Religion & Spirituality
We examine the angelic encounter by Mary and Joseph and explore why Jesus had to be born of a virgin. Then we cover his birth in Bethlehem, the announcement by an army of angels to nearby shepherds, the arrival of Magi and their purpose in Israel.MP3 Download SESSION NOTES I. Gabriel Announces To A Virgin Named Mary, The Conception & Birth Of Her Son Jesus.Luke 1:26-33 II. Why It Was Necessary For Jesus To Be Conceived And Born Of A Virgin.A. Luke 1:34-38B. Isaiah 7:14 III. Gabriel Visits Joseph, The Promised Husband Of Mary, To Alleviate His Fears And Confirm Mary's Testimony.Matthew 1:18-25 IV. Mary Gives Birth To Jesus In A Barnyard Feeding Trough.Luke 2:1-7 V. Angels Announce The Birth Of Jesus To Nearby Shepherds.Luke 2:8-15 VI. The Shepherds Locate The Manger And Visit Jesus.Luke 2:16-21 VII. The Awesome Irony Of Jesus' Dedication.Luke 2:21-24 VIII. The Surprise Encounter And Prophecy Of Simeon In The Temple.Luke 2:25-35 IX. The Encounter And Testimony Of Anna In The Temple.Luke 2:36-39 X. The Politics Of Israel During The Reign Of Herod & The Troubling And Sudden Disturbance Of The Magi.Matthew 2:1-3 XI. King Herod Asks The Contemporary Bible Scholars Of His Day Where The Messiah Was Prophesied To Be Born.A. Matthew 2:4-6B. Micah 5:2 XII. Herod Attempts To Manipulate The Magi.Matthew 2:7-8 XIII. The Supernatural Physics Of "The Star" Over Bethlehem.Matthew 2:9-10 XIV. The Significance Of Gold, Frankincense And Myrrh.A. Matthew 2:11B. Isaiah 60:1-22 XV. The Magi Heed A Divine Warning To Not Report Back To Herod.Matthew 2:12 XVI. Joseph, Mary & Jesus Flee To Egypt Upon An Angel's Warning Of Herod's Attempts To Kill Their Son.Matthew 2:13-15 XVII. Herod Orders The Death Of All Male Children In Bethlehem Who Are 2 Years Of Age Or Younger.A. Matthew 2:16-18B. Jeremiah 31:15 XVIII. After Herod Dies, Joseph, Mary & Jesus Return From Egypt Into Nazareth Of Galilee.A. Matthew 2:19-23B. Isaiah 11:1C. Isaiah 49:7D. Isaiah 53:3E. John 1:46 XIX. The Childhood Of Jesus: Strong In Spirit & Filled With Wisdom.Luke 2:39-40