Have you given more deep consideration to the fact that Christmas is the fulfillment of many Old Testament promises that were made by God for the salvation of all believers? Why should we be overwhelmed constantly when we think about the things God has said and done to keep His Word? Well as you may know, we are taking a brief pause in our study through the gospel of Mark to present a series of topical studies especially for the Christmas season. So take a seat, grab a cup of tea and listen in as Straight Gate Ministries’ Pastor Fisher teaches a lesson which will more carefully explain the wonders of the promises of God to all who believe in Him through His Son, Jesus in this message called: “Christmas: God’s Promises in the Flesh”
Old Testament Scripture Reading: Isaiah 42:1 – 9 (KJV)
Isa 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
Isa 42:2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
Isa 42:3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
Isa 42:4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.
Isa 42:5 Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:
Isa 42:6 I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
Isa 42:7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.
Isa 42:8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
Isa 42:9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.
New Testament Scripture Reading: John 1:1 – 14 (KJV)
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God. John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. John 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. John 1:7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. John 1:8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. John 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:14 And the Word was made 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.
Transforming Power Statements:
#1) Throughout the Old Testament there were many promises made of the coming Messiah and the qualifications were constantly made greater and greater with the addition of more facets of the character of Messiah the Prince of the Most High GOD.
#2) The prophets of old and the Jewish Nation in general were always living in Messianic expectation, yet there was always an obscured view of just exactly what Messiah would be like specifically.
#3) The promises of God were the dividing line between Israel as a people and the flow of God’s plan to deliver Messiah for the salvation of all who would be willing to believe in Him and lay hold of the hope that was promised and fulfilled when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us during the first Advent of Christ Jesus.
