The second character that we come across in the second chapter in the Gospel of Matthew is King Herod. King Herod isn't just added to the story for historical context but for what he symbolizes: the human condition. King Herod illustrates the sinfulness that exists in the human heart. The main point of King Herod is not that he is the villain (although he did some horrific things) but what he shows is our deep need for Jesus. 

Since the beginning Gods heart and mission has always been to save and redeem his most prized creation, humanity. The magi represent the extent to which Gods love is able to reach. God's love is expressed through his grace. Grace is missional, and as a church that's why we exist.

How is it that the Magi, people who are considered to be the lowest of the low because their worship to false gods and idols end up being one of the first people to stand in front of Jesus?

Today Ian a friend of our community shared with us what intimacy looks like by being vulnerable with God and Others.

The Will of God is one of the hardest things to explain, mainly because we do not know what it is. We all want to do it, but have a hard time understanding what it is. How was Mary able to step in to allow the Will of God to be fulfilled through her? How did she have the confidence to accept God's plan for her life that was anything of what she could have dreamed of for herself? Today we talk about the eternal truth that was revealed to Mary that gave her the confidence to trust in the Fathers plans when she surrendered her dreams and plans to God.

Doing the will of God is something that we all desire to do, but it is so hard to do it let alone explain what it is. Oftentimes the challenge of being able to know and do the Will of God. We can not be obedient without surrender, we cannot accept the New life that Jesus promises without putting to death our old life.

God with us is more than just words, the power of Gods spirt in our lives is a gift, prayer is how we move from being aware of the presence of God to living in the Presence of God.

In this last section of 14 generations Matthew reminds us of Gods Faithfulness, and how Jesus is not the end of the Genealogy but the beginning of a New life.

Matthew 1: 7-11 In this second section, we come across another set of names. These 14 generations is usually known as the exile into Babylon, Matthew shows us another forgotten truth about God, God's love is Holy. Today we celebrate our one year anniversary!