EMMANUEL, GOD WITH US

Text:  Matthew 1:23  "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
The Talk:  It was recorded by the prophet Isaiah that when a virgin gave birth to a son, He would be called Emmanuel.  The meaning of Emmanuel is "God with us."  Very simply put, Jesus being the only One born of a virgin is God.  Jesus is God.  Much of the world has accepted Jesus as a legitimate prophet and teacher who lived approximately 4 BC till 34 AD.  It has been established that He actually existed at that time.   One can also find proof of His existence in the references made of Him by both secular and religious historians during that era.  The fact that Jesus was alive at one certain time in history is not debatable.  The fact that He was born of a virgin and is "God" remains the focus of our faith and belief in the Bible, the Word of God.  There is no proof (except in the scripture) that He was virgin born.  It is this pivotal point on which the decision is made whether or not Jesus is indeed God.  Why?  Because in the book of Isaiah is the only prophecy recorded concerning the deity of Christ.  It will be His birth by a virgin that makes Jesus Emmanuel, God with us.  Jesus' virgin birth means He was conceived supernaturally.  If conceived supernaturally then Jesus' Father is God.  If His father is God, this makes Jesus God too.  Is it any wonder that the virgin birth of Jesus Christ is the one area of debate by the world and the focus of attack by other religions.  "Emmanuel" is the culmination of our faith and remains the foundation of all we profess.  God is with us.  He is in our hearts.  He is Present here on earth with us.  He is near.  He is close by.  He is actually closer to us who believe, than can be perceived.  He (Jesus) although at the right hand of the Father in Heaven, is Present with us as we take every breath and experience every heartbeat.  He is Present here with us because He is God.  He is not a figment of our imagination.  He is not a dream or a vision.  He is not just a ghost or an apparition.  He is God both omniscient and omnipresent.  He is everywhere on earth and in every heart of His children. 
Twigs:   Isaiah 7:14  Deut. 20:1  Matthew 28:20
Truth:  Jesus was virgin born and this fact makes Him Emmanuel because He has fulfilled this prophecy concerning Himself.
Thanksgiving: "Thank You, Jesus for being with me forever."
The Trail: Revelation 21:3:  "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."   Joshua 1:9:  "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."   2 Corinthians 13:11:  "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you."  Philippians 4:8 - 9:  "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. ⁹Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."  Genesis 48:21: "Behold, I die: but God shall be with you."  Amos 5:14:  "Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you (EMMANUEL), as ye have spoken.
The Treaty: "Jesus is God and He is with me so I will pledge to be with Him forever."
The Thought: Why are some Christians hesitant to state that Jesus is God?
The Treasure:  (A word or phrase taken "out of context" from the text to show the power and revelation of all words from God) "AND THEY SHALL CALL"  It is important we "call" or "say" Jesus is God or Jesus is Emmanuel.  This statement of our faith and belief in the deity of Jesus is essential to the child of God.  Please note: Any Biblical words taken out of context must cause you to think and believe in harmony with all other scripture.