Bible Study - Christmas (6) - The Wise Men's Worship - Matthew 2:1-11 - January 6, 2019

Bible Study – Christmas (6) – The Wise Men’s Worship – January 6, 2019

This is lesson six (6) and our final lesson in our series entitled “The Full Picture of Christmas.”

Our focus scripture is Matthew 2:1-11.

JESUS is LORD and HE deserves our worship.

What does worship mean to us? If we attend a church service, have we worshipped? Why do we, as Christians, worship?

Often, when we go to church and listen to the music, give some money and listen to the sermon, we feel good and consider that we have worshipped. But have we worshipped?

As a Christian, is worship a time to confess our sins and seek to build an intimate loving relationship with GOD through our faith in JESUS? Do Christians need to go to church to confess our sins? No!

Certainly, Christians sin. Christians commit sins. They have sins of commission, sins that they do or think and sins of omission. These are sins of failing to be obedient to GOD’S Word. But Christians do not have to wait to confess these sins. They can confess them every moment of the day. But such confession can be part of worship and certainly before we take the “LORD’S Supper” Christians need to ask the Holy Spirit to examine their lives and for them to confess any sin GOD brings to our mind. Why is this necessary?

If Christians are sinners saved by GOD’S Grace, why do they have to confess their sins? The simple answer is to maintain the right relationship with GOD and maintain the right fellowship with HIM. Having the right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS is vital to our Spiritual growth, development and obedient service.

Keep in mind that once a person is Spiritually born into GOD’S Family, he or she is always GOD’S Son or Daughter through the miracle of Spiritual rebirth. As GOD’S Son or Daughter, HE did not make us robots. Christians maintain their will and their right to choose. The question is, “Who rules our lives?” Is it self/the flesh or GOD/The Holy Spirit?

In our lesson today, we read about some wise men who were led by GOD to witness the coming of GOD’S Promised Messiah to earth.

There are a couple of things we need to know:

-         They did not arrive to pay homage to JESUS until JESUS was possibly two-years old.

-         We are not certain of the number of wise men who visited JESUS. Christmas pageants depict three wise men because of the three gifts – gold, frankincense and myrrh. But that is an assumption.

Let’s explore further!

What do we need to take away from this study?

Wise men and women still seek HIM! Just know if you seek HIM, HE will reveal Himself to you. It may take time but HE will lead you to a saving knowledge of JESUS and having the right relationship with HIM through faith in JESUS. Why JESUS? JESUS stated it best in John 14:6:

6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Let’s read Matthew 2:1-6:

Wise Men Seek the King

1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem,

2 saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him."

3 When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.

4 So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born.

5 "In Bethlehem of Judea," they told him, "because this is what was written by the prophet:

6 And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah: because out of you will come a leader who will shepherd My people Israel. "

JESUS was born during the reign of King Herod. This gives us a timeline so to speak. King Herod was half Jewish. He had risen to the throne of Israel in 37 BC through an alliance with Rome. He died in the spring of 4 BC. He was noted to be an excellent politician and a visionary. He made improvements in the area and to the temple. This pleased the Jewish people. But he also had an evil side. He was oppressive and cruel.

King Herod was paranoid. He was self-obsessed and jealous. He had members of his family executed. He had his favorite wife, her mother, his high priest brother-in-law, some of his sons and many others executed. Just before he died, he ordered the slaughter of people to ensure and to give the illusion that people were mourning his death.

This gives us a picture of why in verse 3, “When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.” All of Jerusalem was disturbed with him because if the king was not happy, no body was happy.

The king called “the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born.” They gave him the answer:

"In Bethlehem of Judea," they told him, "because this is what was written by the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah: because out of you will come a leader who will shepherd My people Israel. "

The prophet was Micah who recorded this prophesy about 700 BC as recorded in Micah 5:2:

2 Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; One will come from you to be ruler over Israel for Me. His origin is from antiquity, from eternity.

GOD’S Word, the Bible, is the best commentary we have to verify Christian theology.

This news resulted in Herod swinging into action as we read on ----

Let’s read Matthew 2:7-8:

7 Then Herod secretly summoned the wise men and asked them the exact time the star appeared.

8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the child. When you find Him, report back to me so that I too can go and worship Him."

King Herod “secretly summoned the wise men and asked them the exact time the star appeared.” The king did not want to let the word to get out that his replacement just might have been born. He was a conniver. He would let these wisemen find this person and get them to report back to him, so he could worship HIM? Really???

We need to keep in mind that these were wise men being led by GOD.

The king was wise enough to know that they were being led, possibly by GOD. So, he would let them do their thing. He must have thought, “Oh, how brilliant I am.” “I have matters under my control, so no need to get upset.”

Let’s read Matthew 2:9-11:

9 After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was-the star they had seen in the east! It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was.

10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed beyond measure.

11 Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

12 And being warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by another route.

The wise men continued their mission. And as they continued “there it was-the star they had seen in the east! It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was.”

Sometimes, as we are following the calling of GOD, we have a pause for a purpose and possibly a course correction or to gather additional information. The wise men continued to follow their calling and when they began again, they saw the “Star and they were overjoyed beyond measure.” WOW! They knew they were on the right track and that GOD was leading them in the right direction.

But notice in verse 11, they did not go to a stable but they went to “the house.” It is believed that JESUS was between one and two years old, likely a toddler.

They entered the house and when they saw mother and child “they worshipped HIM.” Notice, they did NOT worship them but HIM.

Certainly, Mary was obedient to her calling but she is not to be worshipped above other Christians who are called to obediently serve GOD. She found “favor with GOD” but so do Christians when they obediently respond to GOD’S call to accept JESUS as his or her Savior and to obediently serve HIM.

The wise men worshipped HIM and then:

“Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

Notice that worship came before they opened their treasures which were gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Many have assigned meanings to each of these gifts:

-         God was a gift fit for a King

-         Frankincense is an aromatic and used in worship to produce a sweet smell.

-         Myrrh is a spice used in embalming.

Notice in verse 10, the desire of the wise men was to find the promised Messiah sent by GOD:

-         There was an interruption in their journey but when the pause in their journey had ended, they continued their quest to find this promised Messiah.

-         What had the pause in their journey produced? The King called in the Jewish experts who provided not only the king with information but also the wise men.

-         Now, they knew the general location of the Promised Messiah, Bethlehem, but where?

-         When they continued their quest, behold HIS Star appeared and they followed it.

-         They were overjoyed with excitement because they knew they were on the right track.

-         HIS Star, a special Star, led them to where JESUS was.

-         When they met HIM, they Immediately fell to their knees in honor, respect and in an act of worship. They had found that for which they had been searching. The treasure of great price.

-         They acknowledged their discovery by the giving HIM three precious gifts. (Some speculate that these valuable gifts were used by Mary and Joseph to fund and sustain their journey to Egypt to protect JESUS from the king’s orders to kill all boy babies age two and under.)

-         Once the wise men found JESUS, GOD warned them not to go back to report to King Herod. GOD warned them, (notice THEM) in a dream to take another route back home. The wise men were obedient to the prompting of GOD.

What can we learn from this? Many of us search for GOD and the Promised Messiah, JESUS. GOD’S desire is that all who search for HIM will find HIM. JESUS is the flesh manifestation of GOD. GOD sent JESUS and JESUS chose to come for the express purpose of giving HIS sinless life to pay for all of our sin – past, present and future – in full the instant we place our faith in JESUS.

All humans are on a quest to find truth. But every person has an adversary, Satan. Satan’s desire is for a person not to discover the truth of salvation, which results from the consequence of sin, which is eternal death. Faith in JESUS results in eternal life and a person being born-again into the family of GOD through faith in JESUS.

What does John 3:16-18 reveal to us?

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

GOD loves everyone of us. You never become unloved by GOD. HE desires for you to be honest in your search for truth, which is found in JESUS, the Promised Messiah.

Be honest with GOD and tell HIM, what you honestly feel toward HIM. It could be, “I hate you for ----;” and fill in the blank. Or “It is hard for me to believe in you because of all the tragedy in the world!” Lay it out to HIM. Then ask GOD to help you find truth by leading you to the Promised Messiah, JESUS. When you do and you are honest, then begin your journey to find HIM. Follow the promptings of GOD. Ask HIM to give you something to follow. It could be to get a Christian Bible and read it or any number of ways HE leads.

When you find JESUS, worship HIM. GOD warned the wise men not to return by the same route they had taken to find the Promised Messiah but to take a different route. Once a person discovers truth, through faith in JESUS he or she has a new guiding Star and that is the indwelling Holy Spirit. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, direct, enlighten, assure, confirm, instruct, guarantee, reveal truth and so much more to you as you obediently serve GOD through faith in JESUS.

If you have never asked JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your life, do so now. If you have asked JESUS into your life but have not been living for HIM, confess it and ask HIM to restore the joy of your salvation. GOD never leaves us or abandons us. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - CHristmas (4) - The Angel's Announcement - Luke 2:1-21 - December 23, 2018

Bible Study – Christmas (4) – The Angel’s Announcement – December 23, 2018

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “The Full Picture of Christmas.”

The focus scripture is Luke 2:1-14.

JESUS came for our salvation.

JESUS left HIS home in Glory to come to earth. How do we know that?                                                                                            

Let’s read what JESUS said to GOD, HIS Father, as HE prayed to HIM as recorded in John 17:4-5:

4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.

5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

Yes, JESUS chose to leave HIS home in Glory to come to earth to live as 100% human. Why? HE did it just for you. Why? It is because HE loves you and sin alienated you from GOD. The only way you can be redeemed and restored from the consequence of sin is through faith in JESUS. JESUS gave HIS sinless life to pay, in full, the penalty for sin, which is eternal death. Did that free you from the penalty of sin? Yes and no! Yes, it opened the path between you and GOD. What does that mean? It means that when you place your faith in JESUS, believing that HE gave HIS sinless life just for you, you are Spiritually born in GOD’S Family and completely redeemed and restored to GOD’S original intent for you.

The miracle of Spiritual rebirth is the eternal conversion of the human spirit by the Holy Spirit when a person places his or her faith in JESUS. The unconverted human spirit is eternal but it has not been converted by the Divine Sperm to become GOD’S Son or Daughter through the miracle of Spiritual rebirth. As GOD’S Son or Daughter, the eternal born-again Spirit will live eternally with GOD when you exit your earth suit. Does this sound strange? It is no stranger than the immaculate conception of JESUS by the Holy Spirit coming upon the virgin Mary.

Let’s continue to explore!

Let’s read Luke 2:1-7:

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)

3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,

7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

The birth place of the promised Messiah had already been prophesied recorded about 700 years earlier. Let’s read Micah 5:2:

2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

Mary was in Nazareth and pregnant with JESUS, the promised Messiah. How would GOD get her to the birthplace of the promised Messiah? The government played an important role. GOD uses many things to accomplish HIS will and purpose. Maybe you have experienced GOD relocating you from point A to point B to accomplish HIS will and purpose in your life.

Mary and Joseph had to register in the home town of their ancestor David.

It is thought that both Mary and Joseph, as mentioned earlier, were both of the house of David. Plus, I understand in some ancient cultures that women 12 years old and older needed to register and pay taxes the same as men. Bottom line, Mary accompanied Joseph to Bethlehem.

Mary went into labor in Bethlehem and they needed a place to stay. We know that the local inn was full but the stable for the animals was available. It was kept clean and the feeding trough provided a good cradle. GOD’S Son came to earth not to be treated as the Son of GOD and the King of Kings but in humility. This reveals the heart and love of GOD to every person.

Mary gave birth to her first born. This implies there are additional children she birthed, which is true. We read in Matthew 13:53-58:

53 When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there.

54 Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked.

55 “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas?

56 Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?”

57 And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.”

58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

Now for the most important announcement for which the world had been waiting. Who would make it known that GOD’S Promised Messiah, GOD’S Only Son, had been born? Surely an earthy king would announce HIS birth. No! It was the most unlikely group. It was shepherds who had the night watch to keep predators from stealing the sheep and killing them. The shepherds were the least likely group because they were thought of as thieves and having low character. Yet, GOD chose them to announce the birth of HIS only Son, JESUS as we read on ------

Let’s read Luke 2:8-14:

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

An angel made the announcement. The angel told the shepherds “Do not be afraid.” “I bring you good news that will bring great joy for all people.” The promised Messiah has been born and the angel was accompanied by a heavenly host that appeared with the angel. The angel identified how they could identify and locate the Promised Messiah as we read verses 11 and 12.

Then to further confirm this event “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” GOD found favor with Mary and those who accept JESUS as their Savior also find favor with GOD. GOD’S favor is HIS Grace. Grace is something no person earns or deserves but a gift.

Where is the “highest heaven?” Do you recall Paul’s testimony of a man he knew as recorded in 2 Corinthians 12:2:

2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows.

The first heaven is where the clouds and birds are and the second heaven is where the sun, moon, stars, plants and galaxies are. The third heaven in where GOD is.

WOW! This must have been spectacular! It was so profound that it motivated the shepherds to check it out.

Often, spectacular events motivate us to check and verify such events more closely. Often, it leads us to discover the wonders of GOD. GOD’S desire is for all of us to discover HIM and through faith in JESUS to build the right relationship with HIM. Oh, it is not an easy journey but it is the most rewarding journey a person will ever take. In fact, it is an awesome journey.

Salvation is just the beginning of discovering the reality of GOD through faith in JESUS.

[Likely, most of you know this, but the wise men did not arrive to give their gifts to JESUS until JESUS was about 2 years old. We will discuss this in our last lesson in this series.]

Let’s read on in Luke 2:15-21: (So, how did the shepherd respond?)

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,

18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

The shepherds took the information the angel gave them and acted on it. That is exactly GOD’S desire for each of us. GOD allows prompts to come into our lives to motivate us and reveal to us HIS plans. How we respond to the prompts in our lives are vital but are also up to us to accept or reject. Responding is an act of faith. What the shepherds had witnessed in the field was so overwhelming that they had all the information they needed to go and witness this event. They had a choice. What would they do?

They responded and went to Bethlehem and found the baby as the angel had described. Notice, they did not “dilly dally,” or question what they heard and saw. They put feet to what they had witnessed and heard. They did not waste time, they “hurried.”

The shepherds reported what they had witnessed to Mary, Joseph and others who may have been around as to why they had come to Bethlehem and that specific stable seeking this special baby. They were overjoyed and it was a confirmation to Mary and Joseph that this baby was truly GOD’S Son. Mary treasured this confirmation.

Recently my wife and I were traveling from one city to another. Roughly a distance of about 200 miles. The weather report was for heavy rains and flooding along the route I wanted to take. I prayed. I asked the LORD to guide our path. I told the LORD that I would put our destination into our GPS and follow it. I did and it took me on a much different route than what I had planned. I am stubborn but I said LORD, “I told you what I would do” and I did it. I followed the route the GPS had given me trusting that it was the route the LORD would have us to take.

When we got to our destination, I turned on the TV and got the news to learn that if we had gone the route I wanted to go, we would have been in heavy rains and flooding. I thanked the LORD for HIS guidance and the fact that I did not lean on my own understanding and go the route I wanted to go. These milestones in our journey of faith confirm our relationship with our LORD and builds our trust in HIM and HIS guidance.

You see, I am stubborn, and stubbornness gets in the way of GOD’S leadership in our lives.

The shepherd’s response and witness were encouragement and confirmation to both Mary and Joseph; truly, JESUS was GOD’S Son.

Did they need this confirmation?  We do not know but scripture reveals that “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” When we journey by faith, confirming milestones along our path are always an encouragement for us.

The shepherds journeyed by faith and discovered truth. When they discovered truth, they shared the good news to all they encountered as they returned to their regular jobs. We are to do the same. Do you know truth? If not seek it. Ask GOD to reveal truth to you and follow HIS lead. Just know that JESUS is truth. Satan would have you to believe otherwise. Do not be misled. Most of us desire confirmation of truth. Once we ask JESUS to forgive us for our sins and for HIM to come into our hearts, GOD gives us the Holy Spirit to indwell us. The indwelling Holy Spirit confirms and guarantees our salvation and that we are GOD’S Sons or Daughters.

Respond to the urging of the Holy Spirit to either accept JESUS as your Savior or to make JESUS the LORD of your life. That is the best way to welcome the King of Kings and LORD OF LORD’S. It is by faith! Then obediently serve HIM and tell others about HIM by the way you live.

Blessings!!!

December 23

Bible Study - Christmas (3) - Mary's Trust - Luke 1:26-38 - December 16, 2018

Bible Study – Christmas (3) – Mary’s Trust – December 16, 2018

This lesson three (3) in our series entitled “The Full Picture of Christmas.”

Our focus scripture is Luke 1:26-38.

Embrace GOD’S call on your life.

How old do you think the virgin Mary was when GOD called her to be the mother of JESUS? She was likely 13-14 years old. I understand that most young girls, during this and previous time periods, hoped that they would be the one chosen to carry and birth the promised Messiah. Yes, such a young age is much too young in today’s society but considering the lifespan in Biblical times this was acceptable. Let’s explore!

As you may recall Doctor Luke, a physician, was commissioned by a Christian named Theophilus to verify and make a record of the facts surrounding the birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection and ascension of JESUS. Luke wrote this account after the passion, resurrection and ascension of JESUS. All GOD intended for JESUS to accomplish regarding redemption from sin had been accomplished and opening the path between mankind and GOD had been accomplished by JESUS. All any person needed for salvation and deliverance from the consequence of sin had been established by GOD and fulfilled by JESUS.

Thus, we have Luke’s orderly account of the events of the Gospel according to Luke’s interviews with eyewitnesses and those who were ministers of the gospel (Disciples plus others who knew JESUS).

There is another aspect, which we will not address in this lesson and that is the political landscape at that time. The Jews were governed by the Romans. The Jews longed for their independence. The promised Messiah was their hope for escape.

JESUS’ disciple Matthew also wrote his account of the events surrounding JESUS. His account was written from the Jewish perspective.

Each Gospel, Matthew, Mark and Luke will reveal some nuances of the same or similar events. These three gospels are referred to as synoptic gospels or a summary or an overview of similar or the same events in the life of JESUS.

The Gospel according to John was written to give depth to the purpose and application of the ministry of JESUS. The Gospel of John is distinct.

In the opening verses of John chapter 1, we read:

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (JESUS)

2 He was with God in the beginning.

3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.

5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. (John the Baptist)

7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.

8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

The Apostle John reveals that like GOD, JESUS has always existed.

Some Bibles have a section which they entitle, “the Harmony of the Gospels” which reveals that which is the same and that which is different in the various Gospel writings.

One may ask, “why are there differences?” Many of us know, if we happen to witness an event and give an eyewitness account of what we saw or heard, our account may vary from other eyewitnesses. Why? It is because we see things from different points-of-view and perspectives. But taken together, we get to see the truth of an event and expose error.

Let’s read Luke 1:26-30:

26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,

27 to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary.

28 And [the angel] came to her and said, "Rejoice, favored woman! The Lord is with you."

29 But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be.

30 Then the angel told her: Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

At a quick glance, when we read “in the sixth month,” we may think, “good I can calculate the approximate birthdate of JESUS!” We need to consider what the angel Gabriel was saying in relationship to another miracle event taking place in the life of Mary’s relative, Elizabeth, as we read in Luke 1:5-25:

The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron.

6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.

7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.

8 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God,

9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.

10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.

12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear.

13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.

14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth,

15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.

16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God.

17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.

20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”

21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple.

22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home.

24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion.

25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

Why is this important? Mary was unaware that her cousin, who could not have children, was pregnant. Confirmation to Mary that GOD performs miracles. Keep in mind that Mary did not know this about Elizabeth until after Gabriel had told Mary she would be the mother of JESUS.

Elizabeth’s son, John the Baptist, was to be the forerunner or herald of JESUS. They were cousins.

A herald ran before a king to announce to that area, town or city that the king was about to enter. This was to allow time for the people in that area to prepare to receive and show honor to the king. John the Baptist was called by GOD to be the herald for JESUS. He was known as John the baptizer, because he taught that once a person repented from their sins, they were to follow their commitment to GOD by being baptized. Baptism is an outward expression to show that the person was serious about obediently serving GOD.

Back to the statement “in the sixth month” relates to the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Notice, the angel Gabriel spoke to Zachariah in verse 19 and he spoke to the Virgin Mary in verse 26. But notice a different response. We read that Zachariah heard what Gabriel said but said in verse 18 – “18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

Other words, “How can I be sure you are telling me the truth?” Contrast Zechariah’s reply with Mary’s reply as recorded in verse 34 – “34 Mary asked the angel, "How can this be, since I have not been intimate with a man?" In essence, I hear what you are telling me but since I am a virgin and plan to remain a virgin, and I know what produces a baby, how is GOD going to do this?” It was not, “oh that is impossible!” No, I know with GOD all things are possible, I just want to know, “how HE is going to accomplish this?” Legitimate question. Mary was willing but curious.

You can read that Mary was spunky and a willing servant of GOD. She was in right relationship with GOD and willing to accomplish what GOD had called her to do. Also, imbedded in her faith was that she would also trust GOD to explain this to Joseph. GOD always works out the details.

The angel spoke directly to the Virgin Mary. Generally, an angel tells the person he is approaching “Do not be afraid.” Such a greeting is missing.  Why do you think it is missing? Young Mary seems not to be alarmed. There seems to be a peace surrounding this encounter.

Often, when GOD has a plan for us, there seems to be an accompanying calm when HE calls us. Not always.

Scripture records that Mary was “engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David.” Notice the mention of the house of David. The Messiah would come through the lineage of King David. Yet, JESUS had no human father. But little Mary also came from the house of David. Generally, the genealogy of Mary is believed to be recorded in Luke 3:23-38. Thus, both Mary and Joseph came from the house of David which confirms prophesy.

Let’s read Luke 1:28-30:

28 And [the angel] came to her and said, "Rejoice, favored woman! The Lord is with you."

It seems that Gabriel was excited to give Mary this good news. What does ‘favored” mean? It carries the idea of “Grace.” GOD was pouring out HIS Grace onto her. This Grace anoints her to house GOD’S Only Son, JESUS. That was a blessing. The second blessing was “The LORD is with you.” Mary was about to experience what it means to be in the center of GOD’S will and purpose.

Before the passion of JESUS, it was rare and on special circumstances that the Holy Spirit indwelled the human body. Mary was going to experience the overwhelming joy of experiencing the presence of GOD in her life.

Elizabeth was to birth the prophet of the “Most High, “whereas Mary was going to birth the Son of the Most High.” WOW!!!

29 But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be.

Mary was deeply troubled by the statement Gabriel said to her. Gabriel dropped a heavy load onto Mary. As mentioned earlier, Mary knew she was a virgin and had no intentions of loosing her virginity until her marriage night. So, her trouble was pondering, “How would what she heard be accomplished?”

30 Then the angel told her: Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

Gabriel noticed her deep concern. It was a concern regarding, “How in the world is GOD going to accomplish this?” It was not whether or not GOD could accomplish it but how?

Gabriel recognizing her trying to figure it out told her “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with GOD.” In essence, Mary, GOD knows your heart and your love for HIM, HE will take care of it. All you have to do is to be willing and available. GOD’S Grace is sufficient.

This is GOD’S message to all HE calls to do HIS will. HIS grace is sufficient to accomplish HIS will and purpose.

As stated earlier, Mary’s question was based upon curiosity whereas Zechariah’s question was based upon skepticism.

Gabriel gave Mary a dissertation.

Let’s read Luke 1:31-34:

31 Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call His name JESUS.

32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.

33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.

34 Mary asked the angel, "How can this be, since I have not been intimate with a man?"

Mary knew how babies were produced. She went right to her real concern in verse 34.

So, Gabriel explains ----

Let’s read Luke 1:35-38:

35 The angel replied to her: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.

36 And consider your relative Elizabeth-even she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren.

37 For nothing will be impossible with God."

38 "I am the Lord's slave," said Mary. "May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel left her.

Gabriel explained the process. Consider that since the power of the Holy Spirit can energize the egg of Mary to produce GOD’S Son, how much more can GOD energize the human spirit by HIS Spirit to produce Spiritual Children through the miracle of Spiritual rebirth.

Gabriel gave Mary a confirmation. He told her that Elizabeth was six-months pregnant. That is all Mary needed to hear. Mary, in essence said, LORD I believe all things are possible so here I am use me as YOU desire. I trust completely in YOU.

Mary never asked Gabriel for a sign but he gave her a sign – “Your relative Elizabeth is pregnant with a son.

WOW! What faith precious Mary had. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Christmas (2) - Joseph's Obedience - Matthew 1:18-25 - December 9, 2018

Bible Study – Christmas (2) – Joseph’s Obedience – December 9, 2018

This is lesson two (2) in our series entitled “The Full Picture of Christmas.”

Our focus scripture is Matthew 1:18-25.

Following GOD’S plan will require change in your life, but it’s worth it.

Many of us encounter interruptions in the plans we have for our lives. In our study this week, we get to read about a major interruption GOD placed in Joseph’s life. Life’s journey brought Joseph and a young virgin maiden named Mary together. The details of their marriage had been worked out with their families. They were engaged or betrothed to each other.

Being betrothed to each other was next to the final step in the marriage process, which could last up to one year. Being betrothed was a legal, binding contract of marriage. During this betrothal period the couple, although considered to be man and wife, were not to have sexual relations during that one year. If a couple changed their minds about going through the final step of marriage (the ceremony) at this stage, they would have to get a divorce.

Life was good and one can speculate that Joseph and Mary were looking forward to the day when they could consummate their commitment to each other.

Life brought a major interruption in both of their lives. Our lesson focuses upon Joseph. Next week’s study will focus upon Mary. Let’s explore!

The last recorded message from GOD regarding the coming of the Messiah would be an Elijah type of prophet who would announce the promised Messiah. This is found in Malachi 4:5, which was written around 450 BC. [5 “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes.]

And who was this Elijah type of prophet? It was John the Baptizer or John the Baptist as JESUS verified in Matthew 11:11-14: (JESUS was speaking)

11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.

13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.

14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.

There are many clues regarding the promised Messiah but one is very clear. We know based upon Micah 5:2 - 2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

During these roughly 450 years or what is referred to as the “silent years,” Israel experienced many difficult times. The Greeks ruled Israel for more than 250 years (323-167 BC) after the conquest of Alexander the Great. Then the Jews enjoyed self-government for about 100 years (167-63 BC). The Maccabees reclaimed the land for the Jews.

The Romans brought an end to Jewish independence which established the political landscape for the birth, life and passion of JESUS, the Promised Messiah. This political environment was necessary to accomplish all according to GOD’S plan and purpose for the redemption of mankind from sin and its consequence, eternal death. Such a plan was revealed in prophesy but also hidden until it was accomplished as recorded in 1 Corinthians 2:7-8:

7 No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.

8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

GOD’S plan and purpose is accomplished! GOD had a plan and purpose for Joseph to be the guardian for HIS only Son, JESUS. JESUS, The Promised Messiah, would be born in the flesh, 100% human, yet 100% Divine. JESUS had to be born physically because HE would be tempted in all ways as humans are tempted, yet without sin. HE had to give HIS physical life in death, as all humans, to pay, in full, for the sin of mankind. This was necessary to satisfy the penalty GOD placed upon the human race because of sin, which was eternal death.

As you read and study this, my prayer is that you will see the absolute beauty and mechanics of GOD’S redemptive plan to restore every person to his or her original status as if sin had never entered the world through Eve and Adam. GOD’S redemptive plan is only possible through a person placing his or her faith in JESUS.

When he or she places his or her faith in JESUS, a miracle takes place instantly. The Spirit of GOD joins with the spirit of the person and he or she is Spiritually conceived and becomes instantly a Child of GOD. That is where the term, Born-Again comes. Once a Child of GOD always a Child of GOD. How can that be? Once you are conceived physically that never changes. There is nothing you can do to ever become unborn. You will always be the product of your mother and father. 

Thus, once a person is conceived Spiritually, he or she is for all eternity a Child of GOD. Once a person becomes a Child of GOD, he or she either obediently serves GOD and earns rewards or just goes through life doing his or her thing. Now caution – this is for the born-again believer as we read 1 Corinthians 3:11-16 pay special attention to verse 15 -----

First Corinthians 3:11-16:

11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw,

13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.

14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.

15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.

16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?

The only way to Heaven is by placing your faith in JESUS. Do not be misled by Satan. He will attempt to deceive you into thinking “Oh, if GOD is the loving GOD the Bible speaks of, then you know HE will allow you into Heaven.” That is a lie! Reject it!

JESUS said it best as recorded in John 14:5-6:

5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Let’s read Matthew 1:18-19:

The Nativity of the Messiah

18 The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After His mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit.

19 So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.

Since the beginning of time, GOD’S redemptive plan has been put into effect. Step one is the birth of the Promised Messiah, JESUS.

We have studied in Genesis 3:15 that GOD had planned to redeem mankind through the seed of woman, “15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Yes, it would be a miracle but GOD is in the miracle business.

We learn in this scripture that before Mary and Joseph consummated their brothel, the couple learned that Mary was pregnant. WOW!

This raised a vital issue. Had Mary been unfaithful to Joseph? This had to be dealt with. Guess who dealt with the issue? None other than GOD.

Joseph’s immediate thought was likely “Mary has been unfaithful to me.” How do we know that? Verse 19, reveals that Joseph had planned to quietly or secretly divorce her.

As in the words of Paul Harvey, “Now for the rest of the story.”

Let’s read Matthew 1:20-23:

20 But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit.

21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins."

22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

23 See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name Him Immanuel, which is translated "God is with us."

GOD had a plan and HE to let Joseph in on HIS plan. GOD sent an angel to Joseph in a dream. GOD revealed HIS plan for JESUS, the promised Messiah to come to earth in the flesh. GOD told Joseph to name this baby JESUS and HE revealed the prophesy revealing the promised Messiah.

Let’s read Matthew 1:24-25:

24 When Joseph got up from sleeping, he did as the Lord's angel had commanded him. He married her

25 but did not know her intimately until she gave birth to a son. And he named Him Jesus.

Verse 19 revealed that Joseph was a “righteous man.” Joseph was in right relationship with GOD. Proof that Joseph was in right relationship with GOD is revealed that immediately following the dream, he trusted GOD and respected the fact that Mary was carrying GOD’S Child.

When the child was born, Joseph named HIM, JESUS. Traditionally, the father named their first-born son but in this instant GOD named The Promised Messiah, JESUS. JESUS is the Greek equivalent of “Joshua” which means “Yahweh saves” or “the LORD is Salvation.” Verse 23 reveals the prophesy regarding the name of the promise Messiah as” they will name Him Immanuel, which is translated "God is with us."

The Israelite’s had waited thousands of years for this event to take place. Now, GOD had placed what HE had planned since the beginning of time into motion. 

Are you excited? What was taking place in the life of precious Mary? We will explore in next week’s study.

The vital question is, what does this mean to you? Is the birth of JESUS a mythical story or truth? You need to decide, if you haven’t done so already? Was JESUS just another human or was HE the promised SON of GOD? Pray and ask GOD to reveal truth to you. Be honest with GOD and if you have questions tell HIM what they are. Then start looking for answers to them. HIS desire is for you to know truth.

Choose wisely because your eternal future depends upon it.

Blessings!!!