Christ Church

Mary the Mother of Jesus

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Luke the historian (Luke 1:1-4) and Mary as a source (Luke 2:19).

Why Mary includes the story of Jesus staying back in the temple when he was twelve (Luke 2:41-52)

 

Glory only in the Lord
Mary as a ‘real’ mother.

 

How do we interpret the history?

 

Motives:
His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”

 

Reasons:
And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

 

What is the Father’s business and is this news to Mary?

 

Who is to benefit from this history?

 

Mary’s preparation.
Our understanding.

 

Take aways:
What is in God’s Word is there for a reason.

Mary (in particular) and Joseph were children of Adam needing redemption like all of us.
God was merciful to Mary

God is merciful to us. God through Mary and Luke included this history of Jesus’ life to remind us that God is always working. Always working toward His purpose of saving the world. He is saving the world through His Son and through His Bride. We are His Bride and He is cleansing us, strengthening us and beautifying us so that the light of the Gospel might shine through us in the world that the world may be drawn to the Head of the Bride, the Lord Jesus.

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Faith and Practice: Dealing with Besetting Sin

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Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

1) CLEANING HOUSE
Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they have become doomed to destruction. Neither will I be with you anymore, unless you destroy the accursed from among you. Joshua 7:12

What was the sin? Achan had stolen and deceived. What was the outcome? God was no longer supporting the armies of Israel. If we cling to any known sin, God hand is going to be against us not for us. Well, as it says in Hebrews 12:5, even God being “against” us is a blessing as His discipline is intended to remind us that we are His children and He is not willing to allow you to have your own way to your destruction.

What are some ways to keep your house clean?

2) RENEWABLE ENERGY
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

So, connecting to the renewable energy is centered on believing what God has said and revealed about Himself. The Scriptures are there not to fill our heads simply with more “to do’s” but to better understand the goodness of God in the to do’s. In this way we begin to love the commands because they are part of the Father. Our minds are connected to the inexhaustible source of power that is available every moment of every day when we are accessing it through faith.

How is repentance connected with renewing our minds?

3) PUTTING ROCKS IN RUTS
As we renew our minds on the truth of God’s character, we can do this practically by verbalizing our thanksgiving to God in prayer, praise and proclamation. In each instance, it is equivalent to CASTING STONES INTO OUR RUTS (of faithless behavior).

What are three ways of giving thanks?

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