November 24, 2017 Show with Marcus A. McKnight III, Esq. on “Joseph: The Quiet Hero of Christmas”

Live from the historic parsonage of 19th century gospel minister George Norcross in downtown

Carlisle, Pennsylvania it's iron sharpens iron a radio

platform on which pastors Christian scholars and theologians Address the burning issues

facing the church and the world today.

Proverbs 27 verse 17 tells us Iron sharpens iron so one

man sharpens another.

Matthew Henry said that in this passage quote.

We are cautioned to take heed whom we converse with and directed to have in view in

conversation To make one another wiser and better.

It is our hope that this goal will be accomplished over the next hour.

And we hope to hear from you the listener with your own questions.

Now here's our host Chris.

Good afternoon, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania Lake City, Florida and the rest of humanity living on the planet

Earth who are listening via live streaming at iron sharpens iron radio .com.

This is Chris Arden your host of iron sharpens iron radio wishing you all a happy Friday on this day after

Thanksgiving Friday November 24th 2017 and

I'm delighted to have back on the program one of my Closest friends here in

Carlisle, Pennsylvania that I've come to know by the grace of God Marcus

a McKnight the third attorney at law who's also more commonly known as Mike McKnight and

He is a majority shareholder of the Carlisle, Pennsylvania law firm of

Irwin and McKnight PC.

He is a recipient of the undergraduate degree in 1974 from Drew

University of Madison, New Jersey cum laude with specialized honors in economics

and Juris Doctor in 1977 from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

He's a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the Cumberland County Bar Association active member in the

Carlisle Rotary Club past president of both the Cumberland County Bar Association and

the Carlisle Rotary Club Club and Member of the West Shore Evangelical Free Church in

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

He's also a function speaker for CB MC which stands for

Christian businessmen's connection and today we are going to be addressing the theme Joseph

the quiet hero of Christmas.

Which also happens to be the theme of a special event where Marcus will be speaking God willing on

Friday December 8th from 11 30 a .m. To 1 p .m At the

comfort suites of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and we'll tell you more about that in a little bit.

But it's my honor and privilege to welcome you back to our interpreters on radio Marcus a McKnight the third

it's great to be here.

And before we even go into our discussion today. I wanted to Whet the

appetite of our listeners for this topic Joseph the quiet hero of Christmas by playing

a song That has become one of my very favorite Christmas songs

Called Joseph's song.

It's a Michael Card song and Very rarely.

Do you ever hear?

Songs sung about Joseph, but this happens to be a rare exception.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do and this is Joseph's song by Michael Card.

Joseph's song by Michael Card and as I said, I hope that blessed you as much as it blessed me.

And helped set the mood for the Christmas season for you after we just enjoyed Thanksgiving

yesterday.

I hope your Thanksgiving Gathering was a blessing to you.

And I especially hope that the Lord gave peace comfort and joy to those who are

mourning the loss of loved ones who Saw empty chairs or an empty chair that was

usually filled during the solid a season by someone precious to you as I have also Experienced

the same kind of loss and the holidays are never the same when that happens but the Lord

in his mercy and grace does give us peace if we look to him and enables us to

have victory over any kind of sadness and depression that we may experience and I Hope

that was the case with you as well.

But as I said for those of you who just Tune us in my guest today is Marcus a McKnight the

third attorney at law.

He's more commonly known around here as Mike McKnight.

He's actually a former elder at the church where I am a member Grace Baptist Church of Carlisle, Pennsylvania but he

is currently a member of the West Shore Evangelical Free Church in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania and

a function speaker for CBMC Christian Businessmen's Connection and

Marcus how did you come up with this idea to speak on Joseph the quiet hero of Christmas at your

upcoming?

CBMC event on December 8th here in Carlisle.

Well over time I've really come to appreciate Joseph in the incredible

responsibility that he assumed After finding out that his betrothed

was the chosen one the one who would Bear the Redeemer of all men who put their faith in

him Jesus Christ, and so.

And I think this This is something that bears at least some discussion in

this holiday season as many people concentrate on the wonderful woman that Mary was and the gift

that she was given by the Lord in Bearing Jesus Christ, but Joseph had the

responsibility of protecting all of them and making decisions that were based upon

Very sound judgment that came a course from his faith in God.

Yes, well.

Obviously, as you know, the scriptures speak very little of Joseph.

In fact, we don't even really know when He passed away.

We see that Mary Was not with Joseph at the foot of the cross.

So we assume that he went home to be with God Prior to that, but we do know some

pretty remarkable things about him in that he was such a compassionate man.

That when he learned Mary was with child before he it really sunk

in and he really by God's grace realized that this was a

virgin conception of the Holy Spirit.

He assumed that she was unfaithful to him while they were engaged.

He assumed that she was impregnated out of wedlock and he instead of having her hold off to

some Jewish court Where she likely would have been stoned to death He

wanted to quietly put her away.

If you want to touch on that for a bit.

Sure.

The scripture reference, of course is from Matthew, which is really written.

The Birth of Christ is really written from Matthew's perspective and in in verse

18 we find these words.

Now the birth of Christ took place in this way.

When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph before they came

together she was found to be with a child from the Holy Spirit and her husband Joseph being a

Just man and willing to put her to shame resolved to divorce her quietly.

Now we see from this that Joseph was a descendant of David.

He was also a man who I think and this is where I'm gonna at least add to.

My.

Perception of Joseph.

I don't think he was a man who didn't Love God before

these events happened.

I think he had been praying for Just the right woman and he had fixed his mind upon Mary.

And then he was betrothed to Mary betrothed in those in that culture meant he had paid a considerable sum of

money to her father.

So that in a sense he was being reimbursed for raising her to womanhood or at

least to the age She was.

It's generally perceived that Joseph was older that he had established a profession Sound enough

so that he could afford the betrothal price.

And so and once that betrothal price is paid Joseph could not

ask for it back.

And he then basically when he found out that she was with a child

Perplexed because I do believe he had been praying to the Lord about this marriage.

Decided to quietly deal with her not embarrass her not not ruin her family's reputation.

But take care of this in a way in which her He would show the most compassion that

he could possibly show and that shows the kind of man he was.

He was a just man.

I'm willing to put her to shame.

That's a sort of compassionate man.

That he was and so the question I have for our audience to consider at least is How

was it that Joseph was selected by God to be the earthly father of Jesus?

What sort of process do you think he went through to find just this man

who would react in just this way when he received the news that his betrothed

who he had paid considerable money for and worked hard for.

Was with child now that one of the things that might jump out at people

Is the term divorce because they were not yet married.

So obviously there in that culture in that day the Jewish culture to be engaged

Was quite different than the engagements that we have in our modern day.

In fact, probably for centuries in the Western world

the engagement of a man to a woman was most likely quite different than what

Joseph experienced with Mary.

Because like for instance as you will know an American culture or Western culture most

of our listeners would know that if a man was engaged to a woman he could

call off that engagement even the day of the wedding if something scandalous

came to his knowledge or Or vice versa the the woman could do the same

and this has happened.

I even know a couple of people where this has happened sadly.

But.

As long as those In the community or in the family.

Know the reasoning behind the person calling off the wedding if it's a legitimate reason.

There is not much of a monumental Cataclysmic

occurrence by doing so.

There's certainly no legal.

Or ramifications, but and it was quite different obviously with the situation in

amongst Jewish people in.

The first century or prior to the first century and the betrothal was more of a contract money and

exchanged hands and so both Parties Mary and Joseph

felt obligated to one another as did their respective families.

But I'm amazed to see how it was that Joseph then received the word

If we follow on that passage in verse 20.

But as he considered these things behold an angel 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 herds from the Holy Spirit.

She will bear a son and you shall call his name Jesus for he will save his people from their sins.

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord has spoken through the Prophet and that was Isaiah and then Isaiah is quoted and

That's from Isaiah chapter 7 verse 14.

Isn't it amazing that.

And that's why I firmly believe that Joseph had a strong relationship

with God well before this came to him and not only I think was he praying for the proper wife

but he was also praying for the Messiah as Many were in that in that age in that

land.

They were praying for they were occupied by a foreign power.

The Romans and many people were looking forward to the Messiah and so when the word comes to

Joseph We've been praying for this thing in my opinion He'd been praying for the promised

one when God said Your betrothed has become pregnant with the

promised one.

The implication was now Joseph that what you've been praying for has come to pass and you're going to be the earthly

father of this child.

And.

Joseph Just like a carpenter did not shy away from the project that was presented to him.

And his heart he said, well, how can I say?

No, I've been praying for this very thing.

I've been hoping for this thing and this this child

With God's help is going to be the one who saves people from their sins.

And that's a remarkable thing that was presented to him and he accepted that privilege.

And.

The do you think I mean obviously there's some speculation that has to occur because I said

already there is little said about Joseph in the New Testament.

In fact is little said about Mary.

But It must have been mind -boggling to him even though he

realized that this was truly from God because an angel Revealed these truths to

him.

Do you think it really sunk in what was?

His responsibility that he was.

Do you think he actually realized that he was going to be raising the God -man?

I.

Do think he did now.

He did have a little bit of time during Mary's pregnancy, of course to

To contemplate all this but but they were married they were and it goes on to say in

verse 24 when Joseph awoke from his sleep.

He's dead as the angel the Lord commanded him.

He took his wife But he didn't know her in a sexual way until she had given birth to a son

and he called his name Jesus God summarizes Just as he

Does in many areas of Scripture exactly what had happened without giving us a lot of detail?

But you have to understand that Joseph was an older mature man.

He was a carpenter in one sense.

It's amazing that that God didn't place his child in a home of a Sadducee or a Pharisee.

But instead he chose this solid man, and I believe as we go through this discussion

We'll see why he did that and why it was so important that Jesus was raised

in the home of a carpenter and not in some other more

Home which he was more visible or people would be more Pointed to him.

So it's important that we understand God chose Joseph and it wasn't a

random choice.

It was a choice based on the fact that just as every man is

Under the scrutiny of the Lord all the time and we see that of course from a further passage in Matthew

Matthew 10 verse 32 where it says that every man who talks about His

faith in Christ is known in heaven.

So every man who denies Christ will be known in heaven the Lord monitors Everybody

all the time About our thoughts our deeds.

There are no secret sins.

They had monitored Jesus.

God had monitored Jesus.

In fact knew his Countenance from the day he was born and before that and

he had chosen him as being the place Be man who would take care of his son raise him to

manhood and would take care of Mary and provide for just the sort of

circumstances that.

Joseph was faced with yes, and you misspoke very briefly.

You said Jesus, but you meant Joseph doesn't write it.

Sorry.

That's okay.

I do that all the time.

And.

One thing I want to kind of get out of the way of.

I was raised Roman Catholic and I have arranged many debates between

Evangelical Protestants and Roman Catholic apologists.

One of the primary Dogmas of the Church of Rome is that Mary when

she conceived? Was a virgin.

That is something that we who are Protestants wholeheartedly agree with our Catholic friends.

Over.

That the the conception of Christ was a Virgin conception by the work

of the Holy Spirit where we part company however is something that you hinted at or actually read

From the scriptures themselves in regard to the fact that Joseph didn't

know Mary until After the birth of Jesus we as Protestants

believe that In not only because of their own desires

that they could lawfully and rightfully Enjoy one another in a conjugal way

as husband and wife It's a duty of a spouse one spouse to another to

engage in that sexual union and in fact you would be in sin if you were depriving

one one spouse was depriving the other of this kind of

Behavior this is this gift if as you will but the Roman Catholics

You know, they have this very firm belief.

That is a dogma that That Mary until she ascended or was

assumed I should say into heaven which is another dogma of Rome that that

Protestants don't agree on but They believe that she remained for the rest of her life a virgin and

that Joseph Never enjoyed a true marital bond

With her that they never did become one flesh, but this is something that's totally foreign to the scriptures, isn't it?

It is and often you see during his ministry or at least several occasions. Mary came with her

other children To ask Jesus or to have an audience with Jesus.

And it's repeated several times in Scripture.

So and one of the other things economically if you look at Joseph

he had to as a carpenter Make a living for Mary and

and take care of her in a responsible way and as I Think the Lord blessed

them them with their own children.

And as the male children became older Jesus other

brothers became older they took over the job so that at age 30 30 approximately

Jesus could then become He he could launch its own ministry For his heavenly

father.

Because prior to that as the oldest child in the family, he had been maintaining Mary after Joseph's death and we don't know

when that happened, but but Jesus did his duty as the trade of carpenter until he

became the evangelist in his own as

his heavenly father had planned.

We have a listener.

In Eastern Suffolk County.

Let's see here.

Ronald in Eastern Suffolk County Says have you heard that?

Joseph may have been a brick mason or a worker of stone rather than a carpenter.

I Know I heard that once on an archaeological documentary a Christian archaeologist made that claim.

I don't know if you have ever heard that.

Well.

I happened to in high school and then through my college career work as first a

mason tender and Then a carpenters helper and I can tell you that both jobs.

Are.

Significant jobs and they whether you're a mason or a carpenter it requires

dedication hard work and expertise and problem -solving and

I think that's the kind of father that Our heavenly father chose to raise.

His earth is earthly.

To be the earthly father of Jesus.

Well, thank you very much Ronald and I hope that You keep spreading the word about iron

sharpens iron radio in Eastern Suffolk County and beyond.

Well, we're gonna be going to our first station break right now.

If anybody else would like to join us on the air with a question of your own Our email address is Chris Arnzen at gmail

.com.

Chris Ar n z n at gmail .com.

Please give us at least your first name your city and state in your country of residence if you live outside

the USA.

And please only remain anonymous if you're asking about a personal and private

Matter, that's Chris Arnzen at gmail .com.

Don't go away.

We'll be right back with Mike McKnight and more of our discussion on Joseph the quiet hero of

Christmas.

Have you been blessed by iron sharpens iron radio.

We remain on the air because of our faithful sponsors and because of listeners like you.

There are four ways you can help.

First do you know potential sponsors who may wish to advertise their goods or services on iron

sharpens iron radio?

Second whenever possible purchase the products or use the services that our sponsors advertise and

Then let them know that you heard about them on iron sharpens iron radio.

Thirdly you can also donate to iron sharpens iron radio by going to our website at iron sharpens iron

radio Calm and click support at the top of the page.

But most importantly keep iron sharpens iron radio in your prayers.

We hope that iron sharpens iron radio blesses you for many years to come.

Hi, I'm Chris Arnzen host of iron sharpens.

Iron radio.

Here to tell you about an exciting offer from world magazine My trusted source for news from a Christian

perspective.

Try world at no charge for 90 days and get a free copy of r .c. Sproul's book

relationship between church and state.

I Rely on world because I trust the reporting.

I gain insight from the analysis and world provides Clarity to the news stories that really matter.

I believe you'll also find world to be an invaluable resource to better understand critical topics with a depth That's

simply not found in other media outlets armed with this coverage.

World can help you to be a voice of wisdom in your family And your community.

This trial includes bi -weekly issues of world magazine on scene reporting from world radio

And the fully shareable content of world digital.

Simply visit Wmg .org Forward slash iron sharpens

to get your world trial and dr. Sproul's book all free no obligation with no credit

card required.

Visit world news group at Wmg .org forward

slash iron sharpens today.

Every day at thousands of community centers high schools middle schools juvenile institutions

Coffee shops and local hangouts Long Island youth for Christ staff and volunteers meet with young

people who need Jesus.

We are rural and urban and we are always about the message of Jesus.

Our mission is to have a noticeable spiritual impact on Long Island, New York by engaging young people in the

lifelong journey of following Christ.

Long Island youth for Christ has been a stalwart bedrock ministry since 1959.

We have a world -class staff and a proven track record of bringing consistent Love and encouragement

to youths in need all over the country and around the world.

Help honor our history by becoming a part of our future Volunteer donate pray or all

of the above.

For details call Long Island youth for Christ at 6 3 1 3 8 5 8 3

3 3 3 that's 6 3 1 3 8 5 8 3 3 3 or

visit liy fc Dot -org, that's li y

fc dot -org.

Iron sharpens iron welcomes solid rock remodeling to our family of sponsors serving South

Central, Pennsylvania.

Solid rock remodeling is focused on discovering Understanding and exceeding your

expectations.

They deliver personalized project solutions with exceptional results.

Solid rock remodeling offers a full range of home renovations including kitchen and bath

remodeling decks porches windows and doors Roof and siding and

more for a clear detailed professional estimate.

Call this trustworthy team of problem solvers who provide superior results that stand to

the test of time.

Call solid rock remodeling at 7 1 7 6 9 7 1981

7 1 7 6 9 7 1981 or visit solid rock

remodeling.

Calm that solid rock remodeling.

Calm solid rock remodeling bringing new life to your home.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon once said Give yourself unto reading.

The man who never reads will never be read.

He who never quotes will never be quoted.

He will not use the thoughts of other men's brains proves.

He has no brains of his own you need to read.

Solid ground Christian books is a publisher and book distributor who takes these words of the Prince of Preachers to heart.

The mission of solid ground Christian books is to bring back treasures of the past to minister to Christians in the present and

future and To publish new titles that address burning issues in the church and the world.

Since its beginning in 2001 solid ground has been committed to publish God -centered Christ exalting

books for all ages.

We invite you to go treasure hunting at solid ground books .com That's solid

dash ground dash books .com and see what priceless literary gems from the past or present

You can unearth from solid ground.

Solid ground Christian books is honored to be a weekly sponsor of iron sharpens iron radio.

And please don't forget to have solid ground Christian books as your primary

source of Gift buying for the Christmas season coming up.

What better way to spend your money on Christmas gifts than to buy things that will have

eternal significance.

Perhaps even things that will be used of God to bring the lost souls in your

your household or those that you know and love to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

And Solid ground Christian books as I have said before Is experiencing a

lull in sales lately that I'm hoping is picking up since we've been telling you that for a

Couple of weeks and I would really appreciate to hear some good news from Mike Adosh the

founder of solid ground Christian books in regard to a reversal in that situation.

Because keep in mind solid ground Christian books spends hard -earned money keeping iron sharpens iron

radio on the air and As one of our advertisers, so if you enable

solid ground Christian books to To remain in business, you're gonna help iron sharpens iron radio remain on the

air Since they are one of our faithful sponsors.

So, please keep solid dash ground dash books calm in mind for the Christmas season.

That's solid dash ground Dash books calm and we are back now with our guest

Marcus a McKnight the third attorney at law Also known as Mike McKnight and

we are discussing The theme Joseph the quiet hero of Christmas.

Before we return to that the topic Mike I'd like you to Give our listeners

a brief description of your law firm and the kinds of cases that you handle on that sort of thing.

Well, we're a full practice or a multi practice.

A firm that does a number of problem -solving things from family law to

personal injury automobile cases.

I'm also solicitor some townships in the borough of Newville.

And.

We work hard to try and help people solve solve problems.

We do a lot of estate planning.

We handle a lot of estates and I also am a title insurance agent and handle real estate matters.

We don't do however bankruptcy.

Although we help people try to manage their finances if they're in financial trouble.

We don't do bankruptcy.

Well, we will.

Before the end of the program make sure you have all the contact information that you need to contact Mike

Mike McKnight's law firm.

Sorry for getting tongue -tied there.

And the upcoming event that you are involved in on Friday December

8th at The comfort suites in downtown Carlisle is an event

sponsored or orchestrated by.

CBMC.

The Christian businessmen's connection.

If you could tell us something about this organization because I know that you speak fairly regularly for this group.

Well, the object of the group is to get the gospel of Jesus Christ out into the business community

often there are people who are hard -pressed with the world and Business matters and we

find that they need the gospel just like everyone else and

To break through and to get them to focus and reorient their lives towards Christ

Benefits not only themselves but their families and their firms and so as

as a person in the community I work with these people solving problems and doing other things but

Often one of the weakest areas of their lives.

It's their spiritual interest in the ghost gospel of Jesus Christ, and so my goal

is to through various personal exchanges and we meet on a weekly basis

to pray for people on our particular lists who were concerned about and occasionally we do

what are called outreaches meaning we talk about a topic which may have been of some interest and

try and indicate to the to people from all walks of life that

Christ is essential in our well -being both for now and for eternity

and to end this life without knowing Christ is a personal tragedy so

we need to be as clear as we can and as diligent as we can in making this known and of

course the local church is essential to the feeding of a Christian and

Proclaiming the Word of Christ and I've been privileged to be with churches to do that from when I was a

young Christian at 16 and now as I'm an older Christian at age 65 so.

Well anybody who wants to find out more information specifically about the Central, Pennsylvania

CBMC you can visit their website, which is central PA dot

CBMC .com.

That's central PA obviously for Pennsylvania dot CBMC

.com and if you're interested in registering for this event of CBMC where

Marcus a McKnight the third will be speaking on Friday December 8th 2017

from 1130 a .m. To 1 p .m. At the comfort suites in downtown Carlisle.

You can call 7 1 7 3 9 5 50 8 54 7 1 7 3

9 5 50 8 54.

Obviously Marcus is not going to be speaking for that entire time.

It's been 1130 a .m. And 1 p .m. That's just the length of time.

Where the the luncheon will be held?

And.

The how long do you expect the actual message that you're giving to be?

It's about half hour something like that.

We do serve a nice luncheon and have some fellowship before and after but anybody who

mentions the fact that when they register or when they come to Something

come to the event itself if they mentioned this program aren't sharpens arm iron radio.

Will make sure that their cost their meal is covered.

Oh, really?

Oh, that's great to know.

Mm -hmm.

And.

We as I said, we'll repeat that and the they will give you the contact information for Marcus's

or Mike's law firm as well towards the end of the program.

Well now we're returning to our discussion of Joseph the quiet hero of Christmas.

And I'd like you to continue the train of thought you had before we go to some ways.

The specific ways that Joseph Was obedient to God in

his being an earthly Parent not a biological but an earthly

parent to Jesus the God -man.

The most I'm sure the most challenging task and the history of

parenthood.

But.

If you could just pick up where you left off and give us some more insights that you have from this.

These biblical accounts of Joseph or we're gonna switch to the Gospel of Luke, which is basically written from

Mary's perspective, but I'd like the listeners to put their

Themselves in Joseph's place.

All right, you're now betrothed.

Your wife is pregnant.

Where are you gonna live?

Where are you gonna set up shop?

Where does the Lord want you to be and part of that decision was made for him?

Because the Romans were in charge of the territory and they required that everyone be registered for a

census and we find in Luke chapter 2 and Joseph went up from Galilee from the town of

Nazareth to Judea in the city of David which is called Bethlehem because he was

of the house and lineage of David to be registered with Mary his betrothed who was with the child and

While they were there time came for her to give birth and she gave birth to her firstborn son

and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in the manger because there was no place for them in the end a

Couple things about this account.

First of all, we know that they had to go up to Bethlehem and when they arrived of

all those of the lineage of David Joseph was not treated as Some

sort of important person.

In fact, he was treated as the least of the line of David because even though his wife was with a child

he was given the stables in which to Reside for a while and in which she would give birth.

So it was obvious that in the town of Bethlehem Joseph was not considered the most

important of the lineage of David, but actually the least important and It's

interesting that the in the Scriptures it says in verse 7 and she gave

birth to her firstborn son.

Well, that means there were other sons so the question about the fact that

That she was a virgin till her death Was at least addressed in that verse

in that verse alone.

But we know from other passages that there were other children in fact it talks about both sons and

daughters that Joseph and Mary were blessed with who then of course Jesus had

interaction with and.

Then.

So if you put yourself in in Joseph's place he might have been a bit disappointed or worried that he was given the least

of these places to Reside and to have his wife give birth.

But then you have this remarkable account.

And in the same region in in verse 8 There were shepherds out in the

field keeping watch over their flock by night and an angel the Lord appeared to them and The glory of the

Lord shone around them and they were filled with fear.

Angel said to them fear not for behold I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord and this will be a

sign to you will find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger and suddenly

there was with with the angel multitude of heavenly hosts praising God and saying Glory to

God in the highest and on earth among those With whom he is pleased and

among and on earth peace among those With whom he is pleased.

Now the amazing thing is Mary and Joseph did not send out birth announcements.

When when Jesus was born they were non they were non entities in

the town of Bethlehem and suddenly They are then approached with people who've gotten a birth

announcement not from them, but from God himself.

God sent out birth announcements to these shepherds.

When the angels went away in verse 13, it says The shepherds said to one another

let's go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.

Which the Lord has made known to us they went in haste.

You know when you've seen a multitude of angels anything after that is in haste and

so.

And so they went in haste.

And they found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger and when they saw it They may known the saying that had

been told them concerning the child.

Now the shepherds come and they tell Mary and Joseph we've just seen a host of angels and

they've told us about you and they've told us that this is the Savior of the world who's

been born unto you at this place and We're praising God because he told us

about this birth announcement and that we're here to celebrate it with you.

And all who heard it wondered at the shepherds but Mary treasure of all these things pondering them in her heart

and you can imagine Joseph did likewise and The shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all

they had heard and seen has been told to them.

Now this is before the Internet.

They didn't Facebook this.

God himself sent out a birth announcement to shepherds and they came and found

Jesus and Essentially worshipped and praised God that they could be part of this process

By which this baby was born.

It had to be an amazing event for both Jesus for both Mary and Joseph and

I think Joseph had to know that God was walking with him every step that he

took and God was Superintending all this and by the way, it's perfectly

logical that God would send out a birth announcement with a host of angels because

the in Heaven the commander of the angels is Jesus.

We have Arnie and Perry County, Pennsylvania who asks have you heard

from the Greek Orthodox that?

There is a theory Joseph Was a widower who had children from

his late wife before marrying Mary which would explain the brothers and sisters.

Well, it certainly doesn't explain why Mary is talked about having Jesus as her

firstborn son, right?

So that wouldn't exactly explain that.

And Again, I don't know of any way to verify that in Scripture.

Right.

That's just pure speculation and ignoring the the wording used.

In fact there there is a Debate that my friend James White of Alpha Omega

Ministries had years ago with Roman Catholic apologist Jerry Matic's and apparently

the Greek term haos who.

Which is involved in the fact that Mary?

Remained a virgin until the birth of Jesus that word until in the Greek

Requires that there was a change.

So that I think is also a very significant thing, but thank you very much Arnie and Perry County.

Please keep listening to our trip is iron and spreading the word about it to those in Perry County and beyond.

And.

So I'll continue on from that point.

After you just left off there the next major event that happens that we're given

Word about in Scripture is That in chapter 2 of Matthew In

verse 1 now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea in the days of Herod the king behold wise men

from the east Came to Jerusalem Saying where is he who's been born king of the Jews?

For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.

When Herod the king heard this he was troubled and All of Jerusalem with him and assembling all the chief priests and

scribes of the people he inquired of them Where this Christ was to be born and they told him in

Bethlehem of Judea.

So it is written by the prophet and you will Bethlehem in the land of Judea Are by no means least among

the rulers of Judah or from you shall come a ruler who will be shepherd for my people Israel.

Now it's important to understand that these people had been searching for Jesus for It's a

considerable amount of time.

They come from the east.

I Personally believe they probably were descendants from Daniel himself in the time that

Daniel spent in Babylon and so Daniel was also a prophet and these

prophecies had been carried down perhaps to these very wise men.

And it says in in verse 7 then Herod some of the wise men secretly

and Ascertained from them the time the start appeared.

Then he sent them to Bethlehem saying Go and search diligently for the child and when you have found him

bring me word that I may too may come and worship him now interestingly enough in

lawsuits in litigation.

When you want to make sure you know where the defendant is you send someone or you make inquiries these

days you use the Internet.

But what he did was Herod Decided he was going to send these wise men out

Under the guise of he wanted to worship.

Likewise as they did This Savior he sent them out to find him

first locate him Identify him then come back and tell me about them because

Herod had plans for this child and it wasn't to worship.

It were secret plans to destroy him and so in that

context then Mary and Joseph then are visited by these wise men.

And this is years after the actual birth the the nativity scenes that of the shepherds and the wise men together

is incorrect.

No, it is very incorrect and bear in mind that in order to make ends meet

Joseph would have had started his carpenter business or his business.

And.

His carpenter business then happened in Bethlehem.

Why.

Bethlehem because That's where he had been directed to be that's where the child was born.

And he could do his his work wherever and so Herod of course

by secretly telling these wise men Come back and identify him for us.

Believed that they would then communicate to him Herod's desire to worship the child.

And so they'd stay fixed there in the town of Bethlehem.

And so the wise men after listening to the king they went their way and behold The star that had been seen before that they had sort of

lost track of.

Which is why they were in Jerusalem inquiring when they saw the star they were rejoiced exceedingly.

And going into the house where they now where now the child with Mary his mother and

Was living they fell down and worshiped him in opening their treasures.

They offered him gifts gold frankincense and myrrh.

And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod they departed to their own country

by another way now.

Amazingly here come these wise men.

They have this story.

They've traveled a long distance.

Mary and Joseph hear this story and Of course, they also tell them the good news Herod

wants to find this child and worship them also.

That must have given Joseph some disquiet because Herod's reputation was not very good.

And that the king himself now knew that he existed this child existed.

I'm not sure he was rejoicing.

He may have been disquieted by it, but Without further indication from God as to what he's to do

There he was he was going to stay there and interestingly enough the gifts that these wise men

gave them Were gifts that were totally incompatible with Joseph's work.

In fact pick right off right.

Pick up right where you left off because we have to go to our midway break right now.

I don't want to interrupt you mid -sentence.

We'll pick up on the three gifts that are mentioned gold frankincense and myrrh.

When we return from our station break.

This is an elongated break that we are required to have by grace life radio 90 .1 FM in Lake

City, Florida because they require a 12 -minute break between the two hours.

So I hope you'll be patient with us.

But God willing we will be back before you know it with more of Marcus a McKnight the third in our

discussion of Joseph the quiet hero of Christmas.

Tired of box store Christianity of doing church in a warehouse with all the trappings of a rock concert.

Do you long for a more traditional and reverent style of worship?

And how about the preaching.

Perhaps you've begun to think that in -depth biblical exposition has vanished from Long Island.

Well, there's good news.

Wading River Baptist Church exists to provide believers with a meaningful and reverent worship experience.

Featuring the systematic exposition of God's Word.

And this loving congregation looks forward to meeting you.

Call them at six three one nine two nine thirty five twelve for service times.

Six three one nine two nine.

Thirty five twelve or check out their website at WR BC u .s.

That's WR BC u .s.

I'm James White of Alpha Omega Ministries.

The New American Standard Bible is perfect for daily reading or in -depth study used by pastors scholars and everyday readers.

The NASB is widely embraced and trusted as a literal and readable Bible translation.

The NASB offers clarity and readability while maintaining high accuracy to the original languages Which the NASB is known for.

The NASB is available in many editions like a topical reference Bible.

Researched and prepared by biblical scholars devoted to accuracy the new topical reference Bible includes contemporary topics

relevant to today's issues.

From compacted giant print Bibles find an NASB that fits your needs very affordably at NAS Bible

Calm whichever edition you choose trust discover and enjoy the NASB for yourself today.

Go to NAS Bible calm.

That's NAS Bible calm.

Hi, I'm pastor Bill Shishko inviting you to tune in to a visit to the pastor's study every Saturday

from 12 noon to 1 p .m Eastern Time on WLIE radio

www .wlie540am .com.

We bring biblically faithful pastoral ministry to you and we invite you to visit the pastor's study by calling in

with your questions.

Our time will be lively Useful and I assure you never dull.

Join us this Saturday at 12 noon Eastern Time For a visit to the pastor's study because everyone needs

a pastor.

One sure way all iron sharpens iron radio listeners can help keep my show on the air is to support my

advertisers.

I know you all use batteries every day.

So I'm urging you all from now on to exclusively use Battery Depot calm for all

your battery needs at Battery Depot calm.

They're changing the status quo.

They're flipping the script.

They're sticking it to the man.

In other words, they'd like to change the battery industry for good by providing an extensive inventory

of top -of -the -line batteries.

There are uniformly new dependable and affordable ordering from Battery Depot calm.

Insures you'll always get fresh out -of -the -box batteries.

You can count on to work properly at competitive prices.

Whether you need batteries for cordless phones cell phones radios PCs

laptops tablets baby monitors hearing aids smoke detectors credit card

readers digital cameras electronic cigarettes GPS's mp3 players

watches or nearly anything else you own that needs batteries.

Go to Battery Depot calm next day shipping available.

All products protected by 30 -day guarantees and six -month warranties.

Call eight six six four zero three.

Thirty seven sixty eight.

That's eight six six four zero three.

Thirty -seven sixty eight or go to Battery Depot calm.

That's Battery Depot calm.

Are you a Christian looking to align your faith and finances then you'll want to check out thriving financial.

We're not your typical financial services provider.

We're a not -for -profit fortune 500 organization that helps our nearly 2 .4 million members be wise

with money.

We provide guidance that reflects your values so you can protect what matters most.

We help members live generously and strengthen the communities where they live work and worship.

Learn more about the thriving story by contacting me Mike Gallagher financial consultant at

717.

Two five four six four three three again seven one seven two five four six four

three three.

Lending faith finances and generosity.

That's the private story.

We were made to thrive.

Chef exclusive catering is in South Central, Pennsylvania.

Chef exclusives goals to provide a dining experience that is sure to please any palate.

Chef Damian white of chef exclusive is a graduate of the renowned Johnson and Wales University with a degree in

culinary arts and applied science.

Chef exclusive caterings event center is newly designed with elegance and style and is available for

small office gatherings bridal showers engagement parties and rehearsal dinners.

Critics and guests alike acknowledge chef exclusives commitment to exceeding even the highest

expectations I know of their quality firsthand since.

Chef exclusive catered by most recent iron sharpens iron radio Pastors luncheon.

For details call seven one seven three eight eight three thousand.

That's seven one seven three eight eight three thousand.

Or visit chef exclusive calm.

That's chef exclusive calm.

Paul wrote to the church at Galatia for my now seeking the approval of man or of God.

Or am I trying to please man.

If I were still trying to please man? I would not be a servant of Christ.

Hi.

I'm Mark Lukens pastor of Providence Baptist Church.

We are a reformed Baptist Church, and we hold to the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689.

We are in Norfolk, Massachusetts.

We strive to reflect Paul's mindset to be much more concerned with how God views what we say and what we do

Than how men view these things.

That's not the best recipe for popularity.

But since that wasn't the Apostles priority it must not be ours either.

We believe by God's grace that we are called to demonstrate Love and compassion to our fellow man

and to be vessels of Christ's mercy to a lost and hurting community around us and to build Up the body of Christ in

truth and love.

If you live near Norfolk, Massachusetts or plan to visit our area Please come and join us for worship and fellowship.

You can call us at 508 -528 -5750.

That's 508 -528 -5750 or go to our website to email us listen to past

sermons Worship songs or watch our TV program entitled resting in grace.

You can find us at Providence Baptist Church ma org.

That's Providence Baptist Church ma org or even on sermon audio .com.

Providence Baptist Church is delighted to sponsor iron sharpens iron radio.

Iron sharpens iron radio is sponsored by Harvey Cedars a year -round Bible conference and retreat

center.

Nestled on the Jersey Shore Harvey Cedars offers a wide range of accommodations to suit groups up to

400.

For generations Christians have enjoyed gathering and growing at Harvey Cedars.

Each year thousands of high school and college students come and learn more about God's Word.

An Additional 9 ,000 come annually to Harvey Cedars as families couples

singles men women pastors seniors and missionaries.

90 miles from New York City 70 miles from Philly and 95 miles from

Wilmington and easily accessible.

Scores of notable Christian groups frequently planned conferences at Harvey Cedars like the

Navigators InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Campus Crusade and the Alliance of

Confessing Evangelicals.

Find Harvey Cedars on Facebook or at hcbible .org

Hcbible .org.

Call 609 494 56 89 609

494 56 89.

Harvey Cedars where Christ finds people and changes lives.

Lindbergh Baptist Church on 225 Earl Avenue in Lindbergh Long Island is teaching God's timeless truths in

the 21st century.

Our church is far more than a Sunday worship service.

It's a place of learning where the scriptures are studied and the preaching of the gospel is clear and relevant.

It's like a gym where one can exercise their faith through community involvement.

It's like a hospital for wounded souls where one can find compassionate people in healing.

We're a diverse family of all ages Enthusiastically serving our Lord Jesus Christ in fellowship play and

together.

Hi.

I'm pastor Bob Walderman and I invite you to come and join us here at Lindbergh Baptist Church and see all that a church can.

Call in Brook Baptist at 5 1 6 5 9 9 9 4 0 2 that's 5 1 6 5 9 9

9 4 0 2 or visit Lindbergh Baptist org, that's Lindbergh Baptist org.

Hi, I'm buzz Taylor frequent co -host with Chris Arnson on iron sharpens iron radio.

I would like to introduce you to my good friends Todd and Patty Jennings at CVB BS.

Which stands for Cumberland Valley Bible Book Service?

Todd and Patty specialized in supplying reformed and Puritan books and Bibles at discount prices that make them

affordable to everyone.

Since.

1987 the family -owned and operated book service has sought to bring you the best available Christian books and Bibles

at the best possible prices.

Unlike other book sites.

They make no effort to provide every book that is available because frankly Much of what is being printed is not

worth your time.

That means you can get to the good stuff faster.

It also means that you don't have to worry about being assaulted by the pornographic Heretical and

otherwise faith insulting material promoted by the secular book vendors.

Their website is CVB bs .com.

Browse the pages at ease shop at your leisure and purchase with Confidence as Todd and Patty work

in service to you the church and to Christ.

That's Cumberland Valley Bible Book Service at CVB bs .com.

That's CVB bs .com.

Let Todd and Patty know that you heard about them on iron sharpens iron radio and you can call.

CB bbs .com also at their toll -free number eight hundred six five six zero two three one

eight hundred six five six zero two three one and if you purchase a minimum of $50

worth of merchandise You're going to get a free $30 book that's

more than half of The retail value that you'll be purchasing.

The book that I'm speaking about is theology of the Reformers by dr. Timothy George

this is a publication of B &H academic and It

is the 25th anniversary edition of this.

It's a classic book the theology of the Reformers by dr. Timothy George so as I said, you'll get that

absolutely free of charge if you purchase a minimum of $50 worth of Merchandise

from CVB bs .com and once again, the phone number is eight hundred six five six zero two three one.

And as I mentioned earlier solid ground Christian books Truly needs your business

as well.

And you could actually kill two birds with one stone as the saying goes by ordering

solid ground Christian books titles from CVB bs .com.

CVB bs .com is a book distributor.

Whereas solid ground Christian books is a publisher.

So therefore you can order solid ground Christian books titles from CVB bs .com and help

two of my sponsors at the same time and Please always remember to mention to

any of my advertisers if you patronize them That you heard about them from Chris Arnzen of iron sharpens iron

radio before I Return to our discussion today with Marcus a McKnight the third attorney

at law on our theme Joseph the quiet hero of Christmas.

I have some special announcements to make in regard to Upcoming events and I will

repeat one of them that I've already been mentioning on Friday December 8th.

My guest Marcus a McKnight the third is going to be speaking at the comfort suites in

downtown Carlisle for an event orchestrated and run by

CBMC the Christians businessmen's net.

I'm sorry not network connection CBMC Christian businessmen's connection

and that's that event is going to start at 11 30 a .m for networking and there's

going to be a luncheon and Obviously as I've mentioned Marcus a McKnight the third is going to be

speaking on the theme that we're actually discussing today Joseph the quiet hero of Christmas and then

the actual event will conclude somewhere in the neighborhood of 1 p .m.

If you would like to register for this event call 7 1 7 3 9 5 5 8 5 4

7 1 7 3 9 5 5 8 5 4.

And if you mention my interpret design radio as I just learned today.

Your registration fee will be absolutely waived and you'll be able to attend for free.

I Myself, I'm looking forward to being there at this event and I hope to meet some of you from

the Carlisle area There as well.

So remember that mark it down on your calendar for Friday, December 8th.

From 11 30 a .m. To 1 p .m. At the comfort suites in downtown Carlisle and the phone

number again is 7 1 7 3 9 5 5 8 5 4 7 1 7 3 9 5 5 8 5 4

coming up in January from the 17th through the 20th.

The g3 conference returns to Atlanta, Georgia.

G3 stands for grace gospel and glory.

The theme of this January's conference is knowing God a biblical understanding of discipleship.

The 17th of January will be exclusively a Spanish -speaking edition of the conference from the

18th through the 20th will be exclusively in English edition of the conference and the speakers at the

English speaking version of the conference include Stephen Lawson Votie Balcom Phil Johnson

Keith Getty HP Charles jr Tim Chalice Josh Bice James White Tom Askew Anthony

Mathenia Michael Kruger David Miller Paul Tripp Todd Friel Derek Thomas Martha

piece and Justin Peters.

If you'd like to register for the g3 conference go to g3 conference calm g3

conference calm and Please make sure you tell the folks there that if you are registering or just

asking them for information Please tell them that you heard about the g3 conference from Chris Arnzen on

iron sharpens iron radio just out of curiosity.

Marcus did you know a Michael Kruger when he was actually a member of Grace Baptist Church in Carlisle?

He's one of the speakers there.

I did know it.

Okay.

He was actually a pastoral intern and He wound up converting to Presbyterianism.

But he is also now the president of the Reform Theological Seminary.

And now is the most.

Uncomfortable.

Portion of the program that I do daily and that is I am Rattling

my tin cup and begging you for money.

I Never liked doing this especially because of the horrible reputation that

the church at large has received from charlatans on television and

hucksters and all kinds of Horrible things going on in the name of Christ when money is

being raised but just because there are charlatans and snake oil

salesmen and people really who are Nothing more doing nothing more than selling indulgences

under the guise of an evangelical umbrella.

Where?

Where they're really just rekindling the heresy of Rome's selling of indulgences.

But even though this occurs, there is obviously nothing innately wrong with

asking for money if you are Providing a service that people are enjoying and

people are being from which people are being edified and so on.

So if you do love this program If you love the topics the guests that we have you look forward to it every

day.

If you share the the the recordings with others, well, please if you don't want this program to

go off the air Go to iron sharpens iron radio .com iron sharpens iron radio

.com click on support and You'll be given a mailing address where you can mail a check made payable to iron

sharpens iron radio for any amount that you choose.

To give.

Please as I try to remember to tell you every day Never ever ever siphon money

out of your regular giving To the local church where you are a member if you're not a member of a local Bible

believing church.

You've got to rectify that situation because Unless you are actively prayerfully

seeking for a Bible believing church you are living and Sin as it were you were living in rebellion

against God if you are not under the authority of the elders of a local church.

So, please rectify that.

And seek out a church this weekend.

But if you are a member of a church Please don't take money out of that giving that you are

accustomed to and giving it to our interpreters on radio.

And please never take food off of your family's dinner table.

If you're struggling to make ends meet because those two things are commands of God providing for your family in your church.

Those are two commands of God providing for iron sharpens iron radio is not a command of God.

But if you are blessed financially above and beyond your ability to obey those two commands.

Please consider donating to iron sharpens iron radio.

In fact, please consider Donating to us as often as you can as some of you have already

Started a tradition of Donating to us every month some of you even buy monthly and I can't

even describe in the English language.

How much that means to me that you value iron sharpens iron radio so highly that you are generous with us.

And I am I have been absolutely blown away by some of the gifts that I've been receiving from

listeners that I've never before heard from.

People who are totally new acquaintances to me who have been sending in Checks that

have exceeded the amounts of any checks we've received in the past and I just don't know what to say other than thank you

and I pray that this program continues to be a blessing to you.

And Now oh, oh, yes, I forgot to mention if you want to advertise with us, please send

an email to Chris Arnson at gmail .com.

Chris Arnson at gmail .com and put in the subject line.

Advertising as long as whatever it is that you do or want to advertise is compatible with the theology

we express on this program.

We would love to launch an advertising campaign with you because we certainly could use the advertising dollars to

remain on the air.

Whether it's your church power church ministry your business professional firm a special event,

whatever it is.

As long as it's compatible with what we believe doesn't have to be identical just needs to be compatible.

Send us an email to Chris Arnson at gmail .com.

Chris Arnson at gmail .com and put advertising in the subject line and that's also the email address to ask a

question of Marcus a McKnight the third on our topic today Joseph the quiet

hero of Christmas.

You have a question send it to Chris Arnson at gmail .com and give us your first name city and state and country of residence.

If you live outside the USA and only remain anonymous if it's about a personal and private matter.

So let's pick up where we left off Marcus on Joseph and the calling that he received directly

from God to be the earthly parents not biological parent, but earthly

parent of Jesus Christ the Messiah the Son of God the God -man if you could

just pick up where you left off.

I'm we find that Mary and Joseph have just been visited by these wise men.

I don't know if there are two or three or many more than that But I do believe that

their entourage was Large and Significant because they made a

stir in Jerusalem.

Now they've come to a little Bethlehem and the reason why a lot of people think there were threes because there were three different gifts right,

but there could have been 300 and.

And it would have been wise that they were carrying valuable gifts that they would have a large enough Entourage

to make sure they were secured against Robbers and other thieves and That

time was known for having people being robbed by thieves on the roads up and

down to Jerusalem, so So they arrived and they brought these gifts now.

This is the situation where the gifts were great and they were valuable and they were totally

They were not needed yet because Joseph was a carpenter and

he was Applying his trade in the little town of Bethlehem and suddenly there are these very very valuable

gifts so God supplied these gifts by men who had traveled a long distance for a long time and

Then come from Herod himself in Jerusalem with the news that Herod now knows about them and Herod's

very interested in them so they had no need until

Joseph gets this word and when they had departed behold an angel 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.

Now interestingly enough.

This is Herod's secret desire.

God has read known Heard there's nothing secret from God.

God tells exactly what Herod's about to do to Joseph.

This is prior to the Internet prior to Facebook prior to anything we know in our age.

This is God Instantaneously telling Joseph exactly what somebody else is

planning to do.

He's he's talking about a crime with Joseph in advance.

It's gonna happen in Bethlehem and Joseph.

Although he's had the news that the king is interested in Jesus when he hears this nude

news from God in this dream.

He does not dawdle.

He doesn't debate.

He doesn't wonder whether or not this could be true.

It says in verse 14.

And he arose and he took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and

Remained there until the death of Herod and this is to fill fulfilled with what the Lord had spoken by the

prophet out of Egypt.

I called my son.

Interestingly enough the gifts that he received were not that he couldn't use them in Bethlehem.

But he certainly could use them in Egypt.

And in fact in Egypt, they'd be much more economically valuable because those were

Objects that were in demand in Egypt and so God provided the gift and then told

Joseph the need and Joseph didn't dawdle.

He didn't worry about it.

He just took off for Egypt.

And by the way, these were times when travel by carpenters was not widespread.

People who normally stayed where they were supposed to be staying or where they were living or applying their trade.

Joseph took off immediately to protect the child and his wife from Herod's

Secret.

I don't think Herod broadcast this to anybody else.

In fact when he told The wise men he told them secretly that he desired to worship the child.

He didn't publicly say it.

So no one knew except Herod his evil plan.

But God knows because there are no secrets from God Anytime anywhere any

place and God discloses his secret sins whenever he chooses to do so if

they did so with with Joseph and Joseph acted immediately and.

This also shows you the Courage of Joseph and the

faith that he had the trust that he had in God To keep him and his

wife Mary alive because of the fact that they were Given

a calling to not only raise and nurture but to protect this little one who was actually

the Son of God the God -man and.

It's interesting then Herod commits a crime that in this day and age would be shocking to anyone

and was shocking then.

Also in verse 16 you read then Herod when he saw

that he'd been tricked by the wise men Became furious.

And he sent and killed all the and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem In in

Bethlehem and in all the region who were two years older under According to the

time that he had ascertained from the wise men so

Emphasize that he killed these children and this would have been newsworthy then.

It would have been newsworthy if it happened today That a ruler would kill children Deliberately

who were two -year -olds two years old or younger.

To just to make sure that he'd killed Jesus.

He had no idea that God had warned him of his

secret plan in advance and that Joseph would have been able to escape with Mary and

Jesus of all places to Egypt and bear in mind of the Roman citizen over the Roman

or the Roman system.

They had local rulers in their various jurisdictions.

And.

But once you got to the border their power ended so Herod's power could

not extend to Egypt.

He couldn't follow them there, even if he knew he had gone there, so they were safe in Egypt and

God had supplied through the wise men the gifts.

They needed to support themselves in that place.

Let's see here.

We have CJ and Lindenhurst Long Island, New York

and CJ says Let's see.

Why do you think that?

Joseph was called home and death at a very early point in the life of

Jesus.

We don't have much mention of him in the scriptures.

For quite a period of time after the nativity story.

Well, I'm glad you asked that question.

That's an excellent question that I've been thinking about.

Bear in mind two important things.

And I'll just mention this now when the King Herod

sought out to kill Jesus that had a profound impact on

how Jesus was going to be raised.

And it had a profound impact in this way.

Once a ruler of a country seeks you out to destroy you or your family How are you going to

live the rest of your life?

It was important that wherever Joseph set up his livelihood from then on.

That the identity of Jesus being God's son was kept strictly strictly

secret for example when he arrived in Nazareth where he set up shop.

He didn't announce to the town.

By the way, I'm father to.

God's.

Son the Messiah.

And if he had other children Stepbrothers and sisters of Jesus.

He didn't tell them that.

You know, your older brother is is God's son.

That was very important that Mary and Joseph kept these things in their hearts because it

wasn't time yet to disclose Who Jesus was and this was not?

Lying, it was just not revealing things.

You know, there's nothing sinful about keeping certain things to yourself.

Keeping them secret that there's a totally difference.

There's a huge difference between that and actually lying.

Well and bear in mind this because they did it that way because that was done everyone

in the town of Nazareth and everywhere else thought that Jesus was

Joseph's natural son, which meant That Jesus could speak in the synagogue.

An illegitimate child could not ever Attend a synagogue or speak in a synagogue or the temple.

Because he was known as Joseph's son.

He was able to do that.

The other thing that's that's important that people understand is that as

Because Joseph wasn't alive apparently when Jesus began his ministry He was not subject to Joseph

just was always head of his house as long as he lived.

But once he went to be the Lord, and I know he is with the Lord.

Then Jesus was free to begin his ministry as head of his own Household

so in a sense when Mary would come with the other children to inquire of him

Jesus within his rights to say I will or won't entertain what your discussions are or your concerns.

Because he was head of his old household because Joseph was not alive.

Speculation might be also as a protection for Joseph.

It would have been very hard after years of protecting Jesus to watch

the Opposition of the Pharisees who called Jesus not only a lawbreaker but from

Satan.

That would have been very difficult for Joseph to see his arrest and his death on the cross.

Mary went through that process.

Joseph did not and that could have been a mercy to him.

And so it's important and I wanted to to go to one other account of how Mary and

Joseph dealt with Jesus to sort of Bring into focus what we've been

talking about in terms of the need to keep secret his identity or at least To not

draw attention to it until his ministry actually began.

We find at the age of 12 This account in Luke chapter 2

now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of Passover and when he was 12 years old, they went up

according to custom and When the feast was ended as they were returning the boy Jesus

stayed behind in Jerusalem.

His parents did not know it but supposing him to be in the group.

They went a day's journey and then they began to search for him among the relatives and acquaintances.

And when they did not find him they returned to Jerusalem searching for him.

Now if you've ever lost a child in a crowd There it's sheer

terror.

When my children were younger it happened on one or two occasions.

With large crowds or in a mall or something that we got separate from our children

who? were younger at that age and It was sheer panic and desperation.

We prayed about it and ultimately, of course, we found them.

Can you imagine?

You're Joseph.

You heard the guardian of God's Son and you've lost him and of all places in Jerusalem.

The place where Herod sought to destroy him and so the first thought is

Perhaps he's been injured.

Perhaps he's been taken captive by someone who has heard about him.

Perhaps our security has been breached.

They were desperate to find Jesus and so they returned with

desperation thinking that God's Son had somehow gotten lost and After

three days of searching for him They found him in the temple sitting among the teachers listening to them and

asking them questions and All heard him were amazed his understanding in his answers when his parents

saw him.

They were astonished as mother said him son.

Why have you treated us?

So behold your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.

Not just small distress great distress and he said to them Why were you looking for me?

Did you not know that I must be in my father's house and they did not understand the saying that he spoke

to them and he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them and his mother

treasured all these things up in her heart the idea that Jesus was God's Son was a secret held

by well, at least an understanding held by Joseph Mary and Jesus and.

Jesus.

Maintained that security.

He did not I believe.

Draw attention to himself as he grew up.

Became a young adult to go over from Joseph when Joseph died.

Acted as a carpenter cared cared for his mother until it was time to begin his ministry.

It was a remarkable thing and he respected Joseph as his father.

Was known as Joseph's son and yet he was also God's Son and the three of them

understood at least some of that.

Mary could not begin to understand or could Joseph what Jesus would become.

But they knew he was the Son of God.

Yeah, well that makes you wonder why they didn't understand when the 12 year old Jesus

said Don't you know that my place is in my father's house that they didn't even understand what he was saying.

And they already knew from what the angels told him Who he was so it's kind of strange that they didn't

grasp that.

Well, it may be it may be strange.

But remember they're trying to have a normal life with this child.

And the child is submissive and enjoying the normal life perhaps with younger brothers and sisters

also.

But suddenly he shows it's it's God aspect the God self as

he teaches as he speaks with these alerted scholars in

Jerusalem.

And he said in essence to them.

This is the first place you should have looked here.

I am in my father's house and my godly father's house and

That's the first place you should have looked.

You could have saved yourself a lot of trouble If you come to the temple first looking for me mom and dad.

So, do you think That from what we read in that account that

after Jesus the boy Jesus returns home And is obedient to his parents that

he was no longer this Wonder child wandering around teaching in the synagogues that he

waited until he was 30 to actually begin the ministry.

I think he did.

It's in essence begin that because one of the things you have to understand about Jesus ministry.

Is that once he disclosed who he was to the world when he started his ministry?

There was bound to be serious serious opposition.

To him now the Lord the Sovereign God whose planet was to send his

son to earth in the first place.

To be raised as a child and then into a man and then begin his ministry at age 30.

This plan of God's was perfect.

But the opposition was strong to Jesus and to to

start his.

To disclose who he was.

Beginning miracles didn't and drawing attention to himself before his ministry was

ready to begin.

Just was not in the plan of God for that to happen, although Mary sensed his power.

How could a mother not sense his power because one of his first miracles was changing water into

very expensive and an excellent wine and What Mary said to the

the servants at that miracle was do anything that Jesus tells you to do.

So she knew of his power.

Just had not experienced it until the ministry began.

And it so alarmed her to see the opposition of those who hated Jesus That she

often would come and ask him.

Do you know what you're doing?

Is there some other way and Jesus would say no.

Yeah, even at that point at the Wedding feast of Cana.

We don't hear anything about Joseph being there.

No, Joseph was apparently not there.

And again, that's so that Jesus could begin his ministry without being under his father's authority.

Now what was married?

Storing his treasure in her heart specifically.

Was it the His Christ's obedience to her and Joseph when he returned home and that

that text there.

It said that.

Mary.

Stored the treasures in her heart in regard to what had occurred.

Well, because I think it's referring to the fact that she didn't go and tell her friends.

She didn't put her on Facebook.

She didn't she didn't say do you know what was going on in Jerusalem?

She was Jesus was was

Amazing the scholars in Jerusalem with his knowledge of God in the kingdom of God.

She that was not Something that she would openly discuss with anybody else

except Joseph, of course in Jesus but these things were

kept in her heart until his ministry began and of course she was

there and followed him and Ultimately was turned over by

Jesus own words from the cross to To John his disciples

John who became the Apostle John, of course after Jesus resurrection.

So these these are things that are amazing to me because the more you think about Joseph and What he had to go through

as a man Taking care of Jesus protecting him Living in Egypt.

I'm sure when he went when he learned his trade in carpentry he didn't think he'd be practicing it in towns like

Bethlehem and then in Egypt and Then back to Nazareth, but he did all this to

protect the child and to be obedient to God whose son he was caring for and

loving and nourishing and God blessed him with I think a

large family and ultimately some of his stepbrothers

became early leaders of the church.

Once the day of Pentecost occurred.

Well, we're going to our final break.

It's gonna be much briefer than the last one.

And now is your time if you want to join us on the air with a question before we run out of time.

The email address is Chris Arnzen at gmail .com.

Chris Arnzen at gmail .com.

Once again, please give us your first name your city and state in your country of residence if you live outside of the USA.

Please only remain anonymous.

If you're asking about a personal and private matter, don't go away.

God willing. We'll be right back.

I am Chris Arnzen of Iron Sharpens Iron Radio.

Are you a Christian looking to align your faith and finances?

Then you'll want to check out Thriving Financial.

They're not your typical financial services provider.

They're a not -for -profit fortune 500 organization that helps their nearly 2 .4 million

members to be wise with money.

They provide guidance that reflects your values so you can protect what matters most.

They help members live generously and strengthen the communities where they live work and worship.

Learn more about the Thriving story by contacting Michael

Gallagher at 7 1 7 2 5 4 6 4 3 3

at 7 1 7 2 5 4 6 4 3 3.

Faith finances and generosity.

That's the Thriving story.

I.

Have you been blessed by Iron Sharpens Iron Radio.

We remain on the air because of our faithful sponsors and because of listeners like you.

There are four ways you can help.

First do you know potential sponsors who may wish to advertise their goods or services on Iron Sharpens

Iron Radio?

Second whenever possible purchase the products or use the services that our sponsors advertise and

Then let them know that you heard about them on Iron Sharpens Iron Radio.

Thirdly you can also donate to Iron Sharpens Iron Radio by going to our website at Iron Sharpens Iron

Radio Calm and click support at the top of the page.

But most importantly keep Iron Sharpens Iron Radio in your prayers.

We hope that Iron Sharpens Iron Radio blesses you for many years to come.

Hi, I'm pastor Bill Shishko inviting you to tune in to a visit to the pastor's study every Saturday

From 12 noon to 1 p .m. Eastern Time on WLIE radio

www .wlie 540 a .m.

Dot -com.

We bring biblically faithful pastoral ministry to you and we invite you to visit the pastor's study by calling in

with your questions.

Our time will be lively Useful and I assure you never dull join us this Saturday at 12 noon

Eastern Time For a visit to the pastor's study because everyone needs a pastor.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon once said give yourself unto reading.

The man who never reads will never be read.

He who never quotes will never be quoted.

He will not use the thoughts of other men's brains proves.

He has no brains of his own you need to read.

Solid ground Christian books is a publisher and book distributor who takes these words of the Prince of preachers to heart.

The mission of solid ground Christian books is to bring back treasures of the past to minister to Christians in the present and

future and To publish new titles that address burning issues in the church and the world.

Since its beginning in 2001 Solid ground has been committed to publish God -centered Christ exalting

books for all ages.

We invite you to go treasure hunting at solid ground books .com That's solid

ground books .com and see what priceless literary gems from the past or present You

can unearth from solid ground.

Solid ground Christian books is honored to be a weekly sponsor of iron sharpens iron radio.

Welcome back.

This is Chris Arnzen.

This is our final 23 minutes of our interview today with Marcus a

McKnight the third attorney at law who is speaking on the theme of Joseph the quiet hero of

Christmas Which is also his theme on Friday December 8th 1130 a

.m. To 1 p .m. At an event a special event at the comfort suites of Carlisle, Pennsylvania being

hosted by the Christian businessmen's connection also known as CBMC and.

We would love to see you there.

If you mention.

Iron sharpens iron radio.

When you register for that event, you will get free admission to the event and you can call.

For more details to attend to this event or to register you can call 717

-395 -5854 717 -395 -5854.

And the markets if you could pick up where you left off to bring our Story in regard to

Joseph to a close in the matter of of the next 23 minutes or so.

The thing that's so important I think that We understand that Joseph was not just a blank page.

He wasn't a random person picked out of the crowd.

Who God said?

Ah Raise my my heavenly son to be your own.

Protect him and listen to me when I tell you.

He was a man who had prepared himself By loving God far

before this message came.

I Think he had prayed about a marriage that to a godly woman, but I think he also

anticipated the coming Messiah and We have that in common with Joseph.

Jesus is coming again and those who believe in God's Word take seriously

the Jesus own words about his coming.

We take seriously what the various apostles have told us about Those last

days and we look forward to that in two respects.

One that means our job here is done.

Joseph completed his mission whenever he passed away from this earth.

He had taken care of his son up until the point of his death.

God's Son.

As if it was his own he had loved him.

He had taught him a trade.

He had protected him from Powers.

Herod who was secretly desiring to destroy him.

And he and he went to Egypt to live.

These are things that no one else did in that age.

But he did it because it was God's direction to do so and he took seriously the need to

follow God's Word and Listen to it and obey it.

Those are the same circumstances we find ourselves in.

God says that Jesus is coming again.

And this time he's not coming as an infant or As a young man, he's coming

as the head of his angels bearing the marks of the cross.

The same angels who proclaimed his birth are Going to be with him when he comes to judge

all men and there'll be no secrets from God.

He's monitored all our hearts and our minds from the day before we were born.

I.

Think it's Psalm 139 where David says before a thought it's on our minds or even

thought God knows it.

That is technology.

That is something more than any technology we've developed so far

has because God knows all about us and what we're thinking and what we're going to think and He

acts accordingly.

And so when we come before God that there's one thing that we have to do.

As Joseph did he knew Jesus.

The question for us each of us will be do we know Jesus?

Do we have a relationship with him have we put our hope and faith in him?

And Jesus is going to be the judge and when you go to a courtroom and you know the judge.

That is such a blessing when the judge knows you and says I know you you've been faithful.

You followed me.

I Forgive all your sins and remember that's the message that was given to Joseph.

He will save men from their sins.

Joseph heard the message took it seriously raised him to adulthood.

And.

Here we are being the beneficiaries of all Joseph had done and we should

be grateful for Joseph, but we should be anxious to Form that relationship with Christ

that will save us and make a difference in our homes our businesses our community.

And I hope each one listens to this Broadcast understands how essential it is

that like Joseph.

We know the risen Savior Jesus Christ.

Amen, and I.

Think it might be helpful to Let our listeners know that although

God I know that you and I believe in unconditional election.

God chooses people not because of anything That they do to merit his

favor.

God's elect are found not only amongst the most pious of Preachers but also

amongst the most perverse of prostitutes and he changes them.

He rescues them out From their wickedness and he transforms them

And gives them new hearts that they may willingly follow him.

But when it comes to roles and duties in life that God

chooses us for obviously as you were saying that Joseph

was no doubt a godly man.

We even see that in his compassion upon Mary when he Originally was going to quietly divorce

her When he discovered she was with child because this was before he

realized that the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit.

And also we have Mary.

We we are obviously certain that Since a primary

aspect of the birth of Christ was his virgin birth He would not have chosen a

woman who was known for scandalous behavior and promiscuity because then no

one would Be certain in years later that the child conceived was

indeed born of a virgin.

So Therefore there are roles that God uses us for

that.

You know, we we are involved we are participants in our sanctification even though we're not participants in our

regeneration or justification correct.

It's absolutely correct.

And we believe in a big God.

Who's the God who knows all secrets all hearts?

And.

Just because I worship a big God doesn't mean that I know who God's

who God loves Unto salvation.

I have to assume that Anyone who I come into contact with who doesn't express a

love of God is someone who needs to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and

That's.

That's what it is about for us and that's what it's about for anyone in the kingdom to make known and

To pray for those who they know are outside the knowledge of who Christ is and it not put their faith and hope

in him.

We have Harrison and mechanics.

Berg, Pennsylvania.

That asks Why is Jesus known as Jesus of Nazareth rather than

Jesus of Bethlehem?

Some cults and enemies of the gospel bring this up trying to prove that the scriptures are

inconsistent and contradict themselves.

I.

Don't believe that there's any contradiction at all because remember.

You're you're basically known by the town you grew up in.

For example, I was born in Harrisburg.

But I grew up in southern York County.

I came from Spry or Dallas town.

I went to York Township.

I was known as being from York.

Even though I was born somewhere else.

So the place of your birth is not necessarily where you're known.

It's where you grow up where you're where you call home or where you.

Their formative years are spent that way and so I think it's very consistent that way especially knowing that

Jesus From the start although God made an announcement He

made the announcement to shepherds who were out in the fields.

They were the least on the Social scale in the town of Bethlehem.

The town of Bethlehem did not take much notice of Jesus.

When he came and when he left they were done Without a lot of fanfare.

And they didn't understand why it was that Herod then came and killed all these infants.

Because that was a secret plan of Herod.

It was just a tragic thing that happened to them.

So bear in mind you are known as Being from a place

and that place is usually where you grew up.

Well before I.

Close the program or take any further Questions from listeners, I want to make sure that you have about five

minutes of uninterrupted time to Summarize what you most want etched in the hearts and

minds of our listeners as the Christmas season approaches.

Some would say we've already entered the Christmas season because it's After

Thanksgiving and now we're going to be hearing Christmas music.

No doubt whenever we go into a store or shopping center or mall.

And we are going to be seeing the lights of Christmas and all these things that are a part of the

traditions and customs of people during this time of year, but I want you to really

Hit home with people what you most want them to be thinking about and praying about and having.

Within their heart as this day approaches known as Christmas Day.

Well to me, it's a it's a simple account of a man Who had been hoping to someday

see the arrival of The Savior of the world Jesus Christ at his time at his

place and suddenly he finds out.

Oh He's coming as an infant and you're gonna be the father.

You're gonna be the earthly father of this child.

And you need to account to God for how you care and raise this child.

That was an awesome responsibility which Joseph embraced.

If I could say to each one of you if Jesus Christ The Incarnate Christ

would come to your home and bless it with his presence Wouldn't you?

Desire that wouldn't you want that to happen if you could be convinced that Christ was real and he would come to your

own home and spiritually Convince you and everyone in your

household that he was as real as you and I are.

What a blessing that would be.

Well I'm telling you that based on God's Word.

He is all that he says he is and he's coming again and You're all gonna meet him.

We all are gonna meet him on the day that he comes with all his angels proclaiming his

power his glory and the fact that he is the Savior of all those who put their faith in him and

My hope is my hope is that somehow in the process of hearing this message

Or hearing similar message in this Christmas season many would embrace the thought of I need to know this

Jesus God's Word in which it spelled out who he is and what he did and

how he loved those so much that he that God It was God's plan to give his only begotten

Son that many might come to be reconciled to God.

My sins have I counted to them offering the hundreds of thousands.

I haven't just missed the mark by a little bit I've missed it by a lot as we all have and yet

Jesus came to say look my blood is sufficient to Reconcile you to God.

That's why he sent me.

That's why Joseph raised me here.

I am embrace embrace me.

And so my hope is for each of your listeners Chris that they would understand how

essential it is Their well -being now and for all eternity that they embrace this Christ

who came in such a humble way and was raised to adulthood that he could then stand before the Pharisees and

say I am who I said I am and Even though the Pharisees opposed him and God used

them To do his will and his will was that he would die on the cross For all our sins

that he might be raised again and that we might have fellowship with him in fact Philippians puts it this way in

chapter 3, but our citizenship is in heaven and From it we await

the Savior our Lord Jesus Christ Will transform our worldly body.

They'd be like his glorious body by the power that enables him even to be subject to

all things to himself by the power that enables him even to subject all things to

himself all knees will bow on the day of judgment and Knowing Christ will be

the difference between eternity with him and eternity in punishment in hell.

Amen.

And I think that In spite of the fact that we have dedicated our entire

program to Joseph I think that we must be reminded that

Jesus Christ is the way the truth and the life and no one comes to the father, but by him and.

As.

Important as the role of Mary and Joseph were in the

earthly nurturing and raising of Jesus.

They are not to be our objects of prayer and adoration and worship

the the customs and traditions of the world's religions that

identify themselves as Christian, but who falsely Pray to the Holy

Family and things like this.

I think that don't you think that there is a reason why the scriptures although they give us some

Essential and important facts about Mary and Joseph.

They do not dwell on them in any way shape or form in an exhaustive manner.

And you know and and Mary is the perfect example because it says time and time again

She treasured these things in her heart.

She didn't tell anybody about these things.

She treasured them in her heart and she didn't draw attention to herself.

She didn't want to.

Because it was important that they protected Jesus until the time when his

ministry began and.

Then and only then did she follow after him saying I'm your

mom and he would say My my relatives are now those who believe in me.

And so it was never meant that Mary would be anything other than a follower of his.

But he was so great grateful for the faith that both of them showed well before he was an

adult in.

In faith raising him loving him and caring for him and setting up as the

oldest son in there in there in their family, so.

We have an anonymous listener that wants to know do you think that Mary actually believed?

Jesus was insane as her other sons did or was she

just going along with them?

For some reason.

When Jesus ministry became in about the second or third year

a Confrontation between himself and the most powerful religious leaders in the land the

Pharisees Sadducees.

She was very concerned about his welfare.

I don't think she thought he was Insane at all.

I think she thought he had great power.

He had a great influence, but he was also making great enemies.

What do mothers do when they see enemies are people who hate their child?

They are very defensive and they are very worried.

And she was exactly that as a mother and Jesus said look my ministry has begun.

I have limited time and I have so much to do so much to

Establish with my own disciples that that that's why he

seemingly Didn't give her much Time because he

understood.

She couldn't possibly understand until his resurrection what his life really meant.

Well, I want to make sure that our listeners have all of the necessary contact information.

They need to get a hold of your law firm.

I know that your website is Irwin McKnight calm and that's spelt I -r

-w -i -n -m as in Michael C K and as a Nancy I

ght Irwin McKnight calm.

Irwin McKnight calm and I know that your law firm's phone number is 717 2 4

9 2353 7 1 7 2 4 9

2353.

The central PA Christian businessmen's connection website is

central PA dot CB mc .com.

That's central PA as in the abbreviation for Pennsylvania dot CB

mc .com.

And if you want to register for the upcoming event at the The comfort suites in

downtown downtown Carlisle on Friday December 8th from 1130 a .m. To 1 p .m Where

Marcus McKnight the third will be speaking on this theme?

The phone number is 7 1 7 3 9 5 5 8 5 4 7 1

7 3 9 5 5 8 5 4.

And remember if you mentioned that you heard about

Mentioned if you heard about the program from iron sharpens iron radio, you will get free admission

To the the event there at the comfort suites of downtown Carlisle Chris.

They can also call my office at 7 1 7 2 4 9 2 3 5 3 and just tell

my Receptionist Sharon that they're coming and that open another way that they can respond and

we'll know they're coming.

Great.

Well, I hope that a number of you listening who live in the Carlisle area

South central PA.

I hope you'll make the effort to come to this because I plan to be there as well.

It would be great to meet some more folks face -to -face.

Who listened to this program?

I was such a it was such a joy to meet folks recently as I do

by God's grace.

It seems every time I go to one of these special events representing iron sharpens iron radio I meet a number of

you that I've never heard from before who listened to the program and it was so wonderful to meet a

Brother in Christ who is from Brazil Who let me know that

he came to the doctrines of reform theology?

Through listening to the debates that I have organized Featuring dr. James R. White of

Alpha Omega ministries who is a reformed Baptist.

He came to the doctrines of grace through those debates and is now a youth pastor in a

biblically solid Presbyterian Church when I hear about things like that a a

Depression if you will Is lifted off of me.

I really realized more than ever.

I'm reminded that God is using What I do here

on iron sharpens iron and the the events that are connected with this program that he is using him

Using them for his praise honor and glory, and I thank all of you so much for being

ongoing reminders of that.

I hope that you all have a very safe and Joyful Christmas season.

I hope that Joy comes to you especially through Realizing

that those who whom you most love who perhaps are lost

That they have come to know.

The.

Messiah whose birth we celebrate and that may be even true for you yourself I would love to hear that

lost individuals have come to know the Savior Jesus Christ As their only hope for

salvation this Christmas season in some way.

If God has used this program to do that I would love to hear from you and I want you all to have a

very safe and happy and Wonderful weekend and Lord's Day and I want you all to always remember

The rest of your lives that Jesus Christ is a far greater Savior than you are a sinner.