ARE THESE THINGS SO ...
October 1, 2000 AM
Sermon Outline
THAT JESUS WAS BORN OF A VIRGIN?
Acts 7:1 with Lk 1:26-34
INTRO: The question the Jewish high priest asked of Stephen, the evangelist, was concerned with two specific points. But this same question could well be asked of a number of things foundational to faith. For example, the Bible asserts that Jesus was born of a virgin! Many, many, however, dismiss such an assertion as ridiculous. After all, where, in human experience, has such a thing ever happened? Are these things so ... that Jesus as born of a virgin?
I. THIS IS WHAT THE BIBLE CLAIMS!
A. Isa 7:14 The prophecy
1. specifically noted to be a sign from God
2. a normal birth involving two human parents, while so incredible, would not be such a sign identified with Gods purpose
B. Mt 1:18-23 The announcement to Joseph
1. assumption? the inspiration of scripture ... significance? revealed truth
2. v. 18,20 refer to conception of the Holy Spirit ... v.18 notes this all happened before they came together; before marriage consummated
3. v.23 is a very direct reference to Isa 7:14
C. Lk 1:26-35 The announcement to Mary
1. v.27 affirms again that Mary was a virgin
2. v.34 Mary asks the natural, logical question
3. v.35 conception of the Holy Spirit - by the awesome power of God
4. note, too, Lk 3:23 and Lukes expression
D. Jno 3:16 fact: the only begotten Son of God
1. the claim of Scripture is that Jesus is the Son of God by fact of His birth
2. the conception involved Mary and God!
3. Rom 1:1-3 through Mary his lineage is traced to David (so, Isa 11:1)
4. Jno 1:1-3,14 how? by physical, but miraculous, birth to Mary
II. BUT IS IT SO?
A. There are those who say, No!
1. usually, they do not accept the supernatural (or miraculous) element of the Bible
2. this, of course, strikes at the very heart of Biblical faith ... reduces Christianity to one good religion among many
3. if it isnt so, credibility of Bible is doubtful
B. Is there good reason to believe this is so?
1. certainly! the factual dependability of Bible
2. and the historical fulfillment of prophecy
3. if the Bible is utterly dependable in these things, why should we doubt this point?
4. it is interesting, too, that New Testament writers never defended this point ... it was not argued ... it was believed
C. Yes, it is by faith we finally settle belief
1. note Heb 11:1-3 and through faith
2. but faith is not without evidence and good reason here!
3. on the other hand, if we cannot come to belief here, of what use can we comfortably make of scripture?
4. the virgin birth of Christ is one of those things Luke said was most surely believed among us (Lk 1:1)
CLOSE: One of the great foundation stones of faith is this one ... Jesus was born of the virgin Mary. It is so! We are always left to decide, though, what will we do - in our own lives - about the significance of Jesus?
Cecil A. Hutson
01 October 2000