Message Notes

Names of the Nativity
Pastor Javon Ruff
12-20-20

Key Scripture:
Isaiah 9:1-9 :Ephesians 2:4; Matthew 28:18; Hebrews 12:28-29

Summary:
Isaiah had a prophetic vision of the nativity scene where he sees what will come out of that scene. What a powerful thought. This vision of hope came during a time of greatest darkness. Out of that great darkness came an amazing light---an amazing prophecy of hope. 

Key Points:

1. The Word of God has the power to bring you up and out of darkness. If you are looking for hope, look no further than the Word of God. One word from God for your life is all it takes to turn your situation around.
2. Things are not always going to be like they are right now. This may be a difficult season but Jesus has the ability to enter your gloom and bring you into the light.
3. God does some of His greatest work at night. Scripture is filled with stories of amazing miracles that took place in the dark of night. It may feel like darkness is all around, but so is the Presence of your God.
4. Christmas happened in the middle of great grief and sorrow. But out of that grief came a glory for all eternity. When Jesus comes into a situation he brings light into darkness. They just haven’t experienced the Light yet. 
5. God butts into your situations and brings you out. He will interrupt your seasons of wandering to return you to the place you belong. Be thankful for a God that does all He can to keep you from going down the wrong paths. 
6. God’s duty is us. God’s grace is ours for the taking. He doesn’t love us because we are good. He loves us because He is good and because of His grace. That’s His goodness and His grace. Grace is God moving toward us...not the other way around. 
7. He is the God of all comfort because He was fully man. He knows what it is like to experience betrayal, injustice, and even death. No matter what you are going through, He understands. He knows, and He is with you as your High Priest.
8. He came to save people FROM their sin. You don’t have to stay bound or addicted because Jesus saves you FROM sin---not in sin. There is only one solution to sin---a Savior. 
9. Your God is in control. No matter how crazy this world becomes, God is still in control. He still has you in the palm of His hand. 
10. There will be times of shaking. He is actively cleaning house in the church right now and it feels like a shaking---of all things. Only what is true and pure will last.
11. There is a name that is above every name. That name is Jesus. The name of Jesus is above every name and it is at the name of Jesus that every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. 
12. You’re not going to have to do what everyone else has to do to win. God is going to bless you. God will show you a plan, a solution, and answers others can’t see, because they are spiritually discerned. Your God will give you divine counsel that sets you apart and raises you up.
13. The battle is not yours---it belongs to the Lord. Stand still and watch God turn every situation for your good. He is your waymaker and your promise keeper. 
14. He is your everlasting Father. This speaks to His consistency in our lives. He is not just present from time to time---He is with you ALWAYS and in ALL things. 

Final Thoughts:
There is a name that is over everything you are facing today---that name is Jesus. That name brings salvation. That name is above Covid and every disease known to man. That name is the miraculous power of God. You will do what man cannot do when you call on that name. Call on the name of Jesus because He still does miracles today. 

He is our warrior and our mighty King---strong and mighty in battle. He fights for His people. You may feel like God has forgotten you---but He has not, He’s not just with you on the mountaintops and in the victories of life, He is with you in the valleys and the difficult times as well. If you are in the shadows of life then there must be a light present that reigns above the shadow because it’s the Son that shapes the shadows.

Peace is a person---and peace is a promise for those who give their lives to Christ. Peace comes internally and sustains when there is turmoil externally. If you need that Peace today simply call on the name of Jesus and surrender your life to Christ today.