Episodi

  • Hebrews - Better Son - Jackson Wilson

    Hebrews - Better Son - Jackson Wilson
    Feb 12 2026
    14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.Hebrews 2:14-18What will we choose to connect our heart to: the shadow or the substance?Better SonThe Biblical Understanding of the human heart is more skeptical and more hopeful than any other viewpoint.The Danger of the human heart (The undertow)Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.Hebrews 2:1The writer had the drifting of a boat in mind, and such drifting happens naturally without an anchor to something solid. If we are not securely set in the truth of the supremacy of Jesus, we will drift into danger with the currents of the world, the flesh, and the devil.David GuzikThe human heart is prone to drifting away from Jesus. “The Christian life is very much like climbing a hill of ice. You cannot slide up. You must cut every step with the ice axe.”Charles SpurgeonRip Currents Are InvisibleThe Ocean Is Constantly MovingThe Ocean Is Stronger Than Concrete“The ocean is both mother and monster.”Maritime FolkloreThe heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?Jeremiah 17:9Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.Hebrews 2:1A heart that is unanchored looks for visible saviors.“The more we are exposed to the opinions of others, the more unstable we become unless we are rooted in Christ.”Timothy KellerThe Beauty of the human heart (The Surfer)When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,4 what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet,7 all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field,8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.Psalm 8:5-8GARRETT MCNAMARA Photos*** (Big waves)6 The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted?[b] And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for[c] you, and you must rule over it.”Genesis 4:6-729 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.1 Corinthians 11:1The Anchor for the human heart (The Lifeguard & Surfboard)14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.Hebrews 2:14-18For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.Galatians 5:1
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    50 min
  • Hebrews - So Much Better - Molly Ratliff

    Hebrews - So Much Better - Molly Ratliff
    Feb 5 2026
    “GOD, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right and of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” Hebrews 1:1-4 “Hebrews is basically a book that encourages [exhorts] discouraged Christians to continue on strong with Jesus in light of the complete superiority of who He is and what He did for us.”- David Guzik. The messenger vs. the message “Are they (angels) not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:14. “GOD, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets…” the message > the messengerChrist is not another messenger. He is the message“GOD, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son” Hebrews 1:1-2. “The Bible is the record of the different places and different ways by which God has spoken to man. In the book of Genesis, we find God speaking to man by angels; they were the messengers…then God began to speak through anointed men such as Moses and Joshua…. Then God spoke to them through priests…then as time progressed God raised up prophets…But God’s final revelation was given to man through Jesus Christ. Jesus came to bring man the final, the ultimate message of God. The ultimate understanding of God. So, all that man is to know about God can be discovered in and through Jesus Christ. This revelation is superior than all of the other revelations. His revelation through the Son is superior than the revelation through the angels.”- Chuck Smith.“39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39“It isn’t so much that Jesus brought a message from the Father; He is a message from the Father. He has revealed something no other prophet could”- David Guzik. “(Jesus)who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they” Hebrews 1:3-4“He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born over-all creation.16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” Colossians 1:15-18. Preeminent: surpassing all others; having the highest rank, importance or excellence. Gnosticism: salvation comes through special, hidden knowledge.Agnostic: without knowledge. Who Jesus is:#1 Heir (“Heir of all things” Heb 1:2) #2 Creator (“he made the worlds” Heb 1:2) #3 Revealer (“the brightness of his glory and express image of His person” Heb 1:3) #4 Sustainer (“upholding all things” Heb 1:3) #5 Ruler (“of His power” Heb 1:3) #6 Redeemer (“He had by Himself purged our sins” Heb 1:3)#7 Supreme (“sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they” Heb 1:3-4)“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.” Hebrews 2:9 “9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name” Philippians 2:9.Jesus’ names: Second Adam (1 Cor 15:45)Advocate (1 John 2:1)Almighty (Rev 1:8)Alpha and Omega (Rev 1:8)Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2)Bread of life (John 6:32)Christ (Luke 9:20)Cornerstone (Ps 188:22)Creator (John 1:3)First and Last (Rev 1:12)Good Shepard (John 10:11)Great High Priest (Heb 4:24)Holy One (Acts 3:14)I am (John 8:58)Immanuel (Is 7:14)Jehovah (Is 26:4)King of Kings (1 Tim 6:15)Lamb (Rev 13:8)Light of the world (John 8:12)Lion of Judah (Rev 5:5)Lord of Lords (1 Tim 6:15)Man of Sorrows (Is 53:3)Mediator (1 Tim 2:5)Messiah (Dan 9:25)Mighty God (Is 9:6)Prince of Peace (Is 9:6)Redeemer (Job 19:25)Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)Rock (1 Cor 10:4)Root of David (Rev 22:16)Savior (Luke 2:11)...
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    50 min
  • We Who Wrestle - Until the Whole World Knows - Jackson Wilson

    We Who Wrestle - Until the Whole World Knows - Jackson Wilson
    Jan 29 2026
    The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,2 for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place?4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.5 He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.Psalm 24:12 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.Hebrews 12:2THE CROSS WAS NOT EASY FOR JESUS.Endure: to suffer patientlyTHE AGONY OF THE CROSS WAS WORTH IT BECAUSE THE REWARD OUTWEIGHED IT.THE REWARD THAT OUTWEIGHED THE CROSS FOR JESUS WAS PEOPLE.When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. John 17:1-318 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[b] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”Matthew 28:18-20The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,Psalm 24:1“We don’t bring God into culture—God is already there, calling it home.”Leslie Newbigin DECLARING > CONVINCINGWe are called to announce good news, not argue people into belief.5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants[c] for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.2 Corinthians 4:5-62 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. Acts 17:2-42. STEWARDSHIP > OWNERSHIP3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human?5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. 9 For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.1 Corinthians 3:3-93. THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT > THE POWER OF METHODSNot by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.Zechariah 4:62 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men[c] but in the power of God.1 Corinthians 2:2-5
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    53 min
  • We Who Wrestle - Against the Enemy - Luke Morris

    We Who Wrestle - Against the Enemy - Luke Morris
    Jan 22 2026
    Ephesians 6:10–18 ESV“10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,”SectionsOur EnemyOur GameplanOUR ENEMYName - Orchestrator of DeathName - Counterfeiter Isaiah 40:31 ESV,”But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”“Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.” “We want cattle who can finally become food; [the enemy] wants servants who can finally become sons.” - Screwtape Letters; CS Lewis3. Name - Pride Manifest“In God you come up against something which in every respect is immeasurably superior to yourself.” “As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people.” - Screwtape Letters; CS Lewis1 Peter 5:8 ESV,”Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”4. Name - Father of LiesEphesians 2:4-7 ESV,”But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”“It is funny how mortals always picture us as putting things into their minds: in reality our best work is done by keeping things out.” - Screwtape Letters; CS Lewis - We fight through focus.OUR GAMEPLANFocus on Jesus’ VictoryColossians 2:15 (ESV) “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” Focus on Father God’s loveFocus on the work of the spirit. “Rather, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers.”1 Timothy 4:7-10 NASB2020 mission + intentionality “I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. So they do it to obtain a perishable wreath, but we are imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way as not to run aimlessly; I box in such a way, as to avoid hitting air; but I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:23-27 NASB2020“The remembrance of all important things is impossible, but the remembering of the most important thing is essential.”Reflection:Where do you feel you wrestle the most right now? (school, friends, phone, anxiety, lust, pride, anger, loneliness)Which enemy tactic shows up there most?LiePride Counterfeit comfortIsolationEtc.What is one way you will wrestle this week?Talk to God throughout my dayRead one Psalm a dayStart a Bible reading plan with a friendAsk someone to pray with you Remove one distraction (social media, youtube, etc.)
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    51 min
  • We Who Wrestle - We Wrestle with Flesh - Molly Ratliff

    We Who Wrestle - We Wrestle with Flesh - Molly Ratliff
    Jan 20 2026

    “22 The children struggled together within her, and she said, ‘If it is thus, why is this happening to me?’ So, she went to inquire of the LORD. 23 And the Lord said to her,
    ‘Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided, the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.’” Genesis 25:22-23 (ESV)

    WE WRESTLE WITH FLESH

    “22 The children struggled together within her.” Gen 25:22 (ESV)

    “15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good.17So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.” Romans 7:15-20 (ESV)

    Nature #1: the Flesh

    Our flesh/sin nature is the part of us that actively opposes God.

    Flesh is the traitor within

    “14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” James 1:14-16 (ESV)


    “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the courseof this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—3among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” Eph 2:1-3 (ESV)

    The reality of nature #1: It is opposed to God. And it makes us dead

    Nature #2: the Spirit

    “4 ButGod, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,5even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV)

    “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation...” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

    The reality of the wrestling: It actually is proof of the power of the cross

    “Now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 (ESV)

    “‘Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided, the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger” Gen 25:23 (ESV)

    “Whether it goes one round, or three rounds, or ten rounds, it will be a fight and a fight all the way.”- James J. Braddock

    #1. Go to the corner

    “20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” Galatians 2:20 (ESV)


    “that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being” Ephesians 3:16 (ESV)

    #2 Listen to the coach

    “ Don’t sit down. You’re not tired. You don’t need it (chairs). You’re stronger than this guy! Don’t back up, don’t back off. This guy’s a bull rush. He’s gonna keep coming at you all night until you stop him. He can’t back up. You stop him!”


    “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16 (ESV)

    #3 do it every round

    “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

    “…one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger” Gen 25:23 (ESV)
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    45 min
  • We Who Wrestle - A Jacob Generation - Jackson Wilson

    We Who Wrestle - A Jacob Generation - Jackson Wilson
    Jan 8 2026
    22 The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children,[e] and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” Genesis 32:22-26“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”Theodore RooseveltTHIS IS NOT THE YEAR TO WATCH OTHERS FOLLOW JESUS.Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.Hebrews 12:1-224 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control,[b] lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.1 Corinthians 9:24-2712 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Philippians 3:12-1533 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”John 16:33 SOFT HEARTS, TOUGH SKIN11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.Hebrews 12:1112 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.Hebrews 12:12-16WE CAN FORGET THE VALUE OF THE PROMISE15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.Hebrews 12:12-16Esau’s thought wasn’t that he was so hungry that he would die without food. Instead, the idea was, “I will die one day anyway, so what good is this birthright to me?” He clearly did not consider the birthright a valuable thing.David GuzikBlessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.1 Peter 1:3-5“He that sees the beauty of Christ, will never be content without conformity to Christ.”John Owen“If we consider the unblushing promises of reward… it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak.”C.S. LewisWE CAN FORGET THE ASSURANCE OF THE PROMISEWE CAN SURRENDER TO THE ONE WHO ALREADY HAS THE ...
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    53 min
  • Light Has Dawned - The King - Jackson Wilson

    Light Has Dawned - The King - Jackson Wilson
    Dec 18 2025
    Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose[b] and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”Matthew 2:1-6 DAWN OF THE KINGNow after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”Matthew 2:1-6IT’S PART OF OUR NATURE TO DESIRE TO BE LED.IT’S PART OF OUR FALLEN NATURE TO DESIRE TO LEAD.4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah 5 and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” 6 But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord. 7 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. 8 According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you. 9 Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them.”1 Samuel 8:4-9KINGS RULE THROUGH POWER Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose[b] and have come to worship him.”Matthew 2:1-2“Herod trembles at the report of Christ’s birth, because tyrants are tormented by the mere shadow of a rival.”John Calvin16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Matthew 2:16Augustus famously quipped it was “safer to be Herod’s pig than his son.”“Herod’s actions fit precisely what we know of his character from history; Matthew is not inventing a villain but unveiling the true nature of power threatened by God.”Craig KeenerKINGS RULE THROUGH HYPOCRISY3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”Matthew 2:1-6They preach Christ to others and remain at home themselves. Thus God’s Word becomes a servant of pride rather than a call to repentance.Martin Luther“Those who know the Scriptures best are often the least prepared for the kingdom when it actually arrives.”N.T. Wright22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. James 1:24YOU WILL BECOME LIKE THE PERSON YOU ARE FOLLOWING.KINGS RULE THROUGH SACRIFICE 12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant[c] is not ...
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    42 min
  • Light Has Dawned - The Savior - Jackson Wilson

    Light Has Dawned - The Savior - Jackson Wilson
    Dec 4 2025

    18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ[e] took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

    Matthew 1:18-21


    9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own,[b] and his own people did not receive him.

    John 1:9-10


    DAWN OF THE SAVIOR


    Greatest Story Book Cover Picture***


    Man vs. Wild Picture***


    18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

    23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel”

    (which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

    Matthew 1:18-25


    THE BUILDING BLOCKS TO A PERFECT STORY:

    Problem—>Conflict—>Savior—>Sacrifice—>Resolution


    Iron Gian Photo*


    Star Wars Photo*


    21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

    Matthew 1:18-25


    The Problem —> Sin

    The Savior —> Jesus

    The Resolution —> Saved, New Life, Escaping death


    PEAKS AND VALLEY’S GRAPH***


    CONFLICT (Roman Oppression)

    SACRIFICE (Suffering King)

    When we don’t allow God to be bigger than the conflict or suffering in our story, then we will write God out of the story as savior and in turn, write an ending without a resolution.


    “Christ is not called a Savior for saving us from rainstorms or poverty, but from God’s wrath, the devil, and sin itself.”

    J.C. Ryle


    When we allow God to write a story that includes conflict and suffering, then we allow God to be the savior and in turn, we fall into the story with a resolution.
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    51 min