Matthew’s gospel focuses on the role of Joseph in the advent story whilst Luke tends to lean towards the experiences and role that Mary played. Put the two together and you see that God chooses unremarkable people to do impossible things.
The danger here is that we romanticise the Christmas story. It’s really a story of trust, sacrifice, perseverance and a whole lot of courage in the fact that when God calls you, even in the midst of challenge, he is present to perform his purpose.
Joseph, in my opinion, is an unsung hero of Scripture. What a mighty and magnificent man. Choosing to obey God, honour Mary and Father Jesus at what would have amounted to significant personal cost. A picture of true biblical manhood.
The other lessons I would invite you to consider is what it means to be called and used by God for significant purposes. You and I are as much candidates for the purposes of God as Mary and Joseph. I trust you are open and willing to be invited into His grand plan and story.
Summer series at Discovery Church will be off the charts. You are welcome.
Make it a great completion to 2013. See you in 2014.
When it comes to Christmas time it’s so important to be reminded that there is something more than just gifts and parties going on here. In the Christmas story we see people everywhere recognizing that something more is going on than their present circumstances. So this year, remember there is something more to Christmas; something more to life.
The Christmas Story - Part 1 (DLM Movies)DLM Movies
The Christmas Story, part 1.
http://dlm-movies.com/christmas
An angel comes to see Mary and Joseph.
Luke 1:26-37, Matthew 1:18-25.
"For with God nothing shall be impossible." -Luke 1:37.
DLM Movies, Dec 2011, http://dlm-movies.com
Matthew: The King and His Kingdom_Mt 1.18 25Stephen Palm
“The virgin birth of Christ is a key doctrine; for if Jesus Christ is not God come in sinless human flesh, then we have no Savior. Jesus had to be.” This quote from Pastor/Bible teacher Warren W. Wiersbe strikes at the very core of the Christian faith. Sceptics throughout the ages have questioned the miraculous conception and virgin birth of Jesus Christ. Their unbelief and criticism should not make us doubt. The testimony of Mary is that Jesus was miraculously conceived. So, let us be strengthened because we serve the God of miracles who spoke creation into existence (Gen. 1:1) and sent the Holy Spirit to come upon Mary along with the power of the Most High to overshadow her (Lk. 1:35). In order that she would bear a son and call him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins (Matt. 1:21). The greatest gift this Christmas season is that God has come in the flesh (Jn. 1:14).
When it comes to Christmas time it’s so important to be reminded that there is something more than just gifts and parties going on here. In the Christmas story we see people everywhere recognizing that something more is going on than their present circumstances. So this year, remember there is something more to Christmas; something more to life.
The Christmas Story - Part 1 (DLM Movies)DLM Movies
The Christmas Story, part 1.
http://dlm-movies.com/christmas
An angel comes to see Mary and Joseph.
Luke 1:26-37, Matthew 1:18-25.
"For with God nothing shall be impossible." -Luke 1:37.
DLM Movies, Dec 2011, http://dlm-movies.com
Matthew: The King and His Kingdom_Mt 1.18 25Stephen Palm
“The virgin birth of Christ is a key doctrine; for if Jesus Christ is not God come in sinless human flesh, then we have no Savior. Jesus had to be.” This quote from Pastor/Bible teacher Warren W. Wiersbe strikes at the very core of the Christian faith. Sceptics throughout the ages have questioned the miraculous conception and virgin birth of Jesus Christ. Their unbelief and criticism should not make us doubt. The testimony of Mary is that Jesus was miraculously conceived. So, let us be strengthened because we serve the God of miracles who spoke creation into existence (Gen. 1:1) and sent the Holy Spirit to come upon Mary along with the power of the Most High to overshadow her (Lk. 1:35). In order that she would bear a son and call him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins (Matt. 1:21). The greatest gift this Christmas season is that God has come in the flesh (Jn. 1:14).
This series is based upon the 8 Core Values of Geneseo Evangelical Free Church. But they are not exclusive to GEFC. These are core values that can be found in any healthy church that seeks to build itself upon the foundation of scripture. This week we look at our first Core Values:
A Commitment to the Word of God
We will preach and teach in a responsible way that brings the truth to intersect with life. In addition, it is our intent to unashamedly preach and teach the whole counsel of scripture and be willing to teach difficult teachings of scripture. The Bible is inerrant in its content and will be central in all our teaching, worship, fellowship, and study.
This series is based upon the 8 Core Values of Geneseo Evangelical Free Church. But they are not exclusive to GEFC. These are core values that can be found in any healthy church that seeks to build itself upon the foundation of scripture. This week we look at our first Core Values:
A Commitment to the Word of God
We will preach and teach in a responsible way that brings the truth to intersect with life. In addition, it is our intent to unashamedly preach and teach the whole counsel of scripture and be willing to teach difficult teachings of scripture. The Bible is inerrant in its content and will be central in all our teaching, worship, fellowship, and study.
Finding rest in strange places 6 seth gatchell december 27 2020Pacific Church
We so often hear the story of Mary this time of year, but it’s just as easy to gloss over the extreme cost it would have been to a young girl, to find herself graced with this ‘favor’ from God. What did it cost her in terms of her life’s plans? What did it cost her socially, with her family, with friends and neighbors? What does radical obedience cost us?
2 Peter 3: Because some scriptures are hard to understand and some will force them to say things God never intended, Peter warns us to take care.
https://youtu.be/nV4kGHFsEHw
Discover various methods for clearing negative entities from your space and spirit, including energy clearing techniques, spiritual rituals, and professional assistance. Gain practical knowledge on how to implement these techniques to restore peace and harmony. For more information visit here: https://www.reikihealingdistance.com/negative-entity-removal/
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.
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.
Why is this So? ~ Do Seek to KNOW (English & Chinese).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma teaching of Kamma-Vipaka (Intentional Actions-Ripening Effects).
A Presentation for developing morality, concentration and wisdom and to spur us to practice the Dhamma diligently.
The texts are in English and Chinese.
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 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.
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
2. 18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His
mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to
Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while
she was still a virgin, she became pregnant
through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph,
her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to
disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the
engagement quietly. 20 As he considered this, an
angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream.
“Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be
afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child
within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:18-25 NLT
3. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name
him Jesus, for he will save his people from their
sins.” 22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s
message through his prophet: 23 “Look! The
virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a
son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means
‘God is with us.’” 24 When Joseph woke up, he did
as the angel of the Lord commanded and took
Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual
relations with her until her son was born. And
Joseph named him Jesus.
Matthew 1:18-25 NLT
4. 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy,
God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village
in Galilee,27 to a virgin named Mary. She was
engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a
descendant of King David. 28 Gabriel appeared to
her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The
Lord is with you! ” 29 Confused and disturbed,
Mary tried to think what the angel could mean.
Luke 1:26-38 NLT
5. 30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for
you have found favor with God! 31 You will
conceive and give birth to a son, and you will
name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will
be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God
will give him the throne of his ancestor David.
33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his
Kingdom will never end!”
Luke 1:26-38 NLT
6. 34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this
happen? I am a virgin.” 35 The angel replied, “The
Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of
the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to
be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son
of God.36 What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has
become pregnant in her old age! People used to
say she was barren, but she has conceived a son
and is now in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is
impossible with God. ” 38 Mary responded, “I am
the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said
about me come true.” And then the angel left her.
Luke 1:26-38 NLT
17. 28 Gabriel appeared to her and said,
“Greetings, favoured woman! The Lord is
with you! ”
Luke 1:28 NLT
18. “You weren't an accident. You weren't
mass produced. You aren't an
assembly-line product. You were
deliberately planned, specifically gifted,
and lovingly positioned on the earth by
the Master Craftsman.”
Max Lucado
20. 19 Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man
and did not want to disgrace her publicly,
so he decided to break the engagement
quietly.
Matthew 1:19 NLT
21. 34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can
this happen? I am a virgin.” 35 The angel
replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon
you, and the power of the Most High will
overshadow you. So the baby to be born
will be holy, and he will be called the Son
of God.
Luke 1:34-35 NLT
23. 20 As he considered this, an angel of the
Lord appeared to him in a dream.
“Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do
not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.
For the child within her was conceived by
the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a
son, and you are to name him Jesus, for
he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:20-21 NLT
24. 30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told
her, “for you have found favor with God!
31 You will conceive and give birth to a
son, and you will name him Jesus.
Luke 1:30-31 NLT
26. 24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the
angel of the Lord commanded and took
Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have
sexual relations with her until her son was
born. And Joseph named him Jesus.
Matthew 1:24-25 NLT
27. 37 For nothing is impossible with God. ”
38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s
servant. May everything you have said
about me come true.” And then the angel
left her.
Luke 1:37-38 NLT