Fellowship Bible Church Of Tulsa

Fellowship Bible Church

December 23, 2007

Dr. Bruce Ewing

The Birth That Brought Significance

Luke 2:9-14

At the induction ceremony of the National Football League’s Hall of Fame one of the greats responded to the

question, “Of your greatest moments, how would you rank your induction into this prestigious Hall of Fame?”

With tears of emotion, surrounded by his wife and children, he said, “Nothing will ever come close to the

significance of this moment. Everything I have done since I can remember has been devoted to this

achievement.” Interestingly enough, as the years have taken their toll, this once recognized figure is little more

than a memory with only a medal as his identity.

What would you say is the most significant event in your life? As you think back over your life's achievements

and experiences, what stands out as most significance and meaningful? For some, it is the birth of their child.

For others it is the thrill of finally receiving the promotion that represents the pinnacle of career achievement, or

perhaps the birth of a first grandchild. For others, the most influential moment could be the loss of a loved one,

job, or health.

We all have our impressions of the event and people that impact us most, but how do they relate to the reality of

Jesus Christ. Think about the magnitude of this most documented event in the history of man, the literal

fulfillment of over 300 prophecies over a period of 1500 years. The birth of Christ intended for only one reason.

That reason was to demonstrate the grace and love of the Father through His life and sacrifice on the cross to

provide the forgiveness of sin necessary for us to experience joy and peace in the present and eternally.

Because of His birth and through placing our trust in Christ, we have the foundation for a sense of purpose and

significance that far exceeds all expectations and dreams. The miracle of this one event lays the foundation,

serves as the starting point, and provides the means to live what Jesus referred to as life to the fullest, the

abundant life.

If all this is true, doesn’t it sense that the most significant event or moments of our lives is tied directly to the

birth and life of Christ? Is that the case with you and me? Shouldn’t it be? Today we will discover both why and

how it can be.

LIFE RESPONSE:

joy which will be for all the people; . . . Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is

pleased.”

(a) How would you describe your joy and peace? Is it dependent largely upon your circumstances and experience or is

it a consistent experience based upon your relationship with Christ?

(b) Think of how you can build this truth and mindset into the lives of others. Consider the learning center, preschool,

your Mini Church, your children, your mate, your best friend, your work environment, etc.

2. Review the following passages and consider how they relate to the significance of Christ and the “good news” (His

forgiveness and salvation) and the experience of joy and peace.

Matthew 22: 37-39 Philippians 4:4-9

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Ephesians 3:16-21

3. What steps can you take now to make the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ central and a source of

significance to the events in your life?

Think about . . . . the healing of broken relationships and peace with all.

. . . . the joy that comes from the sovereign love of the Father.

. . . . the purpose of God that transcends a title on the office door, personal achievement, victories and

losses.

. . . . the unlimited excellence that the Savior, Christ the Lord, desires to have revealed in your life.

The Birth That Brought Significance

Luke 2:9-14

“The hinge of history is on the door of a Bethlehem stable.”

- Ralph W. Sockman

How we live our lives and face our circumstances becomes significant only to the extent that we

recognize and make the significance of Christ’s birth a personal reality. That reality is discovered

only through our spiritual birth in Christ.

The Reality to the Most Common Luke 2:8

The Reality that Sobers Luke 2:9

The Reality of Hope Luke 2:10

The Reality of Authentication Luke 2:11

The Reality of Promise Luke 2:12

The Reality beyond Imagination Luke 2:13

The Reality made Personal Luke 2:14