Resources

What is the significance of the Incarnation? Rob Ventura explains in this video that the significance of the virgin birth is that God became a man. God was manifested in the flesh. The amazing thing about the incarnation is that God comes down to us. He takes on flesh and walks among us. He is our representative. He is our Second Adam to do what we could not do - to keep the law perfectly.  Without the incarnation, there is no salvation. Christ, through the incarnation, was willing and able to take on our sins and be punished. Glory be to His name! John 1:14 (NKJV) - "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."

What does it mean when Christ says that He is the vine? Mala Chindongo explains in this video that Christ is the vine and we are the branches. He is referring to believers. He is the Head of the Church. He is the vine, and the life giver. Without Him, the branches could not exist and would not have life without root.  When He says this, He is telling us to be dependent upon Him by relying on Him for everything as believers.  John 15:5 (NKJV) - "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."

Why should we look forward to the day that Christ will judge the world? John Latham explains in this video that it will be a glorious day when Christ comes to judge the world. There are many that fear and judge that day, but for those who are saved, it should be a day we should look forward to.  It will be a day that we will behold His glory and He will make all things right and all things new. It should be a day that we long for and look forward to.  John 5:24 (NKJV) - "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life."

What can we learn from studying the attributes of Christ? Rob Ventura explains in this video that the attributes of Christ are unbelievable to think about. There are so many facets of Christ. To zero in on one particular attribute is difficult.  Everything about Christ is desirable. In recent days, one attribute that has stood out to him is Christ's forgiveness. It cleanses us from all sin. This demonstrates His love, grace, and eternal. 1 John 1:9 (NKJV) - "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Why should we make the Resurrection of Christ our primary focus within the home? Paul Thompson explains in this video that the Resurrection of Christ should bring about a humbling effect on a household. It should remind us of the power of God over the flesh, sin, and death. It should create a desire in us to know Him.  Because there is no other figure in all of history as Christ. It should create a hunger and thirst to follow Him. In short, our families would be richly blessed if we make the Resurrection of Christ our primary focus.  Philippians 3:8-10 (NKJV) - "Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death."

What is an example of conversion? John Snyder explains in this video that earlier in his life, he didn't know God. He spent a weekend with a friend and the friend talked about Christ. God used these conversations. He understood that he didn't really know God and he didn't understand the severity of his sin.  For the first time, he realized that he was a sinner and that there was nothing that he could do to merit salvation. He realized that at that moment, he could walk away and remain in unbelief or surrender his life to God. Ultimately, he was saved by being conquered by the supreme attraction of Christ.  Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NKJV) - "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord."

How is Christ our Good Shepherd? Rob Ventura explains in this video that Christ is our Good Shepherd. He is the faithful shepherd who leads His sheep to good pastures. He is our shepherd who leads and guides us. He will always feed us.  Psalm 23:1-4 (NKJV) - "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

How is Christ our defender? Sam Waldron explains in this video that Christ tramples our enemies and our own sin under His feet. He defends us by defeating our enemies. He rules over us. He has power and authority over us. He has been made over all things. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords and we owe our utter allegiance to Him.  Philippians 2:9-11 (NKJV) - "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

What is an example of a sinner's eyes being opened? Pooyan Mershahi explains in this video how he became saved. He read that Christ said that He is the way, the truth, and the life. The Holy Spirit opened his eyes to realize that Christ was His only hope.  He understood that there was nothing that he could do to save himself but it was only by Christ's mercy. He did not know it at the time, but he was at the end of myself and he knew that he must seek Christ. He realized that nothing would cleanse his sins except for the shed blood of Christ.  Hebrews 9:22 (NKJV) - "And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission."

What did the death of Christ accomplish? Mala Chindongo explains in this video that in Romans 3, the Scripture is clear that all of sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Even though we are filled with sin, Christ's work on the cross provides a way of redemption - we are bought by the blood of Christ.  The Son of God shed His blood on the Christ and appeased the wrath of God. When Christ died, He took away our sins. He rescued us from the wrath of God.  Romans 6:23 (NKJV) - "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

How does the Resurrection provide hope to suffering individuals? John Latham explains in this video that the Resurrection and the Ascension of Christ has had a great impact upon the church that he pastors.  He shares that there have been several tragic deaths and individuals who struggle with chronic illnesses. One of the ways they comfort each other is by meditating on the truth of the Resurrection. Because Christ lives, we can face whatever happens in this life.   Revelations 21:4 (NKJV) - "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

How is Christ our merciful and faithful High Priest? Cary Green notes in this video that the author of Hebrews explains how Christ was made like us in all things. He is our compassionate High Priest. Unless Christ was 100% God and 100% man, He could not truly sympathize with us as humans.  Hebrews 4:15 (NKJV) - "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin."