Guiding Question: What does it truly mean to receive the gift of Jesus at Christmas—and how do we know if we’ve really received it?

Summary

Description: Robert Lewis offers a rich and heartfelt Christmas message centered on the gift of Jesus Christ. Drawing from the imagery and wonder of the season, he calls listeners beyond the festive emotions to the deeper spiritual reality of Christmas: the incarnation as God's indescribable gift. He contrasts true belief—deep, active, and transformational—with passive or flawed belief that merely observes but never receives. Using John 3:16 and stories of personal restoration, freedom, and surprise, he explores how receiving this gift leads to real-life change. The message invites both seekers and believers to reflect honestly on the nature of their belief and respond to God’s ultimate question: "Do you want me?"

Outline:

1. The Spirit of Christmas

   • Holiday nostalgia and spiritual sensitivity.

   • Christmas is more than feelings—it’s about the gift of Jesus.

2. Jesus: The Indescribable Gift

   • Biblical titles and descriptions of Jesus as a “gift.”

   • 2 Corinthians 9:15; Romans 6:23; John 4:10.

3. The Woman at the Well

   • Jesus’ compassion and invitation to a broken Samaritan woman.

   • “If you knew the gift of God…”

4. God’s Question to Us

   • Christmas answers: Is God there? Does He care?

   • But the real question is: Do you want the gift?

5. What Does It Take to Receive the Gift?

   • John 3:16 and the call to “believe.”

   • The distinction between real belief and flawed, passive belief.

6. Real Belief vs. Flawed Belief

   • Real belief leads to action, life change, and deep connection with Christ.

   • Flawed belief is passive, distant, and untransforming.

7. What the Gift Delivers

   • Forgiveness (Colossians 2:13)

   • Freedom (John 8:32)

   • Restoration (Psalm 23; Joel 2:25; Jeremiah 30:17; Malachi 4:6)

   • Surprise (1 Corinthians 2:9)

   • Reunion and eternal life (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

8. Stories of Transformation

   • Real-life testimonies of people who embraced the gift and experienced freedom, restoration, and hope—even from prison.

9. Final Invitation

   • A call to receive the gift through genuine, life-altering belief.

Key Takeaways

• Jesus is not just the reason for the season; He is the gift that changes everything.

• True belief is not passive acknowledgment but an active, surrendered trust that transforms life.

• Many claim belief but have not received the life promised in John 3:16—because their belief lacks real buy-in.

• The gift of Jesus delivers real change: forgiveness, freedom, healing, purpose, and eternal hope.

• Christmas invites us to answer God's question: “Do you want me?”

• When we truly believe, Jesus surprises us—again and again—with grace, power, and presence.

Scriptural References

• 2 Corinthians 9:15 – “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.”

• Romans 6:23 – “The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

• John 4:10 – “If you knew the gift of God…”

• John 3:16 – Belief as the key to eternal life.

• Colossians 2:13 – Forgiveness of all transgressions.

• John 8:32 – The truth will set you free.

• Psalm 23 – “He restores my soul.”

• Joel 2:25 – “I will restore the years the locusts have eaten.”

• Jeremiah 30:17 – “I will restore you to health.”

• Malachi 4:6 – Restoring hearts of fathers to children.

• 1 Corinthians 2:9 – “What God has prepared for those who love Him.”

• 1 Thessalonians 4:17 – “So shall we always be with the Lord.”

Recorded 12/19/04

Guiding Question: How do we experience real turnaround in life when we've lost our way or feel stuck?

Summary

Description: Robert Lewis uses a powerful blend of drama, storytelling, and scripture to explore the idea of personal and spiritual turnarounds. Focusing on Jonah chapter 3, he draws a vivid parallel between the reluctant prophet Jonah and modern believers who resist sharing their faith, even when surrounded by people in desperate need. He emphasizes that turnarounds—whether small or life-altering—begin when we respond to God’s persistent voice, despite our pain or reluctance. The message is clear: no matter how far off course we get, God is still pursuing us and ready to use us.

Outline:

1. Opening Drama and Real-Life Parallels

   • A birthday moment reveals Lenny’s personal struggles and longings.

   • A kind word shifts his perspective—a small turnaround.

2. Jonah’s Second Chance

   • God repeats His original command: "Arise, go to Nineveh."

   • Jonah obeys, albeit reluctantly, beginning his turnaround.

3. Context for Turnaround

   • Both Jonah and Nineveh are in pain—one from resistance, the other from cultural collapse.

   • Each faces hard realities: Jonah must obey; Nineveh must repent.

4. God’s Relentless Pursuit

   • God doesn’t give up on Jonah or Nineveh.

   • He offers second chances to both.

5. The Power of Reluctant Obedience

   • Jonah delivers a message with minimal passion.

   • Still, the people of Nineveh respond with dramatic repentance and transformation.

6. Jonah and Nineveh as Types

   • Jonah represents the reluctant believer or church—hesitant to share.

   • Nineveh represents responsive unbelievers—waiting for someone to speak up.

7. Modern Application

   • Personal stories of faith shared reluctantly, yet leading to radical transformation.

   • The church’s mission to publicly proclaim hope and truth, despite cultural pressure toward privatized belief.

8. Closing Invitation

   • A call to faith for those needing a new life.

   • A call to action for believers to share the message of life with others.

Key Takeaways

• Turnarounds often begin with small moments—simple acts of kindness, honest words, or revisiting God's call.

• Pain, failure, and cultural chaos can all be starting points for spiritual renewal.

• God is unrelenting in His pursuit of people, offering second chances and restoration.

• Faith isn’t meant to be private; it’s a public, outward witness to God’s truth and love.

• Even reluctant obedience can spark great transformation in others.

• Every believer has the power to help someone experience a “new life.”

Scriptural References

• Jonah 3:1–10 – God’s call repeated to Jonah; Nineveh's repentance and God's mercy.

• John 1:14 – God “invading our space” through the incarnation.

• Matthew 28:19–20 – The call to make disciples of all nations.

• Romans 10:14–15 – How can they believe unless someone tells them?

• Examples of Restoration – Moses (Exodus 2:11–25), David (2 Samuel 11–12), Peter (John 21).

Recorded 11/28/04

Guiding Question: How did we get the Old Testament, and how can we be confident it's truly from God?

Summary

Description: Robert Lewis opens his "Theology 101" series by diving deep into the origins and credibility of the Old Testament. Addressing a question most believers rarely explore—how we got the Old Testament and whether it is historically and theologically trustworthy—he walks through the human and divine processes behind the formation of the Old Testament. This includes insights into the nature of inspiration, the role of prophets and compilers, and the role archeology and prophecy play in affirming the Old Testament's supernatural nature. He also emphasizes Jesus’ own view of the Old Testament, adding a compelling reason for Christians to trust it.

Outline:

1. Introduction to Bibliology

   • Is the Bible true? If so, how do we know?

   • Special focus on the Old Testament.

2. Mystery and Faith

   • Much of the Old Testament’s origin lies in ancient history.

   • Acknowledges gaps but highlights archeological support.

3. Human Authorship Types

   • Inspired, proven leaders (e.g., Moses).

   • Inspired, proven prophets (e.g., Elijah).

   • Inspired compilers (e.g., authors of Psalms, Kings).

4. The Supernatural Smell Test

   • Books were accepted based on clear evidence of divine activity and historical consistency.

5. How the Old Testament Was Compiled

   • Slowly over 1,000 years.

   • Scrolls added over time until writing stopped around 400 BC.

   • Josephus’ affirmation of its completion and integrity.

6. The Apocrypha

   • Not accepted by Jews or early Christians.

   • Added later by the Catholic Church in 1546.

7. Jesus’ Endorsement

   • Treated the Old Testament as authoritative, infallible, imperishable, and historical.

   • Quoted it often and lived in fulfillment of its prophecies.

8. Prophecy as Proof

   • Dozens of fulfilled prophecies, especially those about Jesus.

   • Examples include birthplace, manner of death, resurrection, and eternal reign.

9. Conclusion and Call to Faith

   • Faith in the Old Testament is not blind—it’s based on strong evidence.

   • The Old Testament ultimately points to Jesus and invites us not to miss him.

Key Takeaways

• The Old Testament did not fall from the sky; it was compiled over a millennium by inspired leaders, prophets, and trusted compilers.

• Archeological and historical discoveries in the 20th century have increasingly supported its accuracy.

• Jesus himself affirmed the Old Testament’s authority and fulfillment in his life.

• Fulfilled prophecy gives powerful evidence of divine authorship.

• The Old Testament is not merely historical—it’s personal and relational, pointing directly to Jesus Christ.

• Faith in the Bible is reasonable and evidence-based, not blind or naive.

Scriptural References

• Genesis 49:10 (Tribe of Judah)

• Jeremiah 23:5–6 (King from David’s line)

• Micah 5:2 (Born in Bethlehem)

• Isaiah 7:14 (Born of a virgin)

• Isaiah 9:6 (Mighty God, Prince of Peace)

• Isaiah 53 (Suffering Servant, sacrifice, resurrection)

• Psalm 22 (Crucifixion details)

• Daniel 9:25–26 (Timeline of Messiah’s death)

• Matthew 4:4; 5:18; 15:3–6; 22:29; 24:37–39

• John 5:39–40; 10:35; 12:34–35

Recorded 10/17/04