This sermon is from Redeemer's final service before merging with First Baptist Church of Milton.

In Redeemer's final service, Pastor Aaron Shamp explores the themes of purpose, decay, distinctiveness, and deliverance as he reflects on the teachings of Jesus about being the salt and light of the world. He emphasizes the importance of understanding our role in a decaying world, preparing for opposition, and living distinctively as Christians. The sermon culminates in the assurance of deliverance through Christ and the call to rejoice in our eternal reward.

Takeaways

• The gospel has the power to transform lives.
• We are called to be salt and light in a decaying world.
• The world is in a state of decay and darkness.
• Prepare yourself for opposition and difficulty.
• We must engage with the world to remain salty.
• Being light means living out good works publicly.
• Distinctiveness is essential in our Christian walk.
• We are called to persevere for Christ's sake.
• Our deliverance is secured through Christ's work.
• Rejoice in the face of persecution because of our eternal reward.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Beatitudes and Purpose
02:50 Understanding Decay in the World
11:00 The Distinctiveness of Believers
17:51 Living as Salt and Light
29:49 Deliverance Through Christ

In this sermon, Pastor Aaron Shamp explores the profound significance of the birth of Jesus Christ, who is called Emmanuel, meaning 'God with us.' He emphasizes that Jesus came to fulfill God's promises, rescue humanity from sin, and make God's presence accessible to his people. He encourages listeners to reflect on Christmas's meaning and live in anticipation of Emmanuel's return.

Takeaways

• The birth of Jesus fulfills the promise of Emmanuel.
• Music plays a vital role in worship and connection to God.
• Emmanuel signifies God's presence with us in our lives.
• Jesus came to rescue us from our ultimate exile from God.
• God's promises are fulfilled in the person of Jesus.
• Emmanuel means God is accessible and approachable to us.
• God enters into our mess and struggles with us.
• The significance of Christmas goes beyond material celebrations.
• We live in the already of God's promises and the not yet of their fulfillment.
• Emmanuel reminds us to live in hope and expectation of Christ's return.

Chapters
00:00 The Significance of Advent and Christmas
02:23 Understanding Emmanuel: God with Us
08:04 The Promise of Emmanuel: Fulfillment in Jesus
14:18 The Purpose of Jesus' Coming
20:25 The Accessibility of God Through Emmanuel
26:05 Living in Expectation: The Second Coming of Christ

This sermon explores Christmas's significance, focusing on the grand miracle of Jesus's incarnation. Pastor Aaron Shamp discusses how the incarnation is central to Christianity, emphasizing its implications for hope, challenge, and salvation. The message calls for humility and worship in response to the miracle of Christ's birth and the salvation it offers.

Takeaways

• Christmas is a time when we reflect on miracles.
• The grand miracle is the incarnation of Jesus.
• C.S. Lewis argued that Christianity is unique in its miraculous claims.
• The incarnation challenges us to examine our beliefs about Jesus.
• The Word made flesh offers hope and fulfillment of our deepest needs.
• Salvation is not achieved through human effort but through grace.
• The incarnation reveals our need for divine revelation, not just reason.
• Jesus's dual nature as fully God and fully man is essential to salvation.
• The cross absorbs our sin and offers forgiveness and new life.
• Christmas calls us to humility and worship before God.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Advent Season Overview
01:18 The Grand Miracle: Understanding the Incarnation
04:08 The Uniqueness of Jesus in World Religions
07:15 The Logos: A Philosophical Perspective
10:09 The Challenge of the Incarnation
13:15 Hope and Salvation Through the Incarnation
16:12 The Insult of the Incarnation
19:26 The Cross: Bridging the Chasm
22:23 The Relationship of Grace and Salvation
25:07 Conclusion: Humility and Worship in the Advent Season