Introduction Today is Resurrection Sunday, our annual commemoration of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus from the dead. We mark this annually, but it is important for us to remember that we also mark it weekly—every Lord’s Day is a celebration of the resurrection. But what exactly are we celebrating when we do this? The …
The Last Easter
Easter is, as most people know, a celebration of Christ returning from the dead. But this was not just an odd, one-off miracle. We cannot say that Jesus rose from the dead, but that strange things happen from time to time, and then go back to our old world. The old world isn’t there any …
A New Way of Being New: Christmas Eve 2013
The Spirit of God was upon Jesus, and with Jesus, from the very first moment of His human existence. “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall …
What the Lord’s Brothers and Sisters Knew
Introduction Jesus had four brothers, and at least two sisters (Mark 6:3; Matt. 13:55-56). The names of His brothers were James, Joses, Judah, and Simon. James was the author of the book of James, and Judah was the author of the book of Jude (Jude 1:1). With Joseph and Mary having that number of children, …
What Mary Knew
Introduction Last week we considered what Joseph knew, and obviously Mary knew all the same things, and for the same reason. But she had more direct experience with the marvels that came to earth through her. For example, the angelic communication with Joseph came through dreams, but came to her directly. The Text: “And the …
What Joseph Knew
Introduction Before discussing what Joseph knew, we should perhaps begin by considering what we know about Joseph. Despite the fact that we tend to assume we know very little, we may be surprised to discover how much in fact we do know. This is even more surprising when we consider that in the entire scriptural …
Thanksgiving 2013
In a moment I will be going into the kitchen to lift the turkey out of the fridge for Nancy, in the full and certain expectation that she will do the rest. This year we are not celebrating at our house, but will be driving a ham and a supplementary turkey across town to celebrate …
Trigger Alert! Merry Christmas!
In the first place, I would like to draw your attention to this chart helpfully supplied at the web site of one Rachel Held Evans. I will give you a second to go take a gander. As you do so, I would invite you to remember that what is sauce for the gander is sauce …
A Face Like Flint: Palm Sunday 2013
INTRODUCTION:As believers in the Lord Jesus, we have to learn how to see Him as our substitute in all things, and not just in His death on the cross. Jesus did not just die in our place (although He did do that), He also lived in our place. The sacrifice of Jesus was for us, …
Bruise in Us the Serpent’s Head
As we mark the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, we of course begin by celebrating the objective nature of His arrival. He was born in particular town, to a particular mother, in a particular year. He truly lived among us. When the time was fulfilled, He was born of a woman, born under the …