Sunday Preview: God, Savior of Men

There is no moment in history more magnificent than when the King of all creation came to earth. The birth of Jesus Christ is a moment of awe and thanksgiving, worthy of unending praise. However, to fully appreciate this event, we must understand the profound mission He undertook—a mission that reflects the very heart of God.

The Greatness of His Name
In Exodus 3:14, God revealed Himself to Moses with the name I AM WHO I AM. This declaration points to His eternal nature—unbound by time, infinite in existence. Yet, this name is more than a claim of eternality. In Exodus 3:12, God assures Moses, “I will certainly be with you,” emphasizing His nearness to His people. By Exodus 6, we see God’s promise to redeem His people with “an outstretched arm and great acts of judgment” (v. 6) and His desire to claim them as His own (v. 7).

This is the God of covenant love and faithfulness, who demonstrated Himself not just as El Shaddai, the Almighty One, but as the saving God who redeems and delivers His people. This eternal, ever-present, redeeming God is revealed fully in Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the I AM
In John 8:58, Jesus proclaims, “Before Abraham was, I am.” With this statement, He directly claims the divine name of God. Jesus does not simply connect to God—He is God. The eternal I AM became flesh to deliver His people from physical oppression and the spiritual bondage of sin.

The Old Testament Proclaims God as Savior
The theme of God as Savior weaves through the Old Testament. Isaiah 63:8-10 describes God’s deep compassion and redemption, lifting His people up in their suffering. Nationally, He delivered Israel from sickness, danger, and death. Spiritually, passages like Isaiah 55:7 and Micah 7:18 remind us of God’s faithful forgiveness and His delight in showing mercy.
These glimpses of God’s saving power culminate in Jesus, the promised Savior, fulfilling the Old Testament hope of redemption.

When John Was Born
At the birth of John the Baptist, his father Zechariah praised God, saying, “He has visited and provided redemption for his people” (Luke 1:68-69). John’s mission was to prepare the way for Jesus, who would give His people “knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins” (Luke 1:77).

When Jesus Came
Jesus’ birth was met with unparalleled praise and worship.

• The Shepherds heard the angel declare: “Today in the city of David, a Savior was born for you” (Luke 2:11). They glorified God for the gift of the Messiah.
• Simeon, upon seeing the infant Jesus, praised God, saying, “My eyes have seen your salvation” (Luke 2:29-30).
• Anna, a prophetess, thanked God and proclaimed the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:38).
• The Magi, journeying from the east, worshiped the child Jesus, presenting gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh—symbols of His Kingship, divinity, and sacrifice (Matthew 2:11).

Each response to Jesus’ coming emphasizes His role as the Savior, the Redeemer, and the King.

Concluding Thoughts
The angel’s words in Luke 2:11 ring true today: “Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” Our Savior deserves our unending praise, worship, and submission. Have you surrendered to your King? The eternal I AM came near to redeem and bring you into His Kingdom. Let us glorify Him with our lives, now and forever.

Questions:

• What does the name "I AM" reveal about God's nature, and how is this fulfilled in Jesus?
• How does Jesus’ claim in John 8:58 connect Him to the God of the Old Testament?
• What do the shepherds' actions, Simeon, Anna, and the Magi teach us about responding to Jesus’ birth?
• In what ways does the Old Testament portray God as a Savior, and how does this point forward to Jesus?
• How can understanding Jesus as eternal and near deepen our relationship with Him today?

OPENING / WELCOME
Eric Renegar
SONG LEADER
Dru McLaughlin
PRAYER OF PRAISE
George Wacks
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Nathan Armstrong
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Boyd Hastings
Matt Ringle
Justin Spargo
Jordan Lewis
SCRIPTURE READING
Titus Sullivan
John 8:51-58
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Rich Jacobs
CLOSING COMMENTS
Mark Ringle
WELCOME CENTER
Judy Hickey / Kathy Downey
USHERS
David William / Jim Rutter
SONG DEVOTIONAL
Mark Ringle
COMMUNION PREP
Jeri Hastings
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Mike Rosato