Walk With God

SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 1:17-25 

SHOW NOTES: This weekly podcast – Walk with God – is now part of our new ministry, Discover God’s Truth. Are you on a quest to discover the truth about God? Do you desire a closer walk with the Lord? We invite you to subscribe to our website – www.discovergodstruth.org. Let's embark on this spiritual journey together! 

Peter has these powerful words for his audience. We are chosen, and we are called to be holy. In verses 14 and 15, “do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct." 

The Lord’s call on our lives should have a direct impact on how we live each day. Peter heard Jesus speak these words, recorded in Matthew 22:14, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” And we should walk in holiness and obedience to Him.

Jesus Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, shed His precious blood to pay the penalty of our sin – you and me. We were ransomed from our sin-filled lives. 

The words from this hymn … My Hope is in the Lord

My hope is in the Lord who gave Himself for me,

And paid the price of all my sin at Calvary. 

No merit of my own His anger to suppress,

My only hope is found in Jesus’ righteousness.

 SONG: "In Christ Alone" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbgG0Monvd8

SPECIAL NOTE: Walt and Brenda have been unexpectedly called back to San Antonio, Texas, to lead funeral services for their dear close friend from their former ministry. We're pleased to present this REPLAY from Brenda's first series, which originally aired in early 2021 during Advent:

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 23

SHOW NOTES: The LORD is my Shepherd. He leads, restores, and guides the sheep. The Good Shepherd knows His sheep and the sheep know His voice. The agricultural imagery in this Psalm provides great insight about the LORD’s care and provision for each one in His flock. He invites each of us into a personal relationship with Him. 

SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 1:10-16

SHOW NOTES: Walk with God is part of our new ministry, Discover God’s Truth. The website is www.discovergodstruth.org and we invite you to subscribe today. 

Are you facing trials, hardships, troubles, and struggles? The One we follow, the One we are to model our lives after, was mocked, rejected, scorned, and suffered terribly. The true source of strength for each new day is our personal trust in the Lord. “Though you have not seen him, you love him … you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory” (1 Peter 1:8). 

Each of us must prepare our minds for action, control our actions and words, and have our hope set fully on the grace that will be brought to us when Jesus Christ is revealed. He will reward our faithful commitment. 

As believers, we are called to walk in holiness. This future reward merits the discomfort of our current trials, troubles, and sacrifices. Let’s live as obedient children and not be conformed to our former passions. 

SONG: "Holy Forever" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkHgxKemCRk

SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 1:3-9

SHOW NOTES: This weekly podcast – Walk with God – is now part of our new ministry, Discover God’s Truth. 

You are invited to visit and subscribe to the new website – discovergodstruth.org. We trust these resources will encourage you in your walk with God.

What brings you joy? What gives you hope in life? In today’s passage, Peter wants to direct our eyes and focus toward the one true source of joy and hope. This letter was written in a time filled with trouble and persecution.

According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. –1 Peter 1:3

Peter calls his readers to bless God. This undying hope rests on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because of His resurrection, we shall also live. God will preserve us and our inheritance until we receive it. 

However, Peter tells us trials are necessary. God uses them to perfect His children (James 1). They can often rob us of joy, but Peter urges readers to remember this truth. Trials will refine faith just as the fire will purify gold. Trials reveal that our faith is valuable, proven, and glorious. We can rejoice greatly in this hope.

These words from the well-known hymn: 

My hope is built on nothing less,

Than Jesus' blood and righteousness

On Christ the solid rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

SONG: "Hope Has A Name" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTYsapLrOto

SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 1:1-2 

SHOW NOTES: This weekly podcast – Walk with God – is now part of our new ministry, Discover God’s Truth. 

You are invited to visit and subscribe to the website – Discover God's Truth. We trust you will be encouraged in your walk with God.

Do you remember reading about Peter (one of Jesus’ first disciples) in the 4 Gospels? It seems like he speaks out of turn, flounders in the Sea of Galilee, or totally misses the point of Jesus’ teaching. Yet by the time he authored the book of First Peter, he was more than 30 years older and had learned some valuable lessons. Peter helped bring unity to the disciples after Jesus’ departure to heaven and he shared the gospel message with Jews and Gentiles alike. 

Peter’s audience lives in a difficult world, facing trials and difficult situations. He calls his readers to focus on the work of God the Father, the Spirit, and the Son. In his greeting, Peter extends these words of hope and encouragement to them, “May grace and peace be multiplied to you.” (1 Peter 1:2)  

SONG: "Call It Grace" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAMU68NTVQw

SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:21-38 

SHOW NOTES: Bethlehem’s Story includes Mary and Joseph as the angel revealed God’s plan for their lives. This couple walked in obedience and journeyed from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Jesus was born in an animal stable, angels announced his birth, and the shepherds came to see him lying in a manger. Weeks later, this young couple and their infant son arrive at the temple in Jerusalem, where they meet two righteous people who have waited expectantly for God to fulfill His promises. 

And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon … righteous and devout … For my eyes have seen Your salvation … a Light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel. (Luke 2:25-32) 

Two people in the temple, Simeon and a prophetess named Anna, gave testimony about the significance of Jesus’ life. They were focused on serving others and worshiping the Lord. What a great model for each of us to observe and follow! 

SONG: "Cradle to Crown" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHwpoiiQfzY   

SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:8-20 

SHOW NOTES: In Luke's Gospel, this marks the third time an angel appears to key individuals in the Bethlehem story. In chapter one, Gabriel visits Zacharias in Jerusalem, and then he speaks with Mary in Nazareth. Both times, the angel says, “Do not be afraid.” It is normal to experience fear in the presence of an angel (one of God’s powerful spiritual beings). 

Now, an angel comes to shepherds in the fields surrounding Bethlehem and announces the birth of a child.

“For today in the city of David, there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” – Luke 2:11-12 

This baby will save you from your sins. He is the long-awaited Messiah, the Lord. He is a very personal, living God, and he wants to have a relationship with each of us. 

Sometimes, as we grow older in our Christian faith, we may hesitate to share the Good News. Let’s ask the Lord to renew our love for Him and seek opportunities to share this amazing story from Bethlehem with others. 

Psalm 51:12 – “Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. Then, I will teach transgressors Thy ways, and sinners will be converted to Thee.” 

SONG: "The Shepherds’ Song" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95WiK9QAKRY

SONG: "O Little Town of Bethlehem" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqwe97RJ-bg

SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:6-7 / Matthew 2:1-12 / Philippians 2:5-11

SHOW NOTES: Today's lesson will contrast the earthly king (Herod) and the Rightful King (Jesus). 

The ruling king in Jerusalem, Herod the Great, knew how to build palaces, and he had many of them. Herod is the king of luxury. He was a wicked ruler. Herod is a king of war. “When Herod saw that the magi had tricked him, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem … from two years old and under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the magi.” -Matthew 2:16

There was no room in Bethlehem for Mary and Joseph, so they found shelter in one of the limestone caves around Bethlehem's countryside. Here, they had privacy as Mary gave birth to her firstborn son. Jesus is born the King of Poverty. The prophet Isaiah offers this message of hope and joy. “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.” -Isaiah 9:6-7 

Jesus came to be the King of Peace. The Lord invites us to pause and reflect. He wants us to celebrate! Bethlehem’s Story includes a great celebration in the most humble setting.

SONG: Manger Throne - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LN1cqABGM5Q

SONG: Emmanuel God with Us - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO5iF5Y-Lq0

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 1:18-24 / Luke 1: 26-38, 2:1-5  

SHOW NOTES: Bethlehem’s story continues, and we read, “The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary” (Luke 1:26-27). The angel tells Mary God has chosen her, and she will give birth to a son. “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:31-32). Also, the angel visits Joseph and commands him to take Mary as his wife. “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). 

Joseph and his expectant wife begin the difficult journey to the little town of Bethlehem to register as Caesar Augustus commanded. He was required to go to Bethlehem because Joseph was of David's house and lineage. Mary and Joseph play significant roles in God’s plan for humanity’s redemption. Yet they will face rejection, ridicule, scorn, and isolation. They cling to the angel’s words, “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). 

SONG: "Because of Bethlehem" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOGV5jcu2Oo

SONG: "Behold" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcUMnWapl5o

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 49:8-12 / 1 Samuel 17:12 / Micah 5:2 

SHOW NOTES: Welcome to this Advent season. Over the next five weeks, we will look more closely at a tiny town in Israel, chosen by the Lord to play an essential part in His sovereign plan. Today, we ask this question, “Why Bethlehem?” The passages we will discuss today go back almost 2,000 years before the first Christmas took place. This town was small and insignificant, yet it was God’s choice. 

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. – Micah 5:2

SONG: "Messiah" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D14wX0K9XJQ