1. Sunday, December 17 “Suddenly: The Sights and Sounds of Breakthrough” Luke 2:8-20

2. I Chronicles 14:8-17 NASU 8 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up in search of David; and David heard of it and went out against them. 9 Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the valley of Rephaim.

3. I Chronicles 14:8-17 NASU 10 David inquired of God, saying, "Shall I go up against the Philistines? And will You give them into my hand?" Then the LORD said to him, "Go up, for I will give them into your hand."

4. I Chronicles 14:8-17 NASU 11 So they came up to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there; and David said, "God has broken through my enemies by my hand, like the breakthrough of waters." Therefore they named that place Baal-perazim. 12 They abandoned their gods there; so David gave the order and they were burned with fire.

5. I Chronicles 14:8-17 NASU 13 The Philistines made yet another raid in the valley. 14 David inquired again of God, and God said to him, "You shall not go up after them; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees.

6. I Chronicles 14:8-17 NASU 15 "It shall be when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall go out to battle, for God will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines."

7. I Chronicles 14:8-17 NASU 16 David did just as God had commanded him, and they struck down the army of the Philistines from Gibeon even as far as Gezer. 17 Then the fame of David went out into all the lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him on all the nations.

8. Point Number One You have a role to play in your breakthrough. David “went out,” “prayed,” “obeyed,” and “gave thanks.”

9. Point Number Two after David had to fight to maintain his breakthrough even after he had his breakthrough.

10. Point Number Three sounds of breakthrough You have to listen for the sounds of breakthrough. Marching in the tops of the balsam trees

11. Luke 2:8-20 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

12. Luke 2:8-20 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

13. Luke 2:8-20 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

14. Luke 2:8-20 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

15. Luke 2:8-20 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

16. Point Number One God can break in on your situation no matter where you are. The shepherds weren’t in the Temple or at the synagogue.

17. Point Number Two God’s breakthrough will create new challenges that may cause you to fear. When God says fear not, it’s usually too late.

18. Point Number Three God will give you a sign. As if the sounds of breakthrough weren’t enough, they were told to go see a baby in a manger.

19. Point Number Four The result of your breakthrough should be worship. Both the angels and the shepherds sang praises to God.

20. Point Number Five Not everyone will be able to see or understand your breakthrough. Why didn’t this report have an impact on the future of Israel?

21. What is the lesson of “suddenly”? before You can relax and thank God for your breakthrough now before you ever receive it! _______________________ Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours (Mark 11:23-24).