What A Lovely Name

When the angel came to Mary, he told her to name the child “Jesus,” 

Luke 1:31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

At the mention of that name hell trembles; Satan flees, sin is defeated and captives are delivered.

At the mention of that name fear gives way to peace, hopelessness is swallowed up in victory, the lost are found, the blind see, and the dead live.

Thank God for that lovely name! Jesus bridges the gap between God and man, Heaven and Hell, and sin and salvation. 

Many have shared that name, but there is only one Jesus Christ, and He is KIng of Kings and Lord of Lords, alone, forever.

“There's a name above all others, — Wonderful to hear, bringing hope and cheer. — It's the lovely name of Jesus, — Evermore the same, what a lovely name.

“What a lovely name, the name of Jesus. — Reaching higher far, than the brightest star. — Sweeter than the songs they sing in heaven. — Let the world proclaim, what a lovely name.”  

   Bill and Gloria Gaither

Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit. 

Wonderful. Marvelous . . .

The Bible gives Jesus at least 256 names. Why so many? One could never be sufficient to declare His glory.

Consider the names Isaiah gives to our Lord:

Isaiah 9:6   For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Wonderful – He is Wonderful in His Words, His Works and His Ways.   Counselor – The leader and guiding force of our lives.

Mighty God – He alone is worthy to be our Hero for He has defeated all our enemies — death, sin, and Satan. Everlasting Father - He fulfills His role as our Father by loving us, supporting us, sustaining us, comforting us, and providing for us.

Prince of Peace – He is the creator and provider of peace. Those who know Him know all about peace, John 14:27; John 16:33a; Phil. 4:7.

“For He's more wonderful than my mind can conceive — He's more wonderful than my heart can believe — He goes beyond my highest hopes and fondest dreams — He's everything that my soul ever longed for — Everything He's promised and so much more — More than amazing, more than marvelous — More than miraculous could ever be — He's more than wonderful, that's what Jesus is to me.” Sandi Patty

Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit. 

It Was A Holy Night

God promised Adam and Eve that one day a woman would bear a Son and that Son would defeat the power of sin and the serpent, Gen. 3:15.

One night an angel came to shepherds, delivering a profound message the world had waited four thousand years to hear.

Luke 2:10-11 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 

[11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

It was a Holy Night.

Many years ago in 1847, a composer by the name of Adolphe Adam wrote the words to a powerful Christmas carol.. 

“Oh holy night! The stars are brightly shining, — It is the night of the dear Savior's birth. — Long lay the world in sin and error pining, — Till He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

“A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, — For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. — Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices! — Oh night divine, Oh night when Christ was born; — Oh night, Oh holy night, Oh night, Oh night Divine.”

Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit. 

Away In A Manger

The birth of Jesus is a time surrounded by many miracles. There are angelic appearances, a virgin conception, split-second timing as to the precise moment of His birth. 

Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

What an amazing statement!

I mean, the hand of God is highly visible in the birth of the Lord Jesus into this world.

That the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords would come to this world and be placed in a manger is almost beyond my comprehension. 

A manger is a feeding trough for farm animals. To my mind it was certainly no place for a baby, much less the Son of God. 

“Away in a manger no crib for a bed — The little lord jesus laid down his sweet head. — The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay — The little lord jesus asleep on the hay.”  Martin Luther.

Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit. 

The Greatest Message

As they moved about tending their flocks, the shepherds were often accused of being thieves and unreliable. 

Then heavenly messengers visited them and life changed.

Luke 2:9,11,13-14 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 

[11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 

[13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 

[14]Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

God had a place in His grace and in His love for these dirty, defiled sinners. They found Jesus, believed in Him, and left with a song in their heart.

God loves us in spite of what we are – Rom. 5:8. I’m glad I have that song in my heart.

“O come, all ye faithful, -  Joyful and triumphant, — O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. — Come and behold Him, —  Born the King of Angels; — O come, let us adore Him, — O come, let us adore Him, — O come, let us adore Him, — Christ the Lord.”

Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit. 

Strength For The Faint

I’m glad the good Lord shares His power and strength when we need help. 

Isaiah 40:29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

I hate missing church, but the medical treatment I’m receiving leaves me weak, so I missed last Sunday. 

Determined to go yesterday, I asked the Lord to give me strength and He did. I went and participated as usual.

I’m always amazed when the Lord answers my short, simple prayers. It makes me look up and smile at Him. We have a close relationship. Seems He is just waiting for my next request. 

Are you weak? Do you need strength? Ask the Lord. God is good.  

Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit. 

Things God Has Prepared

Believers haven’t even begun to grasp all that is ours in Jesus Christ.  

A verse that is usually used to tell of the glories of Heaven is better applied to this life.

1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

We can’t imagine what the Lord can do in and for those who are His. He died for me, He called me, and He saved me.  He did it all.

He placed me in His body.  He gave me a place of service.  He equipped me to serve.  He gave me gifts that would help me to do His will. 

When this life is over He will still reward me for the works I perform for Him.  1 Cor.  3.

No wonder we will toss our crowns at His feet and praise His Name - Rev. 4.

“His Name is Wonderful — His Name is Wonderful — His Name is Wonderful — Jesus My Lord. —  He is the Mighty King —Master of everything — His Name is Wonderful — Jesus My Lord.

“He’s the Great Shepherd — The Rock of all ages — Almighty God is He. — Bow down before Him — Love and adore Him. His Name is Wonderful — Jesus my Lord.”  Audrey Mieir

Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.