New Birth/New Life
On December 25th, probably later in the afternoon, it comes. The gifts are opened. The dinner has been eaten. The guests have left. A whole month of build up, Hallmark Specials, carols and family, and now it's over. What's left is a return to the ordinary: clean-up, returns, battery replacements, and the normal work week. We've all felt this. But this is why the story of the birth of Jesus Christ is so special. God acted in human history. He sent his son, as an infant to be the King, the servant and the sacrifice we all needed. But beneath the celebration of what is past lies the potential of what is yet to come. If we see the birth of Christ for what it is, we won't leave the same. We won't go back to ordinary. We don't exchange the gift, the gift changes us. In the story of Christmas we see the promise of new birth and new life for all eternity.
Hebrews 1 and 2:5-9 shows the ways in which Jesus was distinct from those who came before him and calls us to consider what it looks like to be ruled by this kind of King.
Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-12, 2:5-9
Advent celebrates the transcendent God becoming immanent and intimate with his people. Hebrews 2:10-18 shows some of the attributes which Jesus shares with us, and us with him, in his incarnation.
Scripture: Hebrews 2:10-18
The author of Hebrews shows how Jesus bridges the gap between the old and the new, along with the gap between salvation and sanctification.
Scripture: Hebrews 10:1-25
Jesus warns his followers against covetousness and reveals how his kingdom satisfies the longings of our hearts better than any kingdom of comfort we could make. As part of our New Birth/New Life series we consider how the Gospel changes us to see the generosity of God and leads us to contentment in this life with a hope for eternity.
Scripture: Luke 12:15-34
Most Christians understand the power of the Gospel to justify by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ for their sins. But is this the extent Gospel’s work in our lives? 2 Corinthians 3:18 shows us that the Gospel not only justifies us but it also powerfully sanctifies us conforming to the image of Jesus Christ.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:18