Matthew 28:18

"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

From Background Notes [BN] for December 3^rd/4^th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

Yet the rule of Jesus is not tyrannical or cruel. He comes to his throne by way of the cross. Scripture reminds us that human beings “crucified the Lord of glory”. 

Ephesians 5:23b

"Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.”

From Background Notes [BN] for December 3^rd/4^th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

“Christ,” on the other hand, is not a proper name. Rather, Christos, refers to Jesus special role as the Messiah (HaMašiaḥ), “the anointed one.”

Matthew 1:21

"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins”

From Background Notes [BN] for December 3^rd/4^th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

The name “Jesus” is his proper name given to him at birth in accordance with the instructions of God’s angel. Based on the Hebrew language, this name means “Yahweh saves.”

Isaiah 40:13-14

"Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD, or what man shows him his counsel? Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding?”

From Background Notes [BN] for November 26^th/27^th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

The kingly Son of Yahweh requires no counselor: he is the counselor.

Romans 12:12

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

From Background Notes [BN] for November 19^th/20^th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

Hope is actually “waiting” within Hebrew thought, and Jewish people knew a great deal about waiting for promises to be fulfilled. To Paul’s mixed Gentile/Jewish audience, the notion of “hope” had different meanings.

Romans 12:11

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

From Background Notes [BN] for November 19^th/20^th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

“Fiery passion and strong determination characterize the zealous person. Paul knew about other forms of zeal of which he did not approve, such as “zeal without knowledge” (Romans 10:2; from Proverbs 19:2).

Romans 12:6

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith.”

From Background Notes [BN] for November 19^th/20^th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

“Trust, but verify” works pretty well in this context! If someone makes a claim as a prophet, his words must correspond to the body of truth contained in the gospel.