(John 3:16) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Why God gave His Son

(John 3:16) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Why God gave His Son

• Man – Because I want to take your death penalty

• Captain – Because I want to lead you from your suffering to glory

• Family – Because I want to address your deepest needs

• High Priest – Because I want to address your sin problems

Who Christ Became, and Why

Financial problems

Physical Pain

Fears

Shame

Unmet Needs

Unjust criticism

Unresolved Conflict

Loneliness

Emotional Hurts

Guilt and Regrets

Disappointments

Purposelessness

Spiritual Doubts

Persecution

Our Real Christmas Wish List

(Acts 26:18) … Open their eyes, and … turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Made Holy… by Faith in Christ

1. Have I been saved from the eternal penalty of sin?

• Jesus’ death satisfied God’s justice so that I can be permanently saved from the penalty of sin (Hebrews 2:16-17).

My Two Big Sin Issues

(John 3:16) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

1. Have I been saved from the eternal penalty of sin?

• Jesus’ death satisfied God’s justice so that I can be permanently saved from the penalty of sin (Hebrews 2:16-17).

2. Am I increasingly having victory over the power of sin?

• Jesus’ victory over temptation proves He can give us power over our temptations (Hebrews 2:18)

My Two Big Sin Issues

(Hebrews 4:15-16) For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. {16} Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

•Mercy – assurance of forgiveness

•Grace to help – assurance of power to resist temptation