THEME: Uncharted
SERIES: Shedding Light on Christmas
TITLE: The Unfiltered Light of Christmas
Text: Matthew 1:1-17
I. THE BEAUTY OF THE LIGHT
“Christmas is not simply about a birth but about a coming.” Tim Keller
The Gospel is (Good News), not (Good advice).
There is a difference between advice and news. Advice is (counsel) about what you must do. News is a (report) about what has already been done. Advice urges us to (make something happen). News urges us to (recognize something has already happened). Advice says it is (up to us). News says (someone else) has acted.
Christianity is not primarily about (self-improvement). It is not just a place to get (inspiration and guidance) for life. It is a (message of salvation).
II. THE TRUTH THE LIGHT REVEALS
The Gospel turns the world’s values (upside down). Five women:
1. (Tamar)
2. (Rahab)
3. (Ruth)
4. (Bathsheba)
5. (Mary)
What does this teach us?
God takes and accepts (outsiders).
God may (take his time) but he (keeps his word).
NEXT WEEK: Series: Shedding Light on Christmas
Title: This IS the Light! John 1:1-14
