In this special Christmas episode, Dominic shares a message from the gospel of John. What’s unique about this gospel is that, unlike the other gospels, John doesn’t give us the facts about Christmas. For example, there is no mention of the manger, the star or the wise men. Instead, he digs past the details and shares what Christmas means — not only theologically, but for our lives personally.

Augustine, the early church theologian once wrote: “Man’s maker was made man that He, Ruler of the stars, might nurse at His mother’s breast; that the Bread might hunger, the Fountain thirst, the Light sleep, the Way be tired on its journey; that Truth might be accused of false witnesses, the Teacher be beaten with whips, the Foundation be suspended on wood; that Strength might grow weak; that the Healer might be wounded; that Life might die.” The meaning of Christmas is unearthed when the truth and beauty of Jesus incarnation is considered. We hope you enjoy this episode!

Pursuing Faith is a 501c3 non-profit. If you would like to support our ministry, please visit: https://www.pursuingfaith.org/give

Today is a special episode of the Far More Podcast because Jason and Liz are reading the story of Jesus' birth straight from God's Word.

Embark on a journey to Bethlehem with this timeless story of the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ. Mary and Joseph, guided by angels, made their way to the humble stable where the Savior was born. The shepherds received heavenly tidings and the magi following the star to present gifts to the newborn King.

This captivating narrative, filled with faith, hope, and divine intervention, unfolds the miraculous events surrounding the birth of Jesus, whose arrival marks the beginning of a story that continues to inspire millions around the world. We hope that you are inspired by this story as well. #NativityStory #Christmas #JesusBirth

You can watch this episode in video form over on YouTube here.

We are so glad you're here and if you are enjoying this podcast, please rate it, review it and share it!

Far More Podcast is on all the socials:

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If there is a topic you would like for us to chat about on the podcast or if you just need some prayer, you can send an email to farmorepodcast@gmail.com. All names, email addresses and personal information will remain private.

Luke 1:67-79

This Christmas, we are not just called to receive Him.  We are not just called to behold Him.  We are called to share Him. 

May the blessings of God’s gift fill you so completely that it runs in you and through you and blesses those around you.  May your heart be filled with hope, peace, joy, and love this season and always.  Merry Christmas!

For more content from Kelly Wenner, be sure to visit SoulStrength Fit, Kelly's YouTube Channel & SoulStrength Fit Kids, where you can find educational content for children and fitness and faith content for adults.

Luke 7:36-50

You are an ambassador for Christ, and there is no greater honor or privilege.  Every conversation, every interaction you encounter with those around you, every word, every attitude shown through your body language, is your chance to represent Christ Jesus and His unsurpassing love to others. 

For more content from Kelly Wenner, be sure to visit SoulStrength Fit, Kelly's YouTube Channel & SoulStrength Fit Kids, where you can find educational content for children and fitness and faith content for adults.

1 John 3:16-18

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.”  We are called to a different kind of death -  death to our selfish nature.  Death to the part of us who wants to be right, have our way, or seek our own good.

Can you think of a time that God asked you to show love to someone you didn’t particularly like or put someone else’s needs before your own (even though you didn’t want to)?

For more content from Kelly Wenner, be sure to visit SoulStrength Fit, Kelly's YouTube Channel & SoulStrength Fit Kids, where you can find educational content for children and fitness and faith content for adults.

WEEK 3 OF 4  //  Brian Tate

Discussion Questions:

1. Share some good news that has happened to you in the past few weeks.
2. Share a time that you received some bad news and how you felt.
3. What Jesus has done (past), what Jesus is doing (present, or what Jesus will do (future): Which one is easier for you to share? Why? Which one is more difficult for you to share? Why?
4. How often are you sharing the good news of what Jesus is doing daily in your life? What can you do to increase that?

Sermon Locations and Times:

• Sundays Services are at 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM at 2601 E Alex Bell Rd Dayton, OH 45459
• You can join us online on Facebook or YouTube at 11:00 AM.

Immerse yourself in our latest podcast, "The High Priest & The Ultimate Sacrifice," a riveting exploration of biblical narratives and modern-day passions like gaming and cosplay. This extraordinary content is a daring blend of the spiritual and the virtual, celebrating the unique intersection of faith and fandom.

Our engaging narration delves deep into the significance of the High Priest in the Bible, Jesus, and the pervasive symbolism of the ultimate sacrifice. In the mystery of frankincense and myrrh, we trace the story back to the wise men of Christmas, highlighting the parallel between these ancient gifts and the sacrifice that God made for the atonement of sin.

However, we don't stop at theological discussion. We know our audience is as diverse as their interests, and this video is for you, the gamers, the cosplay enthusiasts, the anime and manga fans, and the geeks. We explore how these hobbies can enrich our understanding of religious narratives, and how themes of sacrifice and redemption often appear in your favorite games and anime series.

In "The High Priest & The Ultimate Sacrifice," we are not just narrating a story, but creating a community where both spiritual seekers and the pop-culture enthusiasts can find common ground. So enjoy this gripping tale that weaves together the story of Jesus, the aroma of frankincense and myrrh, the wise men of Christmas, and the fascinating world of gamers and cosplayers.

Join us in this extraordinary journey that bridges the past and the present, the sacred and the secular. Dive into the story, contribute to the conversation, and become a part of our growing community. Enjoy listening, and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up.”  Listen to this passage from the book of  Numbers and note the comparison Jesus is making between himself and the bronze snake.

“They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea. But the people grew impatient on the way;  they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”

Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died.  The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.

The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.”

For a Christmas workout series, be sure to check out the 12 Workouts of Christmas from SoulStrength Fit. It includes Bible Study Workouts, Daily Devotionals, and Weekly Zoom Calls.

For more content from Kelly Wenner, be sure to visit SoulStrength Fit, Kelly's YouTube Channel & SoulStrength Fit Kids, where you can find educational content for children and fitness and faith content for adults.

Keep me safe, O God,
    for I have come to you for refuge.

I said to the Lord, “You are my Master!
    Every good thing I have comes from you.”
The godly people in the land
    are my true heroes!
    I take pleasure in them!

Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.
    I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood
    or even speak the names of their gods.

Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.
    You guard all that is mine.
The land you have given me is a pleasant land.
    What a wonderful inheritance!

I will bless the Lord who guides me;
    even at night my heart instructs me.
I know the Lord is always with me.
    I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.[b]
    My body rests in safety.
For you will not leave my soul among the dead[c]
    or allow your holy one[d] to rot in the grave.

You will show me the way of life,
    granting me the joy of your presence
    and the pleasures of living with you forever.

For a Christmas workout series, be sure to check out the 12 Workouts of Christmas from SoulStrength Fit. It includes Bible Study Workouts, Daily Devotionals, and Weekly Zoom Calls.

For more content from Kelly Wenner, be sure to visit SoulStrength Fit, Kelly's YouTube Channel & SoulStrength Fit Kids, where you can find educational content for children and fitness and faith content for adults.

Psalm 126

There are so many ways God makes His power known in our lives.  When we stop long enough to reflect on all the ways that He works in our lives, we can’t help but to be filled with the joy that comes from knowing He is who He says He is, He is with us, and He loves us.
What are examples of ways God has worked in your life?

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John 13:1-17

If we are seeking true joy, it won’t be found in self-service and gratification.  Serving others doesn’t seem fulfilling, but when we adopt the mindset of Christ and honor others above ourselves, we take on a servant-attitude and find we are filled with the peace and joy that Jesus promises. 

For more content form Kelly, Including Bible Study workouts and Bible story exercise videos for kids, visit: https://www.soulstrengthfit.com/12workoutsofchristmas

Psalm 23

Regardless of your circumstances, troubles, or unmet expectations, the Lord is your Shepherd and seeks to bring you joy and peace.  As you prepare your heart for Christmas morning, can you commit to having a heart of joy?

Be sure to visit SoulStrength Fit for more great content!

But Paul and Barnabas traveled inland to Antioch

On the Sabbath they went to the synagogue for the services.  After the usual readings from the books of Moses] and the prophets, those in charge of the service sent them this message: “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, come and give it.”

16 So Paul stood, lifted his hand to quiet them, and started speaking. “Men of Israel,” he said, “and you God-fearing Gentiles, listen to me.

17 “The God of this nation of Israel chose our ancestors and made them multiply and grow strong during their stay in Egypt. Then with a powerful arm he led them out of their slavery.  He put up with them through forty years of wandering in the wilderness.  Then he destroyed seven nations in Canaan and gave their land to Israel as an inheritance. 

 All this took about 450 years.

For a Christmas workout series, be sure to check out the 12 Workouts of Christmas from SoulStrength Fit. It includes Bible Study Workouts, Daily Devotionals, and Weekly Zoom Calls.

For more content from Kelly Wenner, be sure to visit SoulStrength Fit, Kelly's YouTube Channel & SoulStrength Fit Kids, where you can find educational content for children and fitness and faith content for adults.

Devotional 1 from 12 Workouts of Christmas 

Our opening readings come from the book of Matthew and the book of John:

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about[a]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet[b] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[c] because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[d] (which means “God with us”).

This begins the long wait for the promise of a Messiah.  This long wait is the foundation of our hope.  During this Christmas season,  we remember how since Genesis 3, God’s  people have been waiting for the promise of the coming Messiah.

For a Christmas workout series, be sure to check out the 12 Workouts of Christmas from SoulStrength Fit. It includes Bible Study Workouts, Daily Devotionals, and Weekly Zoom Calls.

For more content from Kelly Wenner, be sure to visit SoulStrength Fit, Kelly's YouTube Channel & SoulStrength Fit Kids, where you can find educational content for children and fitness and faith content for adults.

Luke 1:5-25

The Rescuer, the One to save us from our Sins, the Messiah, our Immanuel is now with us.  Peace has arrived, and we now have peace with God.  Glory be to God, what a gift we have in Christ!

For more content from Kelly, visit www.soulstrengthfit.com

Thanks to Calvary Community Church for allowing us to use the music from their album "HOPE IS HERE" 

Isaiah 9:6

If you are a follower of Christ, you have peace with God.  This peace isn’t temporary or fleeting; it is unchanging and unmoving.

Be sure to check out the Christmas Workout series, the 12 Workouts of Christmas at https://www.soulstrengthfit.com/12workoutsofchristmas

Music Credit FOR What Child Is This? & I Wonder As I Wander:
CALVARY COMMUNITY CHURCH CHRISTMAS ALBUM, "HOPE IS HERE"
(WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIFORNIA)

Luke 2:8-21

How would your trying situations or day to day living look different if you were filled with a sense of peace rather than a sense of underlying tension or weariness?

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Music Credit FOR the final song, Silent Night:
CALVARY COMMUNITY CHURCH CHRISTMAS ALBUM, "HOPE IS HERE"
(WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIFORNIA)
Produced by Michelle Tumes and Mark Libby with Jacob Wood

– Acoustic guitar by Jacob Wood

– Recorded and engineered by Mark Libby

–  Children’s Choir: Jack Armstrong, Addilyn Bernd, Barrett Bernd, Willa Bernd, Chelsi Braden, Allie Cano, Caleb Chou, Ellianna Chou, Alejandro Estrada-Gallardo, Isabella Estrada-Gallardo, Serena Feng, Victoria Gonzalez, Carly Hagenbach, Adelaide Higgins, Aria Higgins, Jonathan Kahl, Nicholas Kahl, Makai Kahl, Allie Lang, Andrew Robinson, Lilly Robinson, Aubree Roberts, Faith Shiller, Hannah Thomas

– Mixed by Doug Higgins

– Vocals recorded by Mark Libby

– Edited by Mark Libby

Pairs with workout 4 from the 12 Workouts of Christmas at soulstrengthfit.com
Isaiah 40:1-5 & Luke 2:1-7

Just like Mary and Joseph awaiting the birth of Jesus, as we await the celebration of his birth, we have to prepare.  Just as one wouldn’t plant a seed and expect a harvest in the morning,  we must prepare ourselves - and our hearts - to receive the Lord.  Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus gives us the reason Jesus was born in a stable; there was no room for them at the inn.  As you move into this wonderful, yet busy, season, is there room for Jesus in your heart?  It is no less ironic that Jesus can stand on the periphery of our busy holiday schedules than it was that He, the Son of David, lay in a manger in a field on the periphery of the city of David?

As you prepare for Christmas and all God has in store for you in the new year, focus on preparing your heart.  Here are a few ways to prepare:

For a Christmas workout series, be sure to check out the 12 Workouts of Christmas from SoulStrength Fit. It includes Bible Study Workouts, Daily Devotionals, and Weekly Zoom Calls.

For more content from Kelly Wenner, be sure to visit SoulStrength Fit, Kelly's YouTube Channel & SoulStrength Fit Kids, where you can find educational content for children and fitness and faith content for adults.

Pairs with Workout3 from Week one of the 12 workouts of Christmas at SoulStrengthfit.com

Isaiah 9:1-7

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on  those living in the land of darkness.”   

Isaiah's prophecies brought messages of  hope; hope of a coming light in the midst of darkness, and the fear and anxiety  that darkness can bring.  

John 8:12:

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Go through Isaiah 9:1-5 and circle all the words which speak of darkness or pain.

Each verse speaks about a promise. 9:1 spoke about honor; 9:2 about light. What about 9:3?

For a Christmas workout series, be sure to check out the 12 Workouts of Christmas from SoulStrength Fit. It includes Bible Study Workouts, Daily Devotionals, and Weekly Zoom Calls.

For more content from Kelly Wenner, be sure to visit SoulStrength Fit, Kelly's YouTube Channel & SoulStrength Fit Kids, where you can find educational content for children and fitness and faith content for adults.

Deuteronomy 31:1-6

Moses gave Joshua a promise in this passage, and this promise remained true even during the Intertestamental Period (the 400 year period between the Old Testament and the Gospel of Matthew).  It appeared that God was absent, but He wasn’t.  He hadn’t forgotten His promise; He would send a rescuer, a second Elijah, to rescue them.  This promise begins a long period of waiting and of hope for God’s people.

For a Christmas workout series, be sure to check out the 12 Workouts of Christmas from SoulStrength Fit. It includes Bible Study Workouts, Daily Devotionals, and Weekly Zoom Calls.

For more content from Kelly Wenner, be sure to visit SoulStrength Fit, Kelly's YouTube Channel & SoulStrength Fit Kids, where you can find educational content for children and fitness and faith content for adults.