1)    The Messenger was vividly predicted.
        Isaiah 40:3
        Luke 1:8-13

2)    The Messenger arrived as predicted.
        Matthew 3:1-3

3)    The Messenger performed as predicted.
        Matthew 3:11-12
        Matthew 3:5-6
        Matthew 11:11-13

I.  Be not afraid.  (vs. 10)

Heb. 2:14-15  "Since the children have flesh and blood, [Jesus] shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death...and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death."

Phil. 1:25  "...I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith."

Phil. 4:4  "Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!"

"euanggelizo" - "Good news"

Isaiah 9:1-7 "Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress.  In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan-

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.  You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder.  For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.  Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.  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.  Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.  The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this."

Matthew10:34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth.  I did not come to bring peace, but a sword."

James 3:17  "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."

I.  Characteristics of a God-given dream: (vs. 12-15)

    1)  It honors God
    2)  It brings great fulfillment
    3)  It blesses others

II.  Why we don't accomplish it:
 
    1)  Don't want to change

 "All a man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart."  Prov. 21:2

"For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members."  Rom. 7:22-23

III.  Steps to accomplish it: (vs. 16-22)

    1) Ask God to receive it.

    2) Yield to God to achieve it.

    What is your God-given dream?
    What is preventing you from achieving it?
    What do you need to start doing to accomplish it?