The Incarnation in the Gospels (Reformed Expository Commentary | REC)

by Daniel M. Doriani; Philip Graham Ryken; Richard D. Phillips

Publisher:

P&R

, 2008

Overview

This seasonal addition to the Reformed Expository Commentary series presents 12 biblically and theologically grounded Christmas messages, as the authors explore the canonical teaching on the birth of Jesus Christ in the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John. The volume includes four special appendices of Advent material and worship aids useful in the planning of a Christ-centered Christmas service. With five new carols, essays, and reflections on the Advent season, and a program of lessons and carols, this material is valuable to any pastor or worship leader seeking meaningful ways to celebrate the coming of Christ during the season commemorating his birth.

Key Features

• Presents 12 biblically grounded Christmas messages
• Explores the canonical teaching on the birth of Jesus Christ
• Includes material well suited for pastors and students

Contents

Top Highlights

“John gives a theological explanation for Jesus’ coming into the world; we might call his prologue (John 1:1–18) a ‘theology of Christmas.’” (Pages 138–139)

“Shepherds were outcasts, and thus their presence at the manger shows that salvation is for everyone. We tend to romanticize the shepherds, especially since there are so many good shepherds in the Bible, but they did not enjoy a very good reputation in their day. Because they lived out in the fields, they were unable to keep the ceremonial law, and thus they were treated as unclean. They were also regarded as liars and thieves, which is why their testimony was inadmissible in a court of law. Shepherds were despised. With the exception of lepers, they were the lowest class of men in Israel.” (Pages 103–104)

“God entered human history, declaring that he is the God with whom we have to do. Immanuel is more than a title: it is a declaration that God has entered our realm and that we must reckon with him.” (Page 29)

“Immanuel is not a religious option for those who choose to embrace it. Immanuel is the Truth, whether we choose to embrace it or not!” (Page 33)

“The church traditionally speaks of the virgin birth, but the Gospels stress the miraculous conception, the virgin conception, of Christ. The miracle lay in the manner of Jesus’ conception. So far as we know, the process of birth itself was normal.” (Page 26)

Praise for the Print Edition

The Incarnation in the Gospels brings together in one delightful volume the teaching of the Gospels on the incarnation of Christ. All who read this book should experience a deeper devotion to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

—Jerry Bridges, staff member, The Navigators Collegiate Ministry

The authors are Reformed in their theology, reliable in their understanding of the passages, and all fascinating writers. This book will be a great help to pastors preparing series of Christmas sermons and to lay believers trying to distinguish the real biblical teaching from all the Christmas fluff.

—John M. Frame, J. D. Trimble Chair of Systematic Theology and Philosophy, Reformed Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: The Incarnation in the Gospels
• Authors: Daniel M. Doriani, Philip Graham Ryken, Richard D. Phillips
• Series: Reformed Expository Commentary
• Publisher: P&R
• Print Publication Date: 2008
• Logos Release Date: 2014
• Pages: 227
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Advent sermons; Incarnation › Sermons; Bible. N.T. Gospels › Sermons
• Resource ID: LLS:RECINCRNTNGSPLS
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-02-12T05:22:51Z

About the Authors

Daniel M. Doriani is senior pastor of Central Presbyterian Church, Clayton, MO. He previously was dean of faculty and professor of New Testament at Covenant Theological Seminary.

Philip Graham Ryken is eighth and current president of Wheaton College and was previously senior minister at Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia. He has written or edited more than 30 books, including, in this series, Galatians, 1 Timothy, and Luke.

Richard D. Phillips is the senior minister of Second Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC. He is a council member of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals and chairman of the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology.