Incarnation: The Savior and Our Need for Saving

You may not be surprised to learn that the word "Christ" is used in reference to Jesus...a lot.  (It's not even Jesus' last name!)  The word appears around 500 times in the New Testament!  But it is not the most oft-used word in reference to our Lord.  The most frequently used word is "Jesus."  But it's more than just his name.  The Hebrew name "Yeshua" means "God saves."

Consider how the angels announce Jesus' arrival to the shepherds: "Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you" (Luke 2:11).  Or the angel's command to Joseph: "You shall give him the name Jesus [God saves]" (Matthew 1:21).
 
For reflection:
1) What does it mean to be saved?  

2) The arrival of a Savior has a serious implication--that we need saving.  Do you believe humanity needs to be saved?

3) If so, what do we need saving from?  That is, what are you powerless to change, rescue, or transform?

4) Scripture is clear that we need salvation from "sin."  But what is Sin?

5) Why must the meaning of Jesus include conversation about Sin?

6) Jesus doesn't just save us "from" something -- he saves us "for" something?  If you were to be saved by Jesus, what new purpose would you like to be saved "for"?

Pastor Aaron reminded us that salvation is not just a moment of belief.  It is a process of becoming transformed for the rest of our lives.  "I am not who I want to be, but I am not who I used to be."  How does this relate to your understanding of "salvation"?

Many blessings as we await our Savior during this Advent season!