Exit Church Teachings

How do we wait well? Griffin Harris walks us through the lives of Simeon and Anna, who show us how to wait well, even our entire lives, to see the Lord's hand at work.

In our culture, we highly celebrate those that move from a low class in society to a high class. And yet, when we look at the birth story in Luke chapter 2, we see a massive army of angels singing and celebrating a perfect God who--although he was at the top of the universe--set aside his rights and became a vulnerable human baby born in a dirty feeding trough--one of the lowest stations in life. And Scripture tells us that this is ultimately the most glorious thing, worthy of all praise.

What does suffering produce in you? Where do you go when life's circumstances (and perhaps even God himself) press on you? In this passage Forrest Brown highlights how Zechariah's suffering/punishment led him to glorify God, even going as far as delighting in God himself more than God answering Zechariah's prayers. In our own suffering, can we let it produce in us this kind of focus/desire for the Lord?

Forrest Brown preaches on Mary's visit to Elizabeth and how the Spirit moves in both of them, as well as through John the Baptist, still in Mary's womb. From this passage, we also get The Magnificat, Mary's song in response to God's goodness. As with Mary, God often calls us to step out in faith, even when we don't have the full picture and we don't know how the end will turn out. We may even face significant backlash. Yet, Mary and Elizabeth show us how to faithfully respond to God's promptings.

Forrest Brown compares the prophecies that the angel Gabriel gave to Zachariah and Mary. Through the Scripture, we can know that God hears our prayers and that his word is always trustworthy. Last, we are challenged to respond with faith, not doubt.