God With Us

Luke 2:1-14 (NKJV): And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 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. 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. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’ 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” 

Matthew 1:18-21 (NKJV): “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and 

You Shall Call His Name ‘Jesus’ for He Shall ‘Save’ His People From Their ‘Sins.’” ‘Jesus’ = He Who Saves —–> The Penalties For Sin. 1 John 3 – Sin is the breaking of God’s Laws and rebellion to his word. Jesus came to take away those sins and set us free from it’s penalties. Romans 6:3 (NKJV): “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” The Penalty For Sin Is Death/Spiritual Death—Separation From God.

      I know what it’s like to be separated from God—steeped in sin—broken, lost and miserable.

         I know what it’s like to feel alone, abandoned and abused—trapped in sin—confused

            I know what it’s like to be broke, betrayed, backstabbed and busted—locked up in sin

               I know what it’s like to never get ahead, get a promotion, get picked—overlooked in sin

                                              These Are All Results of a Life Separated From God 

                                       Because Jesus Came To Save Me And Set Me Free From Sin 

Jesus Was Born To Save His People From Their Sins —> If you know Him as Savior, Praise. The Testimony is This → Old Things Pass Away, All Things Become New (2 Corinthians 5:17). Today, I know Jesus to be much more than just a Savior —> He Is God With Us!!! 

Matthew 1:22-23 (NKJV): “So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel’  (Isaiah 7:14 NJKV) which is translated, ‘God with us.’”   

When I Feel Bound – El Elyon – God Almighty

When I Feel Weak – Elohim – The All Powerful One

When I Feel Troubled – Jehovah-Shalom – The God of Peace

When I Feel Abandoned – Para Cletos – Come Alongside – Closer Than A Brother

When I Feel Lack – Jehovah Jireh – The Lord Shall Provide

When I Feel Sick – Jehovah-Raffa – He Is The God Who Heals

When I Feel Lost – Jehovah El Roi – The God Who Sees Me

In Closing: 

When I Don’t Have What It Takes – El Shaddai – The All Sufficient One

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Rev. Bryan A. Tomes 

Crossroads Community Church 

www.crossroadsconnects.com