SYNOPSIS: The nations rage against the Lord and His Messiah. This can be seen in kings of old such as King Herod and on just about all news broadcasts today. Christ's universal reign over all nations is contrasted with the selfish reign of earthly rulers. Christ's selfless kingship is exemplified by His sacrificial death. This should encourage believers to seek refuge and blessings in Him and Him alone. Pastor Rhode concludes with a call for today's rulers to serve the Lord and seek His will.

THEMES IN THIS SERMON:

Nations raging against Christ; Biblical origins of nations; Christ's universal reign; Selflessness of Christ's kingship; Earthly rulers in contrast to Christ; Christ's sacrificial death;

Encouragement for believers; Call to rulers to serve the Lord; Blessing for those who take refuge in Christ; The separation of church and state;

Prayer for Christ's reign in both kingdoms; Biblical prophecy of Christ's kingship; Heavenly Jerusalem on earth; Nations bringing wealth to Christ

SYNOPSIS: The Devil would love for us to dwell in the past. But looking back too much can be a bad thing [02:10].

Biblical examples are given of Lot's wife and the Israelites crossing the Red Sea [03:14}. God in his mercy has brought us out of our own kind of bondage to sin and death. Looking back is easy, but it takes great faith to face the future, trusting in God's sovereignty and His promises [06:05]. Simeon's experience in Luke 2 [08:16], brings an example of a man who looked forward, trusting in the promise of God that he would see the Messiah who gives salvation to all people.

KEY WORDS and THEMES: New Year; Janus; January; God's Sovereignty; Simeon; Salvation; Jesus' Dedication; Sacraments; Resurrection; Eternal Life

SYNOPSIS: We are reminded around this time of year of the way that things used to be. These sentimental values and Christmas traditions are examined in the context of biblical narratives, especially the transformative impact of the birth of Jesus [01:43]. The prologue in John's Gospel [06:58] shows us that Jesus is the true light in the world. Jesus came down from his throne in heaven to become a child of man so that we may become "Children of God" [10:43]. Believers in Jesus are no longer in darkness but live in the light of Christ in anticipation of His return and the promise of eternal life [11:38].

KEY WORDS/THEMES include:

Christmas traditions;

Adam and Eve;

Garden of Eden;

Birth of Jesus;

Advent;

Prologue in Gospel of John;

Light of the world;

Messiah's arrival;

Christmas transformation;

Salvation;

Children of God;

Holy baptism;

Children of God;

Light overcoming darkness;

Cross and redemption;

Second coming of Jesus;

New life in Christ;

Eternal life