Josie

As my husband is a carpenter, I would say Jesus learned from watching his father to be patient, to not lose sight of the goal while focusing on the teeniest of detail, to problem solve, plan, and adapt his hand to the condition of the wood to bring about the perfect end result. And last, but not least, to appreciate God's perfect design. (What I mean by that is carpenters get to appreciate the quality of the wood, and enjoy it's perfect form. They can even make a knot in the wood look glorious, when others would probably cut out the knot and throw it away.)

Gabriel approached Mary and told her she "will" conceive, so that in its self isn't a "submission" on Mary's part. God said He's going to do something...and really...Mary didn't have a choice. Mary did, however, believe Gabriel. (She submitted her heart.) She did believe Gabriel when he said God was going to do this GREAT thing to her; she had great FAITH that God would make this come about and she "chose" to trust God, that he knew what was best for her, even though she may have been worried about her life. Mary is a example of "GREAT FAITH." Gabriel spoke for God and she beleived.) Even though she didn't have a choice to become pregnant...to be a single mom so to speak...she did acknowledge that she was God's handmaid, to be used by Him as He saw fit. She didn't have a choice to submit her body but she did have a choice to submit her heart.

God described clearly in the old testament when Jesus, our LORD and Savior, would arrive, how he'd be conceived, born, and die so we'd recognize Him. The bible says (In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God -- John 1:1)that Jesus is God's son...sinless. He is the holy sacrifice, so no other sacrifices will ever be needed. He is the bridge that leads man to God...because he was God made man.

According to the KJV: Zechariah said, "Whereby shall I know this?" which I believe means "Show me the facts so I can believe." As for Mary she states, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?" I believe Mary is saying "I am? Ok, but I know not a man; how exactly are you going to do it?"

He will be great, called the Son of the Most High, and will be given the throne of his father David where he will reign forever, and ever, and ever...His kingdom will have NO end (praise God) and His name will be "Jesus!"

Hello, I've never done an online study before but am hopeful I can do this. I'm from the Salem, Oregon area, and I'm taking this course to help me keep Christ first in my life while gearing up for Christmas. I'm remarried to a wonderful Christian man, have two full grown daughters and am an empty nester.