Context in the advent story

Simeons words to Mary andamp; Joseph - The offense of Christ

A thread throughout Scripture

Why are we offended by Jesus?

The Importance of offense

Application andamp; Challenge

Verses to Study

Luke 2:22-35

Isaiah 8:11-15

Matthew 11:2-6

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

The Magi

The California Gold Rush

The Magi, Jesus, and Gold

Who were the Magi?

Where did they come from?

- Star phenomena

How did they know about Jesus?

What was there significance?

- The Magi, Jerusalem andamp; Isaiah 60

- Joy, Humility, Gifts

What was the importance of their gifts?

The Worship of the magi should be an example for our worship.

How will we honor the King this Christmas Season?

Verses to Study

Matthew 2:1-12

Numbers 24:17

Micah 5:2

Romans 1:16

Isaiah 60

Luke 2:29-32

Isaiah 61

The angels who appeared to the shepherds:

- Worshipped Jesus in Heaven

- Were astounded at Jesus becoming man.

- Knew what He was going to do.

Perspective on the shepherds place in Jewish culture.

Shepherds as a metaphor for the Great Shepherd.

Parallel of the shepherds lambs to the Lamb of God

Our call to be shepherds.

Verses to Study

Luke 2:8-15

Isaiah 55:1-7

Isaiah 42:16-17

John 10:11-15

Isaiah 40:11

Isaiah 53:2-6

John 1:29

Philippians 4:4-8

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Interpreting the story of Mary and Joseph

The example of humility in their lives

The example of Gods humility in the birth of Jesus

- The shelter in which Jesus was born.

Mary: then and there.

Here and now.

Are we willing to be obedient to God in order that Christ may be borne in our lives?

Joseph: then and there.

Here and now.

Verses to Study

Luke 1:46-55

Luke 1:26-38

Matthew 1:18-25

Luke 2:4-7

1 Corinthians 1:26-29

Link to Look Up

Cloverton: A Hallelujah Christmas: http://vimeo.com/55641900

The Advent season

The Drama of the Nativity

The Advent story and redemptive history

Primeval history - Made in the image of God

The fall of humankind

Total depravity andamp; original sin

The Proto Gospel

Salvation

Shalom

The Covenants

- Noah

- Abraham

- Moses

- David

The New Covenant in Christ

Verses to Study

Genesis 1:1-2, 26-27

Genesis 3

Luke 19:10

Genesis 6:5,7; 9:15; 2 Peter 3:10-11

Genesis 12:1-3; 15:6

Exodus 24:4-7; Hebrews 9:22

2 Samuel 7:12-13

Matthew 26:28

Revelation 21:1-7

Introduction: Huge cultural shifts in the nature of family, and in womens roles.

Practical Observations

Part II: Engaging the Ideals of the Woman of Wisdom and Character in Proverbs 31

Background of Proverbs 31: cultural context

Proverbs 31: A Biblical Template

Preamble: A mothers wisdom, passed on to her son.

Praise: The wife of noble character.

Industrial Pursuits

A re-occurring theme for a woman of character

Verses to Study

Luke 2:41-52

Proverbs 31

Biblical Role of the Mother and Wife, patterned after that of the wise and virtuous woman.

Introduction: cataclysmic culture shifts

What men want: survey (source: www.livescience.com/3326-modern-men-women.html)

The dramatic culture change in womens identity, role, and societys expectations

A Biblical Template: Prov. 31

Who was the woman of noble character that mentored you in wisdom and virtue?

Verses to Study

Proverbs 3:13-18

James 1:5-6

Biblical Role of “The Father:” Patterned After That Of Our Heavenly Father

God The Father Carries His Children In His Arms

God The Father Created His Children

God As Present In The Lives of His Children

The Federalist Magazine, Article: “Fecundophobia: The Growing Fear of Children and Fertile Women”

God The Father As Sovereign Over All His Children

God The Father Provides For His Children What They Need

God The Father Offers Them True Bread

God The Father Disciplines Those Whom He Loves

The Nature of A Good Father Is To Model God The Father While Being Fully Present In The Lives of Our Children

Verses to Study

Psalm 103:8-18

Deuteronomy 1:31

Deuteronomy 32:6

Ephesians 4:6

Isaiah 64:8

Matthew 6:31-32

John 6:32

Proverbs 3:12

The Children Imitate The Father

Imitating God The Father To Our Children In The Same Manner God The Father Has Communicated Himself To Us

God The Father Disciplines Those Whom He Loves

Child Development andamp; Discipline: “Tabula Rasa” (Blank Slate) Vs. “Innatism”

God The Father Provides For His Children What They Need

God The Father Offers Them True Bread

The Ideal of A Good Father Is To Model The Whole Nature of God The Father While Being Fully Present In The Lives of Our Children

Verses to Study

Proverbs 4:1-9

1 John 3:1-2

Proverbs 3:12

Matthew 6:31-32

John 6:32