Are these statements about Christmas fact or fiction? Can you determine which of these twelve statements regarding Christmas is factual (true) and which is fictitious (false)? You may be very, very surprised at what you find out to be true or untrue!
The genealogies of Jesus presented in Matthew 1 and Luke 3 can be seen, not as a list, but as a table of contents to history and the faithfulness and working of God through history. In this study, we look at 5 primary observations concerning God and the earthly lineage of Jesus.
We continue to look at what God records in His Word about Judas Iscariot. In this study, we review the timeline of betrayal, showing the real character of Judas (a thief and a devil) and his collaborators (the religious leaders). We also highlight the fact that Judas was directly influenced by Satan himself. What questions should we ask ourselves from these truths, and how can we know we are not like him?
Christmas is much more than a single moment of time. The Old Testament prophesies of Jesus’ birth in Genesis! In this “walk-through” Christmas, we focus on the earthly timeline of events as revealed in the Gospels. As we read the texts of Scripture, several from our congregation do a “walk-through,” representing the various individuals identified in the Biblical account. We begin when the angel appears to Mary, and we end when Jesus is a young man. Get a better picture of the entire account of Jesus’ Christmas coming!
Jesus Corrects the Disciples’ View of Children (Luke 18:15-17)
Much of the world now sees children as a bother – a distraction from our passions and pursuits. Even the Church is deeply immersed in this viewpoint. The disciples acted on the basis of this view. Jesus – greatly troubled by this – indicates that this anti-child view is 180 degrees off from what is true. Children are to be allowed and encouraged participate, and all people can only enter the kingdom if they become as little children. Children are not a distraction from the Gospel – they are the very illustration of what is required to embrace the Gospel. This has clear implications regarding the need for salvation and the simplicity of salvation. Have you become as a little child, simply believing the truth of our Sin-bearer, Jesus?
The Danger of Being a Spiritual Detriment to Others (Luke 17:1-2)
Jesus speaks of scandal: Those that scandilize and the act of scandalizing. In this study, we examine two verses and the meaning of the word used in both verses: skandalon. Jesus says that temptations will come that will attempt to set back, deceive, and trap the “little ones.” Jesus assures His disciples that God knows and God tracks those that wrongly impede children through their influence and power. Drowning by means of having a millstone around one’s neck is preferred over the judgment that those who scandalize children will receive. We will also examine five ways we might scandalize others. Beware, set your mind to help not hurt, and be comforted.
Have you ever thought about this question: Why DO we give gifts at Christmas? Many try to offer reasons from Scripture, but have you thought about the truthfulness of those reasons? Some say that we give gifts to one another because the wise men gave gifts to Jesus. Others offer the argument that we do so because God gave His gift – Jesus – to us. Some figure that we are giving to one another to fill needs that we might have. Others believe we somehow are earning eternal rewards when we load our loved ones up with gifts. Some may even think that it encourages people to love God when we bury others with Christmas gifts. What would be the Biblical validity of these reasons? We’ll look at each in this study.
Yes, God put the genealogies in the Bible for a reason. Here are EIGHT truths you can grab from the genealogy in Matthew 1, the genealogy of Joseph.
A serious look at why the Church, believers in Jesus Christ, are on earth today.
Just stop and think about what Christmas is to most people. Then compare it to what the Bible says. There is quite a contrast, if you can recognize it at all.