The Birth Of Christ n What do you think of when you read about the birth of Christ?

The Birth Of Christ n What do you think of when you read about the birth of Christ? n Without question the arrival of the Son of God in a human form was a great event.

The Birth Of Christ n What do you think of when you read about the birth of Christ? n Without question the arrival of the Son of God in a human form was a great event. n There is no surprise that men would want to celebrate this event.

The Birth Of Christ n What do you think of when you read about the birth of Christ? n Without question the arrival of the Son of God in a human form was a great event. n There is no surprise that men would want to celebrate this event. n But where does God Himself give emphasis? What should we celebrate?

The Birth Of Christ n But where does God Himself give emphasis? What should we celebrate?

The Birth Of Christ n But where does God Himself give emphasis? What should we celebrate? n Every aspect of the life of Christ was foretold by the prophets. (Lk 24:44)

The Birth Of Christ n (Luke 24:44 NKJV) “Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.”

The Birth Of Christ n We who wear the name of Christ need to know the one whom we serve.

The Birth Of Christ n We who wear the name of Christ need to know the one whom we serve. n If we know Him then we will do only those things He directs. (Col 3:17)

The Birth Of Christ n (Colossians 3:17 NKJV) “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

The Uniqueness of the Birth of Christ n The future destruction of Satan. (Gen 3:15)

The Uniqueness of the Birth of Christ n 15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” n Genesis 3:15 (NKJV) 15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”

The Uniqueness of the Birth of Christ n The future destruction of Satan. (Gen 3:15) n The great promises to Abraham. (Gen 12:1-3)

The Uniqueness of the Birth of Christ n Genesis 12:1 3 (NKJV) 1 Now the LORD had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. 2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.

The Uniqueness of the Birth of Christ n Genesis 12:1 3 (NKJV) 3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

The Uniqueness of the Birth of Christ n The future destruction of Satan. (Gen 3:15) n The great promises to Abraham. (Gen 12:1-3) n The promise of the future messiah to David. (Psa 132:11)

The Uniqueness of the Birth of Christ n Psalm 132:11 (NKJV) 11 The LORD has sworn in truth to David; He will not turn from it: “I will set upon your throne the fruit of your body.

The Detailed Prophecies of his Birth. n The specific place of His birth. (Mic 5:2)

The Detailed Prophecies of his Birth. n Micah 5:2 (NKJV) 2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old From everlasting.”

The Detailed Prophecies of his Birth. n The specific place of His birth. (Mic 5:2) n The virgin birth in prophecy. (Isa 7:14)

The Detailed Prophecies of his Birth. n Isaiah 7:14 (NKJV) 14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

The Detailed Prophecies of his Birth. n The specific place of His birth. (Mic 5:2) n The virgin birth in prophecy. (Isa 7:14) n The time of His birth was shown to be in the times of the Roman kingdom. (Dan 2:44)

The Detailed Prophecies of his Birth. n (Daniel 2:44-45 NKJV) “And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.”

The Circumstances of his Birth. n There was the heavenly announcement of it to the shepherds. (Lk 2:8-15)

The Circumstances of his Birth. n (Luke 2:8-15 NKJV) “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. {9} And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.

The Circumstances of his Birth. n {10} Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. {11} “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. {12} “And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

The Circumstances of his Birth. n {13} And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: {14} “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” {15} So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”

The Circumstances of his Birth. n There was the heavenly announcement of it to the shepherds. (Lk 2:8-15) n There was the incredible fact that God Himself became man. (Jn 1:14;1-3)

The Circumstances of his Birth. n John 1:1 through John 1:3 (NKJV) the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

The Circumstances of his Birth. n John 1:14 (NKJV) 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Three Questions to consider n Why did God become man? (Heb 2:9-15)

Three Questions to consider n (Hebrews 2:9-15 NKJV) “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. {10} For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

Three Questions to consider n {14} Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, {15} and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”

Three Questions to consider n Why did God become man? (Heb 2:9-15) n When was Jesus born?

Three Questions to consider n Why did God become man? (Heb 2:9-15) n When was Jesus born? n How are we to celebrate the birth of Christ?

There is a Celebration we are to Keep There is a Celebration we are to Keep n We are commanded to meet on every first day of the week. (1 Cor 16:1-2; Acts 20:7)

There is a Celebration we are to Keep There is a Celebration we are to Keep n n 1 Corinthians 16:2 (NASB) 2 On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come. n n Acts 20:7 (NKJV) 7 Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.

There is a Celebration we are to Keep There is a Celebration we are to Keep n We are commanded to meet on every first day of the week. (1 Cor 16:1-2; Acts 20:7) n Why did they meet on this day?

There is a Celebration we are to Keep There is a Celebration we are to Keep n We are commanded to meet on every first day of the week. (1 Cor 16:1-2; Acts 20:7) n Why did they meet on this day? n They were remembering the birth of Christ!

There is a Celebration we are to Keep There is a Celebration we are to Keep n We are commanded to meet on every first day of the week. (1 Cor 16:1-2; Acts 20:7) n Why did they meet on this day? n They were remembering the birth of Christ! n Not the first birth but the second. (Acts 13:30-34)

There is a Celebration we are to Keep There is a Celebration we are to Keep n Acts 13:33-34 God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.’ 34 And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’

There is a Celebration we are to Keep There is a Celebration we are to Keep n We are commanded to meet on every first day of the week. (1 Cor 16:1-2; Acts 20:7) n Why did they meet on this day? n They were remembering the birth of Christ! n Not the first birth but the second. (Acts 13:30-34) n Jesus is described as the “firstborn from the dead”. (Col 1:18)

There is a Celebration we are to Keep There is a Celebration we are to Keep n (Colossians 1:18 NKJV) “And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.”

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n The identity of Christ.

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n The identity of Christ. n In the first He took on flesh and became the Son of Man. (Mt 8:20)

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n (Matthew 8:20 NKJV) “And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.””

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n The identity of Christ. n In the first He took on flesh and became the Son of Man. (Mt 8:20) n At the second birth He was proclaimed the Son of God. (Rom 1:3-4)

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n (Romans 1:3-4 NKJV) “concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, {4} and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.”

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n In the position of Christ.

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n In the position of Christ. n In the first He became weak in His first birth. (Lk 1:80)

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n (Luke 2:52 NKJV) - n (Luke 2:52 NKJV) - And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n In the position of Christ. n In the first He became weak in His first birth. (Lk 1:80) n He was raised to power in the second. (Heb 5:4-5)

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n Hebrews 5:4-5 NKJV “And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was. {5} So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.””

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n In the power of Christ.

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n In the power of Christ. n He was humbled and weak in the first. (Phil 2:7-8)

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n (Philippians 2:7-8 NKJV) “but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. {8} And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n In the power of Christ. n He was humbled and weak in the first. (Phil 2:7-8) n He was given all power in the second. (Phil 2:9-11; Matt 28:18)

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n (Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV) “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, {10} that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, {11} and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n (Matthew 28:18 NKJV) “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n In the purpose of Christ’s birth.

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n In the purpose of Christ’s birth. n He was born to die for our sins. (Lk 19:10)

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n (Luke 19:10 NKJV) “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n In the purpose of Christ’s birth. n He was born to die for our sins. (Lk 19:10) n He was raised to die no more as our high priest. (Rom 6:10; 5:9-10)

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n (Romans 5:9-10 NKJV) “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. {10} For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n (Romans 6:10 NKJV) “For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.”

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n In the nature of His work.

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n In the nature of His work. n He came to bear our sins. (Heb 9:26)

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n (Hebrews 9:26 NKJV) “He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n In the nature of His work. n He came to bear our sins. (Heb 9:26) n After being raised He will never bear sins in this way again. (Rom 6:10; Heb 9:28)

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n (Romans 6:10 NKJV) “For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.”

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n (Hebrews 9:28 NKJV) “so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.”

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n Can you not see that the second birth is of far greater importance than the first?

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n Can you not see that the second birth is of far greater importance than the first? n God gave us details about the second birth. We know the day!

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n Can you not see that the second birth is of far greater importance than the first? n God gave us details about the second birth. We know the day! n The apostles began immediately to observe the first day of the week. The events on the day of Pentecost occurred on the first day of the week. (Acts 2:42)

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n (Acts 2:42 NKJV) “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n This should be observed weekly, not yearly, monthly or quarterly.

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n This should be observed weekly, not yearly, monthly or quarterly. n Is it not sad that men will observe things He does not ask but will not observe the things He does command us to!

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n What is your birthday?

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n What is your birthday? n Our conversion is a new birth. (John 3:5)

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n (John 3:5 NKJV) “Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n We die to sin! (Rom 6:1-5)

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n (Romans 6:1-5 NKJV) “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? {2} Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? {3} Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n {4} Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. {5} For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,”

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n The same power involved in the raising of Jesus raises us. (Col 2:12-13)

Contrasting the Two Births Contrasting the Two Births n (Colossians 2:12-13 NKJV) “buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. {13} And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,”