Yesterday was a tremendous day at Friendship Harmony. We entered the spirit of Christmas by singing Christmas carols. My favorite is Hark, The Herald Angels Sing. I love it because as a student of theology, this song contains many and varied theological teachings. Read the words to it sometime. It will bless your soul. What carol is your favorite? Why? Send me a e-mail and let me know.
I began a four part series called “The Advent Contrast.” We contrasted who Christ came for at His first coming; Christmas, with who He will come for at His second coming; the rapture. The notes are posted below. I hope they bless you and aid you in your personal Bible study.
The Advent Contrast
Various
11/29-12-1/12
Advent Series 1 of 4 By Victor Cooper
Intro: Occasionally you will hear the word “advent” used as a synonym of the birth of Christ. This is known as Christ’s first advent. Likewise, His second coming is sometime called the second advent. During each, Christ’s coming is for a specific group.
I. Contrast - Least and Greatest
A. At His birth, Jesus came for the least.
1 The least would be those of no fame or fortune, spiritually.
2. Even the very rich or the most well known can be spiritually bankrupt.
3. God chose Israel not because they were a great nation, but because they were the least of nations. 1 Cor. 1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
4. Sinners are the least of huminity - rich or poor.
5. Christ came for the sinner.
Mark 2:16-17 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? [17] When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
II. At the Rapture, Christ will come for the greatest.
A. No believer counts him/herself as “greatest,” but it is true in God’s eyes.
B. A believer is a child of God. 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
C. The greatest ---Matthew 18:1,4; 23:11 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? [4] Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. [23:11] But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
D. Evidence of greatness:
1. The humble. Greatness tends toward arrogance, but Christians are called to be different. Christians remember where they were. Rev. 2:5a Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen…
2. A life of service. [23:11 above]
Conclusion:. The comparison: The prophets said Christ would come the first time - and He did. They also said He would come again - and He will! Rejecting Christ means you will be the least at His second coming, and that is not who He will be coming for.
In part two next week, we will contrast Christ coming for the “last” at His first advent (coming) with His coming for the “first” at His second advent. I hope you have a good and healthy week. Take care of yourself, and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!
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