I was speaking with a agnostic/atheist friend the other day. These remembered thoughts helped me.
And so I decided to revisit my sermon notes, and here they are ~~
Notes from Bro. Mike's sermon December 26, 2010
Main Text: Luke 2:21-35: Jesus Presented at the Temple
Religion Done God's Way Still Requires a Messiah (Savior)
On the 8th day Joseph and Mary presented their Son at the Temple to be circumcised, like all godly, obedient Jewish families. It was required in the Law.
The word 'religion' has a negative tone today. But universally it is an attempt to know God. All societies have the innate desire to "do religion."
{My agnostic/atheist friend certainly considers all 'religion' negative}
Jesus was Jewish. God's religion was Judaism.
1. JUDAISM CONSULTED
Verse 22: According to the Law
Verse 23: As it is written
Verse 24: In keeping with what was said, sacrifices were offered
Verse 27: What the Law required
2. JUDAISM FOLLOWED
Verse 22: They brought him to Jerusalem to present Him to the LORD -- like any other first-born male child.
Note: In spite of the appearance of the angel and the personal messages to Mary and Joseph, they still appeared at the Temple and met the requirements of the Law
But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.
Galatians 4:4-5
3. JUDAISM FULFILLED
Verse 25~~ Simeon, devout and righteous, had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before his death. And moved by the Holy Spirit he appeared at the temple just at the same time as Mary and Joseph and their Son. What did he expect to see? A lowly peasant couple and their baby? But since he was so filled with the Spirit he could see what others did not see. Most people would have been more pragmatic. But Simeon could say:
Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared
in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.
GOD'S RELIGION DONE GOD'S WAY STILL REQUIRES A MESSIAH
Verse 33: Mary and Joseph marveled at Simeon's words. And Mary got the bad news, also: And a sword will pierce your own soul, too.
Bro. Mike talked about these words of Simeon. The sword talked about here was not a dagger like the one Peter used to cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest, but a large sword like would be used in battle.
God did not bring the Messiah to a more populated, prominent city. He did not bring Him to Rome. He brought the Messiah to the place where He had laid out His religion all along.
If God's religion requires a Messiah, then how do the other religions of the world stand before God?
Standing before God one day, we, too, will need a Messiah.
No matter what our "religion" is, we need a Savior.
And that is what we need to tell people.....It's so profoundly simple.....we need a Savior!
