Calvary Prineville

Nothing comes close to the story of the virgin birth. We might tend to forget about Mary as a knee-jerk reaction to her veneration in Catholicism, but she is the mother of our Lord. The Angel Gabriel visited her and told her she’d give birth to Jesus through the Holy Spirit. She couldn’t comprehend this but Gabriel said that nothing was impossible with God. She believed and went to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who was with child herself (John the Baptist). Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth blessed Mary, who exalted the Lord and also recognized that she needed a Savior. Her words became known as “Mary’s Song” or “The Magnificat.” Application: Think of God’s past faithfulness. Mom’s you have children destined for great things. Is there anything too hard for God?

Guest teacher, Rick Rodgers, Pastor Rory's uncle, teaches on Joshua 5. In Joshua chapter 5, the Israelites had just crossed over to the Promised Land. The inhabitants of Jericho did not understand what was happening, but based on prior events, were afraid. Instead of an immediate assault, the Israelites circumcised their forces (a second circumcision since those of the first perished in the wilderness) as a symbolic standing with God. God removed the reproach of Israel that was upon them, the gift of manna ceased, and they now lived by faith. Outside the city, Joshua encountered a Man, a Man recognized as the Lord. In response, he fell on his face and worshipped. As leaders – we are all leaders – we must submit to God and worship Him. We can never be too big or busy to take our shoes off and spend time with the Lord.

Guest teacher, Rick Rodgers, Pastor Rory's uncle, teaches on Joshua 5. In Joshua chapter 5, the Israelites had just crossed over to the Promised Land. The inhabitants of Jericho did not understand what was happening, but based on prior events, were afraid. Instead of an immediate assault, the Israelites circumcised their forces (a second circumcision since those of the first perished in the wilderness) as a symbolic standing with God. God removed the reproach of Israel that was upon them, the gift of manna ceased, and they now lived by faith. Outside the city, Joshua encountered a Man, a Man recognized as the Lord. In response, he fell on his face and worshipped. As leaders – we are all leaders – we must submit to God and worship Him. We can never be too big or busy to take our shoes off and spend time with the Lord.

Early on, Paul knew he must go to Rome, and this was God’s way to get him there. He’s was put on a prisoner transport, but as the journey was late in the season, it faced some very strong winter storms, so much so that “all hope was lost.” An angel told Paul that while everything would be lost, there would be no loss of life. Paul told this to the crew, proving he never forgot Who he belonged to and that he had total confidence in God. It’s not a question of do we believe in Him, but do we believe Him. Chris gives four takeaways about life’s storms: 1) They often come when we disobey the will of God; 2} They have a way of revealing character; 3 They cannot hide the face of God or hinder His purposes; and 4} They give us opportunities to serve others and bear witness of Jesus Christ.

Early on, Paul knew he must go to Rome, and this was God’s way to get him there. He’s was put on a prisoner transport, but as the journey was late in the season, it faced some very strong winter storms, so much so that “all hope was lost.” An angel told Paul that while everything would be lost, there would be no loss of life. Paul told this to the crew, proving he never forgot Who he belonged to and that he had total confidence in God. It’s not a question of do we believe in Him, but do we believe Him. Chris gives four takeaways about life’s storms: 1) They often come when we disobey the will of God; 2} They have a way of revealing character; 3 They cannot hide the face of God or hinder His purposes; and 4} They give us opportunities to serve others and bear witness of Jesus Christ.

Paul is bounced around between Felix and Festus, and like Felix, Festus finds no reason to punish Paul, but Paul wasn’t released in order to placate the Jews. As he was interrogated, Paul laid out the gospel to the authorities and Felix almost came to the point of believing. As a Roman citizen, Paul also appealed his case to Caesar. Everyone knew that those who accused Paul accused him because of Jesus. As Paul, we are all to be witnesses of what God has done for us.

Paul is bounced around between Felix and Festus, and like Felix, Festus finds no reason to punish Paul, but Paul wasn’t released in order to placate the Jews. As he was interrogated, Paul laid out the gospel to the authorities and Felix almost came to the point of believing. As a Roman citizen, Paul also appealed his case to Caesar. Everyone knew that those who accused Paul accused him because of Jesus. As Paul, we are all to be witnesses of what God has done for us.

Paul appears in front of the governor, Felix, who has some knowledge of "The Way" and is interested in the gospel. However, when Paul begins to tell him and his wife, Drusilla, about the way of salvation, and about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid. He told Paul to leave and that he'd like to hear more at a "more convenient time," a dangerous decision.

Paul appears in front of the governor, Felix, who has some knowledge of "The Way" and is interested in the gospel. However, when Paul begins to tell him and his wife, Drusilla, about the way of salvation, and about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid. He told Paul to leave and that he'd like to hear more at a "more convenient time," a dangerous decision.

While not the traditional account of Jesus' death and resurrection from the Gospels, Psalm 22 is no less descriptive, especially considering that it was written 1,000 years before Christ. It begins with affliction and ends with praise.