Missing!
There wasn't any Jewish calendar, in any home that didn't have a circle around the dates that marked the Feast of Passover. Jewish law actually required all the men, from 13 years of age and up, to attend three feasts in Jerusalem - Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. Custom allowed men who lived far away to attend only one of the three and Passover was typically the favored feast. /Adapted from Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Compassionate: Luke 1-13 (Victor Books, 1989), p. 32 The ceremonies would last 7 days. It's at this very moment in the Jewish calendar, which would have been late March and early April that Luke gives us another glimpse into the boyhood of Jesus.
Israel's Most Wanted
I have nothing to offer you but blood, toil, tears and sweat. Maybe it's about time we re-advertised Christianity. Maybe it's time to witness to people and then tell them that if they follow Christ - He demands that they carry a cross. What if we told people that Christ has nothing to offer them but blood, toil, tears and sweat? With the growing animosity of our culture toward the Christian church, Christians are growing frightened and even angered that their convictions and freedoms are no longer being respected. Where did God say the world would be our friend? When did the church ever receive a promise that the world would respect our convictions? We have lived in the lap of luxury and freedom and frankly, the church has come to believe these are her rights. The television is stocked with pseudo-pastors and pseudo-Bible teachers who continue to promote the lie that an easy path through life is synonymous with the narrow path. No wonder people today, especially in America, who decide to give Jesus a try become shocked when instead of getting a catalog from heaven with lazy-boys to choose from, they get a sword and a shield and a helmet. Jesus Christ said, "I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." Which means what? Hell is gonna try. Not just institutionally, but personally. So, strap on your armor. Perhaps it's time to re-advertise Christianity by re-discovering the life of Christ - as it really was. Even in His earliest days.
The Presentation of the Lamb
What has the Bible revealed about the boyhood of Jesus? The truth is, the Bible is not as silent as the average Christmas play might lead you to believe. It wasn't over after the shepherds left the manger scene. It was just beginning. In fact, 8 days after the manger scene, some wonderful events begin to unfold in the life of our infant Messiah.
Trees...and the Christmas Story
The Christmas Quiz
After the Angels Sang (It's A Boy Lesson 2)
The Reveal (It's A Boy Lesson 1)
Blood, Sweat and Tears
What does it really mean to follow Jesus? Is the Christian life truly one of comfort and ease, as some would have us believe? The first Christmas story suggests otherwise. From the moment Jesus was born, His family was thrown into turmoil--forced to flee in the middle of the night, live as fugitives in Egypt, and navigate their way through a dangerous world that wanted nothing more than to destroy them. Stephen Davey paints a vivid picture of the hardship faced by Mary, Joseph, and even the wise men, revealing that the birth of Jesus was not the beginning of comfort but the beginning of conflict. This episode of Wisdom for the Heart delves into the real story of the nativity--the part that isn't often shared. Discover why the Magi's visit was more about worshiping a divine King than about a mere exchange of gifts, and how Joseph's courage in fleeing Herod's soldiers teaches us about true obedience. Stephen brings out the significance of God's plan, which involved moving the Holy Family time and again--not with miraculous shortcuts, but with the grit and persistence of real faith. You'll walk away from this message with a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Christ--to accept the blood, sweat, and tears that come with true discipleship. And ultimately, you'll see how every trial Joseph and Mary faced serves as a reminder that the narrow path of following Jesus is not necessarily an easy one--but it is one worth traveling, no matter the cost. Listen in and be inspired to live with constant, courageous, and costly loyalty to your King.
Meeting the Magi
Have you ever questioned why the Magi's journey is such a vital part of the Christmas story? What drove these wise men to travel 2,000 miles to honor a child they had never met, and why did they bring the specific gifts they offered? In this message, Stephen Davey unpacks the historical and spiritual significance of the Magi, their journey, and their mission. He sheds light on the true nature of the star that led them, why they're called 'King-makers," and how these learned men from the East became some of the earliest worshippers of Jesus. In this episode, you'll discover that the Magi's story is not just about gifts and a journey. It's about a commitment that transcended political and spiritual barriers. Stephen explains how their actions were a declaration of Jesus' identity-=-His role as King, Priest, and the Sacrifice for all people. You'll also hear how the Magi, influenced by the teachings of Daniel, recognized and honored the Messiah long before most of Jesus' own people did. Stephen also addresses how modern Christians can understand and redeem some of the elements of the Christmas season that have origins outside the church. He reminds us that it's not about avoiding traditions with mixed histories, but rather how those elements can point us to the glory of Christ. Join us for a deeper understanding of this often-misunderstood part of the nativity story, and come away with a renewed perspective on how to worship and honor Jesus.
Messages From Heaven
What happens when Heaven decides to speak after four centuries of silence? The story of Jesus doesn't end in the manger. In fact, the shepherds leaving Bethlehem is only the beginning of some of the most incredible confirmations of who Jesus truly is. In this episode, we explore the events that unfolded just days after Jesus' birth--events that provided irrefutable divine validation that He was the long-promised Messiah. We start by following Joseph and Mary, a couple already burdened with loneliness and the struggles of poverty, who nevertheless were committed to obeying God's word. They bring Jesus to the temple to fulfill the rituals of the Law--the ceremony of circumcision, the redemption of the firstborn, and Mary's purification. These were not just traditions; they were acts that spoke volumes about their faith and pointed toward Jesus' significance. Despite having every reason to stay hidden, Joseph and Mary chose to present their baby--and the divine surprises awaiting them in the temple were nothing short of remarkable. At the temple, an old man named Simeon received the culmination of a lifelong promise. Led by the Spirit, he took the baby in his arms and declared, "My eyes have seen Your salvation." He knew, beyond any doubt, that this child was the Messiah--the Savior for both Jews and Gentiles. Nearby, Anna, a prophetess who had spent years praying in the temple, added her voice, telling everyone around that redemption had finally come. The scenes at the temple reveal not only the obedience of Jesus' earthly parents but also Heaven's continued endorsement of His identity. These messages from Heaven--through angels, through faithful servants like Simeon and Anna--tell us that Jesus was not just another baby. He was, and still is, the Redeemer. This episode invites you to experience these defining moments of Jesus' early life--moments filled with divine affirmations and messages from Heaven that still resonate today. Who is Jesus to you? Hear Heaven's declaration and decide for yourself.