December 18, 2022
Tale of Two Kings
- Andy Lynch
Sermon Notes
"Julius Caesar received an unprecedented four triumphs, city-wide parties that were the highest honor a military commander could receive." – National Geographic
Luke 2:1-3 NIV
"In those days, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register."
"He brought long-lasting peace and prosperity to the Roman world. He is considered one of the great administrative geniuses of history and carried out the enormous work of reorganizing the empire after decades of dictatorships and civil wars. He transformed the dying Roman Republic into an enduring, stable empire, beginning the period of tranquility known as the Pax Romana, or Roman Peace." – Encyclopedia Britannica
"If Jesus is King, why does the Emperor look so sovereign?" – Shane Wood, Professor at Ozark Christian College
No matter how things may look, God is still in control.
Luke 2:4 NIV
"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."
Micah 5:2 NIV
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times."
Psalm 45:6 NIV
"Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
A scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom."
Luke 2: 5-7 NIV
"He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no guest room available for them."
Luke 2: 8-14 NIV
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them,
'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'
Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'"
Luke 2:14 NIV
"Glory in the highest places to God, and upon earth peace in men of good will."
"Glory: high renown or honor won by notable achievements and magnificence or great beauty." – Oxford Dictionary
Luke 2:9 NIV
"An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified."
Psalm 19:1-4 NIV
"The heavens are telling of the glory of God, and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands; day to day pours forth speech, and night to night reveals knowledge."
Luke 2:14 NIV
"Glory in the highest places to God, and upon earth peace in men of good will."
Luke 2:17-18 NIV
"When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them."
Christmas is about going.
Who occupies your first thought each day and your last thought each night?
"Worship, by definition, is all that you are. It's everything that you do; it's what you believe and what you pledge allegiance to. Who is it that you belong to?" – Shane Wood, Professor at Ozark Christian College
Will you Make Room for Jesus, the newborn King?