​Trust the Story of the Virgin Birth
Luke 1:26-38
Every Bible story is important
2 Timothy 3:16  All scripture is inspired, profitable
 
The Bible is one story
-How God has redeemed us from our sins through Christ
-There are many stories, but they all point to this Main story
-Each smaller story is meant to increase our faith in God
 
The Virgin Birth story is a small but significant story!
-Recorded in Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:26-38
-Matthew 1:23 says this fulfills the Isaiah 7:14 prophecy
-The early church continued to declare their belief in it
-Textual evidence suggests it was NOT inserted later
 
Why would someone reject the Virgin Birth story?
-Attempt to discredit the unique nature of Jesus Christ
    -they would have to reject multiple other verses
-Disbelief that God performs miracles in our world
    -multiple other Bible stories would  have to be rejected
-Rejection of the Bible as a historically accurate record
    -Many have tried and failed to disprove this idea
    -We don’t have to check our brains at the door to believe
       in the Bible
-Belief that it is unimportant to our faith
    -Emphasis on his sayings, example, not his historicity
    -This would mean God’s word is untrustworthy
    -We have to accept all or none of the story of Jesus
-I welcome a personal conversation with anyone who is honestly
   and intellectually struggling with the Virgin Birth.  Let’s sit
   down sometime and examine the evidence together! 
 
I desire for us to trust the Story of the Virgin Birth
-Read Luke 1:26-38
 
 
 
 
Observations from Luke 1:26-38
adapted from Christian Theology by Millard Eerickson, 1985
1.  Salvation is supernatural
-John 3:5b-6  We must be born again, of spirit and water
-John 1:13  we are spiritually born of God, not by our will or by
   nature
-No one can save themselves- we needed God to intervene
-Our Savior Jesus came from outside of humanity!
-Stop trying to earn or keep your salvation by human effort!
 
2.  Salvation is a gift of grace
-Mary did nothing to earn God’s favor, many virgins available
-vs 34  “How can this be?”  Only God can do what we cannot do
-No one is deserving of God’s grace! 
-God offers
 
 
3.  God can do anything
-God is all powerful and has all authority to act
-The birth of Jesus is the most unique birth of all time
-Gen 18:14  “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”
-When we believe in the virgin birth, we can believe that God can and will work in our lives, to free us from the humanly impossible task of resisting temptation and living a pure and holy life
-God can save everyone, no matter how far they are from God, no matter how dark their lives
 
Trust the story of the Virgin Birth
1.  Admit that you cannot save yourself
 
2.  Accept God’s love and forgiveness as a free gift
 
3.  Let Jesus be the Lord/boss of your life
-Luke 1:38  “I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary.  “May it be done to me according to your word.” 
-Romans 10:13  “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”
 

​Shine Like Stars!
Philippians 2:12-16
We need shining stars right now!
Real people, Real Church, Real God!
-Christ followers who really trust each other and God!
 
Too many people are being controlled by feelings and fear!
-Jesus invites us to a better life of peace and purpose
 
How to shine like stars
1.  Work out your salvation with others
-“Therefore” refers to “have the attitude of Jesus Christ
    2:1-4 a checklist of proper attitudes and actions
-We cannot grow spiritually in isolation!
    -our salvation is tested when we are around other people
    -Jesus “proved” his humility while on earth, not heaven
-“work out”-  labor, this is not easy, we cannot be passive
    -live how God has empowered us to live!
    -even when you don’t want to!
-with fear and trembling- recognize we are accountable to God
    -We aren’t afraid of God rejecting us (Romans 8:1)
    -We do have a healthy fear of God’s discipline if we don’t!
-even when your spiritual leaders aren’t around!
    -Paul said “even more in my absence”
    -If you don’t want your pastor to see or hear you, then why
       do you think it is ok to do it when he isn’t around?
    -We are accountable to God- who is always present!
 
2.  Check your attitude
-Without grumbling or arguing- Phil 2:2 is the opposite of this
-God doesn’t just want our behavior, he wants our heart too!
-Illust:  we give Christmas gifts because we WANT to
              -it isn’t as enjoyable when we HAVE to!
-vs 15  A practical test to check your attitude
    -am I blameless-  do I keep short accounts with people?
    -am I pure-  do people know I live a clean life?
    -am I known as a true “child of God”
 
 
3.  Trust God completely
-vs 13  God is fulfilling His purpose in and through you!
-Hold firmly to the Word-   even when other are letting go of it
-Apply it to every area of your life- not just on Sunday!
-We are shining out in the darkness- spiritual depravity
    -The world is actively rejecting God and His Word
    -Eph 5:6-14  reject empty arguments, don’t go back to your
            Dark life, “live like children of light”
    -Real people, real church!
         -2 Tim 3:12  “In fact, all who want to live a godly life in
             Christ Jesus will be persecuted”
 
Shine Like Stars!
Who are you going to build relationships with to do this?
-What church family will you commit to?
    (attenders, viewers)
-What Connection Group/church friendships will you commit to?
    (attenders, members)
-Stop living in isolation! 
 
What darkness do you need to turn away from right now?
-where do you tend to grumble and argue
-where do you need to be more blameless and pure?
-where are you blending into the crowd of unbelievers?
-Jesus is calling you to shine like stars- glorify Him, help others
 
Who must you tell about your spiritual commitment today?
-God uses pastors, elders and other spiritual leaders to help us
-We must depend on others to help us succeed spiritually!
-Who is “laboring” spiritually for you (vs 16b)?
-Let us pray for you, resource you, encourage you!
 
Contact us right now!
-stjoecommunity@gmail.com
-Contact page on our website
-Church Facebook Messenger
-Connection Card located at our Offering Boxes