, some carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone.
[00:36:40] We come in the darkness, much like those shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night, waiting on the mountainside for something to break through the shadows.
[00:36:51] Lord, we thank you that you didn't send the angels to the palace or the temple.
[00:36:56] You sent them over the hills and everywhere to ordinary people, to shepherds working the night shift, folks who were tired and lonely.
[00:37:06] And Lord, that gives us hope.
[00:37:08] Hope because many of us feel like those shepherds in our own dark fields, wondering if anyone sees us, wondering if this good news is really for us too.
[00:37:18] But God, you saw them and you see us.
[00:37:22] We remember how the angel said, fear not.
[00:37:27] Lord, we all need to hear those words.
[00:37:30] Some of us are afraid of tomorrow.
[00:37:33] Some are afraid they won't make it through this grief, this illness, this valley.
[00:37:40] Some are afraid Christmas will never feel joyful again.
[00:37:44] So we proclaim the promise, Lord.
[00:37:47] Fear not.
[00:37:49] Not because our circumstances have changed, but because you are with us.
[00:37:54] Because Jesus Christ is born, not just 2,000 years ago, but born anew in our hearts when we need him most.
[00:38:04] The angel brought good news of great joy, a Savior who is Christ the Lord.
[00:38:10] We need that Savior today.
[00:38:13] We need Jesus not just as a baby in a manger, but as our living Lord who understands our pain because he suffered too.
[00:38:22] This is the message we need to hear over the hills and everywhere that God has come down to be with us in our suffering.
[00:38:31] Lord, for those grieving, for those facing their first Christmas without someone they love, we ask for your tender comfort.
[00:38:41] For those who are sick or suffering or facing medical decisions or procedures, we ask for your healing touch.
[00:38:51] For those who feel alone, remind them that you sent a multitude of heavenly hosts to sing over the angels in a field.
[00:39:00] If you cared that much about them, how much more do you care for each person here, Lord?
[00:39:06] Specifically, we lift up this morning, Lord, Karen Porches, Rick Hardesty, Don and Nancy Blake, Jennifer Quick,
[00:39:20] Mike Privet David Lynch The Greater NASCAR Community and the Biffle Family and the Wadsworth and the Dutton Family in the tragic accident this past week.
[00:39:38] Lord, those shepherds couldn't keep silent.
[00:39:41] They went down from the mountain to Bethlehem to see this thing that had come to pass.
[00:39:47] We ask that you would help us to do the same, to move toward you, to seek your face, to find in that manger the hope we desperately need.
[00:39:57] And then, like those shepherds, give us the courage to go and tell it, to share this hope over the hills and everywhere we go.
[00:40:04] Lord, give us strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.
[00:40:07] Remind us that the same God who filled the night sky with angels is still the God of miracles.
[00:40:14] Still the God who sees, still the God who saves.
[00:40:19] And he wanted this good news proclaimed over the hills and everywhere that Jesus Christ is born and he's born for us.
[00:40:27] We ask this in the precious name of Jesus Christ our Lord and all who agree say Amen.

[00:40:41] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Good morning everyone.
[00:40:44] Thank you so much for being here.
[00:40:46] Let me just tell you how grateful I am for the people at First Baptist for your selflessness.
[00:40:51] And let me just kind of echo the words that Lisa has already shared with you earlier.
[00:40:55] Who would have thought?
[00:40:57] That was quite an audacious go that we set.
[00:41:00] And you guys didn't just meet that.
[00:41:02] You've already surpassed it.
[00:41:03] And I'm so excited to see in the next two weeks how the Lord's going to continue to move.
[00:41:08] So thank you so much.
[00:41:09] And then also for those in the overflow, listen, we have a
[00:41:13] Thank you guys so much for being over there.
[00:41:44] I so appreciate everyone who gives up their seat for other people to come in.
[00:41:50] Okay, if you have your Bibles, will you please turn to the book of Luke, chapter 2.
[00:41:56] Luke, chapter 2.
[00:41:59] Now, we're going to read this story, and as we do, I want to ask you to do what I've been asking you to do for the last couple weeks, and that is to pretend like this is the first time you've heard it.
[00:42:12] You've been sitting for just a little bit.
[00:42:14] Why don't you stand if you're willing and able.
[00:42:18] Let's read this story in its entirety and then we'll talk about it.
[00:42:24] Luke chapter 2 verse 1.
[00:42:26] In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus.
[00:42:30] that all the world should be registered this was the first registration when Cornelius was governor of Syria and all went to be registered each to his own town and Joseph also went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea to the city of David which is called Bethlehem because he was of the house and the lineage of David to be registered with Mary his betrothed who was with child
[00:42:58] and while they were there the time came for her to give birth and she gave birth to her firstborn son and she wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn and in the same region there were shepherds out in the field keeping watch over their flock by night and an angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were filled with great fear
[00:43:25] And the angel of the Lord said to them, Fear not.
[00:43:28] for behold I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord and this will be a sign for you you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger and suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God and saying glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those
[00:43:57] With whom he is pleased.
[00:44:00] And when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.
[00:44:11] So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in the manger.
[00:44:15] And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.
[00:44:23] And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them, but Mary
[00:44:27] Treasured up all these things pondering them in her heart and when the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen as it had been told to them and at the end of eight days when he was circumcised he was called Jesus the name given to him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb Lord Jesus we need your help this morning open up our hearts and draw us closer to you
[00:44:57] Father, we believe you have a word for us.
[00:44:59] For some, that may be a word of conviction.
[00:45:00] For others, a word of comfort.
[00:45:03] We just ask that you speak and that we hear clearly.
[00:45:07] In Christ's holy name, amen.
[00:45:09] You may be seated in the presence of the Lord.
[00:45:13] This month, we've been in a series that we're calling Visitations.
[00:45:18] And so if you've been with us during this Advent season, you remember that we started a month ago talking about how Zechariah had a visitation from an angel.
[00:45:30] God sent an angel to Zechariah.
[00:45:33] The angel told Zechariah, your wife Elizabeth, even in her old age, is going to become pregnant.
[00:45:39] You are going to have a child, and you're going to name that child John the Methodist.
[00:45:43] I mean Baptist, sorry.
[00:45:47] To which John said, well, how can we be sure about this?
[00:45:52] And the angel reminds him, hey, listen, even though you may not have heard from God, that certainly doesn't mean that God's not been moving.
[00:45:59] And you can trust him even when you don't think your prayers have been answered.
[00:46:04] And sure enough, it came to pass.
[00:46:05] Now, John was not the Messiah.
[00:46:07] He was just a prophet that was going to prepare the way for the Messiah.
[00:46:11] And then right after that, God sent an angel.
[00:46:13] We talked about this the second week.
[00:46:14] to a teenage girl in a no-name town, Nazareth.
[00:46:18] And the angel tells Mary, you're going to conceive and you're going to bear a child, but it's not going to be a prophet.
[00:46:24] This is going to be God himself.
[00:46:26] This is the Christ.
[00:46:27] To which Mary says, now, how can that be since I'm a virgin?
[00:46:30] That's a good question.
[00:46:31] And the angel explains that this has nothing to do with the means of a man.
[00:46:36] There's going to be no sexual encounter here or anything like that.
[00:46:40] No intercourse.
[00:46:41] Instead, the way this is going to work is God himself is literally going to step out of the portals of heaven and step into your womb.
[00:46:50] Here's the way the angel says it.
[00:46:51] You shall be overshadowed or overcome by the Holy Spirit.
[00:46:54] And Mary says those famous words, May it be done to me according to your word.
[00:47:00] And then, the third week, the third visitation, God sent an angel to Joseph, Mary's betrothed, and told Joseph, Do not be afraid to take Mary in as your wife for what is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
[00:47:12] And Joseph, the pitcher of obedience, wakes up and does as he is told.
[00:47:17] And now the Sunday before Christmas, our last Sunday before Christmas, there is one more visitation that God is going to have.
[00:47:25] He's going to send an angel to a group of men.
[00:47:29] Now I've told you throughout this series that every time an angel comes, an angel has a message.
[00:47:35] And the message that this angel is going to give, allude to, is quite an important message.
[00:47:39] I essentially have three points for you.
[00:47:41] Let me go ahead and give you the first one.
[00:47:42] This message is for everyone.
[00:47:45] The message that the angel is going to give to these men is for everyone.
[00:47:50] Luke does a phenomenal job it's really a literary masterpiece the way he writes this in one sentence Luke is going to tell us everything we need to know in one sentence if you will go back to Luke 2 verse 8 Luke 2 verse 8 look what Luke says here and in the same region there were shepherds out in the field keeping watch over their flock by night right there everything we need to know is in this one sentence where did God show up
[00:48:20] When did God show up and who did God show up to speak to?
[00:48:26] Let's answer this.
[00:48:27] Where did God show up?
[00:48:29] Well, that's easy.
[00:48:31] A field.
[00:48:33] Listen to me.
[00:48:34] God did not show up in a palace or a temple or a synagogue.
[00:48:42] God did not show up in the Senate chambers of the Romans.
[00:48:45] God didn't even show up in a city.
[00:48:47] You know, he could have showed up in Rome.
[00:48:50] He could have showed up in Philippi, that economical boomtown, essentially their Wall Street.
[00:48:57] He could have showed up in Ephesus or Colossia.
[00:49:01] He could have showed up in Antioch, that wonderful city with all of its arts and music and diversity.
[00:49:07] That would have been a great place for God to come.
[00:49:09] But instead, He doesn't even show up in a city.
[00:49:12] He shows up in a field with a bunch of sheep.
[00:49:18] The same animals that were there that night was the same animals that had been there the night before.
[00:49:25] There was nothing significant about this field.
[00:49:28] There's nothing important about this field.
[00:49:32] This field is as ordinary as it gets.
[00:49:34] But can I let you in on a secret?
[00:49:35] Write this down.
[00:49:37] God interrupts the ordinary.
[00:49:39] And He loves to interrupt the ordinary.
[00:49:42] He shows up in a field.
[00:49:45] When did He come?
[00:49:46] That's easy.
[00:49:48] At night.
[00:49:50] Well, why not show up during the daytime?
[00:49:52] Why not show up in the middle of a market?
[00:49:56] Why not show up when everyone's awake and ready to hear?
[00:50:00] And instead, God waits until the middle of the night
[00:50:04] God waits until slumber is around the corner.
[00:50:08] When most people are asleep and when things are dark, that's when God begins to speak.
[00:50:13] Can I let you in on another secret?
[00:50:15] Write this down.
[00:50:15] God loves to work in the shadows.
[00:50:18] He loves to interrupt the ordinary.
[00:50:21] He loves to work in the shadows.
[00:50:23] Where did he come to?
[00:50:24] In a field.
[00:50:24] When did he come?
[00:50:25] At night.
[00:50:26] And then the next question is who?
[00:50:28] Well, that's easy.
[00:50:29] That's the shepherds.
[00:50:32] The economically poor, socially marginalized, religiously unclean.
[00:50:37] These shepherds were viewed as unreliable and untrustworthy.
[00:50:42] They were literally at the bottom of the social totem pole, y'all.
[00:50:46] God does not come to Caesar.
[00:50:48] God does not come to Herod.
[00:50:51] God does not come to even a priest or a rabbi.
[00:50:55] He comes to shepherds.
[00:50:58] The group that the rest of the world would have marginalized and overlooked.
[00:51:02] Can I let you in on another secret?
[00:51:04] It's because the God we serve notices the unnoticed.
[00:51:07] Why'd he show up in a field?
[00:51:10] Because he loves to interrupt the ordinary.
[00:51:11] Why'd he show up at night?
[00:51:13] Because our God loves to work in the shadows.
[00:51:15] And why'd he show up to shepherds?
[00:51:17] because our God notices people that no one else notices.
[00:51:21] Can I tell you just a little bit about these shepherds?
[00:51:23] Maybe write this down.
[00:51:24] These shepherds are poor, marginalized, and unclean.
[00:51:30] And when I say unclean, I mean unclean.
[00:51:32] They're dirty.
[00:51:34] They lived outside.
[00:51:36] So dirty that they were not allowed to worship inside the temple.
[00:51:41] Did you know that?
[00:51:42] So the temple has different courts.
[00:51:44] The inner court is what they call the court of Jews.
[00:51:46] So if you're an Israeli male, you can go in there unless you're a shepherd.
[00:51:51] then you wasn't permitted y'all archaeologists have actually found signs that would hang outside the gates that said from this point on no lame sick or shepherds the people that the world said you have no access to God is the first group that God comes to to speak and they wasn't just physically dirty y'all they were morally dirty
[00:52:20] Shepherds were wild.
[00:52:23] There was colloquialisms of the day that presented them in kind of negative connotations.
[00:52:29] We have some of those today.
[00:52:30] I don't want to offend anyone, but you ever heard the saying, you're cussed like a sailor?
[00:52:34] No offense to all the Navy guys in here.
[00:52:37] Well, back then they'd say you're acting like a shepherd.
[00:52:41] Wild.
[00:52:43] These were people who were considered to be drunkards.
[00:52:48] Womanizers.
[00:52:49] Most shepherds were not married.
[00:52:51] If they did have kids, they certainly did not raise their children.
[00:52:55] No one ever wanted to grow up and be a shepherd.
[00:52:57] Now, the Old Testament shepherd, that's kind of a noble occupation.
[00:53:01] That changes a lot by the time the Greeks come.
[00:53:03] no one wanted to do that there's only two ways you became a shepherd either one your circumstance was so bad you had to or two you literally cannot do anything else you're just so common and so uneducated this is the only thing that you can do but no one inspired to do that first century historians like Josephus talks about how these were big men brutes of men you know to be a shepherd you have to have almost a liking to fighting
[00:53:30] Because you've got to protect the flock, not just from wild beasts, but particularly in a moment like this when there's a registration going on, you're protecting your flock from robbers and other humans.
[00:53:42] So these were guys who liked to fight.
[00:53:44] These were guys who were tough and they were wild, but they were also untrustworthy.
[00:53:50] Did you know a shepherd could not testify in the judicial system?
[00:53:54] Their testimony wouldn't hold up in court, which is mind-boggling to me, by the way.
[00:54:00] because the people who cannot testify in court is the first group that God comes to to share this message with.
[00:54:08] Isn't that amazing?
[00:54:10] You know, God has a perpetual habit of letting people in on his mercy that the world doesn't trust.
[00:54:18] The two most important things that happen in the gospel, number one is when Jesus is born.
[00:54:23] And who does God share that news with?
[00:54:25] Shepherds.
[00:54:26] Number two, when he's resurrected, who does the angel tell then?
[00:54:29] The Marys, the women whose testimony would not hold up in court.
[00:54:34] God has quite a habit of doing this.
[00:54:37] Yet it's these people that God comes to.
[00:54:40] Can I tell you why?
[00:54:42] Write this down, because God pursues the least of these.
[00:54:45] I've tried to think about what would this look like in our culture?
[00:54:50] And this is not a great analogy, but it's the best I could come up with.
[00:54:54] If God was gonna come in 2025 and speak to someone, who would he pick?
[00:54:59] The Baptist preacher?
[00:55:03] Is that who he'd show up to?
[00:55:04] The deacons?
[00:55:06] The Sunday school teachers?
[00:55:07] Maybe someone more famous, the Pope?
[00:55:09] What about the best-selling Christian author?
[00:55:12] And then to our amazement, he ends up going to a biker rally and gets some members of Hell's Angels and starts speaking to them.
[00:55:23] I'm telling you, they were wild.
[00:55:26] Not just dirty physically, but even morally.
[00:55:30] You know something else I think is really interesting to this?
[00:55:32] Every time an angel shows up to someone, up to this point, there's at least been some affirmation of character, if you will.
[00:55:41] So when the angel comes to Zechariah, Luke 1.6, it tells us that Zechariah was righteous and blamelessly walking before the Lord.
[00:55:49] Remember that?
[00:55:50] When the angel shows up to Mary, blessed are you, Mary, for you are highly favored.
[00:55:54] What about when the angel shows up to Joseph?
[00:55:56] Joseph, Matthew tells us, was considering to divorce Mary quietly because he was a just and righteous man.
[00:56:04] So there's always this context that this person has some type of righteousness to them.
[00:56:09] But when Luke talks about the shepherds, Luke doesn't say that the righteous shepherds were keeping their flocks by nine or that the blameless shepherds were keeping their flocks by nine.
[00:56:20] Brothers and sisters he just says the shepherds the reason they were known as being wild men is because they were wild men and that's exactly what God knows let me give you the next thing to write down number five not only does God pursue the least of these but God pursues sinners and we ought to preach that every Sunday and live that out every single day amen
[00:56:43] God pursues the people who are wild and dirty and far from the norms of society.
[00:56:51] The people that no one else wants to be around, God says that's mine.
[00:56:57] And he does pursue them.
[00:56:59] I've told you sometimes, I've told you this before, you know, when the church I was raised in was kind of a charismatic country church.
[00:57:07] And at the end of the Sunday night service, when the preacher got done, right before he gave the benedictional prayer, he would look at everyone and he would say, now, does anyone have a word?
[00:57:20] And I just thought, oh no.
[00:57:22] Open Mic Night and sure enough 10, 15, 20 people get up and last for another hour sometimes they get up and they give their testimony and I would hear testimonies like this they would say well when I found the Lord I was on a dark path until I found Jesus my life was spiraling out of control until I
[00:57:49] And I just remember as a kid sitting there in the pew thinking, well, where was he hiding?
[00:57:57] You found Jesus?
[00:58:00] No one in that church ever found the Lord.
[00:58:02] In First Baptist, no one in this church has ever found the Lord either.
[00:58:07] He's not missing.
[00:58:10] You were.
[00:58:12] He found you.
[00:58:14] He was looking for you.
[00:58:15] He was pursuing you.
[00:58:17] The Bible tells us no one comes to the Father unless the Lord engages him and pursues him.
[00:58:23] And He's pursuing you.
[00:58:24] We love Him because He first loved us.
[00:58:29] Shepherds are not doing a Bible study.
[00:58:32] They're not in the middle of some prayer group meeting.
[00:58:35] At least the Word doesn't say that.
[00:58:37] What are they doing?
[00:58:38] They're doing the same thing they'd done the night before.
[00:58:40] They're at their job.
[00:58:44] Not because they're looking for God, but God is looking for them.
[00:58:48] Look at this, jump down to verse eight.
[00:58:51] And in the same region, there were shepherds out in the field keeping watch over their flock by night.
[00:58:57] And an angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were filled with what?
[00:59:02] Great fear.
[00:59:04] Well, there really is this moment when you realize that God is holy and I'm not, oh no.
[00:59:11] And God allows them to feel the weight of His glory.
[00:59:16] By the way, that is important for you and I because you and I live in a culture right now that wants joy without repentance, comfort without conviction, and peace without God.
[00:59:26] And it's quite dangerous when we live in a culture that refuses to acknowledge their sin because if there is no fear, then grace feels unnecessary.
[00:59:35] And if there is no need, then salvation feels optional.
[00:59:38] But they're scared.
[00:59:40] Because they know, oh no, we're in trouble.
[00:59:42] God is holy and we are not.
[00:59:44] But look what the angel says here, verse 10.
[00:59:46] The angel says to them, what?
[00:59:48] Fear not.
[00:59:49] And it's not because God isn't holy.
[00:59:51] He is.
[00:59:52] You should be afraid.
[00:59:54] But the reason I'm telling you not to be afraid in this moment is I bring you, did you see that?
[01:00:01] Good news of great joy that will be for all people and there it is that answers the question here's the second thing we need to talk about what is this message about and it's simple it's good news this message is for everyone and this message itself is good news write this down if you will number one the gospel is good news not good advice
[01:00:25] It's not self-improvement tips.
[01:00:28] It's not some teachings that you can follow so you can become a 2.0 version of yourself.
[01:00:34] It's not so you can be a better human being.
[01:00:36] It's not good advice.
[01:00:38] It is good news.
[01:00:39] Can I tell you something real nerdy real quick?
[01:00:41] The term good news.
[01:00:44] Literally means gospel.
[01:00:47] So when we say gospel, that's what we're saying.
[01:00:49] Good news, it means the same thing.
[01:00:50] In Greek, it's the word euangelion.
[01:00:52] If you want to write this down, you can.
[01:00:54] Gospel or good news actually means euangelion, okay?
[01:00:58] Now, euangelion, that term in Greek, is actually a military term.
[01:01:03] I've explained this before.
[01:01:04] You see, what would happen is when the Greeks would win a battle, they would send a messenger out to the nearest village, and that messenger would make a proclamation.
[01:01:12] They would say, listen,
[01:01:15] Battle's over.
[01:01:16] Victory's been won.
[01:01:18] The enemy's been defeated.
[01:01:19] You all can unlock your doors.
[01:01:20] Let your kids come out and play.
[01:01:22] Unlock the city gates.
[01:01:23] You can sleep well tonight because victory is here.
[01:01:28] Now that proclamation, that announcement that there's victory, guess what the Greeks called that?
[01:01:34] Good news or gospel.
[01:01:38] or Evangelion.
[01:01:39] And I just find it interesting that when God brings himself to this earth through his son Jesus, how does he talk about this?
[01:01:47] as Good News, Gospel, Evangelion.
[01:01:52] Listen to me carefully on this.
[01:01:55] When I say that gospel or good news, I'm not talking about a genre of music.
[01:02:01] And I'm not talking about us gathering in a service to hear someone preach.
[01:02:05] When we say gospel or good news, here's what that means.
[01:02:08] That Christianity is victory, not self-improvement.
[01:02:12] You know why?
[01:02:13] Because Jesus has already won, amen?
[01:02:18] Listen, the gospel isn't I'm going to try to become a better person and be more giving and more hospitable and walk beside Jesus and help him fight against evil forces.
[01:02:26] No, no, no, no, no.
[01:02:27] The gospel is that death has already been defeated, hell has already been defeated, and that Christ alone has the victory.
[01:02:36] So gospel is not about effort.
[01:02:38] Gospel is not about striving.
[01:02:41] Gospel is about surrendering to the one God.
[01:02:43] who's already won listen to this verse 10 and the angel said to them fear not for behold i bring you good news of great joy that be for all people for unto you is born this day in the city of david a savior who is christ the lord right there it is do you see that write this down good news is a person we receive it is the person of jesus
[01:03:07] By the way, did you see the three things the angel said about Jesus?
[01:03:10] Letter A, that He's Savior.
[01:03:12] That means Rescuer.
[01:03:13] Which also means you need rescuing.
[01:03:16] Here's the second one, that's Messiah or Christ.
[01:03:19] It's the same word.
[01:03:20] Christos in Greek, Mishah in Hebrew.
[01:03:23] It means the Anointed One, the Promised One.
[01:03:26] See, God keeps His promises.
[01:03:28] From the very beginning, Jesus was always God's Plan A.
[01:03:32] That was always the plan.
[01:03:34] He was promised from the very beginning.
[01:03:36] And then here's the third one, and that is letter C, Lord.
[01:03:40] See, Jesus doesn't just save you and leave you.
[01:03:42] He saves you and He stays with you.
[01:03:44] He lords over you.
[01:03:45] He reigns.
[01:03:48] Now, when you understand that He's already won, this Lord, this Savior, this Messiah, something radically changes in your life.
[01:03:58] Write this down, number four.
[01:04:00] Because of Jesus, we have joy.
[01:04:01] Did you see that?
[01:04:03] Go back to verse 10.
[01:04:04] I bring you good news of what?
[01:04:06] Great joy.
[01:04:07] Because of Jesus, we now have joy.
[01:04:11] Do you know where the story's going to end at?
[01:04:13] These shepherds, when they leave Bethlehem, guess where they go back?
[01:04:18] The field.
[01:04:22] As far as we know, no one got a pay raise.
[01:04:25] As far as we know, no one got engaged.
[01:04:28] No one missed his right.
[01:04:30] As far as we know, no one won the lottery, which you shouldn't play anyway.
[01:04:37] That's a sin, by the way.
[01:04:39] because you're putting your trust I didn't want to get on that tangent anyways but you're putting your trust more in chance than you are the Lord he is to provide and you say Seth I'll play that because well it helps do good things well if that's the case why do we pay taxes for I digress but nobody won the lottery no one had any good things have you listen they went back to the field but everything changed
[01:05:03] There is a difference between happiness and joy.
[01:05:06] Happiness is based on my happenings, what's around me.
[01:05:10] So if my health is good, if I get a promotion at work, if my relationships are intact, I'm happy.
[01:05:16] And if they're not, I'm not.
[01:05:17] It ebbs and flows.
[01:05:18] But joy, listen to this, write this down, joy is not based on circumstances.
[01:05:24] Because joy is not a what, it's a who.
[01:05:27] Joy isn't about my circumstance.
[01:05:28] Joy is about the Christ Jesus that lives within me.
[01:05:32] And because He has the victory, now I have joy.
[01:05:35] Amen?
[01:05:37] Listen, because of Jesus, write this down, we have peace.
[01:05:40] I love this part of the story.
[01:05:41] Look at this, verse 11.
[01:05:43] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord, and this will be a sign for you.
[01:05:50] You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.
[01:05:54] Look, the angel's giving them this message, which is quite an important message, but then it's like the angel just stops.
[01:06:01] Look at this, verse 13.
[01:06:03] And suddenly, do you see that?
[01:06:04] Suddenly, like out of nowhere, unexpectedly, suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God and saying.
[01:06:14] It's like this angel gets so excited and heaven is so excited hearing about what God is doing through his son Jesus that they had to quit telling him the message and just break out into a worship service.
[01:06:26] and so they start singing the song verse 14 here's the song glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those whom he has pleased and notice notice what they sing here glory to God first that comes first and then peace that order is important
[01:06:46] Here's the way we say it.
[01:06:47] Glory up, peace down.
[01:06:49] The only way you can feel peace is by starting to give glory to God.
[01:06:54] Amen?
[01:06:55] Can I just share with you quickly one of my favorite Bible verses?
[01:06:59] Romans 5.1 says this,
[01:07:03] Since we have been justified by faith.
[01:07:05] Now, whenever you see the word, therefore, in the Bible, you have to ask yourself one question.
[01:07:11] What's it there for?
[01:07:12] Well, Paul spends the first four chapters of Romans telling us that we've all fallen short of the glory of God and that none of us, none of us can earn our way back to God because none of us can do anything good.
[01:07:26] that doesn't mean we don't have the occasional good deed but what it does mean is even when we try to do good it's not going to make up for the sin we've already committed and think about it like this imagine there was a guy who was found guilty of murder and during his sentencing right before the judge gave him the sentence he stands up and he says wait a second judge I know I killed all those people but just remember I recycle
[01:07:50] What's that judge going to do?
[01:07:51] Nothing, right?
[01:07:52] That means nothing.
[01:07:54] You can do all the good deeds you want to do.
[01:07:55] That's never going to make up for the cosmic treason every single one of you have already committed against the Lord your God.
[01:08:03] So what does God do?
[01:08:04] Because you can't earn your way to Him, He sends His Son, Jesus, who lived a perfect life you could not live and then died a death you deserve to die.
[01:08:13] Here's the way we say at First Baptist, Jesus, who is innocent,
[01:08:17] What that means is that because what Jesus has done, I'm no longer an enemy to God.
[01:08:28] Now I've been reconciled and I can stand before God.
[01:08:32] Paul says, therefore, since then, we've been justified.
[01:08:35] We have, look at this, peace with God.
[01:08:40] I think that is the three most important words in the New Testament.
[01:08:44] Notice he doesn't say the peace of God.
[01:08:46] It's peace with God.
[01:08:49] Peace of God.
[01:08:50] That's what a lot of people want, right?
[01:08:52] You just want to feel good.
[01:08:53] You just want to feel better.
[01:08:55] But can I let you in on a secret?
[01:08:57] You don't have to come to church to feel good.
[01:09:00] You don't have to come to church to have peace.
[01:09:03] Go exercise.
[01:09:04] Eat kale.
[01:09:05] You know, go run.
[01:09:07] Take a hike.
[01:09:09] Hang out by the beach.
[01:09:10] That'll make you feel good.
[01:09:12] Listen, the reason we come in here, the reason we sing, the reason we worship, it's not because we have peace of God.
[01:09:22] You and I were an enemy and we deserved hell, but because one day a Savior who is Christ the Lord
[01:09:32] was born in a manger in Bethlehem and lived the perfect life that we could not live and then died a death that we deserve to die because of him you and I have been reconciled to the Father and now we're no longer enemies but we can rightfully stand before God as an adopted son as an adopted daughter as an heir into the kingdom because we have peace with God amen
[01:09:59] which means, listen to this, write this down, letter A, real peace, this is reconciliation with God.
[01:10:07] Brothers and sisters, some of you in here this morning, you're looking for peace in all kinds of areas and you're not finding it.
[01:10:14] Grass is always greener on the other side for some of you.
[01:10:18] Listen, the world will often tell you that you can have peace when things begin to change, but God tells you you can actually have peace
[01:10:27] When you invite Him into your heart, He changes you.
[01:10:31] I'm running out of time.
[01:10:32] Let's keep going.
[01:10:33] Glory to God in the highest.
[01:10:35] Verse 14.
[01:10:36] And on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased.
[01:10:40] Verse 15.
[01:10:41] When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.
[01:10:51] And they went with haste, and they found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in the manger.
[01:10:56] And when they saw that, they made known.
[01:10:58] In your Bibles, would you just underline that for a second?
[01:11:01] They made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.
[01:11:06] This message is for everyone.
[01:11:09] What is this message about?
[01:11:11] It is good news.
[01:11:12] And if that is true, if it is good news because of the person of Jesus, there is only one logical conclusion, number three, last point, and that is that this message must be shared.
[01:11:22] It must be shared.
[01:11:24] Brothers and sisters, would you write this down?
[01:11:25] The gospel is clear, personal, and urgent.
[01:11:31] It is clear, look at this, letter A, because a Savior has come.
[01:11:36] Isn't that what the angels told them?
[01:11:38] A Savior has come.
[01:11:39] That's clear.
[01:11:40] Not a teacher, not a philosopher, not a religious guru, not a soothsayer, not a politician.
[01:11:50] A Savior has come.
[01:11:53] It is clear, but it's also personal.
[01:11:55] Write this down.
[01:11:56] Unto you.
[01:11:59] You need it.
[01:12:01] Y'all, that's why when we're trying to tell people, you know, evangelize, we're not just trying to get people into church.
[01:12:06] We're not offering them church.
[01:12:08] We're not offering them religiosity.
[01:12:10] We're offering Jesus.
[01:12:12] This is personal.
[01:12:14] You need Him.
[01:12:15] And it's urgent.
[01:12:20] and Tell.
[01:12:21] I love their response.
[01:12:23] I love their response.
[01:12:25] Look at what they do.
[01:12:27] First thing they do, letter A, they go.
[01:12:30] Look, verse 15 to 16.
[01:12:35] Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.
[01:12:42] And they went with haste.
[01:12:43] Let us go.
[01:12:44] And then they go with haste.
[01:12:48] They go.
[01:12:49] Not only do they go, look at this, they see.
[01:12:53] They finally get there and in verse 16, they found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in the manger.
[01:13:01] This isn't a fairy tale.
[01:13:03] This is historical truth.
[01:13:05] This is reality.
[01:13:06] They have seen it with their own eyes.
[01:13:08] They've experienced it.
[01:13:09] They go, they see, write this down, letter C, and they speak.
[01:13:16] You know, after they see the baby,
[01:13:19] Lying there, they don't stay.
[01:13:21] But sometimes we miss this in the story.
[01:13:24] They don't stay there.
[01:13:26] They leave.
[01:13:28] And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.
[01:13:34] Well, what was told them?
[01:13:37] Savior, Christ, Lord.
[01:13:40] And who did they tell?
[01:13:41] Everybody.
[01:13:42] And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.
[01:13:46] By the way, this is in the middle of the night.
[01:13:47] Most people in Bethlehem are asleep.
[01:13:50] So just get this picture.
[01:13:51] Here these shepherds are running up and down the streets of Bethlehem, knocking on the door, screaming, did you hear?
[01:13:57] And everyone's like, I don't, what?
[01:14:01] What are you talking about?
[01:14:03] And after they go and tell everyone as Bethany begins to wrap this up, look at this.
[01:14:08] They go, they see, they speak, and then they worship.
[01:14:12] They worship.
[01:14:14] After they witnessed, they returned glorifying
[01:14:20] and Praising God.
[01:14:21] By the way, something just real nerdy, real quick, the word praising there in Greek, proskuneo, it literally means to fall down.
[01:14:30] The men who were dirty, these brutes of men, these big men who most of them had quite a liking to fighting, these tough guys are now falling in front of a baby.
[01:14:49] and they're worshiping now notice the order they go they see they speak and they worship that order is important you know why write this down last point because worship flows out of witness worship flows out of witness you know a few years ago I went to a restaurant I was eating by myself and
[01:15:19] As I walked in, going to my table, there was a lady sitting at another table who went to the church that I was pastoring and she was there with a friend.
[01:15:28] So I did what any good pastor would do.
[01:15:29] I just simply walked up and said hello.
[01:15:33] To which she turned to our friend and she said, let me introduce you.
[01:15:37] She said, this is my best friend.
[01:15:39] We go to the gym every day together.
[01:15:41] Our kids, about the same age, they were kind of raised together.
[01:15:44] We come here once a week to eat.
[01:15:47] So I turned to our friend and I said, well it's very nice to meet you ma'am.
[01:15:50] My name is Seth.
[01:15:52] I'm her pastor.
[01:15:54] To which the friend said, well honey I didn't know you went to church.
[01:16:01] What church do you go to?
[01:16:06] And I thought, now wait a second.
[01:16:08] You say this is your best friend, you go to the gym every day together, you eat once a week together, and at no point there's ever been a conversation for you to tell this person you go to church?
[01:16:20] Is she really that much of a friend to you?
[01:16:24] And far beyond saying anything about church, there's never been a time when you've mentioned that you've surrendered your life to Jesus?
[01:16:32] Well, how much do you actually care?
[01:16:35] about this person brothers and sisters we got a problem and that is that many people who claim to be a christian want a private and a silent christianity
[01:16:48] That's why we have people who watch online and they'll go to the grocery stores and they'll go to work but they won't actually come in service because they want a private worship, a private Christianity.
[01:16:59] That's why there's people who will claim to be Christians and they'll give money and they'll sing songs but they never tell even their friends the good news.
[01:17:09] of Jesus Christ.
[01:17:10] Let me tell you something.
[01:17:12] This message is clear, it's personal, and brothers and sisters, it is urgent.
[01:17:20] And a silent and private Christianity is not an option for a true follower of Jesus Christ.
[01:17:27] Can I ask you a question?
[01:17:29] If God visited you tonight, and He said, hey, I want you to have this, and He hands you a bottle of medicine,
[01:17:38] and He tells you it's a cure for cancer.
[01:17:41] And He says, I want you to tell as many people as you can that you have this cure for cancer.
[01:17:47] What would you do?
[01:17:50] Would you put it in your sock drawer and say, you know, listen, I know cancer is terrible.
[01:17:57] But what if people think I'm lying?
[01:18:01] What if people laugh at me?
[01:18:04] What if I seem pushy?
[01:18:07] What if they think I'm crazy?
[01:18:09] What if they think I'm awkward?
[01:18:11] You know, listen, I'm not going to tell anybody.
[01:18:13] Now, if they want to know, they can come and ask me if I have a cure for cancer, but I'm not going to mention it.
[01:18:18] Now, if you did that, what kind of human being would you be?
[01:18:22] Well, a pretty terrible human being, right?
[01:18:27] Right?
[01:18:29] God's not giving you a cure for cancer.
[01:18:33] Instead, God has come to give you something even greater.
[01:18:37] A cure for death.
[01:18:40] Even if cancer was cured, people would still die.
[01:18:42] Even if congestive heart failure was cured, people would still die.
[01:18:49] But God says, I have defeated death.
[01:18:52] I'm giving you that that that cure you you know that if you put your trust in me when you take your last breath you get to take your first breath and my presence you know that go and tell but some of you so I'm not going to do that now if they want to know they can ask me let's be honest what kind of human being do you think that makes you D.A.
[01:19:17] Carson says that Christians don't tell lies
[01:19:21] We sing them.
[01:19:24] We'll stand up and we'll sing, I surrender all.
[01:19:27] We'll have you.
[01:19:29] Or maybe in Advent we'll sing this, Oh come let us adore you.
[01:19:35] We'll have you.
[01:19:37] Listen, we've had a lot of worship services this month.
[01:19:40] I don't know, can you tell?
[01:19:42] The staff is limping at this point.
[01:19:45] We've been working hard.
[01:19:47] and some of you have been working so hard and you've been so faithful coming to all these worship services and you have been singing which has been amazing.
[01:19:56] I love your worship but what about your witness?
[01:20:02] Have you went to anyone?
[01:20:03] Have you had intentional God conversations with anyone?
[01:20:09] If we're going to adore Jesus it starts by going and telling the world.
[01:20:16] The good news of Savior, Christ, and Lord.
[01:20:20] Amen?
[01:20:21] Have you done that too?
[01:20:23] I want to give you just a moment.
[01:20:26] I want to pray and I want to ask you to do two things.
[01:20:29] One, if there's someone in your life right now, and I know there is, because there's no one in your life by accident.
[01:20:38] Someone in your life right now that you know you need to have an intentional God conversation with.
[01:20:45] Maybe that's a neighbor.
[01:20:46] Maybe that's a family member.
[01:20:47] Maybe that's someone you work with.
[01:20:51] Maybe it's just someone you see at a restaurant.
[01:20:55] I want to ask you to come today, and if nothing else, pray for courage and boldness to be the type of Christ follower who knows that this message is clear, personal, and urgent.
[01:21:08] We gotta tell.
[01:21:11] I want to give you a chance to come to the altar this morning and just repent and say God I'm sorry for not telling you know you're just like these shepherds these shepherds they saw Jesus you you've seen Jesus move in your life you've tasted you've seen just how good he is the next response is we speak and we worship I want to give you a chance this morning to come and pray for those in your life who need to hear this message and maybe you're here today
[01:21:40] Maybe you've never actually surrendered your life to Jesus.
[01:21:44] Maybe you've never actually had peace or you've never had joy.
[01:21:47] And you've always been searching for what the world can give you, but the world cannot fulfill you.
[01:21:51] It is only God.
[01:21:52] And the only way that's going to happen is you being reconciled to Him.
[01:21:56] You say, Seth, how do I do that?
[01:21:58] Well, the good news is He is just and faithful to forgive you of your sins.
[01:22:02] Amen?
[01:22:03] So you just come and you say, Lord, I trust You as my Savior.
[01:22:06] Why don't you stand right where you're at and let's pray together.
[01:22:08] Father, we thank You for
[01:22:12] we thank you for not just coming not just coming to the elite not just coming for those who looks like their lives are well put together but you came for the least of these and you came for sinners and we need you Lord Father there's someone in here today that's never trusted you as their Lord and Savior I can't imagine a better day for them to give their heart to you
[01:22:40] The Sunday before Christmas.
[01:22:44] Then the Sunday when we talk about how you pursue sinners, how you pursue the least of these.
[01:22:49] Because you've been pursuing them.
[01:22:52] Father, if there's somebody here, maybe they know you, and they've trusted you, they've made you Lord of their lives, they've invited you into their heart, but over the years they've become numb.
[01:23:06] Over the years they've lost sight of the real mission.
[01:23:09] Over the years, they've become private and silent.
[01:23:13] Lord, would you convict today that this message is clear, personal, and urgent.
[01:23:20] May we repent, and may we ask for the courage to not just worship, but to witness, because we know, we know, Lord, we know that worship flows from witness, and witness flows from worship.
[01:23:33] And we want to adore you.
[01:23:36] So Lord, you just let your Holy Spirit speak to us in a way some preacher never could.
[01:23:41] Father, would you open up our hearts and draw us closer.
[01:23:44] We pray all of this in your holy and most exalted name.

[01:23:48] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Amen.

[01:24:30] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Peace on the earth, goodwill to men, from ends all gracious be.
[01:24:52] The world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing.
[01:25:19] and more with that is that the notes of which they breathe.
[01:25:46] O watch the noisy bell of strife and hear the angels sing.

[01:25:47] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
On day beneath thy trashing load

[01:25:48] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
All these forms are ending all With toil along the climbing way With painful steps and song Look now through the heaven-golden eyes Come swiftly on the way
[01:26:29] of the Day.
[01:26:54] Lord Jesus, thank you.

[01:27:19] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Thank you that you come to pursue sinners.
[01:27:22] Thank you that you've come to pursue the least of these.
[01:27:25] Every one of us fit in that category.
[01:27:28] Father, thank you, thank you for never giving up on us.
[01:27:32] Father, we pray today that as we leave here, can we do what we've sung about?
[01:27:37] Can we go into hell?
[01:27:39] Can we be bold?
[01:27:40] Not because we have a gift in witnessing, not because we're scholars, but because Savior Christ the Lord lives within us.
[01:27:49] The Holy Spirit is here.
[01:27:52] Lord, you will do the talking.
[01:27:54] We just have to be faithful about what we know, what we've seen.
[01:27:58] Well, what have we seen, Lord?
[01:28:00] That Jesus Christ has radically changed our lives.
[01:28:03] So let us go be bold sharing that.
[01:28:05] Father, I pray that as we leave here, as we prepare for Christmas, there's a lot of people in Morrisville right now.
[01:28:12] There's a lot of hurting people.
[01:28:14] There's a lot of people who are chasing the world.
[01:28:17] There's a lot of people who are confused and hurting.
[01:28:21] They need to hear this gospel.
[01:28:23] Would you use the people at First Baptist to do it?
[01:28:27] Father, would you use us to go do what those shepherds did, to make known what we've already seen and what we've already experienced?
[01:28:34] So as we leave here, as we go and as we tell, we pray that you just give us travel and mercies, that you bless us, keep us, make your face shine upon us until we meet again.
[01:28:43] We pray all of this in your holy and most exalted name, and all those who agreed said, Amen.
[01:28:50] You are dismissed.