Shady Grove Sermons

What Do The Magi Mean To Christmas? Matthew 2:1–12 The Grove – December 14, 2025 Main Thesis The coming of the Magi is Jesus’ only coronation in His first coming—and it was performed by Gentiles. Their story forces every person into one of three responses to the newborn King: hostility (Herod), indifference (religious Jerusalem), or joyful worship (the Magi). Hearers of the Word: Introduction Christmas-card version of the “wise men” vs. historical reality The Magi were not kings, not three, and not at the manger They were hereditary priestly king-makers from Media/Persia, trained centuries earlier by Daniel Their arrival is Jesus’ coronation by the Gentile world—the first-fruits of the nations bowing to Israel’s Messiah Central Christmas question: Will we cling to our throne like Herod or surrender everything like the Magi? I. The Royal Credentials of Jesus (Recap of Matthew 1 → 2) Legal lineage through Joseph → royal right Bloodline through Mary → royal blood Virgin bir...

The King-Makers Bow: What the Magi Really Mean for Christmas Matthew 2:1-11 Hearers of the Word: Theme:  Gentile king-makers from the East traveled hundreds of miles to worship a toddler because they recognized in Jesus the promised world-King that their own order had been waiting centuries to crown. Introduction:  Kings, Magi, and wise men are often familiar Christmas-card imagery, but what do we learn from Scripture and history?   So the questions to consider is threefold: Who are the wise men / Magi? (and) why did it matter to Matthew? (and) wha does it matter to us today? I. Who Are These Magi ?      a. Dispelling the myths They were not kings There were not necessarily three of them (3 gifts ≠ 3 men) Names  given to them later were Caspar, Balthazar, Melchior The  supposed skulls are late traditions with no historical basis Unknown number; pastor believes there were “many” of the magi who came and not just three      ...

Bridge Builders Tell the Truth Philemon 1:17-22 (Week 5) Take your Bible and turn one last time to the little book of Philemon. This is Paul writing not as “Apostle with authority,” but as “a prisoner of Christ Jesus.” He calls Timothy “brother,” Philemon “fellow laborer” and “brother.” Onesimus, Philemon’s runaway slave, had gotten in trouble in Rome, ended up in prison beside Paul, came to faith, and now is heading home carrying this letter. Paul’s request is bold: receive Onesimus no longer as a slave but as a beloved brother. Let’s read the whole letter again together… [read Philemon aloud] Pray: God, you are loving and faithful. Break our hearts for what breaks yours and use us to extend your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Convict us today to become a person who obeys, forgives and restores.  Lead us in this life to live for you and not ourselves. - Amen Today, we finish in verses 17-22. Here are five steps Paul models to build bridges and bring reconciliation: 1. PUT ...

Love That Goes Above and Beyond the Law
 Philemon v9 Introduction / Story Background: Paul from prison writing to Philemon, a Christian slave-owner in Colossae Scenario: Runaway slave Onesimus steals from Philemon, flees, meets Paul in prison, becomes a Christian, and is sent back with Paul’s letter to seek forgiveness Paul’s radical request: Receive Onesimus no longer as a slave but as a free beloved brother Main Text Focus: Philemon v9: Paul chooses to appeal “for love’s sake” rather than command Five Key Principles for Building Bridges in Broken Relationships Operate from Love , Not Law (v9) Love does not avoid issues; it addresses them Love determines HOW we act, not IF we act “Appeal” = urgent, gentle, loving plea (same word used in Phil 4:2) Love pleads; Law demands Keynote: Love pleads, while Law demands Practical: Lower your voice, gently request, reasonably explain          2.   Believe That God Changes People (v10–11) Paul calls Onesimus “m...

Building Bridges – Week 3 
 Philemon v8–16
 The Grove, November 16, 2025 AM Hearers of the Word: I.  Introduction & Context ( 1–3)
 Short, personal letter from Paul’s own hand while  in prison about runaway slave Onesimus. Core Gospel Truth: In Christ, slave and free become brothers; social hierarchy is overturned by love. Paul’s Goal: Reconcile Philemon (A wealthy house-church host) and Onesimus without abolishing slavery outright; instead, persuade Philemon to exceed legal duty.
 II.  Commendation: Building Bridges with Truth (4–7)
 Thanks in Everything:  Paul thanks God for Philemon’s faith and love that “refreshes the saints.” Focus on the positive: Not manipulation—genuine grace-based encouragement to act like the Christian he already is. Application: Begin reconciliation with gratitude, not attack; see the image of God in the offender, focus on the good done.
 III.  Biblical Principles for effective bridge-building         ...

See The Good   Part B  Philemon Hearers of the Word: I.   Bridge Builders See The Good
 a.  Develop an  attitude of Thanksgiving in everything.  b.  Focus on the Positive   in others rather than the negative.
 Statement of Truth:
If you are not careful, your greatest strength will become your greatest weakness Principle to Practice:  We must see people for who God is MAKING them and not for WHAT they are. c.  Focus on the good others have done and not the wrong . II.  Benefits of Seeing the Good in other people: It gives you something to enjoy thinking about It gives them hope and blesses others It draws others to you instead of repelling them It is consistent with God’s view of people
 Statement of Truth:  There are no enduring relationships without forgiveness .   Doers of the Word:   How can you be more thankful in the little things this week, this upcoming holiday season?
 How can y...