God With Us: Through His Presence
Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life
Deep Dive
What is the central message of Christmas according to Dr. Timothy Keller?
The central message of Christmas is that God became flesh and blood, fully sharing in our humanity to redeem both the physical and spiritual aspects of life.
Why does Dr. Keller argue that understanding Jesus' humanity is crucial?
Understanding Jesus' humanity leads to a different way of living, as it reveals God's concern for the physical, knowledge of sorrow, and desire for relational connection.
What three things does the Christmas story teach us about God?
The Christmas story teaches that God has a concern for the physical, a knowledge of sorrow, and a desire for relational connection.
How does Christianity differ from other religions in its view of matter?
Christianity uniquely teaches that God created and will redeem matter, viewing it as integral to both creation and redemption, unlike other religions that see matter as unreal or inferior.
What does the resurrection of Jesus signify about God's intentions for the future?
The resurrection signifies that God's future redemption includes both new bodies and a new earth, showing His concern for the physical alongside the spiritual.
Why should Christians be active in addressing social issues like poverty and pain?
Christians should be active because God, through the incarnation and death of Jesus, demonstrated a deep concern for physical suffering and the marring of His creation.
How does Jesus' experience of suffering benefit believers?
Jesus' suffering allows Him to empathize with believers, offering help and understanding as a faithful and merciful high priest who has faced every form of temptation and sorrow.
What does it mean for Jesus to be fully human?
Being fully human means Jesus experienced physical pain, emotional sorrow, and every form of human suffering, allowing Him to fully understand and relate to our experiences.
Why is the relational aspect important in the Christmas story?
The relational aspect is important because God desires to be close to humanity, not just as a ruler but as a friend and brother, breaking down barriers through the incarnation.
How does the presence of God differ for Moses and for believers in Jesus?
For Moses, God's presence was destructive due to His holiness, but for believers in Jesus, God's presence is purifying and life-giving because of Christ's sacrifice.