Receiving God’s Goodness and Spreading the Word – Luke 2:16-20
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard…
Accepting the Call of a Good News Bearer – Romans 10:15
And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” –Parallel verses:Isaiah 52:7-10[God speaking]How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the Lord returns to Zion, they…
Proclaiming the Truth to the Listeners – Romans 10:14b
And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?The condition of our ears is an important thing. When we have ears to hear others, we learn things. When our ears only listen to respond with a defense or out of comparison we stay in a proud and unlearned state in life. Hearing involves a desire to listen. Active listening includes questions and…
As One Entrusted – Romans 3:1-2
What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God. -Parallel verses:I Peter 5:2-3Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not Lording it over those…
The Witness – John 1:6-8
There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. -Parallel verses:Hebrews 12:1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance…
Light Ambassadors – John 1:4-5
In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it].Light in our world is a life-source. It is one of the most critical elements for our existence. So critical is light in supporting life, that God created it right after creating…