The Christ of Christmas
Why Bethlehem
December 20, 2015 • Dr. Danny Lovett
To understand the significance of the city of Bethlehem, you have to reach deep into the history of the Old Testament. The word Bethlehem occurs forty-one times in the Old Testament in eleven different books over a period of some 1300 years. It was a small town, but very significant in the life of Israel as a nation. This Sunday we will trace some of the events that took place in this small town and begin to understand why it was a place of sorrow, selection, and salvation. We will also see the significance that Bethlehem plays in the life of every Christian.
Why the dream
December 13, 2015 • Dr. Danny Lovett
Usually at this time of year, we focus on the virgin Mary, the shepherds, the wise men, and of course, the baby Jesus who was born to die, the Son given to reign as King and Lord of our hearts. When was the last time you heard a sermon preached about Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus? Granted, we are told little about him in Scripture, and he is missing from the adult life of Jesus, but there is much to learn and imitate about his character. He was a good and godly man who submitted to the Lord in a difficult situation. This Sunday we will examine the role Joseph played in the plan of God in the birth of Christ. Don't miss this exciting message.
Why the Virgin Birth
December 6, 2015 • Dr. Danny Lovett
December is here and so we begin our celebration of the birth of Jesus! We'll begin looking at the Christ of Christmas by answering the question, "Why the Virgin Birth?". An 11th century English philosopher and theologian by the name of Anselm wrote a book entitled "Why Did God Become Man?". Anselm listed four methods God has used in His making of a human being. First, the most ordinary way, through the union of a man and a woman. Second, by special creation, without the union of a man and woman, as God did with Adam. Third, without the involvement of a woman, when God took a rib from Adam to create Eve. And fourth, by supernaturally empowering a man and woman who are beyond childbearing age, as with Abraham and Sarah. But there is also a fifth way we could add to Anselm's list, which is the the birth of a child through a woman without the involvement of a man. Jesus was born of a virgin, the child of God planted in a human mother without a human father.