Christ and Christmas

On December 1, 2024, R preached at Grace Church: Waldorf out of Romans on Christ and Christmas. Watch the sermon and follow along with the outline provided below.

The Man

1. How did he introduce himself? Romans 1:1

This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. 

2. What was his motivation? Romans 1:14-16 

I have a great sense of obligation…I am eager to come to you in Rome to preach the Good News…I am not ashamed of the Gospel.

3. How strong was his passion? Romans 9:2-3; 10:1 

My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed–cut off from Christ!--if that would save them…the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved.

The Message

1. What did the prophets predict? Romans 1:2

God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures.

2. How would the people know their Messiah? Romans 1:3,4

The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life, he was born into King David’s family line, and He was shown to be the Son of God when He was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.

3. What is the condition of all mankind? Romans 3:23

 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

4. What did God do to solve the problem? Romans 3:24

Yet God, in His grace, freely makes us right (justifies us) in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.

Romans 5:8

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

Romans 10:9

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

5.  What are the benefits of justification? Romans 5:1-5

.…we have peace with God…we have undeserved privilege (grace)...we have a confident hope.

The Mission

1. What was the strategy? Romans 10:14-17

But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And How can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? 

2. How shall we now live? Romans 12:9-13

Don’t just pretend to love others (love must be sincere). Really love them. Hate what is wrong…Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

3.   How could the church support him? Romans 15:20,23-24

My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else….but now I have finished my work in these regions, and after all these long years of waiting, I am eager to visit you. I am planning to go to Spain, and when I do, I will stop off in Rome. After I have enjoyed your fellowship for a little while, you can provide for my journey.