December 24, 2023

5 Questions that Determine Your Future – part 5

“WILL I MAKE ROOM FOR JESUS?”

Luke 2:1-7

WHY DO WE HAVE NO ROOM FOR JESUS?

1. We don’t pay attention.

“Jesus replied, ‘If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.’” John 4:10

2. We crowd our lives with other things.

“The unspiritual self, just as it is by nature, can't receive the gifts of God's Spirit. There's no capacity for them.” 1 Cor. 2:14 (Mes)

“The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced.” Mark 4:18-19

3. We don’t think we need to make room.

“In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.” Psalm 10:4 (NIV)

“All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all.” Isaiah 53:6

WHY SHOULD I MAKE ROOM FOR JESUS?

1. To know my Creator and Savior.

“Before anything else existed, there was Christ, with God. He has always been alive and is himself God. He created everything there is--nothing exists that he didn't make! Eternal life is in Him, and this life gives light to all mankind.” John 1:1-4 (LB)

“He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:11-12

2. To enjoy a life of purpose, peace and power.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

How do I make room for Jesus? Invite Him in.

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20 (NIV)

(Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation second edition, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Message adapted from pastors.com)