This document outlines and describes the seven miracles of Christmas according to Pastor David L. Brown. They are: 1) The Annunciation to Mary by the angel Gabriel, 2) The conception of Jesus through the Holy Spirit, 3) The explanation given to Joseph about Mary's pregnancy, 4) The incarnation of God in human form, 5) The declaration of Jesus' birth to the shepherds, 6) The conversation between God and his Son about Jesus' purpose, and 7) The visit of the wise men guided by a star. Each miracle is explained in detail from the relevant Bible passages.
This is a study of Jesus being born of a virgin. The Bible clearly reveals that Mary was a virgin until Jesus was born, and that she was made pregnant by the Holy Spirit.
This is a study of Jesus being born of a virgin. The Bible clearly reveals that Mary was a virgin until Jesus was born, and that she was made pregnant by the Holy Spirit.
Presents a detailed description of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, including redemption, justification, righteousness, regeneration, reconciliation, propitiation, adoption, sanctification, glorification
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.
In Matthew 16:19 and 18:18 we are told that whatever is bound in heaven, we can bind on earth and whatever is loosed in heaven, we can loose on earth. The Greek word translated "bind" also means knit, tie and wrap.
Jesus commented on the need for binding evil in Matt 12:29. Jesus explained that we must first bind the strongman before we can plunder his house. When we are facing an evil stronghold in life, we must first use our inherited authority as children of God to bind the evil forces involved. After that, we can loose, or call forth God's plans for restoration.
Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them" (Matt 18:18-20 NIV)
When we bind something, we declare it unlawful (or evil) based on God's word. Because we stand as co-heirs in Jesus Christ, we have his authority to execute this judgment on the forces of evil (Psalm 149:5-9).
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
Presents a detailed description of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, including redemption, justification, righteousness, regeneration, reconciliation, propitiation, adoption, sanctification, glorification
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.
In Matthew 16:19 and 18:18 we are told that whatever is bound in heaven, we can bind on earth and whatever is loosed in heaven, we can loose on earth. The Greek word translated "bind" also means knit, tie and wrap.
Jesus commented on the need for binding evil in Matt 12:29. Jesus explained that we must first bind the strongman before we can plunder his house. When we are facing an evil stronghold in life, we must first use our inherited authority as children of God to bind the evil forces involved. After that, we can loose, or call forth God's plans for restoration.
Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them" (Matt 18:18-20 NIV)
When we bind something, we declare it unlawful (or evil) based on God's word. Because we stand as co-heirs in Jesus Christ, we have his authority to execute this judgment on the forces of evil (Psalm 149:5-9).
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
There are many angels (messengers) in the gospels surrounding Christmas. This presentation takes a look at these accounts. Download the free PowerPoint at www.Bibleguy.org
_MINISTRY_Come Let Us Adore Him #4_Mary & JosephRohan Dredge
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.
Make it a great completion to 2013. See you in 2014.
_MINISTRY_Come Let Us Adore Him #4_Mary & Josephrohandredge
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.
Sermon Slide Deck: "Welcoming Christ The Newborn King" (Luke 1:26-38)New City Church
The Kingdom of God is the reign of God descending in and through King Jesus to a broken and bent world.
This message was given on November 30, 2014 at New City Church in Calgary by Pastor John Ferguson. For more info: www.newcitychurch.ca
Bagaimanalah rupa dan bentuk gereja yang teguh itu? Apakah ianaya terletak kepada indah dan megahnya bangunan gereja?Atau atas kekayaan dan intelektual?
Waktu berlalu dan bumi terus berputar kasih di hati manusia kian memudar . Tolong ya Tuhan bawalah kami ...Kembali pada kasih yang semula yang sejati abadi selamanya
"Ini Aku" Dalam erti Dua Konteks iaitu dalam konteks Mahasiswa dan Mahasisiwi dan Ini Aku dalam Konteks Pelayanan.Khotbah ini telah dikhotbahkan oleh saya di METSL
Kasih semula di antara suami isteri itu semakin hari semakin pudar. Ini membuat kehidupan keluarga tidak seindah dulu. Asdalah baik jika sumai isteri tetap diam dalam kasih yang semula
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 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/
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 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.
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.
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 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.
1. The Seven Miracles of Christmas
Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D.
Outline of The Seven Miracles of Christmas
There is the:
Annunciation
Conception
Explanation
Incarnation
Declaration
Conversation
Visitation
Lets look at each one individually.
Annunciation Luke 1:26-30
The word annunciation is not commonly used in America today. The word means, making
and announcement or proclamation. The announcement in focus here is the one made by the
angel Gabriel indicating that the Virgin Mary is Gods choice of all the women upon earth to
be the mother of the Messiah. Lets take a closer look at the passage.
"And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named
Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David;
and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that
art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she
saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this
should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with
God." Luke 1:26-30
Verse 26 tells us the timing of the announcement. The Angel Gabriel was sent to the Virgin
Mary in the 6th month of her cousin Elizabeths pregnancy. Gabriel had previously appeared to
Zacharias telling him that Elizabeth would conceive in her old age and bear John the Baptist
who would pave the way for the Messiah. But, previous to those two appearances, just six
month apart, it had been nearly 500 years since the last recorded mission God has sent the
Angel Gabriel to discharge. Daniel 9:21-27 records Gabriels prophetic revelation concerning
the time of the Messiahs coming.
Lets examine Gabriels message to Mary found in Luke 1:28.
Hail The word was a common greeting, which meant, Peace be to thee or may you enjoy all
possible blessings!
Thou art highly favored This phrase clearly indicates that Mary was being chosen in
preference to all the women upon earth, to be the mother of the Messiah. However, it is not
2. appropriate to refer to her as the mother of God, for that is blasphemy.
The Lord is with thee This indicates that the Lord is about to bestow unique favor upon
Mary.
Blessed art thou among women -- That is to say, among all women of the earth God
distinctively blessed Mary beyond all others. She was special among women but not to be
exalted above women.
How did Mary respond to Gabriels announcement? You might think that she was elated, but
nothing could be further from the truth. Verse 29 reveals that she was troubled. The Greek
word translated troubled is diatarassw - diatarasso (dee-at-ar-as'-so; 1298) from where we
get our word distressed. Simply stated, she was distressed and puzzled. Why? Because, it was
not culturally acceptable with the Jews for a man directly address a woman to begin with. In
fact, it was not lawful to be done in any shape or form especially by a messenger. So, no
wonder Mary was distressed and puzzled! Not to mention that she should be saluted as a
peculiar favorite of God, and blessed among women. Thats the Annunciation. Now to miracle
#2
Conception Luke 1:31-35
"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name
JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God
shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of
Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel,
How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her,
The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee:
therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of
God." Luke 1:31-35
It would be easy to develop two full sermons dealing with these five verses in Luke 1. While
that is not my intention here, I can most assuredly say that what is said in them is mind-
boggling to me so think of the affect on young Mary who was likely in her teen years.
Gabriel declares
1) You will become pregnant
2) It will be a son
3) You will name him Jesus meaning Jehovah Savior
4) He shall be great (all powerful)
5) He will be called by name the Son of God (indicating deity)
6) God will give Him the throne of His father David (indicating his humanity)
7) Jesus will reign over the 12 tribes of Israel forever
3. 8) His kingdom will be limitless both in its inclusiveness of all people and its timeless nature.
After being barraged by all this information Marys response was, "How shall this be, seeing I
know not a man?" Basically she is saying, how is this going to happen because I am a virgin.
Verse 35 says, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall
overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called
the Son of God." God the Father and God the Holy Spirit formed the human body and human
nature assumed by the eternal Word of God who became flesh. Again, the human body and
human spirit of the Son of God was created by the energy of God the Father and God the
Spirit within the womb of the Virgin Mary. This is the miracle of conception. Next we come
to the third miracle of Christmas
Explanation Matthew 1:18-25
Gabriel had appeared to Mary to tell her what was going to happen and it did happen just as
he had said. But what of Joseph, her betrothed? What would he do? And how would he ever
believe her when she told him about her angelic encounter. As it turned out, she did not need
to say anything. The Angel of the Lord makes a visit to him. Lets read the Scriptural account.
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to
Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then
Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was
minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of
the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take
unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she
shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from
their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord
by the prophet, saying, 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. 24 Then
Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto
him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called
his name JESUS." Matthew 1:18-25
God covered all the bases. As a result, Joseph did not divorce his betrothed but "took unto
him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son." That brings us to
the next miracle of Christmas
Incarnation John 1:1-4 & 14
As with the word annunciation, incarnation is a word that we rarely use in conversation
today. The word literally means, the act of clothing with flesh. This is the act of assuming
flesh, or of taking a human body and the nature of man; as the incarnation of the Son of God.
The second person of the Trinity always existed. We know this by what we read in John 1:1-
4 & 14 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made by him; and without
him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of
men. 14 "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the
glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
4. This incarnation of the Word of God, God becoming man was foretold in Micah 5:2 "But
thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee
shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of
old, from everlasting."
The Eternal God becoming man indeed is a miracle of the highest degree. That brings us to
the 5th miracle
Declaration Luke 2:8-17
No one would have noticed or even cared about a baby being born in a barn as it were, if it
would not have been for the miraculous declaration of his birth to the shepherds by the
angels. After the angelic announcement, the shepherds went to see the Savior and then spread
the news far and wide. Lets read the Biblical account found in Luke 2:8-17.
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their
flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord
shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear
not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all
people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the
Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling
clothes, lying in a manger.13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the
heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into
heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this
thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came
with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they
had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child."
Conversation Hebrews 10:5-10
There is an important passage of Scripture that is not usually mentioned in association with
the Christmas story. It records a conversation between God and his Son. This conversation
reveals the reason for the incarnation. Lets read Hebrews 10:5-10.
"Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest
not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast
had no pleasure. 7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to
do thy will, O God. 8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings
and offeringfor sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the
law; 9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may
establish the second. 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body
of Jesus Christ once for all."
What a miracle. God became man so that He could offer Himself as a sin offering for our sins
that we might be saved.
Visitation Matthew 2:1-12
5. The last miracle of Christmas revolves around the visit of the wise men. They were directed
to the Christ child by a star. This star was the wise mens own personal GPS and led them to
the home where the young child resided with his parents. Jesus could have been up to two
years old at this point. When the wise men arrived in Bethlehem, they worshipped Christ and
presented him with costly presents. Lets read the account in Matthew 2:1-12
"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold,
there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of
the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 3 When Herod
the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he
had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them
where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is
written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the
princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. 7Then
Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the
star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the
young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and
worship him also. 9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which
they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child
was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11 And when they
were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and
worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts;
gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should
not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way."
Wise men (and women) still seek Christ and when they have found him, they worship
Him!
Please click here for the Most Important Message of the Bible Concerning You. "
Is any of the following a blessing to you today?
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
Matthew 24:3
vation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby
Acts 4:12
h not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God h
love him."
1 Corinthians 2:9