The Subversive Hope

The Promises of Christmas – Part 1

Dr. Ed Stetzer

And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.Romans 15:12-13 

When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali – to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles – the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near”Matthew 4:12-17 

From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 4:17 

Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near!

1. The Hope of the  

Kingdom

“The Kingdom of Heaven”

God  

Rules

Over All of The World.

“The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.” Psalm 103:19 

The World is  

Broken

and Lost.

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.”Ephesians 2:1-2 

We Are Given a New  

Life

and New Hope.

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”Colossians 1:13-14 

2. The Hope of the  

Already

but Not Yet.

“Has Come”

3. The Hope We  

Have

“Near”

“The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 10:7 

4. The Hope of  

Christ

“Repent, because . . .” 

And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.Romans 15:12-13