THREE OF THE GREATEST DAYS IN HISTORY
Tomorrow we celebrate Memorial Day, a day we remember all who sacrifaced thier lives so that we can live as free individuals. A great day.
But there are three other day that will be labeled as the greatest days in history.
The first is the day of the cradle;
Luke 2:7
7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
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Luke 23:32-34
33 When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals — one on his right, the other on his left.
NIV
Matt 24:44
44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
Challenge to consider the whole story of Christ.
1.) These passages speak of three of the greatest days in history.
(1) Cradle (2) Cross (3) Crown.
Why the cradle, the cross, the return? How did this ever come about? Why the need?
The whole focus was you and I.
John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
Eph 3:18-19
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Take with me a panoramic view of Jesus’ life and let’s see what lessons we can learn.
1. When We Look At the Cradle, What We See is God’s Intervention on the Behalf of Mankind.
If you think about it this morning, the Old Testament is filled with object lessons, teaching men of their need for God, but they just would not learn from them.
Gen 6:5
5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
John 2:25
for he (Jesus) knew what was in man .
In spite of man condition He loved and cared for man.
Gal 4:4
4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
He had our common experiences.[Hunger, Poverty, Weariness, etc]
He too was tempted
Heb 4:15
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
He understands in more than a far off way your hurts and needs.
2. When We Look At the Cross We Should See God’s Plan to Meet Our Needs.
Spiritual and physical
Isa 53:5-6
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
His death was no mistake it was the plan of God! (Isa. 53:10-11)
Isa 53:10-11
10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
Christ “died for the ungodly” and proved God’s love.
Rom 5:6
6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
Rom 8:32
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all,
Heb. 7:25
He is “Able to save to the uttermost.”
What does the Cross say to you?
3. When We Look At the Return of Christ, We Must Think of Preparedness.
1. Keeping the greatest commandment.
2. Seeking God’s blessings daily through obedience.
3. Influencing your the world around you.
4. Developing Godly behavior.
5. Give generously.
6. Stay in the fellowship.
7. Keep yourself morally pure.
8. Honor one another.
9. Be faithful.
10. Commune with God in Word and prayer daily.
11. Let love be your guiding light.
Conclusion: What we learn from this wholistic picture of Jesus.
Application: We ought to accept the whole story about Jesus to our own benefit!
Appeal: Adore Him in the Cradle.
Stand in Awe at His Cross.
Be Ready for His Return.
Parts of this sermon may have been borrowed from sermons contributed to Sermon Central and adapted to fit the ministry to my congregation, thanks to you great pastors and preachers.
