GOD WITH US
Joseph’s world had changed dramatically with the news that Mary, his fiancé, was pregnant and the child was not his. He was a good and just man, and so as he went to bed, his mind was wrestling with how he should end his engagement quietly. And in the night God gives him clarity through the words of His sent angel.
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14
An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet.
Matthew 1:20b-22
Joseph’s world had changed dramatically with the news that Mary, his fiancé, was pregnant and the child was not his. He was a good and just man, and so as he went to bed, his mind was wrestling with how he should end his engagement quietly. And in the night God gives him clarity through the words of His sent angel.
The angel reminded Joseph of his true identity.
The angel addresses him as a son of David. As Joseph wrestled with the details of his present life, he was reminded that he was a descendant of a king after God’s own heart who had been given magnificent promises regarding the enduring of his dynasty and an everlasting throne.
The angel comforts Joseph and tells him not to fear.
The first words spoken are words of comfort. As Joseph works through the decisions he should take and the actions he should make, the words, “Do not be afraid!” must have reassured him and quietened his troubled mind and heart. God had sent his angel – God knew all that this just man was going through, and God invites him to not be frightened.
The angel tells him what to do.
“Take Mary as your wife.” Joseph had made a decision to divorce Mary quietly to save her from shame but now he is being asked to stand with her and to marry her. This would no doubt mean running the gauntlet of gossip and sharing Mary’s seeming shame, but Joseph was not to worry. Why?
The angel gives him a picture of the future.
This baby is God’s work in Mary and will bring to birth a Saviour, saving his people from their sin. This baby is God’s promise of old fulfilled. And when this baby is born God will have come to live among us – and Joseph will have the unimaginable privilege of rocking him in his arms.
The staggering lesson from these few verses is this. When life seems to take an unexpected turn and we are not sure of the next step, that can often be the moment when God is birthing his greatest work in us. Listen for his voice, reminding you of who you are and inviting you to trust and not be afraid. Listen for his instruction telling you what you must do and be prepared to see your life in the context of God’s eternal story.
As we celebrate Christmas let us reassure ourselves with this great truth – God is with us, and he is not planning to leave.
Names of the Lord (Study 1): Elohim
So much of our confusion and pain results because we don't know God - who He really is, how He works in our lives. When you know God more fully by studying His names - Creator, Healer, Protector, Provider, and many others - you'll gain power to stand strong. You'll find strength for times of trial, comfort for pain, and provision for your soul's deepest needs. And your walk with God will be transformed.
So much of our confusion and pain results because we don't know God - who He really is, how He works in our lives. When you know God more fully by studying His names - Creator, Healer, Protector, Provider, and many others - you'll gain power to stand strong. You'll find strength for times of trial, comfort for pain, and provision for your soul's deepest needs. And your walk with God will be transformed.
Download the study and join us as we explore further the meaning of different names of God, to know the Lord more deeply and live lives that reflect confidence in our good and glorious God.
Just click the button below, and print it out at home.
Note: The file is in .pdf format, so you may need a .pdf reader or viewer to see the file.
Zoom Into The Bible (Discussion Group)
Join us on Tuesday 6th July at 10 am or 8 pm as we discuss the study via Zoom. To join the discussion click the button below and when requested, the password is: 081402.
This study is free to download and based on selected lessons from the ‘Lord, I Want To Know You’ study which can be purchased by clicking HERE. This week’s study is based on chapters 1-2 of the ‘Lord, I Want To Know You’ study.
To download any of our previous studies check out our Lightning Study Archive:
Feel free to share these studies. If these have been an encouragement to you over recent months, we would love to hear from you! Get in touch with us by emailing info@preceptireland.org.
Our continued prayer is that as you study God's Word you would know God better and rejoice in Him, the God of our salvation (Habakkuk 3:17-18).
God's Redemption Story: Lesson 3 "What We Needed"
Through Jesus, we get to participate in a redemption story that has been unfolding since the beginning of time!
Join us for this 6 part, no-homework study as we walk think about God’s gracious, epic plan for redeeming His people, from Genesis to Revelation. Through Jesus, we get to participate in a redemption story that has been unfolding since the beginning of time - and that is something to be reminded of over and over again!
Click below to watch Lesson 3.
You can follow along with a Bible, or if you would like to order a copy of the resource, please click HERE.
Jesus: Understanding His Death and Resurrection (Lesson 6)
Why would Jesus, who knew beforehand all that would happen and who held the power of heaven at His command, submit to being humiliated, tortured, and ultimately killed?
The long-awaited Messiah had finally arrived, only to be betrayed and sentenced to death. Why would Jesus, who knew beforehand all that would happen and who held the power of heaven at His command, submit to being humiliated, tortured, and ultimately killed?
Click below to watch Lesson 6.
You can follow along with a Bible, or if you would like to order a copy of the resource, please click HERE.
Jesus: Understanding His Death and Resurrection (Lesson 1)
Why would Jesus, who knew beforehand all that would happen and who held the power of heaven at His command, submit to being humiliated, tortured, and ultimately killed?
The long-awaited Messiah had finally arrived, only to be betrayed and sentenced to death. Why would Jesus, who knew beforehand all that would happen and who held the power of heaven at His command, submit to being humiliated, tortured, and ultimately killed?
Click below to watch Lesson 1.
You can follow along with a Bible, or if you would like to order a copy of the resource, please click HERE.