Advent Calendar, 23 Dec 16

Advent Weekly Themes, Daily Scriptures

I expanded Pastor Dr. James Leonard's recommendation by supplying the Scripture reading and placing each day on a separate page.

Please read these passages, think on them, and study them.

Pastor Dr. James Leonard"s post can be found here:

<http://treasuresoldandnewbiblicaltexts.blogspot.com/2007/11/advent-weekly-themes-daily-scriptures.html>

Friday Matthew 1:18-25 “The Birth of Jesus Christ”

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS." (Matthew 1:18-25, NKJV)

Advent Calendar, 22 Dec 16

Advent Weekly Themes, Daily Scriptures

I expanded Pastor Dr. James Leonard's recommendation by supplying the Scripture reading and placing each day on a separate page.

Please read these passages, think on them, and study them.

Pastor Dr. James Leonard"s post can be found here:

<http://treasuresoldandnewbiblicaltexts.blogspot.com/2007/11/advent-weekly-themes-daily-scriptures.html>

Thursday Luke 2:1-7 “The Birth of Jesus”

"And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:1-7, NKJV)

Advent Calendar, 21 Dec 16

Advent Weekly Themes, Daily Scriptures

I expanded Pastor Dr. James Leonard's recommendation by supplying the Scripture reading and placing each day on a separate page.

Please read these passages, think on them, and study them.

Pastor Dr. James Leonard"s post can be found here:

<http://treasuresoldandnewbiblicaltexts.blogspot.com/2007/11/advent-weekly-themes-daily-scriptures.html>

Wednesday Luke 1:39-45 “Mary Visits Elizabeth”

"Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! “But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? “For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. “Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord." (Luke 1:39-45, NKJV)

The King is Born

Theme: The birth of Jesus

Objectives:

Know: Jesus is the long awaited Messiah and King.

Think: Confidence that Christ is who He claims to be guides my thinking.

Do: Acknowledge and obey Christ as the King of my life.

Scripture: Matthew 1:1-25

Notes and questions:

B1 Read:

• 16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore [fn]and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20)
• 21 "Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection." 23 And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, "You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen 25 to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place." 26 And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:21-26)
• What was one of the purposes for the Apostles’ preaching and teaching?
• The Gospels were written to remember and spread the life, teachings, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus.

B2 The genealogy traces Messiah through King David and Abraham. Why special mention of these two men? Compare Genesis 22:18, Psalm 110:1, and Romans 1:3.

B3 Messiah is the deliverer, savior,

B4 How do we know that Jesus is the Messiah? Consider:

Old Testament Scriptures That Describe The Coming Messiah The Messiah will be the offspring (descendant) of the woman (Eve) Genesis 3:15 Galatians 4:4 The Messiah will be a descendant of Abraham, through whom everyone on earth will be blessed Genesis 12:3, Genesis 18:18, Acts 3:25-26,  Matthew 1:1 The Messiah will be a descendant of Judah Genesis 49:10 Matthew 1:1-2, Luke 3:23-33 The Messiah will be a prophet like Moses Deuteronomy 18:15-19 Acts 3:22-23 The Messiah will be the Son of God Psalm 2:7 Matthew 3:17,  Mark 1:11,  Luke 3:22 The Messiah will be raised from the dead Psalm 16:10-11 Matthew 28:5-9, Mark 16:6, Luke 24:4-7, John 20:11-16, Acts 1:3, Acts 2:32 The Messiah crucifixion experience Psalm 22 (contains 11 separate prophecies—not all listed here) Matthew 27:34-50, John 19:17-30 The Messiah will be sneered at and mocked Psalm 22:7-8 Luke 23:11, Luke 23:35-39 The Messiah will be pierced through hands and feet Psalm 22:17 (note, a number of translations render this differently; this is a difference between Septuagint and Masoretic translations) Luke 23:33, Luke 24:36-39,  John 19:18, John 20:19-20, John 20:24-27 The Messiah’s bones will not be broken Psalm 34:21 John 19:31-33, John 19:36 Men Will Gamble for the Messiah’s clothing Psalm 22:19 Matthew 27:35, Mark 15:24, Luke 23:34, John 19:23-24 The Messiah will accused by false witnesses Psalm 35:11 Matthew 26:59-60, Mark 14:56-57 The Messiah will be hated without a cause Psalm 35:19, Psalm 69:5 John 15:23-25 The Messiah will be betrayed by a friend Psalm 41:10 John 13:18-21 The Messiah will ascend to heaven (at the right hand of God) Psalm 68:18-19 Luke 24:51,  Acts 1:9, Acts 2:32-35, Acts 5:31-32, Acts 7:55-56, Romans 8:34, Ephesians 1:20-21, Colossians 3:1, Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 8:1, Hebrews 10:12, Acts 12:2, I Peter 3:22 and elsewhere The Messiah will be given vinegar and gall to drink Psalm 69:22 Matthew 27:34, John 19:29-30 Great kings will pay homage and tribute to the Messiah Psalm 72:10-11 Matthew 2:1-11 The Messiah is a “stone the builders rejected” who will become the “head cornerstone” Psalm 118:22, Isaiah 28:16 Matthew 21:42-43, Acts 4:11, Ephesians 2:20, I Peter 2:6-8 The Messiah will be a descendant of David Psalm 132:11, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Jeremiah 33:15-16 Luke 1:32-33 The Messiah will be a born of a virgin Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-35 The Messiah will make the blind see, the deaf hear, etc.Isaiah 35:5-6 Many places. Also see Matthew 11:3-6, John 11:47 The Messiah will be beaten, mocked, and spat upon Isaiah 50:6 Matthew 26:67, Matthew 27:26-31 The “Gospel according to Isaiah” Isaiah 52:13-53:12 The whole of the Gospels according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and JohnPeople will hear and not believe the “arm of the LORD” (Messiah) Isaiah 53:1 John 12:37-38 The Messiah will be rejected Isaiah 53:3 Matthew 27:20-25, Mark 15:8-14, Luke 23:18-23, John 19:14-15 The Messiah will be killed Isaiah 53:5-9 Matthew 27:50, Mark 15:37-39, Luke 23:46, John 19:30 The Messiah will be silent in front of his accusers Isaiah 53:7, Matthew 26:62-63, Matthew 27:12-14 The Messiah will be buried with the rich Isaiah 53:12 Matthew 27:59-60,  Mark 15:46,  Luke 23:52-53, John 19:38-42 The Messiah will be crucified with criminals Isaiah 53:9 Matthew 27:38, Mark 15:27, Luke 23:32-33 The Messiah is part of the new and everlasting covenant Isaiah 55:3-4, Jeremiah 31:31-34 Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24, Luke 22:20, Hebrews 8:6-13 The Messiah will be our intercessor (intervene for us and plead on our behalf) Isaiah 59:16 Hebrews 9:15 The Messiah has two missions Isaiah 61:1-3 (first mission ends at “. . . a year of favor from the LORD”) First mission: Luke 4:16-21; Second mission: to be fulfilled at the end of the world The Messiah will come at a specific time Daniel 9:25-26 Galatians 4:4, Ephesians 1:10 The Messiah will be born in Bethlehem Micah 5:1 Matthew 2:1, Luke 2:4-7 The Messiah will enter Jerusalem riding a donkey Zechariah 9:9 Matthew 21:1-11 The Messiah will be sold for 30 pieces of silver Zechariah 11:12-13 Matthew 26:15 with Matthew 27:3-10 The Messiah will forsaken by His disciples Zechariah 13:7 Matthew 26:31-56 The Messiah will enter the Temple with authority Malachi 3:1-3 Matthew 21:12, Luke 19:45 Source: http://www.catholicbasictraining.com/apologetics/coursetexts/1o.htm This is a Roman Catholic site, so some of the Roman Catholic statements, I cannot agree with because of the Scriptures.

B5 Jesus is the Messiah, but He needs to be each person’s Messiah. See http://www.needgod.com

B6 Is the virgin birth true? See this for a answer http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/virgin-birth.html

B7 In Matthew 1:19 Joseph and Mary are betrothed, but in Matthew 1:20 Joseph is called her husband. How do we understand this? Joseph and Mary were married—officially, but they had not come together physically. See here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Joseph-and-Mary.html  and here: http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/477321/jewish/Kiddushin-Betrothal.htm

B8 Does God have a son? Consider Hebrews 1:5, Psalm 2:7, and Psalm 2:12

B9 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 is a true virgin, for the strict medical is used in To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.  Luke 1:27 and Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.  Matthew 1:23

B10 Next time:

• Written in stone
• Theme: Rules to live by
• Scriptures: Exodus 20:1-21

Advent Calendar, 20 Dec 16

Advent Weekly Themes, Daily Scriptures

I expanded Pastor Dr. James Leonard's recommendation by supplying the Scripture reading and placing each day on a separate page.

Please read these passages, think on them, and study them.

Pastor Dr. James Leonard"s post can be found here:

&lt;http://treasuresoldandnewbiblicaltexts.blogspot.com/2007/11/advent-weekly-themes-daily-scriptures.html&gt;

Tuesday Luke 1:26-38 “The Birth of Jesus Foretold”

"Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. “And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. “Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. “For with God nothing will be impossible.” Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her." (Luke 1:26-38, NKJV)

Advent Calendar, 19 Dec 16

Advent Weekly Themes, Daily Scriptures

I expanded Pastor Dr. James Leonard's recommendation by supplying the Scripture reading and placing each day on a separate page.

Please read these passages, think on them, and study them.

Pastor Dr. James Leonard"s post can be found here:

<http://treasuresoldandnewbiblicaltexts.blogspot.com/2007/11/advent-weekly-themes-daily-scriptures.html>

Monday Luke 1:5-25 “The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold”

"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. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name 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, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also 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 also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. “But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.” And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless. So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house. Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people." (Luke 1:5-25, NKJV)

Christian (?) leaders ban abused spouses and welcome abusers

What is wrong with Christian leaders? Why do they increase the suffering of the abused? Why do they discipline the abused instead of the abuser?

Consider what Pastor Jeff Crippen exposes about these aberent, evil leaders: 

Now, here’s the thing. In these abuse cases (and probably in many others as well) what is happening over and over again is that THE WICKED PERSON – THE ABUSER – IS NOT BEING PUT OUT OF THE CHURCH, THE VICTIM IS!! Happens all the time. ALL the time! And why is she being put out? Because she will not “obey” the pastor/elders instruction to return to her abuser, remain married, and never divorce.

Read the rest here: https://cryingoutforjustice.com/2016/12/19/church-leaders-charge-victims-with-sin-for-leaving-the-abuser/