Zecharias’ Benedictus is a response to the birth of his son, John, as prophesied in Malachi 3 and Isaiah 40.
Nativity Songs Part IV – Zacharias’ Benedictus
December 23, 2012 in
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Nativity Songs Part III – Mary’s Magnificat
December 16, 2012 in
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Today we look at how Mary’s song, the Magnificat, teaches us to rejoice in the God who is powerful, holy, and merciful.
Nativity Songs Part II – Babes-a-Leaping
December 9, 2012 in
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When Mary visits Elizabeth to validate Gabriel’s claims, the yet unborn John “leaps for joy” in his mother’s womb. John’s reaction to Mary’s voice highlights that infants–even unborn infants–are fully sentient beings equipped with personalities and members of the people of God.
Nativity Songs Part I – Ave Maria
December 2, 2012 in
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The Ave Maria text in Luke 1 is a greeting from the angel Gabriel to Mary. Roman Catholicism transforms this greeting into a petition because Rome teaches that Mary is a source of blessing and benefit to all – that she by her power or ability or influence can rescue us from trials and troubles. But note Mary’s address to God in the Magnificat: she rejoices in “God my Savior.”
Hebrews Part XI – Types of Rest
November 25, 2012 in
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“Human beings have a secret instinct that drives us to seek external distraction and occupation, and this is the result of our constant sense of misery. We have another instinct, which comes from the greatness of our original nature. It tells us the only true happiness lies in rest…” (Blaise Pascal)
Hebrews Part X – Be Diligent to Enter God’s Rest
November 18, 2012 in
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The rest promised to Israel as they sought the Promised Land serves as a type, pointing to the ultimate Rest provided to those who prove diligent in seeking after God. There will come a time when the strenuous push to persevere is completed; when our sanctification, now begun, ends in glory.
Hebrews Part IX – Do Not Harden Your Hearts
November 11, 2012 in
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Perseverance reveals the legitimacy, the truth of our faith. It is not as though perseverance makes our faith genuine; we don’t somehow merit salvation by holding fast to Christ. May it never be! Rather genuine faith perseveres – perseverance reveals that what we’ve got is the real thing.
Hebrews Part VIII – The Apostle of our Confession
November 4, 2012 in
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Hebrews Part VII – Bringing Many Sons to Glory
October 28, 2012 in
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The central mission of the Son of God, our great Messianic King, was to rescue us from our enemies and restore us to glory. This is the grand hope that we must not forget!
