God With US, Do We Notice?

Matthew 1:23; Luke 2:1-20

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

1.   God is with us!
       a.    With us in flesh to be like we are!  Matthew 1:23
       b.    With us to save us from sins’ penalty.  Matthew 1:21
       c.    With us to redeem us from sins’ power.  Romans 8:23
       d.    With us to sustain us in sins’ lingering presence.  Romans 8:26
       e.    With us to sanctify us into the image of Jesus.  Romans 8:28-29
       f.     With us until we are with Him face to face!  Romans 8:30

2.   Do we notice?
       a.    Most people do not see God’s true presence!
                       i.   Caesar Augustus did not notice!  Luke 2:1
                      ii.   Quirinius did not notice!  Luke 2:2
                     iii.   Nazareth did not notice!  Luke 2:4
                     iv.   Bethlehem did not notice!  Luke 2:4
                      v.   The innkeeper did not notice!  Luke 2:7
        b.    Look to see that God is with you!
                       i.   Zechariah heard from Gabriel but did not believe.  Luke 1:13-18
                      ii.   Elizabeth responded to the Holy Spirits prompting and blessed Mary!  Luke 1:39-45
                     iii.   Simeon obeyed the Holy Spirit and believed God’s sovereign promise!  Luke 2:27-31

3.    Anna continually worshipped God: Luke 2:36-38
        a.    In His temple,
        b.    fasting, praying, giving thanks,
        c.    looking forward to the redemption of Israel

4.    Shepherds: Luke 2:8-20
        a.    Go and see this thing for ourselves
        b.    Find Jesus
        c.    Tell others what you found
        d.    Glorify and Praise God

SO WHAT?

• Investigate the claim of the Bible!
• Obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit!
• Tell others about what you have experienced for yourself!
• Expect God to show Himself to you in your circumstances!