Introduction: Christmas is here! Wow!
- “Waiting is the worst part of Christmas…and the best part!”
- “Mom, can I open just one present now? I promise I’ll be surprised by the other ones tomorrow!”
- “Christmas is the only time of year in which one can sit in front of a dead tree and eat candy out of socks.
Isiah 9:6-7
Application: Depending…there are between 300 and 400 OT prophesies about a coming Messiah.
Examples of Prophesied Events & Locations
Origin: Born of a woman (Genesis 3:15), Virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14), Descendant of Abraham (Genesis 12:3), From the line of Judah (Genesis 49:10).
Life & Ministry: Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), preceded by a messenger (Isaiah 40:3), Enters Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9).
Suffering & Death: Betrayed by a friend (Psalm 41:9), Pierced (Zechariah 12:10), Dies with the wicked (Isaiah 53:9).
Resurrection & Reign: Rises from the dead (Psalm 16:10), Eternal throne (Isaiah 9:7).
Michah 5:2, ‘”But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days’.
The significance of Old Testament prophecies about Jesus is that they are seen as evidence of his identity as the Messiah, demonstrate the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, and provide a foundation of hope and faith for believers.
Heb. 1:1, Luke 1:1-3, 70
The fulfilment of these detailed predictions in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection is considered a testament to their divine origin.
Proof of identity
The authenticity of Jesus is supported by the fulfillment of numerous specific prophecies, which is presented as proof that Jesus is the promised Messiah.
Divine plan: The prophecies show a long-term, divine plan for redemption that was anticipated long before Jesus’ birth.
Examples: Some key prophecies include his birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), his virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14), his suffering for the sins of others (Isaiah 53), and his resurrection.
Demonstrating continuity
Bridge between Old and New Testaments: The prophecies and their fulfilment connect the two testaments, showing the New Testament as the fulfilment of the Old Testament’s promises.
A foundation for faith: For many, the fulfilment of these prophecies serves as a crucial point for strengthening faith, particularly in evangelism to both Jewish and secular audiences.
Providing hope and guidance
- Hope for believers: The prophecies were intended to give God’s people hope for a future Savior and to help them identify him when he came.
- Spiritual guidance: Understanding these prophecies provides believers with a deeper understanding of Jesus’ mission and his role as a suffering servant and ultimate king.
Lineage: He would be from the line of David (Jeremiah 23:5–6) and Jesse (Isaiah 11:1).
Birthplace: He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).
Birth mother: His mother would be a virgin (Isaiah 7:14).
Deity: He would be called “Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6–7).
Gifts: He would be worshipped and given gifts at his birth (Psalm 72:10).
Escape: He would be taken to Egypt to escape a king who tried to kill him (Hosea 11:1).
Question: What does the fulfilment of OT prophesy about Jesus coming clarify?
- Corroborates the Authenticity of both the Scriptures and the Birth of Jesus
- Validates the Accuracy – Timeline, places, etc.
- Demonstrates the Power and the legitimacy that the Incarnation provides.
- Substantiates / Confirms / Verifies the Proof that there is only way true way, truth and light.
Application: Not all labels or descriptions of items are verifiable.
It may say 24k gold or sterling silver, but how does one really know?
How do we know that a ‘diamond’ is nothing more than a Cubic Zirconia or even a lab-grown high-pressure/high-temperature and other methods produced.
You have to go to a certified professional to make sure.
Conclusion: As we prepare to gather on Christmas day with family and friends, it is not merely sharing gifts and expressions of love to one another, but a dedicated realization of who Jesus is.
Wealth & Justice
James 5:1-6 Introduction: James 5:1–6 is a strong prophetic warning about wealth, injustice, and God’s coming judgment. James speaks particularly to wealthy people who gained riches by oppressing others and living selfishly. Below is a clear breakdown of the passage. “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.”…
Here Comes the Judge
James 4:11–17 Introduction: I am old enough to remember a funk song popularized in1968 by comedian Dewey “Pigmeat” Markham through his comedy sketches and a funk song of the same name, often cited as an early influence on hip hop. Key details: ———————————————————-Predominant Theme of Section: Pride Puts Us in God’s Place James 4:11–17 — Humility Before…
Setting The Example
1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (NKJV) Introduction: Leadership Usually comes Without someone knowing that they are leading. Paul writes this letter to Timothy, a young pastor leading the church at Ephesus. Timothy…
Get a Little Closer
Getting Closer to God (James 4:1–10) 1. Recognize What Pulls You Away (vv. 1–3) James says the real problem isn’t external — it’s internal. “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” Key idea: Unchecked desires create distance from God. When our hearts are ruled by…
Godly Wisdom
James 3:13-18 James 3:13–18 is all about what real wisdom looks like—and how you can tell if it’s from God or not. Here’s the big picture 👇 James starts by saying wisdom isn’t proved by sounding smart or winning arguments. It’s proved by a good life, specifically by humility and gentle behavior. If someone claims…
Godly Wisdom
James 3:13-18 James 3:13–18 is all about what real wisdom looks like—and how you can tell if it’s from God or not. Here’s the big picture 👇 James starts by saying wisdom isn’t proved by sounding smart or winning arguments. It’s proved by a good life—specifically by humility and gentle behavior. If someone claims to…
The Tongue
James 3 Introduction: Oh, the tongue! The tongue is a bodily organ humans use to form words. Thus, James applies the tongue as a metaphor for speech. He informs Bible readers that “no one can tame the tongue” (James 3:8, NLT). This statement is part of James’ teaching on the challenging problem of controlling our…
All God’s Favorites
James 2:1-14 Introduction: Today, James takes us to a touchy subject. Let’s visit the topic of favouritism and prejudice. Question: So, is there any difference between favouritism and prejudice? Favouritism is partiality or bias. To show favouritism is to give unfair . preference to one person over others with equal claims. It is similar to…
The Double-Minded
James 1:5-8 Introduction: I’d like to speak to you today aboutFaith, Expectations & Stability. Read text: James 5:1-8 Wisdom in the Proverbs: Proverbs 1:7 ‘The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. (NKJ) NKJ Proverbs 2:6 ‘For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and…