A Freedom Christmas, Week 2: Power for the Impossible

How you see Jesus will determine how you celebrate His arrival. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. Isaiah 9:1-7(NIV) And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:1-7(NIV) Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. Isaiah 9:1-7(NIV) Message title: Power for the Impossible What is the impossible thing in your life right now? "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27 (NIV) In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Luke 1:26-38 (NIV) Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. Luke 1:26-38 (NIV) But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end." Luke 1:26-38 (NIV) "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" Luke 1:26-38 (NIV) The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Luke 1:26-38 (NIV) Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. Luke 1:26-38 (NIV) For no word from God will ever fail." Luke 1:26-38 (NIV) "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." Then the angel left her. Luke 1:26-38 (NIV) Impossible DREAMS What am I believing God for that seems out of reach for me?   God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Ephesians 3:20-21 (MSG) Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (NIV) If you don't have an impossible dream, than you don't need a Mighty God. Impossible PAIN If I am not hurting, I am not growing. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NLT) For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NLT) "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world." – C.S. Lewis  Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT) Impossible QUESTIONS God is GREATER than your GREATEST questions. How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Psalm 13:1-6 (NIV) Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, "I have overcome him," and my foes will rejoice when I fall. Psalm 13:1-6 (NIV) But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord's praise, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:1-6 (NIV) God can handle your questions, but your FAITH won't allow them to lead you. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) Impossible IMPERFECTIONS Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NIV) But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NIV) God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NIV) And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6 (NLT)