Pastor at Dover Baptist Church in Goochland, VA.
The Setting for the Revelation (John 3:22–26) After explaining the mystery of new birth to Nicodemus, Jesus shifts from words to action: “After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent time with them and baptized” (John 3:22, ESV). John 4:2 later clarifies that it was not Jesus but... Continue Reading →
I. The Weight of a Calling Our passage begins with just five words from John the Baptist. But behind those five words stands a lifetime of longing, preparation, and prophetic expectation. "The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, ‘Behold,... Continue Reading →
I. The Time of the Beginning (Mark 1:1; Luke 3:1-2) Mark doesn’t ease us into his Gospel. He opens with the forceful declaration: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1, ESV). There’s no mention of mangers or Magi, no angelic announcements to Mary or Joseph. Mark skips the... Continue Reading →
Introduction: While the Gospel writers provide only a few details about the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus, they emphasize two key points. First, they make it clear that his birth really happened. They include family lineages, ancestral towns, historical references to Roman emperors and local rulers, and the testimony of eyewitnesses to confirm its... Continue Reading →
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 →
Introduction: The Gospel of John stands apart from the other Gospel accounts. While the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) provide detailed historical narratives of Christ’s life and ministry, John’s Gospel focuses on the spiritual and theological significance of Christ’s identity and mission. Theologians like John Calvin have described John’s gospel as the “soul” of... Continue Reading →
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