The Story of Jesus

Introduction

• TEXT: Isaiah 40:18-26

Isa 40:21 Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?

• We spend our lives as a tale that is told. ( Psalm 90:9; as a meditation [fleeting thought]; a groan))

Written by prominent two gospel songwriters, lyricist Fanny Crosby (1820–1915) and composer John Sweney (1837–1899). According to Crosby, her friendship with Sweney was formed during summer revival meetings held annually at the Methodist campgrounds in Ocean Grove, NJ. She recalled being there as early as 1877; Sweney was appointed as song leader there in 1878 and served in that role for twenty years. Crosby said it was “one of the saddest duties of my life to give Sweney’s eulogy.

• "Tel Me the Story of Jesus" (Fanny B. Crosby)

1 Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart ev'ry word; tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard. Tell how the angels in chorus sang as they welcomed His birth, “Glory to God in the highest! Peace and good tidings to earth.”

• Is it Just a story? NOT MAN-MADE. Detailed Genealogies, Descriptive events we can compare with other records, and although not a scientific book - Good science only deepens our understanding of the Bible. Its truths have worked andn continue to work:

Patrick, a Romano-British citizen who lived some 400 years after Jesus, was kidnapped by Irish raiders at 16, enslaved for 6 years as a shepherd in Ireland, and turned to deep prayer. After escaping back to Britain, he felt called to return, was ordained a bishop, and converted thousands of Irish to Christianity preaching and teaching the THE STORY OF JESUS.

1. Creation

• History is HIS STORY and creation is merely our role in a grander story
• The account of the creation of the world. -- Genesis 1,2
• It is a witness that all things began with GOD. Not chance, coincidence, disorder and chaos are to credit for our existence, but a thoughtful, creative, designer -- GOD.
• Treasures of the snow -- no 2 snowflakes alike.
• Interdependant complex systems.
• Before there was ever sin, God had a plan!

Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

2. The Fall of Man (not an oopsy)

• Adam & Eve were tempated, and ultimately persuaded by the serpent to eat of the forbidden fruit. Adam also ate of the fruit that was given to him by Eve. This account of the first sin is referred to as the fall of man.

• Not an oopsy

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

3. The Flood

• After being expelled from the garden, the sin problem continued. CAIN kills his brother Abel in anger. and it continues downhill from there to the tipping point: (the whole imagination, purposes and desires)

Gen 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually

• God told Noah that He would destroy all flesh because of the sin of man. God instructed Noah build an Ark to save him and his family. God instructed Noah to bring two of every unclean animal and seven of every clean animal into the ark.

• A reset of sorts, looking forward:

Genesis 9:13 — I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.

• The Rainbow speeks of a RELATIONSHIP with God and his creation.

4. Call of Abram

• A relations God chooses to strengthen further [FAITH] in calling a man named Abram out of the Ur of the Chaldees. God told him He would show him the way to a different land. Abram received the promise that he would become a great nation. The land of Canaan was the land that God would lead him to. Abram received the promise that all families would be blessed in Abram. This is a promise that the Messiah would come from the seed of Abram. Gen. 12:1-3

5. Egyptian Bondage

• Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy bread because there was a famine in the land. God put Joseph second in command of all Egypt. Jacob and his sons came to live in Goshen a province of Egypt to keep the Children of Israel alive during the time of famine. A pharaoh eventually rose to power that enslaved the Hebrews.

6. Exodus

• God raised up Moses to deliver Israel out of Egypt. God led Israel out of Egypt with a mighty hand. This exit from Egypt is referred to as the Exodus.

7. Giving of the Law

• Moses received the Law of God on Mt. Sinai. God gave him The Ten Commandments on two tables of stone.

8. Wilderness Wanderings

• The Children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years because of sin. God would not allow them to enter the Promised Land because of their unbelief. Heb. 3:19

9. Conquest of Canaan

• God raised up Joshua to lead Israel into the Promised Land. The account of Israel possessing the Promised Land is called the conquest of Canaan.

10. Building of the Temple

• God used Solomon to build a permanent place of worship. Israel used a moveable place of worship called the tabernacle while they were on route to Canaan. God instructed Solomon to build a permanent place of worship when they became established in the land. ----- GOD WITH US ------

11. Babylonian Captivity

• God allowed Israel to be overcome by Babylon because of their sin. The Temple was destroyed and the golden vessels were carried away. There were three distinct times when Israel were taken captive and brought to Babylon.

12. Temple Rebuilt

• God raised up Ezra and Nehemiah to rebuild the Temple.

13. Birth of Christ

• Christ was born in Bethlehem according to prophecy. The birth of Christ is the central event of all history. Dates are recorded as BC before Christ and AD in the year of our Lord.

14. Crucifixion of Christ

• Jesus came to purchase man's salvation. Christ was crucified to be the supreme sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

• This was not accident of History, but God's plan inspired and motivated by love.

John 3:16 — For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

15. Resurrection of Christ

• Jesus arose from the dead.

Heb 2:14 — Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

16. Day of Pentecost

• The church was birthed on the Day of Pentecost. This was the day that God gave the gift of the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
• Empowerment for service: mission -- Missionary and Church Ministry Spreading
• Empowerment for life: devotion - until the day of Christ- The Return of Jesus

Philippians 1:6 — Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: {perform: or, finish}

2 Peter 1:19 — We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: