Luke's gospel places emphasis on the outcast of society. It is only in Luke's gospel that we find the parable of Lazarus begging at the gate of the rich man, the widow giving the small change, Mary and Joseph offering the pair of doves and two pigeons when they present the infant Jesus in the temple, an offering subscribed for the poor, and the shepherd at the birth narrative, a group of people at the bottom of the socio-economic tier of society. That Mathew's gospel presents Magi (Gentile foreigners, possibly of means) while Luke presents shepherds demonstrates that Christ is for all people. The birth narrative presents access for all people into the Kingdom of God, granting opportunity for all people to share in the hope and peace of God's Kingdom. As followers of Christ, we are called to be a channel that presents hope, grace, and peace. In this video, I offer a window into my own story, one defined by a health crisis that endured for twenty-three years. During this season of my life, my hope was being siphoned and my peace was dwindling away. God became my only source of hope. My relationships suffered and I had little support. Thus, I have learned the importance of being a channel for exhibiting hope, grace, and peace. No man is an island. Let us extend hope, grace, and peace. 1 Thessalonians 1:3; Colossians 1:27; Titus 1:1-2; Hebrews 6:18-19; Romans 5:2-5. All Scripture cited is from the New International Version of the Bible

#biblestudy #christmas #faith #sermon #hope #chronicfatiguesyndrome #peace

Satan Could not Stop the First Christmas

I. Magi came to Worship Jesus A. Sincere B. Discerning C. Humble

II. Herod wanted to Murder Jesus A. Idumean B. Executed his first wife C. Executed his first wife's mother and grandfather D. Executed his Three Sons

III. Jesus Remains Controversial

IV Embrace the Controversy A. Accept that Jesus is Controversial B. Don't be Intiidated C. Be Discerning D. Christian Love is not Accepting Society's Slide into the Sewer F. Don't Capitulate G. Christian Love is Truthtelling

I. God initiated redemption. A. God sent the angel to Mary - Reminds me of the Garden of Eden narrative. In the Garden narrative, God came into the Garden and confronted Adam and Eve and initiated reconciliation. B. Holy Spirit will overshadow Mary - reminiscent of Exodus 40:34 when the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Greek word for 'overshadow' is the same word used in Luke 9:34 for the cloud that enveloped them on Mt of transfiguration and in Acts 5:15 for Peter's shadow falling on people and them experiencing healing. C. Will give birth to a son i. Mary is the vehicle of Divine favor - Greek is Charis - meaning grace. This favor is not earned but graciously bestowed and Divinely initiated. ii. This is a Triune Cooperation iii. God cared about the human predicament and the human sphere iv. Expression of Divine tender compassion v. Expression of tangible and evidential love vi. Expresses that God is welcoming and inviting vii. Divine self-limiting - Phil. 2:7 - Jesus emptied himself while also retaining his Deity. Philippians 2:7 - Greek kneosis - 'emptied'. viii. Expression of Divine vulnerability ix. Informs us of the length and depth to which God is willing to go to restore us to relationship with him - yet, we are wholly unworthy. x. The incarnation silences any accusation of alienation on the part of Divine action. II. Human Response A. Mary was greatly troubled B. Mary was invited to participate with God in the redemptive program. C. Mary readily accepted assignment. i. 'Let it be as you say' ii. Joshua 2:21 - Rahab - iii. Scarlet cord iv. Hope for a pious young teenager and for a harlot D. Mary response - trust E Mary's response acknowledges Divine favor F. Mary's response expresses a heavenly perspective i. Earthly perspective would focus on reproach from peers ii. Fear of stoning iii. Rejection iv. Enormous responsibility. G. Mary's response expresses reverence H. The Lord is with you. #biblestudy #christmasstory #hope #characterofgod #sermon #christmas