Dr. Rob White - February 28, 2016
Believe - Chapter 6
February 28th, 2016
A sermon based on "Believe" by Randy Frazee by Rev. Dr. Rob White for Athens Universal Life Church
From Series: "Believe"
Believe is a unique spiritual growth journey that helps you to think, act, and be more like Jesus. In it, general editor and pastor Randy Frazee walks you through the ten key Beliefs of the Christian faith, the ten key Practices of a Jesus-follower, and the ten key Virtues that characterize someone who is becoming more like Jesus. Each chapter uses short topical passages from the New International Version to help you live the story of the Bible. As you journey through this book, whether in a group or on your own, one simple truth will become undeniably clear: what you believe drives everything. Each chapter includes both Old Testament and New Testament Scripture passages that relate to the specific belief, practice, or virtue in that chapter. Chapters being with a key question, a key idea, and a key verse to guide the reader, along with helpful introductions, summaries, and through-provoking questions. Using this edition of Believe, church families around the globe can now embrace a full ministry year through worship services, small group studies, and family activities. About the BELIEVE experience Know what you believe and why it matters. Grounded in Scripture, BELIEVE is a unique discipleship experience that helps Christians of all ages become more like Jesus in their beliefs, actions, and character. This series illuminates the core beliefs of the Christian faith to help you think, act, and be more like Christ. The BELIEVE experience includes books of carefully selected Scripture for adults, students, and kids; a companion book for discipleship and growth; a storybook and a coloring book for children; and curriculum for every age group. All editions of BELIEVE unpack 30 key ideas of the Bible: 10 key beliefs, 10 key practices, and 10 key virtues of a Christian, so your whole church can learn to be more like Jesus together.
More From "Believe"
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Dr. Rob White is back preaching live once again!
In this insightful sermon delivered by Dr. Rob White, titled “Unlikely Grace for Unlikely Candidates,” the message revolves around the theme of God’s inclusive love and salvation for unexpected individuals. Dr. White highlights the biblical account of the wise men from the East, emphasizing that God’s grace extends to everyone, regardless of their background or status.
The sermon begins by addressing the return of Dr. White to preaching after a health-related hiatus, setting the stage for a fresh exploration of the Scriptures. The focal passage is Matthew 2:1-12, recounting the journey of the wise men to find and worship the newborn King, Jesus Christ.
Dr. White challenges popular misconceptions about the wise men, shedding light on their likely Persian origin, the ambiguity of their number, and the Greek term “magi” used in Matthew’s Gospel. The narrative unfolds to reveal God’s intentional inclusion of these Gentile wise men in the story of Jesus’ birth, emphasizing the overarching theme of unexpected grace.
Throughout the sermon, parallels are drawn with other unlikely characters in the Gospel of Matthew, such as Rahab, Ruth, and Gentile centurions. These examples underscore the Gospel’s consistent message that God’s grace is not limited by societal norms or religious expectations. Instead, God chooses and uplifts those deemed unlikely candidates for salvation.
The preacher encourages the congregation to see themselves in this narrative, recognizing that, like the wise men, they too may be unlikely candidates in God’s redemptive plan. The emphasis is on the hope and promise embedded in the Gospel – a promise that Jesus has come to redeem even those who may feel undeserving.
Dr. White challenges the listeners to respond to God’s call, emphasizing that every individual has a unique role in God’s story. Drawing on the hymn “We Three Kings,” he connects the tradition of gift-giving to the Wise Men’s offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts, while symbolic, also served a practical purpose, providing for Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus during their escape to Egypt.
The sermon concludes with a powerful reminder that Jesus cares for the seemingly unlovely, offering hope for both the world and individuals. Dr. White encourages the congregation to embrace their role in God’s story, emphasizing that everyone counts and has a vital place in God’s family.
In summary, “Unlikely Grace for Unlikely Candidates” is a compelling exploration of God’s inclusive love, challenging traditional perspectives and inspiring listeners to recognize their unique role in God’s redemptive narrative.