Scriptures: Isa.7:14; Matt.1:18-25
Greetings “Fan”-tastic Passengers,
As a result of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, on that first Christmas, you and I can be saved from our sins and confidently, enjoy the presence of, “Immanuel” God with us. The names of “Jesus” and “Immanuel,” both hold a distinctive importance towards Christmas. When the angel of the Lord told Joseph that Mary, his espoused wife, would have a son, conceived of the Holy Ghost, He also instructed him to name the child “Jesus” (Matt.1:21). Simultaneously, while he announced the name of the child to Joseph, the angel, also announced that the birth of Jesus, would fulfill one of Isaiah’s prophecy, which was given some seven hundred years before Christ, which says: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isa. 7:14).
The Name of Jesus
The name “Jesus” is a translation of the Old Testament Hebrew word Joshua, which means, “The Lord is salvation.” Consequently, when the angel said to Joseph: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins” he was pointing to the significance of that first Christmas, when God provided the solution for the sin of the entire human race, past, present, and future (Matt.1:21). Hallelujah!
The Name Immanuel
That which the angel spoke to Joseph, was a fulfillment to one of Isaiah’s prophecy, as previously mentioned. This prophecy was a word of hope and encouragement to nation of Judah, as she faced a great crisis, where they were overwhelmingly attacked by the Assyrians. Subsequently, the prophet’s timely message, was an indication of what God was about to do then, on Judah’s behalf, as well as what would ultimately be fulfilled in the Messiah’s advent.
The name “Immanuel,” therefore, was God’s way of assuring the Old Testament saints that He was with them in every circumstance of their lives. Ultimately, it is the wonderful promises, which are embedded in these two names, “Jesus,” the pardoner of our sins and “Immanuel,” God’s divine presence within us, to help and guide every moment of our lives, which are the foundation for every aspect of the life of the born-again believer.
The Purpose of the Incarnation
I cannot begin to fathom what the fate of mankind would be today, had it not been for the incarnation. Apart from the birth of God in human flesh, at Christmas, everyone in the human race, would have to stand before God, with our debt load of sins, which in its venomous effect, totally separates us from Him (Isa.59:2). Nevertheless, thanks be to God Almighty, for sending forth, the gift of His Son Jesus Christ, to save His people from their sins. According to Scripture, the punishment for sin is death (Rom.6:23). Furthermore, Scripture in Deuteronomy, also tells us that, it is an abomination to offer sacrifices unto God: “…wherein is blemish, or any evilfavouredness…” (Deut.17:1b). Notwithstanding, because of His absolute perfection: “…with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God” Jesus Christ, is the only one who could save mankind, by sacrificially offering Himself, on the altar of the Cross, as a payment to God, for our sin debt (John 10:11, 15; 1 Pet.1:19-21)
God’s Presence with Mankind
In addition, in the plan of God, He also meant for us never to be alone in this present, evil world. Therefore, Jesus Christ was sent forth, to be with His people, as “Immanuel” which means “God with us.” He was the incarnate Deity, who physically came from Heaven and lived and walked among mankind, in order to show us what God, our heavenly Father is like. Awesome God!
God’s Presence with His People in the Old Testament
In the dark moments of life, “Immanuel,” which means, “God with us,” is the firm and great hope of the human soul. Scripture in Isaiah 8:8 tells us of a very dark time, in the history of the southern tribe of Israel, called, Judah. During this season of obscurity, in the nation’s existence, the entire country was, shockingly overwhelmed, by the fierce armies of the Assyrians, even as when a land, is submerged beneath a flood. Here, the Scripture says: “And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.”
God’s Presence with His People in the New Testament
In light of God’s promise of redemption and His presence with His people, the born-again believer should walk in courage and confidence, knowing that, God is with them and will be with them, even until the end of the world. Consequently, the Apostle Paul rhetorically asked this question: “…If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom.8:31, 38-39; Heb.13:5). In order to walk in the courage and confidence of the Lord, you must first know that:
You are God’s Possession
The Holy Spirit
Have a Merry Christmas!
Stay strong! Stay encouraged!
Many thanks for your continued support, in purchasing my music. If you have already purchased yours, you may also wish to consider purchasing music to bless the life of someone else. Joy Creed album/s or track/s, may be purchased at any of the following:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/joycreed
www.joycreed.com/audiocd
https://www.reverbnation.com/joycreed
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/yadah-single/id52179152
Your Conductor,
Joy
©Creed's Melody
'Positive Message: Diverse Cultures'
Website: http://www.joycreed.com
Blog: (http://joycreed.blogspot.ca/)
Facebook: http://facebook.com/joy.creed
Twitter: http://twitter.com/joycreedmusic
Youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiN68R6Qo5g
ReverbNation: http://reverbnation.com/joycreed
©2014 Creed’s Melody, All Rights Reserved. www.joycreed.com
Greetings “Fan”-tastic Passengers,
As a result of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, on that first Christmas, you and I can be saved from our sins and confidently, enjoy the presence of, “Immanuel” God with us. The names of “Jesus” and “Immanuel,” both hold a distinctive importance towards Christmas. When the angel of the Lord told Joseph that Mary, his espoused wife, would have a son, conceived of the Holy Ghost, He also instructed him to name the child “Jesus” (Matt.1:21). Simultaneously, while he announced the name of the child to Joseph, the angel, also announced that the birth of Jesus, would fulfill one of Isaiah’s prophecy, which was given some seven hundred years before Christ, which says: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isa. 7:14).
The Name of Jesus
The name “Jesus” is a translation of the Old Testament Hebrew word Joshua, which means, “The Lord is salvation.” Consequently, when the angel said to Joseph: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins” he was pointing to the significance of that first Christmas, when God provided the solution for the sin of the entire human race, past, present, and future (Matt.1:21). Hallelujah!
The Name Immanuel
That which the angel spoke to Joseph, was a fulfillment to one of Isaiah’s prophecy, as previously mentioned. This prophecy was a word of hope and encouragement to nation of Judah, as she faced a great crisis, where they were overwhelmingly attacked by the Assyrians. Subsequently, the prophet’s timely message, was an indication of what God was about to do then, on Judah’s behalf, as well as what would ultimately be fulfilled in the Messiah’s advent.
The name “Immanuel,” therefore, was God’s way of assuring the Old Testament saints that He was with them in every circumstance of their lives. Ultimately, it is the wonderful promises, which are embedded in these two names, “Jesus,” the pardoner of our sins and “Immanuel,” God’s divine presence within us, to help and guide every moment of our lives, which are the foundation for every aspect of the life of the born-again believer.
The Purpose of the Incarnation
I cannot begin to fathom what the fate of mankind would be today, had it not been for the incarnation. Apart from the birth of God in human flesh, at Christmas, everyone in the human race, would have to stand before God, with our debt load of sins, which in its venomous effect, totally separates us from Him (Isa.59:2). Nevertheless, thanks be to God Almighty, for sending forth, the gift of His Son Jesus Christ, to save His people from their sins. According to Scripture, the punishment for sin is death (Rom.6:23). Furthermore, Scripture in Deuteronomy, also tells us that, it is an abomination to offer sacrifices unto God: “…wherein is blemish, or any evilfavouredness…” (Deut.17:1b). Notwithstanding, because of His absolute perfection: “…with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God” Jesus Christ, is the only one who could save mankind, by sacrificially offering Himself, on the altar of the Cross, as a payment to God, for our sin debt (John 10:11, 15; 1 Pet.1:19-21)
God’s Presence with Mankind
In addition, in the plan of God, He also meant for us never to be alone in this present, evil world. Therefore, Jesus Christ was sent forth, to be with His people, as “Immanuel” which means “God with us.” He was the incarnate Deity, who physically came from Heaven and lived and walked among mankind, in order to show us what God, our heavenly Father is like. Awesome God!
God’s Presence with His People in the Old Testament
In the dark moments of life, “Immanuel,” which means, “God with us,” is the firm and great hope of the human soul. Scripture in Isaiah 8:8 tells us of a very dark time, in the history of the southern tribe of Israel, called, Judah. During this season of obscurity, in the nation’s existence, the entire country was, shockingly overwhelmed, by the fierce armies of the Assyrians, even as when a land, is submerged beneath a flood. Here, the Scripture says: “And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.”
- Because the nation of Judah is the possession of “Immanuel”that is, the faithful God who is with His people, therefore, as God allowed her to, temporarily pass through the darkest valley, He would, show her mercy and favour; while not allowing the claw of the oppressor, to totally destroy her (Gen.39:1-2, 21: Isa.8:8b)
- Judah’s hope rested in the Word of God, which tells us that: like a high spring-tide, or a barrage of land-flood, which forcefully threatens to bear down on all that is before them, without control; even so, when the enemy of God’s people, tries to overwhelm their souls with fierce adversities, by some secret undiscerned, extraordinary and supernatural power, by so doing,
- God saw the need among humanity, for a, “standard” to be lifted up, in their lives, against sin and oppression, therefore, He sent “Immanuel” at Christmas, to be with them forever
- There are two things which you should observe about the “standard” that the Spirit of the LORD lifts up on behalf of His people, against the enemy.Firstly, you must know that:
- The LORD laughs in derision at the error of the heathen: According to Meriam-Webster’s, dictionary, derision is defined as: “the emotion that is expressed, when someone laughs at a person or something, in an insulting manner.” Hence, one who is in derision, is in a state of being laughed at. Consequently, Scripture tells us that, when, “…the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing and the kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed…to…break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us” God’s response – Scripture says: “He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision” (Psa.2:1-5). Ultimately, persecution by any oppressor against God’s faithful servants, is in essence, persecution against God (Acts 9:4). Therefore, the Almighty God, who sits on His throne, in the Heavens, laughs at the feeble and foolish efforts of mankind, who is dependent on God for the very breath, which is in his nostrils, and who oppress or persecute, those who faithfully serve Him (Isa.2:22). Subsequently, Almighty God, sees the oppressor’s, error and laughs at him in derision, as he and others along with him, are like a company of foolish people, in their futile efforts, of fighting against God and His Church. Glory be to God!
-
The LORD is a Man of War – In speaking of the Exodus from Egyptian slavery, Moses wrote: “Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea” (Exod.15:3-4). One must know, however, that, fighting against God and His people, can result in fatality to the oppressor. Here, in these passages of Scripture, through the eyes of faith, we witness, the amazing miracle, which occurred, of how: “…the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground,” after which, they celebrated Yahweh, their Divine Warrior’s majestic power (Exod.14:22; Psa.106:9; Heb.11:29). Consequently, their oppressor, who tried to, overwhelm them, as with a flood, were themselves, overcome by the mighty flood of the Red Sea. This victory occurred, as a result of the LORD, who fought on their behalf, by drowning in the waters of the Red Sea, Pharaoh’s chosen captains of his army, who tried to pursue the Israelites, so that he might bring them back into Egyptian oppression, slavery and bondage. This tells us that the LORD God, He is with us and He also fights on the behalf of His people, in every adverse situation of life
- Therefore, even though the nation of Judah was brutally oppressed by the Assyrians, yet her only hope of deliverance, was hidden in the fact that, her land, first of all, was the valuable possession of “Immanuel,” who was with her and fighting for her.Therefore, no magnitude of Assyrian oppression, could establish dominion over Judah forever. Consequently, in spite of all the enemy’s effort to oppress and overthrow Judah, the land, according to Scripture, was still: “…thy land, O Immanuel” (Psa.24:1-2; Isa.8:8b)
- Consequently, Isaiah prophesied of the Deliverer, and said that: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isa.7:14)
- Therefore, when the, “…fullness of the time was come…” for God to, “…sent forth His Son…” to save humanity from the oppression of their sins, the angel of the LORD confirmed God’s plan to Joseph, as he also said: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” The Scripture also continued to say: “Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying: “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matt.1:18-25; Gal.4:4). Thank you Father!
God’s Presence with His People in the New Testament
In light of God’s promise of redemption and His presence with His people, the born-again believer should walk in courage and confidence, knowing that, God is with them and will be with them, even until the end of the world. Consequently, the Apostle Paul rhetorically asked this question: “…If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom.8:31, 38-39; Heb.13:5). In order to walk in the courage and confidence of the Lord, you must first know that:
You are God’s Possession
- For the born-again believer, whenever you are oppressed by the enemy, in the dark moments of your life, you must remember and be confident in the fact that, you have been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus, therefore, you belong to God, the sovereign King of all the earth (1 Pet.1:18-21)
- While you were enslaved in sin, Satan had set his mark upon you, in order that all of your lifetime, you might be,” subject to bondage” and be his branded slave (Heb.2:15)
- Nevertheless, deliverance came to you, at the Cross, when, God the Father, drew you by His Holy Spirit and “gave” you to His Son, Jesus Christ, as you placed your faith in the atoning blood of the Lamb of God (John 6:37; 17:1-2)
- At that moment, a change of ownership transpired, when the Lord Jesus Christ, your “Immanuel” who, “through the blood of the everlasting covenant” now redeemed and claimed you for His own (Matt.1:21, 23; Eph.1:7; Col.1:12-17; Heb.13:20b)
- Therefore, Satan, now has no legal right to you, since the Lord Jesus Christ, has fulfilled the purpose for which He came to earth, which was to:“… save his people from their sins”“…give His life a ransom for many“ , by His atonement, the Lord Jesus Christ, has delivered you:“… from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Col.1:13b).He is now with you in the person of:
The Holy Spirit
- During His earthly ministry, Jesus was always with His disciples and was their very present help in any trouble.Nevertheless, prior to His ascension, He promised them that, the Holy Spirit would take over the role of being with them forever. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you”
- Consequently, Jesus also said:“…the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you”
- Also, before His ascension, Jesus commissioned the disciples to: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” Matt.28:19-20)
- His promise to every born-again believer today and in every generation, is that, He:“…will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb.13:5)
- Moreover, as He was with the Old Testament saints and fought on their behalf, in the battles of life, even so, the Lord God, is with His people, the Church, in the New Testament and by His Holy Spirit, will lift up a, “standard” on behalf of His Church, against their enemies (Acts 9)
- For example, God stopped Saul of Tarsus, who was one of the worst of the Early Church’s persecutors, while he was on the road to Damascus, to oppress and afflict the believers.Thankfully, the risen Lord Jesus Christ, confronted him; and with a gentle reproof, He said to Saul:“…it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks” (Acts 9:5).The Lord Jesus Christ was saying to Saul that - It is in itself an absurd and evil thing, which brings with it, fatal consequences, for him to rebel against God’s truths and laws, persecute and oppose his ministers, all because of them preaching the gospel, which pierced and awakened his conscience
- Ultimately, because we know that, as Jesus’ disciples, we have the Sovereign God with us, within us; and working for us, in the person of His Holy Spirit, therefore, in every circumstance of life, we can be confident, knowing that, no matter what happens, He will “…lift up a standard against the enemy,” even as He did for the Old Testament saints and overthrow our enemies and cause, all things to work to our advantage (Rom.8:28; Heb.13:5)
Have a Merry Christmas!
Stay strong! Stay encouraged!
Many thanks for your continued support, in purchasing my music. If you have already purchased yours, you may also wish to consider purchasing music to bless the life of someone else. Joy Creed album/s or track/s, may be purchased at any of the following:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/joycreed
www.joycreed.com/audiocd
https://www.reverbnation.com/joycreed
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/yadah-single/id52179152
Your Conductor,
Joy
©Creed's Melody
'Positive Message: Diverse Cultures'
Website: http://www.joycreed.com
Blog: (http://joycreed.blogspot.ca/)
Facebook: http://facebook.com/joy.creed
Twitter: http://twitter.com/joycreedmusic
Youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiN68R6Qo5g
ReverbNation: http://reverbnation.com/joycreed
©2014 Creed’s Melody, All Rights Reserved. www.joycreed.com