Podcasts about Herod

Gospel Luke 1:5-25 In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years. Once when he was serving as priest in his division's turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.” Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.” Reflection We have another story about someone being invited by God to participate in the evolution of the salvation of humanity. Individuals called into this role. And it is fascinating that there are a number of them, Abraham for one, Mary, and now Elizabeth.  Where there is a miraculous birth, not just an ordinary birth, but something is given at a moment that is going to have to take time to germinate, to grow and to find fullness. The beautiful image of the way God works with you and with me. An insight comes a new way of seeing something, and all of a sudden it changes everything slowly and evolves until it gives birth to virtue, to a new life. God is always interested in new birth. That's what this season of Christmas is leading us to. The most important image that we could have of God's will to become one of us. Closing Prayer Father, you continue to reveal the natural way in which you invite us to be engaged with you in this work of salvation history. Open us to all the images in Scripture, all the ways in which we have experienced our own personal life, and let us pay attention to these moments of new birth. Of being infused with a new insight in the delight of watching your grace bring it to fullness. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The nativity is more than a quiet scene on a mantel—it’s the moment Hope took on flesh. Drawing from Luke 2:7, this devotional reflects on the tender, intimate way God chose to enter the world: humble, small, and wrapped in cloth. Like Mary, the shepherds, and the wise men who followed a star into the unknown, we’re invited to pursue Hope with trust, curiosity, and courage. Hope doesn’t shout; it waits to be sought. And when we find it—when we find Him—fear loses its grip and light floods the dark corners of our lives. Highlights A personal window into the author’s first night of motherhood and the nearness of God Parallels between Mary’s quiet moment with Jesus and our own encounters with divine presence The power of hope to silence fear—echoed in Scripture and even unexpected cultural references Why hope often appears humble and easy to overlook The shepherds’ and wise men’s radical pursuit of a Savior they barely understood A reminder that true hope isn’t about earthly rewards but eternal transformation The invitation to seek, embrace, and live out the hope found in Christ Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: Hope Wrapped in Swaddling Clothes By Peyton Garland Bible Reading: “...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.” Luke 2:27 (NIV) Outside experiencing Christ’s salvation, I haven’t felt God’s presence so loudly, so beautifully, as the night after I had my first son. My little guy didn’t have to stay in the hospital nursery, so he spent his first night with me. Exhausted from the previous night’s midnight contractions coupled with a five-in-the-morning birth, I welcomed the quiet, dark hush that finally fell over the hospital floors. I recall the sole soft yellow light the nurses left on in my room through that night, and it shone directly over my baby. Despite the new mysteries and fears naturally coupled with motherhood, like Hagar, I felt seen, known, and embraced (Genesis 16). The presence of the Almighty was undeniable. I imagine that Mary felt much the same as the Star of Bethlehem pierced through a world filled with darkness and cast its beautiful warmth over her, and Hope wrapped in swaddling clothes. She had little choice but to accept the kindness and favor God had placed on her through such a tiny, splendid creature. Hope for Mary’s people was now tangible. If you have ever read the best-selling sci-fi series, The Hunger Games, or watched its film adaptations, you recall one of the trilogy’s most famous quotes: “Hope is the only thing stronger than fear.” Though quoted by the villainous President Snow, I agree with his assessment. Hope has this unearthly ability to squelch our greatest fears, yet hope rarely screams to be seen. Hope is often humble, just like Katniss Everdeen, a poor young girl from an outcast district, who was willing to sacrifice her life to become hope for a nation of oppressed people. Hope wants you to seek it out to affirm the worth you’ve placed upon it. It’s not that hope is dictatorial. Rather, hope recognizes that without your willingness to seek it and embrace it, it will never truly live inside you. You won’t experience its fullness without placing personal faith in its power. Is that not what the nativity scene reminds us? Humble beginnings? Faith that seems scientifically impossible and socially fatal? The shepherds were greeted by a host of angels and told to meet a newborn baby who would save their souls. The wise men (likely sorcerers) felt the holy calling of a God they weren’t intimate with, yet they spent months, likely years, pursuing a star (most scholars believe the wise men didn’t reach Christ until he was two years old). This great pursuit didn’t lead the shepherds or wise men to a king in royal garb. They didn’t discover troves of treasure. There wasn’t any earthly reward they gained from this blind trust. Instead, they met a young boy born to lowly Jews, but they were radically bettered forever. In fact, Scripture confirms that the wise men pledged their souls to Christ, worshipping him, and protecting Him from King Herod: “[Herod] sent [the wise men] to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.’ After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” We are granted the same opportunity to pursue Hope, even if we aren’t promised worldly possessions or fame. Hope doesn’t need a bonus package or special add-ons to fill our hearts with love and light that brings us joy, no matter our lot in life. Hope only needs a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, a baby committed to experiencing sacrificial death, then shedding grave clothes for mankind to know eternal peace. What a beautiful reason to celebrate the true meaning and hope of this Christmas season! Intersecting Faith & Life: As Christmas approaches, take a few moments as a family to discuss the importance of the nativity scene and consider age-appropriate crafts and devotionals centered on its significance. Further Reading:Matthew 2Who Is Really Coming to Town Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner as they explore the profound themes of divine guidance, resistance, and illumination in the story of the Magi for the Day of Epiphany, January 6th. This episode unpacks how the Magi's journey represents not just a physical pilgrimage but a theological model for following God's leading—even when it requires non-compliance with earthly powers and going "by another road."The conversation examines how Matthew's Gospel presents multiple pathways to knowing Jesus: through celestial signs, scriptural interpretation, and the accumulated wisdom of seekers from beyond Israel's borders. The hosts discuss the Magi's act of resistance when they refuse to return to Herod, highlighting how Christmas and Epiphany demand non-cooperation with tyrannical agendas. Dreams and divine warnings play crucial roles as God redirects the Magi and the Holy Family, demonstrating how God persistently seeks to guide us through various means.Drawing on Warren Carter's commentary, the discussion emphasizes how "the other way" the Magi take thwarts the tyrant's will and refuses cooperation with empire. The episode also explores the rich intertextuality between Matthew's narrative and the Old Testament readings, particularly Isaiah 61's themes of illumination and wealth, and Psalm 72's vision of an ideal Davidic king fulfilled in Jesus—a very different type of lordship than political dominance.The hosts wrestle with the nature of the Magi's act of prostration (proskuneo), discussing whether it represents worship, homage, respect, or political acknowledgment, and how this ambiguity enriches our understanding of who Jesus is. They also reflect on what it means to follow God when competing voices and apparent certainties pull us in different directions, acknowledging the human tendency to stop listening or refuse God's direction.

DAY 18 — Wise Men & the True KingStrangers from the East followed a star and bowed before a Child while a jealous king raged nearby. Today we explore the difference between Herod's hostility and the wise men's worship. What does it mean to truly seek the King? Advent calls us to offer Jesus our joy, our gifts, and our lives.

On this special Christmas Eve episode we're discussing the birth of Jesus as told in Luke 2:1-20. We talk about the imperial setting of this story, which takes place during the reigns of Augustus, Herod, and Quirinius but announces the good news of a different lord and savior who brings peace to all rather than to the few. We ponder the way that the message makes its way into the world—through an unwed mother, a band of shepherds, and an assortment of people who happen to be awake in the middle of the night—leaving the official power structures unaware of the fact that the world has been fundamentally changed. And we talk about how this story challenges us to pay attention to who we listen to, where we look for good news, and what divine announcements we might sleep through because we've gotten too comfortable. Merry Christmas, y'all.

Contribute to the East West Lecture Series fundraiser: theeastwestseries.com Join Jacobs Premium: https://www.thenathanjacobspodcast.com/membershipThe book club (use code LEWIS): https://www.thenathanjacobspodcast.com/offers/aLohje7p/checkoutYou're to be familiar with the popularized details of the Mary and Nativity stories—the manger, the shepherds, the star. But this week, Dr. Jacobs takes you beyond the familiar Sunday school narrative to explore the robust early Christian tradition surrounding Mary's birth, her betrothal to the elderly widower Joseph, and the supernatural drama unfolding behind the scenes. This episode examines what the Church Fathers believed about the devil's frantic attempts to thwart the Incarnation, from his watchful surveillance of Israel's virgins to Herod's demonic massacre of the innocents. Dr. Jacobs traces the cosmic war between the powers of light and darkness, revealing how God orchestrated an elaborate divine ruse to veil the Messiah from Satan's gaze. Drawing from sources like the Gospel of James, Irenaeus, Gregory of Nyssa, and John Chrysostom, this deep dive recovers the fuller Christmas story that shaped Christian understanding for centuries.All the links: Substack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcastWebsite: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QSApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathanandrewjacobsAcademia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs

Original broadcast 12/25/2024... In the dark days of the reign of Herod, the descendants of King David lived under the radar in humility even as they awaited the imminent arrival of the Messiah. A (probably young) man named Joseph lived in the town of Nazareth and would become the earthly father of Jesus - the child of Mary & the Holy Spirit. Mike Aquilina has written a book that places us in Nazareth, Jerusalem, and the region to see what day-to-day life was life among David's descendants. Mike and Bishop Caggiano talk about St Joseph and His World on Let Me Be Frank… detailing Joseph's four interactions with angels, his silence, the 1000-mile flight to Egypt, his life as a carpenter in Nazareth, and much more. Check out the Veritas mobile app

Hey Narrate! After last week's tech issue, Adam came back and recorded Sunday's message in his office so you can hear it if you weren't able to attend this last week. This week's scripture: Matthew 2:1-15Adam leans into Matthew 2's invitation to consider how it's not just Herod who is prone to getting drunk on power. There's an invitation to consider that it's not “them” God wants to talk about.  What if it's us? What if it's me? You? What if we're all prone to hoard power?  What if all power reverts back to God, and as it does so it gives a report on how it was used?

Send us a textWe unpack why only Matthew and Luke tell the Nativity, how their details differ, and what those differences mean. We trace genealogies, geography, and symbolism to show how theology and history meet in the manger.• Matthew and Luke as distinct Nativity witnesses• Gospels as theological narratives, not biographies• Genealogy patterns and the five women• Joseph's justice, mercy, and legal fatherhood• Luke's canticles, angels, and the Anawim• Bethlehem's meaning and manger Eucharistic hints• Magi, universality, and Matthew's Moses echoes• Census questions and timeline tensions• Herod, the flight to Egypt, and fulfillment motifs• Presentation in the temple with Simeon and Anna• How differing details deepen the same truthHave a Merry ChristmasIntro music provided by Holly Serio

Imagine being hired to photograph a wedding and then finding out that you were waiting for the wrong groom. When John languished in Herod's prison, he sent his disciples to ask Him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” And as we draw nearer to the celebration of Christmas again this year, we may want to ask ourselves if the picture we have of Jesus the right one?

Another city, another Sabbath, another synagogue, another sermon. Ah, the life of a traveling evangelist! And in each new city, Paul and his companions see a pattern: enthusiastic crowds but also hostile opponents; the seed of a new church but also growing persecution. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

In this third episode of Promised & Fulfilled: Christmas through the Eyes of Prophecy, hosts Greg and Nathan turn their attention to a small town with an enormous promise. “From Ancient Days: The Ruler from Bethlehem” explores Micah 5:2 and its stunning claim that Israel's long-awaited ruler would come from humble Bethlehem—yet have origins stretching back to eternity. Set against the looming threat of Assyrian invasion, Micah's prophecy reignited hope by pointing to a future king in the line of David. Greg and Nathan unpack why Bethlehem mattered so deeply in Israel's story, how first-century Jews understood this promise, and why Matthew highlights the prophecy when recounting the Magi's visit and Herod's fear. This episode connects the geography of Jesus' birth with the theology of His identity, showing how the One born in David's city is also the eternal ruler “from ancient days.” Along the way, the conversation explores Jesus' lineage, messianic expectations, and what Micah 5 reveals about Christ's divine nature. Join Greg and Nathan as they trace the promise from prophecy to fulfillment—and discover how the Christmas story declares that the eternal King entered history in the most unexpected place.

Join the conversation as Matt and John talk about college football (Michigan's dumpster fire), the amgi and Herod, this day in sports history, and one thing they liked   0:00 Intro 4:40 Sports Roundup - college and pro football 23:48 Advent Part 3 - The Magi and Herod 42:03 This Day in Sports History 47:41 One Thing We Liked  

Advent // Joy The word for Joy is the Greek word “Chara - Khar-ah,” meaning calm delight or cheerfulness, or “Chairo - Khah-ee-ro,” meaning to be calmly happy or well-off. Philippians 4:4 (KJV)"Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice." Matthew 2:1-18 (NLT)“Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.' King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, ‘Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?' ‘In Bethlehem in Judea,' they said, ‘for this is what the prophet wrote: ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.' Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, ‘Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!' After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,' the angel said. ‘Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.' That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, and they stayed there until Herod's death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: ‘I called my Son out of Egypt.' Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men's report of the star's first appearance. Herod's brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: a cry was heard in Ramah—weeping and great mourning. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead.”      On a day when we announce good news of great joy. It doesn't sound very joyful…It is because of the Nature of this Joy.This is a Joy that is Stronger and Deeper than our Sorrows; A Joy that Cannot be Quenched by the Tragedies of Life; A Joy that can Sustain those who Suffer Great Loss.A Joy that Shines in the Darkness... Whatever the circumstances of our world and our lives, the message given to Joseph by the angel is true, and it's a message of joy—“Give him the name Jesus, because He will save His People from Their sins.” The Joy of Christmas is not just the Joy of personal salvation; it's the Joy of being part of something bigger, grander, and greater—it's the Joy of being able to participate in and cooperate with Christ in the coming and establishing of God's kingdom. It's in our coming together, it's in our unity of heart and purpose, it's in our giving and serving, it's in our intentionality in the midst of our community.It's the Joy of living out of all that we are blessed with to be a blessing to others.It's the Joy of being a participant in the message of salvation to the world. Joy to the World

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    The Mahotmetan writers suggest that Elizabeth was 89 years old… what does that say in the natural?      Luke 1: 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.  **Blameless but childless Historically in these times it meant that Elizabeth was cursed, a sinner punished by God.   Only God knows your heart, your prayer your need   You can be blameless and wonder to God… what is happening.   You can be blameless and others won't see it.   advanced in years. GK Pro-bay-ee-No elderly saints    8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. There are over 20,000 priests and Zachariah is old… probably has given up on many of his dreams… Being able to go into the Holy of Holies Having a Child   10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, (STARE AT HIM) standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.   He's praying but not for a child… that has long passed!    Luke 1:18 And Zachariah said to the angel, By what shall I know and be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years. 19 And the angel replied to him, I am Gabriel. I stand in the [very] presence of God, and I have been sent to talk to you and to bring you this good news. 20 Now behold, you will be and will continue to be silent and not able to speak till the day when these things take place, because you have not believed what I told you; but my words are of a kind which will be fulfilled in the appointed and proper time.

When was Christ born? I held a livestream to tackle some of the most enduring mysteries surrounding the Christmas story, diving deep into scholarly debates concerning the timing of Christ's birth, the nature of the Star of Bethlehem, and the identity and traditions surrounding the Wise Men. The discussion also included a giveaway of a free copy of Sand Tanner’s book, Lighthouse, authored by Ronald Huggins. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3d0hOvJoXQc Don't miss our other conversations about Christmas: https://gospeltangents.com/lds_theology/christmas/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved The Great Dating Debate: When Was Christ Born? The discussion began by addressing the fact that the calendar we use today, created by the 6th-century monk Dionysius Exiguus. He mistakenly placed Christ's birth several years too late. There is no Year Zero. Modern scholars generally agree that Herod the Great died in 4 BC, a crucial historical marker, meaning Jesus could not have been born as late as 1 BC because Herod would have been dead for three or four years by then. Dr. Jeffrey Chadwick proposes that December of 5 BC is the correct birth month. However, Dr. Thomas Wayment argues that biblical writers like Matthew and Luke were composing gospels, not history, and were unconcerned with precise details, suggesting that historical data only allows us to know the date within a year or two, and certainly not within a specific month. Adding to the complexity is the mention of a census in Luke 2, which is historically problematic, as the census conducted by Quirinius (Cyrenius) is typically placed around 6 AD, about 10 years after Herod's death, creating a significant timeline contradiction. Explaining the Star of Bethlehem The question of what caused the Star of Bethlehem led to an examination of several astronomical and scientific theories, particularly in the context of both the Bible (Matthew 2) and the Book of Mormon (3rd Nephi 1). Information comes from several sources, including the 2004 documentary called Mystery of the Three Kings by Questar Entertainment. Planetary Alignment: Astronomer Michael Molnar proposed that the star was actually an occultation where the moon passed in front of Jupiter, a theory based on Babylon’s astrological beliefs concerning the birth dates of divine kings. Solar Eclipse: Another possibility, suggested by Jerry Grover, is a solar eclipse which occurred in 6 BC, a date near the proposed birth time. In Mesopotamia, eclipses were frequently associated with the rising of a new king or the death of an old king, which would explain why Herod was troubled. The eclipse was rare, rising in Mesoamerica and setting as a partial eclipse in Persia, where the Wise Men were thought to originate. Coronal Mass Ejection (CME): Grover also offered the idea of a CME (a massive ejection of plasma from the sun hitting Earth’s magnetosphere). This event could cause the northern lights (auroras) to become supercharged and move far south, appearing as “weird domes and other shapes in Mesoamerica”. This theory is particularly interesting because it could scientifically explain the Book of Mormon account that the night became “as light as day all night long” in the American Hemisphere, while the phenomenon might not have been noticed in the Middle East. Furthermore, the sign may have been accompanied by a crackling or hissing sound, as ions drop and release their charge in the atmosphere. Supernovas and comets are generally dismissed as options because they are either too short-lived or were historically seen as signs of impending doom. The Wise Men: Identity, Gifts, and Legacy The Wise Men (Magi or Magoi) were likely astrologers, healers, and dream readers from the east, specifically the Parthian/Persian Empire (modern Iran/Iraq area.) Their arrival in Jerusalem would have been concerning to Herod, especially since they were Persians entering Roman-controlled territory. The word Magoi is the same word used for magician or sorcerer. They may have been followers of the Zoroastrian religion, which is monotheistic and shares beliefs with Judaism, such as a belief in resurrection and a coming savior. Zoroastrian astronomers may have recognized the confluence of Jupiter and Saturn in 7 BC as a sign of a new king in Israel. The three traditional gifts carried profound meaning: Gold represented kingship. Frankincense represented divinity or God. Myrrh was extremely valuable (worth seven times the weight of gold) and represented healing; its use in embalming also served as a foreshadowing of Jesus's eventual death. The Magi are celebrated in many traditions, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries, where January 6th is known as Three Kings Day24,25. On this day, which occurs 12 days after Christmas, presents are exchanged, left by the Three Kings rather than Santa Claus. Legends regarding the Magi’s relics and tombs are found across the globe, including claims in Sava, Iran (recorded by Marco Polo); Axum, Ethiopia; Milan, Italy, and the most famous location in the West, the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. Don't miss our other conversations about Christmas: https://gospeltangents.com/lds_theology/christmas/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved

Scripture: Matthew 2: 1-17 The Magi Visit the Messiah 2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,     are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler     who will shepherd my people Israel.'[b]” 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. The Escape to Egypt 13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” 14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”[c] 16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. 17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:

Not everyone who's close to you is really for you. In this message, Pastor Josh unpacks the story of Herod and the wise men to reveal how “frenemies” can look supportive on the outside but be dangerous on the inside. Learn how to discern intentions, guard your heart, and follow God's voice above all else.If you're new to Harbor or want to get connected in any way click this link to get your New Here gift, find upcoming events or get involved!https://harborchurch.com/connect

SERIES: A Divine Birth Announcement | SERMON: "The Magi's & Herod's Response" | TEXT: Matthew 2:1-12; 16-18 | DATE: 12/14/2025 (PM) | SPEAKER: Jake Brown | www.Liberty-Christian.com

The discovery in Jerusalem of a big section of the late second century BCE Hasmonean city wall from has us asking the usual questions. Actually the reverse of the usual questions: not who put it up but who took it down, the Hasmoneans themselves or that Herod guy? Which satisfying, text based historical scenario should we choose? With a seasonally appropriate and tasty lightning round!

The story of Jesus cannot be adequately understood apart from the World in which he lived. It was a world ruled by Rome. How Rome came to be so central to this story is one of the intriguing aspects of both Roman and Biblical history. Ee42. Herod the Great books available at https://amzn.to/3T5iKyw From Jesus to Christianity by L. Michael White at https://amzn.to/4008FpD Other books by L. Michael White available at https://amzn.to/400ofSm ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's HISTORY OF NORTH AMERICA podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Mark's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Sources: From Jesus to Christianity by L. Michael White.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Details Matter - Ask More Questions & Get More Perspectives - 3rd AdventThird Advent: The Magi (wise men) had to stop and ask fordirections.  Herod had to ask for details.  You need to ask more questions about the story that has been presented!  Not all the details of the Christmas story are ‘true', dig deeper andask more questions and the true story will become clearer.  Enjoy!! Watch today's ‘edited' message on YOUTUBE:  https://youtu.be/uF8sB0zKTr0 PODCAST: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-zenkerWeekly Blog: https://mikezenker.blog/  ***Love what you are hearing?  DONATE TODAY and help keep this going:  Hope Fellowship:   https://hopefellowshipycc.com/donate/ Growing In Grace Canada:  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=XHQ9UTBPTKDPW  Hope Fellowship, Your Community Church ContentWeb: www.hopefellowshipycc.com Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/hopefellowshipycc Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichaelZenker  Growing In Grace Canada ContentYouTube:  https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKfv-9uArQHIzcebDIyS8F3nj2MF_FV-H Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growingingraceministriescanada  Web: www.growingingrace.caSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6AvFWO7epyVeIuNf5WHFRD Grace Awakening Network weekly Program 9:30pm EST: https://www.gantv.com/  GAN ‘On Demand': https://watch.gantv.com/categories/102/still-growing-in-grace

Neil McClendon, Lead PastorGRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCHThe Joy of Having A KingMatthew 2:1-121. Worship Him, v. 2• Revelation 4:9-112. Kill Him, v. 3-8What we know about Herod...a)he has no rightful claim to the throneb)used violence to stay on the thronec)would kill again to keep his throne• Luke 19:11-27• Revelation 19:15-163. Give to Him, v. 9-11Two things we should see here...1)God comes to us in a language we understand2)God wants to be found4. Obey Him, v. 12Mental worship...1. Are you ready for what Jesus will be like when he returns?2. How often does your posture change in worship?3. In what “language” do you need God to speak to you?4. Has God ever warned you about something or somebody?5. By how you live, who or what is the biggest authority in your life?

The story of the Messiah's arrival continues with a juxtaposition of two cities (Jerusalem and Bethlehem) and two kings (Herod and Jesus). King Herod desperately tries to hang on to his illegitimate authority as the news of the long-awaited Messianic King spreads through his city like wildfire. As his response to this revelation reveals his insecurity, a faithful response is ironically displayed by pagan astrologers from a Gentile nation, who follow a star to Bethlehem, where they worship the new King of the Jews.

Welcome to the weekly sermon podcast from Harvest Bible Chapel in Chicago. We're so glad you're joining us. Today, we start our Christmas series, Birth of the King, in Matthew 1:18–25. While Luke's Gospel highlights Mary and the shepherds, Matthew draws our attention to what we might call the boys of Christmas—men like Joseph, Herod, and the wise men—each responding differently to the arrival of Jesus. In this message, Pastor Jeff Bucknam helps us see who Jesus truly is and what faithful obedience looks like through the life of Joseph. As we open God's Word together, we're invited to consider how we respond to the coming of the true King. Let's dive in and become more deeply rooted in God's Word. Executive Producer: Flavius Herlo Speaker: Pastor Jeff Bucknam Sound design, mixing, and editing: Bryan Tripp Graphic Design: Wesley Cassford Social Media: Bryan Spahr Producer: Dave Putnam WE INVITE YOU TO CONNECT WITH US: • Website: www.harvestbible.org/ WE INVITE YOU TO FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: • Instagram: @harvestbiblechapel • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harvestbiblechapel/

Isaiah prophesied the blind would see and lame would walk. John the Baptist asks from prison: Are you the one? Fr. Hezekias and Annie unpack Jesus' answer, navigate the Herod family, and explain why Advent calls us to patience, fasting, not feasting.

Matthew's Gospel reveals Jesus as a different kind of King—one who comes not to build an earthly empire, but to establish a Kingdom that transforms hearts. Through the responses of Herod, the religious leaders, and the wise men, this message invites us to examine how we respond when the King draws near. Will we resist, ignore, or surrender in worship? This sermon calls us to move beyond knowing about Jesus and fully bow our lives before Him as both Savior and King.

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

In our Advent series, Wise Men Still Seek Him, Mr. Aaron Green talks about the villian of the Christmas story, including 1) Introduction – The Backstory of a Villain, 2) Matthew 2:1-6 – Hardness of Heart, 3) Matthew 2:7-8 – Understanding Worship, and 4) Matthew 2:9-19 – The Rest of the Story (Conclusion). This episode of the Evangel Houghton podcast is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, December 14, 2025.

What if holy moments aren't something we make happen, but something God does when we make room for Him?

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: .Sermon Notes:1. Why Did John Doubt?John is imprisoned after confronting Herod.From prison he hears Jesus' ministry reports.Jesus is not matching his expectations:John expected judgment (axe, winnowing fork).Jesus is healing, teaching mercy, loving enemies.Doubt often grows when God doesn't meet our expectations.We risk:Disbelief (walking away), orIdolatry (reshaping God into our image).2. What Did John Do With His Doubt?He brought his question directly to Jesus.The Psalms model honest questioning (“How long, Lord?”).Honest questions brought to God are themselves an act of faith.We bring our doubts to:Prayer,Scripture,Community (church, classes, Alpha).3. How Did Jesus Respond?Jesus doesn't condemn John.He points to evidence: “What you see and hear”—lives changed, people healed, good news preached.He points John back to Scripture (Isaiah).Jesus gently corrects John's expectations and strengthens his faith.God often strengthens us by showing us His work in others' lives.ConclusionThe final answer to our doubt is not an argument—but a person: Jesus.Discussion Questions:1. Is it surprising to you that great saints sometimes experience great doubt and discouragement?2. Can you think of a time when God didn't meet your expectations?3. Why is bringing our doubts to God itself an act of faith?4. What are the two things Jesus does in response to John's question? How might those also help us in times of doubt or discouragement?5. Do our doubts separate us from Jesus?Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Randy Forrester ().

Send us a textIn this episode of 'Pondering the Bible,' Ken Corkins and Pastor Rocky Ellison explore Matthew 2:13-18, discussing the flight of Jesus' family to Egypt and Herod's brutal massacre of Bethlehem's infant boys. The discussion highlights the significance of God's intervention through dreams, the providence shown in the Magi's gifts, and the typology comparing Moses and Jesus. The hosts delve into prophetic links with Jeremiah and Hosea, emphasizing God's plans unfolding behind the scenes, even amid human evil. They also underscore how these events align with historical instances of child suffering and displacement.The Sermon for this episode is titled "Children" and can be found at pondergmc.org/ministries/sermonsNEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com Music performed by the Ponder GMC worship team. Cover Art: Joe Wagner Recorded, edited and mixed by Snikrock

In a series of events that recall important Old Testament stories, God delivered James THROUGH death, delivered Peter FROM death, and handed Herod over TO death.

John the Baptist had heralded Jesus as the Lamb of God, the Coming One, and the Messiah. John had pointed to the Advent of the Christ. But in our reading on this third Sunday of Advent, we see John in a much different setting. You have to wonder if John, who was now sitting in a dungeon, had begun to think he might have made one of the biggest mistakes in history. And you can also imagine that he had a great need to know that the person he'd been prophesying about was the real thing. Join Pastor Chris as he compares Blind Bartimaeus and John the Baptist in their encounter with joy in this sermon for Gaudete Sunday. Note: The artwork associated with this podcast (viewable on the Epiclesis website, but not in the Apple Podcast platform), is  "St. John the Baptist in Prison Visited by Two Disciples" (detail) by Giovanni di Paolo.

While the world saw a jealous ruler lashing out in rage, Scripture reveals a darker spiritual plot unfolding behind the throne of Herod. The birth of Jesus triggered a counter-strike from the enemy, who would do anything to destroy God's promise before it had barely begun. In the midst of chaos, fear and evil, we discover that God's plan cannot be stopped—and His King cannot be dethroned. Pastor Matthew McNutt shares "The Hunt for the King" from Matthew 2:1-18. Please sign our digital Connection Card Please consider parking on the YMCA side of the parking lot when you attend in person. This allows space for our guest and those with mobility issues. Christmas at Brandywine Choral Concert is on Monday, December 15 at 6:30pm. Learn more. Christmas Eve services at 3pm, 4:30pm and 6pm. Candlelight and communion services. The 3pm service will be online. Learn more. Love in Action is our benevolence fund. It allows us to help people who are experiencing financial emergencies.Give online Thank you for your generosity. Give online Downloaded the Children's Bulletin. License: CSPL066641 Size D #church #Advent #King #Hunt

This week we hear about king Herod and the wise men. What role did they play in Jesus' story? Listen in as Pastor Jeremy opens up the book of Matthew to find out.

In this Christmas message, Rev. Nicole Unice invites us into a deeper reflection on what it truly means to honor God's Son when life feels heavy, expectations go unmet, or the season doesn't match the sparkle around us. Drawing from Matthew 2 and the story of the wise men and King Herod, she explores how the arrival of Jesus reveals two very different responses to power: one rooted in control, fear, and self-protection, and the other marked by humility, curiosity, and worship. Through story, Scripture, and gentle humor, we're invited to notice the “little Herod” in all of us—the part that grasps for security, approval, or control—and to consider how Jesus comes as the quiet, vulnerable alternative to worldly power. Nicole helps us see how God uses creation to awaken longing, Scripture to bring clarity, and Christ to invite adoration, not coercion. This message invites us to reflect on where we seek safety and meaning, and to discover how honoring Jesus is less about striving and more about receiving—choosing love over power, adoration over possession, and trust over control. In the midst of grief, uncertainty, or unanswered questions, we're reminded that the simple act of worship reshapes our hearts and aligns us with the mind of Christ. May we be a people who carry the torch forward with courage, humility, and generational faithfulness.

Matthew 11:2-11When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. “Don't get your hopes up; it sounds too good to be true.” Tp.hat's what Katelyn said to me as I waved the gift card in the air. It was March of 2020 and we had just bought our first home. We were overjoyed and broke. But then one day shortly after moving in, a very official looking piece of mail came from what sounded like a reputable company.Curious I opened it up and to my delight there, in the letter, was a $150 gift card. “Congratulations on your new home. Here is a small gift from us.” It didn't exactly cover our new mortgage but I was stressed about money and suddenly here was a small token of relief! The letter simply said to call this number to activate the card. So I pull out my phone, call the number, and someone actually picks up; not a machine! This is good I think. Then I hear what are either other call center workers or a TV in the background… That's odd, but, ever the optimist, I say, “I got your letter and I'm calling to activate the card.” The person on the other end said “Great! I just needed your social security number and”... Before she could finish the sentence I hung up; irate, and embarrassed. Katelyn turned to me and said those four words you hate to hear, “I told you so..” She was right. The gift card was indeed too good to be true. Yet, isn't that how scams, or just marketing in general, work? Preying on folk's needs, desires, and insecurities by promising something that fixes their problems. You've been there or felt that way. Stressed about money when suddenly you get an email saying you've won the sweepstakes. Struggling to do all that needs to get done in a day when you see an influencer taut a new device or appliance that promises to give you hours back. Or you're lonely, feeling like you've got no one there for you when you see an online ad that promises your loneliness will go away with this new app.We want to believe these things will work, that they'll do what they say, and offer relief, if even temporarily. I imagine John the Baptist was in search of some relief too as he sat in prison. He's in there because he told Herod not to marry his own brother's wife, that's against Jewish law. Herod did it anyway and then threw John in jail. We don't know how long John had been in prison. But if it were me, it wouldn't take long at all before I felt alone, afraid, and desperate to get out. So I can only assume John felt the same way.But then comes the news of all that Jesus was doing. Over the last few chapters in Matthew, Jesus was on the move, doing all sorts of miraculous deeds:Healing the sick, calming storms, casting out demons, giving sight to the blind, voice to the voiceless, and even raising a young girl from the dead. All of this spread through the towns, the countryside, even to the dark prison where John sat, growing more desperate with each passing day. I can't help but think John heard these reports and remembered Isaiah's promise — the blind seeing, the lame walking, the deaf hearing. John knows the world is full of false hopes and empty promises. People have claimed to be the messiah before — but could this one be real? Could this be the One who brings a new kingdom, who sets the captives free, who fulfills everything I've prayed, preached, and prophesied? Hope rises, but doubt remains. … so he sent some of his disciples to ask the question… “are you the one? Or are we supposed to wait for another”.Notice John says we, not I… meaning his concern isn't only about himself. Even though he's in a terrible situation, he worries about all the other people who are struggling too. It's as if John asks, “Are you too good to be true Jesus, I need to know not only for me but for everyone in need of relief from the darkness they endure.” Hopefully I'm not the only one who's asked that question — or wondered, especially in Advent, if it's all too good to be true.That God would leave heaven and become human, be born to poor, unwed parents, live under occupation, suffer betrayal, and willingly die a terrible death, all so that he could forgive you and me and all the world, and we could live with the assurance of his grace, a grace that we could never earn but is freely given, with no strings attached? That certainly sounds too good to be true.Jesus responds by saying: “Go tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead raised, and good news brought to the poor”. It's not exactly a straight answer. It would have been so much easier for John, his disciples, and even for us, if Jesus gave a direct answer and said “yes, I am the one you've been waiting for. I am the Messiah”. But he didn't.And to complicate things further, John's disciples didn't only see miracles. Pain and suffering, oppression and death were all around them — just as they are in our own time. Look at what's happened in the last 24 hours…We never know if John received this answer from Jesus or if he was satisfied with it. But what about you? Does it satisfy you? We, like John, sit in our own prisons. They may not have bars, but they entrap us just the same: a quiet house filled with loneliness, a mind crowded with worry at 2 a.m., grief that quietly overwhelms, a world that feels too heavy to bear.From that darkness, we ask the same question, “Are you the one Jesus? Are you the one who's come to set all this right? To set me right? How can we know? Well this may come as a shock, but we can't know, at least not on our own.Luther puts it this way, “I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ” but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, leads me to faith, and keeps me in faith.” It is a gift, not something we come up with on our own, thanks be to God. And because of this gift, we can trust in the promises of Jesus.When we doubt, when we struggle, when we feel overcome by suffering in the world, the Holy Spirit helps us trust that God is at work in places we wouldn't expect! That's what Jesus tells John and his disciples. Jesus says to them, “If you want to come to believe that I am the One, look at the places where there is suffering, in your own life and in the world around you. That's where I am at work.”Jesus is the one — not because everything feels fixed, but because he is already at work in the darkness. Faith gives us not certainty, but trust in that promise.I love what Bonhoeffer wrote to Maria, his fiance, while sitting in his prison cell during Advent in 1943. He wrote: “Just when everything is bearing down on us to such an extent that we can scarcely withstand it, the Christmas message comes to tell us that all our ideas are wrong, and that what we take to be evil and dark is really good and light because it comes from God. Our eyes are at fault, that is all. God is in the manger, wealth in poverty, succor in abandonment.”Christmas, the promises of Jesus, grace… it all sounds too good to be true. But the truth is, it's even better. Amen.

Pastor Sam Luce speaks during Advent 2025 on Herod from Matthew 2:1-18

Pastor Sam Luce speaks during Advent 2025 on Herod from Matthew 2:1-18

A Sermon for the Third Sunday in Advent Isaiah 35:1-10, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, St. Matthew 11:2-10 by William Klock Many years ago, as we were driving home from church on a Sunday morning, a very young Alexandra asked, “Dad, can Episcopalians cry?”  I thought, “What?  Of course we can. What makes you ask that?”  And she said something to the effect of, “The song said the Baptists cried”  “Ah!  ‘On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry…' and I found myself trying to figure out how to explain plurals and possessives and punctuation to a pre-schooler who couldn't read yet, and in the end I said something like—“No, the song is about John the Baptist, not Baptists, and he wasn't crying because he was sad, he was crying—like yelling out—to the crowds about how, in Jesus, God had come to save his people like he'd promised, so they'd better get ready by getting rid of their sins.” That hymn was written by Charles Coffin in 1736 for the Paris Breviary and was a hymn to be sung at Lauds—more or less what we call Morning Prayer—during Advent.  And it wonderfully blends the account of John the Baptist that we have in the Gospels with Isaiah's prophecies of the coming Messiah, his call to make straight the way of the Lord, and his promises of forgiveness and reconciliation, of healing and new creation.  Maybe it's because we reference the hymn by its first line, but somehow that first line—little Alexandra wasn't the only one—lots of people hear that first line and imagine poor John sobbing on the banks of the Jordan river, when what we're singing about is John, proclaiming with an urgent joy the coming of the Messiah and the fulfilment of Israel's hopes and longings. For thou art our salvation Lord, Our refuge and our great reward: Without thy grace we waste away Like flowers that wither and decay.   To heal the sick stretch out thine hand, And bid the fallen sinner stand; Shine forth, and let thy light restore Earth's own true loveliness once more.   It's certainly an appropriate image for this season of Advent as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Jesus and are reminded about the vocation he's given us to prepare ourselves and his creation for the day when he returns.  But I still wrestle with this passage and with today's Epistle from 1 Corinthians 11, every time the Third Sunday in Advent rolls around.  Last week's lessons are some of my favourites.  They remind us how important it is that we know and root ourselves in the story of God and his people.  But I always find today's lessons hard.  First we hear Paul rebuking the Corinthian Christians.  They'd rejected his authority and he writes them to say, “Hey, that's not the way I should be treated.  You need to regard me a servant of the Messiah and steward of God's mysteries.  Who are you to judge me?”  If we didn't know better we might think Paul's head was a little swollen.  And then in the Gospel we've got Jesus defending John the Baptist and his calling and ministry. And I know that the reason these lessons were appointed for the Third Sunday in Advent is because this is an ember week, one of those weeks that most people have forgotten about, that come around four times a year—the times when ordinations traditionally took place.  And so the lessons were chosen to remind us of the importance of those who serve as ministers in the church.  We prayed in the Collect, “Grant that the ministers and stewards of thy mysteries may so prepare and make ready your way by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in your sight.”  That's a good thing to pray.  I hope that you pray for me and that you pray for our bishops and for those who lead and teach in our church—and all the churches.  But I get kind of uncomfortable standing at the pulpit and suggesting that I—or any other clergyman, by he a presbyter or a bishop—can talk that way about my ministry the way Paul could speak about his apostolic ministry and authority.  That was a unique authority given to Paul and the other apostles and to no one since.  Our duty—both mine and yours—is simply to faithfully proclaim the faith given to us by those uniquely authoritative apostles.  Ditto for Jesus' defense of John the Baptist.  I hope with all my heart that if a crowd of people were doubting my faithfulness, that Jesus was come to my defense.  But I can't presume to talk as if Jesus' words in today's Gospel mean that you all should see and respect me as a modern-day John the Baptist.  Every year when this set of lessons comes around, I can' help but think of the words of our Declaration of Principles, where it says that “this church condemns and rejects the following erroneous and strange doctrines as contrary to God's word...” And the second of those erroneous and strange doctrines is “That Christian ministers are ‘priests' in another sense than that in which all believers are a ‘royal priesthood'.” Brother and Sisters, together we are the body of Jesus the Messiah.  Some of us are ears or eyes, some hands or feet, some hearts or brains.  I may have pastoral training and authority granted by the church to teach and to administer the sacraments, but that doesn't make me more important.  The church, to be the church, needs all of us.  And the really important thing that we really need—all of us—to do is not to treat our pastors or our bishops as if they carry Paul's apostolic authority.  What we need to do is to see ourselves—all of us—in the same place as the Corinthians and submit ourselves to that apostolic teaching handed down by Paul and Peter and John and the rest of the apostles. Because our witness depends on it.  God's kingdom depends on it.  We are the stewards of the good news and we're stewards of God's Spirit.  We are the stewards of his kingdom and his new creation.  And as Paul writes, “it's required of stewards that they be found trustworthy”.  When Paul writes “steward” he's describing the manager of a household or an estate.  Think of Joseph, Potiphar's steward, put in charge of everything he owned, responsible for how it was all managed, responsible for the profits and losses, responsible for making sure all of Potiphar's assets were put to good and efficient use and not wasted, squandered, or damaged.  That's what Paul saw himself as when it came to the mysteries of God.  And not some highfalutin executive, but as a humble slave, graciously chosen by God to steward the gospel. And because you and I have been entrusted with that same gospel—handed down by Paul and Peter and John and the other apostles—we've become stewards too.  Not with the apostolic authority that Paul had and the ability to announce “Thus saith the Lord.”  But still a people called to work in the Lord's household or in his vineyard, entrusted with his mysteries—with the gospel, with his grace, with his Spirit—and called, each of us in our own way, to steward the Lord's good things faithfully. When we look at First and Second Corinthians, the folks in that church weren't doing a very good job.  Picture them.  A small church—probably a few dozen people at most.  Most of the people in it were converts from paganism.  They used to worship false gods who represented things like sex, knowledge, money, war, power, government.  The Corinthians all had their favourite sins: lying, cheating, anger, pornography, drunkenness, drugs, adultery.  You name it, they'd done it—often as part of their worship.  But then this funny Jewish man showed up preaching a bizarre message about the God of Israel and his son, the Messiah—the anointed king—who had been crucified and then raised from death.  And this man, Paul, he'd been abused, beaten, stoned, left for dead so many times for the sake of this message, this “good news” he was so earnest about.  He was a little frightening to look at, because he literally bore the marks of this gospel, the marks of Jesus on his own body.  But this good news was unlike any news they'd ever heard before.  This God, this Jesus, was unlike any god they'd ever worshiped.  He brought love, mercy, grace, and hope into a world of darkness, greed, selfishness, and brutality.  In Paul they saw and in hearing the good news he announced, they met God's new world and they were won over.  They were baptised into this God who is Father, Son, and Spirit and the new creation begun by Jesus was born in them.  Paul stayed and he taught them and they grew in Jesus and the Spirit.  And they lived as a little pocket of God's new age right there in the midst of brutal, wicked, dark, pagan Corinth.  And then Paul moved on.  And they started to struggle.  The temptations of their old pagan ways came back—as so often happens.  The new life of Jesus and the Spirit—so thrilling at first—became hum-drum and they started seeking after new experiences and new excitements.  That resulted in factions in the church: this group became a fan of that preacher and that group became fans of this preacher.  In the name of Christian liberty they became tolerant of sin—even some that were unspeakable to the pagans.  And that led to further divisions.  They began to use the gifts the Spirit had given them, not to build up the church, but to build up themselves.  Their worship became chaotic and dishonouring to God.  And when Paul heard what was happening and wrote to them.  Think of Advent.  He wrote to them: “Hey, you're living like you're still part of the old evil age, subject to the old false gods and the principalities and powers that Jesus defeated at the cross.  You're supposed to be living as heralds of God's new creation!  You're supposed to be a church full of John the Baptists, crying out, announcing that the Lord is night!”  And they wrote back a nasty letter telling him they were done with him—they didn't want to hear his “correction” anymore.  They had grown beyond his teaching and they were doing well on their own, thank you very much! And I think we tend to read about the Corinthians think, “Wow, what horrible Christians!”  And yet, I don't know that the modern church is all that different.  It's full of quarrelling and divisions.  We're jealous of other pastor's or other church's successes.  We use the gifts God has given to benefit ourselves rather than the body.  We lack holiness.  We're worldly.  We lie, we cheat, we steal, and we exploit in our business.  Our families are often a mess.  Unrepentant divorce is rampant.  Sexual immorality, pornography, drugs and drunkenness, abortion are nearly as prevalent in the church as they are in the world.  Bishops and presbyters abuse and lie and plagiarise and get drunk and engage in sexual immorality.  We say we've given our allegiance to Jesus, but we sell ourselves out to the materialistic and consumeristic and individualistic and political spirits of the age.  We take our cues from advertising and become dissatisfied with what God has given us and where he's placed us.  We take our cues from politicians instead of the Bible.  We see evil in the world, we see injustice in the world and instead of speaking out or doing something about it, we look the other way and refuse to act. Our worship is too often chaotic and man-centred rather than God- and gospel-centred.  We preach self-help instead of sin and grace, the cross and new creation.  Brothers and Sisters, the church is supposed to be the advance guard of God's new creation.  It's supposed to be his temple, the place where God and man, where heaven and earth meet.  We've been entrusted with the mysteries of God.  But we're too much like the old creation.  Our allegiance is half-hearted.  We are unfaithful stewards, squandering the gifts of God.  The principalities and powers of the old age often rule and govern the church more than Jesus and the Spirit do.  I don't think it's any wonder that—to use the analogy of John's vision in Revelation—I don't think it's any great wonder that Jesus seems to be taking away our lampstand here in the post-Christian West. And I know there's little if anything you and I can do about the church on a large scale, but we've been entrusted with our little corner of the church and we can do something about that.  Advent reminds us that as Israel was to listen to men like John the Baptist and prepare for Jesus first coming, the church now needs to listen to the scriptures—to the prophets and apostles—and prepare for Jesus' return.  As Paul warned the Corinthians that they needed to heed his apostolic authority, he might as well be warning us, too.  Hear the apostles and hear the prophets—and don't just hear; do.  Hear the words of Isaiah we read today: “The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing.  The glory of the Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.  They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.” Maybe that doesn't mean much to us today, but for people who lived in the desert, those were words of hope.  New creation was coming.  God has promised to come and set the world to rights.  To bring his people back to the garden to live in his presence.  And so Isaiah tells them, “Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.  Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not!  Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God.  He will come and save you.” Don't be discouraged.  Don't lose hope.  Don't forget his promises.  Don't forget to whom you belong.  Don't give up on your holy vocation.  Don't forget that you are stewards of the good things of God for the sake of the world.  What he has promised he will do.  He will not let you thirst in the desert forever.  “The eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.  For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down, the grass shall become reeds and rushes.  And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it.  It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray.  No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there.  And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” John the Baptist saw that in Jesus God was beginning to fulfil this promise.  In fact, what John saw in Jesus—preaching good news, healing the sick, casting out demons—looked so much like the fulfilment of God's promises made through Isaiah and the other prophets, that he had confidence to announce to Israel that the kingdom was at hand. It gave him the confidence to preach, not just the joyful part of Isaiah's message, but to also declare the part about God's judgement coming and to call the people to repentance in preparation.  He was confident enough that he even called out King Herod's personal sins.  And that landed him in Herod's dungeon.  But when Jesus didn't break him out, he started to wonder.  I don't know that he really doubted the message, but it seems like he began to wonder and so he sent his disciples to Jesus to ask, “Are you the one or should we look for someone else?”  And Jesus reminded them of all the Messiah things he'd been doing.  The blind received their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, even the dead are raised, and the poor are hearing good news for the first time.  And in case the crowds were doubting, Jesus reminded them of the absolute certainty John had shown.  “What did you go out to the wilderness to see?” he asked them.  Not a reed flapping in the wind.  Not some fop dressed in fine clothes.  You can find that in Herod's palace.  No, you went out to see a prophet—to see a man who knows God's faithfulness and wasn't afraid to proclaim both the joy of salvation and the sternness of judgement.  You went out because he was calling you to repentance in preparation for God's coming.  Yes, you went out to hear the one of whom it was written: “Behold, I send my messenger…who will prepare the way before you.”  In other words, Jeus says to them, “You saw what God is doing through me and so you went out to meet John, to listen to his message, to be baptised in the Jordan, because you knew that you need to be prepared for God's coming. And, Brothers and Sisters, we need to hear the same thing.  We've seen the goodness of God, we've seen his faithfulness in Jesus.  We've know the joy of being forgiven our sins and restored to fellowship with God.  We've received his Spirit and have known the beginning of new creation.  We've experienced the fellowship of this redeemed community.  We should be as certain as John was that in Jesus God's salvation has come, that in Jesus new creation has begun.  And we should be as certain as John was of the need to make straight the way of the Lord, to shout to the world with joy and also with earnestness: Repent, because the kingdom of God is here.  But I think we've lost that—or at least a good bit of it.  The joy has faded and we've become complacent. And so Advent is a call to remember the faithfulness of God that we have known, to remember the joy and love and hope we once knew, and to renew our allegiance to King Jesus and to his kingdom…and then to repent in dust and ashes for our sins and failures and betrayals and to commit ourselves as the church, as his temple to truly be the place where heaven and earth meet, the place that confronts the kingdoms of men with the kingdom of God, that confronts the principalities and powers with the victory of the cross, to be the people who know the redemption of sins and who go out into the world to make straight the way of the Lord.  Brothers and Sisters, let Advent remind you of the joy of your salvation; let Advent remind you of the kingdom vocation you've been given; let Advent be a time recommitment as you lay aside everything else and once again give your full attention and your full allegiance and your full self to the coming King. Let's pray: O Lord Jesus, Messiah, who at your first coming sent your messenger to prepare your way before you: grant that we being faithful ministers and stewards of your mysteries, might so prepare and make ready your way by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in your sight; who lives and reigns with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

Herod may not be the typical topic for an Advent lesson, but understanding this evil character can help us appreciate, even more, the significance of Jesus' coming.

Christ Our King: The Word Enthroned 12.14.25 Pastor Tony Felich   2 Samuel 7:12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. [13] He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.[16] And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.'”   Psalm 2:6 “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” [7] I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. [8] Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.   Micah 5:2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.   Matthew 2:1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, [2] saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”   Philippians 2:9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, [10] so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.   Revelation 19:11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. [12] His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. [13] He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. [14] And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. [15] From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. [16] On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.   WLC 45 Q. How doth Christ execute the office of a king? A. Christ executeth the office of a king, in calling out of the world a people to himself, and giving them officers, laws, and censures, by which he visibly governs them; in bestowing saving grace upon his elect, rewarding their obedience, and correcting them for their sins, preserving and supporting them under all their temptations and sufferings, restraining and overcoming all their enemies, and powerfully ordering all things for his own glory and their good; and also in taking vengeance on the rest, who know not God and obey not the gospel.”

In this week's Advent series, we explore the "Dreams of Christmas" through the story of the Magi in Matthew 2:1-12. The sermon delves into the significance of dreams as divine instructions, highlighting the Magi's journey to find Jesus and their encounter with King Herod. We examine the historical and prophetic context of the Magi, their gifts, and the transformative power of encountering Christ. The message challenges us to reflect on our own lives: Are we living in fear like Herod, complacent like the religious leaders, or open to God's direction like the Magi? Join us as we consider how saying "yes" to Jesus can lead us on a new path. For more information about our church, visit npfcc.org To help support the ongoing work of NPFCC and our mission partners around the globe, you can make a donation at npfcc.org/give

Send us a textJohn the Baptist was sent as a messenger to prepare the way of the Lord. And now, awaiting execution, John's death at Herod's hands will foreshadow Jesus' own death on the cross. On the cross, Jesus prayed the opening line of Psalm 22, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" Inside his cell, John faces his own experience of abandonment and doubt.I have Mass on Sunday, December 14at St. Isidore @ 9:30/11:30 amat St. Andrew @ 5:00 pmfrjoedailey@gmail.com

“Is there such a thing as a just war?” This question opens a discussion on the moral implications of warfare, including whether actions taken during war can be justified. Other topics addressed include the interpretation of Genesis 49:10 prophecy and the validity of baptism for those from different Christian backgrounds. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:30 – Is there such a thing as a just war? If there is, does that mean once you're in a war you can do whatever? Why do popes no longer tell us when wars are just? 17:43 – How do we interpret Gen 49:10 prophecy? 24:43 – I come from a Baptist background. Why is my baptism valid? 35:41 – Since the Roman Empire didn’t have a king when they gave Herod the title of King of the Jews did, they allow him to rule as absolute monarch? 45:30 – Why do some bible translations leave the word fasting out of Mt. 17:21? 50:14 – Is there a second soul in a person who has the chimera genetic disorder?

Peter escapes to the house of Mary. Herod is struck down by God and eaten by worms. And a son of the Devil is trying to make the straight path crooked. Have a listen.  Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education  What's New from 1517: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug  More from the hosts: Daniel Emery Price Erick Sorenson

“Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!” (2 Corinthians 9:15 NLT) In all your preparations for the holiday season, make sure you don’t miss the point of celebrating Christmas. Missing the profound meaning and implications of Jesus’ coming is surprisingly easy to do. The innkeeper in Bethlehem could have been an eyewitness to God’s arrival on earth. He could have been immortalized in nativity scenes, along with the shepherds and wise men. But Luke 2:7 says, “She [Mary] gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them” (NLT). The innkeeper missed Jesus because he gave priority to others. King Herod could have accompanied the wise men in their search for the One born King of the Jews. He could have offered his own crown as a gift to Jesus, as a sign of humility, obedience, and worship. But Herod missed Jesus because he couldn’t accept the idea of someone supplanting him as ruler. Matthew 2:16 tells us how far he went to keep it from happening: “Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance” (NLT). Most of the Jewish people who were alive when the Incarnation occurred missed Jesus because they ignored the truth of God’s Word. They interpreted Old Testament prophecy to fit their own agenda instead of trying to understand God’s agenda. Citizens of the Roman Empire missed Jesus because they were too busy worshipping other gods. They opted for false idols instead of God Himself. Let’s not make the same mistake. Let’s keep our priorities straight. This is the season of busyness. There are a lot of things vying for our attention—many of them important. But none is nearly as important as the gift of God’s only Son. Let’s approach the Lord with a sense of humility and obedience. The genocidal cruelty of Herod sets him apart from most people. But his refusal to hand the reins of power to anyone else is all too familiar. Giving our lives to Christ and submitting to His will can be a challenge. There are times when we want to pursue our own preferences and pleasures. But if we give in to those urges, we miss what the Lord has in store for us. Let’s prioritize God’s Word. In it, we find the secrets of wisdom, trail markers for discovering God’s will, instructions for living in a Christlike way, and glimpses into our future. The Bible is the gift that keeps giving. Let’s remove the false idols—the distractions that keep us from worshipping God wholeheartedly—from our lives. Let’s resolve not to miss Jesus this Christmas. Reflection question: What steps can you take to keep your focus on Jesus this Christmas? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He's the villain of the Nativity. An alleged killer of innocents, remembered as one of history's great monsters. But the truth about Herod the Great is far more dramatic, far more complex, and far more shocking.On today's special episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes asks: who was the real Herod behind the legend and the infamy? Joined by Professor Benedict Eckhardt, Dr Kimberly Tchaikovsky and Professor Helen Bond, he charts the gripping rise of one of antiquity's most formidable and misunderstood rulers. From perilous beginnings to becoming Rome's chosen King of Judea, Herod's story blends Greek-style tragedy with ruthless Roman politics and features encounters with towering figures like Julius Caesar, Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Join us to step into the turbulent world of Roman Judea and discover how Herod defied the odds to seize his throne.MOREThe Wise Men:Listen on AppleListen on SpotifyThe Great Jewish Revolt:Listen on AppleListen on Spotify Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic SoundsThe Ancients is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here:https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.