Christmas on Location: Rome - 4 B.C. Home to the Powerful and CruelBy Bob Moeller
Luke 2:1-7
“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.” Luke 2:1
Who rules our world?
1. God sets up and takes down the people who control our lives.
• Daniel 4:32 “Seven times (years) will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes.”
“(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.” Luke 2:2-3
Who rules our world?
2. God directs the decisions that impact our lives.
Proverbs 21:1 “The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; (God) directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases.”
“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.” Luke 2:5
Who rules our world?
3. God chooses the time and place where our lives will be changed forever.
• Micah 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me One who will be Ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. "
“He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.” Luke 2:5
Who rules our world?
4. God controls the suffering others can impose on us.
• Acts 4:27-28 “Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.”
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7
Who rules our world?
5. What others use to hurt us God uses to save us.
• Genesis 50:20
"Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
Conclusion: Some very good reasons to be strong and courageous this Christmas season…
• No one can do anything to you until God gives them permission.
• If God gives them permission they now are serving Him like it or not…
• When God is finished so are they…
• In the end Heaven wins and so do we.
(Like a River Glorious)
Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.
Every joy or trial falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love;
We may trust Him fully all for us to do.
They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.
(Be Still My Soul)
Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend,
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake.
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know.
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord. When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
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