Intro: responses to Jesus → every move toward Christ is a response to his offerAnxious Anger (3, 7-8, 12): (1) Jesus “king of the Jews” (v.2) → Herod “the king” (v.3) (2) background → puppet ruler, politically savvy, temple, building projects (3) paranoid in later life, killed family members (cf. v.7-8, 2:13-18) (4) “Jerusalem” also “troubled” → status quo about to be shaken up ((cf. Psalm 2, Mt. ...  Read More

Intro: (1) series overview (2) placing ourselves in the story (3) read entire passageMary: (1) v.18 → “betrothed” → pledged to marriage, broken only by divorce (2) discovered to be pregnant → imagine that conversation (3) supernatural conception → more on HS later (4) v.23 → virgin birth an OT prophecy of Messiah (cf. Isaiah 7:14) (5) originally given to Ahaz after he chooses human deliverance ove...  Read More

Intro: (1) series intro (2) background of genealogies (3) who is this person in Mt. 1:1? (4) v.17The Savior for Sinners: (1) hebrew “Joshua” → the LORD saves (cf. v.21) → similarities between Joshua and Jesus (2) Jesus’ earthly ministry (cf. rescue from danger, healings, feeding) → points toward greater restoration (3) advent reminds that Jesus is the savior for sin, not just a therapist for probl...  Read More

Intro: (1) series recap (2) Jesus as model and substitute (3) seven ways to affirm Christlikeness1. Obedient (John 5:19-21): (1) Jesus’ earthly ministry (2) v.20-23 → Father/Son equal and in aloving/mutual relationship (3) despite this, the Son is obedient (4) practical → kids quickly/fully, someone persevering with hard boss, praying for gov’t, recognizing spouse for service2. Forgiving (Luke 23:...  Read More

Intro: (1) series recap (2) Crabtree book (3) definition (3) biblical examplesCharacteristics of Affirmation1. Correctionless (16:24): (1) affirming words are like sweet treats, but ones that are actuallyhealthy (cf. okra ice cream) (2) affirming without correcting (cf. manager’s “sandwich” method(3) v.21,23 → a way to be influential2. Consistent (15:23): (1) one aspect of timing is being consiste...  Read More

Intro: (1) series recap (2) “communicating the gospel with the aim to persuade” (3) “communicating” → words are necessary (cf. Acts 10) (4) “gospel” → joyful message from God that leads us to salvation (cf. Eccles. 3:11) (5) “aim” → two categories of people (cf. Acts 17) (6) “persuade” → Jesus the specific target (cf. John 14:6) (7) 1 Peter 3:15Honor Christ: (1) “holy” → OT background (2) 2 Cor. 1...  Read More