During the Advent season we have been looking at Old Testament Prophecies that pointed to Jesus. These were pictures that were drawn of Christ hundreds of years before His birth. A Mathematician by the name of Peter Stoner calculated that the odds of just 48 details (there are over 300!) being fulfilled…

Jesus heals our sicknesses. Not always how we want, or when we want. Everyone that was healed by Jesus while He was on Earth still died. Those who trust Him are healed eternally and are in His presence awaiting the resurrection. Jesus demonstrated to Israel that He was truly the promised Messiah, God with Us, come to remove the curse upon creation after Adam's sin. Jesus did many great miracles and He still does. Not the least of which, He was raised from the dead and is, therefore, alive now. He has promised to raise everyone who lives and believes in Him. We have truly entered and enjoy His Kingdom knowing freedom from the fear of death! He Himself took our infirmities. Rejoice, we'll live free of sicknesses in the end.

What exactly is the gospel? A popular hymn includes the lyrics, "It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me." Is Jesus dying on the cross for my sins because he loved me so much enough to "qualify" for the gospel? (Spoiler alert: it is not). What did Paul actually say the gospel was and is? It might surprise you! Come with the Grace United crew as we are reminded of what the Gospel of Christ is.

As we continue in Mark 15, we see even more evidence of of Christ’s Messiahship. When reading Mark 15 with Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 in mind, the mission of Christ and the imagery associated with His sacrafice is fully realized. What excitement must have taken place in first century Bible studies with the embodiment of scripture fully realized.

The respected author of the Gospel of Luke continues his documentation of the early life of the Master by documenting Christ’s family attending Jerusalem for the feast of Passover. We read about Christ speaking with the Torah scholars of His day at the Temple during one of many trips (at least three times a year) to Jerusalem. With context supplied by the First Century Jewish historian Josephus, we see the political context surround Christ’s baptism by John the Immerser. We also see at Christ’s baptism an anointing and affirmation confirmed by God, “This is My Son in whom I am well pleased.” When read in light of Psalm 2, Isaiah 40, 42 and 53, we see the fulfillment of the “Comforter” of Israel realized through the manifestation of Christ.

Pastor Jerry speaks on our shame, our honor, and God’s honor that overcomes our shame.