This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "The Mission Of Jesus Begins With You", 12/29/2019

   

THE MISSION OF JESUS BEGINS WITH YOU

Luke 5:1-11

JESUS USES WHAT YOU HAVE

5 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, 2 he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

A. When ever there is an assemble of the saints, there ought to be a

      Word from the Lord.

     1. When people come together it is a great opportunity to proclaim

          the Word of God.

     2. Some believer ought to be brave enough to put Jesus in the normal

         conversation.

     3. That someone could be the pastor, a deacon or YOU.

B. You never know who in the assemble has been prepared to hear a word

     from God though YOU.

    1. You will always be blessed when the Word is proclaimed.

    2. Its up to the pastor or the one God has placed the Word, to set

        the stage for teaching the Word.

    3. Notice Jesus used the platform that was set before Him to teach.

C. Jesus used the boat of fishermen to be his pulpit.

    1. God will use what you have to bless others.

    2. It is good for us to allow God to use what He has blessed us with

        to bless others.

    3. When ever we allow God to use us, we are blessed and will be blessed

         more.

YOUR OBEDIENCE LEADS TO GOD SPECIAL BLESSINGS

V: 4. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."

5 Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."

A, Peter and his partners had finished work for the day.

     1. They had worked all night long, put up their nets and were

         ready to go home.

     2. Their fishing had been unproductive.

     3. Jesus showed up and added to their day.

     4. Their boat became a blessed vessel because Jesus used

          it as his teaching platform.

   5. Peter was blessed with Word taught by Jesus.

   6. Peter was blessed because of his obedience.

B. They had fished all night and caught no fish.

    1. Obviously there was no fish in the water.

    2. It is our obedience to God that brings productivity to

        our situation.

    3. The fact was, there was no fist in the water

    4. The overriding fact is, the God who made fish can put

        fish into our situation.

    5. God waits on our obedience to Him to act in our favor.

    6. We should act on God’s command even if we can’t see how

        it will work on our behalf.

EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANT BLESSINGS

V:6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

A. Not only are we blessed when we are obedient to God, but others

     connected to us are blessed also.

   1. God did exceedingly abundantly more than Peter could expect.

   2. The work of Peter’s hands was blessed.

B. Not only was Peter blessed, but his partners were blessed also.

    1. God used the fishing experience to draw Peter and his partners to

        Himself.

    2. God can do what we can’t do.

    3. When we have done all we can do, we should turn our problems

        over to God.

    4. Notice Peter’s obedience led to his abundance.

RECOGNIZING THE GOD OF YOUR BLESSINGS

V:8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.

A. When God does a miracle in our lives, we must recognize that it was Him

      and not us.

   1. Peter recognized that miracle was the hand of God and that he didn’t

       deserve the blessing of God.

   2. Peter humbled himself before the Lord

   2. None of us are without sin, there not deserving of God’s mercy.

   3. God knows when the time is right for us to be drawn to Him

       to serve.

B. Some times God uses what we can’t accomplish to show us the light

     Of His ways.

  1. Our blessing should open our eves to the grace of God.

  2. We should not be just astonished by our blessings, but astonished

      by the God who blesses us.

  3. Notice God used Peter to draw James and John to the ministry.

  4. We need to be available each day for God’s use. He may have

       someone He wants us to bring to Christ.

NOTHING TO FEAR WHEN SERVING GOD

V:10. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men."  11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

A. God did not draw us to Him just for ourselves.

    1. God uses our circumstances to draw us to Him so that we can

        draw others to Him.

    2. We are God’s workmen.

B. The biggest hindrances to serving God is our fear.

     1. We were born with fear. We have to learn to be courageous.

     2. It takes courage to move in a different direction.

     3. It takes courage to follow Jesus when the world is following

         Satan.

C. God gave us everything.

    1. To follow Jesus we have to give up us for Him.

    2. Giving is a life worth living

Rev M. Mitchell

Asst Pastor Of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

5510 West Sam Houston Park Way

Houston, Texas 77041

This Week's Sunday School Lesson, " The Birth Of Our King", Luke 2:1-14, 12/22/2019

THE BIRTH OF OUR KING

Luke 2:1-14

    

The story of the birth of Jesus has been told many times in many ways.

I want to look at the text from the perspective of “Why Lord Did You

Do This To Your Son?” The “why” is just an attempt to understand more

About God’s divine plan of redemption.

BORN INTO A LIFE OF TROUBLES

.V:1. In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

In our life time we deal with all sorts of organizations and all sorts of

Demands from political, social and religious sources. The birth and life

the family of Jesus was no different than our own.

A. Why did the Lord allow His Son to be taxed at birth by a gentile

     government?.

   1.  Jesus was born into a family obedient to the Lord.

   2. Jesus lived a life of obedience to the laws of government.

   3. His example shows us that God is in control of government

   and we are subject to the law.

 B.  His birth in Bethlehem was according the fulfillment of the prophecy  

      given by Micah 5:2.

THE HUMBLE ESTATE OF JESUS

V:6. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 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.

A. Why did the Lord require Mary and Joseph to travel 80 miles to

     from Nazareth to Bethlehem considering Mary was in the 9th month of

      her pregnancy?

      1.  Bethlehem was the city of David

      2. It points to the promise God made to King David that his

           kingdom would have no end.

     3. The no end king is Jesus.

  B.  Why didn’t the Lord not reserve a room in the best motel

       For His Son?

   1. Why was Jesus born in a hole in the wall. ( In side a cave)

   2. The location of his birth emphasized Jesus low estate

   3. The location of Jesus birth emphasized His relationship with

       the common community which we are all involved..

   4. Jesus lived by His word, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to 

       myself”

THE FIRST WORSHIP SERVICE FOR JESUS

V:8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christa the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

A. Why were the shepherds the first Jews to hear about the birth of

     Jesus?

     1. One would think that Lord would have made the announcement to

         the religious community; the Chief Priest or the leaders of the     

         Synagogue.

     2.  At the time of Jesus birth, the Chief Priest along with the Synagogues

          were political positions and not dedicated to the Lord.

 B.  Jesus is the Chief  Shepherd  and Chief priest of believers

      1.  Shepherds watch over their flock 24/7

           Jesus never sleeps or slumbers

      2. Shepherds protect their flock

          Jesus is our sword and shield.

      3. Shepherds lead their sheep to a place to eat.

         Jesus meets our every need.

     4. Shepherds have a low position

        Jesus took off His robe of glory and became man for us.

     5.  Shepherd accept the responsibility of their sheep

          The steps of a good person are ordered by the Lord.

     6. Shepherds were in tuned with the Lord

         They readily received the good news without doubt.

C.   Why was Jesus born among animals?

      1. The Lord made animals before he made man

      2. Animals were made to comfort man.

      3. God emphasized the important of animals in the life of man

    4. Animals not conscience of political or domestic

        situations, made no noise at the birth of Jesus,

    5. The Lord did not think it beneath Him to born with His

        animals.

HEAVENLY PRAISE

V:13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 "Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

A. The first Church service honoring Jesus was held by Holy

     Father and His angels.

  1. The first assembly of saints were the shepherds

      worshipping Jesus, led by God’s angelic choir.

2. If the angels glorify Jesus , we ought to follow their example

3. We were made a little lower than angels.

4. The angels give us leadership in praise and worship

5. They give us the example of Christian living

     proclaiming the Word of God and praising God for His

     goodness.

B. Why did the Lord make known to the Gentile world Jesus birth,

     as king of Jews first.  The wise men saw the star in  the east.

   1. At the moment of Jesus birth, a star appeared in the east

     And was observed by wise men

   2. They readily understood that its appearance marked the birth of

      the King of The Jews.

   3. Perhaps they had studied scriptures and were looking for a

       confirmation from the Lord.

   24 We have no mention in scripture that this star was seen by anyone

       else, not even the most righteous of Jews.

B. The Jews reject Jesus

    1.. The Gentile readily accepted Jesus  as Lord and Savior.

THANK GOD FOR THE GIFT OF JESUS

Rev. M. Mitchell

Asst Pastor Of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

5510 West Sam Houston Parkway North

Houston, Texas

This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "The One Who Pointed To The Light", Luke 1:57-79, 12/15/2019

THE ONE WHO POINTED TO THE LIGHT

   

Luke 1:57-79

AN EVANGELIST FOR CHRIST

V:57. When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.

59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60 but his mother spoke up and said, "No! He is to be called John."

61 They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who has that name."

A. There is always someone who wants to get in the spot light, when they have not done

     anything.

   1. The text says that when the relatives and neighbors “heard”.

   2. That means they were not there doing Elizabeth pregnancy.

   3. They were not there doing the birth of the baby.

   4. They were not there when Elizabeth needed their help and support.

B. They showed up eight days after the baby was born to take charge of naming

     the baby.

    1. They didn’t know Elizabeth story of how a woman her age got pregnant.

    2. They didn’t know nor did they enquire why Elizabeth got the name John

    3. They were not ready to listen to any reason Elizabeth would give them.

    4. We have to be careful that we don’t try to take charge of that which we are not

        in charge of.

   5. They came with “lip service” and gave congratulations.

FOLLOW GOD NOT THE OPINIONS OF OTHERS

V:62. Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63 He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, "His name is John." 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God.

A. They ignored Elizabeth naming of the baby altogether.

     1. Their custom was that baby ought to be named after someone in the family.

     2. They came into Elizabeth’s house and acted as if she had no authority over

         her household.

     3. They went to Zachariah to get him to agree with them.

     4. Elizabeth’s relatives and neighbors had good intentions, but they were

         completely wrong.

     5. It is a man’s job to support His wife against outsiders.

     6. The devil will not only try to breakup the family, but will try to destroy your

         relationship with the Lord.

     7. They didn’t ask Elizabeth’s husband where he got the name John, but they

         accepted his answer.

B. One way to silence the devil, is to start praising God.

    1. Praise is not up for discussion.

    2. When you start praising God before man, He will exemplify you before

        Man.

    3. Zachariah being obedient to God received His voice immediately.

    4. When God blesses you, give Him the praise of your lips.

Why do you think God chose the name John?

   5. The name John means the grace or mercy of God.

   6. It was God’s grace that brought a son to Elizabeth in her old age.

   7. It was God’s grace that gave us the prime example of an evangelist.

   8. It is the grace of God to have Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

GOD BLESSES YOU SO UNBELIEVERS WILL KNOW HIS WORKS

V:65. The neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it,

asking, "What then is this child going to be?" For the Lord's hand was with him.

A. It is evident from the text that neither Zachariah nor Elizabeth told the crowd that

     her pregnancy was foretold by angel of the Lord and the name John came from the   

     Lord.

    1. God took what was dead in Elizabeth and made it alive in her.

    2. If you don’t tell people how God has blesses you, they will make up their own

         reality.

    3. People can see the blessing of God on your life, but they may not understand.

B. Notice again that the focus of the crowd was on Zachariah. “The Lord’s hand was

     On him”  Family is a team effort. Zachariah provided the seed, but Elizabeth

     supplied the growth with the power of God.

   1. Zachariah had a few minutes of pleasure, but Elizabeth had 9 months of pain.

LET THE HOLY SPIRIT BE YOUR GUIDE

V:67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

68 "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,

because he has come and has redeemed his people.

A. The Holy Spirit has a power guiding effect on lives of believers.

     1. Elizabeth received the Holy Spirit at the 6 month of her pregnancy

         when Mary entered her house.

     2. Zachariah because of his unbelief, didn’t receive the Holy Spirit

         Until he wrote the name John on a tablet out of obedience to God

         and support of His wife after the birth of John. 

B. It is God’s plan that the married couple be one flesh with one voice

     and that outsiders know that fact.

    1. Notice the Holy Spirit enlightens us to the Word of God when we

        accept with joy the call on our lives.

     2. Elizabeth was enlightened to Old Testament scriptures when Mary

         entered her house.

     3. Zachariah was enlighten when he received his voice again.

     4. One of the jobs of the Holy Spirit is to teach us all things regarding

        God’s plan of salvation for mankind.

     5. It is our job to share our excitement of the Lord with others through

         praise and worship.

REFLECTING ON THE WORK OF THE LORD

V:69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us

     in the house of his servant David

70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), 

71 salvation from our enemies

     and from the hand of all who hate us—

72 to show mercy to our fathers

     and to remember his holy covenant,

73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham:

74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,

     and to enable us to serve him without fear

75  in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;

    for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,

77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation

     through the forgiveness of their sins,

78 because of the tender mercy of our God,

    by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven

79 to shine on those living in darkness

     and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace."

A. Notice Zachariah’s perfect understand of scripture.

     1. Scripture become alive in us when we reflect on the goodness of God.

     2. The more we talk about God, the stronger our faith in God becomes.

B. Zachariah understood the value and purpose of his son to the salvation of

     mankind.

    1. God has a plan for each of our children.

    2. As parents we must do our best to teach God’s words to our children

        from their birth.

    3. The knowledge of God that we teach our children, promotes their

         spiritual and physical well being.

C. Through scripture, both Zachariah and his wife understood God’s plan for their

     son.

   1. When you meditate and verbalize God Word you are enabled to act on

        His directions.

   2. We may not know as much as Zachariah and Elizabeth knew about

        God’s plan for John, but we do know He has a plan for our children.

   3. Our job is to teach our children the Word and train them to know and honor

      God with their lives.

D. The job God has for us and our children is the same one He had for John.

     1. Jesus gave us the commission in Matthew 28:19; Go make disciples,

          baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

    2. Our job is to point people toward Christ.

    3. We are not the light, but we can point people to the true light.

    4. Our job is to plant the seeds of Christ through the proclamation

        of His Word.

    5. Our Job is to encourage the lost, lift up the broken hearted.

        and release the captives with the Words of Scripture.

_

THANK GOD FOR JESUS OUR LORD AND SAVIOR

Rev. M. Mitchell

Asst Pastor Of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

5510 West Sam Houston Parkway North

Houston, Texas 77041

For more lessons, follow me on facebook and vist my

Blogs; revmmitchell.com and goodnewsrevmitc.blogspot.com

This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "Accepting God's Call With Joy", Luke 1:28-56

ACCEPTING GOD’S CALL WITH JOY

Luke 1:38-58

DEDICATION TO SERVE

V:38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth

A. When we meditate on God’s Word, we have to decide that He is

     Speaking to us and giving directions for our lives.

1. Mary became convicted by the Word that she was called to serve God.

2. Mary decided in her heart that she would serve the Lord.

3. Having heard the Word, Mary decided to validate in her mind

    the truth of the Angel’s Word from God.

4. Mary wasted no time checking out the validity of the Word.

     She went to see her cousin Elizabeth who she was told was six

     months pregnant.

     She traveled 80 to 100 miles to Judah.

     By foot it would have taken her 4 to 5 days; by caravan 3 days.

 5. Mary put her life in God’s hand to make the trip.

     The Bible does not tell us, but some historians believed Mary was

     Between 12 to 14 years old when she met the Angel Gabriel and became

     pregnant by the Holy Spirit. (According to the custom of that time, girls

     were promised in marriage around 12,  IVP Back Ground Commentary).

B. Armed by the power of the Holy Spirit, Mary made the trip to Judah

     safely.

    1. God does not tell us weather Mary sought permission from her

        parents to make the trip.

    2. God does not tell us weather Joseph was informed that Mary

         traveled to Judah.

    3. What is indicated is that Mary had the courage to make the trip without

         family members.

    4. When God gives us direction, He has prepared the way for our success.

SHARING YOUR FAITH

 V:41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

 C. When you study the Word, you should claim God’s promised blessings .

      1. Believing the Word of God is meant for you, brings joy to your heart.

      2. Believing God’s Word, gives you confidence to act on His Word.

      3. Mary claimed the blessing of the Lord for herself.

      4. Mary blessed Elizabeth with her presence.

      5. God blesses you so you can bless others.

      6. Mary shared the blessing of the Lord with her cousin.

      7. The spirit of the Lord flowed from Mary to Elizabeth.

D. When we bless some one, we in turn get blessed.

    1. Mary took the long trip to bless Elizabeth.

    2. In turn, Mary was blessed with words of encouragement

       From Elizabeth.

    3. Elizabeth well in age, passed the normal child bearing age

       shared her faith and enlightenment with the young teenaged

       Mary.

    4. Elizabeth being married to a priest had much to share with

        Mary about the goodness of the Lord.

    5.  Titus 2:3-5

          Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live,    

          not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is    

          good.  Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands    

          and children to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be      

          kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign  

          the word of God.

CONFIRMATION OF GOD’S WORD

E. God will confirm His Word to you through other faithful believers.

    1. Elizabeth confirmed the Word of God to Mary.

    2. Mary stayed with Elizabeth through the rest of her

       pregnancy.

    3. What we do for others becomes blessing to us.

    4. Mary’s presence was good for Elizabeth because her husband

       was rendered mute by the Angel Gabriel because of his unbelief.

    5. Mary probably was the needed help to Elizabeth during the

        rest of her pregnancy.

BLESSED TO BELIEVE

V:45 Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will      

     be accomplished!" 46 And Mary said:

     "My soul glorifies the Lord

      47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.48 for he has been mindful

       of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will    

        call me blessed,

A. Other faithful believers who know the Word of God can help us

     understand God’s purpose for our lives.

   1. God places people in our lives to strengthen our faith in Him.

   2. When we realize what God is doing in our lives, we become more

       thankful.

   3. It is a blessing from God to be able to believe His Word.

       a. The Word of God is foolish to the world.

            Matt 7:26-27

            But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them     

            into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.

        b. We bless ourselves with Joy when we believe God’s Word is

             true and working in our lives

BEING THE ENCOURAGER

V:48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

 From now on all generations will call me blessed,

49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me —

holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

A. We bless ourselves when we stay mindful of what God is doing

     In our lives.

   1. It is a good thing for us to constantly review in our minds

       that God mercy has over looked our sins and blessed us with

       that which we do not deserve.

   2. It is also good for us to look at the lives others that God has blessed.

B. Mary encouraged herself with the proclamation of God’s

     Goodness.

   1. When we refuse to complain, we bless ourselves with encouragement.

   2. Mary was not blessed with money or a lack of problems, but

       blessed with the joy of the Lord.

REALIZING GOD’S BLESSINGS

V:51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

54 He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful

55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,

even as he said to our fathers."

A. Once we start reflecting on the goodness of the Lord, we

     can see His grace and mercy from generations past down through

     Ages to us.

   1. A review of the history of God with His people brings great joy

       into our lives.

   2. When we realize that we are included in God’s plan of redemption

        we can see  His protection over our lives.

   3. When we reflect on the goodness of God, we can see what He did

       past generations, He did for us.

BEING THE HELPING HAND

V:56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son.

A. To help someone, you have to spend time with them.

    1. When we spend time helping others, God strengthen us to

         do what He purposed for our lives.

    2. Mary stayed with Elizabeth doing the critical time of her

        pregnancy,

    3. Mary made the 80 to 100 mile trip back to her home

        three months into her own pregnancy.

B. What she learn helping Elizabeth was helpful to her

     When Jesus was born.

   1. The encouragement Mary got from Elizabeth may have

       given her the resolve to endure the ministry of Jesus.

THANK GOD FOR BLESSING US TO BE HELPMATES

Rev. M .Mitchell

Asst Pastor Of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

5510 West Sam Houston Parkway North

Houston, Texas 77041

For more lessons, follow me on facebook

And visit my blogs: revmmitchell.com and

Goodnewsrevmitc.blogspot.com

   

       

     

This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "The Announcement Of The Birth Of Jesus", Luke 1:26-38. 12/1/2019

   

THE ANOUNCEMENT OF BIRTH OF JESUS

Luke 1:26-38

.

I. THE SELECTION OF A WILLING VESSEL

V:26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.

1. God chooses those He wants to serve Him.

2. God chose to bring His son into a loving and obedient family

3. The choice was according to His prophecy.  Isa 11:1-10

II. THE RIGHT TIME

A. What was the 6 month?

     1. The sixth month of the Syro  Macedonian calendar would have been

          around March 25 our time.

     2. If Mary conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit at this time, His birth date

         would have been near December 25^th our time.

III. THE ANOUNCEMENT

V:28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus

A. Jesus birth was according to the prophecies recorded in the Old

    Testament.

   1. The angel Gabriel gave Mary all she needed to know about Jesus.

   2. She was a virgin, but would conceive a son.    Isa 7:13

   3. The name Jesus is derived from the Hebrew word Yeshua which

        means rescue or deliver.

       It is where we get  the English  word Joshua..

   4. He will be called the Son of God.    Psalms 2 :1-12

   5. He will have the throne of David.    2  Sam 7:12

   6. He will have an everlasting throne   Daniel 7:13-14

   7. He will be a descendant Jacob’s sons. Gen 49:10

   8. He would appear in Galilee.   Isa 9:1-2

IV. A FAVORED POSITION.

 The Lord chose an obedient family to bring  

 A Jesus into the world

     In human flesh

   1. We are just vessels for God use.

   2. Any time God decides to use us, we are in a favored position

   3. When God decides to use us, He blesses us with the ability to

       accomplish His plan.

B To serve God you may have to believe the impossible.

    1. Up to Mary’s time, there had been no virgin births.

    2, To serve God you have to allow Him to use you in His way.

        a. To be come pregnant before marriage would be adultery

            because Mary was promised to Joseph.

    3. To serve God you have to trust His way.

    4. The virgin birth was God way so that Jesus would be born

        by His power and not human intervention.

    5. The virgin birth was required so that Jesus would be free of the   

        generations of sins of man.

 C. When serving God troubles us, He provides comfort.

     1. It is natural for us to fear the unknown.

         God has not given us the spirit of fear, but power, love and

         sound mind.   2 Timothy 1:7

     2. God places His spirit with in us which protects and provides for our   

         needs.

     3. It is the spirit of God that gives us an understanding of His Word.

V. THE POSITION AND AUTHORITY OF JESUS

V:32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

34 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

35 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God

A.  In order to listen to God, you have to humble yourself before Him.

    1. Mary had an obedient and willing spirit.

    2. She believed the Angel was from God and listened to him.

    3. How can you listen to a total stranger and believe his words are the

        truth?

    4. You have to believe that it is God that is talking to you and not your   

        flesh.

    5. How would you know?

    6. Maybe Mary’s life of obedience instilled in her the voice of God.

    7. The devil speaks lies and words of discouragement of to us,

    8, The Word of God will never contradict itself,

    9. You have to study the Bible for yourself to know the truth.

VI. LOOK AROUND AND SEE GOD’S MIRACLES

 A. If you look around you, you will see God’s miracles everyday.

    1. We are in the fall of the year,

    2. Leaves on trees that were green, turn brown and fall to the

        ground.

        a. How does a tree know the change in climate?

        b. Why are some trees and plants not affect by the weather change?

     3. If God can make the world out of nothing, why would he be limited by

         our lack of knowledge?

VII. GOD WILL ENLIGHTEN YOU TO HIS POWER

36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God."

   1. To enlighten us to His power, sometimes God will direct us to

      Specific miracles/

   2. Elizabeth, Mary’s relative was well past the child bearing age.

   3. Yet at time of announcement of Jesus, God pointed Mary to

        another one of His miracles.

    4. God used Elizabeth pregnancy to comfort Mary as she prepared herself

        for the miracle of a virgin birth.

    5. Nothing is impossible for God.

    6. Our lives in the hands of God can be the instruments of extraordinary

        events.

VIII. WHAT IT TAKES TO SERVE GOD

         A LESSON FROM MARY

V:38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

1. You have to believe that God exists in your life.

2. You have to love Him more than you love yourself.

3. You have to have your ears tuned to God at all times.

4. You have be willing to let God use you for His purposes

5. You have to know God’s Word for yourself.

6. You have to humble yourself before the Lord.

7. You need a willing and obedient spirit/

8. You have to be willing to be used by God when He calls you.

9. You have to believe that God’s way is the best way even if

    seems unreasonable to you.

10. You have to put your complete trust in God.

Why do you think doing Jesus 33 years of life, Mary did not reveal the

Virgin birth of Him to her other children?

Why do you think Mary never revealed to others that Jesus was the

 King of Kings?

    

Rev. M. MITCHELL

Asst Pastor Of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

5510 West Sam Houston Parkway North

Houston. Texas 77041