In this episode of Fortified Follower, we explore the powerful prophecies fulfilled through the birth of Jesus and the earliest moments of His life, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew and cross referenced throughout Scripture. Together, we trace how God’s ancient promises, spoken through prophets centuries before, find their fulfillment in the arrival of Christ.

Beginning with the fulfillment of the virgin birth (Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:22–37), we then journey to Bethlehem, to unfold the prophesy of a ruler coming from Bethlehem (Matthew 2:6; Micah 5:2; Luke 2:1–7). We follow the story to Egypt where Jesus is called out of Egypt as God’s Son, while also taking a look at the foreshadowing that took place with Israel in Exodus (Matthew 2:15; Hosea 11:1; Exodus 4:22; Matthew 2:13–15, 19–21), to then see how Jesus arrives at Nazareth (Matthew 2:23; Isaiah 11:1).

We also highlight God’s covenant with David - that he would have offspring on the throne forever (Luke 1:32; 2 Samuel 7:4–5, 12; Psalm 89:3–4; 132:11–12; Jeremiah 33:17; Luke 1:69).

The fulfilled prophecies remind us that Jesus is truly the promised Savior, that God is sovereign and intentional in all things and that He had a plan to reconcile us back to Him all along. Jesus was born to take away our sins and the sins of the world. He is the joy of our salvation, our hope for eternity, and the testament that God always keeps His promises.

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, let us always remember that His life reminds us of the greatest gift of all time, the gift of salvation that we receive when we accept Him.

Praying you have a blessed Christmas and soak in the presence of the Savior.

Thank you for being here! Let's become more fortified together!

Instagram: @fortifiedfollower

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Email: fortifiedfollower@gmail.com

New episode released every other Wednesday!

In this episode of Fortified Follower, we explore the role insecurities play in keeping us from stepping into the assignments God calls us to. Focusing on a portion of Moses’ story in Exodus, we discuss how he questioned his abilities and allowed his insecurities to shape his reluctant response to God’s call. We also examine God’s patient and purposeful replies, and reflect on the ways we, like Moses, sometimes wrestle with insecurities as we consider our own responses to the Lord’s leading.

Thank you for being here! Let's become more fortified together!

Instagram: @fortifiedfollower

YouTube: Fortified Follower

Email: fortifiedfollower@gmail.com

New episode released every other Wednesday!

In this episode of Fortified Follower, we discuss why and how to release control to God, our loving Father. He knows best and it is freeing when we give Him control. We must trust Him and have a personal, strong and healthy relationship with Him to release control and fully surrender to Him. He is a loving God who desires the best for us.

Thank you for being here! Let's become more fortified together!

Instagram: @fortifiedfollower

YouTube: Fortified Follower

Email: fortifiedfollower@gmail.com

New episode released every other Wednesday!