December 19, 2021 • Rick Dunn • Matthew 2:1–12, Micah 5:2–5
This week, Rick Dunn continues our Advent series - Behold. He looks at the story of the Magi. These men show us that to behold Christ is a gift of grace and that to behold Him, we have to look at who is actually is. We have to see him accurately and see ourselves accurately in His story. These men, who would have been enemies of Christ, were able to become a part of His family through His grace.
The Lion and Lamb of Leah
December 12, 2021 • RD McClenagan
This week, RD McClenagan continues our Advent series - Behold. He looks at the story of Leah, whose painful circumstances collide powerfully with the promises and presence of God and how God gives her the eyes to see what He is doing in the midst of her circumstances. It is through prayer and praise that God is able to open our eyes so that we can see the blessings that He has given us. Praise is not denying our circumstances, but rather overlaying God's ultimate reality over them.
Shepherds in the Field
December 5, 2021 • Greg Pinkner • Genesis 35:10–22, Luke 2:8–20
This week, Greg Pinkner continues our Advent series - Behold. He looks at the history of Israel and the Migdal Eder from Genesis 35 and Luke 2. The Migdal Eder is the "Tower of the Flock" and was built by Jacob outside of Bethlehem after Rachel died. This tower would have been where David watched his flock and where the shepherds were watching their sheep when the Angels appeared to announce the birth of Christ. This land and tower is the place where Israel lost everything and got everything back. It shows us that we are in the long game of ashes being turned fruitful.
You Shall Call His Name Immanuel
November 28, 2021 • Greg Pinkner • Matthew 1:21–25, Isaiah 7:9, Isaiah 7:1–17, 2 Kings 16
This week, Greg Pinkner begins our Advent series - Behold. He looks at the history of Israel from Isaiah chapter 7. In these verses, Isaiah visited Ahaz, King of Judah, and told him that Judah would not be defeated in battle by Israel and Syria. However, Ahaz did not believe the words of the Lord and instead went to the king of Assyria to save him. Assyria, who he went to for a savior eventually became his conqueror. In the same way, Jesus is our Savior but also our conqueror if we are not firm in our faith. During this Advent season, we must remember that Jesus is "Immanuel, God with Us" and He came to give us the gift of salvation.
