Matthew 1:18-23 ESV – Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(which means, God with us).
It is the joy of being with others as a friend, a companion, a fellow traveler. This is the joy of Jesus, who is Emmanuel: God-with-us.” – Henri Nouwen
Immanuel Means Unique Joy– Jesus is God
- John 1:1 ESV – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
- Acts 20:28 ESV – Peter preaches, Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.
Luke 3:23 ESV – Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph,
Luke 7:48-49 ESV – And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say amongthemselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?”
2 Peter 1:16 ESV – For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
Quick Application– The core of that message is “Jesus is God!”
Romans 1:16 ESV – For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…
Immanuel Means Salvation Joy—Jesus is God WITH Us
Ecclesiastes 3:11 ESV – [God] has planted eternity in the human heart
Augustine, the heart is not at rest until it is at rest in Thee [God]
“What else does this craving, and this helplessness, proclaim but that there was once in man a true happiness, of which all that now remains is the empty print and trace?
This he tries in vain to fill with everything around him, seeking in things that are not there the help he cannot find in those that are, though none can help, since this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words, by God himself” – Pascal
John 3:16-19 ESV – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”
God’s Solution: Immanuel, God with Us
2 Corinthians 8:9 ESV – For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
Romans 8:1 ESV – There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
John 17:16-18 ESV – They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.
1 John 2:15-17 ESV – Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing awayalong with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
John 17:3 ESV – Jesus prayed, …this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
John 20:21 ESV – Jesus said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”
Immanuel Means Daily Joy—Jesus is God with US
Matthew 1:23 ESV – “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(which means, God with us).
Exodus 33:20 ESV – God says,No one can see My face, for no one may see My face and live….
1 Timothy 6:15 [God] is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,…who dwells in unapproachable light,
Luke 17:17-18 ESV – Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God
Ephesians 5:32 ESV – This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.
James 4:8 ESV – Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
How Can We Experience Immanuel, Personally?
Change Your Attitude In Your Every Day, Ordinary Matters
- The Bible word is “Repent”
James 4:8 ESV – Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Romans 8:5 ESV – For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
Romans 8:6 ESV – For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God
- Draw Near When Troubled
Psalm 73:28 ESV – But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge,
Psalm 34:18 ESV – The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
- Practice the Presence of God
Jeremiah 29:12-13 ESV – Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
