Sermon Notes, December 18, 2011

Pastor C.M. Pruitt

The message Sunday was titled “Why God Chose Mary,” with scripture from Luke 1:26-55.  God is looking for people He can use.  He wants to use people to make a difference in His world.  There were lots of women on earth when God chose Mary, and ordinary girl from an ordinary family in an ordinary village.  “God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph… The virgin’s name was Mary.” (vs. 26-27)  God chose Mary because she simply trusted Him.  Mary’s initial reaction: “Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. ‘Don’t be frightened, Mary’ the angel told her, ‘for God has decided to wonderfully bless you!’” (vs. 29-30 LB)  She didn’t let her fears control her.  Possible fears:

·      Fear of criticism – “What will everyone think?”

·      Fear of the supernatural – “What will happen to me?”

·      Fear of inadequacy – “How can I handle this?”

·      Fear of change – “How will this change my life?”

·      Fear of losing her life – according to Jewish law, she could be stoned.

The antidote to fear is to trust God.

What type of person does God use?  God uses people who desire to do His will.  Not just on Sunday.  He made each of us for a purpose.  We need to find what it is.  “Then Mary responded, ‘My soul praises the Lord, my heart rejoices in God my Savior, because He has shown His concern for His humble servant girl.’” (Luke 1:46-48 NCV)  She was enthusiastic (from the Greek en and theos, in God) and humble.  “I desire to do your will O my God…” (Psalm 40:8)  “Our only goal is to please God…”(2 Corinthians 5:9 NCV)  Jesus came into the world as a baby so God wouldn’t scare us, and so He would know what it was like to be us.  We are trophies of God’s grace: our goal should be to please Him.  He uses people who want to be used.  What do we desire to do most?

God uses people who decide to pay the cost.  We can’t pursue Him at the same time we’re pursuing something else.  God’s plan was explained to Mary in verses 31-33.  Her response: “Mary said, ‘I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to do whatever He wants.  May everything you said come true.’”  It cost Mary her reputation for a long time (Jesus was 30 before He did any miracles.)  People may not understand.  Jesus said, “No one can be my disciple who does not carry his own cross and follow me.  But don’t begin until you count the cost.” (Luke 14:27-28 LB)  It cost her convenience—she had to travel to Bethlehem, then to Egypt.  “All these things that I once thought very worthwhile—now I’ve thrown them all away so that I can put my trust and hope in Christ alone.” (Philippians 3:7 LB)  What are we willing to give up?

God uses people who dare to trust His promises.  “Mary asked the angel, ‘But how can I have a baby?  I am a virgin.’  The angel replied, ‘The Holy Spirit  shall come upon you, and the power of God shall overshadow you…For every promise from God shall surely come true.’” (Luke 1:34-35, 37 LB)  God uses people who are willing to step out in faith and do things that make no sense.  Are there no miracles?  Are we afraid?  We want to be in control.  We need to wait, giving God opportunity to do something.  “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27 NIV)  He uses us when we want God’s will like a drowning person wants air.  Instead of panicking, Mary prayed, and praised.  Elizabeth told her, “You believed that God would do what He said; that is why He has given you this wonderful blessing.”  (Luke 1:45 LB)  How much do we trust God? 

He wants us to “be me in the world”  day by day.  What are we going to give Jesus for Christmas?  He has everything; He wants you!

                                                Holiday Schedule

December 24—Christmas Eve Service at 10 a.m.

December 25—NO SERVICE on Christmas Day.  Enjoy time with your family.

January 1—NO SERVICE on New Year’s Day.  Church volunteers  deserve a break, and to recover from 2011.

January 8, 2012—will be our first service of 2012.  Invite a friend and come join us!

                                                                                              

Prayer Requests

Prayer Requests

• Praise the Lord for answered prayer for Gay’s brother, Gene Bolling, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and liver blockage.  Continue to pray for him as he receives more treatment and recovers.
• Pray for our church board, the Pruitts and District Superintendent Phil Fuller as they lead us through this time.
• Pray for all to draw closer to Jesus and that hearts will be touched and healed.
• Pray for Liz Heiderscheit’s sister, Arlene Edwards, who has been given six months to live.
• Pray for Cindy Padgett’s sister, Brenda (Sue) whose cancer has come back.
• Pray for Donna Edwards as she has a procedure at UVA Dec. 29.
• Pray for the sick and hurting in the congregation.
• Sue Davis (scleroderma)
• Gay Hopkins (fibromyalgia)
• Frank Graham (back problems)
• Ross Shackelford (diabetes)

• Pray for those suffering financial problems or hunting for jobs
• Pray for the salvation of our children, youth, and loved ones
• Pray for the local homeless shelters and food closets that are struggling financially.
• Pray for missionaries serving around the globe.
• Pray for our military (especially Richard Mc Pherson in Afghanistan)
• Pray for our nation and its leaders