IMPACT Recap

The Name That Changed The World

December 23, 2024 · 0:43:41

SalvationIdentityPurpose

Recap

Pastor Todd Boffo opened the service with vibrant energy, focusing on the transformative power of the name of Jesus, the reason for Christmas. He began by exploring the story of Joseph from Matthew 1, highlighting Joseph's character in a difficult, unasked-for circumstance and how God spoke to him through a dream. Pastor Todd emphasized that God is present and speaks direction into our confusing situations, just as He did for Joseph. The core of the message was that the name Jesus, meaning 'Yahweh is salvation' and 'God with us' (Emmanuel), is not just a historical title but a present reality for believers. He argued that the primary human search is not for life after death, but for meaning, purpose, and direction in life before we die—a void that only a connection with Jesus can truly fill. Pastor Todd shared from personal experience, including his family's move to Arizona, testifying that in the darkest hours, calling on the name of Jesus brings tangible help and peace. He outlined how a connection with Jesus changes three key relationships: with God, granting direct access and salvation by grace; with others, through the command to love; and with ourselves, providing a stable identity. He warned that carrying God's purpose often invites opposition, even from close quarters, as seen with King Herod's response to Jesus's birth. The sermon concluded with a powerful altar call and a reminder that Jesus is the wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, and prince of peace—the only unchanging foundation upon which to build our lives.

Main Points

  • The name Jesus means 'God with us' (Emmanuel), signifying God's personal presence and salvation in our daily lives, not just for eternity.
  • A genuine connection with Jesus changes our core relationships: it restores our relationship with God, transforms how we relate to others through love, and heals our relationship with ourselves by providing a secure identity as God's child.
  • Carrying God's purpose for your life will invite opposition, but staying close to Jesus provides the stability, direction, and power needed to fulfill your calling.

Verses Mentioned

  • Matthew 1:18-21 - "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.'" (NKJV)
  • Matthew 1:22-23 - "So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which is translated, 'God with us.'" (NKJV)
  • Matthew 2:13 - "Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, 'Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.'" (NKJV)
  • 1 John 3:1 - "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." (NIV)
  • Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (NIV)
  • Isaiah 9:6 - "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (NIV)

Daily Action Plan

Monday

Scripture Reflection: Matthew 1:23 (NIV) - 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us').

Focus Point: God's Personal Presence

Action Plan: Begin your day by consciously acknowledging God's presence with you. In a moment of quiet, say, 'God, you are with me today.'

Deep Prayer: Lord, thank you for being Immanuel. Help me to live today with the awareness that I am never alone. Guide my steps and my words.

Tuesday

Scripture Reflection: Matthew 1:20 (NIV) - 'But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, for what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'

Focus Point: Listening for God's Direction

Action Plan: Identify one situation causing you worry or confusion. Instead of trying to solve it alone, take 5 minutes in prayer to simply ask God for wisdom and listen.

Deep Prayer: God, you spoke to Joseph in his dilemma. I bring my situation to you. Please give me clarity, peace, and show me the next faithful step.

Wednesday

Scripture Reflection: 1 John 3:1 (NIV) - 'See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!'

Focus Point: Identity as God's Child

Action Plan: Write down the phrase 'I am a loved child of God' on a notecard. Place it where you will see it often (mirror, desk, phone) and repeat it to yourself.

Deep Prayer: Father, thank you for calling me your child. Help this truth to sink deep into my heart today, replacing any lie that says I am not enough or not loved.

Thursday

Scripture Reflection: Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) - 'For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.'

Focus Point: Purpose and Calling

Action Plan: Reflect on one talent or passion you have. Offer it to God in prayer, asking Him to show you one simple way to use it for good today.

Deep Prayer: Creator God, you made me with purpose. I offer my skills and passions back to you. Show me how to be your 'handiwork' in my world today.

Friday

Scripture Reflection: Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) - '...And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.'

Focus Point: Jesus as Our Stabilizer

Action Plan: When you feel stress or chaos rising today, pause and speak one of these names of Jesus aloud (e.g., 'Prince of Peace' or 'Wonderful Counselor').

Deep Prayer: Jesus, you are my Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace. I invite you into the chaos of my heart and my schedule. Bring your order and calm.

Saturday

Scripture Reflection: Acts 4:12 (NIV) - 'Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.'

Focus Point: The Power of Jesus's Name

Action Plan: Spend a few minutes in worship. Listen to or sing a song that focuses on the name of Jesus. Let it be a simple act of declaring His supremacy.

Deep Prayer: Jesus, there is power in your name. I honor you as my Savior and Lord. Thank you for saving me and for being the firm foundation of my life.

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