2.  Jesus born in Bethlehem  Wise men came from east to Jerusalem  Herod asked leaders where Jesus was born  Prophets said it was Bethlehem  Sent wise men to search for Jesus  Then tell me so I can come worship him  Star led them to Jesus Matt. 2:1-10

3. Matt. 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

4. Matt. 2:13 ¶ And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. 14. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: 15. And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

5. Mt 2:16 ¶ Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. 17. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, 18. In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

7. Isaiah 55:6 “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:” Matt. 13:45,46 - the merchant man found the pearl of great price by searching Some want to find Christ but do not want to search John 20:30-31 “written that ye might believe”

9. They who search will find - Matt.5:6 Acts 2:41 “gladly received” - not forced “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17 Matt. 11:28-30 “Come unto me,…” Rev. 2:11 “He that hath an ear, let him hear…”

11.  Herod sent the wise men to do his searching  Each have a responsibility to do our searching  Matthew 25 - ten virgins  Acts 2:40 “save yourselves”  Gal. 6:5 “For every man shall bear his own burden.”  Cannot serve God by proxy

13. Our guiding star is “the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ” -- II Cor. 4:4 Psalms 119:105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Many will take anything professing to be religious ! 1 John 4:1 “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”

15. Wise men warned by God not to return to Herod We must obey God rather than man Acts 5:29 “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” When there is a conflict we must choose to obey God

17. Are you willing to pay the price Will you count the cost and pay the price for finding Christ? Luke 14: 26 “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”

19. We have many starters and quitters ! Mk. 12:34 “And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him [any question].” Gal. 5:7 “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” We must hunt until we find Him or it will not be worthwhile

20. They fell down and worshipped him

21. Do you love Jesus and love to come Worship Him ? Do you look for excuses Hebrews 10:25 “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is;…” Do you search to make sure your worship is acceptable to the Lord ? Can worship in Vain - Matt. 15:9 In Spirit and in Truth - John 4:24

23. Giving is a necessary part of worship True worship requires a sacrifice II Cor. 8:24 “the proof of your love” II Cor. 8:8 “the sincerity of your love” Romans 12:1 - not just money but our life II Cor. 8:5 “And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.”

24.  To examine so you believe  To repent  Tell world of your faith  Baptized for remission of sins

26. Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ 515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga. 30809 706-855-1249evanscoc@bellsouth.netwww.evansgachurchofchrist.org Sunday Morning December 25, 2011