Message 12-25-05

Series: Lectionary [Christmas]

Scripture: Titus 2:11-14

Title: The Glorious Appearing

Intro:

You have a soul.

And what’s interesting is that although we talk about souls, bodies and spirits – as if we’re made up of different parts – the Bible only understands us as a whole. You are one thing – a whole, living soul. The whole package is what God loves. God loves all of you.

You have a soul and the passage of the day speaks to the effect of Christmas on us. We make different choices, we feel guilty over different things, we are changed.

This is more than New Year’s resolutions; this is the effect of having Christmas born into us.

Study:

This is the time for reminders. We remember Christmas. We remember each other. We remember the poor. These are the kinds of things we talk about at this time. Remembering is part of the nature of Christmas. Remembering what has happened is what makes us respond, seeking good.

Some people come to worship to make a statement to their family. Some do it to make a statement to God. Some do it to make a statement to their neighbors. I encourage you to come to worship and to do good to make a statement to your soul.

Throughout the Psalms we receive the clear example that we should talk to our souls. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not his benefits. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name." Talking to yourself might mean you’re crazy, but talking to your soul might make you better. I think it does.

What kinds of things should you say to your soul?

Take note of that.

Watch out.

Just enjoy this.

Be at rest, O my soul

Praise the Lord

Expect

Hope

Respond… that’s what we’re telling our souls. Respond to what you are experiencing. Respond in truth.

Here is the way into change. This is how we take the steps to become people like Jesus. We talk to our souls and we tell them to remember. Remember what Jesus did for you. Remember what Jesus called you to. Remember the promise Jesus made to you.

My own story – Share the story of coming to a deeper faith and deeper commitment at the Conference on Evangelism.

Here’s what you do… tell your story. Tell your own story to your soul. And then tell it to other people. Tell them how God touched you.

Look around you. Who needs this news? We can get a little stingy, but this is our chance. There’s a phrase around right now – Love the Sinner. Hate the sin. I don’t think that helps us. I’m not sure it helps other people. It doesn’t work for me at least, so I’ve changed it. The way I think of it now is:

Love the Sinner

Hate your own sin.

Share your story. Share the good news.