God's promise to King Ahaz of a child born through a virgin, supernaturally conceived, bypassing the sin nature, is a core doctrine of the Christian faith, offering a perfect sacrifice for humanity's sin, and providing a relationship with God, as seen in the birth of Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. [... more]

The city of Bethlehem holds significant importance in the story of Jesus' birth, being the place where the Virgin Mother gave birth to the infant Son of God. Historically, Bethlehem was prepared for the birth of Christ through the stories of Rachel, David, and Ruth, who all played a crucial role in the lineage of Jesus. Symbolically, the city's name 'Bethlehem' means 'house of bread,' and 'Ephrata' means 'fruitfulness,' foreshadowing the birth of Jesus as the bread of life. The city was also prepared prophetically, with Micah's prophecy in 722 BC predicting the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, a prediction that was fulfilled 600 years later. [... more]

Lee Strobel, a former investigative journalist and atheist, shares his journey to faith through examining the evidence for Christianity, particularly the birth of Jesus. He discusses the reliability of the Gospel accounts, the supernatural nature of Jesus' birth, and the importance of understanding the historical context of the early church. Strobel also talks about the commercialization of Christmas and the need to cut through the clutter to focus on the true meaning of the holiday. [... more]

The birth of Jesus Christ is rooted in hundreds of years of Old Testament prophecy, with predictions of his birth, ministry, death, and resurrection. Dr. Robert Jeffress explores the connection between the Old and New Testaments, highlighting the significance of Jesus' virgin birth and its fulfillment in the life of Christ. [... more]

The birth of Jesus is a pivotal event in human history, marking the entrance of our Savior to the world. God's gift of forgiveness is a message of hope, not hate, and is meant to be shared with all people, regardless of their background or faith. The gospel is a call to acknowledge and respond to God's indescribable gift, and to share it with others as a way to bring light into a world shadowed by sin and despair. [... more]

The story of the birth of Jesus is a remarkable tale of God's plan to redeem mankind. From the decree of Caesar Augustus to the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, the story is a testament to God's supernatural plan. The birth of Jesus is not just a historical event, but a pivotal moment in human history that has far-reaching implications for all people. [... more]

Jesus, the ordinary man from Nazareth, was extraordinary in his mission to suffer for the sins of the world. He loved us and died for us, and his sacrifice fulfilled the righteous demands of God, purchasing our forgiveness and salvation. Understanding pain and grief, Jesus knows what it's like to weep and be abandoned by friends, but he also knows how to comfort and heal through the power of the Word of God. [... more]

God is with us, even when it seems like He's not. He's always working things together for His purposes, and He's willing to forgive us and bring good out of difficult situations. Through the stories of Joseph, Esther, and Abraham, we see how God's presence and providence can bring us hope and comfort, even in the darkest of times. [... more]

The Bible says Jesus is a mighty God, a powerful God, who was given a supernatural ability through the power of the Holy Spirit to look down the road 1,000 years before Jesus was born and to see his descendants, to see his son, who will be called the son of David, to be a ruling supreme king of the universe. Jesus' divine origin, kingly power, and high priestly authority are prophesied in Psalm 110, which is the most quoted psalm in the entire New Testament. [... more]

David's experience of facing both confidence and anxiety in the presence of God is reflected in Psalm 27, where he expresses exuberant confidence in God's power and protection, and an entreating cry for God's presence and guidance. [... more]

King David's experiences of fear and faith are reflected in Psalm 27, where he expresses exuberant confidence in God's presence and protection, and also expresses a desperate cry for God's help in the face of overwhelming circumstances. [... more]

The concept of peace is often misunderstood as being achieved through self-love and metaphysics, but true peace can only come from God's unmerited and unearned love, as seen in the Bible and the life of Jesus Christ, who brings people together from every corner of the globe to worship Him. [... more]

God's people are called to make Him known, to testify to Him, and to lift up the name of Jesus. The psalmist prophesied that God will appear in the flesh, and His people will worship the living God from every tribe, nation, and tongue. Praise is the one thing that invites the presence of God and aligns us with the population of heaven. [... more]

The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the bridegroom and the church is his bride, with the wedding feast being a picture of the king's wedding, symbolizing the coming of our groom, King Jesus, and the anticipation of his return to take us to his father's house. [... more]

King David's Psalm 27 offers encouragement to those facing fear and darkness, reminding us that God's presence brings courage and confidence. David's own experiences of rejection and desperation are contrasted with his trust in God's faithfulness and promises, demonstrating that God's timing is different from ours and His purpose is greater than ours. [... more]

The wise men's journey to find Jesus is a reminder of the importance of obedience, faith, and leadership. Their story highlights the significance of the Star of Bethlehem and how it guided them to worship and give gifts to the newborn king. The episode also explores the role of Christian women in leadership and evangelism, particularly in reaching out to Muslims and sharing the gospel in a culturally sensitive way. [... more]

Biblical prophecy plays a significant role in shaping the Christian worldview, and understanding its significance can bring comfort, peace, and a deeper love for God. The premillennial view of the end times holds that Christ will return to judge non-believers, save Israel, and rule with believers for a literal 1,000 years. The amillennial position believes we're in a spiritual millennium and Christ will return at some point, creating the new heavens and new earth. The post-millennial view posits that the church will eventually take dominion over the world, and Christ will return after this period. The timing of the rapture, the invasion of Gog, and the role of America in the end times are also topics of discussion in biblical prophecy. [... more]

The birth of Jesus marked the beginning of an incredible journey, filled with rich ceremonies that revealed his divine purpose. From the ceremony of identification where Jesus was circumcised, to the presentation of Jesus in the temple, each moment held deep significance, showing God's plan unfolding and the law being perfectly fulfilled. [... more]

The true meaning of Christmas is not about putting a man on the moon, but about God coming to earth in the form of a baby, Jesus. Jesus is supernatural, sovereign, and a savior who brings peace to those who believe in Him. [... more]

The Christmas story is often polished and cleaned up, but the original scene was desperate and filthy, with Joseph and Mary delivering their firstborn in a stone cutout in a hillside. The innkeeper's words to Joseph and Mary were not recorded, and the stable where Jesus was born was likely a hollowed-out cave in a Bethlehem hillside. The story of Christmas is a powerful metaphor for the human heart, and the question remains, is there room for Jesus Christ in our hearts today? [... more]

Mary and Joseph's journey after the manger scene is one of courage, faith, and obedience as they navigate the will of God, which brings them to the temple for Jesus' circumcision and dedication. They pay the redemption price for their son, symbolically buying him back from God, and demonstrate their childlike and courageous faith as they present the Lord to the Lord. This powerful message highlights the importance of following God's will, even when it's difficult, and the significance of Jesus' early days as a precursor to his ultimate sacrifice. [... more]

The Bible is a hymn book about the Lord Jesus Christ, with all of its contents pointing to him as the fulfillment of prophecies and the author of the scriptures. Jesus is the master key that unlocks the Old Testament, and without him, it is just a bundle of unfulfilled prophecies and unexplained ceremonies. [... more]

The birth of Jesus Christ is announced to the shepherds by an angel from heaven, who appears to them in a field outside Bethlehem. The angel tells them that a Savior has been born, and that they will find him wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. The shepherds are filled with joy and praise God for the good news, and they quickly go to see the baby Jesus. [... more]

Jesus teaches Nicodemus about the three miracle births: the natural birth, the virgin birth, and the new birth. He explains that the new birth is a spiritual birth, where a person is born again through faith in Jesus Christ, and that this birth is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that brings a new nature, a new character, and a new desire to live a holy life and share the Lord Jesus with others. [... more]

The angel's announcement of the Messiah's arrival sparks the shepherds' immediate journey to Bethlehem, where they discover the newborn Savior in a manger. This divine visitation reveals God's love and purpose, foreshadowing Christ's ultimate sacrifice on the cross. The shepherds' response to the angel's sign and song is a testament to the power of faith and the pursuit of peace with God, which is only found in Jesus Christ. [... more]

The little town of Bethlehem holds great significance in the story of Jesus' birth, emphasizing God's message of hope and redemption through faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ. [... more]

The Christmas story is a picture of God's condescension, where He came down to the lowly and the humble to bear the stench of sin in His own body. Jesus was born in a smelly stable, not in a luxurious inn, but in a place where animals were kept, surrounded by the smell of sinners. This event is a metaphor for the wretchedness of sin and the wonder of God's grace. [... more]

The Christmas story is a profound and miraculous event, with the angel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she will bear a son, Jesus, who will be the Son of God. The Holy Spirit will overshadow her, and the baby will be miraculously conceived. Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem, where Jesus is born, fulfilling the prophecy of Micah, which states that the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem. The story is a testament to God's plan and providence, as He brings the couple to the exact place where the prophecy was made, ensuring that the Messiah is born in the city of David. [... more]

Christmas is a personal message from God, a positive announcement of great joy, and a universal message for all people. The story of Jesus' birth is one of good news, reminding us that we can be reunited with our loved ones again through faith in Him. The Bible is a reliable source of truth, and God speaks to us today through His Word, inviting us to listen and experience the real meaning of Christmas. [... more]

The fall of the Assad regime in Syria has sent seismic shifts throughout the Middle East, with significant implications for Israel, Iran, and Russia. The region is experiencing a period of great change, with various nations and groups vying for power and influence. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to understand the biblical context and potential prophetic significance of these events. [... more]

The birth of Jesus Christ was intricately connected to the Roman Empire's census, which was decreed by Caesar Augustus. This event, which took place in the Middle East, was a pivotal moment in Jewish history, fulfilling ancient prophecies and setting the stage for the arrival of the Messiah. [... more]

The birth of Jesus Christ is the most important moment in all of history, marking the divine miracle of God becoming man. The story of Jesus' birth is a profound and far-reaching event that involves the world, the nation of Israel, and the personal circumstances of Joseph and Mary. The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, particularly Micah 5:2, is a key aspect of the birth of Christ, highlighting the significance of Jesus being born in Bethlehem. [... more]

The birth of Jesus has an economic backdrop that foreshadows his ultimate purpose and death. Mary's economic philosophy, as expressed in the Magnificat, reflects a reversal of the aristocracy and the humble inheriting the earth. The birth of Jesus threatens the ruling temple class in Jerusalem, highlighting the conflict between two kingdoms and two economic models. [... more]

The story of the three wise men and their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh is a fascinating aspect of the Christmas narrative. As we reflect on the significance of these gifts, we can explore how they relate to our own worship and service to Jesus. From the symbolism of gold and frankincense to the practical uses of myrrh, there are many ways to apply these ideas to our lives and deepen our understanding of the Christmas story. [... more]

The birth of Jesus is the most important event in human history, bringing light to a world shrouded in sin and despair. God's indescribable gift of forgiveness is to be acknowledged and shared with others, not kept to oneself. The gospel is a message of hope, not hate, and is for all people, regardless of their background or beliefs. [... more]

The birth of Jesus Christ is a story of God's plan to redeem mankind, as seen in the biblical account of Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem, where they encountered the Roman Empire's decree for a census, and ultimately, the humble birth of Jesus in a stable, announced to shepherds in the fields nearby. [... more]

The Christmas story begins in Genesis, where Adam and Eve's rebellion in the Garden of Eden sets the stage for the consequences of sin and the promise of a Savior. God's plan is revealed through the dialogue between the serpent and Eve, highlighting the temptation to distrust God and question his goodness. The entry of sin into the world changes everything, exposing Adam and Eve's guilt and shame, and leading to their banishment from the garden. [... more]

The discovery of a ancient map in Madaba, Jordan, reveals a possible location of the sheepfold where Jesus was born, and the site of the scapegoat ritual. The story takes a fascinating turn as the narrator uncovers a connection to the Nazi regime and the escape of cultic artifacts to South America. [... more]

The generosity of God is a powerful motivation for giving, as seen in the example of the Macedonians who gave generously despite their poverty. Jesus' incarnation and sacrifice demonstrate the true meaning of giving, and his riches are now available to us through our faith. Giving is not just a matter of duty, but a proof of our salvation and a way to appreciate the blessings we have received. [... more]

Pastor Skip Heidzik shares a message about the first Christmas morning and the surprise announcement to poor shepherds on the outskirts of Bethlehem. He discusses how nativity sets often create inaccurate depictions of the biblical narrative and how God chose to reveal the birth of Jesus to ordinary people, rather than the religious elite. [... more]