Sermon Rewind 12/17/11 - An Unsung Hero

Matthew 1:18-25
New International Version (NIV)
Joseph Accepts Jesus as His Son

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about[a]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet[b] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[c] because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[d] (which means “God with us”).

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.



Benjie Kim continued “The Story,” focusing on an unsung hero in Jesus’ life. In Matthew 1:18 - 25, Joseph learns that Mary was pregnant with child. He considered divorcing her as he thought she had cheated on him, but when an angel told him the truth, Joseph listened to it and stayed with Mary. Joseph was more than just a “good guy,” however. Even before Joseph made his decision, the Bible called Joseph “dikaios” - a righteous man. From the bottom of his heart, he had already chosen to follow God and be sacrificially obedient. He understood that he was part of a bigger story. Like Joseph, we are called to be disciples - to follow another and be like him - Jesus. We too, can seek upright behavior and be involved in God’s story. When we seek the heart of God, our life will and actions will mirror it.

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Sermon Rewind 12/3/11 (Cindy Park)

Luke 1:26-28 (NIV)

The Birth of Jesus Foretold

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Luke 1:35-38 (NIV)

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Cindy Park continued "The Story" series with a message looking at Mary's life and how she fits in with Christ's story. From Luke 1:26-28, 35-38; Mary found favor with the Lord, and she gave birth to Christ. But, the birth of Christ is part of a much bigger story; the birth of Christ points to the death of Christ. And Mary chose to treasure moments with Christ because she knew that soul piercing pain was ahead for her with Jesus' death. What would our lives look like if we treasured moments when we encounter Jesus? What if we committed those moments to our memory, how would that impact our lives? How would that affect the way we respond when our own souls are pierced with pain?

Sermon Rewind 11/27/11 - Jesus, Messiah

Luke 22:37
New Living Translation (©2007)

"For the time has come for this prophecy about me to be fulfilled: 'He was counted among the rebels.' Yes, everything written about me by the prophets will come true."

Pastor Peter kicked off the new series "The Story" as we examine and celebrate Jesus and his advent. Jesus claimed to be the Messiah and the deliverer of the Jews, but how can we be sure such a lofty claim is true? After all, many others have claimed to be saviors as well. The difference is that Jesus fulfilled over 60 Messianic prophecies. It's been estimated that a single person being able to fulfill a few prophecies would have a 1 in 10^17 chance of doing so. If the Bible was thus able to correctly predict a Messiah and Jesus was able to perfectly fulfill the role, then how much more do His promises mean? Jesus promises eternal life and peace of mind and heart. Do we believe in our hearts the truth of Jesus' claims and promises? We should, and in this coming season, let us be compelled out of joy to share this experience and love with others!

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