Pastor Rick Jackson
“Now wait just a minute. Abraham lived 2000 years before the birth of Jesus- how could he be Father Christmas? He didn’t know anything about Jesus did he?”
Well, what did Jesus say about that in John 8? What did Paul say about it in Galatians 3 and 4? Turn to Galatians 3 and let us see:
I. The Christmas Gift of Abraham’s Salvation [Gal. 3:1-6]
1. Abraham was Saved by Faith [Gal. 3:1-6]
2. Abraham’s Faith was in the Lord Jesus [Gn. 15:1-6, Jn. 8:56-58]
3. Abraham’s Faith in Christ was the source of His Righteousness [Romans 4:1-3]
What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?
For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
II. The Christmas Gift of Gentile Salvation [Gal. 3:7-14]
1. Gentiles were Prophesied to be Saved the Same Way as Abraham [v. 7-8, Gn. 12:3]
2. Jesus was Prophesied to be Saviour by Dying on the Cross [v. 9-13]
3. Christmas was Prophesied to include Gentiles [v. 14, Luke 2:10]
III. The Christmas Gift of Jewish Salvation [Gal. 3:15-4:6]
1. God Promised Abraham & Christ Salvation by Faith [v. 15-18]
2. God‘s Purpose in the Law is to Point out the Need for Christ [v. 19-25]
3. God’s Prophesy of Salvation was Fulfilled at Christmas [3:36-4:6]
CONCLUSION:
Think of the other Christmas events & images in Abraham's life- miraculous births, stars, wise men, Egypt, tree/bush of sacrifice, the only begotten son, the shepherds... is there any reason to doubt that Abraham, whose name means "father of many nations" can be considered the first father Christmas?
No comments:
Post a Comment