In this message, Stephen emphasizes the profound significance of Christ's birth as prophesied by Isaiah, particularly in Isaiah 9:6-7. He highlights that Isaiah, living around 800 B.C., provided detailed prophecies about Jesus, emphasizing His dual nature as both human and divine—"a child is born" and "a son is given." Stephen explains that Christ's birth was not merely for personal salvation but also to establish God's eternal kingdom on earth. The titles given to Jesus—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace—reflect His divine work in purpose, plan, strength, grace, and peace. The core purpose of His coming is to set up His government, which began with His earthly ministry and will increase until it fills the earth, as foretold in prophecy and typified in Scripture. Stephen stresses that God's original plan entrusted dominion to man, but sin caused Satan to usurp that authority. Christ's mission is to reclaim and establish God's righteous and just government through His church, which is the spiritual kingdom on earth today. He urges believers to submit fully to Christ's lordship, allowing His government to reign in their lives, so that His kingdom may be fully manifested in the future. Ultimately, Stephen calls for faith and spiritual preparation, recognizing that God's zeal will accomplish His divine purpose.

Outline of Main Points

Isaiah's Prophecy: Christ's birth foretold as both human and divine
The significance of Christ's titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace
The purpose of Christ's coming: to establish God's eternal kingdom on earth
The original divine government entrusted to man, lost through sin, now to be reclaimed by Christ
The spiritual nature of Christ's kingdom today: the church as the present manifestation
The increase of His government and peace: from small beginnings to universal reign
The importance of believers submitting to Christ's lordship for His kingdom to be fully realized
The future public manifestation of Christ's kingdom upon the earth
The role of God's zeal and power in fulfilling His divine purpose

Psalm 91

Psalm 91