Grace Fellowship Church Pastor/Teacher - Jim Rickard Sunday, December 26,

Luke 2:1-20 Angelic Praise Announcing the Birth of our Lord! Part 2 Peace with God!

Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace among men of (God’s) good Will/Pleasure/Approval upon earth.”

Savior, Christ, Lord Redeemer, Messiah, God

In that day, shepherds were considered to be at the lowest rung of the social ladder.

In that day, shepherds were considered to be at the lowest rung of the social ladder. Principle: God uses the humble to further His plan, not the proud and arrogant.

In Luke 2:12 He gave the shepherds a sign, “A baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger.”

The lowliest of society would find God in the lowliest of states. Emphasizing the humble nature of Jesus Christ in His humanity. John 1:14; Phil 2:7

John 1:14, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Luke 2:13-14, the “singing army” of angels proclaim the glory of our Lord in response to the marvelous act of God as expressed in the birth of the Messiah.

“In the highest” The angelic herald in the heavens praise God as He is the “Most High.” cf. Luke 1:32-33

“Peace” = “SHALOM”. The Savior was predicted as the Prince of Peace in Isa 9:6.

Isa 9:6-7a, “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7a There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace.”

Real peace on earth exists only among those who are the subjects of God’s goodwill, (i.e. those elected by God = all believers).

God’s goodwill in sending the Messiah brought peace into this lower world.

Now that Christ has paid the penalty for our sins, man can have peace with God.

Sin caused enmity between God and man. But Christ has broken down that dividing barrier so that man can be reconciled to God and be at peace with Him. Eph 2:13-18

God’s favor does not rest on “men of good will,” “for all have sinned and all fall short of the glory of God”, Rom 3:23.

But in providing a Savior, God has made it clear that His favor can rest on all of mankind if they would just believe. Rom 5:1-2

Rom 5:1-2, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.”

Jesus came to make peace; and this He did: 1. By reconciling the world to God by His atonement.

2. By bringing the sinner to a state of peace with his Maker.

3. By diffusing through His word in the heart of the believer universal good- will to people.

John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”

4. By diffusing the principles of universal peace among nations; which will be realized during His millennial reign.

How can we not respond to such grace with worship and praise! “To us is born a Savior, Christ the Lord!!!!” This is glad tidings to all.

Grace Offering

Grace Fellowship Church Sunday, December 26, 2010 Tape # Worshipped by Angels upon His Birth The Announcement of Peace with God Luke 2:1-20; Rom 5:1-2; Eph 2:13-18; Phil 2:5-8; Isa 9:6-7 James H. Rickard Bible Ministries 2010