December 13, 2015
This is Christmas: Mary’s Faith, Joseph’s Courageous Obedience!
Mike Fritscher

Mary’s Faith- Luke 1:26-24

Romans 10:7 Faith Comes from Hearing and Hearing the word of God!

I. What Mary Heard!

A. She Heard that God Favored Her!

Titus 2:11-14

B. She Heard that God Is With Her! V. 28

Exodus 33:16 When God Is With You, You are distinguished from the world! Set Apart! It’s what Moses believed in to distinguish (literally or figuratively): put a difference, show marvelous, separate, set apart, sever, make wonderfully.

C. She Heard an Impossible Word! V. 38

“You will bear a Son as a Virgin”

Nothing Will be Impossible! No Word Will be Impossible!

II. What Mary Believed!

A. She Believed The Impossible Word!

B. She Believed Jesus would be who God says He would Be!

And May it be done according to Thy word!

Elizabeth’s Testimony – Luke 1:39-45

Are you believing the word spoken to you? What we have a hard time believing:

Joseph’s Courage! Matthew 1:18-24

Courage Under Fire Demands Godly Character to Respond with Courageous Action!

1. Courage Demands Godly Character!

• Joseph Walked With God! (relationship)

Genesis 6:9 These are {the records of} the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah walked with God.

• Joseph Walked By Faith!

Romans 1:17 For in it {the} righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous {man} shall live by faith.”

• Joseph Practiced Righteousness! 1 John 3:7-10

2. Courage Demands Action!!

• To Marry a Woman Who is not Carrying Your child In the face of public disgrace and religious scrutiny.
• To Name the Son Jesus! Jesus, Deliverer
Emmanuel – God With Us!

• To Be Faithful to God’s Word!

This is Advent! This Is Christmas!