Sermon on Sunday December 18, 2016 by Pastor Larry Neufeld
[podcast]http://www.calvarytacoma.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/December-18-2016-Larry-Neufelld.mp3[/podcast]
Pastor Larry Neufeld
“All I Want for Christmas is to be Loved”
Isaiah 43:1-7
I. Created (vs. 1a)
1a But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you,
II. Redeemed (vs.1b)
1b Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
III. Protected (vs.2)
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
IV. Loved (vs.3-7)
3 For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.
4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.
5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.
6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—
7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
Matthew 8:11-13
11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.
12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment.