BGBC 122224 orig122221 final

Summary

In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of King Herod's troubled reaction to the birth of Jesus, as told in Matthew 2:16-18. Herod's refusal to accept the new king leads him to commit horrific acts, driven by fear of losing control. The speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering control to God, accepting Jesus as Lord, and trusting in His guidance. The sermon challenges listeners to let go of their desire for control, to be led by God, and to make Jesus the true King of their lives, especially as they enter a new year.

Takeaways

• 😀 Praise and thanksgiving are vital in acknowledging God's goodness, mercy, and grace, especially as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
• 📖 The story of King Herod’s reaction to the birth of Jesus in Matthew 2:16-18 serves as a warning about the dangers of refusing to accept God's plan and relinquishing control.
• 💔 Herod’s troubled response to the news of a new king highlights the struggle many people have with giving up control over their own lives.
• 🔑 Many Christians, like Herod, are resistant to accepting Jesus as Lord because they fear losing control of their lives and their power.
• 🔄 True peace and guidance in life come from surrendering control and trusting in God’s leadership, rather than relying on our own judgment.
• 🛑 When we refuse to accept God’s rule, it impacts our decisions, leading to poor judgment and potentially destructive actions, as seen in Herod’s murderous decree.
• 💡 The sermon challenges us to reflect on whether we are holding onto control of our lives or truly allowing God to guide us.
• 🕊️ Like the wise men and Joseph, we are encouraged to follow God’s lead, trusting that He will direct our paths if we submit to His will.
• 🙏 Accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior means acknowledging His death, burial, and resurrection and letting go of our own will to align with God’s plan.
• 🌟 The message emphasizes that accepting Jesus as King is not just about celebrating His birth, but also about letting Him be the ruler over all areas of our lives, including our time, talent, and treasure.
• 💭 The call to salvation invites those who haven’t yet accepted Christ to make Him the King of their lives, recognizing that true peace comes through surrendering to His authority.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the sermon?

The central theme of the sermon is about 'Accepting the New King,' focusing on the importance of recognizing and submitting to Jesus Christ as Lord of our lives, just as the wise men and others did, in contrast to King Herod's refusal.

Why does the preacher emphasize the struggle to relinquish control?

The preacher emphasizes this struggle because, like Herod, many people resist letting go of their own control. They want to manage their lives and decisions, which can prevent them from fully submitting to God’s will and experiencing the peace and guidance that comes from trusting in Him.

How does the sermon relate Herod’s reaction to Jesus' birth to modern Christians?

The sermon compares Herod’s refusal to accept Jesus as king to how modern Christians often resist surrendering control over their own lives. Herod’s actions demonstrate the dangers of not accepting God's authority, and the sermon warns that similar resistance can lead to poor decisions and negative consequences.

What lesson can be drawn from Herod’s refusal to accept Christ as king?

The lesson from Herod’s refusal is that resisting God's plan leads to judgment and tragedy. Herod’s desire to maintain control over his kingdom blinded him to the truth, leading him to make destructive decisions, and this reflects the consequences Christians face when they don’t let God lead their lives.

What is the significance of the scripture Matthew 2:16-18 in the sermon?

Matthew 2:16-18 is used to illustrate the tragic consequences of Herod’s refusal to accept Jesus as king. The mass murder of children in Bethlehem fulfills a prophecy and demonstrates how Herod’s pride and desire for control led to suffering. This serves as a warning for Christians about the dangers of resisting God's rule in their lives.

How does the preacher suggest Christians should deal with control issues in their lives?

The preacher suggests that Christians should let go of their desire to control everything and instead surrender their lives to God. This includes trusting God with all aspects of their lives—material possessions, decisions, and future plans—allowing Him to guide them and lead them to peace.

What does the preacher mean by 'Let God have His way'?

'Let God have His way' refers to the idea of submitting to God's will, trusting His plan, and allowing Him to take control of our lives instead of acting based on our own desires and plans. It is about humility, obedience, and faith that God's plan is better than our own.

How does the preacher tie the concept of submission to God's will to personal health?

The preacher links submission to God’s will to personal health by discussing how stress, anxiety, and physical health issues often arise from trying to control every aspect of life. When Christians relinquish control and trust in God, they can experience better mental, emotional, and physical health, as they are no longer burdened by the need to manage everything on their own.

What is the call to action at the end of the sermon?

The call to action at the end of the sermon invites listeners to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The preacher urges those who have not yet done so to recognize their sin, believe in Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, and surrender their will to God, making Jesus the King of their lives.

What does the preacher mean by the phrase 'not my will, but Thine be done'?

The phrase 'not my will, but Thine be done' refers to a complete surrender of personal desires to God's will, as exemplified by Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. It emphasizes trusting God’s plan over our own, acknowledging that His way is always better and more fulfilling than our own desires.