Pastor’s Blog
Our Exalted but Humble Lord Is Our Savior
Luke 2:21-24 Suggested further reading: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Our Lord, as an infant, obeyed the Jewish law and was circumcised eight days after birth. This was His public testimony to Israel that He was a Jew and was committed to obeying the law. Without it He could...
The Angels Can Teach Us
Luke 2:13-20 Suggest further reading: Revelation 5:6-14 Angels were the first to praise God when Christ was born—not men—angels who had never sinned, who needed no Savior, and did not require a Redeemer and His atoning blood. From their rejoicing we learn (1) what...
The Birth of Good News
Luke 2:8-14 Suggested further reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 The birth of a king’s son is normally an occasion of great public rejoicing. But the announcement of the birth of the Prince of peace was made privately, at night, and without the usual public fanfare. The...
God’s Impeccable Timing
Luke 2:1-7 Suggested further reading: Psalm 31:9-20 For six hundred years, the fate of Israel was in the hands of foreigners. Waiting for centuries for a promise to be fulfilled is tiring and discouraging. But delay does not mean denial. There were advantages under...
Immanuel
Matthew 1:18-25 Suggested further reading: John 1:1-5, 14-18 Jesus’ title of “Immanuel” reflects His nature as God manifest in the flesh. We must be clear about His nature and person and believe firmly that our Savior is, at the same time, both perfect man and perfect...
Jesus and Joseph
Matthew 1:18-25 Suggested further reading: Philippians 2:5-11 The name “Jesus” means Savior and points to His special work on behalf of His people: He saves them from sin. He saves them from the penalty of sin by faith in His substitutionary death for them. He saves...
A Boring Genealogy?
Matthew 1:1-17 Suggested further reading: 1 Peter 1:22-2:3 We are tempted to find these verses barren of spiritual truth. We could not be more wrong. The Word is always spiritually profitable, but our dullness sometimes keeps us from seeing God at work. This genealogy...
Intellectual and Experiential Knowledge
Luke 1:67-80 Suggested further reading Ephesians 2:1-10 Zechariah had a clear understanding of Christ’s kingdom. He speaks of a physical deliverance from Gentile power and a physical kingdom. But he also understands the spiritual qualities necessary in those who serve...
God’s Promises Are Sure!
Luke 1:67-75 Suggested further reading: Numbers 23:18-24 Note the deep thankfulness in Zechariah’s words about the Messiah’s appearing! Praise is the first word that falls from his mouth as soon as his speech is restored. It is hard to imagine the excitement he...
