Teaching: Christmas Bible Verses

About Christmas Bible Verses

The word “Bible” means book and specifically books within one book. Meaning, the Bible is one book that has 66 books in it. It mainly tells one overall story of God with a lot of details. When we read the Bible and the details, we can collect specific contexts that focus on certain details to the main, overall, and overarching storyline (i.e. metanarrative). Therefore, we can focus in on Bible verses that tells us about Jesus’ birth story later known as Christmas.

So the below Bible verses (passages or scripture references) provide a helpful guide on the traditional verses used during Christmas. For some, Christmas has become a mere holiday or vacation from work or potential for increases sales in economy. For others, Christmas is a depressing period of the year for all various reasons from loss of loved ones, loneliness, lack of belief in Jesus, or even a sincere hatred for God. Regardless of the issues, God is gracious and has provided a bread-crumb trail of truths from the past recorded and transferred throughout generations to reveal Jesus is the Christ.

“Christ” is a word that is not Jesus’ last name, but a prophetic title or role Jesus fulfills on the earth. There are synonymous words and phrases for Christ in the Old Testament, for the Israelites (Jews, Hebrew people) along with the world to recognize him when he comes (i.e. his birth and life recorded in the Bible’s New Testament):

1. Christ

2. Messiah

3. Promised One

4. Anointed One

5. Elect One

6. Chosen One

These are different from other descriptions of Jesus throughout the Bible like savior, redeemer, sacrifice, etc. though they all ultimately and accurately depict Jesus and what he was coming to do and fulfilled. “Christ” or “Messiah” are the main translations read in the Bible and the other are various ways to translate or infer from the contexts of the Bible. We recognize this especially in the Christmas birth story and family tree of Jesus, like in Matthew 1:16, “And Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.“

There are certainly more Bible verses and passages that relate to Christ’s birth story, but these below provide the main helpful, clear, specific, and traditional passages to begin learning of God’s great redemption story unfolding in history and among humanity for the sake of hearts to repent and trust in him forever.

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” (Luke 2:10 ESV)

Christmas in the Old Testament

1. Genesis 3:15 — Jesus’ birth into humanity promised and prophesied as destruction of Satan and sin while also salvation to those trusting him.

2. Genesis 12, 15, 17 (c.f. 17:8) — Jesus prophesied to come through the Israelite/Jewish family starting with Abraham and in Canaan (later renamed as Israel after the conquest recorded in Joshua).

3. Isaiah 7:14 — Jesus’ birth prophesied to be from a Jewish virgin in Israel.

4. Isaiah 9:6 — Jesus’ birth prophesied to come and be effective.

5. Isaiah 11:1 — Jesus’ birth prophesied to be from the family tree of Jesse and the indirect reference to Nazarenes/Nazareth.

6. Jeremiah 23:5 — King promised to be raised up from the Israelites.

7. Micah 5:2 — Jesus’ birth prophesied to be in Bethlehem, Israel.

8. Zechariah 9:9 — King from the Israelites coming and will ride on a colt (young donkey) in his later years.

9. Malachi 3:1 — Jesus’ forerunner, John the Baptist, prophesied.

Christmas in the New Testament

1. Matthew 1-2

   • 1:1-16 — Jesus’ family tree (genealogy) — mainly showing links to the Jewish throne of King David and Solomon.

   • 1:17-25 — Jesus to be born to Mary and Joseph and proven to be Immanuel, God in flesh.

   • 2:1-6 — Jesus’ prophesied birth being fulfilled in Bethlehem, Israel.

   • 2:7-23 — Jesus hunted by Herod and the Roman government’s genocide of all male babies under 2 years old.

2. Luke 1-3

   • 1:1-4 — Luke’s purpose in writing.

   • 1:5-25 — Jesus’ cousin and forerunner, John the Baptist (or Baptizer), parents (Zechariah and Elizabeth). Elizabeth was a cousin to Mary, Jesus’ earthly mother.

   • 1:26-80 — Jesus’ earthly mother, Mary, receiving the angels promise and her excitement.

   • 2:1-38 — Jesus’ birth (including the Roman government, shepherds, angels, and various details).

   • 2:39-52 — Jesus’ growing up years and before his adult public ministry (3 1/2 years) before his crucifixion death and resurrection.

   • 3:1-22 — Jesus and John the Baptist, mainly John’s ministry of preaching repentance to the Israelites from the desert and the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan to fulfill righteousness according to God’s law.

   • 3:23-38 — Jesus’ family tree (genealogy) — mainly showing his human relationship to the first created human, Adam (c.f. Genesis 1:26-28 and Romans 5:12).

Teaching: The Most Important Thing in Life -- A Series from 1 & 2 Corinthians

Coming this Spring 2020 is a new series on “The Most Important Thing in Life!” We will take you through history and the Bible, specifically in the Bible’s New Testament books (also ‘letters’ or ‘epistles’) of 1 and 2 Corinthians. These two books are written by the Christian apostle, Paul, who originally was a Jewish leader of the Pharisees group and later transformed to follow Jesus.

These two books he writes include a vast amount of topics, themes, life issues, doctrines, personal history, theology, etc. but he summarizes everything into one important thing. The one important thing in life affects, aims, and aligns our life to it. By this one important thing in life, he lived and died. Paul found his greatest joy, worst sufferings, and ongoing purpose in the most important thing in life. Paul also instructs, teaches, guides, counsels, rebukes, corrects, influences, and engages people because of the most important thing in life.

Sometimes we may have believed and behaved as Paul did in his past, trying to question God and live however we want to — whether that’s legalistically (what we think is right) or licentiously (what we want to do regardless). We may be inquisitive or even antagonistic to God and ask questions like the following:

1. Is the world during the Bible days really different from our world?

2. Is the Bible out-dated, irrelevant, unhelpful, and only for museums?

3. Why can’t I just live the way I want to in this life?

4. Since I am born a certain way and pre-disposed to do whatever I want, then what’s wrong with that?

5. Since other people are not doing what God wants, then why should I care?

These questions and statements seem to be ever increasing and endless. Like every generation, there’s a tsunami wave of questions always bearing down on the culture in order to seemingly excuse one’s self to live however by attempting to dismiss and disprove God. And instead of seeking truth and doing what’s loving, we try to use, twist, and cover up truth and labeling it “loving.”

No matter the questions, God answers, hence why Paul wrote these two books of the Bible to the Corinthians. Paul addresses countless topics like:

1. God

2. People worship

3. False teachings

4. Deception

5. Temptation and mockery

6. Incest

7. Sexual morality and immorality

8. Marriage and singleness

9. Food and restaurants

10. Lord’s Supper, communion

11. Skills, talents, and gifting

12. Love

13. Jesus and the gospel

14. Churches, fellowship, and specific people

15. Afflictions, suffering and pain

16. History, Roman empire, Corinth, Greece, Macedonia and other regions

17. Financial generosity

18. People involved and being Christian in real life

19. The most important thing in life

And God is good and he remains steadfast throughout every generation revealing himself that brings people to be “inspired by truth and love to make life, disciples, and churches all about Jesus” — as Paul says:

“For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”

(1 Corinthians 2:2 ESV)

Teaching: Relationships - What does God want for you in real life?

In Fall 2019 (Sundays @ 10am in October), we will take time to teach through the topic of “Relationships” from God’s point of view throughout various context of the Bible. We will teach and talk through:

1. God

2. Church (local; global)

3. Older and Younger

4. Family

5. Friendships

6. Fools

7. Marriage (including weddings, dating, etc)

8. Workplace (including school/educational contexts)

9. Neighbors

10. Strangers

11. Enemies

I have been planning to address these topics specifically though we have addressed them in various ways and times already, but it is crucial to understand what God wants for anyone in real life regardless of cultural context. This helps us understand relationships through his plans, desires, and effects on people’s lives vs. seeing through our own desires, good or bad, as well as our history, baggage, sin, or brokenness.

If we have relationships inspired by truth and love, then maybe the gospel would become powerful and unashamedly central?

What would those friendships, marriages, neighborhoods, workplaces, etc. look like then?

How would that look and work? Do we result in using or abusing others? Do we resolve ourselves to gossiping or slander? Do we internally hate or attempt to disparage others? Do we exalt ourselves as if we are better somehow? How can the older train the younger? How can the younger respond to training?

Teaching: Hebrews - Christ in History, Scripture, and Life

About

We started teaching through Hebrews in the Spring 2019, and we are now finishing Hebrews in the next couple Sundays to come (early Fall 2019). Hebrews is a great book about how Jesus is the Christ in history, scripture (the Bible), and life. There are 13 chapters that develop who Jesus is, especially through the Bible’s Old Testament and the Israelite people. Hebrews does not shift or change the story of God but rather confirm and validate what has already been taught and believed throughout time.

Hebrews begins with:

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.” (Hebrews 1:1–4 ESV)

A few popular passages from Hebrews are:

Concerning Jesus and the Bible:

“Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:11–16 ESV)

Concerning Jesus, faith, and examples of faith from the Old Testament and real life:

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.For by it the people of old received their commendation.By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” (Hebrews 11:1–3 ESV)

Concerning Jesus and our life:

“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, 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.

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”” (Hebrews 12:1–6 ESV)

Teaching: Luke and Acts - Introduction to Christ and Christianity

About

Luke and Acts are incredible books of the Bible that helpfully explain who God is.

Luke authored both books as a research analysis of Jesus along with people and events that happened during and after the time he was on the earth, which has been proven, validated, and repeated throughout the last 2 thousand years of human history. Luke records the time periods from shortly before 4 B.C. (Jesus’ birth year) and 63 A.D. (apostle Paul in Rome’ imprisonment and Luke writes both Luke and Acts) — spanning over 60 years of profound history. Luke shares several times throughout Acts that he accompanied the apostle Paul while Paul later writes in Colossians 4:14 confirming the friendship:

“Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas.”

God

God used Luke and Paul among others to reveal the truth and love he has for the world, his creation, and how he works in the world to accomplish his will, especially through the person and work of Jesus the Christ. God continually leaves mankind without excuse to reject him and all the more reason to trust him. God does not bring confusion, rather, he draws people to clarity and certainty of who he is.

Purpose

The introductions to both Luke’s Gospel and Acts are helpful to understand the purpose of God and the books to do so:

Luke 1:1-4

“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.”

Acts 1:1-8

“In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.””

The Bible

God’s word is connected and not contradictory, from the 1st book of the Bible (Genesis) to the last book (Revelation), which is confirmed yet again in Luke and Acts. The Bible is like a library of 66 books divided up into two sections (Old and New Testament). There are 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament. Luke references a lot of the Old Testament by recording Jesus and others quoting the Old Testament.

Questions

Therefore, this one author in these two books presents tremendous answers to a whole host of issues that have been raised throughout history, including our contemporary time of the 21st century. Like, do you have objections or doubts about God? Do you think Jesus never existed? Who is the Holy Spirit? Who was around and involved during this period of time? Was this a private or public thing? Is Christianity a cult, culture, custom, or conviction? What are and are not miracles, signs, and wonders? Do you think readers should interpret how they want to interpret? How do you deal with hypocrites? What is sin and how do I deal with it? Who is Satan? Is the gospel of Jesus true and even loving?

As you read through Luke and Acts, you will gain the profound but simple truth that God the Father planned, prepared, and fulfilled his will to draw the world to trust in Jesus with the entirety of their life on earth and in heaven by the help of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus

We then say with certainty that Jesus is to be the epicenter to humanity, history, and hearts. He is to be looked upon and trusted. He is to be heard and believed. He is to be followed and loved. He is the cause of our conviction, the church, and Christianity. He is the wonder of the world. He is the beauty in the midst of great evil. He is the sacrifice and savior to sinners. He is the exalted one to the humbled. He is the redeemer to a people in need of redemption. He is the defender of the weak and condemner to the proud. He is the best teacher and pastor/shepherd in the world. He taught in ways that trained people to trust. He is divinity that entered into humanity.

And therefore, he affects hearts, history, and humanity in a ways that sends ripple effects to continue the same work of transforming people to trust him.

Apostle Paul

The apostle Paul (mentioned in Acts 9 and throughout the latter part of the book of Acts by Luke) wrote in the book of Romans introduction of 1:1-17 (c.f. vv. 5 and 16-17):

“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,

To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.””

God is good.