Podcasts about even elizabeth

Finding Jesus in Unexpected Places // The Human Womb Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)“Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (God with us)” Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)“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.” Colossians 2:9 (NIV)“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.” Colossians 1:15-22 (NIV)“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 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. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 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. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 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. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” Isaiah 40:12,15 (NLT)“Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale? … For all the nations of the world are but a drop in the bucket. They are nothing more than dust on the scales. He picks up the whole earth as though it were a grain of sand.” John 1:1-4 (NLT)“In the beginning, the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.”     Luke 1:30-39 (NIV)“But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacobʼs descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.' ‘How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?' The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.' ‘I am the Lordʼs servant,” Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.' Then the angel left her. At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea.” Luke 1:41-42 (NIV)“When Elizabeth heard Maryʼs greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!'” Luke 1:44-45 (NIV)“As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Hebrews 4:15-16 (AMP)“For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God's gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].”  John 1:14 (NIV)The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (MSG)“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son.” John 1:9-11 (NIV)“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” 

Luke 1:26-38In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”“I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Islington Baptist is a church for the Islington and wider Newcastle community sharing the life-changing message of Jesus. Our sermon / Bible teaching is a central part of our gatherings. Luke 1:35-49 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. 39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” 46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48 for he has been mindful    of the humble state of his servant.From now on all generations will call me blessed,49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—    holy is his name.

Characters of Christmas: Mary, Mother of JesusLuke 1:26-3826 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. CONNECT WITH USIf you have any questions or would like to get to know us further, head over to https://www.triumphlbc.org/connect and fill out our online connection card.ABOUT TRIUMPHTriumph wants to see the life and message of Jesus transform your heart, home, and city. To learn more visit https://www.triumphlbc.org/

Bible reading: Luke 1:26-38 (NIVUK) The birth of Jesus foretold 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.' 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants for ever; his kingdom will never end.' 34 ‘How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?' 35 The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.' 38 ‘I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.' Then the angel left her.

Luke 1:26-56 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeths pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgins name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacobs descendants forever; his kingdom will never end. 34 How will this be, Mary asked the angel, since I am a virgin? 35 The angel answered, The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail. 38 I am the Lords servant, Mary answered. May your word to me be fulfilled. Then the angel left her.Mary Visits Elizabeth 39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariahs home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Marys greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!Marys Song 46 And Mary said: My soul glorifies the Lord47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.From now on all generations will call me blessed,49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me holy is his name.50His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.52He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.53He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.54He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful55to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors. 56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Is this Highly Favored?   Luke 1:26-38 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[b] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. ***** 28 The angel went to her (Mary) and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.   30  the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. So Mary was favored by God! So, even though Mary was favored she still endured hardship and pain.   Psalm 84:4 - Blessed and greatly favored are those who dwell in Your house and Your presence; They will be singing Your praises all the day long.   Ephesians 1:6 - reads As a child of God, you are greatly blessed, highly favored and deeply loved.   The miracle endured   When you are favored you still have a job to do!   When you are favored you have to surrender to God's will and get to work.    1 Peter 5:8-11 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8nC-RnETd0   But, also remember this doesn't exempt you from heartache and hard times, but it does guarantee you victory if you know him and surrender to him.

Dr.  Brian Hill (Senior Pastor), "An Advent Series:  Through the Eyes of Joseph and Mary". Modern Worship Praise Team (11:15 Service).       18.  This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  19.  Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.       20.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  21.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”       22.  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  23.  “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”).       24.  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25.  But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.       Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV)       26  In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,  27.  to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.  28.  The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”       29.  Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  30.  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.  31.  You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  32.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,  33.  and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”       34.  “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”       35.  The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[ the Son of God.  36.  Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.  37.  For no word from God will ever fail.”       38.  “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.       Luke 1:26-38  (NIV)

Dr.  Brian Hill (Senior Pastor), "An Advent Series:  Through the Eyes of Joseph and Mary". Handbells, Choir, Blended Worship Praise Team (8:45 Service).       18.  This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  19.  Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.       20.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  21.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”       22.  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  23.  “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”).       24.  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25.  But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.       Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV)       26  In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,  27.  to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.  28.  The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”       29.  Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  30.  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.  31.  You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  32.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,  33.  and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”       34.  “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”       35.  The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[ the Son of God.  36.  Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.  37.  For no word from God will ever fail.”       38.  “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.       Luke 1:26-38  (NIV)

Dr.  Brian Hill (Senior Pastor), "An Advent Series:  Through the Eyes of Joseph and Mary".       18.  This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  19.  Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.       20.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  21.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”       22.  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  23.  “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”).       24.  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25.  But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.       Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV)       26  In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,  27.  to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.  28.  The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”       29.  Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  30.  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.  31.  You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  32.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,  33.  and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”       34.  “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”       35.  The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[ the Son of God.  36.  Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.  37.  For no word from God will ever fail.”       38.  “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.       Luke 1:26-38  (NIV)

Dr.  Brian Hill (Senior Pastor), "An Advent Series:  Through the Eyes of Joseph and Mary". Modern Worship Praise Team (11:15 Service).       18.  This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  19.  Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.       20.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  21.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”       22.  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  23.  “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”).       24.  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25.  But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.       Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV)       26  In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,  27.  to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.  28.  The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”       29.  Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  30.  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.  31.  You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  32.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,  33.  and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”       34.  “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”       35.  The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[ the Son of God.  36.  Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.  37.  For no word from God will ever fail.”       38.  “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.       Luke 1:26-38  (NIV)

Dr.  Brian Hill (Senior Pastor), "An Advent Series:  Through the Eyes of Joseph and Mary". Handbells, Choir, Blended Worship Praise Team (8:45 Service).       18.  This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  19.  Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.       20.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  21.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”       22.  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  23.  “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”).       24.  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25.  But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.       Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV)       26  In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,  27.  to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.  28.  The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”       29.  Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  30.  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.  31.  You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  32.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,  33.  and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”       34.  “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”       35.  The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[ the Son of God.  36.  Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.  37.  For no word from God will ever fail.”       38.  “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.       Luke 1:26-38  (NIV)

Dr.  Brian Hill (Senior Pastor), "An Advent Series:  Through the Eyes of Joseph and Mary".       18.  This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  19.  Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.       20.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  21.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”       22.  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  23.  “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”).       24.  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25.  But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.       Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV)       26  In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,  27.  to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.  28.  The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”       29.  Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  30.  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.  31.  You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  32.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,  33.  and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”       34.  “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”       35.  The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[ the Son of God.  36.  Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.  37.  For no word from God will ever fail.”       38.  “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.       Luke 1:26-38  (NIV)

Sunday 24th November 2024 - West and North Sites Sunday 1st December 2024 - Central site AM & PM Speaker - Gemma Jones Gemma introduces our Christmas series - "Come and See!" with a look at Mary's Song in Luke chapter 1. -------- Luke 1 v 26 - 56 26)  In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27)  to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28)  The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.” 29)  Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30)  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God. 31)  You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32)  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33)  and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34)  “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35)  The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36)  Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37)  For no word from God will ever fail.” 38)  “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. 39)  At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40)  where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 41)  When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42)  In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43)  But why am I so favoured, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44)  As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45)  Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” 46)  And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47)      and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, 48)  for he has been mindful      of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49)      for the Mighty One has done great things for me—      holy is His name. 50)  His mercy extends to those who fear him,      from generation to generation. 51)  He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;    He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52)  He has brought down rulers from their thrones      but has lifted up the humble. 53)  He has filled the hungry with good things      but has sent the rich away empty. 54)  He has helped His servant Israel,      remembering to be merciful 55)  to Abraham and his descendants forever,      just as he promised our ancestors.” 56)   Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. -------- Recorded at North Site - 24Nov2024

”Throughout ancient times God spoke in many fragments and glimpses of prophetic thought to our fathers. Now, this entire conversation has finally dawned in sonship…He is the sum total of every utterance of God.” (Hebrew 1:1 – 3 paraphrased) The Birth Of Jesus Foretold Luke 1:26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So, the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Who Is Jesus? He is the Word made flesh Proverbs 8:22 “I Wisdom, was with the Lord when he began his work, long before he made anything else..” John 1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…all things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made.” Colossians 14:20 “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and in earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers of authorities, all things have been created for him and through him, and in him all things hold together.” 2. He is the ultimate message to all mankind John 1:18 “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.” “Until this moment God remained invisible; now the authentic, incarnate begotten Son, the blueprint of our design who represents the innermost being of God, the Son who is in the bosom of the Father, brings him into full view. He is the official authority qualified to announce God.” (John 1:18 paraphrased). Philippians 2:7 “…but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.” “Concepts create idols, only wonder comprehends anything.” (St Gregory of Nyssa) Mary's Yes 1. She is demonstration of perfect receptivity Luke 1:38 “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”

2. Jesus' Birth Luke 1:26-38 - In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.' Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants for ever; his kingdom will never end.' 'How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, 'since I am a virgin?' The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.' 'I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. 'May your word to me be fulfilled.' Then the angel left her. Luke 2:1-7 - 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 of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 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 placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Jesus! That Jesus was a human male is not really disputed. The birth of Jesus is extraordinary at every level. The primary documents about him, found in the Bible, states that he was born of a woman, which in itself tells us that at least in a prenatal state he was nurtured and formed as any other male baby was and is. On the physical level, Jesus was born as any person is, but as regards his conception, He was conceived like no other person - conceived by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35). This was so that Jesus would not be given the sinful nature past that all humans have. Jesus was fully human and fully divine. Other documents, outside of the Bible from that time period also attest to Jesus and his existence. Throughout the Old Testament, there is a witness to the birth of the Messiah, the Saviour. From the time of the first sin done by Adam, through the creation of Israel, the life of the Patriarchs and Kings and the oracles of the Prophets - all looking forward to the Messiah coming. The 5 Covenants that God made with people all look forward to this Messiah, this King. This King was to be their hope, their Saviour. His genealogy takes his physical line back to Abraham via David. Abraham was the father of Israel and David the first King. He grew into maturity as any young Jewish boy did. What's in a name? When Jesus was born, his name imbued the very reason he was born. His conception and birth were extraordinary at every level. So important is our understanding of the birth of Jesus that no fewer than 4 angels come to give us a full picture of the event. Do you think that his parents, Joseph & Mary, or God, ever gazed upon him, and thought "How misnamed he is"! They did not, because they knew the very purpose for which he was born. Did Jesus ever think of how misnamed he was? Certainly not! His name means one who saves, or a rescuer. The entirety of his birth, life and death were centred on this very role. His role was to save all those who would follow Him. He is the most talked about person in history. Almost everyone has an opinion about him. He was born to confirm God's promises, to reveal God as a Father, and to be our representative before Him. He gave us an example of how to live a holy life to the full. He was not merely a man who received some special power. He was not some strange creation that was half man and half God, with his human nature somehow absorbed into the divine. He was, as we shall see in this series, much more than those ideas! One of the Church Fathers, Anselm, wrote that God's salvation plan for humans involved triumphant victory over sin, death and the grave. However no person could be found that was eligible or capable to do this. Because of this, God stepped into human history, so that this victory could be achieved. This God-man would be fully human, so as to live every feature of humanity, including suffering and death. This God-man would also need to remain fully God, so as to defeat sin, death and the grave. Jesus, being sinless, was this God-man, consisting as he did of two complete natures, the God nature and the human nature. That is why Jesus being both fully God and fully human is all important - without either, He could not be the long awaited Messiah and Saviour. That Jesus is both human and divine is what makes Christianity unique amongst the world's religions. It is why Jesus' claims to be the only way to God are true and make sense, and it is why millions of people today worship Him and acknowledge Him as their Lord and their God. From what we know of his childhood and early life, we know that he grew in stature and wisdom (Luke 2:52) For more to think about please do read Matthew 1:18-2:23. Ask yourself the following questions and see how you respond or react to them. 1. How important to me is every aspect of the conception and birth of Jesus Christ? 2. What lessons can I learn from other characters in these early chapters of the Gospels - Joseph, Mary, Shepherds, Wise Men, Simeon and Anna. 3. What aspects of the whole story of Jesus physical conception and birth am I not familiar with? Right mouse click or tap here to save this podcast episode as a mp3

Welcome to Day 2294 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom The Characters of Christmas-3 Mary, The Simple Girl at the Center of Everything – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 12/11/2022 The Characters of Christmas: Mary, The Simple Girl at the Center of Everything Last week we continued our Advent series as we explored A Christmas Miracle: The Story of Zachariah and Elizabeth. Today, we continue our third Advent series character as we explore Mary, the Simple Girl at the Center of Everything. Our initial scripture for today is Luke 1:26-45, on pages 1588-89 in the pew Bible. Follow along as I read.  The Birth of Jesus Foretold 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Mary Visits Elizabeth 39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” The city of...

Luke 1:26-38 NIV 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shcc/message

Islington Baptist is a church in Newcastle, Australia sharing the life-changing message of Jesus. Our sermon/bible teaching is a central part of our gatherings. Luke 1:26-56 - NIV11 version. 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. 39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” 46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48 for he has been mindful    of the humble state of his servant.From now on all generations will call me blessed,49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—    holy is his name.50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,    from generation to generation.51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones    but has lifted up the humble.53 He has filled the hungry with good things    but has sent the rich away empty.54 He has helped his servant Israel,    remembering to be merciful55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,    just as he promised our ancestors.” 56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Bible readings: Romans 16:25-27 25 Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith – 27 to the only wise God be glory for ever through Jesus Christ! Amen. Luke 1:26-38 The birth of Jesus foretold 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.' 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants for ever; his kingdom will never end.' 34 ‘How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?' 35 The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.' 38 ‘I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.' Then the angel left her.

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail. “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:34-38). Among the various ways to reflect on this angel visitation, pondering Mary's response is beneficial. Even though the events that take place with her are unique, her attitudes and response are held up within the narrative as worthy of praise and emulation. She is honored by God not for her own merit, nor for what she has done, but because she is the chosen vessel for this display of God's grace. This is a beautiful thing. God choose her simply because. She is the person whom God unexpectedly chooses to use, bringing no outstanding credentials to the task. Living on the edge of the nation, she brings nothing on her résumé. Many of us live with this nagging sense that we are unusable, that our résumés too thin. God will have none of that. He created us! Though we may be marred and broken by sin, we are never beyond repair. Nor are we ever beyond use for his purposes. We wonder how salvation will overcome all the obstacles of sin, ignorance, and defiance that we place in its path. Like Mary, we ask "how will this be" that God troubles with such a wretched, self-centred, inconsistent, and spiritually impoverished person as me? God just smiles saying, “Watch me!” Like Mary we may initially resist when God comes calling. But we are invited to move from fright to willingness. When she says, “I am the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled,” Mary is not saying, “It's so clear now! I get it!” nor “I love this plan and I'm excited to be part of it.” She is saying, “I have many questions, but I will follow.” This is an important space for us to occupy. Some of us refuse to move toward Jesus unless it all comes together for us—rationally, emotionally, and personally. It is either rapturous joy in God or nothing at all. But often we can only do what Mary does—submit and trust despite the fears and reservations. That gives us a foothold for moving forward. “Let it be to me as you have said,” Mary concludes (38). This was no simple matter. She is being asked to bear a child as an unmarried virgin. In joining God and his redemption plan, she will probably become the object of much doubt and ridicule. Still, as God's servant, she will allow him to work through her as he wills. He can place her in whatever difficult circumstances he desires, for she trusts him. The apostle Paul invites us to make this our permanent posture towards God. To the Galatians, he wrote, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (5:25). We do not, in fact, we cannot know where the Spirit may lead us. When we cannot see how God can use us, God says, “Watch me!” When we do not know where we need to go, God says, “Trust me!” Take time this Advent to sit with Mary. See her move from “What on earth” to “Alright Lord, I will trust you.” And let the Spirit lead you on the same journey. Though you walk in darkness, may you see the great light. Though you live in a land of deep shadows—may you see light! sunbursts of light! May God increase your life, expand your joy. May you be glad in his presence! May God give you the joy of a great celebration, sharing rich gifts and warm greetings (cf. Isaiah 9:2-3 MSG).

He Shall Be Called // Prince of PeaceIsaiah 9:6-7a NIVFor 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. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.1. The process often involves what the world would call RISK.Luke 1:26-38 NIV26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.Luke 1:46-49 NIV46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is his name.2. The process often involves what the world would call REJECTION.Luke 2: 1,3-7 NIV1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 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 guest room available for them.Matthew 16:24 NIV24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.Matthew 16:25 NIV25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.3. The process often involves what the world would call RECKLESSNESS.Questions1. Have there been times in your life that you knew God was calling you to something that felt risky? How did you respond and why?2. Have you ever dealt with rejection? Can you see any possible way that God was able to use it for good? How can thinking back on that time help with your responses to the call of God right now in this season?3. How can remembering God's reckless love and inclusion help shape your responses to Him and what He is asking of you today?

Luke 1:26-29 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.  28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.    Wait in confusion with a Word.  1. God has a plan.   Luke 1:30-35 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 2. God will overshadow you. Luke 1:36-37 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 3. God will give you examples of faithfulness. Luke 1:38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. 4. Accept your God-given identity before you feel complete. Luke 1:39-40 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 5. Hurry to people who can help. Luke 1:41-44 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.   6. Jump for joy. Luke 1:45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” 7. Keep believing. Luke 1:56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home 8. Make preparations. If you wait in confusion with a Word, you can wait in confusion with confidence.

Unlikely Choice – Mary  Luke 1:26-38 (NIV) In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.'Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.'‘How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?'The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.'‘I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.' Then the angel left her. 1.     The Choices of God can be troubling to our human understanding. “God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee…The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.  Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.” 2. Surrendering our plans to God always leads to something ultimately eternally greater than our original plan and expectation. Luke 1:30 (NIV)But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.' 3. God's choices and way leads to miracles.  Luke 1:31-33 (NIV)“You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)“The mind of man plans His way, But the Lord directs his steps” And as he directs your steps you hold on to the promise that Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. verse 34.“Mary asked the “But How can this happen? I am a virgin” NLT Verse 37. "Nothing is impossible with God!” Luke 1:38 (NLT) Mary responded, “I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”

Morning Worship 19 Nov.'23

In this week's episode of Mr. Curiosity, the Brown Bag speaks! Not only is Joe overwhelmed with the lady power of Mindi and Elizabeth, but emotions run high as we address your questions to Elizabeth Worthington on her last day at WNEP. Even Elizabeth's boyfriend speaks from the great beyond....beyond the Brown Bag!? Get your questions in for future episodes to brownbag@wnep.com 

In this week's episode of Mr. Curiosity, the Brown Bag speaks! Not only is Joe overwhelmed with the lady power of Mindi and Elizabeth, but emotions run high as we address your questions to Elizabeth Worthington on her last day at WNEP. Even Elizabeth's boyfriend speaks from the great beyond....beyond the Brown Bag!? Get your questions in for future episodes to brownbag@wnep.com 

http://bible.com/events/49064689 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg Stories of Your Life Part 3: Mary Mary- With Jesus at the beginning, with him until the end. Welcome back to our Sunday morning teaching series “Stories of Your Life” As a church family we are seeking to understand the meaning and the impact of Passion week through the perspectives and stories of key people involved. They are not stories of “our lives” of course, but stories that undergird the new life available to us in Christ.They are the stories that challenge us, encourage us, and point us to the Life. Augustine Him whom the heavens cannot contain, the womb of one woman bore. She ruled our Ruler; she carried Him in whom we are; she gave milk to our Bread. Warren Wiersbe “The first time we meet Mary in the gospel of John, she is attending a wedding (John 2:1-11); now she is preparing for a burial. The hour has come!” ‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭23‬-‭25 ‬‬When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let's not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let's decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, “They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” So this is what the soldiers did. Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. If you pay attention, Mary's life will teach you FAITH ‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭38 ‬‬In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. MARY'S STORY DEMONSTRATES F.A.I.T.H.‭‭ John‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭5 ‬‬On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬-‭14‬‬ Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Vickie Kraft She had known the presence of God all through these years. She knew what it was to raise a large family, to economize on a tight budget. She experienced slurs on her reputation. She knew unbelief in her own family as her other sons rejected her firstborn all their lives until after his resurrection. But now that Jesus' earthly life was over, she asked for no special place of honor. She was simply another worshipper of her Lord. Faithfulness Availability Intimacy Trust Humility ST. TERESA OF AVILA God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.‭‭ Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭20 ‬‬I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Giving at COTN If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: finance@cotnaz.org Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ! https://www.cotnaz.org/giving/

Saturday, December 24: Adore - Christmas EveWeek 4 - Daniel Knutson: "God's Participation & Invitation" Luke 1:26-38In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”“I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 2:1-18In 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 of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 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 placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. John 1:1-9In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it... The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

Luke 1:26-38   New International Version     In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

21. Mary is called by God Today we continue looking at the people of the Christmas story. Today we start a series of 4 podcasts looking at Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary, to whom was given the great privilege and awesome responsibility of carrying and giving birth to God's Son, the Messiah. Mary was probably a teenager when she received this visit from the angel Gabriel to tell her that the Lord had chosen her for this very special purpose. Come and listen to find out more about this part in the Christmas story! 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.' 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants for ever; his kingdom will never end.' 34 ‘How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?' 35 The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.' 38 ‘I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.' Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:26-38)   Right Mouse click or tap here to save this as an audio mp3 file Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe or share

“In every great story (or in every great romance,) there are three things: a hero, a maiden, and a dragon.” G.K. Chesterton. The Maiden In Luke 1:26-29, Mary has had an appearance of an angel that calls himself Gabriel and tells her that she is highly favored and so on and so forth. For more on this scene watch the video “Blessed are you among women.” So, Mary is standing there dumbfounded, terrified, and in her mind she's thinking about scripture. She is beginning to add up the facts of scripture. What is interesting is that later in the chapter, “The Song of Mary” contains 15 references to Old Testament scriptures. Off the top of her head, she sings a song composed of 15 Old Testament texts. Anybody want to try that? This woman was a scholar of scripture, which tells me since she likely was not pushed to learn the law, she was searching on her own. She loved the word of God. So now we have the announcement of the Hero's birth in Luke 1:30-33. The Angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary.” This command is given us more than all others in Scripture. Why is that? Because we're creatures of fear. You know why we're creatures of fear. I don't know if you're fearful about what's going on around the world, but there are, you know, sometimes fearful things that we begin to see. Faith conquers fear. God intends faith to overcome. And you say, why are we creatures of fear? Because we were born into a sinful race. You know, we're told in Hebrews 2:14-15 that Satan is the one who holds the power of fear over humans. Christ came to deliver us from fear. And so Gabriel repeats the message that God so often gives us. Gabriel next says, “You have found favor with God.” The first time that occurs is about Noah in Genesis 6:8. “The whole world was corrupt, and the Lord looked and saw that the world had corrupted its way before Him, but Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” Would you like to find favor with God? You know how you find favor? You look for it in the right place. It's right here in Scripture. As we open His word, we find that Jesus Christ is manifest before us. John 1:14 says, “The word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” Grace and Truth. We have to be full of Truth if we want to get the Grace. She found favor (Grace) in the sight of God. The Hero Gabriel then says, “Behold, you conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and call his name Jesus.” It might interest you to know that Jesus in the Hebrew is Yeshua which means, “The salvation of Jehovah.” Yeshua, where does Yeshua first occur in the Old Testament? Did you know that Whenever you read, “The Salvation of the Lord” in the Old Testament you're reading the name in Hebrew, “Yeshua?” First time it occurs in Genesis 49:18 where Jacob is giving prophecies concerning his sons. He comes to the son Dan and says he is like a serpent that bites the heels of the horse and causes the rider to fall a serpent. The very next thing Jacob says is, “Oh Lord, I have waited for Yeshua,” Isn't that precious? Yeshua is next used again and Exodus 14:13 immediately after the Passover. Moses and the children of Israel have come out of Egypt. They finally got to a place where the armies of the Egyptians are behind them, mountains are on both sides and the Red Sea is in front of them. The people begin to panic. What does Moses say? “Stand still and you will see Yeshua.” I find that to be absolutely amazing, especially when just the night before they took the blood of the lamb and struck the door post and the lintel. What do you think that blood made on the door? It made a cross. Isn't it amazing. So, there's three things that Gabriel says this Son is going to have: 1) the House of David, 2) the throne of his father, David; 3) He's going to reign over His. Once again, Mary is a student of scripture. Mary is sharp, and she hears three things: a house, a throne, and a kingdom. 2nd Samuel 7:12 says, “When your days are fulfilled, you rest with your fathers, (speaking here, of David) and I will set up your seed after you who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.” Now notice, particularly verse 13, “He shall build a house for My name. I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” You see it? A house, a throne, a kingdom. There is no doubt in my mind that Mary was able to put that together. The next section, Luke 1:34-38 starts when Mary now asks a question, “How can these things be?” How is it going to be accomplished? “Since I am a virgin.” The angel answered. “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called a Son of God. Even Elizabeth, your relative, is going to have a child in her old age. And she who was said to be unable to conceive, is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail. I am Lord's servant, Mary answered, May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. When Mary asked the question, “How can these things be?” It sounds very much like the questions Zacharias asked in Luke 1:18. Zacharias said, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, an old man, and my wife has advanced in years.” The angel rebuked him because of Zacharias unbelief.” Mary's question sounds very much the same, but you see, God knows the heart. God knows the secrets of the heart. And Mary's question here simply has to do with her virginity. “I do not know a man.” And so the angel basically explains that the entire God-head will to go to work as a team and you're going to have a child.. “The Holy Spirit,” he says, “will come upon you and the power of the Highest.” The Most High God is El Elyon of the Old Testament, Then “that Holy One” who is to be born will be called the Son of God.” And so the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit meet together. Gabriel gives to Mary further comfort. “Elizabeth, your relative, has conceived a son in her old age and is now in the sixth month for her who was called baron, for with God, nothing shall be impossible.” Did you ever stop to think that the amazing, miraculous work that God did in Mary is really in essence, what He does in every person that comes to Christ. Because at the moment we believe in Jesus Christ. He, in the person of His Holy Spirit, takes up personal residence within us. The very fact that you have the Spirit of God dwelling within you says that you have the Godhead within you. Because if you go back to Romans 8:9-11, where Paul says, “if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, he has none of his,” he refers to the Holy Spirit three ways. Gabriel said to Mary, “the Lord is with you.” But you know what? The Lord wasn't with her, even in the sense that He is with us. God's work in your life is a miraculous work. Paul understood this, and Paul staked his entire life on it when he wrote to the Galatians and he said in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ. Nevertheless, I live; yet not I.” Here's the thing. Empty yourself. He'll fill you with the spirit. “Christ lives in me.” How? How is that possible? He said, “The life that I now live, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.” That's the secret. And it's simple. But simple doesn't mean easy. Sometimes simple can be very, very hard. It's very interesting that on one occasion, Jesus disciples, astounded at a statement that He made, said, “Who then can be saved?” You remember what He said? “With men, it's impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” You can check that out in Matthew 19:26. The last we see of Mary here before she departs from the stage, she makes two statements. “Behold a maid servant of the Lord.” And “Let it be according to your Word.” These two statements show us two things about Mary: 1) her availability, and 1) her willingness. Do you think Mary had an inkling of the cost? Do you think she might have realized that this is going to involve some pain? She recognized, for example, that people were not going to understand her situation. Here she is, a young woman who shows up pregnant inviting some shame and disgrace. She likely knew her pregnancy would create some problems for Joseph, as it did. If we look back at the story in Matthew 1:18-20, he was wrestling with in his soul. Apparently, Mary didn't tell Joseph about Gabriel's visit. And so, we see in Matthew he is wrestling because it says when Mary was “found to be with child.” How do you find somebody to be with child? They start showing, right? She is obviously pregnant, and she is unmarried. “Let it be to me.” I wonder how many of us would be able to say that if the Lord put in front of us the greatest privilege that anyone could ever have with some of the greatest suffering and anguish that you could ever go through? Could we say, “Let it be to me, according to your word.” Do you know what she does here? She said the same thing her Son would say 33 years later in the Garden of Gethsemane. She was going through her own Gethsemane. “All those who journey sooner or late, Must pass beyond the garden gate; Must kneel alone in anguish there, and wrestle with some deep despair. God pity those who only pray, “Let this cup pass,” Who cannot say, “Not mine, but thine,” Who do not see, the purpose of Gethsemane.” We all have our Gethsemane to go through. But we can always say, “Let it be to me according to your word.” Mary couldn't have anticipated what was going to be told to her in Luke 2:35, when Simeon meets her and says, “a sword will pierce through your own soul also.” Now we're talking the cross and her eventually watching her Son die in anguish. She also couldn't have figured that 33 years later, as Jesus is contending with the Pharisees, they would take the question of His birth and throw it in His face and say, “We were not born of fornication” (John 8:41), suggesting, of course, that He probably was. The Dragon So far we've seen only a part of the romance of redemption. Moving forward 2000 plus years from the scene with Gabriel, document in Revelation Chapter 12 is the big picture. The woman depicted there with the 12 stars over her head and the moon at her feet represents Israel as we know from the dreams of Joseph. Who represents Israel? “Blessed are you among women.” Particularly the women of Israel. The dragon in Revelation 12 waits for the baby to be born. Here we have Herod and the slaughter of infants. Mary could not have known the phenomenal spiritual cosmic conflict in which she was a small player. Of course, the chapter also anticipates events taking place in the tribulation period. By the way, the stage of the world has been set for the tribulation. That's where we are right now, my friends. Time is short. Revelation 12:9-10 says, “Then I heard a loud voice saying, in heaven now salvation and strength and the kingdom of our God and the power of His Christ have come for the Accuser of our brethren who accused them before our God. Day night has been cast down.” How many times you think this week the devil brought your name up to God? You know, when he accuses us, when we give him a reason to accuse us, you know, when else he accuses us, when we're blameless. He especially loves to accuse the blameless. Remember, Job? I think it was Peter that said in 1st Peter 5:8, “The devil walks about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.” We do not know what tomorrow holds. We do not know what the next year is going to bring. We do not know what challenges we may face. But we do know one thing. God only accepts victory. The battle is fought to be won. Revelation 12:11 says “They overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives, even unto death.” There are three things here. The blood of the lamb refers to the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. The Word of the testimony I take not to be my personal testimony, but the word to which I testify, namely, Word of God. Here's the challenge. What was it Mary said? “Let it be to me according to your word.” “They love not their lives, even unto death.” How can we not love our own life? Only by loving Christ more? And that's a daily decision and a daily challenge. And I pray that each one of us might have verse 11 said of us in the end. Paul said in 1st Corinthians 7:29-30, “This I say, brethren, the time is short.” “Those who weep will be as though they did not weep. And those who rejoice as though they do not rejoice.” What is he saying here? He simply saying that there are seasons in life, times of joy and times of mourning. In either case, you can take it on the authority of the Word of God that He works all things together for good. Be assured. Be comforted. After the dark comes the dawn. There is light coming. There is joy coming. There is comfort coming. We at Basic Training Bible Ministries are challenged to be more like Mary and have decided “not just to hear, but to do.” Hopefully you are encouraged in this way by these truths as well. Merry Christmas BTBM Staff

Upcoming Events • https://hopecitypdx.com/upcoming-events • Check out all the events and activities for us to enjoy together. I've Accepted Jesus • https://hopecitypdx.com/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next! Let Us Pray With You • https://hopecitypdx.com/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you. Sunday, December 18: Adore Week 3 - Daniel Knutson: "Mary (Believe)" We trust what we can depend on We choose hard things when we believe they will pay off Luke 1:26-38…God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”“I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:45-55“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” Mary believed she could depend on God Mary obeyed God Humility reminds us that Jesus is King and we are not Humility makes room for us to believe God, to obey God, and to partner with God and His plans How are you making room for God's plans to be lived out in your life?

Today we take a look at Luke 1 and how it prepares us for Christmas!    26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[b] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.   https://www.spiritandtruth.life/ https://www.instagram.com/twmilt/

MAKING ROOM #2 | Embody Servanthood | December 11, 2022Brian Van Eps | Guest Speaker “In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.’ ‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’ The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.’ ‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:26-38 (NIV) Who has served you well? The “Making Room” Idea: Embody Servanthood Mary’s question: “How can this be?” Two Lessons we can embody as well: 1) You are uniquely gifted for God’s purposes2} You are given God’s Spirit and his Power to do what he asks of you Mary’s response: “I am the Lord’s servant.” The Big Question: How will you respond? A “Making Room” Response: Embody Servanthood through Radical Hospitality Reflection Questions:1) Who has served you well? 2) Who have you served recently? 3) What excuses do you have for not living out God’s purposes? 4) How are you uniquely gifted for God’s purposes? 5) How will you respond to God’s call to Embody Servanthood? 6) What is one Radically Hospitable act you can do before the end of 2022? Next Steps: Complete the Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any question: http://journeyweb.net/connectcardWant to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeyweb.net/giveDownload our app: https://journeyweb.net/app Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozemanGet your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeyweb.net/childrenOur Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeyweb.net/studentsSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozemanNotes Page: https://journeyweb.net/sermons/notes/2022.12.11.pdf

Sermon Notes

Pastor Dave hits us with a core issue in today's world: how when we are hurt, it spills out to others. How do we reconcile with ourselves and with God? How can we spill out love and not hurt? Listen to ponder the issue. Scripture is from NIV. Luke 1:26-38The Birth of Jesus Foretold26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.2 Corinthians 5:17-2017 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.Support the showSupport us here:https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/ BPC Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch

Preacher: Kathy Maskell Scripture: Luke 1:26-38 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabrielto Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid,Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[b] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

Lectio Divina is a method to prayerfully enter into God's Word. Create some sacred space for God and spend a few quiet moments engaging with Scripture. As you allow the Spirit to lead, you may be surprised by where he leads you – even in familiar passages like this one.Once you've listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, head over to the next episode and listen to my conversation with Bette Dickinson, artist and author. We talk about her process meditating on Luke 1 and her beautiful new book, Making Room in Advent.You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznikDownload your free Lectio Divina Guided journal at http://www.jodieniznik.com/connect-1The exact verses read in this podcast are:Luke 1:34-38, NIV34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

God is with us. Our hope will only be as strong as whatever we place it in. Luke 1:35-37 NIV - 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” Hebrews 6:18-19 NIV - 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure… ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ - “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Today's episode with Angela is so fun, so inspiring, and full of nuggets of wisdom about life and business. So, friends, meet Angela Brown — she's a talent brand and portrait photographer based in Brighton, Michigan. She was a wealth advisor for 25 years before doing a 180 on her career to become a photographer — proving it's never “too late” to make a major career shift. Angie also enjoys educating other photographers in building personal brands to attract their ideal clients. She's got plenty of tips for you photographers listening, but we also talk about her awesome career story, her experience with EM Shop templates, and so much more.    Highlights from this interview: How Angela pivoted to being a brand photographer after 25 years as a wealth advisor  Angela's experience customizing her EM Shop template - spoiler, she had FUN!  The Showit Blueprint Course and how it guides you through your website build out  Changes Angela made to her template to making it uniquely her own  Why Angela switched from ProPhoto (WordPress) to Showit  Tips and strategies for building a successful business as a brand photographer  Thinking about getting a template from EM Shop like Angela did? Here's a little blurb with what she had to say about EM Shop: "I am so thankful I found Elizabeth and the EM Shop! As someone who has always hired a designer to customize my Wordpress site, it was a big step to take that responsibility into my own hands. But Elizabeth and her team gave me support when I was stuck. Most importantly, the Showit Blueprint course was simply incredible. I got almost all the answers and best-practices I needed to create my dream site. Even Elizabeth's launch and marketing tips were so helpful! I would recommend EM Shop to anyone looking to up her game!" Links mentioned in this episode: - Get the full shownotes for this episode: https://elizabethmccravy.com/189  - Check out EM Shop Templates: http://elizabethmccravy.com/shop  - Get a free month of Showit: https://elizabethmccravy.com/showit-coupon-code  - Connect with Elizabeth on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethmccravy/  - Connect with Angela on her website: https://angelabrownphotography.com/  - Connect with Angela on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelabrown23/ 

The story of the announcement of the birth of Jesus is breathtaking. Tune in today to make some connections to the past and the future - we are in Section 5 @ https://www.harmonychurch.cc/timeline-of-jesus/birth-preparation/. GIVE TODAY, text any amount to (859) 459-0316 to get started (or give online @ my.harmonychurch.cc/give ). ------------------- OPENING: Years ago I thought Jenni was dying…  She had just had surgery about a week earlier and she was not getting better.  She was pale and at one point I walked into the bedroom and she was laying on the bed looking like death.  I don't know that I've ever been so scared.  We immediately called the doctor and got an appointment.  We went in and they drew blood to start running tests.  Waiting to get the results back was torture - some of you know what that's like.  Finally, they called us back in for a consult.  I can remember sitting in that room, neither of us talking, both just hoping for anything but the worst… I'll never forget the doctor coming in… She sat down with a serious look on her face. She said, “we got your results back…” My heart stopped beating for a moment Finally, the doctor leaned in and she blurts out, “You're pregnant!” I literally almost fainted… We hadn't even considered the idea that Jenni was pregnant - she had taken a pregnancy test before undergoing the surgery the week before and it was negative. Not only that, but Jen hadn't been sick or anything with our first child - so it never even crossed our mind… My grandma of course wanted to know if we knew what caused that… Ha… That was a crazy way to find out you were about to have another child… But not near as crazy as the first Christmas story… LK 1:26-38 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy In a couple of weeks we are going to talk about this baby… Elizabeth is the mom of John the baptist - so when she's 6 months along, Mary is going to have the following happen… God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. This is not the first time Gabriel has appeared in the bible, he is who announced the birth of John the Baptist, but in 538BC this same angel appeared to Daniel… Daniel is in his 80s, he knows the prophecy in Jeremiah that says the captivity in Babylon will only last 70 years and he's close to the end of that 70 years.  Literally, within a year, Cyrus will make a decree for the Jewish people to begin to be able to start returning home.  Daniel has been praying this prayer of repentance when an angel appears… Daniel 9:20-22 20 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the Lord my God for his holy hill— 21 while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. The message Gabriel will give to Daniel is almost universally accepted as pertaining to the coming of the Messiah -People don't agree about exactly what it means - it's probably one of the most confusing passages… But here's what's significant to me… We have Gabriel some 530 some years before Jesus' birth foretelling the Messiah coming and dying. b Then we don't hear from him again… b Until he begins speaking of the coming Messiah again… Here we have Gabriel greeting Mary, listen to what he says to her… 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” This is Shocking news -I thought finding out that my wife was pregnant after a negative test was shocking - this is beyond shocking…  I know for most of you, you've heard this so much in your life you've forgotten how crazy it is.   Mary is not an old woman at this point, she is probably late teens, maybe early 20s - she's a young woman.   She's told she will conceive and give birth to a son and call him Jesus The Hebrew of Jesus' name is actually Yeshua it means, Salvation. There is so much in this proclamation - that Jesus would sit on David's throne that Jesus would be the Son of the Most High - a title for GodHe would reign over Jacob and his kingdom would never end… Here's what I want you to get… b You all know this stuff and it all makes sense - you know Jesus will die and raise to life, that His Kingdom is one that exists inside humans - not in a particular land. b But Mary didn't… This would have blown her away… 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. I have stood in the church that is built around the cave that they believe Mary was in when Gabriel came to her…  Most of Nazareth is built up on this mountainside and the city in the time of Jesus was tiny, only a few hundred people living there in the stone-cut cave dwellings…  It's a humble place…   And it's in this place that Mary hears the angel's words - the foretelling of Jesus and she believes and says “I am the Lord's servant,” Do you remember at the very beginning of the sermon there was a video with a passage from Isaiah being read? Can I just read you the first part of that again? Is 53:1 Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? Who believed? Who was it revealed to? A young woman in a tiny town She was a nothing nobody - she should have been a blip on the radar of history that no one would ever know about… b Except she said, “I am in…” b and that changed everything… There was a reason God chose Mary & Joseph to be the parents of Jesus - Joseph's acceptance of this whole situation was just as humbling… Jesus' parents were people of deep faith and reliance upon Jesus - they were defined by trust… I believe God is still looking for simple trust from us, He may not ask you to steward the change agent for the entirety of human history - but He is asking for your whole devotion… One of the things that has struck me from studying the life of Jesus so much is how singular He was in His desire for devotion from those who followed Him. CLOSING ILLUSTRATION: Years ago when I was a youth pastor, I had taken some of my kids who were leaders on a retreat to learn leadership - we did trust falls and low ropes courses, and finally we were going to do some repelling. One of the teenage girls was at the edge of the mountain and I was back with her twin sister sitting up against a rock watching as the guide tried to convince her sister to go over the edge. Her sister wouldn't trust the guide and she was freaking out.. That's when her twin leaned over to me and said, “if my sister dies, I'm suing you for everything you're worth!” I thought, “you have no clue how much youth pastors make…” Ha When I saw this video, it reminded me of those sisters… [Download and play video: https://www.tiktok.com/@shotovercanyonswing/video/7114409010261970177?lang=en] Let me tell you something… Following Jesus requires you going over the edge with him. It requires you being all in… Can I ask you one thing? b What is keeping you from going all in with Jesus? He came to save you from your sins - and the reality is this. when you go over the edge with Jesus and give yourself totally to Him. What you find is that it's not scary - it's like home. You find that the God of the universe who came for us, makes up residence in your heart!

How an Angel visiting Mary can teach us about trusting in God and who He is. Luke 1:26-38 The Birth of Jesus Foretold 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

IT IS THE ONLY WAY: YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST IS NECESSARY. WHEN YOU ACCEPT CHRIST AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR, YOU RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT INTO YOUR HEART THAT PRODUCES UNIMAGINABLE CHANGES AND A UNDESCRIBABLE POWER TO DO THE WORK THAT GOD HAS FOR YOU TO DO. JUST SAY YES!INTRODUCTION: SERIES: FEAR IS NOT A FACTOR, BUT FAITH IS! FEAR DOES NOT STOP THE FAVOR OF GOD IN YOUR LIFE!LUKE 1:26-3826 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,  27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.  28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,  33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God.  36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.  37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.”We as Christians must understand that God's favor does not automatically bring instant success in our lives. Even the mother of Jesus Christ would soon have much pain in her life. Her friends would ridicule her, her fiancé would come close to leaving her, her son would be rejected, and murdered. But her commitment to doing what God called her to do would make her honored by many because Jesus would be the only one to bring hope to the world. Mary's submission to God's plan to bring salvation to the world has placed her in a place of honor. So no matter how God wants to use us, we must say yes, and accept the task as what it is. We have to say what Mary said, o am the Lords servant, and may it be to me as He have said. Amen!!!Divine favor is never random, it is intentional. God's favor in your life is for a purpose. When God favors you, it's not for you to brag upon or sit on it, but has a use for it. God has endowed this favor on you so you can be a blessing to others! SCRIPTURES TO LIVE BY:LEVITICUS 26:9-12-  “‘I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you. 10 You will still be eating last year's harvest when you will have to move it out to make room for the new. 11 I will put my dwelling place[a] among you, and I will not abhor you. 12 I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.NUMBERS 6:25-26-May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. 26 May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.NEXT WEEK, WE WILL CONTINUE THE SERIES: FEAR IS NOT A FACTOR, BUT FAITH IS! YOUR FAITH IS UNDER A TEST!Next week read: MATTHEW 14:22-333 $25 gift cards giveaway to Amazon, Walmart, Visa SATURDAY, JANUARY 1!REMEMBER MY SISTERS AND BROTHERS, IT TAKES GRACE TO MAKE IT!

JOY - Closely related to gladness and happiness, although joy is more a state of being than an emotion; aresult of choice. The Lexham Bible DictionaryWONDERED (delogistico) - “wondered” or “deologistico” in the Greek means; to use logic, to reasonwith intensity. Encounters with Jesus by Timothy Keller (196)Quotes:“We prevent God from giving us the great spiritual gifts He has in store for us, because we do not givethanks for daily gifts. We think we dare not be satisfied with the small measure of spiritual knowledge,experience, and love that has been given to us, and that we must constantly be looking forward eagerlyfor the highest good…..How can God entrust great things to one who will not thankfully receive fromHim the little things?” -Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (29)“The holiest, most universal and most necessary practice in the spiritual life is the presence of God. Topractice the presence of God is to take pleasure in and become accustomed to His Divine Company…”The Practice of the presence of God by Brother Lawrence (125)“It is not enough,” he continues, “to love God and to know Him only by what books tell us about him, bywhat we feel about Him in our souls, by fleeting feelings of devotion, or by some sort of personalspiritual illumination. We must make our faith alive and by faith rise above our feelings, to adore Godand Jesus Christ in Themselves. This way of faith is the spirit of the Church, and it is all we need to arriveat a high degree of perfection.” The Practice of the presence of God by Brother Lawrence (143)“No one would dare celebrate Jubilee unless they had a deep trust in God's ability to provide for theirneeds. Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster (195)“So poke fun at yourself. Enjoy wholesome jokes and clever puns. Relish good comedy. Learn to laugh; itis a discipline to be mastered. Let go of the everlasting burden of always needing to sound profound”Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster (198)Scriptures:Luke 1:26-3826 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town inGalilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin'sname was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord iswith you.”29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But theangel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and givebirth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the MostHigh. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob'sdescendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High willovershadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called [a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth yourrelative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in hersixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.Philippians 4:4-74Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord isnear. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, withthanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Luke 9:49-5049“Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stophim, because he is not one of us.”50“Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”

Luke 1:26-38 (NIV)The Birth of Jesus Foretold 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.Footnotes:Luke 1:35 Or So the child to be born will be called holy,

Luke 1:26-38 (NIV)The Birth of Jesus Foretold 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.Footnotes:Luke 1:35 Or So the child to be born will be called holy,

Luke 1:26-38 (NIV)The Birth of Jesus Foretold 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.Footnotes:Luke 1:35 Or So the child to be born will be called holy,

The Summit of Christian Experience Turn in your Bibles, if you would, to Ephesians chapter 3. We're going to be looking at the very end of this chapter now, as Kyle mentioned, for the fourth week, looking at this remarkable prayer that the Apostle Paul prays for the Ephesian Christians, and I believe for us, and that we can learn from it. And three weeks ago, I put a slide up, as you may remember, of the City of Kathmandu, which is in somewhat of a bowl, and you can see the city in the slide, the picture, and then above it a layer of smog and air pollution and cloud, and then above that, majestic mountains, the Himalayan mountain range, and a desire to set that image in your mind as somewhat of a parable of the ordinary Christian experience of how we Christians can live our lives in a smog covered haze with our head down, drizzled on all the time, and not aware of the mountain of majestic experience, of a sense of the “love of God poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit” that is available for all of us. And that if we would just exert ourselves and believe that there is a better kind of experience of Christ's love available for us through the Holy Spirit, “the deposit guaranteeing our future inheritance” in Christ, then we will begin to climb. And by the power of God, we will start moving up higher and higher a mountain of Christian experience to some rarefied air that we didn't even know existed, and begin to breathe healthier, in this parable that I'm using this illustration, and have sights of the world that's coming in ways that will empower us for the mission God still has for us to do. And so, this is my fourth and final week preaching, and I think for many of you this whole theme has been new and unusual. Others have told me you've had these kinds of experiences, and that's been amazing for me. But you can see step-by-step Paul just taking the Ephesians and lifting them higher and higher and higher as he goes through this text. A Magnificent Unfolding, Step by Step Look at verses 14 and 15, Ephesians 3, Paul's prayer for the Ephesian Christians, he prays to the Father on their behalf. "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom His whole family in Heaven and earth derives its name." So, he has a view of the whole church of God here, not just the Ephesian Christians, but he's kneeling and praying for them. Step two, that God would, strengthen the inner man of these Christian people, the inner being, “out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being.” So there's this sense of strengthening through the Holy Spirit inside you. Step three, so that Christ would, “settle down in your hearts through faith,” that you would have a daily powerful experience of feasting with Christ, that you would just live with Christ and He would settle down in your hearts through faith, verse 17. Step four, that they would be “rooted and established in love.” You see that again in verse 17, “you, being rooted and established in love.” When I preached that, a different picture of an oak tree and of a vast building, both of them a sense of rootedness, stability, strength, not being easily moved. But one of them more of a living picture of an oak tree with deep root systems sucking nutrients and moisture from the subterranean areas there, and then growing and just flourishing like a mighty oak tree, or then a building, like Jesus said, built on a solid rock as we sang earlier, immovable. “Rooted and established in love, that you would have power,” some translations just say "be able," but I think the whole theme of power just pervades this text, “so that you would have power together with all the saints.” This was something that could happen to all Christians all over the world, all generations. We'll talk about that in a minute. But all Christians could have this kind of power, that you would be able to grasp, to comprehend the infinite dimensions of Christ's love for you. That you'd actually have a sense of it, and that you would actually in some ways, through your reading of the Scripture, through the power of the Holy Spirit, be able to travel in your minds to see the limits, and there are none, of Christ's love for you, how wide and long and high and deep. And to know that love that surpasses knowledge, something that goes beyond anything you've ever experienced or could know. Knowledge is part of it. It's not contrary to knowledge, it's just beyond knowledge. This love of Christ “poured into your heart by the Holy Spirit,” Romans 5:5. that you would have power to grasp that, to know that love that surpasses knowledge. And here's the summit now of Christian experience that we're going to begin looking at today, along with the doxology; that you would be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God, that being the summit of Christian experience, the best you can have in this world, a foretaste of Heaven. And Paul concludes this prayer with an astounding doxology, a beautiful doxology. Which proves that we're not going too far in this analysis, we're not going over the top. “Maybe pastor, you know, pushing this just a little too far.” You can't push this too far. When you look at the doxology in verse 20 and 21, however high you think that God can bring you in Christian experience, He can actually do immeasurably more than that. Verse 20, look at it, "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all you ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us." And then, the only way we can finish this is just to worship. To that God, to this God who can do immeasurably more, "To Him, be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations forever and ever, Amen." What Kind of Experience is Paul Talking About Here? So now, what kind of experience is Paul talking about here? What does he mean? What does he want to happen for these Ephesian Christians? I think his own experience that he describes in 2 Corinthians 12, is a sense of it, a picture of it. We're not necessarily going to have exactly what happened to Paul, he clearly thought his experience, the visions, was different than the norm, that set him apart as an Apostle. But still, dear friends, brothers and sisters, less than we'll all have in Heaven. Amen. So God can elevate us to this level. He says, 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, he says, "I know a man in Christ who 14 years ago was caught up to the third Heaven. Whether he was in the body or out of the body, I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man, whether in the body or apart from the body, I do not know, God knows, was caught up to paradise. And he heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to talk about." It was just such an overwhelming experience of Heaven, a foretaste of Heaven, that he heard some things that he's not allowed to talk about with everyone else and you can't put it into words and he's not even allowed to try. That's what is waiting for all of us in Heaven. So that's an experience Paul had this side of death. Or again, we have the experience of Stephen as he was dying, as he was being martyred, as the stones were killing him, he was being stoned to death, it said, "But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to Heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 'And look,' he said, 'I see Heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.'" That's an experience just before death that he had of what it's going to be like for him when he is escorted into Heaven. Should We Seek Such an Experience? Now, we've looked week after week, this is our fourth week looking at this, at various testimonies of brothers and sisters in Christ who have had these kinds of experiences. One of the most moving that I read was written by Pastor John Flavel, who lived in the 17th Century, around the time of John Bunyan, the Puritan pastor. He's not talking about himself, but another pastor friend that he knew. And that pastor friend was on a journey, he was traveling from point A to point B. And as he was traveling in England, this is the account: "Thus going on his way, his thoughts began to swell and rise higher and higher, like the waters of Ezekiel's vision, until at last, they became an overwhelming flood, such was the intentness of his mind, such were the ravishing tastes of heavenly joys and the full assurance of his own future guarantee in them, that he utterly lost all sight and sense of the world, and all the concerns thereof. And for some hours knew no more where he was than if he had been in a deep sleep upon his bed. Arriving in great exhaustion at a certain spring, he sat down and washed and drank and earnestly desiring at that point, that if it was God's pleasure that might be his departing place from the world. Death had the most amiable face he could have imagined, except the face of Jesus, which made it so. And he does not remember, though he believed himself dying, that he ever even thought of his dear wife or of his children or frankly, any other earthly concernment. On reaching the inn, this influence still continued banishing sleep, still the joy of the Lord overflowed him, and he seemed to be an inhabitant of the other world." Now, he writes in that account, it's not written here in my sermon, but how, at some point, he felt the influence abating, like an ocean tide going out, and he never felt it again, never happened again. But years later, as he looked back, he said, it seemed to him to have been one of the days of Heaven. Wow, has anything like that ever happened to you, honestly? Is that even part of the salvation package? Is that something we could ask God for? Well, that's the very point of these four sermons, that you would have a yearning for something like this. Maybe it would just happen once. Maybe frankly, it would never happen. But still a greater elevation of your sense of the joys of Heaven than you've ever had before. Still, that is worth pursuing. Many other testimonies. I read one about Sarah Edwards, I've read from this pulpit before, how she felt like a dust speck floating in a beam of light, and that whole night she aid, "I can't put it into words, but it seemed to me that one moment of that experience that night was greater than all the pleasure I'd ever experienced in my body in my entire life up to that point, it was just pure pleasure. This time of year at Christmas time, some of us who like classical music love Handel's Messiah. Perhaps you've heard the story about how it was composed in, I think, about three weeks. It was about an hour-and-a-half of music that's still being played centuries later, composed in a very, very short amount of time. And the story goes that he locked himself in his apartment and was just focused on this to the point that his servant who was bringing food would come back and most of the food wasn't touched, and this just kept happening day after day for these several weeks. Finally, the servant became so concerned that he kind of bashed in the door, didn't care if he got fired or whatever would happen, and saw Handel on his knees with tears coming down his face, streaming down his face. You know, he's the one that wrote the Hallelujah course, all that, it's all part of the Messiah. Streaming down his face, and this is what he said, "I think I did see all Heaven before me and the great God Himself." And he later added these words, "Whether in the body or out of the body, I don't know." So, I'm not saying that members of our church might write the next Handel's Messiah or whatever is coming next, that was a gifting of God. But God gave him a vision of Heaven, a vision of the greatness of God. Now, the question that's in front of us is, "Should we seek such experiences?" Again, John Flavel, the one who gave us that testimony of his pastor friend, said this, "Ecstasy and delight are essential to the believer's soul, and they promote sanctification, they promote growth in Christ. We are not meant to live without spiritual exhilaration. And the Christian who goes for a long time without the experience of heart-warming will soon find himself tempted to have his emotions satisfied from earthly things and not as he ought from the Spirit of God." You're going to go after some thrill, you're going to go after some exhilaration, some ecstasy, and if you're not seeking it in Christ, you're going to seek it from the world. And so, therefore, he says, "Because the Lord has made Himself accessible to us in the means of grace, it is our duty and privilege to seek this experience from Him in these means till we are made joyful partakers of it." Now, notice that he makes a distinction between ecstasy and delight. Let me just say plainly, I don't know that most of us, if any of us in this room here will ever have the ecstasy, on this side. It seems to be rare. But you can have the delight. And you might say, "Well, what's the difference between ecstasy and delight?" I would say it's the difference, as I mentioned a few weeks ago, between a feast and a meal. Now, I say, you can't live without the meal. You can live without the feast, but if God wants to give you a feast, why would you refuse? If He wants to greatly expand your sense of what heavenly joys will be like, why would you say no to that? And wouldn't it be worth seeking? It's first comment. And he says that they're essential. You're going to seek some kind of exhilaration in something. If not in Christ, you're going to seek it in some worldly thing. When I shared some of these things at the men's retreat, I gave the illustration from the movie Hunt for Red October. I don't know if some of you have seen that submarine movie years ago. And there's this submarine called the Red October, and he's defecting to the West, it's a very powerful weapon, and Sean Connery plays a Russian. Americans can't tell the difference between a Scottish accent or Russian accent, so we're good. And you just listened to that, and it works fine. And he's the Russian captain, and he's defecting. Well, the Russian navy mobilizes to sink the Red October, and there's an attack sub, at a climatic part of the movie, that launches a torpedo right at the Red October. And they are able, through some maneuvering, to escape that torpedo, which is now active and acquiring, seeking something in the water to blow up. Now, that torpedo, homing, seeking, like yearning for some big hunk of metal, is a picture of our souls. You can't stop that, that's how God made you, He made you for Himself, to seek Him. And if you're not going to seek exhilaration in Christ, you're going to find it somewhere else, in some idols, that's the point. So let's look at carefully at the verses. We've been moving slowly through it. This is the last sermon perhaps that I'll ever preach on Ephesians 3. And so, I know we have marinated in this text, but it was intentional. Because these themes are unusual to us. The Overflowing Fullness of God (vs. 19) “Filled to the Measure of all the Fullness of God” These are things that we're not used to, and you can just read through, it's like, "Oh, Paul's praying for the Ephesian Christians, chapter 4." But instead, I think for us to go carefully looking at it, and then, we're pretty much at verse 19, “that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Now, what does that mean, that you would be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God? Well, first of all, the NIV is the only one that uses this word "measure". Most of the translation just say, "filled with the fullness of God." But I think the grammar and the Greek implies a certain proportionality, implies that, and so “you would be filled proportionally as God is filled,” or as the NIV puts it, I think, well, to the measure of the fullness of God. Alright, so what does this mean? What it Does Not Mean Well, let me start with what it doesn't mean. This doesn't mean that we reach some kind of empty, floating Nirvana in which we finally come to realize that all of life is an illusion, and that we are an illusion, and that pain and pleasure are illusions, and this is achieved by meditation on weird things, like what's the sound of one hand clapping, and things like that. That's Eastern meditation and mysticism, that's not what we're talking about. Neither are we talking about some Christian versions of that that seem to be atheological, contratextual, not looking for anything from the Bible, just want an experience. It's not that. And being “filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” does not mean we become gods and goddesses ourselves. It doesn't mean that. The Mormons teach about Jesus. Listen to this, “What we are he once was, what he is, we may become.” Friends, that's a heresy. There's an infinite gap between us and Jesus, essentially. He is God, and we will never be gods and goddesses, that's not what it means to be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. There are incommunicable attributes of God. There are things that are true of God, and will never be true of us. Theologians call them incommunicable, that we can't share these with God, He can't share these attributes with us. For example, God is eternal, He had no beginning, will have no end. We had a definite beginning. God is immutable, He never changes. We are changing all the time, our sanctification is essential, constant change in us that we become transformed, and made more like Christ. God is self-existent. He can say, "I am who I am," and all existence derives its existence from God. Of us, we can say, as it says in Acts 17, "In Him we live and move and have our being." So God is self-existent, God is omnipresent. That means, throughout the vast universe, God is fully everywhere there is a location. Also, it seemed to be the immensity of God, God's omnipresence and immensity are the same, really, I think, and we are not immense, and we're not omnipresent, and never will be. And God is omnipotent, all power in the universe is His, and we're going to talk about this in a moment, but we will never be omnipotent. So for Christians to be filled to the measure of the fullness of God does not mean these extremes. Neither is it mere kind of literary rhetoric where he's kind of going exaggeration going over the top to kind of make a point, not at all. Frankly, the implication is anything you're thinking is undershooting the mark. It doesn't matter what you've understood about what Paul wrote in Ephesians 3, it's less than the experience he's talking about. God is a “Full" Being Alright, so what does it mean? Well, first, let's just ponder the fullness of God. How full a being is God? Don't misunderstand why God created the universe. God didn't create the universe out of emptiness and loneliness. The Triune God, Father, Son, and Spirit wasn't lonely at all, but rather out of fullness, a display of fullness. So I love what it says in Psalm 115:3, "Our God is in Heaven He does whatever pleases Him." He's a very full, pleased, happy being. God is filled with love, He is filled with joy, He's filled with power, filled with compassion. Do you remember that encounter that Moses had on the top of the mountain? And he said, "Now show me your glory." He just wanted an encounter with God. Now show me your glory. Exodus 34:6. “And He,” God, “passed in front of Moses proclaiming, ‘The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger,’” now listen to these words, "abounding in love and faithfulness." What does abounding mean to you? How about full of? Overflowing with love and faithfulness? That's our God. A river flows from God. Actually, there are two pictures in the Scriptures, of a throne and a river flowing from the throne. One is in Daniel 7. And in Daniel 7, there's this image, this vision of four terrifying beasts, godless beasts that represent world empires coming one after the other, and in the center of it, there's this horn, defying God, representing ultimately, I think, the antichrist, in Daniel 7. And then in the middle of it, there's this vision of God on His throne, high above all of that. And it says in Daniel 7:9-10, "His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze." Daniel 7:10, "A river of fire was flowing from the throne." That is a picture of terrifying wrath and judgment by God on the Earth. But then you have a radically different picture at the end of the Bible. In Revelation 22:1-2, it says, "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life flowing clear as crystal from the throne of God and of the Lamb." So here's His throne and there's this river flowing from the throne. A river of life down the middle of the street of the city. So Paul is praying for us to have an overwhelming sense of the fullness of God and be filled ourselves with it. Filled with the joy that comes from being in His presence. Wouldn't you like that? Wouldn't you just love to stand in the presence of God and be filled with joy? Greater joy than you've ever had in your life. Psalm 16:11 says, "In your presence is the fullness of joy, eternal pleasures forever more at your right hand." Wouldn't you just love that, to be in the presence of God and to be filled with pleasure and joy? Fullness of God. Isaiah 6:3, “the Seraphim are crying to one another ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty, the whole earth is full of His glory.’" Fullness, shining, radiant with His glory, the New Heaven and the New Earth will be shining with the radiant glory of God. And so, then for us, it would be to be filled with the Spirit like it says in Galatians 5. Yeah, Galatians 5, the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control,” these things filling us like a balloon, just completely full. And you're like, "I didn't think I could ever be this full," but you could be even fuller. If somebody with like powerful lungs blew even more air in, then you could be completely full, and even be more full. And God can fill us to overflowing with the fullness of God. That's what he's praying for. The Key to this Fullness: Christ in Us Now, I think the key to all of this is union with Christ. If you're not a Christian, you can't know this. It's only by union with Christ that we can experience this fullness. Why do we say that? Because it says in Colossians that “God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Jesus.” And it says in Colossians 2, “we have received fullness in Him,” our fullness comes from union with Christ. He's the vine, we're the branch. And that fullness can only come from union with Christ. So let me just stop and ask, is this true of you? Are you united with Christ by faith? Have you repented of your sins? Have you trusted in Christ as your Savior? And having had that, do you experience fullness in Christ? This is meant for self-evaluation as we read this prayer. The Doxology: Finishing With Worship, As We Must! (vs. 20-21) Astounding Doxology: A Word of Praise Now, he finishes here with this magnificent doxology, finishing with worship, as we must. Look at verses 20 and 21, "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that's at work within us, to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever, Amen." It's an astounding doxology, and it's the only appropriate way to finish this amazing prayer. He's praying for the Ephesian Christians to have an amazing experience of the dimensions of Christ's love for them. The ultimate purpose of that is that we'll return it back to God in worship. We'll be filled and say, "Oh God, what a good God you are." And praise Him and worship Him. That's what we were made to do. And he's praying this for the Ephesian Christians, and by extension he's praying for every generation of Christians there has ever been since that first generation of Christians. “Throughout all generations,” so that includes us, we're included in all generations. And so he's praying that we would have this sense of the fullness of God, and not just once, but for ever and ever. When God Overwhelms Us, We Worship When God overwhelms us, we worship. This past Wednesday, 30 of us, I guess, gathered for prayer, 6:00 AM. We're going to do it throughout December and throughout January. And if you couldn't make it last week, please come this week. If you can't make it at all, your schedule doesn't allow you to, I understand that, but if you can, please come. And it was a wonderful time. Wasn't one of those extraordinary times, but it was a sweet time of fellowship. And so, I'll talk at the end of the sermon on the ordinary and extraordinary workings of the Spirit. But John Wesley writes in his journal, January 1st, 1739, listen to this: "Mr. Hall, Ingham, Whitefield, Hutchins, and my brother Charles, were present at our love feast in Fetter Lane with about 60 of our brethren. About three in the morning, as we were continuing instant in prayer," listen to this, "The power of God came mightily upon us, in so much that many cried out for exulting joy and many fell to the ground. As soon as we were recovered a little from the awe and amazement at the presence of His Majesty, we broke out with one voice, 'We praise Thee, O God, we acknowledge thee to be the Lord.'" You see what happened? The love of God was poured out in power on a group of people praying, and they were knocked to the ground, many of them, and then they immediately returned it back up to God in worship. The Immeasurable Power of God (vs. 20) Praise to the Omnipotent God Now, I'm not promising anything like that will happen this Wednesday, but it might. And why couldn't we ask for God to do something like that? But even that's not ultimately the point. Ultimately, the point is that we will be filled with the sense of the power of God. And so he wants to praise God. I mean, the doxology is simple; to God, the one who does all these great things, “to God be the glory, both in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever.” That's what he's saying, to God be glory for all of this. Look what he does though, specifically. "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine." This is a clear statement of the omnipotence of God, isn't it? Look at it again, "Now to Him,” to God, “who is able to do immeasurably, infinitely more than anything you ask or imagine." So this is praise to the omnipotent God. Now, in verses 18 and 19, he was focusing on the immeasurable love of Christ, the infinite dimensions of the love of Christ God is Able to Do Immeasurably More... But now in verse 20, the infinite dimensions of the power of God, “and God is able to do immeasurably more than anything you could ask.” You can't limit what God could do with your own brain. There's no limits to it. Many verses assert this. I'm not going to read them all, but one is very familiar, around this time at Christmas, we think about it. You remember how the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary? Remember? And told her an astounding thing, that she was going to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Though she was a virgin, she would be pregnant and give birth to a son, and he would be the son of David and the son of God. Mary didn't know how that was possible. "How can this be? Since I am a virgin." And the angel said this, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth, your relative, is going to have a child in her old age, and she who is said to be barren is now in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God." Isn't that awesome? A great statement. Nothing is impossible with God. Jesus said the same thing when a man came, bringing his demon-possessed son, and he brought him to His disciples. They couldn't do anything and he said to Jesus, "If you can do anything, could you please help us?" Do you remember what Jesus said? "If you can? All things are possible to him who believe.” “Do you not know who I am? Nothing is impossible for me." So the omnipotence of God is this: Anything that can be done by power, God can do. No, God can't make two plus two equal five. Don't waste my time with that kind of stuff. Or, no, God can't make a rock so big that even God can't pick it up. Have you ever heard these kind of things? Who comes up with these? They have too much time on their hands to be thinking. They should be worshipping God. No, power can't do those things. Anything, however, the power can do, God can do that, and immeasurably more than anything you think He can do. And the great obvious measure of the power of God is creation around us, right? “Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the starry host, who created all these? He calls out the starry hosts one by one and gives them each a name, because of His great power and His mighty understanding, not one of them is missing.” That's a display of the power of God. Now, the text says He can do immeasurably more, infinitely more. Paul is actually stretching the Greek language here, finding words to say, infinitely, immeasurably, super-abundantly more than anything you can ask or think, more than you can ask. Immeasurably More Than All We Ask or Imagine We're always tempted to worry about over asking, think about that. But actually the problem with us is we under-ask, amen? We ask less than we should, because we forget how powerful God is, and “He's able to do immeasurably more than all you can think” or “imagine.” We hold back the request because we think that the person who might be giving to us will be offended by the size of the request. I think about maybe a missionary, or a church planner, or Christian worker, he's going and he's meeting with a wealthy Christian businessman, and they're having lunch together and having a good time. But then the business man says, "Okay, I know we're not just here to have a good time. Did you have something you wanted to ask me?" "Well, yes, I was hoping you would partner with our church planning effort." "Okay, what did you have in mind?" Interesting moment. At that moment, you might be thinking this, but you're going to ask for this, because you're afraid of offending and over asking. You can't over-ask with God. And I like what it says that He's able to do immeasurably more than all you ask or imagine, the NIV says. All the other translations say "think", and that's the right translation for the word. But NIV stretches a little bit, and I think in this case, it's fine. Look, all imagining is thinking, but not all thinking is imagining. So what then is imagination? What is it when you're imagining? You're stretching your mind to the limit, like a fantasy author or something like that, thinking of a whole new world that no one's ever thought of before, imagination, using their imagination. “Our children, children use imagination. We adults don't need it as much anymore, so they're…” No! Use your imagination. “Whatever you can imagine God can do, He can do immeasurably more than all of that.” So I like the NIV translation here. God’s Omnipotence: Useful Outside the Context of Ephesians Now, this verse, verse 20, can be taken out of context with no harm. What do I mean by that? Well, you can attach it to anything you could ever ask God to do, ever. So what? Well, perhaps there's a loved one in a hospital with a very serious illness. As a matter of fact, the diagnosis is very dire. You're able to take Ephesians 3:20 and say, "God, you are able to do immeasurably more than anything I could ask or even imagine. Please heal my loved one." Now, we know God may not heal, but we're stretching our mind to think of His omnipotence. God can do anything. Or you might have a situation that you're in financial trouble, or you need a job, or a company you own is struggling. It could be some kind of an economic issue and you're able to bring that back to God and say, "God, I know that you're able to do immeasurably more than anything I could ask or imagine. Would you please meet our need?" You can do that. There's nothing wrong with that. Usually, you want to take verses in context, I'll talk about that in a moment. But perhaps you're in imminent danger, maybe you're out boating and the boat overturns and you feel like you're drowning, and you've got very little strength, and you can call out, "God, I know you can do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine." You might just want to, at that point say, "Help! Saved me." Because you don't have time to quote Ephesian 3:20, but you know what I mean. It's in the back of your mind. God can do it. Or maybe there's a tornado bearing down on your community or a hurricane, or some other thing, and you're saying, "God, deliver us." Or perhaps the call is, you're a missionary living in a city and you're seeking to reach them, several million people with the Gospel. And you're able to gather together those that are laboring with you and say, "God, you're able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, please reach the city, even use us to do it." Powerful in Context As Well So all of that's fine, but in context, it's very powerful too. We've been talking about the Ephesian Christians having a sense of Christ's love for them, poured out in their hearts by the Holy Spirit. A sense so great that it gets to this level of being filled to the measure of all the fullness of God, and actually, God can do immeasurably more than anything you could ask in this area of experiencing Christ's love for you. That's the verse in context. And he ends up with praise, "to God be the glory." Verse 21, "To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever." This God, His power brought to bear according to his power that's at work within us, that power brought to bear so that he would get the glory in the church," That's the point of all of this, that God would be glorified in the Church, that we would be “living stones” that radiate with a glow from with inside. That really having learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, we're actually buoyantly hope-filled saying, "Heaven is infinitely better than anything I'm going through now. I consider that my present sufferings aren't even worth comparing with what's going to come to me." You're so radiant-ly filled with hope in Christ. “To God be glory in the Church, that the Church would shine with light in this dark world, and in Christ Jesus, because all glory comes through Christ.” That's what he's praying for. Application Trust in Christ So, what application can we take for this? Well, the application would be that we would seek this experience, that we would seek a sense of the goodness and the glory of God. I've already mentioned, if you're not a Christian, if you're not a believer, I yearn that you would come to Christ. That's what the purpose of this season is, that's what the purpose of the sermon is, that you would know the forgiveness of sins that only Christ can give. Jesus shed His blood on the cross for sinners like you and me. Trusting in Christ, not by works, but by simple trust, all forgiveness of sins for you. Christians, Seek This Experience Diligently But if you are a Christian, I'm asking that you would seek a far greater experience of God's love poured into your heart than you've ever had before. It's something that God would do to you. It's not something you can earn. I think there are ways that we can prepare for it. This is my fourth week saying it, through personal holiness, putting sin to death, because God is jealous and He will not come and bless us if we're willfully sinning. And then even setting aside some things that are good pleasures for a time, it's called fasting, it could be from food, could be from electronic entertainment, could be from the big game, it could be from a hobby that you love, and you say, "I want Christ more, I want to know Him. I'm going to set those things aside because I'm going to seek Him." And you see it through persistence. You don't give God twenty hours, and if He doesn't answer, then that's it, but you're going to persistently seek Him. And you're not seeking it like a disembodied experience, but you're seeking Christ, you want to know Christ, and Him better than you ever have before. And you seek it, as the Bible said, by the means of grace, by Scripture, by meditation on Scripture, and by seeking God in prayer. And you can just say, "Lord, what you did for Sarah Edwards, do that for me. I want to be a speck floating in a sunbeam. I would love to be able to see Heaven open and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, if you wanted to do that for me. I would love to have a foretaste of Heaven at whatever level you give me. I would love that. And I want to have the ordinary workings of the Spirit, but I'm asking for the extraordinary working, too." Persevere in this Pursuit So I would say that, I want to emphasize that He may never do any ecstatic thing in any of our lives, but we can seek it. But the ordinary ministry of the Spirit is delightful. And what He will do is, He will give you peace and joy and confidence in your Christian life. A sense of security that you are His, a greater sense of assurance, a greater sense of mission in the world, of works He wants you to do, greater power in doing them. Those are things that He promises for us, those are the ordinary workings of the Spirit. And that may be all we get, and that's infinitely amplified. Or He may give us vastly beyond that. So I would say, seek Him. And if you can, come to prayer on Wednesday morning at 6:00 AM. Close with me in prayer. Prayer Lord, we thank you for the study that we've had these four weeks in Ephesians 3:14-21. Lord, it's been magnificent, it's been challenging. Father, I pray that you give us strength for the journey, give us strength to pursue you and seek you as we've never done before. Give us strength to experience the love of Christ poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Help us to know that. And give us power to reach our community with the Gospel, give us power to reach lost people with the good news of Jesus Christ. We pray this in His name, and for His glory. Amen.