Christ's Christmas Sermon

Bill Bryan teaches on Jesus' kingship, the concept of truth, and the shadow of the cross.

Introduction to the Significance of John 17:

• Reference to approaching a significant scripture text (John 17) with reverence
• Comparison to Moses at the burning bush; entering God's presence
• John 17 as a special prayer of Jesus, often referred to as "The Lord's Prayer"

Clarification Between Lord's Prayer and the Disciple's Prayer:

• Distinction made between John 17 and Matthew 6 ("Our Father…")
• Explanation that John 17 is truly Jesus' prayer, while Matthew 6 is a model for disciples

Uniqueness and Depth of John 17:

• Several theologians and historical figures (Luther, Ryle, etc.) praise the depth and uniqueness of John 17
• Description of how this prayer stands out in the Bible and the profound theological insights it contains

Context of John 17:

• Jesus' prayer following His teaching in the Upper Room (previous chapters in John)
• The posture and setting of Jesus' prayer, highlighting its audible nature and connection to the disciples

Significance of "The Hour":

• Jesus' prayer referencing "the hour" that has come, tied to His impending sacrifice
• Description of the gravity of this moment, linked to Old Testament prophecy and salvation history

Christ's Relationship with God the Father:

• Emphasis on Jesus addressing God as "Father," a revolutionary and personal term
• Explanation of the comfort and intimacy in referring to God as "Father"

Glorification Through Suffering:

• Jesus prays for His glorification through the suffering of the cross
• A call to view suffering with the perspective of the glory that follows

Prayer and Gifts in John 17:

• The theme of "giving" as a key concept in John 17, with gifts mentioned numerous times
• Overview of three gifts in verse 2: authority, people (believers), and eternal life
• Explanation of each gift and its implications for Christ and believers

Call to Action for Believers:

• The personal nature of knowing God and possessing eternal life
• Encouragement for people to come to know Jesus personally and experience salvation

The Gift of Eternal Life:

• Eternal life as knowing God through Jesus Christ
• Assurance of salvation for those who know Christ personally

Christ's Accomplishment of His Work:

• Jesus' fulfillment of His work on earth, glorifying the Father
• The prayer for His return to the heavenly glory after His suffering on the cross

Application to Daily Life:

• Believers are called to follow Christ's example in their own lives, glorifying God in everything they do
• Encouragement to view daily routines and challenges through the lens of bringing glory to God

Conclusion and Call for Reflection:

• Reflection on Christ's prayer and His authority, the offer of eternal life, and the believer's responsibility to glorify God
• Final prayer and call for believers to live lives that reflect the glory of God

*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.