Words of Encouragement

There are many verses in the New Testament that are uplifting and can bring encouragement when we are struggling. The gospel gives a message of love, mercy, hope and peace. When we get bogged down with grief or worry, it can help to read these words.

"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

"Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows." (Luke 12:6-7)

"And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" (Matthew 6:28-30)

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." (John 10:27-28)

"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." (John 14:18)

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13)

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Romans 15:13)

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58)

"[He] comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." (2 Corinthians 1:4)

"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." (2 Corinthians 4:17)

"If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

Teachings of the Lord & His Servants

God knows us individually
The importance of faith
Humility
Obedience
Repentance
Baptism
Love God
Love each other
Parables
We are brothers and sisters
Serve others
Prayer
Anxiety
Enduring Persecution
Retrieving the Lost
Eternal Life
The Second Coming
How we are to treat children
Coming unto Him
Grace
Works
A higher law
God makes all things possible
Faithful giving
Divorce
Adultery
Avoid hypocrisy
Anger
Good things come from God
Dangers of wealth
Forgiving others
Judging others
Study
Beware of false teachers
Sacrifice
Tithes

People in the New Testament

Who were the authors of the New Testament, and when was each book written? Have you ever wondered that? Below is a list of the books, ordered by when they are believed to have been written. No one knows the exact dates, and scholars don't always agree, so the order is debatable, but these are some of the most specific dates I could find. It is close enough to give us an idea of which ones were written closest to the time Jesus lived. It is believed that the Lord was born ca. 6-4 BC, began preaching ca. 27-29 AD and died between 30-36 AD. I will also list, in parentheses, about how many years after his death each book might have been written.

Book	Author	Written	Main Content
James	James, brother of the Lord?	48-49 AD (12-19 yrs)	- Jews to live bold Christian life - practical advise - faith transforms us
Matthew	Matthew (Levi), disciple of Jesus	48-50 AD (12-20 yrs)	- genealogy of Joseph's family - Jesus' birth & childhood - ministry of Jesus - death and resurrection
Galations	Paul, prior to Jerusalem council	49 AD (13-19 yrs)	- problems with circumcision - Jews legalizing Gentile believers
1Thessalonians	Paul, to the church in Thessalonica	52-54 AD (16-24 yrs)	- strengthen believers - mentions 2nd coming - faith, hope, love
2Thessalonians	Paul, to the church in Thessalonica	52-54 AD (16-24 yrs)	- correct false teaching that 2nd   coming had already happened
1 Corinthians	Paul, to the church in Corinth	56 AD (20-26 yrs)	- cease immorality - divisions among Christians
2 Corinthians	Paul, to the church in Corinth	56 AD (20-26 yrs)	- depend Paul's apostleship - warn against false teachers
Romans	Paul, to the believers in Rome	56-57 AD (20-27 yrs)	- faith & trust in the Lord - spreading the gospel - salvation through Jesus
Luke	Luke, Paul's Greek physician	59-61 AD (23-31 yrs)	- Jesus' birth in detail - John the Baptist prepares the way - Jesus' baptism - ministry of Jesus - Judas betrays Him - death and resurrection
1 Peter	Peter, disciple of Jesus	60 AD (24-30 yrs)	- encouragement during persecution - be more holy
Acts	Luke, Paul's Greek physician	60-62 AD (24-32 yrs)	- Holy Ghost - spreading of the gospel - organizing the church - Jewish religion to Christianity
Ephesians	Paul, while in prison	60-62 AD (24-32 yrs)	- encourage believers - serve in unity and love
Colossians	Paul, while in prison	60-62 AD (24-32 yrs)	- response to false teachings - serve more fully
Philemon	Paul, while in prison	61 AD (25-31 yrs)	- forgiveness for runaway servant
Philippians	Paul, anticipating release from prison	62 AD (26-32 yrs)	- appreciation - encourage personal growth
1 Timothy	Paul, to young church leader (Timothy)	62 AD (26-32 yrs)	- encouragement - leadership guidelines
2 Peter	Peter, disciple of Jesus	63-64 AD (27-34 yrs)	- warns against false teachers
Mark	John Mark, companion of Paul & Peter	64 AD (28-34 yrs)	- Jesus is the Messiah, Son of God - John the Baptist - baptism of Jesus - calling of 12 disciples - his ministry & service - death and resurrection
Hebrews	Paul or Barnabas?	67 AD (31-37 yrs)	- dealing with persecution - keep the faith
2 Timothy	Paul, to Timothy	67 AD (31-37 yrs)	- give directions to Timothy - asks him to visit Paul once more
Titus	Paul, to Titus, a Greek believer	66 AD (30-36 yrs)	- leadership direction to Titus - encouragement - dealing with false teachers - our sinful nature
Jude	Jude, brother of Jesus & James	75 AD (39-45 yrs)	- warns against false teachings - truth of Jesus
John	John, disciple of Jesus	85-95 AD (49-65 yrs)	- eternal life through Jesus - John the Baptist - Jesus' ministry - Last Supper - death and resurrection
1 John	John, disciple of Jesus	85-95 AD (49-65 yrs)	- warns against false teachers - faith and love toward Jesus
2 John	John, disciple of Jesus	85-95 AD (49-65 yrs)	- abide in truth
3 John	John, disciple of Jesus	85-95 AD (49-65 yrs)	- praise for faithful service
Revelation	John, disciple of Jesus, prisoner	85-95 AD (49-65 yrs)	- encourage/hope to believers - watch for 2nd coming - final judgement for non-believers

Who were the original twelve disciples/apostles and where were they from? What was the occupations of each? Which ones of them were related or from the same region? Which ones were martyrs and how did they did?

Bethsaida	Peter - fisherman - crucified upside   down Andrew - fisherman - crucified (brothers)	James the Elder - fisherman - beheaded John - fisherman - natural causes (brothers)	Philip - fisherman - hung
Galilee	Bartholomew - of royal birth - flayed alive	James the Younger - unkown occupation - cut in pieces, then   crucified Jude - unknown occupation - shot with arrows (brothers)	Simon the Zealot - fisherman? - martyred	Thomas - unknown occupation - speared
Capernaum	Matthew - tax collector - martyred
Kerioth	Judas Iscariot - treasurer? - betrayed Jesus - suicide

Matthias replaced Judas Iscariot after he betrayed Jesus and hung himself. Prayer and casting lots resulted in him being chosen over Joseph/Barsabas.

Other Notable People:
•
•

Events in Chronological Order

6 BC
Lineage of the Messiah (Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-38)
The conception of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:18, Luke 1, John 1)
Joseph's reaction to Mary's pregnancy (Matthew 1:19-25)
The Roman Empire will be taxed by Caesar Augustus; Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-5)
The birth of Jesus Christ, visit from the shepherds (Luke 2:6-20)
Jesus is circumcised at 8 days old and officially given His name (Luke 2:21)
Mary's forty days of purification, according to the law of Moses (Luke 2:22)
Presentation of Jesus in Jerusalem, offering of a sacrifice, conversation with Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:22-38)

4 BC
The wise men visited Jesus as a young child in a house in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-12)
Joseph and Mary escape with Jesus into Egypt, infant boys killed in Bethlehem and area (Matthew 2:13-18)
Death of Herod, Joseph brings his family to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23)

6 AD
Jesus' childhood, teaches at the temple at age 12 (Luke 2:39-52)

14 AD
Death of Augustus Caesar
Tiberius becomes the emperor of Rome

26 AD
John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus (Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3, John 1)
Baptism of Jesus, begins his ministry (Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3)

27 AD
Jesus is tempted by the devil in the wilderness (Matthew 4, Mark 1, Luke 4)
Jesus started calling his disciples (Matthew 4, Mark 1, Luke 5)
Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding (John 2)
First cleansing of the temple (John 2)
Jesus teaches Nicodemus (John 3)
Jesus teaches a Samaritan women at the well (John 4)
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)

28 AD
Jesus explains how to pray (Luke 11)
Jesus in Galilee (Matthew 8, Mark 2, Luke 4)
Pool of Bethesda (John 5)
Jesus explains that he is Lord even of the Sabbath (Matthew 12, Mark 3, Luke 6)
Jesus speaks of John the Baptist's disciples (Matthew 11, Luke 7)
Parables (Matthew 13, Mark 4, Luke 8)
Jesus casts out a devil (Matthew 8, Mark 5, Luke 8)
Jesus heals a paralyzed person (Matthew 9)

29 AD
Jesus sends the 12 out to teach and heal (Matthew 10, Mark 6)
John the Baptist is beheaded, Jesus mourns and prays (Matthew 14, Mark 6)
Jesus miraculously feeds 5000 men (Matthew 14, Mark 6, Luke 9, John 6)
Jesus teaches what makes a person clean or unclean (Matthew 15, Mark 7)
Peter confesses Jesus as Lord (Matthew 16, Mark 8, Luke 9)
The Transfiguration (Matthew 17, Mark 9, Luke 9)
The least shall be great and the greatest shall be least (Matthew 18)
Jesus sends out 72 (Luke 10)
Jesus teaches at the feast of the tabernacles (John 7)
Jesus saves an adulterous woman from being stoned (John 8)
Jesus declares that he is the Son of God (John 9)
The sheep know the shepherd's voice (John 10)

30 AD
Parables (Luke 12-16)
Jesus heals the 10 lepers (Luke 17)
Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead (John 11)
Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem (Matthew 19-20, Mark 10, Luke 18)
Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19, John 12)
Second cleansing of the temple (Matthew 21)
Jesus curses a fig tree (Matthew 21)
Jesus is anointed by Mary (John 12)
Wrapping up His ministry there (Matthew 22-35, Mark 12-13, Luke 20-21)
Thursday before Passover (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, John 13)
Institutes the Lord's Prayer (Luke 22)
Jesus washes the disciples' feet (John 13)
Jesus offers comfort to his disciples (John 14)
Jesus is the True Vine (John 15)
Jesus promises the Comforter (John 16)
Intercessory prayers (John 17)
Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14)
Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus, arrest and crucifixion (Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 18-19)
Peter denies knowing Jesus (Matthew 26)
Jesus is resurrected three days after his death (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20-21)
Women visit the tomb (Matthew 28)
Jesus appears to his disciples (Mark 16)
Jesus ascends into heaven (John 20, Acts 1)
Matthias is chosen to replace Judas Iscariot by prayer and casting lots (Acts 1)
Pentecost and the Holy Ghost (Acts 2)
Peter heals and preaches (Acts 3)
Peter and John are arrested, but released (Acts 4)
Ananias and Sapphira die (Acts 5)
Apostles heal and preach in various places (Acts 5)

31 AD
Stephen is stoned (Acts 6-7)
Saul persecutes the church (Acts 8)
Philip is in Samaria (Acts 8)
Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8)
Philip and the Ethiopian (Acts 8)

34 AD
Saul is converted on the road to Damascus (Acts 9)

37 AD
Caligula becomes the emperor of Rome
Peter preaches to the Gentiles (Acts 10-11)

41 AD
Claudius becomes the emperor of Rome

42 AD
Antioch becomes the center for the Christian population
Barnabas is sent to Antioch (Acts 11)
Peter is rescued from prison by an angel (Acts 12)

43 AD
Theudas claims to be the Messiah, but is executed

44 AD
Herold Agrippa dies (Acts 12)

45 AD
James writes a letter (James)

48 AD
Paul's first missionary journey (Acts 13)
Paul and Barnabas are in Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe, then return to Antioch (Acts 13-14)
The council at Jerusalem (Acts 15)

49 AD
Paul's second missionary journey (Acts 15)
Paul is in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens (Acts 16-17)

51 AD
Paul is in Corinth, writes to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians)

52 AD
Paul writes to the Thessalonians (2 Thessalonians)

54 AD
Nero becomes the emperor of Rome
Paul is in Ephesus, writes to Corinthians and Galations (Acts 19, 1 Corinthians, Galations)

57 AD
Paul in Macedonia/Greece, writes to Romans/Corinthians (Acts 20, Romans, 2 Corinthians)

59 AD
Paul returns to Jerusalem (Acts 21-23)

60 AD
Paul is in prison in Caesarea (Acts 24)

61 AD
Paul is in prison in Rome

62 AD
Paul is released
Paul goes before Festus and Agrippa, then sails for Rome but shipwrecks at Malta (Acts 25-28)
Paul preaches in Rome, writes to Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon (Acts 28, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon)

63 AD
Paul writes to Timothy (1 Timothy)

64 AD
There is a great fire in Rome, for which the Christians are blamed
Paul is back in prison
Peter writes a letter (1 Peter)

66 AD
The Jews in Judea revolt against Rome
Paul writes to Titus (Titus)

67 AD
Paul writes to Timothy again (2 Timothy)
Peter writes a second letter (2 Peter)

67-68 AD
Death of Paul and Peter

68 AD
Letters to the Hebrews (Hebrews)
Jude writes a letter (Jude)

69 AD
Romans attack Jerusalem
Vespasian becomes the emperor of Rome

70 AD
Jerusalem and the temple are destroyed, Christians deported

73 AD
Many Jews commit suicide at Masada

79 AD
Titus becomes the emperor of Rome

80 or 90 AD
John writes a letter (1 John)

80 or 92 AD
John writes another letter (2 John)

80 or 94 AD
John writes a third letter (3 John)

89 or 95 AD
John writes the book of Revelation at Patmos (Revelation)

Conception of John the Baptist & Jesus Christ

LUKE 1 AND JOHN 1:1-14

Zacharias burning incense in the temple
and was visited by the angel, Gabriel
Photo source ➚

Zacharias was of the tribe of Levi, which allowed him to serve in the temple. Elisabeth was also of the same tribe. Zacharias was to take his turn serving twice per year for one week periods, and lots were cast to decide which duty he was to preform. According to the Matthew Henry Commentary of 1706 ➚, Zacharias might have only been chosen once during his lifetime to burn incense in the inner court of the temple, just outside of the Holy of Holies, making this a very special day for him. The scent ascending symbolized prayers ascending to heaven, which is very appropriate given that he had been praying for years to have a child. The crowds were gathered outside while he performed his duties because it was customary that, after offering incense, the priest would come out and bless the people.

Zacharias was loyal to Elisabeth,
though she was barren.
Photo source ➚

Zacharias and his wife were clearly very upright, obedient people, and full of integrity. Elisabeth was thought to be barren, and both were elderly by this time. Zacharias, and undoubtedly Elisabeth as well, had prayed for so long to have a child. Keep in mind that, at that time, her being barren would have legally allowed him to divorce her without question, yet Zacharias had remained with her through the years and they bore the sorrow and grief together, bound by a strong, enduring commitment to one another and to God. Finally baring a son, as Elisabeth put it, would take away her "reproach among men” (Luke 1:25). This, in itself, speaks of her loneliness or at least of her feelings of inadequacy among her peers. Surely, she had been looked down upon for most of her life, for a situation that was out of her control

When Zacharias was finally told that his wife would conceive, he could hardly believe it. His prayers had not gone unheard and were never forgotten in heaven, but they took nearly a lifetime to be answered. Yet he kept faithfully doing his duties and kept praying for a child. One can barely imagine the shock, but joy, they must have felt with the long awaited answer of their fervent prayers, and to know that their son would do such great things in preparing the people to receive the Lord.

This story really makes me reflect on us, in our day. We tend to think that our prayers should be answered right away, in exactly the way we want. If they aren’t, we often get discouraged, or think God is not listening. How impatient we are! And how selfish of us, to think that God needs to do exactly what we ask, when we ask it! God has His own timing, and His own purposes and plans for our lives. I want to be more like Zacharias and Elisabeth, dedicated and loyal, never giving up, patiently having faith that my prayers are being heard. He will answer in His own due time, in a way that is according to His will, not only mine. God is patient with us, and we should be patient with Him.

Elisabeth, as was customary, was in confinement for much of her pregnancy. In other words, she remained out of the public eye. Surely she and Zacharias had many special moments together during this time, their gratitude apparent, though he could not speak. Because it is only a few verses down that we read that his tongue was loosed, I tend to forget just how long he was silent. His condition lasted her entire pregnancy, as the punishment was not lifted until eight days after Elisabeth gave birth, when he wrote John's name on a tablet, the name the angel had commanded that he name his son.

Mary humbly accepted her roll of being the Savior's mother
Photo source ➚

Meanwhile, Mary learned that she would become pregnant as well, and that she would give birth to Jesus Christ. The same angel, Gabriel, visited both Zacharias and Mary. At first, Mary was troubled. Having an angelic messenger would be quite an experience. Besides that, she was a virgin espoused to Joseph. It didn't make sense to her how she could become pregnant without knowing a man. Gabriel explained to her that the Holy Ghost would fall upon her, and that "the power of the Highest" would "overshadow" her (Luke 1:35). She was also given the miraculous news that her cousin, Elisabeth, was six months pregnant, though she was old and thought to be barren. The explanation for this were the great words "For with God nothing shall be impossible." (Luke 1:37) Mary readily submitted herself to the service of God, stating "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." (Luke 1:38) What an honor, and how humbling, to have been chosen to be the mother of Jesus.

Mary visited her cousin, Elisabeth
Photo source ➚

Mary went quickly to visit her dear cousin. Obviously, these two women were very well acquainted and were fond of each other. As soon as Mary greeted Elisabeth, her baby leaped within her. Note that Elisabeth seemed to already know that Mary was going to bare Jesus. "Blessed art though among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Luke 1:42-43) Both women were filled with the Holy Ghost and spoke of great things to come, feeling blessed to be a part of it all. They recognized that Mary's son was going to save mankind and that John would prepare the way for Him. Both clearly knew of the prophecies, long spoken of. Both were submissive to the will of God. What a great sequence of events that bonded these two humble women to one another!

Zacharias agreed with Elisabeth that their son
was to be named John, and his tongue was loosed.
Photo source ➚

Zacharias knew that his son
would prepare the way for the Lord
Photo source ➚

Mary remained with Elisabeth and Zacharias for three months. I would assume that she remained there until the baby was delivered, at which time Elisabeth's neighbors rejoiced with her. One can only imagine the joy that they shared during time. I can’t help but think of what Zacharias experienced while unable to speak for so long… how much he must have reflected on his experience with the angel in the temple, how he must have thought about all that was to come.

Eight days after their son was born, Zacharias and Elisabeth took him before the priests to be circumcised and named. While Elisabeth insisted he be called John, the priests wished to name him after his father, since there was no one by the name of John in their family. Upon approaching Zacharias, he wrote the name of John on the tablet and his tongue was immediately loosed. Appropriately, the name John was derived from a Hebrew word that means "Jehovah is gracious".

Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost and prophesied that John would be counted as a prophet, and that he would teach a remission of sins through the mercy of God. He knew that his son would prepare the way for the Lord, who would bring peace and salvation. Those present also marveled, and recognized that John would do great things.

For me, the story of Elisabeth and Mary becoming pregnant speaks of faith and a willingness to do the will of God. It reminds me that our prayers are heard and remembered in heaven, and that God answers them in His own way and in His own timing. In fact He knows what we need, even before we ask. We just need to trust Him.


Who wrote about the conception of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ?

These very earliest events of the New Testament were recorded by both Luke and John. A very brief summary of information concerning these two men is included below:

Luke • From Antioch, Syria • Well-educated physician & painter • Paul’s contemporary & companion • Not an eyewitness of the Lord • Wrote Luke and Acts ca. AD 60-62    to convince Theophilus of Jesus

John • Knew Jerusalem and the surrounding area well • May have been the “disciple whom Jesus loved” • Became Mary’s guardian after Jesus died • Possibly the only eyewitness of the 4 gospel writers • Wrote John ca. 85-95 AD in Syria or Ephesus    to show that salvation comes through Jesus

It is interesting to remember that, since Luke indicated that he was not an actual eyewitness of Jesus Christ, it is strongly believed by many that he interviewed those who did know Him personally. He did this in order to make a clear, accurate record, with the intent of helping Theophilus to believe that what he had heard already was true. Such an interview with Mary, for example, would account for his writing in far greater detail of the conception of John and Jesus. His occupation would explain his inclusion of medical aspects of the story. Though he had not personally witnessed the life of Jesus Christ, Luke was obviously a very knowledgeable and spiritual man, inspired to write what he did.

By contrast, the book of John might have been written by "the disciple whom Jesus loved". If so, he was one who walked and talked with Him. In the earliest manuscripts of the book of John, the title "According to John" appeared, indicating that the book was named for the writer of it. In fact, he was one that Jesus was especially close to. This was noted by John referring, presumably, to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved (John 13:23) and making him the guardian of the Lord’s mother, Mary, at His death (John 19:25-27). It was also to him and Peter that Mary Magdalene fled when she discovered His tomb was empty, and it was him who reached it first thereafter. Luke’s account (Luke 24:12) makes it seem as though Peter ran to the tomb alone. The book of John is also the only one of the four gospels to mention any of the disciples actually being present when Jesus was crucified. Knowing that John was loved of the Savior helps give perspective when reading the book of John, if it was written by someone close to Him that knew Him well.

Both men had very valuable insights to offer. The following is a summary of the details surrounding the conception of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. Subjects mentioned in both accounts are italicized.

Luke 1 • Zacharias, of the line of Abia, was a priest. • His wife, Elisabeth, was a descendant of Aaron. • They were old and childless; she was barren. • They were righteous and blameless. • Zacharias had to burn incense in the temple. • The angel, Gabriel, appeared by the altar. • Told him not to fear, that his prayer was heard. • Elisabeth would bear a son and call him John. • Many would rejoice at his birth. • He would be filled with the Spirit from the womb. • John would prepare the people for the Lord. • Zacharias doubted his wife could get pregnant. • He’s struck dumb until John was born/named. • Elisabeth felt blessed to finally conceive. • Gabriel visited Mary, told her she’s bare a son. • She was troubled; Gabriel told her not to fear. • She questioned how, given that she was a virgin. • The Holy Ghost would come. • The Highest would overshadow her. • Her son, Jesus, would be the Son of God. • Mary humbly submitted to God’s will. • Gabriel told her Elisabeth had conceived. • All things are possible with God. • Though barren or virgin, both became pregnant. • Mary quickly went to visit her cousin, Elisabeth. • At her greeting, John leapt in Elisabeth’s womb. • Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost. • Both rejoiced that Mary would bare the Lord. • Mary lived with Elisabeth stayed for 3 months. • Elisabeth gave birth; her neighbors marveled. • At 8 days old, John was circumcised. • The men present named him Zacharias. • Elisabeth insisted his name be John. • They asked Zacharias what he wanted. • He asked for a tablet and wrote the name John. • Immediately Zacharias was no longer dumb. • Those round about knew John would be great. • Zacharias was filled with the Spirit. • Prophesied that his son would be a prophet. • John to teach remission of sins through mercy. • The child grew strong, was raised in the desert.

John 1:1-14 • John the Baptist sent by God to prepare the way. • He would bear witness, that all might believe. • The Lord’s own people didn’t accept Him. • Those who believed became the sons of God. • Jesus is the Word and the Light of the world. • All things were made by the Lord. • He is full of grace and truth