God’s Messengers

How do we discern if a message is true or not? Last week the unplanned topic came up in both the men’s and the women’s discussions. The “Fall” happened when a messenger (in the form of a serpent) questioned the credibility of God. Some theologians argue that the first “sin” was not disobedience; rather, it was distrust. Today, messages come at us from many different directions, and it is not simple or easy to discern which messengers can be trusted. This includes the message of Christmas (the incarnation of God), what it means, and what our response should be. This week we will discuss these and other matters that are not only fascinating, but vitally (eternally!) important.

In preparation for our discussion, read Matthew 1:18-25.

Matthew 1:18-25 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.

20But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."

22All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23"Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us."

24When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

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