INTRODUCTION

Christmas is a tradition and a time of year that helps us focus on Jesus. It is a time when we pause and recognize that over 2,000 years ago, our Savior was born. He came as a baby, lived a sinless life, died on a cross, and three days later rose to life again. As followers of Jesus, we watch and wait for His eventual return. Sadly, our culture has diluted the true meaning of Christmas. However, we know that the keys to Christmas are what gives us hope for the future.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” —Hebrews 13:8

The story of a coming Savior and King has been passed down since the beginning of time. It has been changing lives from generation to generation. It is still changing lives today.

In this Christmas collection of talks we will look at the following Keys to Christmas:

December 6 - The Key to Christmas Past – Jesus Is Sovereign
December 13 - The Key to Christmas Present – Jesus Is Always with Us
December 20 - The Key to Christmas Future – Jesus Is My Security
December 24 - Special Christmas Eve Gathering

Text: Psalms 23:6 (NKJV, Old Testament)

Today’s Takeaway: OUR PRESENT AND FUTURE IS SECURE THROUGH JESUS.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” —Psalm 23:6 (NKJV)

Intro #1: Many people do not enjoy today because they fear their future.

Intro #2: God doesn’t want you to fear the future.

“Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:9

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” —2 Timothy 1:7

I. JESUS GIVES

Reveal Answer

LIFE ON EARTH (23:6a)

A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” —John 10:10

“Blessed be the Lord! Day after day he bears our burdens; God is our salvation. Selah.” —Psalm 68:19

A. The

of this Abundant Life

1. Reveal Answer
   – God gives us good things that we don’t deserve.

   “How lovely and beautiful!, …” —Zechariah 9:17a
   “Taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the person who takes refuge in him!” —Psalm 34:8
   “ We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” —Romans 8:28-29

2. Reveal Answer
   – God holds back bad things that we do deserve.

   “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. 5 You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” —1 Peter 1:3-5
   “Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end.
   23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!” —Lamentations 3:22-23
   “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love. 9 He will not always accuse us or be angry forever. 10 He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve or repaid us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his faithful love toward those who fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.” —Psalm 103:8-13

B. The

of this Abundant Life

“ I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus:” —Philippians 1:6

“This is the day the Lord has made; let’s rejoice and be glad in it.” —Psalm 118:24

II. JESUS GIVES

Reveal Answer

LIFE IN HEAVEN (23:6b)

“For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” —John 3:16

A. The

of Heaven

“ I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” —1 John 5:13
“In fact, we are confident, and we would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” —2 Corinthians 5:8

B. The

of Heaven

“ In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also.” —John 14:2-3
“ I tell you that many will come from east and west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.” —Matthew 8:11
“…I’ll go to him, but he will never return to me.” —2 Samuel 12:23b

C. The

of Heaven

Heaven is the presence of all that is good and the absence of all that is bad.

“For we know that if our earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling in the heavens, not made with hands.” —2 Corinthians 5:1
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.” —Revelation 21:4

D. The

of Heaven

“Truly I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.” —John 5:24

E. The

of Heaven

“When your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up after you your descendant, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He is the one who will build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with a rod of men and blows from mortals. 15 But my faithful love will never leave him as it did when I removed it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 Your house and kingdom will endure before me forever, and your throne will be established forever.’” —2 Samuel 7:12-16

CONCLUSION: Are you resting in the goodness and mercy of God?

DEEP DIVE QUESTIONS

1. Pastor Gary talked about the quality of life Jesus gives us on earth. Discuss the differences between goodness and mercy.
   

2. What are you most looking forward to about Heaven?
   

3. Read John 5:24. Who do you need to share this message with this Christmas season?
   

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