Pastor’s Blog
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...
Kindness and Blessings
Luke 1:57-66 Suggested further reading: 1 Corinthians 12:8-26 In the conduct of Elizabeth’s friends and relatives, we have an example of the kindness we owe to one another (Luke 1:58). Though it seems a small gesture, showing joy in others’ joy and sorrow in their...
Thanksgiving and Promises
Luke 1:46-56 Suggested further reading: Philippians 4:4-9 In Luke 1:46-49, Mary joyfully thanks God for what He has done for her. While her situation was unique, we can learn from her praise. Mary’s thankful spirit is found in all of God’s most notable saints. Both...
Mary, a Pattern for Prayer
Luke 1:46-56 Suggest further reading: James 1:19-25 Mary prays Scripture! Her prayer sounds like one of the Psalms and reflects the prayer of Hannah (1 Samuel 2:2-10). Her mind must have been so filled with Scripture, that when she wishes to express her deepest...