We Three Kings: Caesar Augustus Midweek Advent December 12, 2012
|
|
- Ronald Cox
- 6 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 We Three Kings: Caesar Augustus Midweek Advent December 12, 2012 Welcome back. In our studio this morning we have Caesar Augustus. Caesar, introduce yourself to our audience and tell them what you do. I rule the Roman Empire. From 31 B.C to 14 A.D. I was the ruler not just of Rome, but of everything that was controlled by Rome really, I ruled pretty much the entire Mediterranean world. Including the land of Israel. Right. Why are so many of you guys named Caesar? I suppose you re thinking of people like Julius Caesar or the man who succeeded me, Tiberius Caesar. It s not really that we were named Caesar. It s more of a title. Caesar was sort of like King or Pharaoh or President. Except you had more power than a president, of course. Right. For instance, what president would dare to or even be able to command that everyone in the country return to their hometowns actually, the hometown of their ancestors so they could be counted? In those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. So everyone returned to their hometowns Right. They went, they got in line, and we counted them up. 1, 2, 3, 8001, 8002, 8003 Pardon me, but phrases like got in line and counted them up make it sound a bit like these people were nothing more than a number to you. Oh no they weren t just numbers they were tax money! Besides, which do you think your government uses most to identify you your name and address or your Social Security number? That may be, but I don t think any president would be so foolish as to publicly refer to anyone by their Social Security number. It wouldn t sit real well with the voters. Voters? That was one thing I didn t have to worry about. I didn t need to worry about knowing my constituents individually after all, I wasn t going to need their votes for re-election a few years down the line. And besides all that, it just wasn t practical or even possible for me know everyone by name. The more powerful you become and the more people you rule, the less personal contact you have and the more removed you become from the individuals over whom you rule.
2 I noticed that you said over whom you rule. Wouldn t it be better to say for whom you rule? [Puzzled look] I mean, a king isn t supposed to rule merely to increase his power but he s supposed to rule for the good of his people. What? Never mind. Moving on You know, your command ended up inconveniencing a lot of people. For instance, think of all the people who had to go to little Bethlehem because they were of the house and line of David. Bethlehem wasn t set up to handle that sort of traffic. There weren t Holiday Inns at every off-ramp on the Nazareth-Bethlehem Highway. So not only did a young girl named Mary have to ride a donkey to Bethlehem while she was 9 months pregnant, but when she got there she had to stay in a stable with some animals. Them s the breaks. Them s the breaks? Somehow I m thinking that if you had shown up in a town and all the hotels had been full, you wouldn t have been satisfied staying in a stable. Well, of course not. That s no place for a king! And yet it was. How do you mean? The Bible says that While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. "She" who? Mary! Do you have her tax ID number? And what about the kid? I hope they registered him right away. The "kid" s name was Jesus, and whether you know it or not, you were working for his father when you issued the decree that a census be taken. His father? Let s see [rummages through records] OK, here s Mary, Jesus ah, the father was Joseph a carpenter? I hardly think I was working for a Jewish carpenter, and I certainly don't think having a Jewish carpenter for a father qualifies one as a king. No, Joseph wasn t his father. Mary was still a virgin.
3 A virgin who was pregnant? Look, maybe we weren t as technologically advanced back then as you are now, but I think we had a pretty good understanding of human biology as it dealt with reproduction. Come on, who was the father? Joseph you know, the carpenter had a similar question, and an angel told him, What is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:20) God was the father of this child. So you re telling me that I was working for God when I issued the decree that this census be taken? Sure. Many years before your temporary, limited reign [Augustus flinches], God had promised to send this Jesus into the world as a king. But he was going to be quite a different king than you. Although he was indeed going to as you say rule over his people, he was also going to rule FOR them. In fact, he would fight for them. His people who are his people? Really, everyone including everyone here today yes, including you. Because we all needed him to be our king, to fight our enemies. We were held captive by our sins. I'm talking about your sins--like the sin of treating other people like numbers rather than human beings. But I'm talking about my sins and [looks at the audience] your sins too. Caesar Augustus here isn't a whole lot different than you and me--who treat people like things to be used, maneuvered and manipulated and who view themselves as just a little bit better than certain people. We were all held captive by those sorts of sins and the guilt that they brought us. Now I m not just talking about a guilty feeling that we might have been able to ignore long enough until it went away. I m talking about an actual guilt that required an actual payment. Like a tax?!?! I suppose so only this tax was a higher, more crippling tax than any the world has ever seen. You know, in our country we sometimes hear talk about a "death tax." This tax was worse. This tax WAS death. It resulted in death eternal death. That s why they named him Jesus Savior. The angel told Joseph, You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21) OK, but I still don t get how you can say that I was working for God when I decreed that everyone had to return to their hometowns. Oh, right You see, over 500 years beforehand, God had told the Jews that this Savior would be born in Bethlehem. But Mary and Joseph lived about 100 miles away in Nazareth in the region of Galilee. So before Jesus was born, if he was going to be born according to the words of God, Mary and Joseph had to get to Bethlehem.
4 So you re telling me that this great act of mine an act that forced the temporary disruption of literally thousands of lives was part of God s plan to have a baby be born in Bethlehem? Right. That s how God works. He even controls the acts of those who are seemingly powerful so that his plans might be carried out. And he does it all exactly at the time he wants. The Bible also says, But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son (Galatians 4:4,5). So like they say, history is actually his-story--god's story. And I was just a part of God's plan. Right--and that wouldn't be the last time God would use the action of a Roman ruler to accomplish his purposes. 33 years later a Roman governor named Pontius Pilate would put aside the rules of a fair trial and would ignore everything he sensed to be true. He would sacrifice all that in the name of the political expediency and would sentence that same Jesus--perfect and innocent though he was--to death on a cross where he would pay for the sins of the world. He paid God's "death tax." Right. And then, having worked through the plans of Roman rulers in the past, he worked in spite of the plans of Roman rulers. Pilate ordered that a guard be posted at the tomb to guard the body of Jesus and make sure that it didn't disappear. But Jesus rose from the dead, left the tomb, and eventually ascended into heaven. You know, I want to go back to this "when the time had fully come" thing. Because now that you mention it, I think I may have played a role in making the time right for some of God s other plans. Or I guess that I should say that God used me to make the time right How so? Well, say what you will about the Roman Empire and its overwhelming authority, but it brought about some things which were certainly beneficial for the spread of the news about Jesus. You mean the Pax Romana, that time of relative peace and safety in the Roman Empire? Among other things, yes. Certainly the general peace that existed throughout the Roman Empire made traveling safer and the good system of roads which we had installed for the easy transport of troops also made for the easy travel of missionaries. And then there was the fact that most everyone spoke the Greek language. Missionaries were able to go to what previously had been foreign countries with a foreign language and speak to them in Greek. Undoubtedly true. The Bible indicates that God is in control of all things and that he uses them so that he might carry out his plans for his people.
5 Why? Well, he doesn t do it, he doesn t rule things with the same sort of motivation as you ruled things. You ruled things and managed people solely because of what you could get from them. Or you acted on their behalf only after they had first served you. In other words, you ruled selfishly. But Like the psalmwriter said, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." (Psalm 118:1) God does this because he is good and merciful--and not because we have earned or deserved it. You know, I'm getting the idea that Jesus' rule as king was quite different from mine--not just because he had far more power than I ever did, but because he is such a personal ruler. You make it sound as though he knows--and even cares--about each of his people personally. He doesn't seem to have the attitude I had toward my subjects--pay and obey- -and he doesn't even have the attitude that some churches sometimes seem to project towards their members--pray, pay, and obey. He wasn't too proud to be born in a stable, and he was so unselfish that he gave up his life for his subjects. You know, with a ruler like that, I'd gladly give up my power to become a subject and to serve him. Me too. That's all the time we have today. Thank you, Caesar for being with us today, and thanks to all of you for listening. Amen.
From Nazareth to Bethlehem Advent December 11, 2011
From Nazareth to Bethlehem Advent December 11, 2011 Sermon s response = As disciples of Jesus Christ, we celebrate God s supremacy from our life to His life. Introduction I ve entitled our Advent series
More informationJe s u s as a Yo u n g Boy
Prayer Dear God, Thank you that everyone is important to you, even little children. Help me to remember this whenever I feel small and unimportant. In Jesus name, Amen. 17 Then the shepherds told everyone
More informationauthorities say he would also have been stoned because he was also guilty) Or, he could quietly have the contract set aside for a time while she went
The Christmas Story This is just a short program for Christmas based on the reading of the well-known Christmas story. The intent is to give another insight into the often read story and try to see things
More informationDecember 9, 2018 Luke 2:1-7
December 9, 2018 Luke 2:1-7 SCRIPTURE 1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius
More informationJESUS WAS BORN IN A MANGER
JESUS WAS BORN IN A MANGER Luke 2:1-7 Key Verse: 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Last
More informationSESSION POINT WHAT S THE MOST INTERESTING TRIP YOU VE EVER TAKEN? JESUS CAME FOR OUR SALVATION. LUKE 2:1-14 THE THE ANGELS ANNOUNCEMENT
SESSION 4 WHAT S THE MOST INTERESTING TRIP YOU VE EVER TAKEN? THE ANGELS ANNOUNCEMENT THE POINT LUKE 2:1-14 1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman
More informationThe Fullness of Time Christmas Eve Message
The Fullness of Time Christmas Eve Message We have spoken for 2 weeks about Time today is the eve of the celebration of one of the most important times in human history. 1. The Fullness of Time a. Galatians
More informationThe Birth of Jesus. Luke 2: 1-7
The Birth of Jesus Luke 2: 1-7 DIG: In light of the promises of Luke 1:30-35, how might Mary feel as she awaits delivery of her baby in a stable? How does this tie in with God s plan (Micah 5:2)? What
More information"The Awesome Miracle Of Christmas" Bishop Richard Lipka December 24, William Wolf
"The Awesome Miracle Of Christmas" Bishop Richard Lipka December 24, 2018 William Wolf Haste, Haste to bring him Laud the baby boy, the son of Mary, and in the name of the father, son and Holy Spirit.
More informationGlory to God in the Highest
FOCAL TEXT Luke 2:1 20 BACKGROUND Luke 2:1 20 Christmas Lesson Glory to God in the Highest MAIN IDEA Jesus birth brought peace and is worthy of the highest praise. QUESTION TO EXPLORE How can we praise
More informationTHE GREATEST SERMON EVER PREACHED
THE GREATEST SERMON EVER PREACHED Luke 2:1-20 Christmas Eve (Series A) December 24, 2016 Trinity Free Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, ND The gospel reading for Christmas Eve comes from The Gospel According
More informationThe Intriguing Story of the First Christmas
The Intriguing Story of the First Christmas Mary was a beautiful, young girl who was engaged to Joseph, a carpenter. They lived in a village called Nazareth in northern Israel. One night, not long before
More informationThe story of Christmas occurred over 2000 years ago. It is the story of God sending his
The story of Christmas occurred over 2000 years ago. It is the story of God sending his Son Jesus Christ to earth. Jesus was the Son of God so he was greater than a king, yet,he was born in a very lowly
More informationThe Rise and Spread of Christianity
The Rise and Spread of Christianity Vocabulary: History with Mr. E - A Social Studies Professional Gospel: gospel - the record of Jesus life and teachings in the first four books of the New Testament:
More informationNo Room Meditation on Luke 2:1-14 Fourth Sunday in Advent (Christmas Eve morning 2017) Merritt Island Presbyterian Church ***
No Room Meditation on Luke 2:1-14 Fourth Sunday in Advent (Christmas Eve morning 2017) Merritt Island Presbyterian Church In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should
More informationChristmas Quiz Answers
Christmas Quiz Answers 1. The name of the mother of Jesus was: Martha Mary Eve Deborah Answer: Mary Matthew 1:18 18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married
More informationIt s God s Time. Sermons Presented By Stephen McIntyre Posted online by A New You Ministry
It s God s Time Sermons Presented By Stephen McIntyre Posted online by A New You Ministry www.anym.org Luke 2:1-7, "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus,
More informationSlides 1-4 Play "Mary Did You Know" with the words displayed on the screen. Next Slide Christmas Is About Family Luke 2:1-18
1 Slides 1-4 Play "Mary Did You Know" with the words displayed on the screen. Next Slide Christmas Is About Family Luke 2:1-18 Please open your Bible to Luke 2. Read Luke 2:1-18. Christmas is about family.
More informationLuke Lesson 6 Handout. Matthew 1:18-19 (AMP)
Luke Lesson 6 Handout Matthew 1:18-19 (AMP) 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place under these circumstances: When His mother Mary had been promised in marriage to Joseph, before they came together,
More information1 CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL SUMMARIZE IT
1 CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL The people of Israel had waited a very long time for their Messiah (or A LOOK AHEAD During the month of December there will be about 10 devotionals focusing on the birth of Jesus
More informationFor unto you is born this day in the city of David as Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:1-14 1 Good morning! This morning we will be in Luke chapter two looking at THE most well known Christmas story of all time. I decided a couple weeks ago that we would be here, genuinely not realizing
More informationBIBLE MAP #6 Isaiah 11:1-10: Responsive Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19: Luke 2:1-7
P a g e 1 BIBLE MAP #6 Isaiah 11:1-10: Responsive Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19: Luke 2:1-7 This is the sixth and final week in our message series BIBLE MAP, where our goal has been to make the Bible: Meaningful:
More information(1) Joy to a Broken World Luke 2:1-12 Dec 13, 2015, Adrian Moskal
(1) Joy to a Broken World Luke 2:1-12 Dec 13, 2015, Adrian Moskal Let s Pray: Heavenly Father, we want to hear from you this morning, I pray that we will be changed this morning by your word, through the
More informationLuke 2:1-7. The birth of Jesus
Luke 2:1-7 The birth of Jesus In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor
More informationExegetical Notes, Luke 2:1-15 Great Joy Luke 2:1-15
Exegetical Notes, Luke 2:1-15 Great Joy Prepared by Charles H. Jensen, Pastor, Cornerstone Fellowship 101 Kylies Road, Coatesville, PA 19320 610-384-1375 charleshjensen@aol.com Luke 2:1-15 Verses 1-2 In
More informationT H E G R E A T E S T G I F T ( N I V T R A N S L A T I O N )
C H R I S T M A S P A G E A N T S C R I P T T H E G R E A T E S T G I F T ( N I V T R A N S L A T I O N ) C H A R A C T E R S N a r r a t o r M a r y J o s e p h K i n g H e r o d D o v e S h e p a r d
More informationScripture & Prayers. for Advent IV, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Compiled by Lisa Traylor Prayers from the 1979 Book of Common Prayer
& s for Advent IV, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Compiled by Lisa Traylor s from the 1979 Book of Common Advent IV The Story of St. Mary, mother of Jesus In the sixth month of Elizabeth s pregnancy,
More informationChristmas Eve 2017 Pastors Dave Hoffman and Mark Hoffman Foothills Christian Church December 24, 2017
Christmas Eve 2017 Pastors Dave Hoffman and Mark Hoffman Foothills Christian Church December 24, 2017 Dave: What we re going to do now is we re going to read through the Christmas story. The birth of Jesus.
More informationThe Road to Bethlehem
The Road to Bethlehem Reflections on the Nativity A SANCTUARY DRAMA BY ROBERT BLASKEY Performance Rights To copy this text is an infringement of the federal copyright law as is to perform this play without
More informationNativity Story Advent Chain
Joyful Catholic Families Nativity Story Advent Chain Advent is not a set number of days. It can be 22 to 28 days long. If Advent is 28 days long, use the first four pages of this chain. If Advent is less
More informationJourney to Bethlehem Labyrinth
Journey to Bethlehem Labyrinth This shows positions for 25 stops for Dec 1 st to 25 th. For starting on Advent Sunday, follow the table below. If starting on Advent Sunday, adjust the number of stops to
More informationGod is still on His Throne
God is still on His Throne Luke 2:8-20 Pastor Tim Melton I was recently at a Christmas event that our church hosted. It was a great event. Many people were involved. Money was raised for missions in Africa.
More informationChristmas Bingo. Question Where was Mary living when the angel visited her? Answer Nazareth Scripture: Luke 1:26-27
What was the name of the angel who told Mary that she would have a son named Jesus? Gabriel Scripture: Luke 1:26-27, 30-31 Where was Mary living when the angel visited her? Nazareth Scripture: Luke 1:26-27
More informationthe town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (2.4) and Mary came with him.
The Birth of the Messiah (Lk 2.1-20) WestminsterReformedChurch.org Pastor Ostella 3-7-2010 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first
More informationCome and Worship Him Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-20, Matthew 2:1-12
Fall 2016 ~ Primary Lesson #12 Learning Objectives Come and Worship Him Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-20, Matthew 2:1-12 1. The children will be able to retell the story of Jesus birth. 2. The children will identify
More informationChristianity. Origins of. Analyze the effect the Roman Emperor Constantine had on the. Describe the challenges faced by early Christians.
Origins of Christianity What we need to know: Describe the origins of Christianity Analyze how Christianity spread. Describe the challenges faced by early Christians. Analyze the effect the Roman Emperor
More informationCatechism Bible Mega Quiz 2018 Question Bank: Class 1 Jesus Christ - Birth
Catechism Bible Mega Quiz 2018 Question Bank: Class 1 Jesus Christ - Birth CHARACTERS & REFERENCES Jesus Christ Birth Narrative o Mathew Chapters 1 to 2 o Luke: Chapters 1 to 2 Page 2 of 35 MATTHEW & LUKE:
More informationJESUS SAVES. What s something you d love to add to your celebration of Christmas? #BSFLJesus QUESTION #1 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 37
4 JESUS SAVES What s something you d love to add to your celebration of Christmas? QUESTION #1 #BSFLJesus BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 37 THE POINT Jesus was born to bring us into a relationship with God. THE
More informationJESUS SAVES. What s something you d love to add to your celebration of Christmas? #BSFLJesus QUESTION #1 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 37
4 JESUS SAVES What s something you d love to add to your celebration of Christmas? QUESTION #1 #BSFLJesus BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 37 THE POINT Jesus was born to bring us into a relationship with God. THE
More informationPhilippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything
More informationTHE WONDER OF A MANGER by Rom A. Pegram
THE WONDER OF A MANGER by Rom A. Pegram In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius
More informationCan. Can. Christmas? you tell me the story of. All Scriptures quoted from the NIV (1984) All Scriptures quoted from the NIV (1984) by Bethany Tapp
Can you tell me the story of Christmas? by Bethany Tapp All Scriptures quoted from the NIV (1984) Can you tell me the story of Christmas? All Scriptures quoted from the NIV (1984) by Bethany Tapp Jesus
More informationLuke Chapter 2. Luke 2:1 "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
Luke Chapter 2 Luke 2:1 "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed." This is beginning to tell of the birth of Jesus. The
More informationEarly Life of Jesus. Caesar Augustus (31 BCE 14 CE) ruled Roman Empire.
Christianity Introduction 1/3 of world s population are Christians. Originated 2000 years ago in Israel. Exists in a variety of forms (Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, etc.) Offers satisfying
More informationBirth of Jesus. 1. Aim: To explain the facts about the Birth of Jesus and lessons we can learn from it.
Birth of Jesus P. 1 Introduction Birth of Jesus 1. Aim: To explain the facts about the Birth of Jesus and lessons we can learn from it. 2. Luke 2:1-20 a. V. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and
More informationBetween the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea 1 Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea 1 Peter 5:8, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he
More informationand it was TIME for Joseph and Mary and Jesus to RETURN HOME.
But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,saying, Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life
More informationMAKE UP PACKET SESSION 4 PROPHECY AND
MAKE UP PACKET SESSION 4 PROPHECY AND THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST December 2017 Student s Name: The Goal of This Session: The purpose of this session is to help the student 1. understand that God always
More informationThe Birth of Jesus. The Shepherds and the Angels. 2 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world
The Reading of Luke 1:11-16 An Angel of the Lord Appears to Zechariah 11 Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him,
More informationNEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH
NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH Sunday School Curriculum Week Sixty-Eight December 22, 2013 Celebrating The Light Of Christmas The Light Of Jesus Birth Luke 2:1-21 Celebrating The Light Of Christmas The Light
More informationPP The Shepherds Christmas Adventure Text Luke 2: /17-18/2016
PP The Shepherds Christmas Adventure Text Luke 2:1-20 12/17-18/2016 We are looking at 4 Christmas Adventures from the bible, all brought about by angelic visitors PP And you want to notice that the Advent
More information24 December 2018 St. Athanasius Lutheran Church. Jesu Juva. Glory to God in the Highest Text: Luke 2:1-20; Isaiah 9:2-7; Titus 2:11-14
24 December 2018 St. Athanasius Lutheran Church Christmas Eve Vienna, VA Jesu Juva Glory to God in the Highest Text: Luke 2:1-20; Isaiah 9:2-7; Titus 2:11-14 (Note: Our Advent midweek meditations this
More informationThe Prince Of Peace. Grace be unto you and peace, from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Rev. William J. Shields St. Mark Lutheran Church, Lindenhurst, Illinois Christmas Eve December 24, 2014 Gospel Lesson Luke 2:1-20 1 The Prince Of Peace 1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
More informationClub 345 Small Groups
LEADER DEVOTIONAL Leaders: this is just for you! Read ahead of time to engage with the Bible story on an adult level and prepare your heart to teach on Sunday. From the moment sin entered the world, its
More informationThank you for visiting and experiencing the Walk Through Nativity! What follows are the words of the presentation for each scene you have just
Thank you for visiting and experiencing the Walk Through Nativity! What follows are the words of the presentation for each scene you have just witnessed and a brief note from Pastor Reeder. SCENE 1 Family
More informationValley View Chapel December 14, 2014 I Know WHERE Jesus Was Born Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1-6; Luke 2:1-8. Introduction
1 Valley View Chapel December 14, 2014 I Know WHERE Jesus Was Born Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1-6; Luke 2:1-8 Introduction I came across a provocative billboard sponsored by the American Atheists Association.
More informationThe Christian Arsenal
LUKE 2:1-53 Today's lesson is so familiar to all of us. We usually have this passage in Sunday School at Christmas. In fact, this is the passage most of us read with our families on Christmas Eve or Christmas
More informationMost Blessed. The story of Mary, the mother of Christ. "Blessed are you among women." That was the angel's message and yet at times I had wondered.
Most Blessed The story of Mary, the mother of Christ "Blessed are you among women." That was the angel's message and yet at times I had wondered. I was just a young girl born to poor parents in a small
More informationCall for Artists CHRISTMAS ART WALK-Wheaton, IL
Call for Artists 2016 CHRISTMAS ART WALK-Wheaton, IL It is with great pleasure that the Jonahre Foundation seeks 12 artists to create 12 total biblical fine art pieces (one piece per artists) for the 2016
More informationJesus Was Born. Bible Passage: Isaiah 9; Luke 2. Story Point: Jesus was born to bring peace between God and people. Key Passage:
December 22nd/23rd Christmas #2 - Elementary SGL Jesus Was Born Bible Passage: Isaiah 9; Luke 2 Story Point: Jesus was born to bring peace between God and people. Key Passage: In this the love of God was
More informationMatthew 1: Luke 2:1-4
Matthew 1:18-25 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.
More informationMESSAGES from LIBERTY
MESSAGES from LIBERTY LONG STORY SHORT 22. Laid in a Manger (Luke 2:1-7) Pastor John Hart March 18, 2018 The peculiar thing about the lowliness of Jesus birth is that his birth in a stable is the first
More informationJesus Saves. What s something you d love to add to your celebration of Christmas? #BSFLjesus QUESTION 1 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 37
4 Jesus Saves What s something you d love to add to your celebration of Christmas? QUESTION 1 #BSFLjesus BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 37 THE POINT Jesus was born to bring us into a relationship with God. THE
More informationWhy Jesus Came Give. Caesar Augustus gave a decree -- an imperial edict
1 Jesus came to teach us to give. Why Jesus Came Give One of the great things about Christmas is giving. At the end of our celebration we watched the movie, Little Women. In her book, Little Women, Louisa
More informationMadness & the Manger
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband
More informationWe all have: A Past that we must face A Present that needs embraced A Future that is full of grace A Redemption received by faith
I have endeavored in this Ghostly little book, to raise the Ghost of an Idea, which shall not put my readers out of humor with themselves, with each other, with the season, or with me. May it haunt their
More information2/23/14 GETTING ANSWERS FROM GOD
2/23/14 GETTING ANSWERS FROM GOD We're in a series on prayer. We ve talked about the purposes of prayer, the conditions of prayer and how to pray in difficult situations and big problems. Today we re going
More informationThe Light of Love. wreath: the candle of hope, the candle of peace, the candle of joy now today, the 4 th candle,
1 The Light of Love During the 4 weeks of Advent, we have been focusing on the 4 candles of the Advent wreath: the candle of hope, the candle of peace, the candle of joy now today, the 4 th candle, the
More informationGood News of Great Joy! An Advent Chain Activity Book
Good News of Great Joy! An Advent Chain Activity Book Scripture taken from the Good News Translation Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission. Good News of Great Joy!
More informationVerse 3. All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. Verse 4. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to
31 And a sword will pierce your very soul." Verse 36. Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when
More informationCHRISTMAS: A SEASON OF SALVATION
CHRISTMAS: A SEASON OF SALVATION SERIES: JESUS, SAVIOR OF THE LOST By Ron Ritchie Christmas has different meanings for each one of us, but family gatherings, good food, friends, travel, shopping, ball
More informationHonour of Kings - Bible Curriculum Book II
Honour of Kings - Bible Curriculum Book II Getting to Know the Bible - New Testament Copyright 2014 Matthew B. Gerwitz / Honour of Kings All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be
More informationA Christmas To Remember
by Bill Price What Who When Wear (Props) These are monologues delivered separately by each character. Appropriate for preparation for the Christmas season. Themes: Christmas, Angels, Mary, Joseph, Shepherds
More informationJoy from Above Luke 2:1-20
Sermon Transcript Joy from Above Luke 2:1-20 Joy s pretty popular this time of year, I would say. It s one of those attributes that gets a lot of face time in December, a lot of holiday cheer for several
More informationBible for Children presents THE BIRTH OF JESUS
Bible for Children presents THE BIRTH OF JESUS Written by: Edward Hughes Illustrated by: M. Maillot Adapted by: E. Frischbutter & Sarah S. Produced by: Bible for Children www.m1914.org 2009 Bible for Children,
More informationCHRISTMAS INVITATION
CHRISTMAS INVITATION (The Drawing Power of the Birth of Jesus) Luke 2:1-20 THE BIRTH OF JESUS DRAWS Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem (Vs. 107) The Angels from Heaven (Vs. 8-14) The Shepherds from the Field.
More informationOsceola Sermon Christmas December 20 th, 2009 By Pastor Bob Vale
Osceola Sermon Christmas December 20 th, 2009 By Pastor Bob Vale Biblical Focus: John 1:14 JN 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and
More informationOpening Video Clip. PP#2: Image of Mary cradling the baby Jesus with wonder on her face.
Advent Series: Not a Silent Night Sermon #5: Not a Silent Night Scripture: Luke 2:1-7 (to be read during the sermon) Source: Rev. Adam Hamilton at the Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City, MO http://www.cor.org/worship/sermon-archives/show/sermons/candle-light-christmas-eve/
More informationThe Apostle Paul, Part 6 of 6: From a Jerusalem Riot to Prison in Rome!
1 The Apostle Paul, Part 6 of 6: From a Jerusalem Riot to Prison in Rome! By Joelee Chamberlain Well, we've had some exciting talks about the life of the apostle Paul, haven't we?! How he was miraculously
More informationTHE WORLD SHOULD REGISTER!
Have you ever noticed the flow of the beginning of tonight s Gospel? It begins with the Emperor of all the world! Caesar Augustus! It tells us that all THE WORLD SHOULD REGISTER! The reason why people
More informationThe Rise of Christianity. Chapter 6, Section 3
The Rise of Christianity Chapter 6, Section 3 Big Ideas Out of what religion did Christianity emerge? Explain how this is Christianity is based on the teachings of whom? What were the main ideas of this
More informationJesus Was Baptized 4/7/2017
Jesus Was Baptized 4/7/2017 BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:1-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:19-34 MAIN POINT: Jesus obeyed God by being baptized. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Timothy 1:15 Here is the trustworthy saying
More informationFollow That Star. Script for Chard s Walking Nativity
Follow That Star Script for Chard s Walking Nativity Town Crier? Carol Joy to the world Location: Actors use the raised area as a stage opposite Boots. Chard Brass and Carol singers near by Narrator: welcome
More informationAn Unbelievable Plan (Matthew 1:18-25) by Rev. Dan McDowell December 23, 2018
1 An Unbelievable Plan (Matthew 1:18-25) by Rev. Dan McDowell December 23, 2018 18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about : His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before
More informationPrescription for Life Lesson 2 Luke 1:57-2:20
Luke 1:57-66 The Birth of John the Baptist 57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and
More informationOUT IN THE WILDERNESS Preached by: Sandra Olsen Center Church on the Green in New Haven December 6, 2015
OUT IN THE WILDERNESS Preached by: Sandra Olsen Center Church on the Green in New Haven December 6, 2015 Luke 3: 1 6 Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman were two great American 19h century poets, but they
More informationTheSkitGuys.com the Call of Christmas Shepherds: A Call to Praise Luke 2:1-20
12-18-16 the Call of Christmas Shepherds: A Call to Praise Luke 2:1-20 Have you ever been faced with something in your sight lines that took your breath away? Maybe you are one of the millions who have
More informationLessons are prepared by Ledeta LeMariam Sunday School Alexandria, Virginia. For information please contact: Yonas Assefa
Lessons are prepared by Ledeta LeMariam Sunday School Alexandria, Virginia For information please contact: Yonas Assefa Email: ledetasunday@yahoo.com In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy
More informationAdvent (Part 2) Compassionate
Advent (Part 2) Compassionate Matt McCauley December 7, 2014 Good morning. You can have a seat. How are you? Good! Good! My name is Matt McCauley, and I serve on staff as our Children's and Middle School
More informationto be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.
Jesus is Here 1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Luke 2:1-2 (ESV) 3
More information[Male voice] The following is a presentation of Artisan Church in Rochester, New York.
The Blessed Mother December 23, 2018 Pastor Scott Austin artisanchurch.com [Music Intro] [Male voice] The following is a presentation of Artisan Church in Rochester, New York. [Voice of Anna McDermott]
More informationMary s Faith, Luke 1:26-38 (Second Sunday of Advent, December 9, 2018)
Mary s Faith, Luke 1:26-38 (Second Sunday of Advent, December 9, 2018) 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose
More informationThe Baby in a Manger is Our Savior
The Baby in a Manger is Our Savior Luke 2:1-14 Key Verse: 2:7 "...and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in
More informationDon t You Realize I Have Power Over You? Don t you realize I have power over you? asked Pilate of Jesus.
Pilate s Questions Don t You Realize I Have Power Over You? John 19: 10-11 Don t you realize I have power over you? asked Pilate of Jesus. I m surprised that Jesus did not laugh in his face. Power over
More informationbrings out very painstakingly some salient truths. Mary is approaching the end of her pregnancy and as they arrive in Bethlehem there is no room for
IV. Advent in Biblical Perspective The Advent Names of the Redeemer A Savior, Who Is Christ the Lord Luke 2:8 20 Dr. Harry L. Reeder III December 21, 2014 Morning Sermon We will be in Luke 2 and I will
More informationLabel the following: Adriatic Sea Alps Corsica Ionian Sea Italian Peninsula Mediterranean Sea Po River Rome Sardinia Sicily Tiber River Carthage
Label the following: Adriatic Sea Alps Corsica Ionian Sea Italian Peninsula Mediterranean Sea Po River Rome Sardinia Sicily Tiber River Carthage There are 7 hills rising up above the Tiber River. Why do
More information+ Festival of Lessons and Carols +
The Christmas Story According to Luke 3rd Sunday of Advent, 11 Dec. 2016 + Festival of Lessons and Carols + We read from the book of the prophet Isaiah, chapter 9, verses 2-7. 2 The people who walked in
More informationO Little Town of Bethlehem
O Little Town of Bethlehem O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light; The hopes
More informationTHE GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY
IN NOMINE JESU THE GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY Grace be unto you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ Hear again the Word of the Lord: Then the angel said to them,: No (longer) shall all
More informationSUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
Elementary Lesson Year Two, Quarter Four, Lesson Thirteen SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON Christmas Sunday AIM: to teach my class that Jesus is the greatest gift that has ever been given OBJECTS TO HAVE: A wrapped
More information