Advancing Word Podcast

In the Gospel of John, Chapter One, verses forty through forty-two, three things occur in the life of the Apostle Peter that galvanized his role as the unlikely leader of the early church.  Each of these things is evidence of the grace that Peter experienced and became the lens through which he would see himself as God saw him.  We can learn from his example!  

In 2 Timothy 4:16-18, imprisoned and experiencing several departures, desertions and disappointments in his personal circle, the Apostle Paul acknowledges the faithfulness of God who never leaves us or forsakes us. God stayed with him, stood with him and strived with him.  In life and in ministry, God is the “Exceptional Exception"!

Faith in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the foundation of the believer’s sense of well-being.  This message based on Chapter 7, verse twenty-five of the Book of Hebrews, offers four assurances that encourages anyone who is facing a crisis of faith.  

Simeon was an aged and devout Jew who was “waiting for the consolation of Israel.”  This man whose name means “hearing” was reverent before God and righteous before men.  In Luke 2:25 – 32, Simeon shows us that there is worth in waiting and that serving the Lord will pay off afterwhile.  Upon seeing the baby Jesus, and the Holy Ghost upon him, he launches into a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.  So should we!  

In the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 2, verses eight through twenty, shepherds watching their flocks in the field at night were summoned by the angel of the Lord to be witnesses of the birth of Jesus.  Viewed as common laborers by some and ostracized by others, they still teach us by their example how to observe Christmas.  

During Advent, the nativity narratives in the Gospels remind us that God came into this broken world in the person of Jesus Christ.  This “Messianic Migration” culminates in the Book of Revelation, Chapter 3, verses 20 – 21 where Jesus stands at the door and knocks.  The symbolism is an urgent summons to the Church, every child of God and the world to “let Him in!”  

The prayer of Zacharias recorded in Chapter 1 of the Gospel of Luke erupts out of silence. Because he doubted God’s word, for nine months he was unable to speak as the miracle baby, who would become John the Baptist grew in the womb of his wife Elizabeth. When the baby was born, he erupted in praise, turning up the volume on a victory. During the Christmas season, the church should follow his example. 

The first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke narrates the events surrounding the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. There we meet Mary, the virgin mother of Jesus. She is a model of grace. Mary is special! This sermon reveals four reasons why. 

Jude 3 challenges believers in every generation to contend for the faith, defending the truths that the ungodly is trying to destroy. The text is a bold biography of contenders who are known by their fellowship, focus, faith, and finish.

In Psalm 34, stanza eight, David offers to his generation and ours the results of a “taste test” he experienced during a challenging time in his life. God does not major in either success or failure but in favor. And favor has a flavor!