John, the writer of our gospel, brings forward the testimony of John the Baptist as an expert eyewitness to the identity of Jesus. Not surprisingly, John the Baptist has some strong statements as to who Jesus is. In our passage for today, we will see that John identifies Jesus as the Lord incarnate, the Most High, the Lamb of God, and the Son of God, all within a few short verses.
As we worship God and wait on Him in His presence, we will gain a sense of what it is He is calling us to do to serve Him. Worship and waiting lead to a sense of the right work for us.
Friends, brothers, sisters, we are called to a faith of radical mercy built on a radical truth. Doesn’t religion cause violence? It certainly can be wielded as a justification for violence, but I believe in the core of my being that Christians are called to look different than an already violent world.
This Christmas season we have been focusing on the various names and titles of this Son who is given. He is Immanuel – God who is with us. He is also our Wonderful Counselor. The sovereign birth announcement of this Son was given in the book of Isaiah to a people facing great difficulties and dark times:
This is part two of our Christmas series, focusing on the various titles and names given to Christ. Last week we considered the name “Immanuel” and what that means for us. Because God is with us, we have hope, we have companionship, and we have an example to follow. This message looks into the title of “Wonderful Counselor,” which is given in Isaiah 9.
The Christmas season is upon us, and as this year has been, like no other. With this message we start our 4-part Christmas series entitled “He shall be called,” focusing on the names of the Son who is given. During this season and this series, may you grow in your understanding and appreciation of what God has given us in His Son. And that these truths will firmly establish and expand your faith and joy in Jesus. This message explores the title “Emmanuel, God with us.”