FBC Sunrise Beach
The Royal Peacemaker
      • 1 Thessalonians 5:17ESV

      • John 1:1ESV

  • Joy To The World
  • Away in a Manger
  • Birthday Of A King
  • Bible Passage: Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6-7, Micah 5:2, Matthew 1:22-23
    Isaiah 7:14 ESV
    14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
    Summary: These prophecies showcase the profound expectation of a Messiah who would not only reign as king but also restore a fractured relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the transformative power of His peace in a broken world.
    Application: This message inspires the congregation to embrace the redemption offered through Christ, encouraging them to reflect on how they can be agents of peace in their communities, following the example set by Jesus, the Royal Peacemaker.
    Teaching: The sermon will convey how the coming of Christ fulfills the need for redemption and reconciliation in our lives, highlighting His dual role as sovereign and servant, which calls believers to embody His principles of peace and justice.
    How this passage could point to Christ: The focus is on Christ's role as the fulfillment of every Old Testament prophecy, not just as a ruler but as the redeemer who reconciles us to God, demonstrating His centrality in God’s plan for salvation.
    Big Idea: In accepting Jesus as the Royal Peacemaker, we realize that His redemption enables us to live in peace, empowering us to reconcile with others as we reflect His character in our daily lives.
    Recommended Study: I recommend examining the theological implications of kingly and priestly functions in Christ using Logos. Look closely at the specific Hebrew words for peace (Shalom) used in Isaiah and Micah, and study how they relate to the peace brought by Christ in the New Testament. Additionally, explore the historical context of the Jewish expectations of the Messiah to better understand the transformative nature of His coming.

    1. Immanuel's Inspiring Assurance

    Isaiah 7:14 ESV
    14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
    What a powerful prophecy
    Isaiah was written between 739 - 631 bc
    around 700 years prior to Christ birth
    What a prophecy
    This prophecy helps to solidify the Messiah
    This is something a Messiah couldn’t fake
    The real Messiah would be born of a virigin
    The mother would know for sure
    The Messiah would be real
    Isaiah’s prophecy does more than foretell
    It provides indisputable proof
    It provides incredible standards
    It sets an incredible stage
    A stage that says the Messiah will be born of a virgin
    This sign would prove that Jesus was and is who He says He is
    On top of that Isaiah gives another key piece
    He doesn’t say His name will be Jesus
    Instead He says His name shall be called Immanuel
    Which means God with us
    Jesus was a name
    Immanuel was a sign
    Immanuel told the world that this was not just an ordinary baby
    this was God in the flesh!
    And this God in the flesh would do great things among those great things would be peace
    You could explore how the prophecy of Immanuel foreshadows Jesus' arrival as God with us, indicating that Christ embodies God's promise to dwell among His people. In a world longing for God’s presence, this first sign in Isaiah assures us of God's commitment to His people. This point challenges listeners to consider how the reality of Immanuel impacts their relationship with God and others, urging them to live with assurance and hope.

    2. King of Lasting Peace

    Isaiah 9:6–7 ESV
    6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
    Not just any peace
    lasting peace
    peace that passes all understanding
    Jesus would bring peace and justice
    for the rest of time
    The names given to Jesus is Isaiah 9 are incredible
    Wonderful Counselor
    Mighty God
    Everlasting Father
    Prince of Peace
    Jesus would be the one to usher true peace into the world
    Peace that could only be found at the foot of a Savior
    Peace that can only be found at a throne of Grace
    Peace that could only be found through Faith in Christ
    Jesus being the Prince of Peace
    would mean peace on earth and eternal peace with the Lord
    This same peacemaker is supposed to be the leader of the church
    Jesus is to be our Guide
    and if the church trusts the prince of peace we will be guided towards peace
    not dissent
    But Isaiah gives another key line
    this Prince of Peace will rule justly
    peace does not mean tolerance
    Sin is still not allowed
    Peace is found through the righteousness we attained through Christ’s perfection
    it is not found in the tolerance or committance of sins
    Perhaps you could highlight how this passage defines Jesus’ role as the Prince of Peace, emphasizing His governance of justice and righteousness. Expand on how His eternal reign offers believers a peace that surpasses all understanding. Connect this to the present-day application of striving for God’s peace in personal and communal conflicts, motivating the congregation to be peacemakers as His followers.

    3. Bethlehem's Humble Beginnings

    Micah 5:2 and Matthew 1:22–23
    Micah 5:2 ESV
    2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.
    Matthew 1:22–23 ESV
    22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
    Then we get to the place of birth
    We have highlighted His kingship
    we have highlighted His authority
    We have highlighted His power
    We have even highlighted His role
    But what about His beginning
    Well it began in a little town
    A spot in the road called Bethlehem
    Jesus could have entered in glorious fashion but He didn’t
    READ LYRICS
    You could have stepped into creation With fire for all to see Brought every tribe and nation to their knees Arriving with the host of heaven In royal robe and crown The rulers of the earth all bowing down But You chose meekness over majesty Wrapped Your power in humanity Glory be to You alone King who reigns from a manger throne My life, my praise, everything I own To Jesus the King on a manger throne You could have marched in all Your glory Into the heart of Rome Showed them splendor like they'd never known But You wrote a better story In humble Bethlehem Creator in the arms of common men You will die for our redemption And You'll rise so we can live Glory be to You alone King who reigns from a manger throne My life, my praise, everything I own To Jesus the King on a manger throne From heaven to the cradle From cradle to the cross Let heaven and nature sing This is our King But the grave couldn't hold Him Our God has overcome Let Heaven and nature sing This is our King From heaven to the cradle From cradle to the cross Let heaven and nature sing This is our King But the grave couldn't hold Him Our God has overcome Let Heaven and nature sing This is our King All hail the King All hail the King All hail the King Glory be to You alone King who reigns from a manger throne My life, my praise, everything I own To Jesus the King on a manger throne My life, my praise, everything I own To Jesus the King on a manger throne To Jesus the King on a manger throne
    Salvation Message
    Consider drawing attention to Bethlehem as the humble origin of a great ruler, bridging prophecy with the fulfillment in Matthew. Discuss how this reflects Christ's servant leadership, which calls us to lead through humble service. This point might inspire believers to view every small act as part of God’s grand narrative, encouraging them to wield their influence for God’s kingdom by spreading peace and reconciliation.
      • Isaiah 7:14ESV

      • Isaiah 7:14ESV

      • Isaiah 9:6–7ESV

      • Micah 5:2ESV

      • Matthew 1:22–23ESV

  • Have Thine Own Way
  • Just As I Am