Jesus' reading from Isaiah 61-1-2 in his home synagogue was his announcement that he was indeed the Messiah, that is, the long promised Deliverer whom Yahweh would anoint with his Spirit to bring good news of liberty from sin's bondage, healing, and God's favor. The townspeople rejected him and tried to kill him, but God enabled him to escape. The anointing of the Spirit is what enabled Jesus to do the mighty works of his ministry, thus revealing the unity of the three persons of the triune God in his ministry then and the ongoing work of salvation in his people's lives.

After being baptized, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness where he fasted for 40 days and was tempted by the devil. During this time Satan presented three great temptations to Jesus. In each instance, Jesus responded by drawing upon scripture to knock down each attack. From his intimate knowledge of the OT Jesus chose incidents from the wilderness wanderings of the Hebrews which were relevant and applicable to each temptation. This is exactly how we should battle our temptations, but like Jesus, we need a thorough knowledge and understanding of the Bible to be able to effectively wield the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.

Jesus leads his church by submitting to baptism as he begins to identify with his people's sins. As he is baptized the Spirit descends to empower him for his ministry -we, too, need the Spirit's power-. The Father declares his love and pleasure in his Son- so he does for us as we come to faith in Christ and are joined in union with him by the Spirit's work. Jesus was circumcised according to the law on the 8th day of his life, but he did not submit to baptism by immersion until he consciously submitted to it at age 30. He is thus our leader and model for our belief that NT baptism by immersion is only to be administered to those who voluntarily come to Christ in saving faith -a thing impossible for infants to do-. Through this incident at the Jordan River we also see an indication that the one God is triune in persons for the Son was baptized, the Spirit descended on him, and the Father spoke his word of approval from heaven.

Paul, the author here, displays here how marvelous is the unmerited love for sinners demonstrated in the Gospel of Christ. He shows how the -mystery- of the gospel was made known -revealed- to various human beings. These include himself, the apostles and prophets, the whole world, and even to the spiritual beings in the heavenly places.

This teaching was delivered to a group of Iranians so after the English you will hear the speaker's words translated into Persian -Farsi-. When we are faced with distress and upset ness from various sources we must look to God. This sermon explores the nature of Biblical hope and joy and the sources from where this comes. -Note- the attached .pdf document also includes the translation in Farsi-.

This sermon narrates the naming of Jesus by his parents on the eighth day from his birth when he was circumcised in accordance to instruction of the angel that he be named Jesus. Then the meaning of God's name and of the name of Jesus is explored.

The personal name of God, -Yahweh,- was revealed to Moses. Then centuries later the angel told both Mary and Joseph that the son to be born to them was to be called -Jesus,- for he would -save his people from their sins.- From other texts in the NT we learn that in the name of -Jesus,- in his person, work, and authority, there is the knowledge of God, forgiveness of sins, eternal life, justification, sanctification, and salvation - in fact, all we need for life and godliness. What a beautiful name it is-

Zephaniah, the ancient prophet, who lived during King Josiah's reign some six centuries before Christ, still speaks to us today as he prophesied the coming of the King who would live in the midst of his people to comfort them with his love and sing over them with joy. The fulfillment of this prophecy will take place when Jesus comes in his second Advent. In our busy lives we need to slow down and just bask in the love of our Savior for us and know that, in spite of our sins and failings, he takes great delight in each of his redeemed children.

In this passage the Lord Jesus teaches us three great truths- the Certainty of His Coming, the Signs of His Coming, and How to Prepare for His Coming. He teaches us both how not to be prepared and how to be prepared- with spiritual watchfulness and alertness. Jesus' return is our glorious hope-

Often we call the Lord's Supper the -Eucharist- which comes from the Greek word for -thanksgiving.- in the 3 accounts of the Lord's Supper in the Synoptic Gospels and in 1 Corinthians Jesus gives thanks for the bread and cup and for what they represent - his sacrifice for the sins of his people. This sermon reminds us that every time we celebrate the Lord's Table we are giving thankful remembrance for our Lord's death and resurrection which are the essence of the gospel and the basis of our salvation. Thus in our local assembly, since we celebrate the Lord's Table every Sunday, we are weekly given the opportunity to express our profound thanksgiving to God for Jesus's death and resurrection which removed our sins and brought us justification before the holy God. -Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift-.-