Message Notes

(I) THE CHALLENGE TO COMPREHEND GOD’S PLAN OF REDEMPTION

(WHERE IT ALL BEGINS)

“For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given…” Isaiah 9:6a

1. God’s plan for the redemption of mankind began with the birth of little Child

2. God’s plan hidden to most

a) At birth

i) Only the very wise can comprehend and recognise the true identity of this Child

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, Saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:1-2

ii) Only the humble and faithful will rejoice in this great truth revealed to them

“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night,
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:8-11

b) In adulthood

i) Rank unbelief (Individuals)

“And Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?…” John 1:46

ii) Rejection (Masses)

“From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.” John 6:66

c) At death and resurrection

i) The testimony of having seen the Risen Saviour Rejected

“And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them” Luke 24:11

ii) Slowness of heart to believe

“Then He said to them, ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!” Luke 24:25

(II) THE CHALLENGE TO BELIEVE IN GOD’S FULL PLAN OF REDEMPTION

(WHERE IT WILL ALL LEAD TO)

“…And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end…” Isaiah 9:6-7

1. The Establishment of the Kingdom of God

“And the government will be upon His shoulder…
Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end…” Isaiah 9:6-7

“Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God.” Mark 1:14

2. The Ruler of the Kingdom of God

a) His Divine Nature

b) His Infinite Wisdom

c) His glorious power and majesty

(III) THE CERTAINTY OF THE FULFILMENT OF SCRIPTURAL PROPHECY

“Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:7

1. Monumental task

To order and establish the Kingdom with judgment and justice

2. Mega-Power of the Lord

The zeal of the LORD of hosts will guarantee that this prophetic word will be accomplished!

3. Major attempt to comprehend the Scriptures

“Then He said to them,
‘These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.’ ” Luke 24:44

4. Magnificently Renewed Faith

“And they worshipped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.” Luke 24:52-53