SM121202/Christmas:The Prequil

Harvest messages are brought to you by harvest partners to receive free email daily devotions or to become a harvest partners, please visit us online@harvest.org all right, let's drive our Bibles. Let's turn to Luke chapter 1. The title of my messages Christmas the prequel.

Luke one. You take a break from our series in Revelation 4, the month of December as we explore in depth the Christmas story together and I'm not really looking forward to. Let's pray father now as we open your word and look at the greatest story ever told. Give us ears to hear may be the story in a new way.

Give us eyes to see it in a way like we've never seen it before. Most of all, Lord, give us greater appreciation for all that it means to us. Speak to us, or your word. We would ask now in Jesus name, amen woman you heard the big news recently that Disney has purchased the Star Wars franchise. How many of you seen the Star Wars films out there while you know I've seen all the films I think were there 67 now altogether and I met when the first three came out the first one of course was called Star Wars. And then after that the Empire strikes back in. Finally, the return of the Jedi in so I remember going to see.

I think it was the Empire strikes back which one was it when it was revealed that Darth Vader was Luke's father was at the second one I just remember standing in line at the theater, not knowing the plot line and some joker would just come out of the earlier showing yelled out Darth Vader is Luke's father were like now you know wilderness in years past and Lucas decided to do three more films but, in a prequel form.

In other words, using Luke Skywalker come from where did Obi-Wan Kenobi come from how to Darth Vader go over to the dark side, so he had these prequel films and there was a lot of excitement about seeing how this story would change perhaps a little bit and all I know is they lost me with a character called Jar Jar Binks Akkadian memory yet.

I hated that character. In fact, I did like the prequel that all and so I'm glad that they picked this franchise up and will find out what's going to happen. Do on solo and Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia in all the rest of them, but the a lot of times prequels are not as good as the main story when I bring that up because here in Luke chapter 1, we have the prequel we have this story before the story.

The main story is the annunciation to Mary that she's going to bear a child and call his name Jesus. And then the child being born in the manger in Bethlehem and then the wise men coming to visit him later in the shepherds keeping watch over their flock by night coming to the manger and all that so that's the big story this is the prequel and it's every bit as good as the main story organa follow what Luke has to say about the Christmas story through the month of December. Now here's what's unique about the gospel of Luke from the other Gospels. Luke was not one of the disciples of our Lord. Another words, he was not an eyewitness of the events that are recorded in his gospel as Matthew and John were in many believe that Mark was actually dictated by Simon Peter. So in contrast to the other Gospels. It was it desirable to bring a record of the life of Jesus that would be understandable to those who are outside of the Jewish faith and culture so with the educated skill and attention to detail of a doctor as well as a heart and artistry of a poet.

Luke gives us a life of Jesus by his remarks are addressed to amending Theophilus. We don't know a lot about Theophilus but his name actually means lover of God, so presumably he was a believer and it appears that Theophilus may have been wealthy and underwrote this project. In other words, he funded Luke's research so Lou could go out and get the records in the conversations and interviews with those that were actually a part of the original story about Luke writes in a loop. Luke one verse three and four. It seemed good to me.

Also, having her perfect Internet understanding of all things. From the first to write you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of the things in which you were instructed in using the word certainty Luke rightly believe that the proper telling of the story of Jesus would produce belief in its truth.

Luke fell if he could get this data all pulled together it would result in a person believing and often people reject the message of Christ without even looking into it. You know you last people of their personal say no have you ever read the Bible, though saying no and if they say yes and you press them.

The real answer is still no they haven't met a gospel from beginning to end. They really don't even know what it is they're rejecting but somehow they say I rejected salute to St. I want to put this orderly account together so you can know that your faith is built on a sure foundation to because there were false stories going around about the birth of Jesus in his life and ministry. I don't know if he had tabloids and their supermarkets in those days, but there were myths and legends floating around so Luke want to set the record straight and give us an accurate presentation of who Jesus was a let's start now in Luke chapter 1 McKenna reverses 5 to 17. Let's read together, there was in the days of Herod the king of Judah, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of obliged.

His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

There were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless, but they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years, and so it was while he was serving his brief before God in the order of his division according to the custom of the priesthood is logical to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord of the whole multitude of the people were praying outside of the our of incense, then an angel of the Lord appeared before him standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

When Zechariah saw me was trouble and fear fell upon. But the angel said to them, do not be afraid, Zacharias. Your prayer is heard and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John and you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink will be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.

He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

There, because Luke right so beautifully and poetically arts are easy to read this and not understand what he was saying exactly the people of this culture would get her right away but to help us out.

Let's understand what Luke meant when he writes in verse five in the days of Herod, that would be like saying in Germany in the days of Hitler are in China in the days of mousy time or in Iraq in the days of Saddam Hussein immediately to give me contact and what I understand this. All those were dark days. Those were wicked days.

But that's exactly what was happening here.

These were very dark days for Israel almost as difficult as the days of their bondage in Egypt under Pharaoh king Herod was in charge had been placed there by the Roman government.

He was there puppet and Caesar gave to Garrett the title King of the Jews and so he ruled over them and he was known for his paranoia and for his jealousy.

So much so that according to history. We know that Herod murdered his wife.

Her brother, her mother and several of his own son. It was King Herod to give the decree that all those baby boys would be murdered and that the him as well. I don't know if this was a saner song of the day, but there this one around and it went as follows. Better to be one of Herod's pigs and a member of his family. You see, so that was the backdrop of the story that were reading out in the days of Herod, and to make matters worse, the people of Israel had not heard from God or for hundred years for hundred years there not been a single profit, not a single miracle, not a single angelic appearance, just silence from heaven salutes narrative finds Israel in the midst of a long night of spiritual darkness, going back to her beginning with the call of Abraham, the father of the nation to 400 years of slaves in Egypt to 40 years of wilderness wanderings to the occupation of the land of Canaan to the chaotic days of the judges, to the glory days of David and Solomon to 70 years of captivity to the regathering and other dominated by foreign powers and Israel is under the control of Rome. But yet God gave them a promise and God said a better day is coming in the last book of the Old Testament, the book of Malachi we read in chapter 4 verse two for you.

The Revere mining the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its raised and you will go out and frolic like well fed calves. God is seen Israel a better day is coming. The sun is gonna rise again all our kids use a very good commentator put it this way and I quote great plans laid in eternal ages past. Now begin to activate Angel scurried around busily preparing for the." and not only a God promised a better day was coming not only had God promised Messiah was coming, but he told them there would be a forerunner someone that would precede the Messiah. Malachi 31 says I'll send my messenger will prepare the way before me.

And suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple, and the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come, says the Lord God Almighty. So when John arrives on the scene is effectively of the bridge between the old and the New Testament. He is now the last of the Old Testament prophets heralding the arrival of the Messiah. You know sometimes people talk about the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament and the way it's often presented is the God of the Old Testament is harsh and judgmental and intolerant in the God of the New Testament is compassionate and loving and accepting literally not true at all of the God of the old and the New Testament is the same God. And it's one continuous revelation from Genesis through all 66 books of the Bible, culminating in the book of Revelation which we are boring together with John bridge that gap. Israel long before Messiah Israel long for someone to deliver them. I'm reminded of that old Christmas song, come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel then mourns in lonely exile here until the son of God appear, rejoice, rejoice. Emmanuel well will come to you, O Israel, Moog have Andrew as soon have you all you will be in on to those days as I and and and and and and and you and and is in a and I and regio will will be used.

Zacharias the profit on keyboards or thank you Marty.

So let's revisit this story for a moment here. Zacharias, a priest going into the temple longing for Messiah to come and here's what happens. I'm in a read you what we've already read him another translation the puts it this way, the crowded congregation outside was praying that the actual time of the incense burning when an angel of the Lord appeared on the right side of the incense altar when Zechariah saw him he was terribly agitated and a sense of awe swept over him but the angel spoke to them, do not be afraid, Zacharias, your prayers have been heard.

Elizabeth, your wife will bear you a son, and he will call his name John. Now you know this was a big deal. Why because the angel that showed up was Gabriel agenda for 400 years since Israel is seen or heard from an angel and God doesn't send just any angel.

He sends Amanda angel Gabriel is a peer before.

In Scripture, by the way back in the book of Daniel.

This angel was dispensed or dispersed to the prophet to give a message to him about Messiah, so there's no question that Gabriel is uniquely connected to the life and ministry of Jesus. It's Gabriel, we will find later that appears to marry and tell her that she is the bear a son and called his name Jesus. So it's interesting that the last appearance of an angel in the Old Testament came to Zechariah and the first angel of the New Testament comes to Zechariah S now who were these folks. Zechariah 7 Elizabeth while they were no elderly couple Zacharias's name fittingly means God remembers a little Elizabeth name means God is a note there.

My God is a no.

In effect, God was going to confirm their names. He was going to fulfill what their names spoke of God was going to keep it so that he was going to remember his promise what Takeaway choose can we learn from this godly couple that God work through all I think we find a number of principles that will be helpful for us if we want to be used of God number one. Zacharias was a humble man. He was a humble man contrasted with the wicked and powerful parent who wouldn't I be cut down. Zacharias humble servant of the Lord.

What does it mean to be humble doesn't mean you walk around saying I am a humble man or if you really humble you, we would drop the eight diamond humble man. You know II just mumbled I don't even talk and so humble a mumble as it existed. That's not humidity our humility or humidity, that just mean Jerome went okay.

Being a humble man is being a strong person but keeping it under control to my dear. This communicated through meekness, which means power under constraints. So he was humble before God and what is the Bible say teams for sick God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble humble man or woman is someone who simply sees himself as they really are a sinner who needs a savior Zacharias. He was a country priest. I wasn't unlike being a country preacher of a little congregation out in the woods somewhere to be a country priest meant that he had a plot that he would watch over there around were around 8000 priests at this time scattered throughout Israel, each with a section that they would sort of govern, or be over. And so the priest would represent God to the people and the priest would represent the people to God. The priest would interpret Scripture for them, pray for them, counsel them when necessary render judgments that was the role of the priest out. Interesting to point out that in a way each of us are priest today is a will Greg I don't have any clerical collars at all what you mean, what the Bible tells us in first Peter 29 there were a chosen race, a royal priesthood, so we may proclaim the excellencies of him is called us out of darkness into his life. I am appreciatively in the old covenant was a high priest ever going to the temple and represent us to God, but now Jesus is our high priest, and were all in the priesthood and that means that we end up back to what a priest did we represent God to the people you know that you're a representative of God to others.

Your representative of God in your family. You may be the only Christian there and they can look into a sort of the Christian representation you represent God to your neighbors. You represent God in your worksite. You represent God in your classroom is it will Greg that's a lot of pressure yacht is that the way this being a Christian is. And guess what you are the only Bible. Some people are ever going to read a Christian is a walking epistle written by God and read by men. A lot of people never open up this book and read John 316 but though read your life and the watch the way you treat your wife, your husband the way you live is a single person or the way you behave yourself and they will make evaluations about God. According to your lifestyle yet so Zacharias was a humble priest number two. He was a faithful man in the story we see this priest simply doing his duty to back in these days. Each priest would leave his local area and go and serve in the temple in Jerusalem. Twice a year for one week and I was something that would really look forward to. By the way, this is sort of like the big top. You know your have your little country parish, but now you get to go to the big city Jerusalem to go to that big temple and you walk in the back temple and you want for the prayers for the people and he walked right into the holy of holies and in front of you is the Ark of the covenant itself. So this was a great privilege so Zacharias the country priest was just doing his duty when God called upon him, and here's a word for you that want to be used by God as I want the Lord, use me. I even feel called and the full-time ministry will that's great then get busy and do something in a sometimes evil so I feel called to serve God.

I'm just waiting on the Lord, what is that mean desiderata my house or my La-Z-Boy and waits.

That's not how it's done, get out there and do something you'll find that the people that God called in Scripture were always busy with their daily tasks when God called Moses what was he doing tending the sheep. Same for David Elisha when he was called by the prophet Elijah without plowing in the field. Gideon was threshing wheat when he was called by God to deliver Israel from the bondage of the Midianite Peter and John were mending their nets when they were called by Jesus to become fishers of men. Listen, it's difficult to steer a car when the engine is not running to start the car and start moving into something honestly, sometimes the way to find out which are called to do is first by finding out which are not called to do that. A great way to determine it in a I feel called to this area and then you realize why not very good at this at all, but then as you are out and about offering your services in different areas, you find that you have the gifting you were even aware here's the key.

Be faithful in the little things and appear faithful in the little things, God will open up for you greater opportunity was worn.

Where's we you said you can never be too small for God to use only two bit. So, if you will avail yourself to him.

He walked with the Lord will do I file the call to ministry early in my life I became a Christian at age 17 by age 18.

I was sure I was called to serve God. I thought maybe even call to some kind of a preacher and I remember I actually made an appointment and met with Chuck Smith which I find quite comical. Looking back on retrospect that I did, but I wanted set down in his office I said hi Chuck I'm Greg, Lori and I done this a living water cartoon track and he knew I was already and I said Chuck I feel called to ministry want to serve God in all I could do a Bible study.

If you would like me to yummy the crazy thing to say that a general and he said will Greg I want you to go meet with pastor Romain and he'll tell you what you can do what I didn't know who pastor Romain was. But I found out quickly. Romain used to be a drill sergeant in the Marine Corps literally so you may as there is a probe to get up and start sweeping over there when you're done, go to the bathroom and clean the toilets and after that go to this other thing I think it will window I preached you know what you know I was out for myself and to serve the Lord. They saw free janitorial work right there with you know what they were doing is they're getting free janitorial work will also it was a way to test me wheelie people in the little things we go do that for the glory of God. Because if you can be faithful in small things will never be faithful in larger things. Jesus told us that if were not faithful and those small things of life, then we will not be people in the larger things of life, so we need to just do what I said before it's in use the gifts that God has given to us. Listen the gifts of God do not come fully for you to Kenny person that's talented in any area and you'll find that that talent grew through the use to practice the application through discipline you know, ever since have been a little kid I wanted to be a cartoonist that was my aspiration in life and I told you before my mom was buried in divorce a lot of times and have a lot of boyfriends in between.

One day or not I should say she brought over this guy never met before.

She said Greg he's an animator for Disney what to me was like a prophet of the Lord of gait is like.

That's all I ever wanted to do it in Walt Disney was a personal hero and animator for dizzy. I didn't believe it.

I said I don't believe you work for dizzy because I do prove that he pulls out a pencil and he does a flawless. I can recall no Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck. One of the two, but it was perfect to do that is to Greg, it's a magic pencil and if you will take this pencil and go away now and put it under your pillow and go to sleep when you wake up in the morning you'll be able to draw like me. I believe that the sad thing is I was 30 know I so I read out will you know he is want to be with my mom right. I put the pencil in the micro I was so excited my little heart was racing. I woke up the next morning to have the dental regular visa neighbor and I do the same way I did before is no such thing as a magic pencil.

By the way I hunted that men down and kill them. They're going to arrest me up not to. But here's the thing you take a gift and you use it you develop it and be faithful in the little things. Number three Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth were godly people. Look at verse six. They both were righteous before God, walking in all the commandments's ordinances of the Lord blameless not to be blameless does not mean that they were sinless, but it needs a deal be God. In this godly couple was getting on in years.

There were well past the age of having children, and some most likely thought. The reason they didn't have children was because they were not godly see in this culture, it was thought that if a woman was Darren she was unable to conceive that it was some kind of a curse on her life so people might overlook that old Zacharias and Elizabeth that say oh yeah he's a priest, but limited, they've never had any children.

He doesn't have a son to carry on the family name so obviously he's not as godly as he may see that just shows that things are not as they always appear, we may see things one way and they may be another way is the same thing was effectively said about Job.

You remember that Job's problems began on earth but in heaven when the Angels of the Lord were present before God and God started dragging on Joe and he said in the presence of the Angels, Satan included, have you considered my servant Job wanted fears God and shuns evil things as "give me a break, fears gone, shuns evil he fears you. He loves you because you blasted Kimmy a few days with Joe. I will see what is really made up of course we all know the rest of that story. How a series of calamities befell God's servant when I read that story. My reaction is Lord of your ever even for a moment feeling slightly proud of me.

If the devil is around. Don't say anything to do is keep it on the QT. Okay well all the things that happened to Job were horrible and alone come the so-called counselors of Joe and they say Joe. The reason this is happening is because you're a godless man you're being punished for your wickedness. It was a very opposite of that this was happening because he was a godly man so check it out. That person is going through hardship and affliction made because the because they're very godly in God's preparing them for something else that may be you right now. So here were Zacharias and Elizabeth a long breath, son, but none came with the Lord was listening that he was not only going to give them a son he was going to give them a soup first on a great man of God. I want you to notice that there was a reward for their faithfulness and in verse 13, the angel said don't be afraid, Zacharias. Your prayer is heard and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, he will call his name John.

God remembers his promise of a Messiah. And now he's delivering on it by sending first, the forerunner by the way, the witness versus warden in the original language.

It would seem to imply that God heard the prayers. Zacharias was praying this very moment, so Zacharias was in there representing the people he met his in the Laura and Anna want a ghetto exploit this opportunity, but since I am in the holy of holies, and you're listening to me. We just thrown a quick prayer Lord, give us a son.

I know were old and I know her past that age or maybe he was free. Lord send the Messiah, but whatever it is the implication of the languages godless can answer this prayer in real time right there in the moment this prayer on earth was heard in heaven, and listen your prayer center are heard in heaven as well. Qualities of unity that Greg what about those present are answered well are they not really answer. Remember earlier when we study Revelation 8 we read about a bowl of prayers and have Revelation a three set another Angel having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar.

He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne and of the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand. You see, God stores your prayer and we of the so-called cloud now that we stored data and write that Weaver did something like this for harvest America. This year we have the first class where people can submit the names of people that they were praying for who were not believers in others to join in afraid."

But now you can buy data and stored in the cloud. So when you have your device made a computer or a tablet or smart phone you can get that information so you want to carry around with you in storage so you can just access your data. Get your movies get your songs etc. will. God has a cloud if you will. God has a bowl. God is a super sophisticated storage system and every prayer that is sprayed is recorded and stored now.

Fortunately, God is not like me because I story things and forget about it sometimes open up doors and say oh that's right put that God remembers every prayer that is pray and in fact he does answer our prayers.

We just don't always like the answer. God answers prayer in three ways. Yes, no or wakes so as a God didn't answer my prayer. No, actually he answered it. He said no, that by the way, is an answer, but often he says weights and he was saying that the Zacharias and Elizabeth you guys an answer your prayer was to take a while to take about three years actually. But now, when I answer this prayer.

That answer is going to be good because I've noted your faithful. I noted your humility. I paid attention to the way that you live. A lot of times we serve God faithfully behind the scenes. Only thing no one notices. No one will ever know God notices and one day he says that which is done in secret will be known openly.

That's good things and bad things we read over in Luke 12 Jesus and everything that is secret will be brought to the open everything that's hidden will be uncovered what you have sent in the dark will be heard in the daylight, which will whisper to someone behind closed doors will be shouted now that is positive and negative that means all the bad things you've done will come out but it also means that good things that you've done will come out. I think of the story that I just read about this police officer in New York City. Lawrence Diprima. He was out on his beat saw a homeless man sitting out there was 30° or so. This man had no socks or shoes so officer Diprima went up to him and said Sir you look cold.

Can I get you some socks to wear and the men said to him, no officer, but God bless you, thank you for asking. And so officer Diprima said then here it is freezing cold and he is a hard to say God bless me. So he goes over to a store he buys socks and shoes and take some of the men and puts them on the man's feet will meanwhile there's a tourist from out of town watching this and they recorded on their phone, they posted and it's gone viral and now people are talking about around the country is good deed done in secret has been made known openly at the great thing that will happen for every one of us as well. One day, now here is the faithfulness of Zacharias and Elizabeth being rewarded, but he was surprised that he heard this message even trained for 30 years and as far as he was concerned it seemed like God wasn't noticing or listening. And now the message is announced. Yes, God is heard your prayers and are going to be answer and how does he react react with doubt bringing this to point number four. Zacharias was human and flawed. Just like us again number four Zacharias was human and flawed.

Just like us look in verse 18.

Zechariah said to the angel, how shall I know this. I'm an old man of my wife is well advanced in years. By the way, that's very diplomatic. Notice he says I am an old man.

My wife was well advanced in years. This terminal manager. She's old woman is diplomatic, all seems well advanced in years like I guess even in those days women didn't want people to know the rate and the angel answered him and said I am Gabriel stands in the presence of God was said to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings to behold, you will be muted and not able to speak until the day these things take place because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time, Zacharias could've believed would instead questioned doubted he wasn't really sure I knew this was Gabriel Gabrielson affixing what buddy do you know who I am. I'm not a garden-variety angel is all that's not enough. I'm like a super Angel me in my cohort of the guy you know I'm here from God. I extended God's presence all day long and I'm delivering a message to you and your doubting what you evangelical appearances every day.

But somehow Zacharias doubts that this is from God. Now we would have the weight and be mutant or unable to speak.

Meanwhile, the people are waiting outside of the tub. He was in there a long time and thinking is a great student and their what's taken so long that God kill him.

Is God speaking to him that he fall asleep or something what's happening.

Suddenly the speechless priest up here.

He could not say a single word whether people could tell just by looking at them something of great importance had taken place. He had to use hand gestures to explain. Verse 21 and the people waited for Zacharias, a marveled. He lingered so long in the temple when he came out he could not speak to them and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned them and remained speechless. He had to become like a mine. I really wonder what that was all about. Told you know, maybe it went something along these lines, we need a touch touch come in. There where security is an attempt so eat the people what happened to you Zacharias Humes on the for the record, I hate my daughters but he had the pantomime. It probably much better than that God was setting things in place.

The Bible says when the time is just right, God sent forth his son, born of a woman, made under the law, to redeem those that are under the law to God was not just giving the Zacharias and Elizabeth, a son he was going to give to them the greatest profit ever live, not a priest doubted a lot know God says he's going to be the greatest of the greatest Christ himself gave this ringing endorsement of the life and ministry of John in Matthew 1100 to go out of the wilderness to see a profit.

I tell you he was more than a prophet. John is a man to whom the Scriptures say look, I'm sending my messenger ahead of you will prepare the way I tell you the truth, Christ says of all who have ever lived. There is none greater then John the Baptist. What John was the greatest, not Mohammed Ali. That means that John was greater then Abraham, Noah, Moses is Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Elijah and Elisha when the did John ever write a book of the Bible. No, did John receive the commandments from Ghana Mount Sinai. No, did John ever perform a miracle like Elijah and Elisha know then why is he the greatest is the answer. John and John alone was a direct forerunner of Jesus's greatness was a result of his closeness to Jesus. This was the greatest privilege you could ever receive. Get a simple mission cure was announced, Messiah is coming. By the way, he was very popular in this day.

Josephus the historian actually wrote more about the life and ministry of John. Then he wrote about Jesus CNS day John was to put in the vernacular. A rock star. Everybody wanted to see John to go down to the Jordan River wants John to say today was time to go today as he was fearless. He blessed the Pharisees with both barrels. Did call them out expose their hypocrisy. He preached that people should repent. He said there is coming one greater than me, and people swarmed to hear his words and he baptize them in the Jordan River.

One day Jesus showed up. He said baptize me.

Johnson I'm not even worthy to tie your shoe. How can I baptize you Jesus ago. I just do it and John realized his job was done is done. Jesus is here. That said, I'm here to be the forerunner.

I'm here to Harold's arrival and then he told his own disciples pay behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world guys stop follow me around. I'm done here follow Christ.

Now he's the one I love that statement of John the Baptist when he said over and I John 330 he must increase and I must decrease or is another translation puts it, he must become greater and greater.

And I must become less and less at the good mission statement is not for us.

He must become greater and greater. And I must become less and less. You see, John was set apart by God in his mother's womb. Look at verse 13 will be great in the sight of the Lord. He shall drink neither wine nor strong drink will be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb. By the way, for those that say that an unborn child is just a glob of cells, uterine contents or potential human being.

My question is, how could a glob of cells be filled with the Holy Spirit. So you're a person in the womb. According to Scripture, and according to science by the way, if you really look at a sonogram. You see, that is a little child being formed there and John was filled with the spirit in the womb, and he also gave a great example for how to live.

He drink neither wine nor strong drink now personally I don't drink at all. This is due in part to the fact that I was raised in an alcoholic home and I somehow alcohol room in my mother's life and ruin the lives of those that she knew and just wrecked havoc.

I can't think of a single good thing that is ever come from drinking. But I can tell you about a lot of bad fits because I seen it up close and no little child see all the years I've been in ministry as well. The broken homes, the violence, the accident people killed on the road from drunk drivers addiction. Destroying your health and the list goes on every illustration of drunkenness in the Bible is a disaster. Drinking never makes anything veteran only makes it worse.

Noah became drunken in his nakedness.

He acted shamelessly lot became drunken, his daughters committed incest with him. Belshazzar the boy king had a drunken feast were sent to false gods and he lost his kingdom. That night, and I'll tell you many a kingdom is been lost through alcohol many careers many families many ministries, even many lives have been lost in this pursuit now somewhat tell Greg a note. Relax a little bit. I have the liberty and the freedom to drink. I'm sorry you don't listen I drink as much as I want to I just don't want to drink. Paul said in first Corinthians 612 I have the right to do anything. But not everything is beneficial.

I have the right to do anything at all not be mastered by anything that I don't want to be under the power of anything or anyone but Jesus Christ's okay that's what is a revolutionary thought to try on for size.

If you don't drink, you will never get drunk, but if you drink you could get drunk and often those who drink having the so-called liberty saying the never coming to the flow under the influence.

I say, think again because you know I've been around alcoholics my whole life in my upbringing you know there's a phases of people getting drunk and you know you have the first couple drinks and they start feeling happy. They laugh at anything and then it's I love you so mother love you a lot.

I told you I love you and I will make keep telling the same jokes over saying the same things over.

They think they're doing really well. They think are fantastic start to make a fool out of himself. And then if there like my mom was a circuiting violent and hitting or throwing things in etc. but you you see these phases and people think they've got it under control is not is under control as they may think in this liberty you have good and never cause another person to stumble polarized in first Corinthians 8. Be careful that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to week. There are some people who come out of alcoholic background with a tent to drop the fall of the wagon victim. I've met people like this. It's insane. I mean, they have one drink and they go crazy because they have many more drinks following the can't even touch it. I know young man who had a serious problem in heat, he fell off the wagon got in a lot of trouble.

I said then you can never touch a drop. Don't even go there, and so there might be somebody else, and maybe never drink and it doesn't affect them. That way the a little wine with their pasta, that sort of thing right and I'll unite the people there. We come strong and cool okay with the second could would you do be a stumbling block for that person. Let's say this person becomes out of an alcoholic background comes to Christ at church and they turned their back on all that make make a break with all the role drinking buddies and their serving the Lord in glorifying the Lord is fantastic and then one day they go out to a restaurant and you're out there having a few beers with the boys and laugh a little too hard in your own Job and AC well I saw the Kia church. If he is a liberty to drink.

Maybe I can drink and then they go out and have another drink and they get into trouble again. That's his problem. You think my problem is it is incidents don't take your liberty and use it in a way that would cause another brother to stumble and if you've ever been pulled over for a DUI. I have probably didn't know that it's absolutely true. I didn't get a DUI, but I was pulled over for what looked like a DUI and was on New Year's Eve.

We had a service era church I was driving home and I don't know if I was driving too slow or what I would be very careful because there's crazy people on the road New Year's Eve right so a cop car comes up behind me he likes me up but this guy go to the next level.

He goes over the loudspeaker hello hello I'm like what was allowed to get off of the road now.

Now I go to the I'm really nervous so I pull over.

He parked his car lights still going you know it comes up on the driver's side put your hands on the wheel and released a little microphone somewhere there speaker will likely get out of the car, get out.

Have you been drinking.

Yes bottled water know.

Have you been drinking alcohol the officer have not been drinking alcohol while you are driving a little strangely well sorry but I've been drinking. Were you coming from from church. Actually, I'm the pastor and I read run notes so he pulls out a pencil to follow this with your eyes. I'm getting nervous I didn't know where it is and I'm scared. I'm not making any of this up.

He maybe walk the line and I'm totally sober like I am indebted to drink for like 40 years okay and I like number two, and I don't know the people, he said, God get out a hearing embarrassing.

I was he one of someone from the church drives by you will have an alternative for you instead of being filled with the spirits be filled with the Holy Spirit. That's what John did, filled with the spirit from his mother. I know some of you don't agree. I use this you're wrong. Okay, so now our story comes to close here and the day finally comes for John to be born. Mary pours in season carries a child determine the child support and the people tell you the name of Zacharias right after his dad. That's which always do know the name of John John no one in your family's name John. Why would you name of that well. The Lord sent his angel and you really bring Zacharias out here.

He has been able to speak all this time so it shows up in all the Lord opens up his mouth and tells a story. The name of John and then Zacharias glorifies God. You can read later Luke chapter 1 verse 60 7080 offers a beautiful song to the Lord. So what we learn from the life of Zacharias Elizabeth and John first of all we should be humble and wait on the Lord and serve them right where we are. We also learn we should keep praying and not give up because our prayers are heard in heaven and remembered and duly noted. We should remember to believe what God tells us in active faith, not feeling, and we should not be under the power of anyone or anything. But the Holy Spirit that you know when we look back at these biblical characters. Sometimes we see them through stained-glass. There's only one perfect person in the story were going to read that Jesus, everybody, also slot Joseph was flawed. Mary was flawed. Zacharias and Elizabeth were flawed. Everybody had their human weaknesses. You see, and I think that's important that we understand these were regular people just like us but we think of John the Baptist, all men.

He was like the super preacher NTD was let me go back to that statement I quoted earlier in the ship.

Jesus said of those born of women there is not one greater John the Baptist but he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John.

What greater than John. How could we be greater than John. It's all about covenants. John lived in the old covenant we live in the new covenant. See John and everyone else approach God through that a high priest who would go to the holy of holies once a year we can approach God through our high priest, Jesus Christ. Any time any moment. 24 seven that's new covenant the baby born in the manger going to the cross rising again from the dead, now takes residence in the heart of every man and woman who puts her faith in him. John didn't have that is privileges. John was he didn't have Christ living in him, but we do as Christians. And I want to close by asking do you have Christ living in you.

So I don't know why they give these there you'll know her the story of a mother who told her little daughter. She had Christ living inside of her little girl put her head against her mom and was listening and I think her mom was hungry. Her stomach was gurgling little Jesus month.

Right now I think he's making coffee, but Christ does live in the heart of the believer. The Bible says, for as many as received him, he gave them the power to become sons of God. Have you received them yet. If not, you can I love that one Christmas song that we sing this time of the year. Let every heart prepare him room to make room for Jesus, you have to invite him in. He won't force his way into your life.

If you've never done that.

Do it today really close in prayer right now if Christ is a live inside of you. Let me lead you in a prayer we will come in to your life itself our heads if you would father thank you for your word to us today. Thank you for the promise of forgiveness through Jesus.

Thank you Lord. We can have them living in our hearts and we pray that you will help those that do not yet know you to come to you and believe in you right now. We ask this in your name or heads of God in their eyes are closed or how many of you would say today think I want Jesus Christ to come in my life.

I want him to forgive me of my sin.

I want to know with certainty that I will go to heaven when I die. Pray for me. I'm ready to say yes to Jesus that you if you want Jesus to come in your life if you want your sins forgiven. If you want to go to heaven when you die, would you stand up wherever you are and I'm the lead you in a prayer to stand your feet wherever you are and in doing so you're saying I want Christ to my life today. Maybe you fallen away from the Lord you want to come back to him again. Stand your feet. Let me lead you in a prayer. God bless you, that are standing there are some standing, so you will be the only one.

Stand up wherever you are an inherent harvest Riverside harvest Orange County and the overflow in the court building in the courtyard harvest orange crest there at Grace church in New Jersey. Stand your feet right now if you want Christ to come in your life.

Phenomena lead you in this prayer. One final and anybody else standout and we pray with you. God bless each one of you are on you that are standing want you to pray this prayer outlaw after me again as I pray this after me, Lord Jesus, I know I'm a sinner, which died on the cross for my sin.

I turn from it now and I choose to follow you from this moment forward. Thank you for loving me and calling me and for giving me in Jesus name I pray, amen, bless each one of you