Uncertainty

That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.  Luke 1:4 

       We live in a world of uncertainties.  Ours is a country that was founded on Biblical principles, principle of the Judeo-Christian religions.  Today we wrestle in the mire of unbelief, and we cannot even display the Ten Commandments. 

       The unbelief of our times requires that we be certain in our Faith.  Our faith is one of antiquity :1.  It has come down to us from those apostles and early church fathers who witnessed it first Hand :2.  Past orthodoxy does not free us from the responsibility to defend & Proclaim the truth :3, 4

       It is profitable for us to note some preparation for the coming of Christ the First time.  John the Baptist was the forerunner of our Lord which means he came to prepare the way for our Lord.  This John was born to Godly Parents :5-13, 18-25.  Some description of this John the Baptist was given ahead of time to the man who would be the father of this John the Baptist :14-17.  He would be great in the sight of God.  He would not drink strong drink, and he would be filled with the Holy Spirit from the time of his birth.

       John was born :57-79.  He was a very important Figure in God's plan.  That importance can be seen in the fact that in Luke 7:29, 30 we find Jesus saying that those who rejected John's baptism rejected the counsel of God.  We should also note His relation to Elijah :17; Malachi 4:5, 6; Matt.11:14; 17:3,11, 12.  If the Jews would accept him for who he was, he would have been Elijah in fulfillment of the prophecy in Malachi.  Since they did not so receive him, he was not Elijah.

       John was the beginning of Christ's gospel Mark 1:1-8.  I am aware that some teach that the gospel was that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again, and nothing else.  Yet Mark starts his gospel stating the gospel of Jesus Christ, and he immediately began to tell of the ministry of John the Baptist.

       Alongside John's birth we also see the birth of Jesus.   John had spoken of the One Who would come after him.

Our Lord's birth was announced by angels :26-38.

       Note the reaction of Elizabeth :39-45.  "She cried out Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.  And whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me"  Thus she confessed Jesus as her Lord.  

        Note also the reaction of Mary :46, 47.  She said, "...My soul doth magnify the Lord.  And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour."  She confessed that Jesus was God and her Savior.  Not only did she here confess Jesus as God, but she rejected the doctrine of the immaculate conception.  If she were without sin as that doctrine claims, she would have no need for a savior.

       These are some of the things we must hold in absolute certainty.  Are you sure?