Considering CHRIST at Christmas

Matthew 1:18-25

The birth of Jesus appeared to be somewhat of a crisis … which could have ended … badly

But God was working to a bigger plan…

A plan which had been unfolding since… a long time ago

A plan for God to be with us (Immanuel)

A plan to save people from sin (Joshua)

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Considering CHRIST at Christmas

Matthew 1:1-17

A purposeful genealogy of Jesus the CHRIST (1&17)  

-      Shaped by 2 covenants (displaying God’s kindness)

-      covering 3 epochs (showing God’s faithfulness)

-      including 5 names which highlight God’  merciful sovereignty (over lives impacted by human sinfulness)

A genealogy which shows the CHRIST of Christmas as the climax of God’s plans for everything!! 

And gives HOPE for sinners like you and I

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

From Babel to Babble

Genesis 11:1-9

Babel shows the stubbornness and seriousness of sinful human hearts - like ours

1.⁠ ⁠New beginning..

         …same sinful humanity

2.⁠ ⁠Limitless potential... 

          …with sin in the mix...

But our merciful God can save sinful hearts

3.⁠ ⁠Pentecost to Parousia - the resolution of Babel

 (Preacher: Thom Herbert)

Abram The Rich Warrior?

Genesis 14

1.          Why does the Bible record this account - of Abram’s wealth and his success in battle?

2.          In the context of Genesis, this account reminds us to trust that God will keep His promises

3.          In the context of the Bible, we’re introduced to a king/priest – which helps us understand Jesus

4.          So, what do we learn from this account….

 (Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

The God who sees you

Genesis 16

Not following God’s ways gets messy

But God still sees Hagar in her mess …

… and will bless faithful connection with his chosen one

This is even truer for us in Jesus

 (preacher: Andreas Mayer)

Have you had enough?

1 Kings 19

A very quick recap of 1 Kings 18  

- Yahweh is God, anyone else is a pretender 

What does Yahweh say to a prophet who’s had enough?

  - Remember who I am (v11-12)

- And get back to work (v15-17)

- And remember that you’re not alone (v18) 

Ministry is hard (2 Cor 4:7-12), but let’s keep going

(Preacher: Lawrence Claire)

The Beginning and God’s Sovereignty

Genesis 37:2-50:26

(Reading 37:2-20 and 50:15-20)

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” Genesis 50:20 (NIV)

The story of Joseph teaches us about God:

The story of Joseph helps us understand the Gospel of Jesus

And the Gospel of Jesus gives us a decision to make!

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

The Beginning and God’s Choice  

Genesis 25:19-37:1

(Reading 27:1-33)

The account of Abraham’s son Isaac…

The account of Abraham’s son Isaac teaches us to trust in God’s mercy and to keep living for Him

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

The Beginning and Faith in God 

Genesis 11:27-25:18 part 2

(Reading 22:1-19)

  Abraham and God’s promises …

            .. and God’s covenant

  How is Abraham an example of trusting God?

Are you a child of Abraham?

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

The Beginning and God’s  Promises

Genesis 11:27-25:18 part 1 (Reading 12:1-9)

 Genesis is an orderly and structured account

  That introduces God’s creation and God’s unfolding plan… 

  ..the promise of God’s People in God’s Place under God’s rule

  Where do you fit?

Diagrams are available here

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

The story of creation (2:4)

Genealogy of Adam (5:1)

The story of Noah (6:9)

Genealogy of Noah’s sons (10:1)

Genealogy of Shem (11:10)

The story of Abraham (11:27)

Genealogy of Ishmael (25:12)

The story of Isaac (25:19)

Genealogy of Esau (36:1, 9)

The story of Jacob (37:2)