Dec 10 2023

I. Introduction

A. Recap of the Previous Sermon on God as a Promise Keeper

B. Mention of Promise Keepers movement and the concept of promises

C. Emphasis on God's attributes, specifically His faithfulness in keeping promises

II. The Nature of Human Promises

A. Reflecting on promises made by parents or guardians during childhood

B. Acknowledging that not everyone experiences reliable promises from authority figures

C. Contrasting human promises with God's promise-keeping nature

III. God's Promise to Abraham

A. Reading Genesis 12:1-3 as the foundational promise to Abraham

B. Analyzing the components of God's promise to Abraham

1. Separation from idolatry

2. A land to be shown

3. Making Abraham a great nation

4. Blessing Abraham and making his name great

5. Blessing those who bless Abraham and cursing those who dishonor him

6. Blessing all the families of the earth through Abraham

IV. God's Faithfulness in Fulfilling Promises

A. Examples from the lives of David and Joseph

1. David's anointing and eventual kingship

2. Joseph's dreams and rise to power in Egypt

B. Acknowledging that God's timing may not align with human expectations

C. Reiterating that God always keeps His word, even if delayed

V. Jesus as the Ultimate Fulfillment of God's Promise

A. Examining prophecies in Isaiah pointing to Jesus

B. Jesus declaring Himself as the fulfillment of Abraham's blessing (John 8:56)

C. Paul's teachings on Jesus being the blessing for all nations (Acts 3:25)

VI. The Gospel Message and Salvation

A. Paul's commitment to preaching the gospel to the Gentiles

B. The power of the gospel for salvation to all who believe

C. Expressing gratitude for the adoption of Gentiles into the family of God

VII. The Peace and Healing Offered Through Jesus

A. Highlighting the peace Jesus brings to believers

B. Reflecting on the spiritual healing provided by Jesus

C. Encouraging a life of faith, testimony, love, obedience, and repentance

VIII. Conclusion

A. Celebrating Christmas as a reminder of God's greatest promise – Jesus

B. Encouraging gratitude for God's faithfulness and the blessing of salvation

C. Ending with a prayer of thanksgiving and a call to stay connected for announcements