Podcasts about bethlehem micah

“The Songs of Christmas” Luke 1-2The Song of Elizabeth“The Beatitude” Luke 1:42-45Praise to the Trinity- Numbers 6:24-26The Song of Mary“The Magnificat” Luke 1:47-55“O magnify the Lord with me” Psalm 34:3Hannah's Song at Samuel's birth- I Samuel 2:1-8The Song of Zacharias“The Benedictus” Luke 1:68-78- God has visited our earth!God is with us- “Emmanuel!"The Song of the Angels“Gloria in Excelsis Deo” Luke 2:13-14- Isaiah 40:5“Glory to God in the Highest"The Song of Simeon“Now let thy servant depart in peace.” Luke 2:29-32- Psalm116:15, II Corinthians 5:6-7Why do we sing so confidently and joyfully at Christmas?The History of Christmas- Luke 2:1-3-“a decree from Caesar Augustus"The Prophesy of Christmas- Luke 2:4-“Bethlehem” - Micah 5:2The Mystery of Christmas-“being great with child.”- The Virgin Birth- Luke 2:5-6- Isaiah 7:14The Humanity of Christmas- Luke 2:7-8- “swaddling clothes…manger…no room for them in the inn…shepherds abiding in the field by night.” Luke is the Gospel of Christ's humanity as well as His Diety.The Glory of ChristmasLuke 2:10-14- The Angel's Song- "The glory of the Lord has been revealed.”John 1:14-“And we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth." The Deity of ChristmasLuke 2:11- “Christ the Lord.” The Baby in the manger is God in the flesh!The Necessity of Christ“Unto you is born this day,.a Savior” Luke 2:11, 15-16We are lost sheep.We need a Savior and a Good Shepherd to save us from our sins and its penalties. The Baby in the manger was born to go the Cross and shed His blood for us and our sins. I Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 5:8, 6:23, 10:9-13When we become Christians and are saved, like Simeon, we are not only ready to live, but we are prepared to die.What greater gift could God give than His Son? “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives, and we shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen."

Let's turn together in our Bibles to the book of Genesis, chapter 3, and focus our attention on verse 15. This is one of those pivotal verses in Scripture that has rightly been called the protoevangelium—the first announcement of the good news of salvation. In the King James Version, which we'll use throughout our study today, it reads: "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." Imagine the scene in the Garden of Eden just moments after the fall. Adam and Eve have disobeyed God, eaten the forbidden fruit, and now they stand before Him in shame and fear. The harmony of creation is shattered. Sin has entered the world, bringing with it death, curse, and separation from God. It seems as though Satan, working through the serpent, has scored a complete victory. Yet right here, in the midst of pronouncing judgment, God speaks a word of incredible grace—a promise that shines like a beacon in the darkness. This verse is the seed from which the entire message of redemption grows. It's the foundation for everything that follows in the Bible, pointing us ultimately to the Lord Jesus Christ. Today, I want us to unpack this promise carefully, phrase by phrase, and trace how it unfolds through Scripture. We'll see God's sovereign grace at work, the conflict between the two seeds, the suffering and triumph of the Savior, and what it all means for us personally. My prayer is that as we study this together, we'll gain a deeper appreciation for the gospel and a stronger confidence in God's unbreakable plan. 1. The Divine Initiative: "And I Will Put Enmity" Notice first who takes the initiative here. God says, "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman." The "thee" refers to the serpent, and as Revelation 12:9 and 20:2 make clear, this is none other than Satan himself: "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." God doesn't command Adam or Eve to start fighting the devil. No, He declares sovereignly, "I will put enmity." This is pure grace from beginning to end. Fallen humanity, left to ourselves, has no natural hostility toward Satan. In fact, we're at peace with him and at enmity with God. As Ephesians 2:1-3 reminds us: "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others." And Colossians 1:21: "And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled." By nature, we love the darkness and hate the light (John 3:19-20). But when God plants this enmity in a heart, everything changes. The one who once listened eagerly to the serpent's lies now becomes his enemy. This is the beginning of regenerating grace—the Holy Spirit turning a heart of stone into a heart of flesh. Think about it: Eve had just been deceived by the serpent, yet God promises to create hostility between them. From that moment, humanity is divided into two spiritual lines: those who remain friends with the serpent and those in whom God has worked to make them hate sin and love holiness. This isn't something we muster up on our own; it's God's doing. What encouragement this is! If you're a believer today, that enmity toward sin in your heart is evidence of God's grace at work in you from the very foundation of the gospel promise. 2. The Two Seeds: "Between Thy Seed and Her Seed" Next, God speaks of the ongoing conflict: "and between thy seed and her seed." Throughout Scripture, this theme of two seeds runs like a thread, dividing all humanity spiritually. The serpent's seed are those who belong to him by nature and choice. Jesus said it plainly in John 8:44: "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." We see this line early on with Cain, who murdered his brother Abel. It continues through history: Pharaoh oppressing Israel, Haman plotting against the Jews, Herod slaughtering the innocents, Judas betraying Christ, and every unregenerate person who opposes God and His people. But there's another seed—the seed of the woman. This is unusual language. Everywhere else in Genesis, offspring is described as the seed of the man: Abraham's seed, Isaac's seed, Jacob's seed, David's seed. Why here "her seed"? Because this points to the virgin birth. The promised Redeemer would have no human father. He would be conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a woman alone. Paul understood this clearly in Galatians 4:4: "But when the fulness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law." And Isaiah prophesied it in Isaiah 7:14: "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." This singular wording in Genesis 3:15 is God's early hint at the miraculous incarnation. The Champion who would defeat Satan would be fully human—born of a woman—yet fully God, without a sinful human father to pass on Adam's guilt. As we trace this promise, we see it narrowing. From the seed of the woman, to Seth's line, to Noah, to Shem, to Abraham (whose seed would bless all nations—Galatians 3:16 points this to Christ), to Judah (Genesis 49:10: "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be"), to David (2 Samuel 7:12-16, the everlasting throne), to the virgin's Son in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2: "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting"). Every type and shadow in the Old Testament points forward to this Seed: Abel's acceptable lamb, the ark preserving Noah through judgment, the ram provided for Isaac, the Passover lamb, the bronze serpent lifted up (John 3:14), the scapegoat bearing away sins, the daily offerings—all crying out, "The Seed is coming!" 3. The Conflict and Victory: "It Shall Bruise Thy Head, and Thou Shalt Bruise His Heel" Now we come to the heart of the promise: "it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." Note the pronouns carefully. In the Hebrew, it's singular and masculine: "He shall bruise thy head." This isn't a general conflict between groups; it's personal. One individual—the Seed of the woman—will deliver the decisive blow. The bruising of the heel speaks of real suffering. The serpent will strike, causing pain, humiliation, even apparent defeat. But a bruised heel is not fatal; it heals. A crushed head, however, is final—total destruction of the enemy's power. This is a preview of the cross and the resurrection. At Calvary, Satan bruised Christ's heel. From the manger onward, the enemy opposed Him: Herod's massacre, the temptations in the wilderness, the opposition of religious leaders, the demons' fury, and finally the horrors of Gethsemane and Golgotha. Philippians 2:6-8 describes the depth of this humiliation: "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." The eternal Son veiled His glory, entered a virgin's womb, lived as a servant, and died a criminal's death. On the cross, darkness covered the earth, and He cried, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46, quoting Psalm 22:1). Satan seemed triumphant—the Seed was dead and buried. But the promise was only a bruised heel, not a crushed head. On the third day, Christ rose victorious! As Psalm 16:10 prophesied: "For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption." Hebrews 2:14 declares the result: "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil." And Colossians 2:15: "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." At the cross, Jesus disarmed the demonic forces. Death's sting is gone for believers (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). Satan's head received a mortal wound, though he still thrashes about. The full crushing awaits Christ's return. Then, as Revelation 20:10 promises: "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever." The King will return in glory (Revelation 19:11-16), and the ancient Eden promise will be completely fulfilled. 4. The Incarnation: God Manifest in the Flesh To accomplish this victory, the Seed had to become one of us. Galatians 4:4-5 again: "But when the fulness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." 1 Timothy 3:16 captures the wonder: "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." The infinite God became finite, the eternal entered time, the Creator became a creature—yet without ceasing to be God. He who upheld the universe lay in a manger. This is the heart of the gospel: Immanuel, God with us. Personal Application: Living in the Victory What does all this mean for us today? Genesis 3:15 isn't just history; it's our story. By nature, we were all seed of the serpent—children of wrath. But if God has saved you, He has planted enmity in your heart toward sin and Satan. You've begun to hate what you once loved and love what you once hated. At the cross, Christ's heel was bruised for you, and Satan's head was crushed on your behalf. By faith in Him, you've passed from death to life, from darkness to light. Now we live out this victory daily. When you resist temptation, bear suffering for Christ, or share the gospel boldly, you're participating in the ongoing conflict—and the outcome is certain. Satan may bruise your heel through trials, slander, or temptation, but he cannot touch your Head, who sits at God's right hand (Psalm 110:1: "The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool"). So stand firm. The battle is the Lord's. The victory is already secured. And soon, the Seed of the woman will return to make all things new. May this first gospel promise encourage your heart today. The God who spoke grace in Eden is the same God who speaks it to us now through His Son. Trust Him. Walk with Him. Look for His coming.

Sunday Morning ServiceDecember 14th, 2025

Psalm 46 English Standard Version God Is Our Fortress 46 God is our refuge and strength,     a very present[b] help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way,     though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam,     though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,     the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;     God will help her when morning dawns. 6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;     he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us;     the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,     how he has brought desolations on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;     he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;     he burns the chariots with fire. 10 “Be still, and know that I am God.     I will be exalted among the nations,     I will be exalted in the earth!” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us;     the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah Footnotes Psalm 46:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term Psalm 46:1 Or well proved   Micah 5:1-5 English Standard Version The Ruler to Be Born in Bethlehem 5 [a] Now muster your troops, O daughter[b] of troops;     siege is laid against us; with a rod they strike the judge of Israel     on the cheek. 2 [c] But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,     who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me     one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old,     from ancient days. 3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time     when she who is in labour has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return     to the people of Israel. 4 And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,     in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great     to the ends of the earth. 5 And he shall be their peace. Footnotes Micah 5:1 Ch 4:14 in Hebrew Micah 5:1 That is, city Micah 5:2 Ch 5:1 in Hebrew  

Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. — Luke 2:1 The Christmas story is shaped, in part, by a government decision: a census. People in Palestine likely griped about Caesar's decree—and, according to tradition, a Jewish citizen was expected to register in their own ancestral town. That made things inconvenient for Joseph and Mary, who was near the end of her pregnancy. They had to travel about 90 miles (145 km) from Nazareth to Bethlehem, a weeklong journey by donkey.Caesar thought he was counting subjects, but God had a bigger plan. Joseph's ancestral town, Bethlehem, was also known as “the town of David,” and prophecies stated that the Savior would descend from Israel's King David (Isaiah 9:6-7, 11:1-10) and be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). God used a government regulation to prepare the way for Jesus as the promised Messiah and King.It's not uncommon today to hear criticisms about governments. Whether it's taxes, policies, trade regulations, or extra paperwork, people get frustrated with government leaders and their demands. But the Christmas story shows that God works even through government inconveniences to make his salvation known. Jesus came to bring the presence of God to sinful humanity, despite the inconvenient circumstances into which he came.In what ways can you see the Lord working today, despite situations that may be difficult or inconvenient for you? Almighty God, you reign over all things. Open our eyes to see your presence and work, even in situations that we find difficult. For Jesus' sake, Amen.

Micah 5: 2

The wonder of Bethlehem is that God meets us in sad places and small places with salvation and his wondrous love. 

Many of us are familiar with the Christmas carol about the small town of Jesus' birth, but we may be less familiar with the Old Testament passage foretelling it. This week, as we study Micah's prophecy about Bethlehem and the One who would be born in it, we will see the perfect unfolding of God's plan—both then and for us today.

“O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; cast out our sin and enter in; be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!”Preached on November 30th, 2025 by Dillon Patrick. Series: Christ in the Carols, Part 2.  Primary Text: Micah 5:1-6. Join us in person Sundays at 10:30am at 6325 Poplar Ave, Memphis TN or online at https://www.kirbywoods.org/live. Follow us online! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirbywoodsmemphis Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirbywoodsmemphis YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kirbywoods Podcast: https://kirbywoodspodcast.buzzsprout.com

Hebrews 4:12Psalm 119:105  I. Old Testament prophecy  was fulfilled in   New Testament scriptures  About 700 years before Jesus's birth, Micah wrote that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).      Zechariah predicted that Jesus would be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12).     David prophesied that Jesus's hands and feet would be pierced (Psalm 22:16).      Isaiah predicted that Jesus's body would rest in a rich man's tomb (Isaiah 53:9).    Jesus's resurrection was also predicted multiple times (Psalm 16:8–11).    II. Eyewitness Accounts     III. Your Own Experience      IV. Point-GET IN THE WORD!Watch this episode on our YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/PmWPniBzOBE

a) The Mountain of the Lord (Micah 4:1-5)b) Restoration for the Daughter of Zion (Micah 4:6-13)c) A Ruler from Bethlehem (Micah 5:1-6)d) Triumph and Discipline for the Remnant (Micah 5:7-15)

I think it is interesting that thischapter begins with a question by the priests, the scribes, and the elders.They asked Jesus by what authority did He cleanse the Temple and was teachingthe people. Then the chapter ends in these last verses with Jesus asking them aquestion.  Whilethe priests, scribes, and elders were still gathered together, Jesus asked thema final question: "What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son isHe?" (Matt. 22:41-42, NKJV) This is the key question for everygeneration and each individual, for our salvation and eternal destiny aredependent on what we think about Christ and how we answer this question. (1John 2:21-25; 4:1-6; 5:1). Ofcourse, these religious leaders knew the expected reply: The Christ, theMessiah is "The Son of David." They based this on such verses as 2Samuel 7:13-14; Isaiah 11:1; and Jeremiah 23:5. God had ordained that theMessiah should come from the family of David and be born in David's city,Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).  Jesusthen referred them to Psalm 110, which is quoted in the New Testament more thanany other psalm. The Jewish religious leaders in that day identified Psalm 110as a prophetic psalm and said that David was speaking of the Messiah. But ifthe Messiah is David's Lord, how can He be David's son? The only explanation isthat Messiah must be both God and man. As eternal God, Messiah is David's Lord,but as man, He is David's son (Romans 1:3; 9:4-5; Acts 2:32-36; 13:22-23). OnPalm Sunday, the multitudes had acclaimed Jesus as the Son of David, and He hadnot rebuked them (Matt. 21:9; Mark 11:10). By applying Psalm 110:1 to Himself,Jesus claimed to be Israel's promised Messiah, the Son of God. Then why did thePharisees not believe in Him? Because their minds were made up, their heartswere hardened, and their eyes were blind (John 12:37-50). They did not have thecourage to confess the truth, and they persecuted those who did affirm faith inJesus Christ. And it was out of envy and jealousy that they delivered Jesus upto Pilate to be crucified (Matthew 27:18; Mark 15:10). Christ's questionsilenced His enemies (Matthew 22:46) and ended their public challenges, butthey would not admit defeat. Inthe last verses, 45-47, Jesus warned the people about the hypocrisy anddishonesty of the scribes and Pharisees (see Matthew 23). Men see the outside,but God sees the heart (1 Samuel 16:7; Hebrews 4:12). These religious leadersdid not desire personal holiness; they wanted public recognition. Therefore,they wore special garments, expected special titles and greetings, and lookedfor special seats at public gatherings. Thereis a double tragedy here. First of all, their deliberate hypocrisy was only acover-up that enabled them to fool people and exploit them. Of all rackets,religious rackets are the worst. The religious leaders had turned the temple ofGod into a den of thieves and religious devotion into playacting. The generalpublic actually thought that their leaders were godly men, when in reality theywere defiling and destroying souls (Matt. 23:13-36). Thesecond tragedy is that they rejected their own Messiah and voted to crucifyHim. They led the nation into ruin because they would not admit their sins andconfess Jesus Christ. Keep in mind that these men were "experts" inthe Bible, yet they did not apply its truths to their own lives. Their religionwas a matter of external observance, not internal transformation. How sad it isthat we see so much the same in many of our churches and religious institutionstoday. Atthis point, according to Matthew (Matthew 23:37-39), Jesus once again uttered alamentation over the blind unbelief of the nation and their unwillingness totrust in Him. He had given them many opportunities, but they had wasted them.Now it was too late.  Andone day it will be too late for us if we don't repent!

Daily Dose of Hope May 20, 2025 Day 2 of Week 8   Scripture – Matthew 2   Prayer:  Dear God, You are amazing!  How awesome it is that you who created all things are also so intimately involved in our lives.  We give you glory and praise for who you are.  We are so thankful for your love.  We want to know you more.  We want and need to hear your voice.  Help us set aside our scattered thoughts and focus on you.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, hear our prayers...  In Your Name, Amen. Welcome back, friends, to the Daily Dose of Hope, a devotional and podcast connected to the Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, FL.  Today, we are digging into Matthew 2.  This is pretty familiar Scripture to many of us.  Let's try to see it with fresh eyes. The text begins with foreign Magi visiting King Herod.  These men are an interesting and mysterious group. We don't really know much about the magi who come seeking Jesus from eastern lands.  Some translations call them wise men or kings.  Matthew doesn't include a lot of details.  We have no idea how many there actually were (despite the popular carol, Scripture does not say there were just three of them).  Like the shepherds, the magi seem an unlikely group to seek out and worship Jesus. They were pagans, gentiles, involved in the occult, and yet they knew there was something more.  They were searching for something more.  So these magi embark on a long journey, carrying expensive gifts worthy of a king, eager to pay homage. Their efforts lead them to an encounter far beyond their expectations. Unlike an earthly king who would have been found in a palace, the magi are led to what we can probably assume is a modest home of a Jewish family and it's there that they find Jesus with his mother and Scripture says they bow down and worship him.  Maybe it wasn't what they expected but they see God's hand in it nonetheless and worship the one they know to be the Messiah, the savior of the world.  They were outsiders but they recognized the Messiah when so many insiders failed to do so. Up until now, it all sounds great, right?  But there is another character in this story.  His name is Herod the Great. The Herod family ruled over the holy land both before and after the time of Christ, they were somewhat like puppet kings, put in place by the Romans to keep order.  And they don't have a great reputation at all.  They were, for the most part, insecure and power-hungry. One reason I don't think it's accurate to refer to the magi as wise men is because they did one thing that was really unwise.  They go straight to King Herod, “So where is the NEW king? Where is the one who has been named king of the Jews?”  Keep in mind, Herod the Great considered himself to be king of the Jews.  The man is insecure and vicious so he tries to trick the magi into divulging Jesus' location.  But no amount of earthly power can get Herod what he wants.  The magi are warned in a dream to not return to Herod.  And this angers him more.  Herod was both feared and hated. The Jewish historian Josephus painted a picture of Herod as a suspicious and cruel client king, with a history of killing anyone whom he saw as a threat, including three sons and his wife. So even though the magi remind Herod of Micah's prophecy that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), his response was not to pay homage but to destroy the newborn king.  In Matthew 2:16, we read that Herod decides to take matters into his own hands and kill all the baby boys who might be in the age range of Jesus, When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.  Truly dark and horrific.  The extent to which human beings will go to gain power surely demonstrates the brokenness of our world.  Then and now.  But through all of this, Jesus is saved.  The baby's family is warned in a dream and they head down to Egypt for a period of time to keep the boy safe from Herod before they come back to Israel and settle in Nazareth.  Because God's purposes will prevail.  God had promised long, long ago to send a Savior for his people and there is nothing that could get in the way.  Listen to this prophecy from in Isaiah 9:6-7, spoken 700 years before the birth of Jesus, For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.  It's like God was saying “I'm going to send someone who will restore the people of Israel to me.  This person will be a light to the Gentiles, and will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth AND it will be obvious once more that your God reigns.”  No power-hungry king could mess that up as hard as he tried.  No earthly power could thwart God's plan of redemption for his people.  It's true that bad things to happen.  God allows human beings free will and that is too often used for evil.  But that doesn't mean God isn't involved, it doesn't mean he isn't invested, God can and has orchestrated, changed, and/or stopped the plans of all kinds of people to get done what needs to get done.  God has been working, in his time, over the course of thousands of years, to achieve his bigger purpose. And what was the bigger purpose?  God's mission from the beginning was to redeem his world.  He did this through Jesus.  That little baby that the wise men knelt down and worshiped, that child that Herod felt so threatened by --- that child would grow to become the Savior of the world.  He would bring sight to the blind, freedom for the oppressed, he would proclaim good news to the poor.  He would preach the Kingdom of God and show the world a different way of living, ultimately giving up his own life voluntarily on a Roman cross.  In doing so, he became the final sacrifice for sin, providing a way for you and me and all people to be redeemed.  Because of Jesus' sacrifice, our sins can be forgiven and we can walk hand in hand with a holy God.  Because of Jesus, nothing separates us from God.  And then, three days after he died, he was resurrected, defeating evil and death and demonstrating to the world who HE is.  He is, after all, God.  Jesus is the Lord. Jesus is LORD of all.  Paul writes this in Colossians 1:15-20, The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.  Jesus is above all things.  Jesus is Lord. And over the course of 2000 years, rulers and kings and dictators and autocrats have tried to wipe out his influence.  They have misused his teachings, they have twisted the Gospel.  Like Herod, they have done all kinds of things to either try to eliminate the influence of Jesus or to use the Gospel for their own deceitful purposes.  And at times, it's been ugly and violent and really sad.  But this is TRUTH:  God will ensure that his purposes prevail.  Yes, in our sinful and broken world, all kinds of horrors will occur.  Vladimir Putin will think he's invincible.  Kim Jong Un will declare himself supreme ruler.  American politicians will think themselves unshakable.  You and I will experience heartbreak, loss, and illness.  And yet, Jesus is still Lord of all.  God is still working in our lives, God is still present with us in the middle of the mess, and Jesus is still in the business of transforming lives.  Friends, Jesus is on the throne, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  The rulers of the world may oppose him but they are ultimately answerable to him.  Because he will come again. I'll stop there for now.  But I do have to ask this question:  Is Jesus Lord of your life?  More tomorrow. Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

On the Epiphany of Our Lord (January 6), we followed the Wise Men as they brought gifts (Matthew 2:11) predicted by the Old Testament (Isaiah 60:6) to Jesus, “He who has been born king of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2). The Wise Men even found Christ using the Old Testament: at first, through the fulfilled prophecy of Numbers 24:15–19 concerning a star and a king's scepter in Israel; ultimately, through the fulfillment of Micah 5's words about the Good Shepherd of Judah being born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2–5). And not only does the whole Bible reveal Jesus as King, it also shows that He is God's Prophet, one like — yet greater than! — Moses. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the February 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “The Prophet Like Moses” on Deuteronomy 18:15–19. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

On the Epiphany of Our Lord (January 6), we followed the Wise Men as they brought gifts (Matthew 2:11) predicted by the Old Testament (Isaiah 60:6) to Jesus, “He who has been born king of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2). The Wise Men even found Christ using the Old Testament: at first, through the fulfilled prophecy of Numbers 24:15–19 concerning a star and a king's scepter in Israel; ultimately, through the fulfillment of Micah 5's words about the Good Shepherd of Judah being born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2–5). And not only does the whole Bible reveal Jesus as King, it also shows that He is God's Prophet, one like — yet greater than! — Moses. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the February 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “The Prophet Like Moses” on Deuteronomy 18:15–19. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Mr Steve Matson, Director of Family Ministries

Sunday Worship: December 22, 2024 Preacher: Pastor Nathan Ruble

December 22nd 2024 – Humility of Bethlehem – Micah 5:1-5 by Exchange Church Shepparton

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December 22, 2024 Daily Devotion: "The Shepherd's Strength" Micah 5:4 New Living Translation 4 And he will stand to lead his flock with the Lord's strength, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. Then his people will live there undisturbed, for he will be highly honored around the world. In Micah 5:4, we read, “He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.” This verse points to the prophetic promise of a shepherd, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Micah prophesied during a time of great turmoil, around 700 BC, addressing the people of Judah and foretelling the coming of a ruler from Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) who would bring hope and restoration. This shepherd would lead with the strength and majesty, contrasting the failed leadership of Israel's kings. In our lives today, we can take comfort knowing that Christ, our Good Shepherd (John 10:11), provides guidance, protection, and security. In times of uncertainty, we can rest assured in His sovereignty and care. Our response should be to trust in Him fully and follow His lead, embracing His teachings and sharing His love with others.

Hi friends! In today’s episode, Ash Couchman and Tilly Hosannee reflect on Micah 5:2: “But you, Bethlehem, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” They explore the incredible significance of God choosing a humble, overlooked town to fulfill one of the most profound prophecies of all time. Tilly shares how this verse reminds her of God’s ability to bring greatness out of small and unexpected places. Together, they unpack what this means for our own lives and the beauty of God’s plans. Get Connected:Follow us on Instagram: Everyday Joy PodcastJoin the Facebook Group: Everyday Joy Podcast CommunityGot something to share? Email us at everydayjoy@positivemedia.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From a human perspective it might have made more sense for Jesus to be born in Rome or Jerusalem, yet for some reason God chose Bethlehem. This week we will explore the town of Jesus' birth, leaning on the prophet Micah and a classic post-civil war hymn. Our God is the One who takes small places (like Fort Sask perhaps?!) and raises them up for His glory. 

There's not enough evidence to FORCE someone to believe who doesn't want to. But for the open-minded person, prophesy offers a compelling case to believe God Himself is behind the Scripture.Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to learn more.Scripture Used in Today's MessageIsaiah 46:9-10Prophecies of the Messiah referred to in this message Born in Bethlehem                 Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:1    Preceded by a messenger     Isaiah 40:3, Matthew 3:1-2    Enter Jerusalem on a donkey   Zechariah 9:9, Luke 19:35-37    Be betrayed by a friend            Psalm 41:9, Matthew 10:4    Sold for 30 pieces of silver       Zechariah 11:12, Matthew 26:15    Money thrown into the Temple   Zechariah 11:13,  Matthew 27:5    Silent before accusers               Isaiah 53:7,  Matthew 27:12-19    Crucified with thieves.        Isaiah 53:12, Psalm 22:16, Matt 27:38 Have you read my book, "Takin' it to Their Turf"?If not, you may request a copy on my website, www.TomthePreacher.comWe send a copy to anyone who donates to our ministry, but if you can't do so, simply request a copy by sending us an email. Who do you know that needs to hear today's message? Go ahead and forward this to them, along with a prayer that God will use it in their life.To find Tom on Instagram, Facebook, TiKTok, and elsewhere, go to linktr.ee/tomthepreacher To support Tom Short Campus Ministries, click herehttps://www.tomthepreacher.com/support************ Do you want to have all your sins forgiven and know God personally? *********Check out my video "The Bridge Diagram" at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0Kjwrlind8&t=1sCheck out my website, www.TomthePreacher.com, to learn more about my ministry and sign up for my daily email. And make sure to request a copy of my book, Takin' it to Their Turf, when you visit my website.Check out my videos on this channel to learn how to answer tough questions challenging our faith.

"The Arrival of God's Plans"Luke 2:1-7Advent Series - Preparing for the Lord part 1 of 5Pastor Nate ClarkeDecember 1, 2024You and your family are invited to celebrate Christmas with us at our Candlelight Services on Christmas Eve, December 24 at 3:00 and 4:30 PM.Learn about this year's Kingdom Builder's project: https://www.oasischurch.online/kingdom-buildersHow should Christians think about voting and politics? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak82aD16r04NEW KIDS SPACE NOW OPEN!We have expanded with 3x more space for the babies, kids, and youth in your family.https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/reel/C8FqHIipr3u/OUR NEW VISION STATEMENT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0WFhtL7h3ISERMON NOTES:- The Arrival of God's plans- “God is powerful and authoritative to the extent of being able to override all other powers and authorities.” John Piper- Born of a virgin: Isaiah 7:14 | Matthew 1:23- Born in Bethlehem: Micah 5:2 | Matthew 2:10- Christ born in power; Isaiah 9:6 | Luke 4:18- Christ called to escape to Egypt: Hosea 11:1 | Matthew 2:13- Star would point to Christ: Numbers 24:17 | Matthew 2:1-2- Presentation of gifts: Psalm 72:10-11 | Matthew 2:11- Worshiped by Shepherds: Psalm 72:9 | Luke 2:12- From the line of David: Isaiah 9:7, Jeremiah 23:5 | Matthew 1:1-17- God can and will accomplish His plans and purposes in the world and in our lives.- God will accomplish His plans over nature- Psalm 135:6-7- Matthew 8:27- Luke 1:30-37- God will accomplish His plans over rulers- 2 Chronicles 20:6- Psalm 33:10-11- Proverbs 21:1 ESV- God will accomplish His plans over ourselves - Proverbs 16:1- Proverbs 16:9- Proverbs 19:21- Genesis 50:20Oasis Church exists to Worship God, Equip the believers, and Reach the lost.We are led by Pastor Nate Clarke and are located in Richmond, VA.Stay Connected:Website: https://oasischurch.online Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OasisChurchRVA/

Introduction: Isaiah 9:6 - For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Changes Coming Under Messiah's Leadership (Micah 5:1-15): Messiah's people will be Secure . (Micah 5:3-6) Messiah's people will be Prominent . (Micah 5:7-9) Messiah's people will be Dedicated . (Micah 5:10-15) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead Micah 5:1-15What was your big take-away from this passage / message?What is the significance that the “ruler in Israel” would be from Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)?Micah 5:7-8 tells us that in Messiah's kingdom, Israel will be like dew and like a lion. What do these pictures mean and how can they both be true at the same time?In Micah 5:12-14, God promises to remove idols from Israel during the Messiah's kingdom. Why does God do this, and not just command Israel to not worship them? BreakoutPray for one another.

Welcome to Episode 189 of our Apologetics Series. Today, we delve into the profound evidence for Jesus' divine nature, a topic that has been scrutinized more than any other in human history. The life and teachings of Jesus have sparked a variety of reactions—some label Him a deceiver, while others have journeyed from skepticism to firm belief in His deity. Still, many sit on the fence, acknowledging His moral teachings but denying His divine sonship. So, what evidence supports the claim that Jesus is the Son of God? Jesus Fulfilled Old Testament Messianic Prophecies Jesus, the apostles, and New Testament prophets frequently referenced Old Testament prophecies to affirm His messianic identity (cf. Luke 24:25-27, 44; Acts 8:30-39). Jesus fulfilled over 300 specific prophecies, including: Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) Born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; cf. Genesis 3:15) Descendant of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Judah (Genesis 22:18; 26:4; 49:10; Numbers 24:17) Regal monarch (Psalm 89:3-4; Isaiah 9:6-7; Psalm 110:1) and suffering servant (Isaiah 53) Betrayed by a friend (Psalm 41:9) for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:13) Entered Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9) Clothes distributed by casting lots (Psalm 22:18) Pierced by attackers (Zechariah 12:10) Bones not broken (Psalm 34:20) Body would not decay (Psalm 16:10) These are a few examples among many that identify Jesus as the Messiah. He uniquely fulfilled these prophecies, events that would be impossible to orchestrate artificially. The New Testament Reliability The New Testament's historical accuracy supports Jesus' messianic claims. Archaeology and historical records consistently affirm its accounts, making it the most reliable ancient text. The fulfillment of Messianic prophecies, even those involving ordinary events like Jesus' betrayal for 30 pieces of silver or riding a donkey into Jerusalem, confirms the divine orchestration of His life. Jesus Worked Miracles Jesus' miracles served as divine confirmation of His identity and message (Exodus 4:1-9; 1 Kings 18:36-39; Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3-4). He performed numerous miracles, such as healing the sick, calming storms, and raising the dead, proving His divine authority (John 20:30-31). Variety of Miracles Jesus healed lepers, restored sight to the blind, and even raised the dead (Matthew 15:30; Luke 7:14-15; John 11:1-44). His miracles demonstrated His power over nature, sickness, and death—feats no one else has replicated. Jesus' Sinless Life Despite severe scrutiny, Jesus lived a sinless life. His challenge, “Which of you convicts Me of sin?” (John 8:46), remains unanswered, affirming His moral perfection (Hebrews 4:15). Conclusion The evidence for Jesus' deity is compelling: He fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, performed countless miracles, predicted His death and resurrection, accepted worship, lived sinlessly, and claimed divine authority to forgive sins. This overwhelming evidence leads us to proclaim, like Thomas, “My Lord and My God” (John 20:28). Join us as we explore these profound truths, affirming the divine nature of Jesus Christ.

December 24, 2023 Pastor Chris Wachter Merry Christmas, from Hiawatha Church! http://www.hiawathachurch.com

Sunday, December 24, 2023"Love from Bethlehem" - Tyler TankersleySermon based on Micah 5:2-5a(reading by Lewis Ledford)

Today Pastor Jimmy opens his Christmas sermon series with a deeper look into the Prophetic, Historical, and Symbolic meanings found in the birth of Christ in this little village. Through them, we will better see the beauty of God's intentionality in having His son and our savior enter our world at this very spot. This message can be watched on the Authentic Life Fellowship Facebook YouTube channel. if you will “Like” us you will receive a notice each time we Go LIVE on Sunday mornings at 9 & 10 AM CDT. A copy of Pastor Jimmy's teaching notes is available upon request, Email him at authenticlifefellowship@gmail.com

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The sermon explores the meaning of the Christmas carol "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and its message of God choosing the insignificant and making it significant. It references biblical stories and characters to illustrate this idea. The sermon emphasizes the importance of embracing weaknesses and vulnerabilities, for it is through those moments that God's power can shine. It concludes by inviting listeners to invite Jesus into their lives for healing and redemption, regardless of their past mistakes.

The Wise Men come looking for the new King of the Jews. They didn't know where He was born, so they went to the place that seemed appropriate, the palace. When they got there, they found out from the religious scholars that the prophet Micah, centuries ago told us that Bethlehem is where the messiah was to be born. O Little Town of Bethlehem. It would be easy to miss if you weren't paying attention. So, let's do just that, friends. Let's read the Bible; let's pay attention. Let's see where the Messiah is. And let's be faithful to follow Him, always.  Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. Read our passage here - https://bible.oremus.org/?ql=568120437You can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

Oh Mighty Town of Bethlehem - Micah 4:9-5.5 - Cody Busby

Speaker: Jeff SulmanSeries: Advent Permalink

Little Town Of Bethlehem - Micah 1.1-2 - Pastor Mike Elliott

Jesus the Christ Various passages December 11, 2022      Introduction:At the time of Jesus birth, every Jew's hope was wrapped up in the one they called the Messiah, the one who was coming to be a forever king who would reign forever over a forever kingdom.The New Testament translates that Hebrew word into Greek with the word “Christ”  Read John 1:40-41  So simply the Messiah or Christ is synonymous for the King of Israel.  Read Matthew 2:1-4 Show them that “King of the Jews” in v2 is equivalent to “Christ” in v4.  They were waiting and hoping for this Messiah/ Christ/ King because they were under the rule of Rome and they longed for the day when the Christ would come to set them free from Rome and set up God's kingdom here on earth. When we think of the rest of the story of Christmas, we need to understand that Jesus was not just born to die, but he came to present himself as the King over both Israel and the whole world. Their expectations and hopes were shaped by what they knew about him from the Old Testament – summarizeHe would be God himself (Isaiah 5:7; 9:6-7; 24:23; Micah 4:7; Zechariah 14:9,16-17) who would dwell in their midst as a victorious warrior (Zephaniah 3:15-17; Zechariah 2:7-10) judging the nations (Psalm 110:5-6; Isaiah 42:1; 63:1-6; Zechariah 14:1-3,12-15;) and saving Israel so that they dwell in safety forever (Jeremiah 23:5-6; Zechariah 14:11). One from the line of Judah (Genesis 49:10) and the line of David (2 Samuel 7:12-19; Psalm 132:11), who would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) and preceded by a messenger who would prepare the way before him (Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3;1).   He would enter into Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9) to be their  king forever ( 2 Samuel 7:16; Daniel 7:14; Isaiah 9:6-7),  over God's kingdom forever (2 Samuel 7:16; Daniel 2: 44; 7:14 ), ruling over all the world (Psalm 2:4-12; Psalm 110:1-3; Isaiah 2:2-4; Daniel 7:14;  Zechariah 9:9-10; 14:9-10) from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:1-3; 24:23) after he enters through the east gate of the temple to set up his throne there (Ezekiel 43:1-7).   He would be anointed by the Spirit of God to be the King (Isaiah 11:1-5), a priest (1 Samuel 2:35; psalm 110:4) and a prophet like Moses in whose mouth God himself would put his words (Deuteronomy 18:15:18).  A prophet who would preach good news to the broken and imprisoned (Isaiah 61:1-2).  He would be the good and faithful shepherd who will care for them (Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:11-16) and supernaturally heal their infirmities (Isaiah 35:4-6). Therefore, this is what would have been in the mind of a Jew at the coming of Christ based on what they knew from the Old Testament.   Now we need to know that …   Jesus born to be KingBefore he was born Jesus was King– John tells us in John 12:41 that when Isaiah saw that great vision of the glory of God sitting on the throne in Isaiah 6, that is was Jesus whom he saw.    At his birth, the angels announced that Jesus was a king, the Magi affirmed it and King Herod even tried to kill baby Jesus because he knew he was the King of the Jews! The whole book of Matthew was written to prove Jesus was the Messiah, the Christ, the King of Israel they were all waiting for.       During Jesus' life he claimed to be the Messiah/ Christ/ King In Luke 4 - when Jesus began his ministry, he read in the synagogue a passage of Scripture about the Messiah from Isaiah 61.  Then he said this, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”  They understood clearly that Jesus was proclaiming himself to be the Messiah and the people were so angry they threw him out of the city and tried to kill him In John 4 – the Samaritan woman said to Jesus “I know that the Messiah is coming and when he comes, he will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her “I, who speak to you, am he.” In Matthew 16 when Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Then Jesus told him that this was a supernatural revelation that the Father opened up to Peter! At the triumphal entryMatthew said that it was to fulfill the prophecy of Israel's king coming to them  The crowds recognized and affirmed him as King as they cried out, “Hosanna to the Son of David” and “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.” In Matthew 26 - we saw that the high priest asked Jesus directly, “Are you the Christ, the Son of God?” Paraphrased for us that is, “Are you the coming king, are you God himself?”  When Jesus said he was; the high priest accused him of blasphemy and condemned him to death. In John 18 Pilate asked Jesus directly, “Are you the King of the Jews?” After a little discussion about this, listen to how the conversation closed.  Read John 18:37  So here is the rest of the story of Christmas, Jesus was born to be a king and keeping things in context – that is the truth he came to bear witness of, the truth that he is a king! Finally, when the charges were put above the cross for the reason for his death it said – “the King of the Jews” The Pharisees wanted it to say, “He said he was” the King of the Jews  But Pilate insisted it stay as the King of the Jews  Jesus not only came to present himself as King and we are not only waiting for him to come back to be the king in the millennial kingdom but Jesus always was, is and will be King of all Kings and Lord of all Lords!   So what does that mean for you and me this Christmas Application Simply a king is the one who has the right to rule, he has the right to direct, order, command.  He has the highest rank and superior status over everyone and everything in his kingdom. He is preeminent and has first place over everyone and everything in his kingdom.  It is what we sometimes refer to the lordship of Christ.  While our response to him, as Savior is to trust him, our response to him, as Lord is to obey him.    Luke 6:46  When we think of a king, we think of King Charles!  He is really distant from the details of people's lives and his decisions make an impact but in a very general way.  So when we think of Jesus as King we often think of him reigning from a distance over the world or for some even in the future when he returns. But Jesus is an up-close kind of king, who is reigning right now over with the intimate details of his people's lives!  Turn to Colossians 1.  Read v16-18 All things created through and for him! First place in everything!ESV – preeminent  Web - before all others in importance, having paramount rank MSG – towering far above everything, everyone! Amplified explains this as he will stand supreme and be preeminent in everything! That sounds like a king to me, an up-close king over everyone and every detail of their lives! Implications for you and me this Christmas is that Jesus was not only born to be King over Israel and the whole world in the future but also born to be our King, our Lord who has first place over everything in our lives right now.    So does Jesus have first place in everything in your life?   Is he ruling and directing your life from the throne of your life, or are you sitting on that throne of your life, ruling and directing your own way? Let me do a quick check up like your primary care pastor!  Heart Affections – is Jesus truly the top love and delight of your heart or is some local sports team, political party, or reaching some achievement or position, or certain pleasures I have become addicted to, or certain things you want to get? Motives so as to do everything in life to the glory of God,  Choices you make consistent with the choices Jesus would make if he were in your shoes – by the way he may not be in your shoes but he is in your heart,  HeadThought life so as to focus upon that which is true and pure,  TongueWords you speak to others so as to build them up, encourage them and point them to Jesus,  AssetsPossessions – am I stewarding everything I have as one who is managing what God really owns or do I treat it as my own, doing whatever I want with it? Money – am I honoring God with the first fruits of my money by giving that to him and am I using all my money under his direction for his glory,  Relationships – Am I connecting deeply with other believers to support one another in our walk with Jesus or am I being influenced primarily by those who do not know God so as to forget that bad company corrupts good morals, etc.  Jesus/Christmas - does Jesus have first place this year in your Christmas plans, your family gatherings, your decorations, your gift giving, your music, your conversations with your kids and friends about Christmas?  Let me ask you this – What is that still small voice of the Spirit speaking to your heart this morning? Even more importantly now – what specific thing or things are you going to do in response to what he is speaking to you about? Take a moment to consider those two questions  

Actually, there are more prophesies of Christ second coming to the earth than there are of His first coming as a baby in a manger in Bethlehem. In studying these prophecies especially in the Old Testament, we need to remember that the church age was hidden to the prophets. You can only find the church in types and pictures in the OT. So, there are no references to the coming of the Lord for the church at the rapture in the OT. Whenever the prophets saw Messiah's coming, it was either His first coming as baby in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), or His Second Coming as the King of kings and Lord of lords to set up His kingdom. And they often saw them as one event. People are often surprised to learn that references to the Second Coming outnumber references to the first coming by a factor of eight to one. Scholars have identified 1,845 different biblical references to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, no less than seventeen books mention Christ's return. The New Testaments authors speak of it in 23 of the 27 books. Seven out of ten chapters in the New Testament refer to His return. In other words, one out of every thirty verses in the New Testament teaches us that Jesus Christ is coming back to this earth. Zechariah prophesied of both events. Jesus first coming: Riding into Jerusalem just before His crucifixion. "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9) His Second Coming: “Behold, the day of the LORD is coming, And your spoil will be divided in your midst.” (Zechariah 14:1) “And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west, Making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south.” (Zechariah 14:4) “And the LORD shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be-- "The LORD is one," And His name one. (Zechariah 14:9) Jesus told His disciples about His Second Coming and described it this way in Matthew 24:23-31: “Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There!' do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. Therefore if they say to you, 'Look, He is in the desert!' do not go out; or 'Look, He is in the inner rooms!' do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together. "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” We will give a few more references tomorrow. But in closing, one of my favorite is John 14:2-3: “In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” The most wonderful thing about His coming, is His promise that we will be with Him! Today could be that day! God Bless!

You may have heard that Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah.Did you know that no other great religious leader fulfilled prophecy? That's right; only God declares the end from the beginning, and thus, only Jesus fulfilled prophecies given to us by God.These fulfilled prophecies are powerful evidence that Jesus is the Messiah.Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to learn more.Scripture Used in Today's MessageEight Messianic Prophecies1. He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)   2. He would be preceded by a messenger (Isaiah 40:3)   3. He would ride into Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9)   4. He would be sold for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12-13)   5. The betrayal money would be thrown into the house of the Lord and then used to buy a potter's field (Zechariah 11:12-13)   6. He would be silent before His accusers (Isaiah 53:7)   7. His hands and feet would be pierced (Psalm 22:16-18)   8. He would be crucified with thieves (Isaiah 53:12)************* Take a Tour Israel with Tom ************Join me next February (2023) as I lead a tour of Israel!We'll study the life of Jesus at the very places He taught, performed His mighty miracles, was crucified, and resurrected! We'll also have plenty of worship, fellowship, and fun!For more info, check out my web page www.TomthePreacher.com************ ALASKAN CRUISE *********Would like to join Tom & Roz Short on a God-focused, fun-filled cruise taking in the stunning beauty of Alaska? Join us this May! For details, click the link belowhttps://www.tomthepreacher.com/alaska************ Do you want to have all your sins forgiven and know God personally? *********Check out my video "The Bridge Diagram" at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0Kjwrlind8&t=1sCheck out my website, www.TomthePreacher.com, to learn more about my ministry and sign up for my daily email. And make sure to request a copy of my book, Takin' it to Their Turf, when you visit my website.Check out my videos on this channel to learn how to answer tough questions challenging our faith.

The prophets spoke. The people didn't listen.----For centuries, the people had ignored the prophets. But the prophets were consistently right. And Micah was definitely right about this - a KING was coming, to be born in BETHLEHEM.

Christmas is a time to celebrate God sending the Messiah, His Son Jesus, into our world to save us.Prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem - Micah 5:2Odds of that coming true from Micah to the present - https://empower.global/the-mathematical-probability-that-jesus-is-the-christ/

The Fourth Sunday in Advent turns our attention toward the nativity of our Lord. With Mary, we await the coming of the Christ, her Son, conceived in her womb by the Spirit of God. As the Lord dealt graciously with her and did great things for her (Luke 1:48–49), so also He manifests Himself and His glory to us in mercy and gentleness. He comes to rule His people in peace, to “shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD.” He comes forth not from the great capital city of Rome or Jerusalem, but from lowly little Bethlehem (Micah 5:2, 4). He comes to sacrifice Himself, in fulfillment of His Father's will, for the salvation and sanctification of His people (Heb. 10:10).He who once visited Elizabeth while hidden in the womb of Mary (Luke 1:39–45) now comes to visit us today, hidden in the lowliness of simple water, bread, and wine.-----------------------------Visit our website: https://www.trinitysheboygan.org/​​​​Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A Learn more here: https://www.onelicense.net/Support the show

Join Ella to officially kick off the Christmas story! It starts much sooner than we realize… and has a lot more theology to it than expected!    Isaiah 9:6- “For a Child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders.  And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”   OT PROPHECIES FULFILLED AT CHRIST'S BIRTH: A star and scepter came out of Israel (Numbers 24:17  &  Matthew 2:1-2) Messiah was born of a virgin and called Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14  &  Matthew 1:18-25) He was born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2  &  Matthew 2:1-6  &  Luke 2:1-7) Messiah descended from Jesse aka David's father (Isaiah 11:1-3  &  Matthew 1:1-17, 3:6) The Lord raised up a great prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15-19  &  John 7:40)   END TIMES INFORMATION: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-me-but-you/id1546915517?i=1000509918974 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saylorville-church/id898917046?i=1000504893987 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saylorville-church/id898917046?i=1000502529119 https://www.gotquestions.org/end-times.html   Any questions? Prayer requests? Hit us up on social media: @notmebutyouproductions   Don't miss an episode… subscribe!    Our most previous episode: APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-me-but-you/id1546915517 PODBEAN: https://notmebutyouproductions.podbean.com   Our Favorite Study Bibles: https://www.christianbook.com/niv-jeremiah-study-bible-hardcover/9781617957413/pd/957413   https://www.christianbook.com/niv-bible-comfort-print-leather-multicolor/9780310454465/pd/454463   https://www.christianbook.com/esv-study-bible-hardcover/9781433502415/pd/502415

In our passage today, Micah tells of a future Messiah who will come from the most unlikely of places. For more information about our ministry visit us at commuterministries.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @commuterministries Music by scottholmesmusic.com

On our episode 17, we talked about how the Bible is historically accurate and how it is scientifically accurate. If you haven't listened to it yet, I highly recommend it! It answers so many questions that the world is trying to throw at us today.In Episode 18 ,we are going to talk about the prophesies that are in the Bible. A prophesy is basically a prediction of the future that is claimed to be divinely inspired. Did you know that there are close to 2,000 prophesies in the Bible? See, the thing about prophesies is this…if you're going to write it down in a book, you better make sure it's a true prophesy, because if not, that book would be considered false and no one would trust anything in it. With the Bible having close to 2,000 prophesies, with just even one of those prophesies not coming to pass, it would lose its entire integrity.And the thing about the prophesies in the Bible is that these aren't prophesies that were going to happen right away, but they were prophesied some thousands of years before they took place. Did you know that there are over 300 prophesies about Jesus alone that span over 1,100 years. The last one that was prophesied about him was 400 years before Jesus was born. Peter Stoner was a probability expert who decided to take just 8 of the prophesies found in the Bible about Jesus and calculated what the percentage would be if even just 8 of those prophesies were true. Here's what he found:8 Prophesies Peter Stoner Looked At and Their Probabilities:1. Jesus would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) Probability of that happening: 7,150 in 2,000,000,000 chance2. There would be a messenger that would prepare the way for Jesus (Malachi 3:1) Probability: 1 in 1,000 chanceJesus would enter Jerusalem as a king riding a donkey (Zechariah 9:9) Probability: 1 in 100 chanceJesus would be betrayed by a friend and suffer wounds in His hands (Zechariah 13:6) Probability: 1 in 1,000 chanceJesus would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver. (Zechariah 11:12-13) Probability: 1 in 1,000 chanceThe money that was paid for Jesus' capture would be used to purchase a potter's field. (Zechariah 11-12) Probability: 1 in 100,000 chanceJesus would remain silent while He was afflicted. (Isaiah 53:7) Probability: 1 in 1,000 chanceJesus would die having his hands and feet pierced. Probability: 1 in 10,000 chanceNow, putting all of these probabilities together…what is the chance that all 8 of these could have happened to just one person? Probability: 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000 chance.To help you wrap your mind around this, I want to give you a picture of what that looks like. So if 1 person was to fulfill just 8 of the almost 300 prophesies, it would be like filling up the state of Texas (we all know how tiny Texas is…haha…it's massive!), so we are taking the entire state of Texas and filling it 2 ft high with quarters. Out of all those quarters, we decided to paint one red. Now, we're going to put you in a helicopter, blind fold you and then have you show us where that one red quarter is…sounds pretty impossible right? That's what that last probability, the 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000 looks like!Now, that's just Jesus fulfilling 8 of those prophesies, which He did, but what if Jesus fulfilled all 300 of those prophesies? That's crazy to think about right? And these prophesies weren't just general, vague prophesies, they were very specific. I mean King David even prophesied about Jesus being crucified on a cross before crucifixion even existed.Then, the last way we're going to talk about how you can know you can trust the Bible is that it has the power to transform lives.Follow us on IG to get your daily encouragements: @Uncommon_teen_ministry

Steve Swartz, "Songs of Emmanuel, Part 4: O Little Town of Bethlehem" (Micah 5:1-6) from the Songs of Emmanuel series.More sermons available online at www.gbcob.org.