Introduction In Luke 4, Jesus returned to his hometown of Nazareth, not just as the carpenter’s son, but as the Spirit-filled messenger of God’s Kingdom. He stood in the synagogue where he had worshipped as a boy. He read from Isaiah 61. Then he said something surprising: “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your... Continue Reading →
The Lord Calls Samuel
Sermon Audio: LINK I. Introduction: The Rarity of God's Word (v. 1) 1 Samuel 3 opens by informing us that, “the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD in the presence of Eli. And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision” (1 Samuel 3:1, ESV). Do not... Continue Reading →
The Prayer of The Falsely Accused
INTRODUCTION: Let me take you back to a prison cell in Egypt. A young Hebrew man sits in the dark. He has been betrayed, forgotten, and condemned. Not because he was guilty, but because he was righteous. His name was Joseph. You may recall the story. He was sold into slavery by his brothers, served... Continue Reading →
The Magi and the Flight To Egypt
The Arrival of the Magi and the Revelation of the True King (Matthew 2:1-12) This account begins “after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king” (Matthew 2:1). As we saw two weeks ago when we examined the Christmas story, the Prophet Micah foretold that this is where Messiah... Continue Reading →
Jesus Presented In The Temple (Luke 2:21-38)
Luke 2:21-38 records the circumcision and naming of Jesus, as well as when the young Jesus was presented in the Temple. It also beautifully illustrates the theme of obedience to God’s law through faith. This passage reminds us that faith is not just about belief but about living in obedience to God. Like those in... Continue Reading →
The Song of Elizabeth and Mary
The Journey of Mary (Luke 1:39-40) “In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah…” (Luke 1:39, ESV) Mary’s journey to the hill country of Judea was a pilgrimage of faith. Luke tells us that Mary “got ready and hurried” (Luke 1:39), words filled with urgency.... Continue Reading →
The Genealogies of Jesus
Two Genealogies It’s easy to gloss over the long genealogies in the Bible, thinking they are just lists of names. However, these passages have a deeper meaning. These names are a reminder that God’s plan for salvation was set in motion long before Christ’s arrival (Luke 24:44-46). When we read of figures like Abraham, Boaz,... Continue Reading →
One Savior, Four Portraits
"Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning... Continue Reading →
Christmas Eve 2024
Audio: LINK Introduction: Tonight, I’d like to pose a question that might sound odd, considering why we’re all here. Imagine, just for a moment, that you had never heard the Christmas story, that you knew nothing of Jesus Christ or the good news He brings. All you knew is that tonight, the very Son of... Continue Reading →
Sermon Manuscript: Crossing the Jordan
Sermon Audio: LINK Series Introduction: This morning, we find ourselves once more in the company of the Israelites, standing at the very banks of the Jordan River, with the long-awaited, fruitful land of their forefathers finally within sight. The fulfillment of a divine promise made to Abraham generations ago draws near. After enduring centuries of... Continue Reading →