2015.12.20 礼拝

2015.12.20 礼拝

2015.12.20 Psalm 23:1-6 “Be Freed from Fear and worries”
At this time of the year, we are given an opportunity to remember why we celebrate Christmas.

Keyword of Christmas: “God is with us”
Matthew 1:23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God is with us”)

Problem: One of the potential fears that people have is “loneliness”
We are made to be together with others. That is why when we are separated from others, we feel “lonely.”

The fear of loneliness is maximized especially on our deathbed. Knowing God is with us, there is a feeling of relief.

Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
David went through a lot of difficulties and hardships; yet his trust in God never failed.

Points:
1. Christ saves us from the fear loneliness.
Psalm 23;1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
Shepherd is a person who is closest to the sheep, looking after them and always ready to give a helping hand.
Matthew 28:20 “and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
John 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

2. Christ is with us as the shepherd
Psalm 23:1-3 1The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness. For His name’s sake.
John 10-11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep”.

1 Peter 2:24-25 24He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.