Portfolious

Matthew 2:1-12

Who were these “magi” — these wise men?  They weren’t kings, they weren’t from the Orient, and we don’t know that there were three of them!  Most Bible scholars tell us that they were Persian astrologers (those seeking direction from that stars, rather than from the One who made the stars.)  According to the Old Testament, astrologers were accursed.  But we have already seen that Christ didn’t come to the ones who already had it all together!

I.  They were seekers — verses 1,2,8

We don’t know what prompted them to follow this star — we don’t need to.  Why do some people wait for the bottom to drop out of their lives before they will seek God?  The Bible says that “today is the day of salvation” — if you’re not ready to accept Christ, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?  We’re not guaranteed a tomorrow, nor are we guaranteed that the Holy Spirit will even draw us to Christ tomorrow (this is necessary for salvation).  Besides, Jesus came to give abundant life — why dwell in sin and despair?

II.  The were worshippers — verses 10,11

In attitude — “they were overjoyed” — their emotions were touched, because they found what they were looking for — in a child!

In action — “they bowed down” — true worship proceeds from the heart to the hands!

In actuality — “presented him with gifts” — this is where the rubber meets the road.  Many sermons have been preached on the significance of the gifts, but it still remains that a 2-year old little boy doesn’t need gold, incence or myrrh!  These gifts are important because they represent the best these men had to offer.  Guess what?  Jesus doesn’t need your gifts, either — he doesn’t need your time, your talent or your treasure, but we offer Him our BEST, and that is what pleases His heart!

III.  They were changed — verse 12

They “went home a different way” — never the same again!  In my favorite gospel account of the woman caught in the act of adultery, Jesus indeed forgave the woman, but then He told her something very important:  “Don’t do it again!”  He says to us the same:  “Go and sin no more.”  Now that we have seen Him, let Him change us.

So, friends, don’t be foolish — be wise!  Seek Jesus — you’ll find Him!  Worship Him — you’ll experience Him!  Allow Him to change you!

Beginning Wednesday night, December 10, Royal Rangers Boys Ministries will be moving to the Fischer Building, 205 F Street, in Phillipsburg.  Royal Rangers has been meeting at the Community Building since its inception in September of 2007. The move is being made in an effort to find more up-to-date and efficient heating.  The church bus will continue to run its normal route, and will drop the boys off and pick them up at the Fischer Building each week.

In a related story, the adult Bible Study is moving to the church auditorium also beginning Wednesday, December 10.  This had been a home Bible study during the school year, but is now being moved back to the church, to accommodate any adult who would like to join us.

Rock Solid Youth Ministries will continue to meet in the gym at the Community Building, and Mpact Girls Ministries will continue to meet at the church.

Luke 2:8-20

The shepherds were not the elite of society, but were young, poor, not respectable, etc.  Did you ever wonder why the shepherds were the very first in the world to hear the good news that Jesus had come?  First, this is who Jesus came for  — He didn’t come primarily for prophets, priests and kings — he came for those who had nothing!  Second, it was the shepherds that Jesus identified with, for as an adult, He would call himself the “Great Shepherd”.  Let’s look at these young men today.

I.  They Went! — verses 15,16

They overcame the great fear that had gripped them, to obey.  Some people today are kept from obedience to God because of fear.  They obeyed without analysis; they didn’t stop to consider the possible negative ramifications of their actions — they simply obeyed.  They obeyed without delay; their was no hesitation on their part.  Finally, they obeyed without regard to economic circumstances.  This is what God is looking for — obedience.  The Scripture declares that “to obey is better than sacrifice”.

II.  They Witnessed! — verses 17,18

“When they had seen him, the spread the word” — an encounter with Jesus will change you!

“All who heard it were amazed” — why?  What’s so amazing about a baby?  There was nothing about this baby that would attract attention; it was the message that was amazing!  And, it’s still amazing today to think that GOD, the Creator of the heavens and earth, would become one of us in order to save us!

III.  They Worshipped!  – verse 20

Seeing Jesus will cause you to worship!  They glorified God, meaning they magnified Him.  To magnify is to make bigger.  Now, we can’t make God bigger than what He already is, but much of the time we spend magnifying our problems, making them bigger in our perception than God Himself.  Stop magnifying your problems, and start magnifying Jesus!  They praised God, giving verbal expressions of love.  We need to get in the habit of verbally expressing our love to Him.

God is calling you and me, all shepherds, to obey, to witness and to worship!