Text: James 1:1-8

Introduction: We will be making decisions in 2021. Needing “WISDOM”? More than likely, we will have a few important decisions to make. Therefore, making the right decision will require “WISDOM” from the Lord. 

“The wise old owl sat in the tree, the more he saw the less he spoke, the less he spoke, the more he heard.” Let’s imitate that old bird.

The word “wisdom” is the Greek word σοφίας, which is pronounced sophía. According to Thayer, a Greek scholar, it means supreme intelligence, such as belonging to God, Jesus Christ. The half brother of Jesus, named James who evidently became a believer after the resurrection (1Cor 15:7), writes about “WISDOM” in his epistle. After discussing the purposes of trials in the believer’s life (James 1:2-4), he describes how we can get this heavenly knowledge, otherwise known as “WISDOM.”

1. Do you need “WISDOM,” especially in the coming year 2021? (James 1:5)

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

• The word “liberally” is haplōs – ἁπλῶς, which means generously, sincerely, openly

Personal Application: Jesus desires to be our “WISDOM” (1Cor 1:30, 31).

Paul writes, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.”

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him,” (James 1:5).

• The word “upbraideth” is oneidizontos -ὀνειδίζοντος, which means find fault, rebuke, chide, revile

Personal Application: Once we are born into the family of God through the New birth, we become children of God. Therefore, as sons and daughters of the Most High, we are invited to share His insight for living and decision-making.

2. How can we get “WISDOM” for the coming year 2021? (James 1:6)

“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”

• The word “Ask” is aiteitō, αἰτείτω, which means beg, call for, crave, desire
• The word “wavering” is diakrinomenos, διακρινόμενος, which means doubt, hesitate, stagger, withdraw

Personal Application: When we as believers in the living God ask for WISDOM, we must exercise “faith and trust” in the source of our answers, which is Jesus Christ.

Are you going to ask? Trust?

3. What will keep us from receiving “WISDOM” in 2021? (James 1:7, 8)

“For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

• The word “double minded” is dipsychos, δίψυχος, which means divided in interest, uncertain, two spirited, vacillating in opinion and purpose
• The word “unstable” is akatastatos, ἀκατάστατος, which means restless, inconstant

Personal Application: James is saying if we ask our Lord for “WISDOM” but have divided minds and hearts over the issues, and are unstable in both receiving and following through on the counsel, then we will not be given it.

1. If you are a WISE person, you will SEEK His Hand of WITNESS! (Matt 2:1-15)

“And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.”

3. Third, God reveals His Witness in the SAVIOR- Matt 2:2, 11

2. If you are a WISE Person, you will BOW down at His Feet and WORSHIP! (Matt 2:11)

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”

3. If you are a WISE person, you will SEEK His Face because He is WORTHY! (Matt 2:10)

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”

1. FIND and FOLLOW the Lord’s GLORY! (Luke 2:9)

“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.”

2. Forget your INSECURITY! (Luke 2:10)

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”

3. FIGHT for UNITY! (Luke 2:15)

“And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.”

4. Be FAITHFUL to Tell the old, old STORY! (Luke 2:17)

“And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.”

Conclusion: “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them,” (Luke 2:20).

By…

Introduction: I love the CHRISTmas song,

1. How can we be JOYFUL this CHRISTmas? (Luke 2:10)

2. How can we PRAISE Jesus this CHRISTmas? (Luke 2:13)

3. Why can we be HAPPY this CHRISTmas? (Luke 2:10)

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

4. What can we do do be a BLESSING to others this CHRISTmas? (Luke 2: 17, 18)

“And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.”

Text: Isaiah 9:6, 7

“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.”

• The word “government” is miśrâh, which means rule, dominion

1. Jesus Christ’s NAME shall be called, “Wonderful”! (Isa 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.”

• **His….CREATION!
• **His….SALVATION!
• **His …SOVEREIGNTY in every SITUATION!

2. Jesus Christ’s Name shall be called, “Counsellor”! (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.”

3. Jesus Christ’s NAME shall be called, “The Mighty God”! (Isa 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.”

4. Jesus Christ’s NAME shall be called, “The Everlasting Father”! (Isa 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.”

5. Jesus Christ’s NAME shall be called, “The Prince of Peace”! (Isa 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.”

Conclusion: This prophetic passage in (Isa 9:7) describes our Lord’s futuristic plans for His kingdom to come.

“7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.”

1. Abrahamic
2. Davidic
3. Land
4. New

Text: Galatians 4:1-19

Introduction: Are you on TIME? Ever late? I’ve heard it said, “some people would be late for their own funeral”??? But I’m glad to tell you, my friend, that God is always “On Time”! He’s an “ON TIME GOD”!!

In fact, Paul elaborates on this subject…”AN On TIME GOD.” Writing to the Churches in the Galatia area, and us today by the Holy Spirit, he refutes the false teaching of legalism and reinforces the truth of liberty in Christ Jesus. By the way, this includes before a person is saved – regenerated, and after he or she is saved – sanctification. More specifically, in chapter four, a phrase is used called, “The fullness of time.” A careful examination of the text shows three (3) benefits from “An On TIME GOD.”

1. What does the “Fulness of Time” mean? (Gal 4:1-4)

“1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.”

{This epistle – to the Galatians – is a letter revealing the lies of false teachers who were insinuating that a person was kept under the legalistic laws – Jews had 613 to live by to please God, at all times}

{However, these verses debunk that idea and show that Jesus came to do away with man-made rules and regulations when it comes to pleasing the Lord God}

“4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.”

• The word ” fullness” is plḗrōma, which means piece that is filled up, fulfillment, full
• The word “time” is chrónos, which means period of time, short, long, or delay

Personal Application: In the precise time, God sent His Son who was born under the law but condemned sin in the flesh….

“For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin,[1] condemned sin in the flesh,” (Rom 8:3).

…. and in so doing, liberated the CHRISTian to walk in freedom and liberty.

2. Why did the “Fulness of Time” come? (Gal 4:5)

“To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”

• The word “redeem” is exagorázō, which means payment of a price, to buy back

Personal Application: God sent His virgin born Son, Jesus Christ, to “buy back” the guilty sinner from the slave market of sins penalty, power, and one day – presence. He accomplished this by pouring out His own precious blood on the cross.

3. How does Jesus fulfill the “Fulness of Time” today in the believer’s life? (Gal 4:6, 7, 19)

“And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”

• The word “Abba” is Aramaic for father- papa

“Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”

• The word “heir” is klēronómos, which means one who inherits

“My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.”

• The word “children” is téknon, which means offspring
• The word “travail” is ōdínō, which means to feel and suffer the pains of childbirth

Personal Application: Through the inward work of the Holy Spirit, every child of God identifies with God their Father. Because of God the Son, Jesus Christ, we become inheritors of His great family and possess all that is promised to us.

• Christology – The person of Jesus Christ (v 4)
• Soteriology – The plan of Salvation (v 5)
• Pneumatology – The power of the Holy Spirit (vv 6, 7, 19)

Text: Matthew 1:21-23

Introduction: Is Jesus the “Reason for the Season” only at CHRISTmas time? But isn’t He the Reason for every season (Eccl 3:1-7)? After all, He is the Creator.

“And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years” (Gen 1:14).

What makes this CHRISTmas season so special? Covid-19 has drastically changed things this year….family gatherings may be limited; health concerns are at the top of the list for most families. Physical affection may be hindered due to the virus. Some are opting not to meet or to Zoom with the family. Whatever decision each family makes, the words of Matthew’s gospel are comforting to our hearts, and remind us that “JESUS is The Reason for this and every Season.”

1. Jesus is WITH us! (Matt 1:23)

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God is with us.”

2. Jesus died FOR us! (Matt 1:21)

“21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Personal Application:
“I can, I will, I do believe, that Jesus died for me.  And on the cross, He shed His BLOOD, for sin, to SET me FREE!”

3. Jesus FORETOLD us! (Matt 1:22)

“22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet.”

Personal Application:
The Bible is unfolding before our very eyes. In this case, Isaiah pre-wrote history when he predicted a virgin would have a baby. He would be named Jesus. God’s Word is trustworthy! It is 100% accurate. Therefore, we can stake our life on what the Bible predicts will happen in the future, as well as what has happened in the past, not to mention how we need to trust Jesus in the present.

That spells…..Jesus WITH us, FOR us, and FORETOLD us. What a SAVIOR! JESUS is the “REASON for EVERY SEASON”!

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

1. Fight your “FEARS”! (Luke 1:30-34)

“26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin….. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary.”

• The word “troubled” is diatarássō, which means agitate, confuse
• The word “fear” is phobéō, which means frightened, alarmed, to be afraid

2. Feed your “FAITH”! (Luke 1:28-33)

“28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: For thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

3. Find your “FAVOR”! (Luke 1:28-34)

“30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.”

• The word “favor” is cháris, which means delight, pleasure, blessing, benefit

Conclusion:
So what are you afraid of? Nuclear war? Sickness? Losing your job? Stock market crash? Will you face your fears?

“Fighting our Fears” with “Faith” finds “Favor” with God. When we “Fight our fears” and find “Favor” with God, then we can expect to do extraordinary exploits for the glory of our Lord.

Text: 2 Corinthians 9:15

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”

Introduction: Do you agree, there are some “GiFTS” money can’t buy? How about these four (4) BEST GIFTS to give this CHRISTmas?

1. Give Lots of “LOVE & AFFECTION” this CHRISTmas! (2 Cor 9:15)

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”

Personal Application: One little girl while in English class at school was asked to spell the word A-F-F-E-C-T-I-O-N. She stood up on her feet from sitting down at her desk, walked over to her teacher, and put her arms around her neck and gave her a big hug. Needless to say, she made an A.

2. Give Plenty of “PATIENCE” this CHRISTmas! (2 Cor 9:15)

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”

Personal Application: Are you known as a PATIENT person? Or could you use a little extra dose of PATIENCE? Most of us could!

3. Give A “HELPING HAND” this CHRISTmas! (2 Cor 9:15)

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”

Personal Application: The older we get, the more we appreciate a “Helping Hand”! Will you teach a helping hand today?

4. Give “HOPE to the HURTING” this CHRISTmas! (2 Cor 9:15)

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”

Personal Application: When we offer Jesus to others, we are giving “HOPE to the HOPELESS,” and “HELP to the HELPLESS”! There are a number of people hurting at CHRISTmas.

“UNSPEAKABLE” (2 Cor 9:15)
“UMERITED” (Eph 2:8, 9)
“UNDEFILED” (2Cor 5:21)
“UNCHANGABLE” (Heb 13:8)
“UNLIMITED” (Rev 22:16)

…Gift!

God gave the BEST GIFT!
Let’s do the same.

Text: John 10:22-30

Introduction: Does it seem like “TIME” Flies? Setting our Priorities is a must. Do you have your priorities in the right place? We must continually evaluate our “TIME” schedule. As we take a look at the gospel of John, there are five (5) “TIMES” to set your clock by, on a daily basis:

1. At Church – “WORSHIP TIME” (John 10:22)

“And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.”

{The words “feast of dedication” is enkaínia, which corresponds with the Jewish holiday “Hanukkah”…..according to the Greek scholar Thayer, this event is celebrated in the middle of December commemorating the Maccabeaus’ overthrow of Antiochus Epiphanes}

{Did you notice Jesus celebrated this Jewish event, which is still celebrated today?}

Personal Devotion: What a joy it is to come together to worship Jesus Christ and grow in His likeness, while going out into a world that needs God’s JOY, PEACE, LOVE, and HOPE.

2. At Home – “FAMILY TIME”! (John 10:30)

“I and my Father are one.”

{Jesus makes this affirmation that He was equal with God the Father; this proving His eternal existence and deity}

Personal Devotion: Spending TIME with our families is important for our legacy, as well as our well-being}

3. In Heart – “DEVOTION TIME”! (John 10:27-30)

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me…. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand… My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.”

Personal Devotion: Spending TIME with daily devotions is an absolute. If we feed our Faith over our Flesh, then Faith wins!

4. In the World – “WITNESS TIME” (John 10:25)

“Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.”

Personal Devotion: If all we do is “take in – take in” the Word of God, and never “Give out” – witnessing – then we become spiritually overstuffed. Instead as we “Give out” we make room for the Holy Spirit to pour in.

5. In Eternity – “END TIME”! (John 10:28)

“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”

Personal Devotion: The Judgment Seat of Christ is coming. Every CHRISTian will “appear” before Jesus to give an account of how we’ve served the Lord based on the gifts we’ve been given. Are you preparing? Lord help us to get ready!