John the Baptist’s urgent message of repentance prepares the way for Jesus, the King. His baptism symbolizes repentance, but Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, offering both purification and power. The Kingdom of Heaven is near—present and future. Our response to Jesus determines our eternal destiny: warmth and power or separation and judgment.

The Magi’s visit and the flight to Egypt fulfill Old Testament prophecies, revealing Jesus as King, Priest, and Sacrifice. Herod’s hostility, the scribes’ indifference, and the Magi’s worship highlight different reactions to Jesus’ arrival. True worship involves offering our best, as the wise men did with gold, frankincense, and myrrh—symbolizing Jesus’ divine roles.

Matthew reveals Jesus’ birth as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy—born of a virgin, fully God and fully man, named Jesus, meaning “God saves.” Unlike any other, He bridges heaven and earth, offering salvation and modeling a sinless life. The virgin birth affirms His divine mission: to save, to reveal God, and to be our perfect example.

Sermon Notes The resurrection is the lynchpin – the ONE… read more

Jesus came both as Savior and King, fulfilling God’s promises to Abraham and David. Matthew’s genealogy highlights grace, including broken, unlikely people—especially five women—revealing that no sinner is beyond redemption. Through Christ, we move from ruin to renewal. Just as we’ve received eternal life, we are called to “beget” it in others for God’s kingdom.