Sermon Tone Analysis

We all have a fear of disappointment.

This fear can lead us to, as we talked about last week, to please people and ultimately lose our own identity to others.

We can stop living and just exist.

When reality is not what we expected, disappointment results.

The fear of disappointment can lead to settling.

We stop trying.

We just go through the motions and stop putting in the effort.

Our passion is lost.

Now, there will be times in your Christian walk, and life period, where this may be true but we cannot let them become the norm.

We can strive to make these the exceptions to the rule.

The Magi help us learn how to handle disappointment.

Disappointment is a part of the world we live in.

Fortunately we have many examples on how to handle the disappointments in life.

The Magi are not the only examples of Scripture but they are our example for today.

The Magi were looking for a sign.

They had heard, as many people did, the stories of the Jews concerning the prophecy of Daniel and others.

They knew a king was to be born who would make things right.

Peace and Justice would reign supreme.

In the context of the political upheaval of the last 1st century BC this would be welcomed by most of the world.

Hence the thoughts concerning Caesar Augustus.

The Magi see because they were looking.

Herod and the Jerusalem establishment miss because they were only looking at themselves.

Get good information.

Not all information is good information.

More information is not always better information.

There is a tendency to look for only what we think we already know.

The Magi start with what information they have but never close themselves off to what they may need to know.

Be open to Divine intervention.

The Magi never closed themselves off to what God would want to speak to them.

Complete the primary goal.

The Magie persevere over the 900 mile journey.

They have a quick stop in Jerusalem and then finish the last six miles to Bethlehem.

We must keep first things first.

We cannot lose sight of why we are on this journey.

Let me transition to speaking directly to us as a church.

The same is true for us individually but I want to help lay the groundwork for 2020 and beyond.

Our goal: To seek and save those not in Jesus’ Kingdom.

FBC St. Paris exists to be a diverse, growing and changing congregation that is devoted to exalting the Lord, grounded in the Word of God, open to the dynamic work of the Holy Spirit, committed to personal and corporate transformation, dedicated to sharing the love and truth of Jesus Christ with the world, and available as compassionate haven for those in need.

Our vision is to be a Christ-like, Spirit-led worshipping and praying fellowship of believers who overflow with the Living Water into our community and the world.

We must look outside as well as inside.

The natural pull is to look inside as a church and individuals.

Yet, the Magi teach us sometimes this is where we have missed things and become disappointed with life.

We forget we do not exist for ourselves.

Here is how Jesus stated things:

We must worship Jesus.

He is in control!

We must give what we have.

This is the example of the Magi.

Why the gifts of frankincense, myrrh and gold?

Because that is what they had.

I am reminded of the question Moses was asked:

What is in your hand?

What is in your hand, house, head, heart, history, life?

God does not ask us to give what we do not have.

We cannot give to others something we do not posses.

How can we be generous to Jesus this year as we worship Him?

Jesus would tell a story about a widow giving two pennies, or less by today’s standards.

She was praised because she gave what she had not because of what she didn’t have.

We must obey!

My motto and expectation: Be disciples who make disciples.

Here is another verse: John 14.15 which states: