Pastor David Halan continues the series in Matthew looking at 5 things about the witness that proceeded Jesus. He examines: His Manner, His Message, His Method, His Ministry, and His Motivation.

The Christmas story we all focus on tells only part of the story, the story of love, and promised salvation. However, there was also a lot of suffering and loss. Herod ordered the death of children 2 years old and younger. The city of Bethlehem mourned their loss. Pastor David Halan takes some time to talk about how suffering and glory go hand in hand. Much like childbirth, with Christ, suffering can produce great joy!

Pastor David moves to chapter 2 of Matthew, looking at the account of the wise men and how they responded to the news of the birth of the King. Pastor David contrasts that with how King Herod responded, as well as, how the chief priests and scribes responded. The wise men came to worship, Herod was angry, and the chief priests and scribes were indifferent. How do you respond to Jesus?

Jesus was the perfect savior for us and the only one who could truly save. First, he was born to Mary as a man, because he came to save man. Second, he was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, making his fully God. That means he is eternal, so can save all of mankind, even those not yet born. Finally, he was perfect. He lived a sinless life, making him worthy as the sacrifice for our sins.

Why is the genealogy of Jesus important to us? What is significant about the blood line of Christ? Some of the most notable characters about Jesus' genealogy weren't the people who you would think God would want to highlight, but they are the ones who God chose to use. Just like us, we have a past that may not look desirable to us, but God still chooses to use us. Not because of who we are, but because of who He is.