Christmas Weekend

Pt. Dave Kenney
Christmas Weekend

Galatians 4:1-7 (MSG)

v.4 But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Gal 4:4-5 (NIV).

1. Not my Timing, but God's Timing

"...in the fullness of time..."
"... just the right time..."
"... when the time arrived that was set by God the Father..."

No matter what I see going on around me, God is still in control.
Moses - between the sea and army.
God took their outer control and showed He is still under control [story about apostle Paul]
Who is greater : Jesus or King Herod?

2. Not my Ability, but God's Enabling

Luke 1:13-18 (MSG)
v.8 Do you expect me to believe this?

Luke 1:30-38 (NIV)
v.38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered.

What God wants from us is obedience and willingness and He takes care of the rest.

And Mary said, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to Thy word. And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38 (KJV)
Mary accepted God's plan, even she knows it doesn't make sense.
Zachariah rejected what God told him, coz he has no ability. He looks at his own weakness.

God only wants us to OBEY.

3. Not my Plan, but GOd's Plan.

Matt 1:18-25 (MSG)

Joseph:
bitterly felt betrayed.
Actually he has 2 option : publicly divorced Mary meaning humiliate her, OR do it quietly so people won't question.
Him, being a gentlemen, planned to do it quitely. But then God interfere. And he OBEYED.

No matter what is happening in your life, you need to live to please God.

Joseph's dream was totally shattered, the moment Mary "betrayed" him.
But he did the right thing, no matter what.
God still wants you to obey HIM.