Herod

Genuine & Pretend Followers of the Messiah

Dec 27 2018

Genuine & Pretend Followers of the Messiah

(audio sermon by Gary Sampson)

At the original Christmas King Herod attacked the Messiah, the Jewish Leaders cared little for the Messiah, but the Gentile Magi searched for him, worshipped him, and defended him. What do we do at Christmas?

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The Response of the Magi

Dec 29 2016

The Response of the Magi

(audio sermon)

Matthew records three responses to the birth of Jesus – Herod wanted Jesus removed, the priests wanted the news of Jesus kept quiet, the Magi wanted Jesus announced and worshiped. We still find these three responses today – some want a Christmas without Jesus, some want a Christmas that is quiet about Jesus, and some want a Christmas where Jesus is announced and worshiped. May we all be like the Magi.

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The Fearless Prophet

Sep 5 2014

The Fearless Prophet

Mark 6:14-29 John the Baptist rebukes the King

Throughout the Bible prophets collided with kings. Frequently the prophet brought God’s rebuke and the king responded by killing the prophet. It was this way for John the Baptist. He rebuked King Herod for having an unlawful relationship and found himself facing the executioner. But the king never forgot John’s words and the memory of the fearless prophet lived on in his mind and the common people’s hearts.
There is much for us to learn from John because in our day it is the church that holds a nation’s rulers accountable to scripture. And like the famous prophet the church must be fearless in its stand. So let’s take a closer look at the circumstances in which John rebuked the king and how his words continued to have effect long after his death.  More