Tag Archives: encouragement

Matthew’s Genealogy of Jesus

Posted on December 10, 2025 by Don Merritt

C. The Last Part Matthew continues his genealogy as he moves from the first group of 14 names to the next. The first group culminates in King David, that glorious figure who is “a man after God’s own heart”, with … Continue reading →

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The Third Christmas Lesson

Posted on December 9, 2025 by Don Merritt

This is a Christmas carol that contains the essence of the yearning of a people for a savior.  “O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel” Hold on, wait!  Ransom…? Yes, Ransom. Israel was in slavery to sin; so were we.  Being held captive to … Continue reading →

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Simple Things

Posted on December 8, 2025 by Don Merritt

Maybe I’m just getting old, but it seems to me that life is getting way too complicated these days.  I can remember an earlier time when people got along in life just fine without electronics, instant information and constant contact. … Continue reading →

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Matthew’s Genealogy

Posted on December 8, 2025 by Don Merritt

C. The Genealogy of Jesus Matthew 1:1-17 Matthew begins his telling of the story of Jesus Christ by giving us some vital insight into just exactly who this Jesus guy is, and He is no ordinary man. It is no … Continue reading →

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Sunday Reflection: December 7, 2025

Posted on December 7, 2025 by Don Merritt
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John’s Conclusion

Posted on December 6, 2025 by Don Merritt

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 Up to this point, we know that … Continue reading →

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True Love

Posted on December 5, 2025 by Don Merritt

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. John 3:16 This verse may well be the best known of all the New … Continue reading →

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John’s Next Point

Posted on December 5, 2025 by Don Merritt

B. John’s Introduction The Middle Part John 1:5-13 Verse 5 begins the next little section of John’s text, a section that continues through verse 13. The theme is that of the manifestation of the Word in this dark world, and … Continue reading →

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The Second Christmas Lesson

Posted on December 4, 2025 by Don Merritt

The second Christmas lesson, is just who it was that was born in Bethlehem so long ago.  John makes it clear at the beginning of his Gospel: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word … Continue reading →

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John Takes a Strategic View

Posted on December 4, 2025 by Don Merritt

B. John’s Introduction  John 1:1-18 The Beginni9ing John begins his account with the words, “in the beginning” with a very different beginning in mind than we find in Genesis 1:1, for while Genesis begins with the creation, John begins with … Continue reading →

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