This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[c] because he will save his people from their sins."
Matthew 1:18-21 (find this or any other passage at www.Biblegateway.org)
During the recent election season we heard a lot about 'ordinary Joes'. The Christmas season seems to be the only time we talk about the Gospels' ordinary Joe. Who was this man, Joseph? He is such an integral part of the Christmas story, and yet we know so little about him. His name is mentioned a mere sixteen times in only eight passages. But we can know what God intended us to know:
He was a carpenter. (Matt. 13:55)
He lived in Nazareth. (Luke 2:39)
Like the Old Testament Joseph, his father's name was Jacob. (Matt. 1:16)
And from the house of David. (Luke 2:4)
As we first meet him, he is engaged to Mary. (Matt 1:18)
Angels appeared to him in dreams. (Matt. 1:20; 2:13&19)
He was a righteous man. (Matt. 1:19)
He was obedient to God... (Matt. 1:24)
...and to God's Law. (Luke 2:22 & 39)
Much has been said and written about the lack of Biblical information concerning Joseph. But he is not to be a forgotten character in the Christmas story, or in the life of our Savior. This is the man God entrusted with the raising and protection of His Son. Along with Mary, Joseph carried the Infant, taught the, Toddler to walk, and fed the Child.
He was a man of courage, who took God at His Word, and a pregnant teen as his wife.
He was a man of action, safely leading his family to Egypt, no easy task, to protect them from Herod's wrath.
He was God's chosen. Among all the men of Israel, of all the men in history, Joseph was the one God selected for this remarkable task. If this little bit of information is all God chose to tell us, then it is all we need to know.
But knowing that Joseph was a righteous, obedient man, appointed to raise the Child King, is, in fact, knowing a lot.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions:
1. Why do you think there is so little information about Joseph?
2. Is it really so little? How much more do we know about Mary?
3. What an we know about Joseph, from the few times he is written about?
INTERESTING THOUGHTS:
"One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters."
George Herbert
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
ListenDaily - 09 December 2008; Christmas Surprises...Who Knew? Part 2
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him... Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him." After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Matthew 2:1-12 (find this or any other passage at www.Biblegateway.org)
There is much to this story! I would like to follow yesterday's theme and look at the spreading of the News. The Magi, or Wise Men, traveled to see the Baby King. They did not, however, go directly to Him. They came into Bethlehem and began asking; Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? What a stir this must have caused! The news spread quickly and far...all across the land and all the way to Herod. How do we know this? When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
After their visit with Jesus, the Magi returned to their country. It is quite reasonable to think that they spread the news there as well.
Think of it...all Jerusalem aware of the arrival of the King of the Jews! As with the shepherds telling of the story, this news spread throughout Jerusalem, certainly would not have been quickly forgotten.
And consider this news arriving in the lands to the east. The Magi returned with this fantastic story of a star and a Child King named Jesus. Who knows how it might have been taken in the moment. But maybe years later, when the Gospel began to be carried abroad, could it be that the story was familiar? Could it be that the people of some eastern kingdom might have heard and remembered the Wise Men's story?
And so it was, and is. You and I share the story of our faith, the Good News of Christ. Maybe it is brand new to the listener. Or maybe, just maybe, there is a spark of recognition from a story heard years before, from church school, from a grandmother, and that spark grows a little...glows a little...
Who knew?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions:
1. Did you realize that the Wise Men told others?
2. Have you ever considered the long term impact that would have?
3. Will you agree to a reading of the Gospels this Christmas season? If you would like to compare the Gospel readings, I've posted a link below, and a sample comparison readings. I welcome any questions that arise from your study.
INTERESTING THOUGHTS:
Parallel reading of the Gospels
from http://www.are-you-for-real.com/easy-to-print/nt01of02-jesus-the-christ.pdf
Jesus The Christ
Introductions by the Gospel Writers
·
Mark 1:1
·
John 1:1-18
·
Luke 1:1-4
The Genealogies of Jesus
·
Matthew 1:1-17
·
Luke 3:23b-38
The Births of Jesus and John the Baptist
·
Luke 1:5-80
·
Matthew 1:18-25a
·
Luke 2:1-20
·
Parallel verses Matthew 1:25b and Luke 2:21
·
Luke 2:22-38
Visit of the Magi and Flight into Egypt
·
From Infancy to Manhood
·
Parallel verses Matthew 2:19-23 and Luke 2:39-40
·
Luke 2:41-52
The Ministry of John the Baptist
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:1-3, Mark 1:2-4, and Luke 3:1-6
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:4-6 and Mark 1:5-6
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:7-10 and Luke 3:7-14
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:11-12, Mark 1:7-8, and Luke 3:15-18
There is much to this story! I would like to follow yesterday's theme and look at the spreading of the News. The Magi, or Wise Men, traveled to see the Baby King. They did not, however, go directly to Him. They came into Bethlehem and began asking; Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? What a stir this must have caused! The news spread quickly and far...all across the land and all the way to Herod. How do we know this? When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
After their visit with Jesus, the Magi returned to their country. It is quite reasonable to think that they spread the news there as well.
Think of it...all Jerusalem aware of the arrival of the King of the Jews! As with the shepherds telling of the story, this news spread throughout Jerusalem, certainly would not have been quickly forgotten.
And consider this news arriving in the lands to the east. The Magi returned with this fantastic story of a star and a Child King named Jesus. Who knows how it might have been taken in the moment. But maybe years later, when the Gospel began to be carried abroad, could it be that the story was familiar? Could it be that the people of some eastern kingdom might have heard and remembered the Wise Men's story?
And so it was, and is. You and I share the story of our faith, the Good News of Christ. Maybe it is brand new to the listener. Or maybe, just maybe, there is a spark of recognition from a story heard years before, from church school, from a grandmother, and that spark grows a little...glows a little...
Who knew?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions:
1. Did you realize that the Wise Men told others?
2. Have you ever considered the long term impact that would have?
3. Will you agree to a reading of the Gospels this Christmas season? If you would like to compare the Gospel readings, I've posted a link below, and a sample comparison readings. I welcome any questions that arise from your study.
INTERESTING THOUGHTS:
Parallel reading of the Gospels
from http://www.are-you-for-real.com/easy-to-print/nt01of02-jesus-the-christ.pdf
Jesus The Christ
Introductions by the Gospel Writers
·
Mark 1:1
·
John 1:1-18
·
Luke 1:1-4
The Genealogies of Jesus
·
Matthew 1:1-17
·
Luke 3:23b-38
The Births of Jesus and John the Baptist
·
Luke 1:5-80
·
Matthew 1:18-25a
·
Luke 2:1-20
·
Parallel verses Matthew 1:25b and Luke 2:21
·
Luke 2:22-38
Visit of the Magi and Flight into Egypt
·
From Infancy to Manhood
·
Parallel verses Matthew 2:19-23 and Luke 2:39-40
·
Luke 2:41-52
The Ministry of John the Baptist
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:1-3, Mark 1:2-4, and Luke 3:1-6
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:4-6 and Mark 1:5-6
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:7-10 and Luke 3:7-14
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:11-12, Mark 1:7-8, and Luke 3:15-18
Monday, December 8, 2008
ListenDaily - 08 December 2008; Christmas Surprises...Who Knew?
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. Luke 2:8-16 (find this or any other passage at www.Biblegateway.org)
For most of my life, I held certain perceptions about Jesus, about the Bible. Some of them have remained, but quite a few have changed, as I have examined the Scriptures for myself. (We should all follow the example set by the Bereans in Acts 17:11, who examined the Scriptures every day.) One of these notions was that Jesus remained an anonymous Messiah until the day He revealed His true identity in Nazareth.
But wait...
The shepherds in today's passage experienced the most amazing thing. The angel, the glory of God, the Heavenly host...and the Babe. We have know idea how many shepherds there were, but it is probable that there were quite a few. The all would have had families, friends, and neighbors. How could they possibly have kept this experience to themselves? But we need not wonder, we know that they told others: When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Luke 2:17-18
...they spread the word...as anyone would expect that they would! I would expect that some of them ran screaming, yelling, rejoicing, and telling!
OK, so they told other people...so what?
Well, I think this is huge...all who heard it were amazed... Thirty years later, when Jesus began His ministry, He was not speaking strictly to people with no idea who He was. The shepherds and those they had told who were still living, and their children and grandchildren, knew about that special night. Many knew that the centuries-long waiting for the Messiah was coming to an end. There would have been a groundswell of support for Jesus' ministry.
Who knew?
The shepherds knew.
Although this is not your first Christmas, I hope you can feel the excitement of the Messiah come to save...and that you will follow their example and spread the Word.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions:
1. Did you realize that the shepherds told others?
2. Have you ever considered the long term impact that would have?
3. Will you agree to a reading of the Gospels this Christmas season? If you would like to compare the Gospel readings, I've posted a link below, and a sample comparison readings. I welcome any questions that arise from your study.
INTERESTING THOUGHTS:
Parallel reading of the Gospels
from http://www.are-you-for-real.com/easy-to-print/nt01of02-jesus-the-christ.pdf
Jesus The Christ
Introductions by the Gospel Writers
·
Mark 1:1
·
John 1:1-18
·
Luke 1:1-4
The Genealogies of Jesus
·
Matthew 1:1-17
·
Luke 3:23b-38
The Births of Jesus and John the Baptist
·
Luke 1:5-80
·
Matthew 1:18-25a
·
Luke 2:1-20
·
Parallel verses Matthew 1:25b and Luke 2:21
·
Luke 2:22-38
Visit of the Magi and Flight into Egypt
·
From Infancy to Manhood
·
Parallel verses Matthew 2:19-23 and Luke 2:39-40
·
Luke 2:41-52
The Ministry of John the Baptist
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:1-3, Mark 1:2-4, and Luke 3:1-6
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:4-6 and Mark 1:5-6
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:7-10 and Luke 3:7-14
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:11-12, Mark 1:7-8, and Luke 3:15-18
For most of my life, I held certain perceptions about Jesus, about the Bible. Some of them have remained, but quite a few have changed, as I have examined the Scriptures for myself. (We should all follow the example set by the Bereans in Acts 17:11, who examined the Scriptures every day.) One of these notions was that Jesus remained an anonymous Messiah until the day He revealed His true identity in Nazareth.
But wait...
The shepherds in today's passage experienced the most amazing thing. The angel, the glory of God, the Heavenly host...and the Babe. We have know idea how many shepherds there were, but it is probable that there were quite a few. The all would have had families, friends, and neighbors. How could they possibly have kept this experience to themselves? But we need not wonder, we know that they told others: When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Luke 2:17-18
...they spread the word...as anyone would expect that they would! I would expect that some of them ran screaming, yelling, rejoicing, and telling!
OK, so they told other people...so what?
Well, I think this is huge...all who heard it were amazed... Thirty years later, when Jesus began His ministry, He was not speaking strictly to people with no idea who He was. The shepherds and those they had told who were still living, and their children and grandchildren, knew about that special night. Many knew that the centuries-long waiting for the Messiah was coming to an end. There would have been a groundswell of support for Jesus' ministry.
Who knew?
The shepherds knew.
Although this is not your first Christmas, I hope you can feel the excitement of the Messiah come to save...and that you will follow their example and spread the Word.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions:
1. Did you realize that the shepherds told others?
2. Have you ever considered the long term impact that would have?
3. Will you agree to a reading of the Gospels this Christmas season? If you would like to compare the Gospel readings, I've posted a link below, and a sample comparison readings. I welcome any questions that arise from your study.
INTERESTING THOUGHTS:
Parallel reading of the Gospels
from http://www.are-you-for-real.com/easy-to-print/nt01of02-jesus-the-christ.pdf
Jesus The Christ
Introductions by the Gospel Writers
·
Mark 1:1
·
John 1:1-18
·
Luke 1:1-4
The Genealogies of Jesus
·
Matthew 1:1-17
·
Luke 3:23b-38
The Births of Jesus and John the Baptist
·
Luke 1:5-80
·
Matthew 1:18-25a
·
Luke 2:1-20
·
Parallel verses Matthew 1:25b and Luke 2:21
·
Luke 2:22-38
Visit of the Magi and Flight into Egypt
·
From Infancy to Manhood
·
Parallel verses Matthew 2:19-23 and Luke 2:39-40
·
Luke 2:41-52
The Ministry of John the Baptist
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:1-3, Mark 1:2-4, and Luke 3:1-6
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:4-6 and Mark 1:5-6
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:7-10 and Luke 3:7-14
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:11-12, Mark 1:7-8, and Luke 3:15-18
Friday, December 5, 2008
ListenDaily - 05 December 2008; Christmas Surprises - Time to unwrap your gift!
The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means, "God with us." He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. The Lord's mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world...to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God...we have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,who came from the Father, full of grace and truth...grace and truth came through Jesus Christ...no one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known. From the first chapters of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
(find this or any other passage at www.Biblegateway.org)
One Bible, four Gospels. The Gospels do not contradict each other; they compliment and fulfill each other.
The Gospels, as individual pieces, addressed disparate first century audiences. Through the inspired writing of men, God took the next step to reach people beyond those Jesus met directly. Reading just past the Gospels, into the second chapter of Acts, we see another step, as His Holy Spirit came upon the church.
Friends, we have the Spirit and the Word, the Spirit and the Truth! God has taken the steps to meet you!
This Christmas season, won't you take time to unwrap these gifts God has given you? Read the Gospels and treat them as if you have never read them; ask God to reveal new things to you. If you are like me, you have not come to the point where you think you know all there is to and about the Bible, so immerse yourself in these four books, this one story, this story about the Holy One from God.
A great Christmas surprise waits for you inside.
I cannot wait to hear about it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions:
1. How long has it been since you have read the Gospels in their entirety?
2. Do you think there is anything new in them for you?
3. Will you agree to a reading of the Gospels this Christmas season? If you would like to compare the Gospel readings, I've posted a link below, and a sample comparison readings. I welcome any questions that arise from your study.
INTERESTING THOUGHTS:
Parallel reading of the Gospels
from http://www.are-you-for-real.com/easy-to-print/nt01of02-jesus-the-christ.pdf
Jesus The Christ
Introductions by the Gospel Writers
·
Mark 1:1
·
John 1:1-18
·
Luke 1:1-4
The Genealogies of Jesus
·
Matthew 1:1-17
·
Luke 3:23b-38
The Births of Jesus and John the Baptist
·
Luke 1:5-80
·
Matthew 1:18-25a
·
Luke 2:1-20
·
Parallel verses Matthew 1:25b and Luke 2:21
·
Luke 2:22-38
Visit of the Magi and Flight into Egypt
·
From Infancy to Manhood
·
Parallel verses Matthew 2:19-23 and Luke 2:39-40
·
Luke 2:41-52
The Ministry of John the Baptist
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:1-3, Mark 1:2-4, and Luke 3:1-6
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:4-6 and Mark 1:5-6
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:7-10 and Luke 3:7-14
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:11-12, Mark 1:7-8, and Luke 3:15-18
(find this or any other passage at www.Biblegateway.org)
One Bible, four Gospels. The Gospels do not contradict each other; they compliment and fulfill each other.
The Gospels, as individual pieces, addressed disparate first century audiences. Through the inspired writing of men, God took the next step to reach people beyond those Jesus met directly. Reading just past the Gospels, into the second chapter of Acts, we see another step, as His Holy Spirit came upon the church.
Friends, we have the Spirit and the Word, the Spirit and the Truth! God has taken the steps to meet you!
This Christmas season, won't you take time to unwrap these gifts God has given you? Read the Gospels and treat them as if you have never read them; ask God to reveal new things to you. If you are like me, you have not come to the point where you think you know all there is to and about the Bible, so immerse yourself in these four books, this one story, this story about the Holy One from God.
A great Christmas surprise waits for you inside.
I cannot wait to hear about it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions:
1. How long has it been since you have read the Gospels in their entirety?
2. Do you think there is anything new in them for you?
3. Will you agree to a reading of the Gospels this Christmas season? If you would like to compare the Gospel readings, I've posted a link below, and a sample comparison readings. I welcome any questions that arise from your study.
INTERESTING THOUGHTS:
Parallel reading of the Gospels
from http://www.are-you-for-real.com/easy-to-print/nt01of02-jesus-the-christ.pdf
Jesus The Christ
Introductions by the Gospel Writers
·
Mark 1:1
·
John 1:1-18
·
Luke 1:1-4
The Genealogies of Jesus
·
Matthew 1:1-17
·
Luke 3:23b-38
The Births of Jesus and John the Baptist
·
Luke 1:5-80
·
Matthew 1:18-25a
·
Luke 2:1-20
·
Parallel verses Matthew 1:25b and Luke 2:21
·
Luke 2:22-38
Visit of the Magi and Flight into Egypt
·
From Infancy to Manhood
·
Parallel verses Matthew 2:19-23 and Luke 2:39-40
·
Luke 2:41-52
The Ministry of John the Baptist
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:1-3, Mark 1:2-4, and Luke 3:1-6
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:4-6 and Mark 1:5-6
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:7-10 and Luke 3:7-14
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:11-12, Mark 1:7-8, and Luke 3:15-18
Thursday, December 4, 2008
ListenDaily - 04 December 2008; Christmas Surprises - The Ancient One
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. John 1:1-5
(find this or any other passage at www.Biblegateway.org)
This bears repeating, one last time: One Bible, the Word of God, 66 books, four Gospels. The Gospels do not contradict each other. They do tell different pieces of a story, from different perspectives, because they, initially, had four different audiences.
During the Christmas season, much of our attention is drawn to the 'Baby Jesus', and that is good. It is an amazing and wonderful thing that God presented Himself that way.
But we must remember that the being who inhabited that Baby was an ancient One.
It is a mystery how much Jesus gave up to be a Man. We know that He did what He did voluntarily: Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be held on to, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:5-7
It is a mystery how much Jesus knew as a Babe, but we know that He grew and learned: And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:52
But Jesus, the Word (Rev.19:13) pre-existed all else. He was there at the laying of the very foundation of the Earth. Adam and Eve were created through Him.
He saw the fall, and knew that His future included becoming Man to save men.
From His Ancient view He also saw you.
The Ancient One who became the Babe, did so for you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions:
1. Have you ever considered the ancient-ness of Jesus?
2. Have you ever compared the Christmas stories between the Gospels?
3. Will you agree to a reading of the Gospels this Christmas season? If you would like to compare the Gospel readings, I've posted a link below, and a sample comparison readings. I welcome any questions that arise from your study.
INTERESTING THOUGHTS:
Parallel reading of the Gospels
from http://www.are-you-for-real.com/easy-to-print/nt01of02-jesus-the-christ.pdf
Jesus The Christ
Introductions by the Gospel Writers
·
Mark 1:1
·
John 1:1-18
·
Luke 1:1-4
The Genealogies of Jesus
·
Matthew 1:1-17
·
Luke 3:23b-38
The Births of Jesus and John the Baptist
·
Luke 1:5-80
·
Matthew 1:18-25a
·
Luke 2:1-20
·
Parallel verses Matthew 1:25b and Luke 2:21
·
Luke 2:22-38
Visit of the Magi and Flight into Egypt
·
From Infancy to Manhood
·
Parallel verses Matthew 2:19-23 and Luke 2:39-40
·
Luke 2:41-52
The Ministry of John the Baptist
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:1-3, Mark 1:2-4, and Luke 3:1-6
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:4-6 and Mark 1:5-6
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:7-10 and Luke 3:7-14
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:11-12, Mark 1:7-8, and Luke 3:15-18
(find this or any other passage at www.Biblegateway.org)
This bears repeating, one last time: One Bible, the Word of God, 66 books, four Gospels. The Gospels do not contradict each other. They do tell different pieces of a story, from different perspectives, because they, initially, had four different audiences.
During the Christmas season, much of our attention is drawn to the 'Baby Jesus', and that is good. It is an amazing and wonderful thing that God presented Himself that way.
But we must remember that the being who inhabited that Baby was an ancient One.
It is a mystery how much Jesus gave up to be a Man. We know that He did what He did voluntarily: Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be held on to, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:5-7
It is a mystery how much Jesus knew as a Babe, but we know that He grew and learned: And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:52
But Jesus, the Word (Rev.19:13) pre-existed all else. He was there at the laying of the very foundation of the Earth. Adam and Eve were created through Him.
He saw the fall, and knew that His future included becoming Man to save men.
From His Ancient view He also saw you.
The Ancient One who became the Babe, did so for you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions:
1. Have you ever considered the ancient-ness of Jesus?
2. Have you ever compared the Christmas stories between the Gospels?
3. Will you agree to a reading of the Gospels this Christmas season? If you would like to compare the Gospel readings, I've posted a link below, and a sample comparison readings. I welcome any questions that arise from your study.
INTERESTING THOUGHTS:
Parallel reading of the Gospels
from http://www.are-you-for-real.com/easy-to-print/nt01of02-jesus-the-christ.pdf
Jesus The Christ
Introductions by the Gospel Writers
·
Mark 1:1
·
John 1:1-18
·
Luke 1:1-4
The Genealogies of Jesus
·
Matthew 1:1-17
·
Luke 3:23b-38
The Births of Jesus and John the Baptist
·
Luke 1:5-80
·
Matthew 1:18-25a
·
Luke 2:1-20
·
Parallel verses Matthew 1:25b and Luke 2:21
·
Luke 2:22-38
Visit of the Magi and Flight into Egypt
·
From Infancy to Manhood
·
Parallel verses Matthew 2:19-23 and Luke 2:39-40
·
Luke 2:41-52
The Ministry of John the Baptist
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:1-3, Mark 1:2-4, and Luke 3:1-6
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:4-6 and Mark 1:5-6
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:7-10 and Luke 3:7-14
·
Parallel verses Matthew 3:11-12, Mark 1:7-8, and Luke 3:15-18
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
ListenDaily - 03 December 2008; Christmas Surprises - A Doctor's Note
Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. Mark 1:1-11
(find this or any other passage at www.Biblegateway.org)
This bears repeating, again: One Bible, the Word of God, 66 books, four Gospels. The Gospels do not contradict each other. They do tell different pieces of a story, from different perspectives, because they, initially, had four different audiences.
Luke was not a disciple, and probably did not know Jesus. However, Luke 1:1 tells that "many" have gone about the task of chronicling the life of Jesus and the surrounding events and results; and now Luke, a Gentile physician, has now done an investigative piece, and written an "orderly account".
The most excellent Theophilus was probably a Roman official; "most excellent" was a typical greeting for a Roman with a title, and it appears that he commissioned Luke to this task. The writing style and layout of Luke (and the second half of the letter, what we call the book of Acts) is very Greek, very logical, very thorough. In Luke we get many details not found, for a variety of reasons, in the other Gospels; including the boy Jesus in the temple at 12 years of age.
Theophilus had heard and learned about Jesus, and wanted to know more, and have what he had been taught confirmed. Luke provided this affirmation: you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
Many of us have heard so much about Jesus, but left it at the hearing. We have such an advantage over Theophilus! We have the finished accounts, of Luke and others, wholly inspired by God Himself.
This Christmas season, won't you take a cue from Theophilus? Won't you gather up every idea you have about Jesus from stories, Sunday School lessons, sermons, magazine articles, and books, and confirm it them from Scripture? If you will pray for guidance then dive into the Gospel accounts of our Savior, something wonderful will happen.
You will come to know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
Amen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions:
1. Have you ever compared the Christmas stories between the Gospels?
2. Have you ever looked directly to the Word of God to confirm (or deny) what others say about Him?
3. Will you agree to a reading of the Gospels this Christmas season? If you would like to compare the Gospel readings, I've posted a link below, and a sample comparison readings. I welcome any questions that arise from your study.
INTERESTING THOUGHTS:
Parallel reading of the Gospels
from http://www.are-you-for-real.com/easy-to-print/nt01of02-jesus-the-christ.pdf
Jesus The Christ
Introductions by the Gospel Writers
· Mark 1:1
· John 1:1-18
· Luke 1:1-4
The Genealogies of Jesus
· Matthew 1:1-17
· Luke 3:23b-38
The Births of Jesus and John the Baptist
· Luke 1:5-80
· Matthew 1:18-25a
· Luke 2:1-20
· Parallel verses Matthew 1:25b and Luke 2:21
· Luke 2:22-38
Visit of the Magi and Flight into Egypt
·
From Infancy to Manhood
· Parallel verses Matthew 2:19-23 and Luke 2:39-40
· Luke 2:41-52
The Ministry of John the Baptist
· Parallel verses Matthew 3:1-3, Mark 1:2-4, and Luke 3:1-6
· Parallel verses Matthew 3:4-6 and Mark 1:5-6
· Parallel verses Matthew 3:7-10 and Luke 3:7-14
· Parallel verses Matthew 3:11-12, Mark 1:7-8, and Luke 3:15-18
· Parallel verses Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, and Luke 3:21-23a
--
Pastor Jim Dorton
http://pastorjimdorton.blogspot.com/
Wyoming UMC
112 Broad Street
Wyoming, De 19934
(302) 697-6651
jdorton@yahoo.com
(find this or any other passage at www.Biblegateway.org)
This bears repeating, again: One Bible, the Word of God, 66 books, four Gospels. The Gospels do not contradict each other. They do tell different pieces of a story, from different perspectives, because they, initially, had four different audiences.
Luke was not a disciple, and probably did not know Jesus. However, Luke 1:1 tells that "many" have gone about the task of chronicling the life of Jesus and the surrounding events and results; and now Luke, a Gentile physician, has now done an investigative piece, and written an "orderly account".
The most excellent Theophilus was probably a Roman official; "most excellent" was a typical greeting for a Roman with a title, and it appears that he commissioned Luke to this task. The writing style and layout of Luke (and the second half of the letter, what we call the book of Acts) is very Greek, very logical, very thorough. In Luke we get many details not found, for a variety of reasons, in the other Gospels; including the boy Jesus in the temple at 12 years of age.
Theophilus had heard and learned about Jesus, and wanted to know more, and have what he had been taught confirmed. Luke provided this affirmation: you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
Many of us have heard so much about Jesus, but left it at the hearing. We have such an advantage over Theophilus! We have the finished accounts, of Luke and others, wholly inspired by God Himself.
This Christmas season, won't you take a cue from Theophilus? Won't you gather up every idea you have about Jesus from stories, Sunday School lessons, sermons, magazine articles, and books, and confirm it them from Scripture? If you will pray for guidance then dive into the Gospel accounts of our Savior, something wonderful will happen.
You will come to know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
Amen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions:
1. Have you ever compared the Christmas stories between the Gospels?
2. Have you ever looked directly to the Word of God to confirm (or deny) what others say about Him?
3. Will you agree to a reading of the Gospels this Christmas season? If you would like to compare the Gospel readings, I've posted a link below, and a sample comparison readings. I welcome any questions that arise from your study.
INTERESTING THOUGHTS:
Parallel reading of the Gospels
from http://www.are-you-for-real.com/easy-to-print/nt01of02-jesus-the-christ.pdf
Jesus The Christ
Introductions by the Gospel Writers
· Mark 1:1
· John 1:1-18
· Luke 1:1-4
The Genealogies of Jesus
· Matthew 1:1-17
· Luke 3:23b-38
The Births of Jesus and John the Baptist
· Luke 1:5-80
· Matthew 1:18-25a
· Luke 2:1-20
· Parallel verses Matthew 1:25b and Luke 2:21
· Luke 2:22-38
Visit of the Magi and Flight into Egypt
·
From Infancy to Manhood
· Parallel verses Matthew 2:19-23 and Luke 2:39-40
· Luke 2:41-52
The Ministry of John the Baptist
· Parallel verses Matthew 3:1-3, Mark 1:2-4, and Luke 3:1-6
· Parallel verses Matthew 3:4-6 and Mark 1:5-6
· Parallel verses Matthew 3:7-10 and Luke 3:7-14
· Parallel verses Matthew 3:11-12, Mark 1:7-8, and Luke 3:15-18
· Parallel verses Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, and Luke 3:21-23a
--
Pastor Jim Dorton
http://pastorjimdorton.blogspot.com/
Wyoming UMC
112 Broad Street
Wyoming, De 19934
(302) 697-6651
jdorton@yahoo.com
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
ListenDaily - 02 December 2008; Christmas Surprises - No Christmas Story!?
The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
It is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way" — "a voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.' " And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." Mark 1:1-11
(find this or any other passage at www.Biblegateway.org)
This bears repeating: One Bible, the Word of God, 66 books, four Gospels. The Gospels do not contradict each other. They do tell different pieces of a story, from different perspectives, because they, initially, had four different audiences.
Mark 1:1 starts with The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. This book's 'beginning', goes straight to an adult John and Jesus. No Christmas story? How can there be a Gospel with no shepherds, angels, no Mary or Joseph, no Babe in a manger?
The traditional consensus is that Mark was written to a largely Roman audience. This was the Rome of gladiators and games, a city and people enthralled by action. Also a people mostly of non-Jewish heritage. Old Testament prophecies, Jewish genealogies and traditions meant nothing to them.
Mark is the shortest of the Gospels with the most action; Jesus said, Jesus went, Jesus healed, Jesus performed, Jesus called... It was written to an audience with a built-in short attention span and a desire for action. Through time, this audience would have been introduced, through Paul and others, to a more complete story of Christ.
In a way, this makes Mark a great Christmas story! Jesus came as a Baby, so that we could understand Him. He came to us as we were. He did not need to be a Baby, to be a Man, as much as we needed a Messiah we could understand; one that addressed us in our environment, meeting our needs. This is what the Gospel of Mark did. It brought the Messiah to a people that would not have understood Him in another way.
Maybe the Gospel of Mark is a good lesson for those of us who share our faith, or want to. There is no one way, one program, or one script. Jesus is willing to meet people where they are, how they are, and who they are. Should not we, who are merely doing the introductions, be willing to be, do, and say the Truth in whatever manner would allow someone to hear?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions:
1. Have you ever compared the Christmas stories between the Gospels?
2. Why do you think God left it out of Mark?
3. Does this help you in the sharing of your faith?
INTERESTING THOUGHTS:
"God often gives in one brief moment that which He has for a long time denied."
"Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be,
since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be."
"In Jesus and for Him, enemies and friends alike are to be loved."
"For a small reward, a man will hurry away on a long journey;
while for eternal life, many will hardly take a single step."
"All is vanity but to love and serve Him."
"If thou bear the cross cheerfully, it will bear thee."
"Sweet shall be your rest if your heart does not reproach you."
"Learn to break your own will. Be zealous against yourself."
Thomas A` Kempis
It is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way" — "a voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.' " And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." Mark 1:1-11
(find this or any other passage at www.Biblegateway.org)
This bears repeating: One Bible, the Word of God, 66 books, four Gospels. The Gospels do not contradict each other. They do tell different pieces of a story, from different perspectives, because they, initially, had four different audiences.
Mark 1:1 starts with The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. This book's 'beginning', goes straight to an adult John and Jesus. No Christmas story? How can there be a Gospel with no shepherds, angels, no Mary or Joseph, no Babe in a manger?
The traditional consensus is that Mark was written to a largely Roman audience. This was the Rome of gladiators and games, a city and people enthralled by action. Also a people mostly of non-Jewish heritage. Old Testament prophecies, Jewish genealogies and traditions meant nothing to them.
Mark is the shortest of the Gospels with the most action; Jesus said, Jesus went, Jesus healed, Jesus performed, Jesus called... It was written to an audience with a built-in short attention span and a desire for action. Through time, this audience would have been introduced, through Paul and others, to a more complete story of Christ.
In a way, this makes Mark a great Christmas story! Jesus came as a Baby, so that we could understand Him. He came to us as we were. He did not need to be a Baby, to be a Man, as much as we needed a Messiah we could understand; one that addressed us in our environment, meeting our needs. This is what the Gospel of Mark did. It brought the Messiah to a people that would not have understood Him in another way.
Maybe the Gospel of Mark is a good lesson for those of us who share our faith, or want to. There is no one way, one program, or one script. Jesus is willing to meet people where they are, how they are, and who they are. Should not we, who are merely doing the introductions, be willing to be, do, and say the Truth in whatever manner would allow someone to hear?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions:
1. Have you ever compared the Christmas stories between the Gospels?
2. Why do you think God left it out of Mark?
3. Does this help you in the sharing of your faith?
INTERESTING THOUGHTS:
"God often gives in one brief moment that which He has for a long time denied."
"Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be,
since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be."
"In Jesus and for Him, enemies and friends alike are to be loved."
"For a small reward, a man will hurry away on a long journey;
while for eternal life, many will hardly take a single step."
"All is vanity but to love and serve Him."
"If thou bear the cross cheerfully, it will bear thee."
"Sweet shall be your rest if your heart does not reproach you."
"Learn to break your own will. Be zealous against yourself."
Thomas A` Kempis
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