Paul highlights the power and mercy of God in His choosing of Israel to bring about the promised Messiah.

An overview of ch. 9-11. And we begin this section with Rom. 9-30-33.

God places before each us open doors -- opportunities. We must walk through them.

Peter presents the purpose of Christ's death on the cross.

The introduction to a short series from the book of the Revelation dealing with the messages to the churches.

Introduction of our theme for 2018.

Mary responds to the news of her Savior's birth in personal humility and exaltation of God.---For with God nothing is impossible.-

We are focusing on Zacharius and his wife, a couple who lived their lives loving God - serving his office well. He shows his reverence by expressing fear when entering the holy place. An angelic being appears to him - shares an overwhelming message about the future. Zacharius expresses doubt because of the how unusual it is but that's no excuse for doubting God. Contrast this w-the faith shown by Mary - Abraham when God shares unusual news w-them. Notice v.37 -nothing's impossible w-God.- v.57-65 we see the child's significant role expressed in his name - the choosing process. Everyone knew about it because it was monumental. 1-Praise for Salvation Provided -from enemies-v67. 2-Praise God for Promises Fulfilled. 71-73. 2 Sam 17. preserving from enemies, blessings. Even if they're not in our lifetime, they will be fulfilled. 3- Praise God for the Purpose Revealed. v74-75. Zacharius struggles w-fear but also understanding the purpose of the promise. God still offers purpose today to His followers just like the purposes He offered to his followers in O.T. times. God made His purpose clear in his word- Live holy, w-o fear. We are rescued-redeemed to serve our God. He's fulfilled promises to give us confidence to trust Him. 4-Praise for the Prophecy of the Preparer v.76-77 John gets the designation of Prophet of the Most High. He is tasked w-giving people the knowledge of God's salvation. He must have been an odd person because he was so purpose driven in his life that he didn't have time for distractions. He was too focused on preaching repentance. Is.9-2 Jesus brings the most important peace, spiritual-internal peace w-God. Are you praising God-- Are we living in - by faith--