The three wise men, also known as the three kings or the three Magi, are an important part of the Christmas story. They are mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament of the Bible, and their story has been told and celebrated for centuries.

According to the Bible, the three wise men were astrologers or magicians who lived in the East and followed a star that led them to the birthplace of Jesus. They arrived in Bethlehem bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh for the newborn baby.

The wise men were led to Jesus by the star, which they believed was a sign of his divinity. They came to worship him and offer their gifts as a sign of their devotion and respect. When they arrived, they found Jesus in a manger, and they fell to their knees in worship.

The story of the three wise men is an important part of the Christmas tradition, and it serves as a reminder of the significance of Jesus as the Son of God. It also teaches us about the importance of devotion and worship, and the value of offering gifts and acts of service to those we hold dear.

The three wise men are a symbol of hope and joy, and their story has inspired generations of people to seek out and follow Jesus. They remind us to open our hearts and minds to the possibility of the divine, and to seek out and follow the guidance of God in our own lives.

1. Gold as a tribute to a king

2. Frankincense as an offering to God

3. Myrrh as spices for burial

Mark 10:17-22

The parable of the rich young ruler is a well-known story found in the New Testament of the Bible. It is told in the Gospel of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and it illustrates the importance of placing our faith and trust in God above all else.

In the story, a young man approaches Jesus and asks him what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to follow the commandments, and the young man claims to have kept all of them since he was a child. Jesus then tells him to sell all of his possessions and give the money to the poor, and to follow him.

The young man is hesitant and saddened by this request, for he has many possessions and does not want to give them up. Jesus then explains to him that it is difficult for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven, as it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.

This parable teaches us the importance of putting our faith and trust in God above all else, even our material possessions. It reminds us that it is not our wealth or earthly possessions that will bring us eternal life, but rather our relationship with God and our commitment to following his teachings.

The parable of the rich young ruler serves as a reminder to all of us to prioritize our relationship with God and to trust in his plan for our lives. It encourages us to let go of our earthly attachments and to follow Jesus with all of our heart, mind, and soul.

Lessons from the parable of the rich young ruler.

• So near but yet so far.

• So rich but yet so poor.

• So good but yet so bad.

• So wise but yet so foolish.

The parable of the prodigal son is a well-known story found in the New Testament of the Bible. It is told in the Gospel of Luke, and it illustrates the love, forgiveness, and compassion of God.

In the story, a man has two sons. The younger son asks his father for his share of the inheritance, and the father agrees and gives it to him. The young man then takes his inheritance and leaves home, living a life of excess and waste. Eventually, he finds himself broke and hungry, and he decides to return home to his father and ask for forgiveness.

When the young man returns home, his father sees him from a distance and runs to meet him. The father embraces his son and showers him with love and forgiveness, even though the son had squandered his inheritance and caused his father great pain.

The father then throws a celebration to welcome his son home, and the older son, who had remained at home and worked hard for his father, becomes jealous and angry that his younger brother is being celebrated despite his wrongdoing. The father explains to the older son that they should celebrate because their brother was lost, but now he has been found.

This parable teaches us about the unconditional love and forgiveness of God. It reminds us that no matter how far we may stray or how much we may sin, God will always welcome us back with open arms and embrace us with his love and grace.

The parable of the prodigal son serves as a powerful reminder of the boundless love and mercy of God, and it encourages us to turn to him in times of need and seek his forgiveness. It also reminds us to extend love and forgiveness to others, just as God does for us.

Lessons from the parable of the prodigal son.

• His Madness

• His Sadness

• His Happiness

The heart of God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, and it is a central aspect of the Christian faith. God's heart is a metaphor for his love, compassion, and mercy, and it is described as being full of grace and goodness.

In the Old Testament, God's heart is often depicted as being merciful and loving, and he is described as being a God of second chances. In the book of Jonah, for example, God shows mercy to the city of Nineveh, even though its people had turned away from him and were living in sin.

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches us about the heart of God through his actions and teachings. Jesus embodies the love and compassion of God, and he encourages us to love one another as he has loved us. He teaches us to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us, and he shows us that God's love is boundless and eternal.

The heart of God is also a source of comfort and hope for believers. In times of struggle and hardship, we can turn to God and know that his love and mercy are always with us. His heart is always open to us, and he is ready to welcome us back with open arms whenever we stray.

The heart of God is a central aspect of the Christian faith, and it reminds us of the boundless love and compassion of our creator. It encourages us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and to love one another as he has loved us, and it offers us hope and comfort in times of need.

Considerations

1. When God Loves, he loves a world

2. When God gives, he gives a Son

3. When God saves, he saves forever.

The height, depth, length, and width of God's love are mentioned in the Bible as a way to describe the boundless nature of his love. These characteristics are often used to emphasize the all-encompassing and enduring nature of God's love, and they are a reminder of the depth and intensity of his affection for us.

The height of God's love refers to the fact that his love extends to the highest heights and reaches all corners of the universe. It is a love that is beyond our comprehension, and it is a love that is beyond measure.

The depth of God's love refers to the fact that his love is deep and enduring, and it extends to the very depths of our being. It is a love that penetrates the soul and fills us with joy and peace.

The length of God's love refers to the fact that his love is eternal and will never end. It is a love that endures through all time and that will continue to be with us long after we have left this earth.

The width of God's love refers to the fact that it extends to all people, no matter who they are or where they come from. It is a love that is inclusive and welcoming, and it is a love that is available to all who seek it.

The height, depth, length, and width of God's love are a powerful reminder of the all-encompassing and enduring nature of his love. It is a love that is boundless and eternal, and it is a love that we can always turn to in times of need. It is a love that fills us with hope, joy, and peace, and it encourages us to love one another as God has loved us.

God shows us his multidimensional love, through

• It’s width - “For God So Loved the World”

• It’s length - “That God gave his only Son”

• It’s depth - “That whoever believes in him will not perish”

• It’s height - “So that we might have everlasting life”

God is not bound by the physical limitations of our world, but rather he is a spiritual being who exists beyond time and space.

• The concept of God being Spirit is mentioned in several places, including in John 4:24, which says, "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." This verse reminds us that God is not limited by physical forms or structures and that he is not confined to a particular place or location. Rather, he is a spiritual being who is present with us at all times.

• The concept of God being Spirit is also mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:44, which says, "It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body." This verse reminds us that our bodies are temporary and will eventually return to dust, but our spirits will live on forever. It also reminds us that when we accept Jesus as our savior, we receive a new, spiritual body that will be resurrected and live on for all eternity.

• The concept of God being Spirit is a powerful reminder of the nature of God, and it is a source of comfort and hope for believers. It reminds us that God is not bound by the limitations of our physical world and that he is always with us, no matter where we are or what we are going through. It also encourages us to seek a closer relationship with God, and to worship him in spirit and in truth.

One of the key verses that speaks to the concept of God being Life is John 1:4, which says, "In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind." This verse reminds us that God is the source of all life, and that he is the one who gives us the light of life. It also reminds us that God's life is eternal and will never end, and that through faith in Jesus, we can have eternal life as well.

• Another verse that speaks to the concept of God being Life is Colossians 3:4, which says, "When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." This verse reminds us that Jesus is our life, and that through him, we have the opportunity to live a life that is full of meaning and purpose. It also reminds us that when we accept Jesus as our savior, we receive the gift of eternal life, and we will one day appear with him in glory.

• The concept of God being Life is a powerful reminder of the central role that God plays in our lives, and it is a source of comfort and hope for believers. It reminds us that God is the source of all life, and that through faith in Jesus, we can have eternal life. It also encourages us to seek a closer relationship with God, and to live a life that is full of meaning and purpose.

The concept of God being Love is a central aspect of the Christian faith, and it is a powerful reminder of the unconditional love and grace of God. In the Bible, God is described as being love, and his love is depicted as being boundless, eternal, and all-encompassing.

• One of the key verses that speaks to the concept of God being Love is 1 John 4:8, which says, "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them." This verse reminds us that God is the embodiment of love, and that his love is all-encompassing and eternal. It also reminds us that when we live a life of love, we are living in God and God is living in us.

• Another verse that speaks to the concept of God being Love is John 3:16, which says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse reminds us of the depth of God's love, and it illustrates the lengths to which he was willing to go to show his love for us. It also reminds us that through faith in Jesus, we can experience the fullness of God's love and receive the gift of eternal life.

• The concept of God being Love is a powerful reminder of the unconditional love and grace of God, and it is a source of comfort and hope for believers. It reminds us that no matter what we may face, God's love is always with us, and it encourages us to love one another as God has loved us.

In the Bible, fire is often used to symbolize the presence of God, and it is a reminder of his holiness and majesty.

• One of the key verses that speaks to the concept of God being Fire is Exodus 3:2, which says, "There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up." This verse describes the appearance of God to Moses in the form of a burning bush, and it is a powerful reminder of the presence and power of God.

• Another verse that speaks to the concept of God being Fire is Hebrews 12:29, which says, "For our God is a consuming fire." This verse reminds us that God is holy and pure, and that he is a consuming fire that purifies and transforms us. It also reminds us that we should approach God with reverence and awe, knowing that he is a powerful and holy God.

• The concept of God being Fire is a powerful reminder of the presence and power of God, and it is a source of comfort and hope for believers. It reminds us that God is always with us, and it encourages us to approach him with reverence and awe. It also serves as a reminder of the holiness and majesty of God, and it encourages us to seek a closer relationship with him.

Final thoughts,

1. God is Spirit - John 4:24

2. God is Life - 1 John 1:5

3. God is Love - 1 Jon 4:16

4. God is Fire - Heb 12:29

The concept of sowing and reaping is a common theme throughout the Bible, and it is a powerful reminder of the consequences of our actions. In the Bible, sowing and reaping refers to the idea that we will reap what we sow - if we plant good seeds, we will harvest good crops, but if we plant bad seeds, we will harvest bad crops.

The concept of sowing and reaping is often used in the Bible to illustrate the importance of living a righteous and virtuous life. In the book of Galatians, for example, the apostle Paul writes that "whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." This means that the actions we take and the choices we make will have consequences, and we will ultimately be held accountable for them.

The concept of sowing and reaping is also used in the Bible to encourage believers to live a life of faith and trust in God. In the book of Job, we are told that "those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same." This means that if we live a life of sin and wrongdoing, we will reap the consequences of our actions. On the other hand, if we live a life of faith and obedience to God, we will reap the rewards of our good deeds.

The concept of sowing and reaping is an important reminder to all of us to be mindful of the choices we make and the actions we take. It encourages us to live a virtuous and righteous life, and to trust in God's plan for our lives. It is a reminder that our actions have consequences, and that we will ultimately be held accountable for them.

Considerations

1. We are reaping what others have sown

2. We are sowing what others may reap.

3. We are sowing what we ourselves shall reap.

The life we have ‘from Christ’ refers to the fact that Jesus has given us new life through his death and resurrection. When we accept Jesus as our savior, we are born again and given the gift of eternal life. This new life is a result of Jesus' sacrifice for us, and it is a life that is full of hope, joy, and purpose.

The life we have ‘in Christ’ is the way in which we live our lives as believers in Jesus. When we are in Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin, but rather we are free to live a life of righteousness and obedience to God. This means living a life that is guided by the teachings of Jesus and seeking to follow his example in all that we do.

The life we should live ‘for Christ refers’ to the way in which we should use our lives to glorify God and to serve others. We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing the good news of his love and grace with others and living our lives in a way that reflects his values and teachings. This means living a life of love, compassion, and service, and seeking to be a light to those around us.

These themes are all closely related to our relationship with God. They remind us of the gift of new life that Jesus has given us, the way in which we should live our lives as believers, and the importance of using our lives to glorify God and serve others.

Considerations

1. We have life from Christ

2. We have life in Christ

3. We live life for Christ

The victory of the cross is a central aspect of the Christian faith, and it is a powerful reminder of the love and sacrifice of Jesus. The cross is a symbol of the suffering and death of Jesus, but it is also a symbol of his victory over sin and death.

In the Bible, the victory of the cross is described as a triumph over the powers of darkness. When Jesus died on the cross, he took upon himself the sin of the world, and through his death and resurrection, he conquered sin and death once and for all.

The victory of the cross is a source of hope and salvation for believers. It reminds us that through Jesus, we have been reconciled to God and given the gift of eternal life. It also reminds us that through faith in Jesus, we can have victory over sin and death in our own lives, and we can live a life of freedom and joy.

The victory of the cross is also a call to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and to live a life of self-sacrifice and service. Just as Jesus gave his life for us, we are called to give our lives for others, and to serve and love one another as Jesus did.

The victory of the cross is a powerful reminder of the love and sacrifice of Jesus, and it is a source of hope and salvation for believers. It encourages us to follow in his footsteps and to live a life of self-sacrifice and service, and it reminds us that through faith in Jesus, we can have victory over sin and death in our own lives.

Considerations

1. The Cross was the price paid for victory

2. The Cross is the power that produces victory

3. The Cross is the principle that promotes victory

A God who will never let us down is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, and it is a source of comfort and hope for believers. The Bible is full of verses that assure us of God's faithfulness and reliability, and it reminds us that he is always with us, no matter what we may face.

One of the key verses that speaks to the reliability of God is Psalm 118:8, which says, "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man." This verse reminds us that we can always rely on God, no matter what challenges we may face. He is a constant source of strength and support, and he will never let us down.

Another verse that speaks to the faithfulness of God is Isaiah 41:10, which says, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." This verse reminds us that God is always with us, and that he will never leave us or forsake us. He is a source of strength and comfort, and he will always be there to help us and uphold us.

A God who will never let us down is a powerful reminder of the faithfulness and reliability of our creator. It is a source of hope and comfort in times of need, and it encourages us to trust in God and to rely on him for strength and support. No matter what challenges we may face, we can always turn to God

Considerations

1. A God who will never let us down.

2. A God who will never let us off.

3. A God who will never let us go.