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Good Shepherd Community Chapel Sermon by Jerry Johnson, Sunday, December 11, 2005 Scripture quotes are from the English Standard Version. “ESV” is the abbreviation for English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. On That Center of the Universe Night Isaiah 9:1-7 (ESV) 1 ¶ But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Who is it in that feeding trough? Colossians 1:15-20 (ESV) 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities––all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross… …Jesus Christ He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End! He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all! He is the Architect of the universe And The Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be... Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!
He was bruised and brought healing! He was pierced and eased pain! He was persecuted and brought freedom! He was dead and brought life! He is risen and brings power! He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can't understand him, The armies can't defeat Him, The schools can't explain Him, And the leaders can't ignore Him. Herod couldn't kill Him, The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, And the people couldn't hold Him! Roman emperors couldn't crush Him, Hitler couldn't silence Him, Witchcraft and sorcery can't replace Him, And media magnates can't explain Him away!
He is Light, Love, and Lord. He is Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and Mercy. He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.
His ways are right, His Word is eternal, His will is unchanging, And…His mind is on me.
He is my Redeemer, He is my Savior, He is my guide, He is my Peace! He is my Joy, He is my Comfort, He is my Lord, And He rules my life!
I serve Him because His bond is love, His burden is light, And His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise, The power of the powerful, The ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, The leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomers, And the sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.
He will never leave me, Never forsake me, Never mislead me, Never forget me, Never overlook me, And never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!
When I fall, He lifts me up! When I fail, He forgives! When I am weak, He is strong! When I am lost, He is the way! When I am empty of love, He gives me love! When I am afraid, He is my courage! When I stumble, He steadies me! When I am hurt, He heals me! When I am broken, He mends me! When I am blind, He leads me! When I am hungry, He feeds me! When I face trials, He is with me! When I face persecution, He shields me! When I face problems, He comforts me! When I face loss, He provides for me! When I face Death, He carries me Home! He is everything good for everybody, everywhere, Every time, And…Every way. He is faithful.
And if all this seems impressive to you, try this on for size: His goal is a relationship with YOU and ME!
I am His, and He is mine!
He is… God the only begotten Son, One with God the Father, and One with God the Holy Spirit.
My Master in heaven can whip the little lord of this world.
So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this... He said it in His written Word and Sealed it in my own heart with His Holy Spirit and That settles it…I am One with Him!!! and One with all who likewise know Him in their heart!!!
Jesus is in control, I am on His side, and That means all is well with my soul.
Everyday is a blessing for Jesus Christ Is!
For God loved the World in this manner: He wrapped His majestic, supreme, perfect, eternal, Only Begotten Son In human flesh and sent Him to Earth To be His perfect expression of Who He Is And pay the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the World, That whosoever Believes and keeps on believing in Him Shall not perish, But Have Everlasting Life!
We can Believe it! We can KNOW IT!!!
Author unknown, edited by Jerry Johnson
The Heavenly Father, looking down over the portals of Heaven on the scene unfolding in the stable, knew all of this!!!
● When that little pregnant virgin finally ended the hard journey over 70 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem, ● When her labor had ceased and she was delivered from the the uncertainties and the mysteries of carrying a child conceived in her womb by the power of God, ● When all the speculations and doubts and fears of what the Baby would be like were answered in His appearing… …what emotions wafted through His infinite Heart as the little, vulnerable Christ-babe was laid in an animal feeding trough?...
On That Center of the Universe Night Our Father, which art in Heaven: What joy? did you feel stirring, competing in your chest when the little virgin girl finally found her rest on that center of the universe night when the hay trough beamed with Eternal Light and angels sang "Peace!" to shepherds
watching Could a Heavenly Father feel joy in the birth Did intense passions swirl in this Father's chest Can we compare the Father's tears to rain
Copyright ©, 2001, 2005 by Gerald T. Johnson. All rights reserved. Please, if you so desire, share this with family, friends and church.12/11/05 |