4-Seeking a Savior
12/1/13
Intro:
I.Matthew 2:1-12
II.POSSIBLE EXPLANATIONS OF THE BETHLEHEM STAR:
A.Halley’s Comet in 12 B.C.—Eight years before the death of Herod in 4 B.C.
B.Planetary Conjunction in 7 B.C.—Babylonian and Chinese almanacs recorded it, but it did not suddenly appear, or move across the sky, and they knew the difference between planets and stars. Although it may have peaked their anticipation of something great to come.
C.The Chinese Comet in 5 B.C.—Chinese and Korean alamanacs record, “During the interval between March 10th and April 7th of 5 BC, a comet (broom-star) appeared close Alpha and Beta Capricornii and was visible for more than 70 days.”
D.A recent Comet ISON passed perihelionon Thanksgiving (11/28) and by mid-December we may see if it survived.(Photo Damien Peach in U.K. with 4” telescope on November 15)
Body:
I.The Reality Behind the Sign
A.Signs and events may peek our interest in seeking Christ.
1)WHO WERE THE MAGI?
a)They were not kings; there were not necessarily three.
b)They were an educated caste of priests who studied the stars and interpreted the signs and events of their time.
c)During the time of Christ they came from Persia, Mesopotamia or Arabia.(Justin Matyr, Clement)
d)They often visited kings. (Herod 10 BC, Nero 66 AD)
e)They were familiar with the Hebrew prophecies from the days of the exile in Babylon.
2)Numbers 24:17(Balaam came from Mesopotamia in 1400 B.C.)
“I see him, but not now;I behold him, but not near.A star will come out of Jacob;a scepter will rise out of Israel.”
B.But ultimately it is the reality of Jesus we need to find.
1)O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
2)Colossians 2:17
These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.
3)SISTER AIMEE CUTTING BACK ON HEALING MINISTRY
II.The Revelation of God’s Word
A.It is the Word of God that always keeps us on the right track.
1)The star had revealed the timing, but the prophecy revealed the location.
2)Romans 16:25-26
The message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings.
3)THE GREATEST INVENTION OF MANKIND—PRINTING PRESS
B.Every person must discover God’s truth for themselves.
1)1 Peter 1:23
For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
2)FAMILY COMING IN AFTER THE GULF WAR ATTACK
III.The Joy of Discovery
A.The length of the journey only makes the discovery sweeter.
1)“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” (KJV)
a)In the 1-2 month journey the star had moved south
b)Comet pointed downward, its tail going away from the sun
2)Isaiah 60:3-6
Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn . . . And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the Lord.
3)HIDING LONDA’S BIRTHDAY PRESENT
B.Once you find Him, you will never be the same again.
1)NATIVITY STORY—“HOW IS YOUR FAITH NOW?”
2)1 Peter 1:20-21
He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.
3)SAYING THE PRAYER IN THE BACK OF THE CHAPEL