Herod sought Jesus with selfish motives. Rather than worship Jesus and meet the King of glory, he became obsessed with his own prideful ambitions. Often we too seek Jesus not to worship Him for who He is, but instead we seek Him to get something from him. Blessed are they that seek Jesus to know and worship Him.
In Matthew 1:18-25, the Son of God is given two names, Jesus and Immanuel. In this message, we focus on the name Immanuel, which means, God with us. In the person of Jesus, God is present, having drawn near to be with us, his redeemed people.
In Matthew chapter one we read the reason for which Jesus was sent, "he will save his people from their sins". Jesus is the only one who could redeem us from our sin because he is magnificently unique as being simultaneously God and man. Matthew describes Jesus' birth as the fulfillment of God's prophecy through Isaiah.
In Matthew, we see Jesus presented as the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. The book of Matthew starts by tracing Jesus' royal heritage back to king David and then Abraham. Jesus is the long awaited descendant and blessed King that God had promised to both David and Abraham.
Christianity is not a faith that is to be lived privately or individually, rather Christians are called to live in community with each other. In this sermon we examine what the scripture teaches about biblical community and then discuss how we seek to pursue biblical community at Journey Church.
Last week we learned why we should pursue wisdom and how to get it. This week we continue in Proverbs and examine the precious fruit wisdom produces in our lives. Our understanding is limited and fallible. God's wisdom is infinite and perfect, making straight our path.
With all the difficult and unforeseen storms of this life, we all desperately need wisdom to navigate this life. Proverbs is a book written to teach the simple and youthful to be wise. Today we examine Proverbs chapter two and learn why we should pursue wisdom and how to get it.
Paul experienced joy in suffering, contentment in every situation, and peace that surpasses understanding. He rejoiced in difficult circumstances, encouraged others from a prison cell and remained humble despite being used by God in prolific ways. How was he able to do all this? We learn his secret through the book of Philippians.
Paul concludes his letter to the Philippians in the same way he started it, by thanking the Philippian Church for their partnership in the gospel. Paul commends their generosity and assures them of their sanctification and spiritual blessings. Christian generosity is a barometer of our spiritual health.
Contrary to what the world might say, joy and contentment are not necessarily determined by our circumstances. We can learn to have joy and contentment regardless of whether we live in abundance or lack. Indeed, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
