In Part 1 of this 2-part sermon will explore some of the “background” on the identity of main characters in this story (the Dragon, the Child, and the Woman) and how this story unfolds as well as how it even incorporates us!
Isaiah is quoted quite a bit in the Gospel of Matthew. So, it makes sense to go to this Old Testament prophet first if we are going to spend the bulk of the Advent Season in Matthew. Here in Isaiah 7:13-14 is an old, very, very old pregnancy announcement. Specifically, a pregnancy annoucement of a baby boy who will be King. But Isaiah’s words do more than simply announce the birth of King Jesus.
After reminding the Ephesian church of their status as God’s chosen and adopted children, he thanks God for them and prays a powerful and loaded prayer for them. We’ll take a look at what this prayer means for all believers in Christ.
The beginning of Acts shows us the mission that Jesus gave the early church and the promise he makes for how it will be fulfilled. This week we will explore how this mission and promise are still an important piece of our faith today.