Breaking Down Barriers: Unity in Christ | Pastor Chris | 10am

 Breaking Down Barriers: Unity in Christ

Ephesians 3:1-13 (ESV)

1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you

Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was

given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have

written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of

Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has

now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that

the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise

in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was

given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the

saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of

Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for

ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom

of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly

places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ

Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through

our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which

is your glory.

Verses 1-3: Paul’s Imprisonment and Revelation

Verses 4-6: The Mystery of Christ (1)

Verses 7-9: Paul’s Ministry (2)

Verses 10-13: God’s Eternal Purpose (3)

Historical Context of 1st Century Ephesus

Ephesus: A major city in the Roman Empire, known for its diversity and the Temple of

Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Cultural and Social Barriers: Ephesus was a melting pot of cultures, religions, and

economic statuses, creating divisions among people.

Jews and Gentiles: The Jewish community often saw themselves as separate from

Gentiles, creating religious and social barriers.

The Mystery Revealed

• The mystery refers to God’s plan to include the Gentiles in His salvation through

Christ, breaking down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians

2:14-16).

• This revelation signifies God’s inclusive plan and the universality of the gospel.

Paul Proclaiming Unity in Christ

• Paul’s ministry emphasizes that in Christ, all barriers are broken down, and all

believers are one body.

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• The church now a unified body of believers, irrespective of ethnic or cultural

backgrounds.

We are to Embrace Unity in Diversity

• Actively seek to break down barriers within the church community, whether

they are racial, cultural, socio-economic, or denominational.

• Emphasize common identity in Christ over differences.

Galatians 3:28 ESV

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is

no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Jesus prayed for this:

John 17:20-23 ESV

20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me

through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in

me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may

believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I

have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in

them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the

world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

All for God’s Eternal Purpose and Glory

• The church is central to God’s plan to display His wisdom to the world and the

spiritual realm.

• Our unity and the breaking down of barriers within the church demonstrate God’s

manifold wisdom.

We are to proclaim the Inclusive Gospel

• Share the gospel with everyone, recognizing that it is meant for all people,

not just a select group.

Demonstrate God’s Wisdom Through Unity

John 13:35 (ESV)

"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Ephesians 4:13 (ESV):

"Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to

mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

Paul wrote this from prison… put there by the very people he preached to!

Be Encouraged by Paul’s Example…. Persevere

Orthodoxy to Orthopraxy | Pastor Chris Searcy | 10am

Orthodoxy to Orthopraxy

The primary issue of the Church of Ephesus

AD 60-62

Hebrews 2:13-14

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the

blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and

has destroyed the barrier… the dividing wall of hostility, 

Revelation 2 AD 95-96

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the

seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I know

your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate

wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and

have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my

name, and have not grown weary.

4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider

how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I

will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you have this in your

favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 Whoever has ears,

let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will

give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

orthodoxy: accepted theory, doctrine, or practice

orthopraxy: correct conduct

Things they did right:

1. Testing False Apostles

Revelation 2:2: "I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you

cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves

apostles and are not, and found them to be false."

Explanation: While this is a commendation, it also highlights an issue they faced with

false teachers and the need for vigilance against heresy. They were diligent in

identifying and rejecting false apostles, which was a significant challenge.

2. Enduring Hardships

Revelation 2:3: "I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake,

and you have not grown weary."

Explanation: They faced hardships and persecution for their faith, yet they persevered.

The challenge was to maintain their love and zeal amidst these trials.

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3. Dealing with Nicolaitan Practices

Revelation 2:6: "Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also

hate."

Explanation: The Nicolaitans were a heretical group whose practices were detestable.

The Ephesian church rightly rejected their works, but it also indicates the presence of

such harmful influences that they had to contend with.

Things they did wrong

1. Abandonment of First Love

Revelation 2:4: "But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had

at first."

Explanation: They lost their initial zeal and passion for Christ. Their love for Him and

for others had grown cold. They became mechanical in their practices.

Mechanical Worship: their worship became mechanical, lacking the heartfelt devotion

they initially had.

Internal Spiritual Decline: Despite their external deeds and perseverance, their

internal spiritual life was in decline

2. Need for Repentance

Revelation 2:5: "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the

works you did at first."

Explanation: The call to repentance indicates that their spiritual state had declined, and

they needed to return to their previous ways of living out their faith with fervor and

sincerity.

They maintained correct beliefs (orthodoxy) but struggled with living out those beliefs

in love and action (orthopraxy).

Here are ways that we together can allow our orthodoxy to become orthopraxy

Engage in Works Motivated by Love:

Ephesians 2:10: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good

works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in

them.”

Guard Against Spiritual Complacency and compromise:

Ephesians 5:14-16: "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will

shine on you. Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,

making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”

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Ephesians 5:3-4: "But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must

not even be named among you... Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor

crude joking."

Hold Fast to Doctrinal Purity:

Ephesians 4:14-15: "So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by

the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine... speaking the truth in

love."

Cultivate a Heart of Worship and Thanksgiving:

Ephesians 5:19-20: "Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual

songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks

always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus

Christ."

Ephesians 5:15-21 (ESV)

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,

16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and

making melody to the Lord with your heart,

20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord

Jesus Christ,

21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Embracing Unity in Christ | Pastor Chris Searcy | July 7th

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Embracing Unity in Christ

One in Christ (Eph 2:11–22)

Summarize:

Understanding God's Call of Salvation (Trey answering the call)

The Blessing of being chosen

Living with purpose

The free gift of salvation (Kyle)

Gods grace (Tre)

The first three chapters focus on what Christians should believe, unfolding the glorious riches

of God’s grace in Christ. Dead sinners are made alive and gain eternal salvation “by grace... through

faith” (2:8). The last three chapters explain the implications of God’s grace for the church, for

individuals, and for families.

Paul wrote this letter while in prison, probably in Rome about A.D. 60.

Eph 2:4-5, 10

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we

were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared

beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Today

Embracing Unity in Christ

Eph 2:12–22

12 (Gentiles) remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from

citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and

without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have

been brought near by the blood of Christ.

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed

the barrier… the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its

commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out

of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God

through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached

peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him

we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer

foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his

household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus

himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and

rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together

to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

The cost of Unity:

Eph 2:12

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12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and

foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.

For Jews they had to perform:

Circumcision: One of the primary requirements for a male gentile to join the Jewish community was

circumcision. This was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham and his descendants

(Genesis 17:10-14).

Observance of the Law: 613 commandments (mitzvot) Gentiles were required to adhere to the

laws and commandments given to the Israelites. This included observing the Sabbath, dietary laws,

and other aspects of the Torah (Exodus 12:48-49; Leviticus 17:8-9).

Proselyte Status: Gentiles could become proselytes (converts) and fully integrate into the Israelite

community. There were different types of proselytes, such as the "proselyte of righteousness," who

fully accepted Jewish laws and customs, and the "proselyte of the gate," who observed certain basic

laws without fully converting.

Joining the Community through Marriage: Some gentiles became part of the Jewish community

through marriage. For example, Rahab and Ruth, who were originally non-Israelites, married into the

Israelite community and are significant figures in the biblical narrative (Joshua 6:25; Ruth 1:16-17).

Living Among the Israelites: Gentiles who lived among the Israelites and participated in their

community life were often considered part of the broader covenant community. They were expected

to follow certain laws and customs (Exodus 12:19; Leviticus 24:22).

Participating in Religious Festivals: Gentiles who wished to join the Jewish faith were allowed to

participate in certain religious festivals, such as Passover, provided they were circumcised and

observed the necessary rituals (Exodus 12:48).

The purchaser:

Eph 2:13-16

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of

Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the

barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and

regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making

peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to

death their hostility. 

The enemy’s plan:

The enemy’s plan is to divide believers.

Matthew 13:44 (NIV):

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and

then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”

Revelation 5:9-10 (ESV):

And they sang a new song, saying,

"Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you

ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have

made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth."

UNITY NOTES:

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1. Unity in Christ

Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV):

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs

to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all

and through all and in all.

Galatians 3:28 (ESV):

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and

female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

2. Unity in Love

John 13:34-35 (ESV):

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you,

you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if

you have love for one another.

Colossians 3:14 (ESV):

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

3. Unity in Purpose and Mission

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV):

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father

and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have

commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Acts 2:42-47 (ESV):

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the

breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders

and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together

and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings

and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the

temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad

and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord

added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

4. Unity in the Body of Christ

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV):

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body,

though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized

into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one

Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many.

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Romans 12:4-5 (ESV):

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same

function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of

another.

5. Unity in the Spirit

Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV):I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a

manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and

gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity

of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

6. Unity in Humility and Service

Philippians 2:2-4 (ESV):Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same

love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit,

but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not

only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Practical Implications

1. Common Faith and Belief: Believers are united by their shared faith in Jesus

Christ and the core doctrines of Christianity.

2. Mutual Love and Support: Unity is expressed through genuine love, care, and

support for one another, reflecting the love of Christ.

3. Collective Worship and Fellowship: Regular gathering for worship, prayer,

teaching, and communion fosters unity.

4. Shared Mission and Purpose: Working together to fulfill the Great Commission

and to serve others in Jesus' name promotes unity.

5. Diverse yet Unified: Recognizing and valuing the diversity of gifts, backgrounds,

and roles within the body of Christ while maintaining a united front.

6. Peace and Reconciliation: Pursuing peace, resolving conflicts, and fostering

reconciliation within the community.

But For Grace | Pastor Tre | 6.30.24

But for Grace

 

Ephesians 2:1-10 

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; ² Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:³ Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,⁵ Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)⁶ And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:⁷ That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.⁸ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast.¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

What is Grace?

Exodus 34:6 

And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

·      gracious: /khen/ (adj.) delightful, favorable. The giving of favor that is not deserved

John 1:14-17 

¹⁴ And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.¹⁵ John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.¹⁶ And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.¹⁷ For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

 

·      grace: /charis/ (n.) gift [gracious gift]. A favorable gift that is not deserved

What does Grace do?

·      It helps us

Hebrews 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

·      It offers salvation to all

Titus 2:11-12

  ¹¹ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,¹² Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

 

·      It transforms us

1 Timothy 1:12-14 

¹² And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;¹³ Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.¹⁴ And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

 

 

What does Grace not do?

·      It does not make us exempt from temptation

Matthew 4:1 

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

Hebrew 4:15  

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin

 

How do we obtain Grace?

·      Know it is yours

2 Timothy 1:8-10 

⁸ Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;⁹ Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,¹⁰ But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel

 

Receive the Word

James 1:21 

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls

 

What do I do with Grace?

·      God always expects multiplication (production)

Genesis 1:28

 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth

Matthew 20:3 

And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace

Matthew 21:43 T

herefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof

·      Get to know HIM

2 Peter 1:2 

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord

·      Get to WORK

1 Corinthians 15:9-10

  ⁹ For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.¹⁰ But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

 

By Grace Through Faith | Bishop Kyle Searcy | 10am

By Grace Through Faith

Eph 2:1-10

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2  in which you once walked

according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit

who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3  among whom also we all once conducted

ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by

nature children of wrath, just as the others. 4  But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great

love with which He loved us, 5  even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together

with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6  and raised us up together, and made us sit

together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7  that in the ages to come He might show the

exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8  For by grace you have

been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9  not of works, lest

anyone should boast. 10  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,

which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

I. THE CONTRAST

Eph 2:1-3

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2  in which you once

walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of

the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3  among whom also we

all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the

flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

Two distinctions

- Alive - Dead

- Course of this World - Course of Kingdom of God

- Prince of the power of the Air – Prince of Peace

- Spirit that works in sons of disobedience – Spirit of Christ in us

- Conduct themselves according to the flesh – Walk in the spirit not fulfil the lust

of the flesh (Gal 5:16)

- By Nature children of wrath – by Nature children of God

Salvation is not just a Band-Aid it’s a total makeover!

II. THE CONNECTION

Eph 2:4

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,

5  even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by

grace you have been saved)

SALVATION IS ABOUT THE CONNECTION!!!

III. THE CONDITION

Eph 2:5-9

Even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by

grace you have been saved), 6  and raised us up together, and made us sit together in

the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7  that in the ages to come He might show the

exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8  For by grace

you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

9  not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Eph 1:19-21

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according

to the working of his mighty power, 20  Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised

him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21  Far

above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is

named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

IV. THE CALL

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God

prepared beforehand that we should walk in them

1. Tell it

2. Live it

3. Fulfil it

“Dads… You Matter!” Pt2 | Pastor Chris Searcy | 10am

 “Dads… You Matter!” Pt2

Fathers Day 2024

Dads you matter…….. No matter the circumstances

Mercy

Matthew 1:19

19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.

Leviticus 20:10 ‘the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife … the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death’

Deuteronomy 22:22 if a man be found lying with a woman married to a husband, then both of them shall die’.

Boldness

Matthew 1:20

20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 

Matthew 1:24

24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife,

Matthew 1:25

25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Protection

Matthew 2:13-15 The Flight to Egypt

13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 

14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

Matthew 2

19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead.” 21 And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.

22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. 23 And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.

Spiritual leadership

Luke 2

21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

He was circumcised 

22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”

He attended the purification sacrifice ceremony

The Boy Jesus in the Temple

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem.

They went to the feast of the passover

Matthew 13:55 (ESV): "Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?”

Mark 6:3 (ESV): "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary

Joseph showed:

Mercy 

Boldness

Sacrifice

Protection

Leadership

Provision

Despite the fact that he was in the most difficult situation imaginable!

And if he can do it by the grace of God….. you can too!

And if you do that…….

Fatherless Children Statistics:

#1. Children are 85% less likely to be incarcerated. (Texas Department of Corrections)

#4. Children are two times more likely to finish school.

#13. 75% less likely to end ups in a substance abuse center. (U.S. Department of Justice)

#15. 90% less likely to be homeless or run away. (U.S. Department of Justice)

#28. Children are 279% less likely to deal drugs or carry firearms for offensive purposes (Allen and Lo)

https://lifeisbeautiful.org/statistics-on-fatherless-homes/