Matthew 2:13-23 ~ From the Bottom Up

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Text: Matthew 3:13-23
Title: From the Bottom Up
Preacher: Rev. Greg Brower

Someone once said Christians claim God came as a baby because no one would be scared of a baby. The Biblical account begs to differ. Immediately, the rulers of the day felt threatened by Jesus and his family find themselves fleeing as refugees to Egypt. Herod driven by the fear of losing his power, uses that power to violently oppress his people. God, having all true power, sets it aside and chooses to stand with the poor and vulnerable of our world. The love of God leads to a setting aside power and instead lifting up and standing with the least of these.

Matthew 2:1-12 ~ The Star Over And of Bethlehem

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Text: Matthew 2:1-12
Title: The Star Over and of Bethlehem
Preacher: Rev. Rick VanderWall

We have just celebrated the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Sometimes the business of the holiday season can take away from the true joy we find in this very significant event. Back when Jesus was born, the times probably were not too much different. But there were some who took the time to stop and see this newborn child. The shepherds and the wise men came and paid a visit to see this “One born king of the Jews.” After reading about the shepherds encounter with the angels we can understand why they would check it out but what prompted the wise men? And what is the significance of their visit? Matthew chapter two may give us some clues as we continue our journey through this book of the Bible.