theology

Ministries to Follow: Recs & Lists

Posted on December 27, 2022December 27, 2022 by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

Ladies, as a New Year approaches, you might be thinking you’d like to change up who you follow for women’s ministries. Or maybe the Spirit grew you in discernment and you’ve abandoned some less solid ministries but aren’t sure who to turn to next. I can recommend these ministries of women by women, though you’re certainly NOT restricted to women only! I do encourage women to follow solid men too.

I personally follow WWUTT.com (Pastor Gabe Hughes at When We Understand the Text, DB Harrison and Virgil Walker at the Just Thinking Podcast, and anything from The Master’s University or The Master’s Seminary. There are so many other male-led podcasts I can recommend too, Reagan Rose at Redeeming Productivity, the guys at Ligonier and Ligonier Connect, Chris Hohnholz and Rich Story at Voice of Reason radio, Nathaniel Jolly and Ekkie Tepsupornchai at Truth be Known podcast, Andrew Rappaport’s Striving for Eternity, and so many others.

If you’re looking for solid discernment ministries, there are several I trust. Chris Rosebrough-the Pirate Christian, Justin Peters Ministries, and Steve Kozar at the Messed Up Church. I also enjoy videos from the BTWN guy Tim Hurd, and Polite Leader Alan Hunter.

Here are some ladies’ podcasts I think you may enjoy:

The Women’s Hope podcast, with Dr. Shelbi Cullen and Kimberly Cummings. “Join Dr. Shelbi Cullen and Kimberly Cummings as they bring hope and encouragement through 25 years of combined experience in biblical discipleship and counseling as ACBC counselors.”

Susan J. Heck With the Master. “Susan is a certified counselor with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (biblicalcounseling.com) since 2003. She is also the author of With the Master Bible study series for ladies and many books. She has memorized the entire New Testament along with two books from the Old Testament!”

Martha Peace. “…Received training and certification from ACBC, which stands for Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. Martha teaches counseling classes and counsels in her church’s Certified Counselor Training Center. She has also written many books, most notably “The Excellent Wife.” She is a noted church and conference speaker, too.

Amy Spreeman and Michelle Lesley “A Word Fitly Spoken“. Each of these women have separate ongoing ministries in the form of blogs, Bible studies, and other written material, links to which are inside the podcast link on their About page. Michelle has a long-standing blog of discipleship and discernment issues, has written Sunday School curriculum for publishers, and has authored a book, in addition to traveling for speaking engagements. Amy also has much written material on topics of discernment and discipleship and also founded Naomi’s Table Bible Studies for women, and participates in speaking engagements.

Brooke Bartz, founder of the free online annual conference, Open Hearts in A Closed World Women’s Online Conference, Brooke has authored “Chronic Love: Trusting God while suffering with a Chronic Illness” and the Christian teen book “Godly Ever After (Fiona’s Faith, 1)”

These women are solid.

What I look for in a podcast, either from men or women, is a serious podcast that takes on biblical concepts unafraid and unapologetic, in love and gentleness. If the podcast discusses cultural issues, do they do so in a tone of charity, yet being solidly informed?

I think too many podcasts from ladies send too much of the podcast time giggling, horsing around, and talking of inane things. It is insulting to me, to think that of a 40 minute podcast I’ve got 20 minutes to waste. I don’t. I have limited time and increasingly as I age, with limited mental energy to devote. My ‘think time’ has shrunk! If you’re a younger woman, you only have so much time before the baby wakes up, the dinner has to be cooked, the husband arrives home, etc. If I want to indulge in a mental break or some inanity I’ll watch Green Acres or a few kitten hijinks videos. Spending half your podcast time in personal conversations with each other, swapping in-jokes, and larking about, is self-indulgent! It also displays a lack of control and women who teach are supposed to display control. Titus 2:5, 7 says older women are supposed to teach the younger to “be sensible…dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach,” yet they themselves are not sensible or self-controlled. Ugh.

Secondly, I also think it lowers the credibility of a woman’s podcast to spend time with giggling and tomfoolery, and then turn to the word of God to share eternal concepts. A podcast to me, IMO, is kind of like a pulpit. If you’re going to relate biblical concepts to people, do so with gravitas and a commitment to the One who authored it, in seriousness and earnestness.

So look for podcasts from women who are sensible, self-controlled, dignified in speech, true to the word, and talk about Jesus more than themselves.

I know we are all crunched for time most days, and every minute is precious. If you don’t listen to many podcasts (or sermons, teaching series, audio books, hymns, or Bible studies) I ask you to consider doing so. In the in-between times, like when folding laundry, doing errands in the car, or over a quick lunch, we can fill our mind with Bible-based, edifying material. Even 5 or 10 minutes’ worth will be edifying. 10 minutes 6X a week is an hour. An hour a week is 4 hours a month, and that adds up to 48 hours a year of “extra” edifying material. After all, our mind is how the Spirit transforms us, through the Bible’s good word and through discussions over the Bible’s concepts and doctrines.

Happy New Year ladies!

theology

Jesus was not born in a stable; more on ‘The Nativity’, art by Gari Melchers

Posted on December 22, 2022 by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

I enjoy biblical art, and I’m entranced with a few particular pieces. One I come back to a lot happens at Christmas time, and I love to look at it. I’ve written about it before. It is called The Nativity, by Gari Melchers.

When preaching about this moment in history, Pastor S. Lewis Johnson emphasized the virgin conception rather than the virgin birth. He preached that the birth was typical, human, bloody, and messy. It was the conception that was immaculate. The art by American painter Gari Melchers depicts a scene more reflective of a birth than most nativity scenes usually do.

Here, we see a deeply concentrating Joseph gazing at his newborn son, perhaps pondering the spiritual implications of this new physical life that promised to bring new spiritual life. Note his furrowed brow. Mary, exhausted, drooping, leans against her husband sleepily, a recently used washbowl and cloth by her side. Is the glow from the Babe’s head, or the lantern that has been set next to Him? The scene depicts exhaustion, wonder, light, and hope.

Julius Garibaldi Melchers (1860-1932) was an American artist. He was one of the leading American proponents of naturalism. He won a 1932 Gold medal from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, according to Wikipedia.

As for the setting itself, it is unusual in that it does not show the usual display of a barn or stable, with animals around. Certainly the Wise Men from the East were not present. Historically we know that appeared up to two years later, when Mary and Joseph were living in a house and the babe was a toddler. This is another reason I’ve always liked this painting, above all others. It is more closely historical and accurate than many people know in setting the scene in the animal section of a house.

It was highly likely, almost certain, that Mary gave birth in a relative’s house. Perhaps the house was crowded with other relatives who’d arrived for the census prior to Joseph and Mary’s arrival, so the only spot left was the downstairs entry where the animals were usually kept. Here is information about the likelihood that Jesus was not born in a barn or stable, but in a home, and probably a relative’s domicile. The essay also discusses what is meant by “inn”, and more.

Once More, Jesus was Not Born in a Stable

The mention of a ‘manger’ in Luke’s nativity story, suggesting animals, led mediaeval illustrators to depict the ox and the ass recognising the baby Jesus, so the natural setting was a stable—after all, isn’t that where animals are kept? (Answer: not necessarily!)

The third issue relates to our understanding of (you guessed it) the historical and social context of the story. In the first place, it would be unthinkable that Joseph, returning to his place of ancestral origins, would not have been received by family members, even if they were not close relatives.

Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)

And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. (John 1:16)

advent, theology

Advent- Thirty Days of Jesus: Day 27, He Rises

Posted on December 22, 2022December 22, 2022 by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

Christmas advent. We are coming toward the end of our look at the life of Jesus through scripture. The first section of His life was seen through verses focused on prophecy, arrival, and early life.

The next section of verses looked at Him as the Son, second person of the Trinity.

We proceeded into looking at Jesus as the Son and His preeminence, His works, and His ministry. Under ministry & works, I chose verses showing His attributes and aspects of being servant, teacher, shepherd, intercessor, and compassionate healer; and His attributes of omniscience, having all authority and power, and sinlessness.

Continue reading →

theology, thirty Days of Jesus

Advent- Thirty Days of Jesus: Day 25, Jesus’ Authority

Posted on December 20, 2022December 20, 2022 by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

This section of verses that show Jesus’ life are focused on His attributes and earthly ministry. We’ve seen Him through what He does, as servant, teacher, shepherd, intercessor, and healer. Now we look at who He is by looking at His attributes. We looked at His omniscience yesterday and today we ponder His authority.

How to represent the authority of Jesus over life, in pictorial form? That was a tough one. I settled on the notion of the dock being the long journey of finite earthly life in the flesh, then we come to an inevitable end and launch up and into the eternal heavens. Jesus has authority over every step.

I recently wrote an essay focusing on the authority of Jesus. It is linked below if you’re interested, along with a couple of additional essays from credible sources.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Further Reading

The End Time: Jesus Has the Authority
What does this mean, exactly? Let’s look into the nature of the word authority and what it means when Jesus says He has been given all of it.

AIG: What is the extent of Jesus’ authority?
When Jesus told His disciples He has full authority in heaven and earth, His declaration came before giving them a direction: “make disciples of all the nations.” … Yet we easily forget that the implication of biblical authority is much more than defending truth. In the case of Matthew 28:18–19, upholding the authority of the Bible is about doing. If God’s Word is authoritative, we must not overlook any directive in it. We should never consider one passage more authoritative than another.

Ligonier Devotional: The Authority of Jesus
In today’s passage, Mark highlights the matter of Jesus’ authority by recording an exchange our Lord had in the temple with “the chief priests and the scribes and the elders” not long before He went to the cross.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thirty Days of Jesus Series-

Introduction/Background

Prophecies-
Day 1: The Virgin shall conceive
Day 2: A shoot from Jesse
Day 3: God sent His Son in the fullness of time
Day 4: Marry her, she will bear a Son

Birth & Early Life-
Day 5: The Babe has arrived!
Day 6: The Glory of Jesus
Day 7: Magi seek the Child
Day 8: The Magi Offer gifts & worship
Day 9: The Child Grew
Day 10- the Boy Jesus at the Temple
Day 11: He was Obedient
Day 12: The Son!
Day 13: God is Pleased with His Son

The Second Person of the Trinity-
Day 14: Propitiation
Day 15: The Gift of Eternal Life
Day 16: Kingdom of Darkness to Light
Day 17: Jesus’ Preeminence
Day 18: The Highest King

Jesus’ various works and ministry
Day 19: He Emptied Himself (Servant)
Day 20: Jesus as Teacher
Day 21: Shepherd
Day 22: Jesus as Intercessor
Day 23: Compassionate Healer
Day 24: Omniscience

theology

The Magnificat

Posted on December 19, 2022December 19, 2022 by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

Luke 1:26-56 contains an incredible amount of theology, praise, and biblical history. It’s the Annunciation (Gabriel’s announcement to Mary of her selection as the womb to carry the coming Messiah) and Mary’s praise to the LORD, called her Magnificat.

Mary’s Magnificat
by John MacArthur,
Friday, December 5, 2014

Imagine how Mary must have felt when she was told by an angel that she would be the parent of the long-awaited Messiah—that she’d be responsible for raising and nurturing her Savior. How do you think you’d respond? You’d no doubt find the responsibility overwhelming and intimidating. You might be instantly overcome with worry. You might even attempt to respectfully decline the position altogether. That’s why Mary’s response to the angel’s prophecy in Luke 1:28-35 is so remarkable. She was just a young woman—a girl, really—but she reacted with the grace, wisdom, and spiritual maturity of a seasoned saint.

It’s often instructive to compare Mary’s response to the news with Zacharias’ response to similar news. Zacharias was husband to Elizabeth. Elizabeth was kin to Mary and Elizabeth would bear the forerunner to Jesus, who would become known as John the Baptist. The angel Gabriel came to announce this news to Zacharias. Though he was old and past childbearing years as was Elizabeth, the husband and wife would receive the privilege of producing a son who would declare the Messiah’s coming.

Zacharias was a priest, ministering in the temple when Gabriel came. Zechariah’s response was-

Zacharias said to the angel, “How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.” (Luke 1:18)

Zacharias should have known better. Why? 1) he was a priest, well versed in the scriptures 2) hel-LO! Abraham and Sarah! Precedent had been famously established that the LORD can and does enable barren women advanced in years to become pregnant, noted our preacher yesterday in his sermon.

Mary on the other hand, when she asked “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34b), no precedent had ever been seen where a woman suddenly became pregnant without the man’s participation. Zacharias was all, ‘give me a sign’ and Mary was ‘let it be done to me as you will’. Further, Zacharias would receive acclaim, fame, and notability with this miracle. Mary knew stoning was the consequence for adultery, and if she escaped that, she’d only receive during her lifetime, shame, suspicion, and snickers for this seemingly illegitimate pregnancy. Yet as MacArthur said above, she responded with humility, grace, and submission. All the more remarkable since she was a young girl.

One other thought before we get to the verses, compare Mary’s praise song with Hannah’s. (1 Samuel 2:1–11)

Here is her Magnificat, embedded in verses prior: Luke 1:26-55

26Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. 30The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 31“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” 34Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. 36“And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. 37“For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Mary Visits Elizabeth

39Now at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43“And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? 44“For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. 45“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.”

The Magnificat

46And Mary said:
“My soul exalts the Lord,

47And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

48“For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.

49“For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.

50“AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION
TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.

51“He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.

52“He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.

53“HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.

54“He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,

55As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever.”

56And Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her home.

This one of my favorite depictions in art of The Annunciation. It’s from 1898, by painter Henry Ossawa Tanner, 1859–1937). Image and Description from Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Tanner painted The Annunciation soon after returning to Paris from a trip to Egypt and Palestine in 1897. The son of a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Tanner specialized in religious subjects, and wanted to experience the people, culture, architecture, and light of the Holy Land. Influenced by what he saw, Tanner created an unconventional image of the moment when the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will bear the Son of God. Mary is shown as an adolescent dressed in rumpled Middle Eastern peasant clothing, without a halo or other holy attributes. Gabriel appears only as a shaft of light. Tanner entered this painting in the 1898 Paris Salon exhibition, after which it was bought for the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 1899, making it his first work to enter an American museum.

advent, theology

Advent- Thirty Days of Jesus: Day 23, Compassionate Healer

Posted on December 18, 2022December 18, 2022 by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

This section of verses that show Jesus’ life are focused on His earthly ministry. We’ve seen Him as servant, teacher, shepherd, intercessor, and now healer.

Jesus healed people of their afflictions and diseases. He healed Mary who had 7 demons. He healed the woman who’d had a blood issue for 12 years. He healed lepers, even touching them, a dramatic departure from protocol. He healed the Centurion’s servant from a distance. Whether with a word or a touch, the power of Jesus to heal was demonstrated. He healed the blind, the sick, even the dead. He healed Peter’s Mother-in-Law. Strangers or friends, he healed. He did this to show who He was who He said He was- from God and Son of God, Messiah, the prophesied one.

He did this to show His omnipotence. He healed to show His compassion. The word Splagchnizomai, meaning compassion, is used 12 times in the New Testament, and each time it’s used it’s Jesus who is experiencing it. Prior to the NT, the word when used meant courage. Splanchnizomai is not the only word used for compassion in the NT but it is distinctly used with Jesus and in the context of His healings.

Jesus took the term a step further and used it to define the attitude that should capture the life of every believer. In the parable of the unforgiving servant, the master had compassion and forgave the servant’s debt (Matt. 18:27). The prodigal son’s father had compassion on him (Luke 15:20). The good Samaritan had compassion on the injured traveler (Luke 10:33). Jesus had compassion on the crowd (Mark 6:34). People needing help asked Jesus for compassion (Mark 9:22; cp. Matt. 9:36; 20:34). Source: Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary

People who need help are the ones who need compassion. Jesus is a God of compassion and He demonstrated this in His willingness to heal.

Usage: This word is used 12 times:

Matthew 9:36: “when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted,”
Matthew 14:14: “a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed”
Matthew 15:32: “his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because”
Matthew 18:27: “lord of that servant was moved with compassion and loosed him, and forgave”
Matthew 20:34: “So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately”
Mark 1:41: “And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and”
Mark 6:34: “much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were”
Mark 8:2: ” I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me”
Mark 9:22: “him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help”
Luke 7:13: “Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said”
Luke 10:33: “where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion”
Luke 15:20: “his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran,”

thirty days of Jesus day 23 clean — Photo by Karen Maes @karen1974 at Unsplash

Things a kindergartener taught me

Posted on December 17, 2022December 17, 2022 by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

It’s Christmas time in a public elementary school. I live in the Bible Belt, where many of the children attend church, go to a VBS, or have fun on Wednesday night AWANAs. More than a few kids here at least have a passing knowledge of who Jesus is. Of course there are others who believe differently, or not at all. Occasionally there might be a slight brouhaha among the kids, as the other day when an earnest little believer was trying to convince her lunch partner that Christmas is about Jesus’ birthday. That one I can resolve easily.

And, in an elementary school it also means the little kids have more than a passing understanding of who Santa is. One of the grades I work with is second grade, that 7-8 year old range where some kids are starting not to believe in Santa, while others do. Arguments ensue. “Mrs. Prata, isn’t Santa, real? ISN’T he? Joey said he’s not!” Gulp. That one I tread between the mines in the field and try NOT to resolve it.

When I was working as a classroom paraprofessional, and thus had a lengthy relationship built with the kids day by day all day, the classroom students would give me gifts during the holiday season. Not all of them, but a good many offered some little thing or other, usually soap or lotion or a Christmas mug filled with prepackaged hot chocolate. It wasn’t necessary of course, but their tokens of appreciation were gratefully received and duly honored. Since I’m not assigned to a classroom this year, I was not expecting any of the kids I briefly work with through the day to remember me with a gift.

This week, the last week before Christmas Break, I returned to my room to find a Christmas bag on my desk. It was decked out with tissue paper and a tag that said “To Mrs. Prata” and a card. Oh, how sweet! But it was from a student I was not familiar with. I didn’t work with him in my reading group or my interventions. There were three presents inside. Hmmm, who IS this little guy who gave me such an elaborate gift?

I emailed the school secretary and asked what classroom he was in. Turns out he is a kindergartener. He is a quiet boy who never says much. I went to thank him of course, and gave him a thank you card to take home. I wracked my brain trying to think of where our connection lay.

It must be because I’m “The Hello Lady” as the kids say. I stand at the end of the hall where the students come in through the double doors in the morning from bus or car riders, and I greet them. I try to greet each one by name, and say a welcoming thing like “I’m glad you’re here!” Or “Welcome to school” and include something personal, remarking if they’ve gotten a haircut or new glasses or wearing a new outfit. If they come up to me to show me where they lost a tooth or they fell down and hurt their knee or have an ant bite, I exclaim and sympathize. Their little problems are big to them. As the bell rings and the lines file out to head to the classroom I always say “Have a great day! See you later!”

This little kindergartener had never come up to me individually and has to my knowledge never said anything to me in the halls when we pass. He just passively received the greetings and goodbyes, and studiously observed the goings-on from his perspective. But he was touched enough to go to the trouble to find out my name, how to spell it, and give me several gifts in a Christmas bag decorated with with tissues and stickers.

I was moved.

There might have been a tear or two.

I mulled this deeply for a day and a night.

What lesson can I learn from this? If someone was so touched by secular words, mere hellos and have a good day, words powered by sincere but professional love, what of words said in Christian love, powered by the Spirit? How much more would someone be touched by those words? Kindness, gentle words, encouraging words?

How much does the Bible tell us to be kind? How much does the Bible tell us that words matter? How important is what we say?

Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32).

And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. (2 Peter 1:7).

To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; (1 Peter 3:8).

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; (Colossians 3:12).

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good to all men, especially to them who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10)

I thought the words to this hymn made my point perfectly. I am working on making sure I’m encouraging and that my words are kind. (Not that one never has to sternly warn or even rebuke, but one can do so kindly, i.e. in love).

Encouragement to Christian Effort.
Hymns for Christian Devotion —
J.G. Adams, C. M. Lond.

1 Scorn not the slightest word or deed,
Nor deem it void of power;
There’s fruit in each wind-wafted seed,
Waiting its natal hour.

2 A whispered word may touch the heart,
And call it back to life;
A look of love bid sin depart,
And still unholy strife.

3 No act falls fruitless; none can tell
How vast its power may be;
Nor what results enfolded dwell
Within it silently.

4 Work and despair not: bring thy mite,
Nor care how small it be;
God is with all that serve the right,
The holy, true, and free.

This Christmas season, and every season, friends, be kind.

theology, thirty Days of Jesus

Advent- Thirty Days of Jesus: Day 22, Jesus as Intercessor

Posted on December 17, 2022December 17, 2022 by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

This section of verses that show Jesus’ life are focused on His earthly ministry. We’ve seen Him as servant, teacher, shepherd, and now intercessor.

Grace To You sermon: Jesus Christ: The Perfect Priest

And so the sympathetic high priest is Jesus Christ, who in the days of His flesh felt what we feel. And of course, the climax comes when He offered prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears. What incident in His life does that speak to you about? Does that remind you of the Garden of Gethsemane? Sure. That was the greatest climax of His suffering for there He began to bear the sins of the world didn’t He? There He began to feel the crush of sin upon Him. He began to feel Satan bruising Him, and it hurt. Do you remember the Garden of Gethsemane, the night before He went to the cross? He went into the Garden to pray and He agonized there and He sweat as it were great drops of blood and He cried to the Father. And His heart was grieving and broken at the prospect and the pain of bearing sin. And He felt the power of sin and He felt temptation. He felt everything Satan could throw at Him, and He got it all even on the cross. He felt everything you’ll ever feel.

Ligonier: The Intercession of Christ

One of the most famous backsliders in the history of the church is Simon Peter. This man, who had followed Jesus faithfully in the midst of hunger, storm, and public unrest, denied Him when He made that final journey to the cross. He publicly and boldly denied that he ever had known Jesus of Nazareth. Could such a man, who had turned His back on his Savior, his Lord, his friend, ever again be confident that he would one day enter into that inheritance promised by God?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thirty Days of Jesus Series-

Introduction/Background

Prophecies-
Day 1: The Virgin shall conceive
Day 2: A shoot from Jesse
Day 3: God sent His Son in the fullness of time
Day 4: Marry her, she will bear a Son

The Second Person of the Trinity-
Day 14: Propitiation
Day 15: The Gift of Eternal Life
Day 16: Kingdom of Darkness to Light
Day 17: Jesus’ Preeminence
Day 18: The Highest King

Jesus’ various works and ministry
Day 19: He Emptied Himself (Servant)
Day 20: Jesus as Teacher
Day 21: Shepherd

advent, theology

Advent- Thirty Days of Jesus: Day 21, Shepherd

Posted on December 16, 2022December 16, 2022 by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

This section of verses that show Jesus’ life are focused on His earthly ministry. We’ve seen Him as servant, teacher, and now shepherd.

Continue reading →

advent, theology

Advent- Thirty Days of Jesus: Day 20, Jesus as the Teacher

Posted on December 15, 2022December 15, 2022 by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

How can we know God unless He reveals Himself to us? The creation confirms His existence, but what does the creature know of His attributes, Person, or Power? Unless He teaches us about Himself, we will not know. God sent His Son Jesus to earth as a born-babe, to live the full life of sinlessness under the Law, and to teach us about Himself. He was prophesied to die as the atoning sacrifice, and then rise again to receive His people through His work on the cross. Grace abounds.

Continue reading →