It's amazing to me how every time I read through Scripture something new jumps off of the page. This is especially true of familiar passages surrounding the story of Christ' birth. Last night, the sermon was based on Luke 1:39-56. Here we find two detailed stories involving Mary.
Story #1: Mary and Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-45)
Story #2: Mary and God (Luke 1:46-55)
For us to experience deep and lasting peace, we can learn the importance of great relationships and true worship.
Marks of a Great Relationship (as seen in verses 39-45)
1. Words and Acts of Encouragement
2. Growth during difficult times
3. Leading of the Holy Spirit
4. Spiritual Transparency
5. A unified awe of God
Marks of True Worship (as seen in verses 46-55)
1. "Vertical" overshadows "Horizontal" (Mary prioritizes God and His will over everything else)
2. Soul-rooted magnification of God (Her inner being was consumed by God)
3. Humility in spite of circumstance (She had every reason to be proud, but she chose adoration of God instead)
4. Awareness of God's work on Earth (She saw the big picture of God's work - past, present, and future)
5. Specific and overflowing gratitude (Her thankfulness was in no way general or superficial)
Follow-up Resources:
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