CICQ8

At the beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry, he is lead by the Spirit to the wilderness where he is tempted by the devil. The Christian journey is one from baptism to battlefield. The King overcame for our salvation and also shows us how to overcome when tempted.

What does repentance mean? Why repent? How do we repent? What does a repentant life look like? John baptized with water for the forgiveness of sins, but why was King Jesus baptized? John momentarily wrestled with this very question. Today's sermon points to the Kingdom of Heaven and King who came to save us.

Jesus Christ is the long-expected King of the Jews, but he is King of the Gentiles too! Matthew highlights 5 OT fulfillments that reveal Christ's authoritative and marvelous appearing for people from every background, nation, and tongue. He fulfills the prophecies and he fulfills the lives of his people. O Come let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

We begin this new year by looking to the King of Kings. Like Genesis, the book of Matthew is a book of beginnings. The New Testament commences with a lineage of Jesus the Christ that is wide-open for all to see. His line is comprised of men, women, adulterers, prostitutes, heroes, and Gentiles—and Jesus the Messiah will be Savior of all!

We begin this new year by looking to the King of Kings. Like Genesis, the book of Matthew is a book of beginnings. The New Testament commences with a lineage of Jesus the Christ that is wide-open for all to see. His line is comprised of men, women, adulterers, prostitutes, heroes, and Gentiles—and Jesus the Messiah will be Savior of all!

The first Advent of Christ helps us to prepare for and anticipate the fulfillment of all of the promises of God that remain to be fulfilled. The presence of God, among us, to restore and transform nature and people, in this dark and sinful world is one key message of Advent. Such presence fuels our joy. Listen as the prophet Isaiah declares coming joy to the world.

God is faithful. Man is wicked. We begin to see clearly when God opens our understanding by his Spirit as we walk with him through the pages of the Bible. In Scripture we see God does not divorce his people, but disciplines those he loves. Where sin abounds; grace abounds all the more (Romans 5). There is only One God over the Old Testament and New. He does not change. He is Creator and Savior. He is Generous and Patient. He warns and he disciplines.