Gloria In Excelsis Deo (Luke 2:8-20)
Introduction In the first 30 years of Pax Romana. Who needs God? We have a sovereign, faithful, and humble Messiah. Don’t let the wonder of our Savior’s birth fade. Read Luke 2:8-20 A series of contrasts: Darkness/Light Manger/Field Wondering/Treasuring You are not in darkness; Your world is not filled with mundane routines; Your thrilling encounters with God are not all in the past… Treasure up and ponder this scene of the glory of God in the birth of a Savior…
I Can’t Get No Satisfaction (Ecclesiastes 5:8-20)
Introduction We have seen the value of community followed by the proper way a community is to approach God, namely with reverence. Here, we add another essential ingredient to the fulfilled life—joy. Read Ecclesiastes 5:8-20 Periods of transition create anxious feelings. Mostly revolve around uncertainty about the future. I get worried when things are out of my control, almost everything is! We all have guilt and emotional baggage. We perpetuate the cycle of guilt by repeated failure. Since we’re so…
The Messiah in a Manager (Luke 2:1-7)
Introduction 400 years of silence. Where is God? 200yrs of war > 30yrs of Pax Romana. Who needs God? The mundane beginning of the most elaborate birth narrative in Scripture. Read Luke 2:1-7 We need a Sovereign Messiah who can rescue us from our bondage to sin. We need a faithful Messiah who will follow through where we (and others) have failed. We need a humble Messiah who will meet us in the depths of our brokenness and lift us…
Approaching God With Reverence (Ecclesiastes 5:1-7)
Introduction Transitions from value of community to proper way community approaches God. Read Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 1wk after wedding, Carrie and I left the church I had attended for 12yrs. It wasn’t planned, but it was quick. That Sunday, two convertible 50s Chevy Bel Airs were parked at the entrance. Ladies in poodle skirts greeted us and guys in blue jeans and leather jackets ushered us inside (Grease). A 50s themed skit opened the service > 50s themed songs. Everything served…
Two Are Better Than One (Ecclesiastes 4:7-16)
Introduction Nature’s ceaseless toil > The emptiness of pleasure. Discontentment > Despair/Joy in God’s provision. God’s sovereign orchestration of time. Enjoy your work despite pervasive wickedness and death. Live in contentment despite oppression and envy. Read Ecclesiastes 4:7-16 The vanity of life “under the sun,” no mention of God. This doesn’t mean all of his conclusions are wrong. He makes sense discussing the value of having a partner to share the work and the reward. He also speaks accurately regarding…
The Benedictus (Luke 1:67-80)
Introduction Let’s remember Mary’s age. Last week I mentioned that she was most likely between the ages of 12-15 years old. It is remarkable how she responded to Gabriel’s announcement with humility and trust. But how she responds to Elizabeth speaks volumes about her spiritual knowledge and character. Because of the way the Roman Catholic Church has exalted Mary to near divine status, Protestant Christians (the rest of the Christian Church) have sometimes denigrated Mary. Rather than “blessed”, the Roman…
Justified by Faith-Pt. 2 (Galatians 2:17-21)
We are continuing to make our way through Paul’s letter to the Galatians. This morning we saw that this passage is the transition point in the letter. After Paul opens with a stunning rebuke – instead of thanksgiving – he moved into a defense of his authority and calling as an apostle. This included his confrontation with Peter in Antioch when Peter was unwilling to eat with Gentiles. Keep that episode in mind because it sets up the main argument…
Justified by Faith-Pt. 1 (Galatians 2:15-21)
This passage is the transition point in Galatians. Paul began this letter quickly, skipping his usual section of thanksgiving and opening with a sharp rebuke. After more than a chapter of Paul defending his apostolic authority, and after taking a moment to explain the episode where he stood opposed to Peter, he now transitions to describing the central doctrine of Christianity. In Galatians 2:15-3:14 Paul defends the doctrine of justification by faith. We are only looking at the first part…
The Birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:57-66)
Introduction Luke has set out to provide his readers with a certainty concerning the things they had been taught about Jesus. He is detailed and organized in his presentation. He is historically accurate as well as pastorally sensitive. He has been building this chapter by jumping back and forth between the foretelling of the birth of John the Baptist to the foretelling of the birth of Jesus. He provides details about Mary’s visit to Elizabeth and the song of praise…
Better Off Dead (Ecclesiastes 4:1-6)
Ecclesiastes is a book about searching for meaning in life. It’s about finding purpose. The Preacher assumes the position of King Solomon, one who had great wisdom and great wealth, yet he is unable to find rest in either. Wisdom and wealth cannot provide rest. He considers the endless cycles of nature and concludes that everything is vanity, emptiness. Searching for meaning in life “under the sun” is like chasing after the wind. You won’t find your contentment in work…