- True King:
- Tepper emphasizes the concept of a true king, contrasting the biblical King Herod with the true King, Jesus.
- He discusses the historical and astrological context of the Magi’s journey, highlighting the significance of the star they followed.
- Travel Any Distance:
- The sermon encourages believers to go to great lengths to seek Jesus, just as the wise men did.
- Tepper notes that everyone’s journey to Jesus is unique, with as many paths to Jesus as there are souls on Earth.
- Offer the Best You Have:
- Tepper urges the congregation to give their best to Jesus, drawing parallels to the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh brought by the wise men.
- He uses personal anecdotes and historical references to illustrate the importance of offering one’s best to God.
Themes:
- Palace Intrigue and True Kingship:
- The sermon delves into the gritty reality of the Christmas story, focusing on the political and social turmoil surrounding Jesus’ birth.
- Tepper contrasts the earthly kingship of Herod with the divine kingship of Jesus.
- Personal Journey and Faith:
- Tepper shares stories of individuals’ unique paths to faith, emphasizing that each person’s journey to Jesus is different.
- He highlights the transformative power of encountering Jesus and the importance of seeking Him earnestly.
- Sacrifice and Devotion:
- The sermon calls for a deep commitment to Jesus, encouraging believers to offer their best in devotion and service.
- Tepper uses the example of the wise men’s gifts to illustrate the concept of giving wholeheartedly to God.
Conclusion:
- Tepper concludes with a blessing from Paul, praying for the congregation to receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus.
- He emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus as the true King and responding with joy and devotion.
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