An Unlikely Family

Nashville Christian Church

Media App

An Unlikely Family

Rahab

November 12, 2023 • Andrew Cullen • Matthew 1:5

Give

Rahab is an outsider. Socially, she is a prostitute. Ethnically, she is a Gentile. Literally, she lives “outside” the inner wall of Jericho. Rahab has a choice. She can turn over the spies and save herself, or she can save the spies and risk being killed. Why would Rahab side with her enemies? Why would an outsider take such a risk? Rahab believes something. What Rahab believes changes how she behaves. She hid the spies because she chose to join what God is doing rather than oppose it. Against the backdrop of judgment for idolatry, we see the merciful character of God saving those who have faith in Him.

Jesus Grew to Fulfill His Identity

December 31, 2023 • Andrew Cullen • Luke 2:39–52

We do not know much about the upbringing of Jesus. We know he is visited by magi sometime after his birth. We know that he lived in Egypt with Joseph and Mary for a little while. We know that he spent most of his early years in the small town of Nazareth in Galilee. And we know that Jesus traveled to Jerusalem with his parents for the major Jewish festivals, and once he was left behind in the Temple when he was twelve-years-old. What we do know is that Jesus grew during these transitional years. Jesus grew mentally (wisdom), physically (strong & stature), spiritually (favor with God), and relationally (favor with man).

The Birth of Jesus

December 24, 2023 • Andrew Cullen • Luke 2:1–7

The birth of Jesus was simple. Simple is carpentry as a profession. Simple is a teenage girl with a pure heart. Simple is a small town in Judea. Simple is traveling on foot. Simple is a dirty delivery room. Simple is one piece of cloth to wrap a baby. Simple is a feeding trough for a crib. Simple is resting your head on your husband’s shoulder after giving birth. Everything in this story points to its simplicity. God didn’t become like Caesar Augustus. He became like Joseph and Mary. He didn’t take on the nature of a ruler. He took on the nature of a servant. He didn’t choose a throne room for his first appearance. He chose an everyday home on an ordinary day. This wasn’t a disguise. There wasn’t a hidden meaning. His sincerity was revealed in his simplicity. He came in simplicity so we could approach Him and relate to Him.

Good News for All People

December 24, 2023 • Andrew Cullen • Luke 2:8–20

Shepherds were not visited by angels. Angels appeared to people like Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Daniel, Peter, John, and Jesus. Why were the shepherds chosen to be the ones to first hear this good news? Because they fall into the category of “all the people.” Shepherds were not elite. Shepherds were poor. Shepherds were perceived as dishonest. They were unclean ritually. They were dirty sanitarily. They smelled like sheep. They looked scruff. They were not invited to social gatherings. They represented outcasts and sinners. The shepherds can believe this announcement is good news for “all” people because they were chosen to receive this gift. The shepherds could relate to a simple birth and baby like this. This baby was approachable. This baby was relatable. This baby was like them.