Mt Zion Christian Church

From an outward perspective, Mary and Joseph were unlikely choices to bring a King into the world.

Luke 1:26-38

1 Corinthians 1:26-30

1 Samuel 16:6-7


People tend to look at the outward appearance whereas God looks at the heart.


God chose Mary and Joseph because they were humble servants whose greatest desire was to be faithful to His plans.


Mary and Joseph show us that the only prerequisite to being used by God is a humble and submitted heart before Him.

2 Timothy 2:19-21

Mary and Joseph's response to the angels showed their faith and trust in God.


God is still looking for people to use to reveal himself to the world.

2nd Corinthians 5:18-20
Matthew 9:36-37

John 21

Jesus did not reprimand Peter and his six friends for going fishing.
2 Thessalonians 3:10-11

When Jesus added the disciples’ catch to His catch, He was making a statement about future souls that His disciples would catch. Matthew 4:19

Peter’s actions and words confirmed his love for Jesus.

Jesus wants His sheep of all ages to eat a proper diet.

Jesus provides His disciples with a barn full of feed.

Jesus revealed to Peter what ministry would cost him.

John wrecked the rumor.

Compassion International feeds sheep.

What are the “these” in your life that you love more than Jesus?

Armed for Family

Ephesians 6

Paul deals with the Christian relationship between children and parents.

Parents should treat children the way Jesus treated His disciples.

Children should obey their parents and receive the promise of a good long life.

Slaves should respect and serve their master like they serve the Lord.

Masters are reminded to treat their slaves with compassion because God is the Master of them both.

Relationship is of the utmost importance in God’s family.

The schemes of the devil wage war against God’s family.

The devil’s goal is to destroy the unity in God’s family.

God has given His family armor and weapons to stand against the devil.

This armor was described by Isaiah, worn and tested by Jesus, and given to the church in order to defeat the devil.
Isaiah 59:16-17, 11:5, 49:2, 52:7

Paul commissioned Tychicus to deliver and explain his letter to his Christian family in Ephesus.

The church has been commissioned by Jesus to defeat the devil and deliver the gospel to the lost.

2 Corinthians 6

The Apostle Paul’s ministry was yoked with Jesus’s ministry.

Do not delay in accepting God’s grace.

Paul’s enduring victories in the midst of hardships became his reference letter to the Corinthians.

The Holy Spirit was the source of Paul’s strength and victory.

Outside worldly influence created resistance to Paul’s teachings in the Corinthian’s hearts.

Clean and unclean cannot associate comfortably with one another. Deuteronomy 22:10

The world’s yoke is heavy, but Jesus’s yoke is light.
Matthew 11:28-30

Is your heart wide open to Jesus?

Imitate: Prayer

Luke 5:16, 11:1-13

Why did the disciples ask Jesus how to pray?

Prayer starts with adoration.

Prayer should put God’s will before our will.

Prayer is intended to be a daily occurrence.

Prayer seeks God’s forgiveness.

Prayer seeks to forgive those that have sinned against us.

Prayer must be persistent with a humble spirit. 

Genesis 18:27, Matthew 6:6

Prayer protects from temptation.

The Jesus kind of prayer enlists the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. John 15:15

Remember to be still and listen.

Prayer and faith work together.

Commit to imitate Jesus’ prayer life.

John 20:19-31

Fear is dispelled when the frightened sheep meet the risen, glorified Shepherd.

Nothing can separate you from the love of Jesus. Romans 8:37-38

Jesus’ risen identity retains distinguishing evidence of His crucifixion. Revelation 5:6

Jesus breathes resurrected breath upon the disciples to fan the flames of faith in them for their future journey.

Forgiven sin provides peace with God. Romans 5:1-2

Thomas was absent for a reason.

Was Thomas discerning or doubting?
John 11:16;Matthew 24:4-5, 22-27; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12

Christians spend too much time focused on Thomas and not enough time focused on the wounds of Jesus.

These events are recorded so that everyone may believe and have life.

Ephesians 5

Paul turns the cultural view of authority upside down in chapters 5 and 6.

Roman and Greek culture said, “I am the authority. You will serve me in this way.

Jesus said, “I am the authority. I will serve and prepare you for eternal life with Me.” Verses 2, 21, 25-28

Jesus models this in His relationship with women. John 4:9-19, John 8:3-11, Mark 14:6-9

Think holy thoughts. 1 Timothy 5:1-2

Speak like one of Jesus’ family.

Wake up. The light is on. Be wise, and please God by doing His will. John 3:19-21

Be a godly spouse.

Luke 1:30-33,  Matthew 3:1-3

1. Jesus began his ministry by establishing the kingdom of God.

     Mark 1:14-15,  Colossians 1:12-13

2. Jesus opened the way for us to reach the throne.

     Hebrews 4:16,  Romans 13:1-2,  Proverbs 23:26

3. We need Jesus to establish His throne in our hearts so that He

     governs our lives.

4. Do not seek to fill yourself with material things; fill your heart

     with spiritual and eternal things.

    Matthew 6:25, 33,  Colossians 3:1-2