And They Shall Call His Name Immanuel
Series - “For Unto Us”
Speaker - Lead Pastor Dustin Aguilar
Scriptures:
Is. 9:6, Matt. 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-45, Deut. 22:21, Gen 6:4, Is 7:14
What we Believe:
For unto us–Isaiah 9:6
What are two main problems as modern people with giving and receiving?
Advent season - celebrating the birth of Jesus and longing for His second coming
Matthew 1:18–Mary “she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit”
How did they determine she was miraculously pregnant?
Luke 1:26, 36-45–Gabriel told Mary this as a sign. A miracle was promised and a sign given.
Did Joseph believe or not believe?
Joseph is one of the people who found her to be pregnant.
Matthew 1:19-20
Two theories: Suspicion Theory and Reverence Theory
The suspicion theory suggests that Joseph suspected Mary of infidelity when he found her pregnant and planned to divorce her quietly to avoid shaming her.
The reverence theory suggests Joseph already believed Mary's pregnancy was from the Holy Spirit and that he feared to marry Mary because he might be displacing God.
Deu 22:21
Gen 6:4
John McHugh Summary
“Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife on account of the fact that it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.” The angel communicated to Joseph three roles: Mary would bear a son, Joseph would call His name Jesus, Jesus would save His people from their sins.
Matthew 1:22-23 Prophecy Fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14
God wasn’t taking anything from anyone, He was giving His Son. God is the first gift giver of Christmas.
Problems with Gift-Giving
One problem in our modern culture is entitlement. It’s important to learn the discipline of gratitude. When a person repents and confesses sin, is God required to forgive them? Why does God forgive them? Do we earn forgiveness? Is salvation earned? No: God chooses to forgive us. Don’t take forgiveness for granted.
Some people struggle to receive gifts due to pride. It is dangerous to be unable to accept gifts, help and blessing from another. If you can’t receive a free gift with gratitude, how can you receive the free gift of salvation?