1 Peter 2:19-25 (HCSB)19 For it brings favor if, mindful of God’s will, someone endures grief from suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if you sin and are punished, and you endure it? But when you do what is good and suffer, if you endure it, this brings favor with God. 21 For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follo...  Read More

Luke 22:35-38 (HCSB)Be Ready for Trouble35 He also said to them, “When I sent you out without money-bag, traveling bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Not a thing,” they said. 36 Then He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money-bag should take it, and also a traveling bag. And whoever doesn’t have a sword should sell his robe and buy one. 37 For I tell you, what is written must be fulfill...  Read More

John 12:37-43 (HCSB)Isaiah’s Prophecies Fulfilled 37 Even though He had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in Him. 38 But this was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet, who said: Lord, who has believed our message? And who has the arm of the Lord been revealed to?  39 This is why they were unable to believe, because Isaiah also said: 40 He has blinded their eyes a...  Read More

Matthew 8:14-17 (HCSB)Healings at Capernaum 14 When Jesus went into Peter’s house, He saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. 15 So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. Then she got up and began to serve Him. 16 When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick, 17 so that what was spoken through...  Read More

Isaiah 53:1-2 (HCSB)53 Who has believed what we have heard? And who has the arm of the Lord been revealed to? 2 He grew up before Him like a young plant and like a root out of dry ground. He didn’t have an impressive form or majesty that we should look at Him, no appearance that we should desire Him.Scarlett Nokes Jesus is the Messiah. I like the definition of prophecy from gotquestions.org, which...  Read More

The Promised OneStudy the Word: Key Truth: God Promised a Savior to Be Born of a Virgin (Isaiah 7:1-16)Key Truth: God Promised a Savior to Bring Light and Truth to a Sinful World (Isaiah 9:2-7)Key Truth: God Proved Faithful to His Word (Luke 2:25-38)How will I put this into practice this week?...  Read More

1.     The first people who heard angels announce Jesus’ birth were lowly shepherds. They possibly watched over the very flocks used in the Temple sacrifices. Likely, their jobs were often menial but still incredibly important. Do you see your work this way – as an incredible opportunity to share Jesus with others? Do you believe God can use YOU there? 2.     When Jesus was 33 days old, He was pre...  Read More

Luke 2:36-40  (HCSB)Anna’s Testimony 36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and was a widow for 84 years. She did not leave the temple complex, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers. 38 At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to...  Read More

Luke 2:25-35  (HCSB)Simeon’s Prophetic Praise 25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple complex. When the parents brough...  Read More

Luke 2:21-24  (HCSB)The Circumcision and Presentation of Jesus 21 When the eight days were completed for His circumcision, He was named Jesus —the name given by the angel before He was conceived. 22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were finished, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (just as it is written in the law of the Lord: Every ...  Read More

Luke 2:8-20  (HCSB)The Shepherds and the Angels8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the peo...  Read More

Luke 2:1-7  (HCSB)The Birth of Jesus2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. 2 This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because h...  Read More