by avministry | Dec 29, 2022 | Sermons
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The Names on Christ’s Birth Announcement
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government
will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
What’s the worst thing a boss or a company has ever given you as a Christmas
bonus gift?
* The company commercial on DVD.’
* A cookie with the amount of millions the company made that year written on it
in frosting.
* $5 gift card to a local restaurant that had closed down years before.
* Everyone was given a calendar with each month having pictures of the business
owner.
* Two small containers of Play-Doh and a box of crayons. My supervisor said
his employees acted like a bunch of kids, so he got us kid stuff.
* The manager left out a pie tray covered in tin foil with a handwritten note saying,
‘Thank you, team, for all your hard work!’ I lifted up the foil expecting a pie.
He had just poured some saltine crackers in an empty pie tray.
* Employees were sent a text and told to help ‘celebrate the season’ by stopping
in on our break for a cookie and some punch with the HR guy.
* I work at a bakery and at Christmas time put in 60 to 70 hours a week due to
the holiday rush. The gift I received was a loaf of bread that I had baked over a
week prior and that I would’ve been able to buy for $1 with my employee discount
anyway.
* A former teacher said, “The principal game me a printed white piece of copy
paper with a lifesaver mint stapled to it and a note that said, ‘You were a lifesaver
this year.”
* A $50 gift card that was deducted from my paycheck a month later.
Psalm 127:3 (ESV) Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb
is a reward.
The only person who ever lived whose accomplishments were written before
He was born was Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 9:6 ” … A Son is given … ”
The Son of God given — That is the majesty of His deity
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born… ”
A child is born — that is the mystery of His humanity
To quote the words of Charles Wesley (from “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”):
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,
Hail the incarnate Deity.
The apostle Paul called it a great mystery in the New Testament.
1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:
God was manifested in the flesh,
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory,
the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made
that was made.
The wonder of wonders lyrics
The wonder of wonders as she looked down and smiled
That He was her Maker as well as her child
He created the womb that had given Him birth
He was God incarnate come down to the earth
Isaiah 9:6 “…And His name will be called …”
Isaiah 9:6 “And the government will be upon His shoulder.”
Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end,
upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it
with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the
Lord of hosts will perform this.
“Joy to the World” lyrics
He rules the world/With truth and grace/And makes the nations prove/
I. HIS NAME IS WONDERFUL.
Isaiah 9:6 “And His name will be called Wonderful…”
Song lyrics
His name is wonderful
Jesus my Lord.
He is the mighty King
Master of everything
His name is wonderful
Jesus my Lord.
What is so wonderful about His name?
Philippians 2:9 “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him
the name which is above every name,”
Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in
heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
Matthew 1:21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus,
for He will save His people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they
shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
II. HIS NAME IS COUNSELOR.
Isaiah 9:6 “And His name will be called … Counselor…”
Colossians 2:3 ” In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Psalm 119:105 Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path.
III. HIS NAME IS MIGHTY GOD.
Isaiah 9:6 “And His name will be called … Mighty God,
Jesus received worship because He is the mighty God
Matthew 2:11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child
with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had
opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
They didn’t fall down and worship Mary, they “fell down and worshiped Him.”
Hebrews 1:6 But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says:
Let all the angels of God worship Him.
Matthew 14:33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying,
Truly You are the Son of God.
Matthew 28:9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them,
saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.
John 9:38 Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him.
IV. HIS NAME IS EVERLASTING FATHER.
Isaiah 9:6 “And His name will be called … Everlasting Father…”
John 10:30 I and My Father are one.
John 14:9 Jesus said to him, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father;
V. HIS NAME IS PRINCE OF PEACE.
Isaiah 9:6 And His name will be called …Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 57:21 “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world
gives do I give to you.
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
and mild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head
“There is no peace on Earth, ” I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on Earth, good will to men.”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on Earth, good will to men.
No Jesus, No peace.
Know Jesus, Know peace.
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government
will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
by avministry | Dec 28, 2022 | Blog
The Message version of the Bible is a unique translation that has gained popularity in recent years for its conversational style and easy-to-understand language. While it can be a useful tool for personal study and understanding the context of certain passages, it is important to note that the Message should not be used as a primary translation for a number of reasons.
First and foremost, the Message is a paraphrase rather than a literal translation. This means that it is not a word-for-word rendering of the original Greek and Hebrew texts, but rather an interpretation of the meaning and intent of the text in modern English. While this can make the Message easier to read and understand, it also means that it is not as accurate or reliable as a literal translation.
In addition, the Message contains numerous changes and omissions that are not found in the original texts. For example, it often combines multiple verses into a single paragraph, rearranges the order of words and phrases, and omits certain words and phrases entirely. These changes can alter the meaning of the text and make it difficult to accurately compare the Message to other translations.
Despite these limitations, the Message can still be a useful tool for personal study and reflection. Its conversational style can help make the Bible more approachable and engaging, and its interpretation of certain passages can provide insight and perspective that may not be evident in other translations. However, it is important to use the Message in conjunction with more reliable translations, such as the New International Version (NIV) or English Standard Version (ESV), to ensure that you are accurately understanding the meaning and intent of the text.
Here are three verses from the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible and their corresponding translations in the Message (MSG):
- “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 (NIV) “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.” – John 3:16 (MSG)
- “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Matthew 10:28 (NIV) “Don’t be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands.” – Matthew 10:28 (MSG)
- “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39 (NIV) “I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.” – Romans 8:38-39 (MSG)
As you can see, the Message translation often uses more colloquial language and rearranges the order of words and phrases to make the text more readable and engaging. However, it is important to note that the Message is a paraphrase rather than a literal translation, and as such, it may not always be as accurate or reliable as a literal translation such as the NIV or ESV, NKJV, Etc…
In conclusion, while the Message can be a helpful tool for personal study and reflection, it should not be used as a primary translation. Its paraphrase nature and numerous changes and omissions make it less accurate and reliable than literal translations, and it is important to use it in conjunction with more reliable translations to ensure a thorough understanding of the Bible.
by avministry | Dec 28, 2022 | Blog
- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
- “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” – Matthew 6:25 (ESV)
- “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)
- “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV)
- “Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” – Matthew 6:34 (ESV)
According to the Bible, worrying is a common experience that many people face. In Matthew 6:25, Jesus tells his followers not to be anxious about their lives and what they will eat or drink, saying that life is more than just food and clothing. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul instructs believers to bring their concerns and requests to God in prayer and to trust that God will provide peace and understanding. In 1 Peter 5:7, we are told to cast all our anxieties on God, as he cares for us. The Bible also encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty and not to be anxious about the future, as seen in Matthew 6:34 and 2 Corinthians 12:10. While it is natural to have concerns and fears, the Bible encourages us to turn to God and trust in his goodness and faithfulness rather than worry.
by avministry | Dec 28, 2022 | Blog
The New International Version (NIV) is a popular English translation of the Bible that has undergone several revisions since it was first published in 1978. The latest revision, the NIV 2020 edition, was released in August 2020 and includes a number of changes and updates to the text.
One of the main goals of the NIV 2020 revision was to make the translation more accurate and faithful to the original biblical languages. To achieve this, the translators used the latest available biblical scholarship and resources, including updated lexicons and dictionaries, and consulted with experts in fields such as linguistics and archaeology. The NIV 2020 also includes a number of changes to the text that were designed to make the translation more readable and easier to understand for modern readers.
One notable feature of the NIV 2020 is its gender-inclusive language. The translation uses inclusive language where appropriate to ensure that the text is accessible and meaningful to all readers. This includes using gender-inclusive terms such as “brothers and sisters” instead of “brothers” to refer to groups of people, and avoiding using male-centric terms or phrases when referring to God or other biblical figures.
The NIV 2020 also includes a number of other updates and improvements to the text, such as the use of more consistent language and the inclusion of more cross-references to help readers understand the context of the passages. The translation also includes additional study resources, such as a concordance and maps, to help readers delve deeper into the text.
Overall, the NIV 2020 is a significant update to the popular NIV translation, and it aims to provide a more accurate and accessible version of the Bible for modern readers. Whether you are a seasoned Bible reader or new to the text, the NIV 2020 is a valuable resource to help you better understand and engage with the biblical text.
So what are the main differences between the NIV 1984 and NIV 2020? Here are a few key points to consider:
- Gender language: One of the main differences between the NIV 1984 and NIV 2020 is the way they handle gender language. The NIV 1984 used masculine language when referring to God and to people in general, which caused some controversy among readers who felt that it was not inclusive enough. The NIV 2020 addresses this issue by using more inclusive language that is sensitive to the diversity of genders and experiences represented in the Bible.
- Terminology: The NIV 2020 also updates some of the terminology used in the translation in order to make it more accurate and consistent with the original text. For example, the NIV 2020 replaces the term “prodigal son” with “lost son” in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) because the term “prodigal” can be misleading and does not accurately reflect the meaning of the original Greek word.
- Translation philosophy: The NIV 1984 and NIV 2020 also have slightly different translation philosophies. The NIV 1984 follows a formal equivalence approach, which aims to preserve the formal structure of the original text as closely as possible. The NIV 2020, on the other hand, follows a functional equivalence approach, which aims to convey the meaning of the text in a way that is natural and easy to understand for modern readers.
- Readability: As a result of these differences in translation philosophy, the NIV 2020 is generally considered to be more readable and easier to understand than the NIV 1984. It uses more natural English and avoids some of the more archaic language and word choices that were present in the NIV 1984.
Overall, the NIV 1984 and NIV 2020 are both reliable and respected translations of the Bible, but they do have some notable differences that readers should be aware of. Whether you prefer the NIV 1984 or NIV 2020 will likely depend on your personal preference and what you value most in a translation. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a translation that you can understand and that helps you connect with the message of the Bible.
by avministry | Dec 28, 2022 | Blog
The English Standard Version (ESV) is a popular translation of the Bible that was first published in 2001. The translation was developed by a team of biblical scholars and translators who sought to create a text that was both accurate and readable and that would be suitable for a wide range of readers and settings.
One of the key features of the ESV is its commitment to fidelity to the original biblical languages. The translators of the ESV sought to produce a text that was as close as possible to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts, while still being easy to understand for modern readers. To achieve this goal, the translators used a formal equivalence approach, which aims to maintain the structure and wording of the original texts as closely as possible.
In addition to its commitment to accuracy, the ESV is known for its clarity and readability. The translation uses simple, straightforward language and avoids overly technical terms or jargon that might confuse some readers. This makes the ESV an excellent choice for those new to the Bible or looking for a translation that is easy to understand.
The ESV also includes a number of study resources to help readers better understand and engage with the text. These resources include cross-references, maps, a concordance, and introductions to each book of the Bible that provide helpful background information.
Overall, the ESV is a highly respected translation of the Bible that is known for its accuracy and readability. Whether you are a seasoned Bible reader or new to the text, the ESV is an excellent resource to help you better understand and engage with the biblical text.
The English Standard Version (ESV) Bible was translated by a team of biblical scholars and experts in the English language. The translation was sponsored by Crossway, a Christian publishing ministry, and the translation committee included men and women from a variety of denominations and churches. Some of the scholars who served on the translation committee for the ESV include:
- Leland Ryken: Professor of English at Wheaton College
- Wayne Grudem: Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary
- J.I. Packer: Professor of Theology at Regent College
- J. Daryl Charles: Professor of Theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
- Bruce Waltke: Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary
- D.A. Carson: Research Professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
- Douglas Moo: Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College
- Vern Poythress: Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Westminster Theological Seminary
- Moisés Silva: Professor of Biblical Studies at Westminster Theological Seminary
- Craig Blaising: Professor of Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
This is just a small sampling of the scholars who were involved in the translation of the ESV. The full translation committee included over 50 scholars from a variety of different academic institutions and denominations.
Here are the top 5 most popular verses from the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible, based on data from the Bible Gateway website:
- “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
- “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
- “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10)
- “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
These verses are all well-known and frequently quoted in Christian circles. They are popular because of the encouragement and hope they offer and because of the timeless truths, they contain about God’s love, purpose, and sovereignty.
