Sermon – December 10, 2017
Introduction
Advent is not a word used in the Bible. Its origin goes back to the 12th Century and is an English word borrowed from the Latin adventus, meaning arrival, appearance. Churches have used the word to refer to the four Sundays before Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Christians on those Christmas as we all know has become big business and less about the birth of our Savior. We are bombarded with so much to do and so little time that even Christians need to be redirected to what is important, the Incarnation of God.
Last week we focused on the role of Prophecy, it highlights the nature of the gospel we believe and is reliable because it is an act of God and gives hope to those who have faith. This week we reflect on Faith. Not all that God’s Word says about faith because that would be a message series. Rather, we will look at the faith of Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father.
1. Faith is Joseph’s pattern of life.
Whatever we have faith in will be reflected in our life. We are all going to have faith in someone or something – that is trust – hope – belief – assurance. It might be a spouse, government, money, job, career, health, one’s self.
2. Faith is nurtured by the Word of God.
God’s great mercy delivers us from our fears, removes our doubts, so we can proceed in a life of faith by the leading of His Word.
3. In faith Joseph is obedient.
There is only one way Joseph or anyone else can respond in this manner – only by faith in God Almighty.
Conclusion:
God still has ways of making known His will . . . in doubtful cases, by hints of providence, our conscience, advice from faithful friends and always in His written Word. In great turning points in life, like what Joseph experienced – to living each day, by faith in God, trusting in Him, we live life because of a faithful God.
