Archive for the ‘ Jesus ’ Category
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
Matthew 2:10-11, ESV
We have the sign of the cross and empty tomb. Does that bring us great joy? Are we willing to give our gifts (time, money, and talent) to our Lord? Do we worship Him?
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14, ESV
A blessed and upright young woman was given the impossible task of raising the Son of God who would take away her and all our sin.
Imagine the joyous burden and faith.
“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21, ESV
The God Who saves came to us, becoming weak to save us weak in our sins.
A baby was born, but that baby became a man who died for our forgiveness.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16, ESV
Lost in our sin, we were doomed to eternal death and suffering.
Yet, God loves. In His love, He sent Jesus to take our punishment and offer us forgiveness and eternal life.
If we only believe and trust.
For this Sunday here’s what you can do: Explain to someone about the Incarnation. What’s the incarnation? It is the teaching of God coming down as a man to save sinners. In theology this is called Incarnation. I think this Sunday at church it be good to not only talk about the concept but […]
This Sunday at Church: Explain to someone about the Incarnation
By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.
Hebrews 11:22-23, ESV
We have a living hope that gives us faith to move forward, for our King is not dead but alive! He has promised He is coming for us!
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12, ESV
It is the light of Christ, and should not be our deeds that repel and is not our good works that necessarily draw others to God.
Our goodness and light comes from Christ, and it will either repel or draw others in.
I have started (and with this one finish) a small group series on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). I am sharing my notes in case anyone else wants to use them with their group. [Reminder that these are only notes!]
Matthew 5:1-2:
Jesus wants to teach the crowds: Who are they? Jewish disciples: People who understand the
Scriptures (at least to a point). Notice from 7:28 the crowds still came along, but this teaching is for His disciples.
What does “blessed” mean?
Based on the first twelve verses, blessed means realizing our own wretchedness and need for a Savior. In other words, it is becoming/being a Christian.
What was discussed last time?
Matthew 7:24-27:
Foolish and Wise builders
Matthew 7:28-9:
“Astonished”
Have we counted the cost?
Are we being wise, studying His Word and applying it; or foolish, taking what we like and throwing out
the rest?
Are we listening to the under-shepherds or the wolves in sheep’s clothing?
“You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Luke 12:40, ESV
It is not a fear tactic to tell people Jesus is coming and therefore be ready and working out our salvation. Instead it is a reminder to reach as many people as possible for Christ as we can and not delay.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16, ESV
God’s light is put in us by the Holy Spirit when we put our faith in Christ. Then Christ works in us to do good works in this world that some may also trust Him.
a simple man of God 