This time of year, our eyes are drawn to all sorts of things. Look at those Christmas lights! Look at the present I got! Have you seen one of these before? In this week's Divine Birth Announcement, God uses Simeon and Anna to call our attention to something more important. We are to look at Jesus and see God's salvation for all people.
The most hope-filled moment of each 24-hour period is the dawn. After a long night, there's nothing as thrilling as the sun breaking its light over the horizon and across the sky! That's the metaphor the Holy Spirit uses to announce the arrival of baby Jesus. As the Rising Sun, Jesus brings light to our darkness and guides us to God's salvation. The dawn of God's merciful salvation has come!
Winter 25-26 Equip Class: Walking with Jesus and Other in the Word
It can be hard to know exactly how to respond to the birth of Jesus Christ. In Luke 1:39-45, we have the unique opportunity to see Elizabeth's response to the presence of Jesus in the womb. The text tells us that she is "filled with the Holy Spirit" as she announces the great blessing of Jesus' presence. Considering her words, we learn three Spirit-filled responses to Jesus' arrival as a baby.
Winter 25-26 Equip Class: Walking with Jesus and Other in the Word
Looking at our circumstances, things seem impossible. That's kind of how it felt for Mary when she heard she would be the mother of the Messiah! Looking at some "Divine Birth Announcements" in Luke 1:26-38, we see Gabriel telling Mary that she will have a Son - God the Son! Mary is troubled and wondering how this is possible! But Gabriel assures her it is God's grace, promise, and power at work.
Winter 25-26 Equip Class: Walking with Jesus and Other in the Word
What's your net worth? To determine it, you take the things you own (assets) and subtract the things you owe (liabilities). But is this really the best way to account for life? Paul encourages the Philippians to think differently. He tells them to count everything a loss compared to Christ. The gospel completely revises the way we account for our lives.
Joy thrives with a stable foundation. When we try to find joy in unstable things like health, money, or works, those things crumble, and our "joy" comes crashing down with it. Paul encourages us to rejoice in the Lord. His finished work on the cross, paired with our secure position in Him, gives the believer a solid foundation for joy. Find unshakable joy in your position in Christ.
Fall 2025 Equip Class: God Who Dwells in You - Understanding and Living by the Holy Spirit
There's a sense of honor when we meet our heroes. However, we often set our affection on the wrong heroes. Paul encourages the Philippian church to honor a real-life hero: Epaphroditus. He is to be honored for risking his life for the cause of Christ. While we as Christians must all live this way, when we see those who have lived this way, we are to honor them and aspire to follow in their steps.
Fall 2025 Equip Class: God Who Dwells in You - Understanding and Living by the Holy Spirit
"Well, everyone else was doing it!" Obviously, it's not a valid excuse, and yet Christians can live as if it is. We get comfortable with things simply because other Christians do them too. Paul encourages the Philippians to notice Timothy, a man who serves Christ above all. Rather than imitating the crowd, we are to follow those who serve Christ above all.
Fall 2025 Equip Class: God Who Dwells in You - Understanding and Living by the Holy Spirit
The world is a dark place. The darkness of evil and sin surrounds us. As believers, we are called to shine as lights in that darkness. While we think of "big things" that change the world, Paul turns our focus to "little things." God works in us to please Him, so we live out our obedience to Him in the details - like not complaining. This helps us follow Jesus and find joy in serving God.
Fall 2025 Equip Class: God Who Dwells in You - Understanding and Living by the Holy Spirit
Selfishness runs deep. Even doing outward things that look unselfish, we realize that even our motive for doing those things can be selfish. After telling the Philippians to do nothing out of selfish ambition, Paul points their attention to Jesus. He tells them to have the same mindset as Jesus had, and then He explains how Jesus demonstrated selflessness through humble obedience to the Father.
Fall 2025 Equip Class: God Who Dwells in You - Understanding and Living by the Holy Spirit
The Great Commission is exciting - "Go and make disciples of all nations!" But for most of us, it feels out of reach. It's mostly for missionaries, right? How are the rest of us, here at home, supposed to participate? God intends for each of us to participate! In 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Paul describes three qualities that embody the Great Commission that each of us can implement into daily life.
Fall 2025 Equip Class: God Who Dwells in You - Understanding and Living by the Holy Spirit