For a talk given at on Dec 16, 2017 blazingfire.org . For the audio, go to: http://blazingfire.podbean.com/e/the-hungry-will-be-filled-susan-fochler/ Pastor Susan shares what's captivated her heart about the stories of Jesus coming to the earth - including prophetic revelations about who Jesus is for each of us.
For a talk given at on Dec 16, 2017 blazingfire.org . For the audio, go to: http://blazingfire.podbean.com/e/the-hungry-will-be-filled-susan-fochler/ Pastor Susan shares what's captivated her heart about the stories of Jesus coming to the earth - including prophetic revelations about who Jesus is for each of us.
A View From The Cross Through the Eyes of a MotherChris Gallagher
This lesson is a first in a series called "Five Views from the Cross."
Mary, being the mother of Jesus, stood at the foot of the cross watching her Son die, what thoughts were going through her mind?
Finding rest in strange places 4 seth gatchell december 20 2020Pacific Church
In spite of the mess of the world, Jesus is King. He reigns, even here, even amidst the rubble of sin and the rubble of people’s lives. It is that assurance that provides us peace and a soul that can rest in the often fiery and unpredictable world in which we live. It matters that Jesus is King!
A View From The Cross Through the Eyes of a MotherChris Gallagher
This lesson is a first in a series called "Five Views from the Cross."
Mary, being the mother of Jesus, stood at the foot of the cross watching her Son die, what thoughts were going through her mind?
Finding rest in strange places 4 seth gatchell december 20 2020Pacific Church
In spite of the mess of the world, Jesus is King. He reigns, even here, even amidst the rubble of sin and the rubble of people’s lives. It is that assurance that provides us peace and a soul that can rest in the often fiery and unpredictable world in which we live. It matters that Jesus is King!
Sermon Slide Deck: "God With Us & For Us" (Matthew 1:18-2:15)New City Church
God became one of us - with us and for us - in the person of Jesus Christ.
This message was given on November 27, 2016 at New City Church in Calgary by Pastor John Ferguson. For more info, please visit: www.newcitychurch.ca.
Long ago, about 2000 years, when King Herod ruled Judea (now part of Israel), God sent the angel Gabriel to a young woman who lived in the northern town of Nazareth. The girl's name was Mary and she was engaged to marry Joseph.
The Christmas Story — The Birth of Jesus ChristBibilium
The Christmas Story tells the story of the first Christmas over 2000 years ago, when Jesus Christ, our redeemer, was born in this world. Visit us at bibilium.com, a Wholesome Christian Blog that caters to the need of every member of the family. Spread the Love and Share the Joy. Celebrate the amazing goodness of God in your lives.
Extra Credit – Reflection on the Nativity Gospels Instru.docxmydrynan
Extra Credit – Reflection on the Nativity Gospels
Instructions: The following passages are read in many Christian churches around Christmas. This particular
order is based off of the Byzantine Catholic order of readings for the morning and evening services for
Christmas Eve. For 2.5 points extra credit, read the following narratives and write a 1 page reflection (12pt
Times New Roman, 1-inch margins, single-spaced); you can reflect on such things as how a Christian would
understand these passages, your own reactions to these passages or their order, or how these passages refer to
different topics we have discussed in this course. This extra credit assignment is due by class time (either email
or hard copy) on Thursday, December 3rd. No late submissions will be accepted!
(Matthew 1: 18-25)
18 Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but
before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.
19 Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce
her quietly.
20 Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph,
son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that
this child has been conceived in her.
21 She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,”
which means “God is with us.”
24 When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.
25 He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.
(Luke 2:1-20)
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled.
2 This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town.
4 And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called
Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,
5 to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
6 While they were there, the time came for her to have her child,
7 and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock.
9 The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck
with great fear.
10 The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be
for all the people.
11 For today ...
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
HANUMAN STORIES: TIMELESS TEACHINGS FOR TODAY’S WORLDLearnyoga
Hanuman Stories: Timeless Teachings for Today’s World" delves into the inspiring tales of Hanuman, highlighting lessons of devotion, strength, and selfless service that resonate in modern life. These stories illustrate how Hanuman's unwavering faith and courage can guide us through challenges and foster resilience. Through these timeless narratives, readers can find profound wisdom to apply in their daily lives.
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way
SBs – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
We will learn what Anime is and see what a Christian should consider before watching anime movies? We will also learn a little bit of Shintoism religion and hentai (the craze of internet pornography today).
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
3. The Christmas Story… Advent
... is part of an unfolding rescue plan
... ‘Big Picture’ ... the Bible reveals a four act ‘drama’
... aspects of this plan are laid out as Prophecy
... the genealogies set the tone
... Jesus came on a clear mission
4. Matthew 2:19-20
After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in
a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said,
“Get up, take the child and his mother and go to
the land of Israel, for those who were trying to
take the child’s life are dead.”
5. Matthew 2:21-23
So he got up, took the child and his mother and
went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that
Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his
father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having
been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the
district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town
called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said
through the prophets, that he would be called a
Nazarene.
6. The Four Act ‘Drama’ of Scripture
…
Creation - Genesis 1 & 2
Fall - Genesis 3
Redemption - ‘Rescue’ Genesis 3 to Gospels
Restoration - Gospels to Revelation (and ‘Glory’)
7. God’s Rescue Plan …
Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the
woman and between your seed and her seed; he shall
bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.
Gen 22:18 and through your seed [Abraham] all
nations on earth will be blessed, because you have
obeyed me.
Mat 1: 22-23 All this took place to fulfil what the Lord
had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, a virgin shall
conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called
Emmanuel” (which means, God with us).
8. Genealogies …
They’re all about men.
You can see fulfilment of prophecy
The show an unfolding rescue plan
9. Genealogy in Matthew...
1:3 Jesus Judah the father of Perez and Zerah,
whose mother was Tamar,
1:5 Salmon the father of Boaz,
whose mother was Rahab,
Boaz the father of Obed,
whose mother was Ruth,
Obed the father of Jesse,
1:6 and Jesse the father of King David.
David was the father of Solomon,
whose mother had been Uriah’s wife ...
10. Jesus’ Mission ...
Luke 19:9-10 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation
has come to this house, because this man, too, is a
son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek
and to save the lost.”
Acts 1:3 After his suffering, he presented himself
to them and gave many convincing proofs that he
was alive. He appeared to them over a period of
forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
Editor's Notes
Christmas Series
Making more of the seasons when a post Christian society vaguely reconnects with its Christian heritage
We’re not wanting to become traditional for the sake of it … we simply want to take best advantage of anything that will help people to connect to Jesus … his life and mission.
We want our Christmas celebrations this year to be the best ever … as far as that lies with us
We want you to enjoy it … and we want anyone that comes along with you to have a great time with us in God’s presence.
Firstly What you can see here is a small inflatable boat with a largish Wheelie bin.
Lifeboat crews have made an unusual rescue off the coast of Anglesey - an 81-year-old man and a wheelie bin.
The man had gone out in a small inflatable dinghy to recover his neighbour's bin which had swept out to sea in strong winds, in a high tide.
He was blown about a mile off Red Wharf Bay until Moelfre inshore lifeboat was launched to rescue him.
He was picked up suffering from mild hypothermia and taken to hospital in Bangor by ambulance. The crew said the man was not wearing a life jacket or waterproof clothing. His dinghy was also half full of water because of the sea conditions.
The Moelfre crew then went back out to tow in the dingy and wheelie bin, which was still half full of rubbish.
Moelfre lifeboat station spokesman Dave Massey said: "Everyone at the Moelfre lifeboat station wishes the gentleman a speedy recovery.
"The volunteer lifeboat crews at Moelfre have dealt with a wide variety of emergency calls over the years but I am sure that this is the first time we have been involved in rescuing a wheelie bin."
Secondly, my brother … we were on a beach in Elba at the time, I was sixteen, my brother Matthew was twelve.
Bored on the beach. Dad loved sailing in small dinghy's … so he gave Matthew and introductory lesson.
About 20mins later my brother had the sail up and off he went. There was a lovely cooling off shore breeze … and Matthew simply didn’t stop.
After about another 20mins we had managed to borrow some binoculars from a German family next to us on the beach … and not being able to see or obtain any powered boats around, we set off after him … on a pedalo.
During the next few hours I learned quite a few new quite creative swear words.
After abut half an hour … when we had almost cleared the bay … an Italian family in a motor boat came over to us to ask if we wanted any help … oh yes!
It took them about 10mins to reach Matthew and we watched an animated conversation which ended when the motor boat turned around and came back … the ‘little boy didn’t want any help’ … and the boat was running low of fuel.
During the next half an hour we left the bay and entered the main ocean swell … timing changed as we pedalled. Matthew capsized his boat and we caught up with him, tied the boat to the pedalo and turned around pulling a capsized boat like a sea anchor into an offshore wind in about a 4ft swell.
The motor boat returned having refueled and towed us all in … taking about 45mins.
My Mum … was a bit of a mess … especially after she was told that we had entered the local shipping lane.
The trouble was that Matthew didn’t know where he was going, he didn’t understand what was driving him, he didn’t know how to change course … and he didn’t know how much trouble he was in. His only hope was that somebody else would rescue him.
We need to re-engage with it … we are over familiar with it … and while it should evoke in us a real season of celebration … we tend to have become somewhat jaded with all the peripheral trappings.
My plan, my desire, my hope is that our celebrations around Christmas this year have greater meaning for you than perhaps you have found for a number of years.
So the first thing to say is that Christmas marked part of an unfolding plan of God to rescue humanity from the mess we had generated for ourselves.
Secondly, the big picture
Creation / Fall / Redemption (or Resue) / Restoration
Thirdly, God wove aspects of his plan into the writings of scripture through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and primarily through his prophets.
Fourthly I want us to take a short look at the Genealogies of Jesus to observe some interesting oddities
And Finally I want to remind us of the mission that Jesus came on … why was it necessary for God to come.
During this series I am going to be illustrating parts of it with clips from a film.
And it begins where I am going to begin this morning … towards the end of the Christmas story … in a part that usually doesn’t make it into children’s Nativity plays … you may find this disturbing … it should be.
FILM CLIP
Starting towards the end of the story.
Christmas is not fluffy ... In one real sense ... Its not for kids.
This was like a divine SAS mission ... the stakes were high ... And people were playing for keeps.
Herod was a brutal man ... History reveals a 36 year reign of terror.
As far as this went, cosmic forces were at work, even though all we can see is the human players.
Joseph seems to be into dreams ... it is the only way recorded that God speaks to him.
Joseph, Mary and Jesus end up in Nazareth ... The place where this story begins .. Which we will be looking at next week.
Jesus birth was part of a divinely orchestrated rescue plan that culminated with Jesus on a cross, paying for the sins of the world and opening a door to us that would allow restoration of relationship with our Creator.
You see ... The four act drama
Jesus resurrection confirmed he had been victorious and succeeded in his mission ... But we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves here.
I could spend a whole preaching series on Prophecy in hundreds of places in the Old Testament pointing towards the coming Messiah, a hero figure that all Israel ached for especially when in adversity … and they had seen a lot of adversity.
Other prophecies refer to a King from Judah
The branch from David’s stump.
Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born and unto us a son is given and he will be called wonderful counsellor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
Men … definition of a Jew was if your Mother was a Jew … but legally, you had to inherit through the male line.
Prophecy … the Royal line and the Priestly line.
Unfolding plan … developing mission.
Zachias
Jesus came to rescue the lost … he came to restore Kingdom of God
They are one and the same thing … and Jesus Mission is our mission
We’ve talked about it as Community Transformation … and bringing this about through the love of God in the life of his people.
This Christmas season re-evaluate your life … what is your calling? … where are you going? … who are you meant to be with.