The Magnificat: Mary’s Song of Praise

Old Testament birth stories often begin with barren women, and the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth follows suit. Conceived in their old age, John the Baptist is born out of a miracle at just the right time—mere months before Jesus. But why is he such a prominent figure in Jesus’s birth narrative? And what can we learn from his father’s song? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland discuss the song of Zechariah and how a fiery prophet can “guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Angelic announcements are found throughout both the Old and New Testaments, but angels remain perplexing. Why does God use these messengers, and what is the nature of their message? In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland delve into the mysteries of these terrifying warriors and their message of peace.

As we consider Christ’s birth, we can’t help but consider his death. From a baby in a manager to a man hanging on a cross, it is through Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection that we find the hope and joy we sing about at Christmas. In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Walter Strickland reflect on The Song of Simeon, recognizing God’s faithfulness and Jesus’s redemptive purpose.

Paul describes the teaching of the gospel—all that is needed for salvation—as “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). Our kids need that counsel, too. Read through Acts with them! Explain the stories. Help them see the goodness, power, and love of the God who made them and sent his Son to die for them.

Following sound doctrine requires our eyes to remain fixed on Jesus. It also requires that our faith rests in him. Faith opens the door to God’s plan and allows us to accomplish his will for our lives. It does so chiefly because it fosters a heart that yields to the counsel and leading of God. In this way, we remain on the road of truth.

The Prophets are not just abstract apocalyptic literature, included in the canon of Scripture because of their audience or subject matter. No, they—like the rest of Scripture—are the divinely inspired word of God. They are included in the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan and written within the covenant context of God and his people for a theological purpose, reflecting a specific historical and geographical context.

The church today finds itself amidst a revived trend of advocating for hearing God speaking to his people apart from his word. While there are new figures in this movement, the content of their message is hardly original. One can think of late medieval mysticism’s emphasis on a mystical encounter with God […]