JESUS CHRIST, GOD’S GREATEST GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE TO MANKIND

Sunday 22nd December 2013

By Pastor Abraham Addae Agyemang

 

John 3:16; Matthew 1:18; Romans 6:23

INTRODUCTION: On this very Christmas festivities and Convention, I think every Christian and Ghanaian has great cause to thank, praise, and Worship God for the terrifying journey we all went through from January to December: The Supreme Court’s 8 months judgment saga; the unprecedented electricity power failures and Fire outbreaks that destroyed notable Market Places, installations, and properties worth billions of cedis; Several  motor-traffic accidents and loss of many lives and properties; Many shocking and untimely deaths reported. Yet our Nation Ghana and the church of God is intact, peaceful and growing in all dimensions.

 The of This Christmas Convention: “JESUS CHRIST, GOD’S GREATEST GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE TO MANKIND” was specially chosen to lift our hearts in deep appreciation, praises and worship of God for the birth of His Son into the world to bring to mankind salvation and Eternal life with all the heavenly blessings in Christ.

We want all Christians and people of the world to reflect on this Theme to discover the reason for the yearly celebration of Christ’s birth that we have titled “CHRISTMAS”. Is it for nought that the birth and death of one man is commemorated every year by the successive generations after His mission to this earth two thousand (2000) years ago?

Why is it that God revealed the purpose of his birth to king Ahaz of Judah (Isaiah 14:7); The Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 9:1-7); Prophet (Micah 5:2) Joseph (Matthew 1:21-23); The Shepherds (Luke 2:8-20); The Magi (Matthew 2:1-12); Simeon (Luke 2:25-35); The Prophetess Anna (Luke 2:36-38).

The name Jesus as interpreted by the Angel in Matthew 1:21 means Saviour. His mission on earth was to redeem mankind from sin, satan and death which constitute man’s greatest enemies; To reconcile all who repent from sin and believe in His atoning death to fellowship with God; and finally give to all believers Eternal life which carries all the heavenly blessings in Christ (John 3:16,35,36; 6:40; 17:3)

1.       Eternal life in Christ conveys New Birth and the right of God’s Sonship to every believer – John 1:12; 1 John 5:1-5; Galatians 3:26-27. The new birth gives victory over all the forces and powers of this earth (1 John 5:4-5). That is why the Angel who announced the birth of Jesus to Joseph and the Shepherds, and even His mother Mary greeted them with: “Fear not”.

2.       Eternal life brings the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to the believer with all the gifts of the Godhead: Grace Gift of the Father (Romans 12:6-8); Gifts of the Holy (1 Corinthians 12:7-11); Ascension gifts of the Son (Ephesians 4:11-13).

3.       Eternal life carries the nature of God, Christlikeness or righteousness into the believer (Romans 3:21-22; 8:29; Galatians 1:15-16; Ephesians 1:4)

4.       Eternal life makes us ambassadors of Christ on earth, and citizens of Heaven (2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:20).

5.       Eternal life makes us members of Christ’s body on earth, the Church (1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27)

6.       Eternal life gives us Spiritual rest in our souls, security, peace and fulfillment in this world (Matthew 11:28-29)

7.       Eternal life is the bedrock for fruitfulness and the success story of true believers (John 15:4,5). Thus Eternal life is the key factor that makes true believers live to glorify God, please Him, Worship and do His will on earth despite all odds and negative circumstances.