The Joy of Knowing God’s Got a Plan
Sermon 3: The Joy of Knowing God’s Got a Plan (Isa. 9:1-7)
Although Christmas is stressful, it can also be joyful. You just need to know where to look.
Key Question:
Can I trust God, when I don’t understand all that He’s doing?
Consider the Prophecies Concerning Jesus’ Birth and Life
Jesus’ Place of Birth
· Old Testament Prophecy – Micah 5:2
· New Testament Fulfillment – Matthew 2:1
· Time difference 730 Years
Jesus’ Forerunner, John the Baptist
· Old Testament Prophecy – Malachi 3:1
· New Testament Fulfillment – Mark 1:1-3
· Time Difference 450 Years
Jesus’ Betrayal by for 30 Pieces of Silver
· Old Testament Prophecy – Zach 11:12
· New Testament Fulfillment – Matthew 26:14-16
· Time Difference 520 Years
Jesus’ Arrival into Jerusalem on a Donkey
· Old Testament Prophecy – Zach 9:9
· New Testament Fulfillment – Matthew 21:4
· Time Difference 520 Years
Consider the Analysis of Peter Stoner’s (Chair of Mathematics at Pasadena College):
· For 8 specific prophecies, the probability that one person would fulfill them is high as 1 in 10^17 (one in one hundred quadrillion).
· To illustrate- this would be like covering the entire state of Texas two feet deep in silver dollars, marking one, and asking a blindfolded person to pick the right one.
· Expanding the scope to 48 prophecies, the probability becomes 1 in 10^157, a number so astronomically large it defies comprehension.
If God can be trusted with Global history, then why don’t you trust him with your personal history?
Christmas reminds us that though our world seems to be spinning out of control the world is still safely under God’s control.
1. God has a plan.
The Nation of Israel in 739 B.C.
· They had a small, wealthy ruling class
· They consistently oppressed the poor
· They had deeply forsaken God, the Law and the Sabbath
2. God can finish His plan (Isa. 9:2-7).
a. God is capable because He is one who:
i. God grants wisdom to those who will listen to him
ii. God is mighty hero that rescues
iii. God is a forever Father
iv. God grants peace to those who are his children
Here’s the Joy
God has a plan for the world. God has a plan for your world