Sun, Dec 18, 2022
Duration: 40 mins 17 secs
Christmas is a story of giving and receiving. All kinds of giving surface, from Herod's hateful orders to the Magi's magnificent gifts. However, the most remarkable gifts come from Mary and Joseph, who give sacrificially. They give themselves to God's call on their lives. Through their story, God's grace accumulates. May the same be said for our lives, since God is with us.
Sun, Dec 20, 2020
Life is perilous. Every day we face dangers. Some we can predict and prepare for; others hit us unaware. Fortunately, Scripture teaches God is our rock, refuge, helper, and defender. He directs us in a way that protects us. His directions may come in the clear form of moral teaching or the curious niggling of our conscience. We do well to listen for his voice and heed his direction. The second chapter in Matthew shows the diverse paths of Herod, the Magi, and Jesus's family. The former lives by his own jealous creed. The latter two follow God's direction and experience his protection. Which path will you take?
Sun, Dec 13, 2020
Duration: 55 mins 58 secs
God has a Master Plan, which transcends our career satisfaction, physical well-being, financial security, and social lives. He sent Jesus to save us from our sins beginning a rescue plot that would reunite heaven and earth. Jesus was born in an imperfect family line, but his lineage proved God's faithfulness to his promises. God works through imperfect families. God saves us from sins. God keeps his promises. Whether it's Christmas season, springtime, or nine months into a global pandemic, these are truths are core to Christian faith.
Sun, Dec 10, 2017
Duration: 46 mins 57 secs
Joseph had an opportunity to stop Christmas from coming. He could have asked for Mary to be stoned. It would have been within his rights, considering she was with child and it was not his. But Joseph resolved for a more merciful decision, putting his role above his reputation. In a shame-sensitive society, his choice was wonderful.
Sun, Nov 13, 2016
Duration: 36 mins 56 secs
Crisis will come in life. We cannot escape it; there is no crisis-proofing life. However, when we view crisis as God's curriculum for a resilient faith and take action through trust, prayer, reason, and perseverance, we see God use hard times for His good. Joseph serves as a profile of resilient faith. His personal crises - betrayal, slavery, slander, imprisonment, and separation from his father - build his trust in God and allow him to help others.
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