The Lamb Keepers
In Philippians 2 the Apostle Paul talks about the humility of Christ. He says that Christ set His Kingly attributes aside to wear the garb of lowly humanity. But He didn't just stoop low enough to become a man . . . He stooped low enough to become a poor man. So this holiday season, as you look at nativity scenes everywhere, remember that Christ didn't have to be born in a stable . . . He chose to.
Mary Had a Little Lamb
After 400 years of silence, the Word of God finally broke through the heavens. This time it was in a way so miraculous that many today still deny it. God didn't send a messenger or a prophet or a priest like He had in the past. He sent His own Son!
The Inside Story
At this time of year, it's natural for our attention to turn to the Babe in the manger, but let's not forget his earthly parents in the process. Mary and Joseph showed remarkable faith in God during the first Christmas story and we can learn a lot from their example.
The Song of Mary
If you had been Mary, would you have struggled with pride at times, knowing that of all the people God could have chosen to give birth to His Messiah, He had chosen you? I think most of us would have. But in Luke 1:26-56, we discover the astonishing truth that instead of boasting in herself, Mary spends thirty verses reveling in the fact that the Redeemer--her Redeemer--had come at last! So let's join Stephen now as he gives us a fresh look at the legacy of a woman who truly was unlike any other.
The Song of Zechariah
In his series "Prelude to Bethlehem," Stephen introduces us to some of the earliest and greatest Christmas carols ever written -- carols that burst forth from the mouths of Old Testament men and women who were overjoyed by the thought of Christ's coming. Let's listen as he leads us in the song of a faithful old saint named Zacharias--a man who refused to die until he saw the promised Messiah!
The Song of Isaiah
Jesus Christ is the subject of more than 300 Old Testament prophecies. His birth and life were foretold by many individual prophets over a period of 1,500 years. History confirms that even the smallest details of those prophecies came true. That means that the proof for Christ's Messiahship is undeniable. People don't disbelieve in Him for lack of evidence . . . they disbelieve in Him for lack of conviction.
The Lion IS a Lamb
To many people, Christmas is just another day off from work or a reason to party and exchange gifts. But this day is so much more than that. In this message Stephen asks, "What is Christmas to you?"
Stolen Apples and Turkish Delight
It's a little crazy to think that all of the natural disasters in the world, all the diseases, and all the sin is the result of two people eating a piece of fruit, isn't it? I mean, you can understand why some people roll their eyes at such a suggestion! But in this message Stephen reminds us that what transpired in the Garden of Eden was far more serious than a stolen apple. It was treachery of the basest kind, it was idolatry, and it was the curse of sin on the human race. And until we understand the magnitude of what happened in Genesis 3, we'll never understand why there's so much evil in the world today. So let's join Stephen now as he gives us a deeper understanding of that event we call "The Fall."
The Song of the Emperor's Son
In C.S. Lewis' well-loved series "The Chronicles of Narnia," Lewis gives us many timeless analogies to Christianity. One is found in his depiction of the creation of the world. In that story, Aslan--the character who represents Jesus--sings a song, and at the sound of his voice all the world is made. Not just the world, however, but the story of history as well. And that's why it is such an incredible analogy to the true story. In the biblical account of creation, Stephen reminds us that God breathed out more than just trees and rocks and oceans--He breathed out a people, a cross, and a Gospel.
Happily Forever After, Part 2
Everyone loves a good fairy tale, especially the ones with happy endings. As believers, we are part of a real-life tale, with a great Rescue, a real Prince, and true Love. In Matthew's gospel, the lineage of Jesus includes Boaz and Ruth, a literal love story that depicts and prefigures the redemption that Jesus Christ made more than 1000 years later for all those who believe in Him. It's a story of amazing grace that brings a new joy to the Christmas season. It's a story that begins before time and ends--for every Christian--happily forever after.