Miracle of Christmas The Message

Pharisees:

• Started around 515 BC
• They devoted their time to the studying of the Law and Scriptures.
• Experts at following the rules.
• Connected well to middle class.
• Dominated the synagogues and teaching of common man

Sadducees:

• Were party of High Priests, aristocratic families and merchants.
• Tended to have good relations with Roman rulers.
• They claimed importance on birth and social and economic position.
• Sadducees dominated the temple and its priesthood.
• Believed in the first five books of Bible only and no recognition of the “Oral Law”

John 14:8-9 ‘Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.’

So what do we see in Jesus?

• Sympathizing with the hurting
• Compassionate for the less fortunate.
• Preferred to hang out with the fringe people.
• Taught people to love, forgive, and live high character life.

Hebrews 1:3 “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being”

John 12:49 “For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken.”

1. The message that we celebrate this season changes lives.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Romans 8:1-2 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”

• This message that we celebrate this season accepts us for who we are
• This message that we celebrate this season will never leave us or forsake us

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”