Just One Request

“So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

I read of a college girl who, as she tacked the New Year calendar to the wall, said: “It is going to be a beautiful year!” “How do you know?” asked her roommate. “Well,” she replied, “a day isn’t a long time, and I know it is going to be beautiful because I am going to take a day at a time and make it so. I will see that every one of those 365 days gets at least one beautiful thing into it through my efforts.”

Her New Year motto might be, in the words of David, “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.”

Make this your prayer:
“Dear Master for this coming year
Just one request I bring:
I do not pray for happiness,
Or any earthly thing -
I do not ask to understand
The way Though leadest me,
But this I ask: Teach me to do
The thing that pleaseth Thee
I want to know Thy guiding voice,
To walk with Thee each day.
Dear Master make me swift to hear
And ready to obey.
And thus the year I now begin
A happy year will be -
If I am seeking just to do
The thing that pleaseth Thee.”

Happy New Year!!

Victory is Ours!

“Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.” Hebrews 2:17-18

We have been looking at the reasons Jesus came to earth: (1.) to recapture our lost identity, (2.) to identify with us, (3.) to release us from bondage, and lastly - (4.) to restore us from defeat. The emphasis of verse 17 is Godward, Jesus in the role of high priest satisfies God’s righteousness. In verse 18 the emphasis is manward, in the fact that as our high priest He comes along side us to aid us who are tempted. There are three things you must know -

1. Only Jesus can save us.
He is the One and only Savior.

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’”John 14:6

“For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.” 1 Timothy 2:5-6

2. Jesus understands us.
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

3. Victory can be yours.
He died to set you free. He came to give you life, but you have to receive it.

Make note - There is a difference between believing and receiving. I can believe and still go to hell...Or...I can receive this gift of life found only in Jesus Christ. Christ is the only hope. You can receive Him or reject Him, but you can’t ignore Him.

“Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today,’ so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end, while it is said, ‘TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS, AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME.’” Hebrews 3:12-15

Don’t harden your heart. Today, thank God for your salvation or receive it. To God be the glory!

Free From Bondage

“Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.” Hebrews 2:14-15

As we looked yesterday at our text, we saw that Jesus came (1.) to recapture our lost identity and (2.) to identify with us. Today, we look at the third reason Jesus came into this world -

To release us from bondage.
The bondage of sin (Rom. 6:6; 16-18; 22-23) and the bondage of death (Heb. 2:14). Make note that it’s not going to be dealt with - it is done!

He took the power away from the devil. The question is - Where did Satan get the power in the first place? ...From man (Gen. 3). When man fell, not only did Satan get the title deed to Earth, but the wages of sin is death. It was not God who put us into bondage - it was man.

How did Jesus render him powerless? ...At the cross.

Satan killed the sinless Son of God. You see, the wages of sin is death. But Jesus did not sin. “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Therefore, He could pay the ransom for sin.

So when Jesus gave His life, He bought back - He paid the price of redemption.
Christians know four things about death -
1. The sting of death has been removed (1 Cor. 15:55-56).
2. The judgement beyond death need not be feared (Rom. 8:1; 31-39).
3. The resurrection of Christ guarantees our own (1 Cor. 15:20-24).
4. The devil cannot touch us (Heb. 2:14-15).

The Author of Our Salvation

“For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying,
‘I WILL PROCLAIM YOUR NAME TO MY BRETHREN,
IN THE MIDST OF THE CONGREGATION I WILL SING YOUR PRAISE.’
And again,
‘I WILL PUT MY TRUST IN HIM.’
And again,
‘BEHOLD, I AND THE CHILDREN WHOM GOD HAS GIVEN ME.’” Hebrews 2:10-13

We are looking at four reasons Jesus came into this world. First of all, He came to recapture our lost identity.

Second -
Jesus came into this world to identify with us.If it was a man who gave the title deed of planet Earth to Satan, then only a man could take it back.

“For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous."
Romans 5:17-19

“For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:21-22

Those two verses answer two key questions in the world today...
1. Was there a literal Adam and Eve? ...Yes!
2. Can you believe in the creation and re-creation of the world?

Look at the word, “author,” in verse 10.
- Referred to a city’s traditional founder
- A pioneer
- To blaze a trail
- To set the course for others to follow
He has blazed the trail for us to follow.

There has to be a high price paid for our sin.
“...without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Heb 9:22
That’s why angels aren’t qualified. They cannot identify with us.

There are three kinds of suffering:
1. That which you can avoid.
2. That which you cannot avoid.
3. That which you must not avoid.

It’s God for us. It molds us, makes us.

Now in relationship to sin and redemption -
- Adam and Eve could have avoided sin in the garden.
They had a choice; they made the wrong one. That was the suffering that could have been avoided.

- The wages of sin is death...disease...destruction.

- But it was God who reached down to man.
It was never God’s intention to leave man in his sin. Who was it in the garden that came looking? God!

So God provided a bridge in His Son, Jesus Christ. But He had to suffer to do it. Jesus willingly suffered for us to bring us to salvation.

Man’s Original Role

“For He did not subject to angels the world to come, concerning which we are speaking. But one has testified somewhere, saying,
‘What is man, that you remember him?
Or the son of man, that you are concerned about him?
You have made him for a little while lower than the angels;
You have crowned him with glory and honor,
and have appointed him over the works of your hands;
you have put all things in subjection under his feet.’ For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him.” Hebrews 2:5-8

As we come back to Hebrews 2 today, we are looking at four reasons why Jesus came into this world -
I. To recapture our lost destiny (Heb. 2:5-8)
We are no longer what we were in the beginning of creation. In these verses, we are referring to the human race - not the Son of God.

Question - God, why would You remember, and come and die for us, sinful as we are?
Because God had a plan.

“God blessed them; and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’ Then God said, ‘Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you; and to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the sky and to every thing that moves on the earth which has life, I have given every green plant for food’; and it was so.” Genesis 1:28-30

Man’s role was to rule - to be over the creation and worship the Creator. But man sinned and fell, and we have never been the same since. That brings us to verse 9. Into this situation, the Father sent the Son - into sin, loss of glory, and destruction, comes Jesus Christ to restore to us our position.

Now understand -
- Man was created to have dominion over all things.
- Instead of dominion, we suffered defeat when Adam handed the title deed of planet Earth into the hands of Satan (Gen. 3).
- Into this defeat comes Jesus.

He came with the purpose to recapture our lost identity, to restore us to what we were originally created to be. Why would God do that? Because God loves us and has a plan!

Our Great High Priest

“Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.” Hebrews 2:17-18

Today, we are thinking of the Glory of Christmas. Far more than just a birth of a baby - it is the truth that God became a man. God sent His Son into the world. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Jesus Christ is God’s gift (1 Cor. 9:15), and He is a gift worth understanding! In Hebrews 2, the writer gives us the reason why Jesus became a man. Now this is a theological passage, but it’s important for us to understand:
- Why God came to earth
- Why He lived among us and gave His life

When we look at Hebrews, the writer probably does as good a job as any to help us understand why Jesus became a man. In Hebrews 2, he shows us that fallen man needs a bridge to Holy God. Over and over again, Jesus is referred to as the High Priest (Hebrews 2:17; 3:1; 4:14; 5:1; 6:20; 8:1).

There were four qualifications of a High Priest:
1. Must be one of the people
2. Must be faithful in ministry
3. Must be appointed by God
4. Must be cleansed from all sin

What the Hebrew writer is saying is that Jesus Christ became a man to be the High Priest for all of us. And that He fits all four of those qualifications (Heb. 2-7).
1. He became one of us - He was flesh (John 1:14; Heb 2:9, 11, 14).
2. He was faithful to the Father (Heb. 3:2; 3:6).
3. He was appointed (Heb. 5:6, 10; Heb. 7).
4. He was without sin (Heb. 4:15).

Hebrews is to the New Testament what Leviticus is to the Old Testament. So with that understanding - The writer gives us four reason why Jesus came into this world, and I want you to see them over the next few days.

This Christmas Eve

Here I sit and contemplate
This Christmas Eve, with this year’s fate
I’ve lost my job, no fault of mine
Times are hard, no work to find
And here I sit, each passing day
With household bills I cannot pay
And yet the Lord, true to His Word
Helped me though a friend who’d heard
Then from my class they brought some food
Thank You, Lord, You’ve changed my mood
Then came a deacon to my door
He prayed with me, then gave me more
My bills reduced from six to three
How much more will God bless me?
Forgive me, Lord, for doubting You
As faith grew thin, and anger grew
I’ll do my best by faith to live
And share the best gift I could give
To share my faith is Jesus Christ
The baby born for sacrifice
And trust in You for all the rest
Thank You, Lord, I’m truly blessed!
- John Potter

Twas the Night Before Jesus Came

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, ‘KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.’” Revelation 19:11-16

Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come in there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.
When out of the east there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear.
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment that this must be THE DAY!
The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! Returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said, ‘It’s not here,’ my head hung in shame.
The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without sound
While all of the rest were left standing around.
I feel to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited to o long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight.
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.
In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is soon drawing near.
There’s only one life and when comes the last call -
We’ll find that the Bible was true after all!”
- Anonymous

A Gift Worth Receiving

“then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, ‘Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples...’” Luke 2:28-31

We are looking at five truths that Simeon teaches us -
I. Those who look for Jesus will find Him
II. The assurance comes before the answer
III. He came to the right place to find Him

IV. He personally received Jesus (John 2:28)
Note the progression of events. He was looking for his messiah, he saw Him, then He took him in His arms, he believed, and he received. No one comes to Christ who doesn’t believe. But it’s not enough to believe - you must receive. Isn’t that the heart of Christmas? It doesn’t matter how many gifts you have under the tree. They’re not yours until you personally take them and receive them as yours. People say all the time, “I believe in God!” - well, amen! So does the devil, but he’s not going to heaven.

Psalm 14:1 says, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” While Proverbs 13:23 says, “The one who despises the word will be in debt to it...” The Word of God teaches us that Christ has come with the offer of eternal life. It is truly a gift worth receiving. How, you ask, do you receive it? First of all, you agree with God that you’re a sinner and need a Savior. Second, you repent of your sin and ask God to forgive you and for Christ to come into your life. Romans 10:13 says, “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

And then like Simeon...
V. He was ready to dieHe didn’t have to die, but...He was ready. Do you know that you’re going to heaven when you die? The good news is - you can. Right now, receive Christ into your heart and know the true joy of Christmas.

Seek and You Will Find

“And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law.” Luke 2:25-27

As we come back to our text today, we are discovering five truths from the life of Simeon. Truth number one: Those who look for Jesus will find Him. Simeon was looking with intent. When he saw Jesus, he knew he saw the Answer. Now compare that with the scene at Bethlehem. The question is - How did they miss Christ? There are four reasons -
1. Too busy
The census, the crowd, the rush of the people. Just like many today, we miss God in so many ways because we’re too busy to slow down and look.

2. Preoccupation
With the things of the world, they missed the Savior.

3. Inconvenient
From their point of view, it was the wrong time. If the inn keeper would have known...

4. No expectation
They weren’t looking! Simeon saw Christ because he was focused on Him.

Two lessons on looking:
- Look through the eyes of faith - not fact.
- Keep looking - even though you may be discouraged. Never give up. Keep the faith.

Remember that there had been 400 years of silence.

II. The assurance comes before the answer (John 2:26)
He knew the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would see the Lord Christ before His death. He believed and was looking.

III. He came to the right place to find Him (John 2:27)
He came with the right heart and mind - Attitude. He came to the right place - Temple (church)

Trust me - when you come to church with the right heart and mind, looking for truth...you will find it.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”
Matthew 7:7-8

Those Who Look, Will See!

“And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord’), and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, ‘A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.’ And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him." Luke 2:21-25

This week, we are looking at Christmas. There is no time of the year like Christmas...It is distinctively a time of giving gifts and enjoying family. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15. It is with the idea that Christ is a gift, that we have looked at the fact of a gift worth giving and He is a gift worth waiting for - He is also a gift worth receiving. As you look over our text, note that in the teachings of Judaism, every male went through three important events. We see three here in our passage -

1. Circumcision (Luke 2:21)
Gen. 17:12; Lev. 12:3
On the eighth day of circumcision, the male would be officially named.
Luke 1:59

2. Redemption of the first born (Luke 2:23)
The first born male belonged to God.
Ex. 13:2, 12; Num. 3:13
Num. 8:17-18 - God said He would take the Levites instead.

3. The purification after childbirth for the mother
Lev. 12
The mother would stay at home for 40 days after the birth of a male. After the birth of a female, she would stay home for 80 days.
Two offerings were brought to her (Luke 2:24) - a pair.

Now this is where Simeon came into play. We can find at least five truths here in our text that Simeon teaches us -
I. Those who look for Jesus, will find Him. (Luke 2:25)
Looking = looking with intent, to find what you are looking for.
He was on a mission. He was determined.
How many times do we see...but not really see at all?
He saw Jesus because he was looking for Him.

God is not hiding. He is there for anyone who is looking.

“Because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:19-20

We can be so busy that we fail to see.

Christmas Perspective

“When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, ‘Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.’So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.” Luke 2:15-20

Christmas was going to be different this year. The father called a family conference and challenged them to be more disciplined in the management of their time during the busy Christmas season and to curtail excessive spending on gifts. He talked about better relations between visiting relatives and more congenial atmosphere around their home. He brought his speech to a crescendo with his final rally cry, “Let’s make this the BEST Christmas EVER!” His little second-grade son countered the big motivational speech by noting, “But dad, I don’t see how we could ever improve on the first Christmas.”

We certainly can’t improve on what happened that first Christmas, but we can improve on the way we celebrate it today. Never forget - If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer. But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior.

The Good News

“But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11

One last thing about a winning Christmas season -
Keep the Spirit
Too many people get caught up in the world’s view of Christmas - the artificial one. The lights, the tree, the ornaments, and decorations. When Christmas is over, we take it all down, store it an a closet, and wait until next year. Listen, the coming of Jesus was never intended to liven us up for a few days each year. He was not born to provide only temporary escape from the monotonous affairs of human life.

Jesus said that He came to give us life and that abundantly. The abundant life is an everlasting life. It isn’t joy for a month - it is joy to the world, the Lord is come! The angel said, “I bring you good news of a great joy which will be for all the people.” We’re not called to put the good news away after Christmas, but to share it all year long. Joy is part of the fruit of the Spirit. It’s yours and no one can take it from you. It’s yours all the time - live in it, rejoice in it, share it. The world may celebrate Christmas in December, but if Jesus lives in your heart, you get to celebrate it 365 days a year.

Glory to God and have a Merry Christmas!

Spend Time Together

“After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11

As we have been talking about having a winning Christmas season, we have talked about -
1. Keeping Jesus first
2. Thoughtful worship
3. Be a gracious receiver
And today...
4. Rediscover family
Note in our verse that it says the magi came “into the house.” God sent His Son into a family and home. Christmas is a family time. A winning Christmas season involves forgiving, ending estrangements, and repairing broken relationships.

Several years ago, Professor Nick Stinnett, chairman of the Department of Human Development and the Family at the University of Nebraska, headed a research project to “discover what makes families strong.” Their team observed and interviewed 3,000 strong families in South America, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, South Africa, and the United States. From all of this research they concluded that strong families have six main qualities:
1. Family members are committed to the family
2. They spend time together
3. They have good family communication
4. They express appreciation to each other
5. They have a spiritual commitment
6. They are able to solve problems in a crisis.
Strong family ties don’t just happen - they take work!

Vince Foster was the deputy presidential counsel to President Clinton. He spoke to the 1993 graduating class of Arkansas University School of Law just six weeks before his controversial death. In his speech he spoke of his love for family and his wife of 25 years. He encouraged the graduates to “balance wisely your professional life and your family life. No one was ever heard to say on a death bed, ‘I wish I had spent more time at the office.’”

A winning Christmas season includes rediscovering the family. Take time together, establish traditions, be together - it will be time well spent.

Be a Gracious Receiver

“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13

We are looking at how to have a winning Christmas. We have talked about the fact that we need:
1. To keep Jesus first
2. To practice thoughtful worship
3. Be a gracious receiver

It is here that many lose the joy of the Christmas season. For many, it is easier to give than it is to receive. For many, it is disappointment with what is given. Why? Because we expected something different, something more expensive, or better. That’s why many, today, let people tell them or even pick out what they want for Christmas.

But you miss the point. It’s not about what you get, but the heart with which it was given. Let me suggest an alternative - Don’t expect anything! Absolutely nothing. Then you will be grateful for whatever you receive. Gracious receiving leads to a winning Christmas season. Don’t expect. Appreciate and be thankful that someone thought about you and cared enough to get you something.

For many, time is the greatest gift of all! I mean quality time - not everyone just sitting in the same room or being in the same general location. But time spent being together, eye to eye, over dinner, or on a drive somewhere.

Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive. However...we can be gracious when others want to give to us. Receive what is given with a grateful heart, and you will be blessed.

O Come Let Us Adore Him

“And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11

“...and they fell down and worshiped Him.” The Greek word here is ‘proskuneo.’ It means to bow down, to reverence, to pay homage. Remember, these are Magi from the east, Gentiles, pagans to the Jews, and Infidels. But take note - they are the ones who came seeking Christ and when they found Him they worshiped Him.

You want to have a winning Christmas -
Keep Christ first.
Practice thoughtful worship.

A winning Christmas season includes worship where we give ourselves to Christ and then give our gifts to Christ. Jesus is our King, Priest, and through His death, our Savior.

There are just too many people who go to church and simply go through the motions, do the religious thing, give an hour to God, but they never worship. Worship isn’t about you - it’s about Him! If we truly are coming to worship the Lord Jesus Christ, then the weather shouldn’t stop us, a football game shouldn’t stop us, or any other excuse. He alone is worthy. He is worthy of our love, praise, adoration and worship. Don’t go to church to put your time in - go to worship Him with a heart full of praise and a hunger to hear from Him. If you go with the right attitude, you will leave with a better one. O come let us adore Him, O come let us a adore Him, O come let us adore Him - Christ, the Lord.

Make this a Winning Christmas Season

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Football season is winding down with the favorites winning their conference or league - while other teams either surprised or disappointed their followers. In the next several weeks, it will be about all the bowl games. The emphasis, of course, is on the national championship game - It’s all about winning!

Here in 1 Corinthian 9:24-27 Paul talks about winning as we run the race. For the next several days, let me suggest to you several ways to make this Christmas season a winning one.

Keep Jesus First
There would be no Christmas season unless there was Christ!
In spite of what the culture tells us, Jesus is the reason for the season. And while it is true that the economy of our nation would suffer without the Christmas season, the bottom line fact is the very soul of our nation would suffer without remembering the person of the occasion - the Lord Jesus Christ.

We do not honor the birth of Jesus by selfishness, drunkenness, indecency and surrendering to sensuality, that would be the worlds way. But that will only bring a headache, misery and defeat. A winning Christmas season includes keeping Jesus first. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you!”

You want to enjoy Christmas? Celebrate it for the right reason with the right spirit. Keep Jesus first!!!

A Christmas Wish

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:16-17

“What I’d like to have for Christmas
I can tell you in a minute.
The family all around me,
and the home with laughter in it.

Never mind the usual trinkets,
wrapped in tissue, tied with ribbon.
I want chuckles from the oldest,
to the baby with her bib on.

What I really want for Christmas
is a gift that’s precious, very.
It’s the family all around me,
and a Christmas Day that’s merry.

But the richest man now living
hasn’t gold enough to buy it.
Only God above can grant it,
and His blessing must supply it.”
- Edgar A. Guest

Understanding the Picture

“The steps of a man are established by the LORD...” Psalm 37:23

“The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.” Proverbs 16:1

“The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.” Proverbs 21:1

If Christmas tells us anything - it says to us that God knows us! The little things we blow off as nothing important are all playing a part in our lives and are used for the glory of God. Everything is appropriate in its time. The God ho has put eternity in our hearts is the same one Who knows every moment and every step.

John Maxwell said, “Your attitude, key to success,” and that reminds us that -
“The wrong decision at the right time equals disaster.
The wrong decision at the right time equals a mistake.
The right decision at the wrong time equals unacceptance.
But, the right decision at the right time equals success.”
- Timing,1983

Nothing ever stays the same. Options today become non-negotiable tomorrow. Decisions are a daily thing, and every decision is important. Mary would say, “When God speaks, don’t miss the moment.” The Bible says, “See the Lord, while He may be found.”

You are not here by accident, but by the sovereign providence of God. The question is - Are you living according to His plan or yours?

Looking at the Big Picture, Part 2

“The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.” Psalm 103:19

Yesterday, we looked at God’s timing from the light of prophecy. Today, let’s look at it in the light of history. Five historical events that made the time right for His birth...

1. The Dispersion of the Jewish People - Moving into the Mediterranean Basin.
God fearing Jews were moving out to communities through the Roman Empire. It was here in these communities that the gospel first came.

2. A Favorable Legal Environment
Romans had conquered all kinds of religious groups. The only requirement was that you had to acknowledge Caesar as God. They worked with every group except one - Jews. The Roman Empire granted an exemption to the Jews.

Now watch the timing -
We have the birth of Christ, and for the first 70 years, the Romans never knew the difference between Judaism and Christianity. When they finally tried to put a stop to it, it was too late. Christianity was being birthed throughout the Roman Empire.

3. Favorable Political Climate
Under Julius Caesar, there were many wars and real conflict. Under Augustus Caesar it was a time of peace. Instead of Rome being at war, they began to build roads and take care of people traveling. They connected the whole Roman Empire together, so people could travel.

4. Favorable Culture Climate
All people spoke the same language.
At the tower of Babel - confusion.
But Alexander the Great - common Greek.
The whole world spoke Greek.

5. Favorable Philosophical Environment
Plato, Socrates, and all the rest had done a better job at raising questions than answering them. The world was hungry for truth - and Christianity gave the world truth.

You put all these together, and you’re beginning to see how great God really is!

In the “fullness of time” God sent forth His Son. Christmas is about God’s timing in our lives. Christmas is about how God used history, psychology, people, and all the little things to bring about His purpose. Christmas is about God’s sovereignty on display!

Looking at the Big Picture

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Yesterday we were looking at God’s timing from Mary’s point of view - the immediate picture. But we need to see life from God’s perspective - the Big Picture. As we think of Christmas and God’s timing let’s first look at it in the light of prophecy.

One of the most fascinating lines of study in the Old Testament is the progressive development of prophecy concerning the Messiah - Savior. Away back in Eden we find God promising that the “seed” of the woman should “bruise the head” of the serpent Genesis 3:15. Later, God says to Abraham, “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed” Genesis 22:18. Next we find Jacob foretelling that “the scepter shall not depart from Judah... until Shiloh comes” Genesis 49:10. Again, later, God pledges to David, “I will raise up your descendant after you...and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” II Sam 7:12-13. Still later the prophet Micah declares, “From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel, His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity” Micah 5:2. Then to this the inspired Isaiah adds, “Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel” Isaiah 7:14.

Thus it was revealed to Adam of which race He should come; then to Abraham of which nation; then to Jacob of which tribe; then to David of which family; then to Micah of which place.
Then to Isaiah of which woman.
And at last it happened – “Unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given”!!

That the eternal Son could ever be born into our humanity must remain sheer mystery- yet thus to be “born” was a necessity if He was to become our Kinsman-Redeemer. He was really “born.” He became really human. In the mysterious transition, however, His eternal divinity did not, could not, sustain any depletion. His two natures, divine and human, were not intermixed to form a compound making Him neither fully man, a sort of demi-god and super-man. No! There were two natures, but the personality was one. We may well marvel.

But we must look forward and marvel at His coming world-dominion. Christmas is not only a commemoration - it is a prophecy! “The government shall be upon His shoulder.” It will really happen – and soon!

Get the Picture

“While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7

God is a God of timing, and in Ecclesiastes 3:8 He has made everything appropriate in its time. So the question is, “How does that relate to Christmas?”

Look again at Luke 2:6-7 - We see the humanity of Christ.

“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law...” Galatians 4:4. We see divinity of Christ. A divine Father, a human mother - the Incarnation. He is 100% God and 100% man.

Look back at verse 6 and see the timing. The normal process has taken place. It’s time to give birth. “...when the fullness of time came...” Galatians 4:4. Here we see the eternal plan.

Now let’s look at Mary. If we look at Mary and what she is going through, we would probably say God’s timing for her was very inconvenient. When we look at the short term events in our lives, many times we basically feel like saying, “God this is not the right time for this in my life!!” Or, “Lord, do you know what you are doing?” Or, “Are you aware of how inconvenient this it?” Or, “Oh, Lord, not now!”

Did you ever stop and think of what Mary must have thought at that moment? Talk about inconvenient - Her marriage had not been consummated. The birth of her child is in occupied territory. The census has totally disrupted the plans. She is in a strange town, no family, no support system. There is inadequate housing.

In the short term of things – if you were to ask Mary what she thinks, I'm sure she must have said, “It doesn't seem to be the right time for all this to happen.” I don't know about you, but I can relate to this. This applies to my life. There are times, more than I want to count, when I have caught myself questioning God and his timing. Why? Because all we have is just one little piece of the puzzle. When all you have is a piece or a portion, it doesn't always make sense.

The only one who has the whole picture is God. But rather than have faith and trust Him, we usually worry, jump to conclusions, blow up, make a bad decision, or something else. I want you to hold that thought until tomorrow.

God’s Sovereign Timing

“Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:1-7

In Luke 2 we have the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is Jesus! Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ! In Luke 2:1-7 we see more than just a birth, the truth is that we have a sovereign God, Who is not only in control, but Who does all things well.

I want to look this week at God’s timing, and remembering that Romans 8:28 says to us, “All things work together for good...” Also notice Galatians 4:4-5 “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”

Christmas is about God’s sovereign timing in the lives of His creation. Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven...”

And then in Ecclesiastes 3:11 “He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.”

That’s a most amazing statement. The writer here says – God has made everything appropriate in its time. Showing that God is aware of everything, even the moments and seconds of our life. He is aware of everything - He knows you! Your thoughts. Your actions. Your desires.

And He says - that everything that takes place happens at the appointed time. He is a God Who is very involved with His creation. He didn’t create us and then let us go. He is actually involved in our lives. He is accomplishing His purpose through people just like us. There are no accidents with God! I can trust Him because He knows me, and He knows you! I find that very comforting, but a lost sinful world doesn’t share our joy!

He is God Who knows the smallest details of our lives, and yet has set eternity in our hearts.

Chump Change

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:12-17

Most everyone will remember the days of the Susan B. Anthony dollar. It only lasted for three years and there is a very good reason. It looked too much like a quarter and people didn’t like all of the confusion. In the public’s mind a dollar needed to look like it was worth 4 quarters, not just 25 cents. The coin seemed like “chump change,” so it became another memory and fell out of circulation.

Christians can learn a poignant lesson from the U.S. Treasury’s error. The world expects believers to look like Christ, not a cheap imitation. People outside of the church see too many professing Christians who look more like “chump change” than the real thing. Live in such a way that others will easily recognize a significant difference.

This Christmas, don’t let the world put you into their box or mold you. Live in such a way that you remind them what Christmas is really about. It’s not about spending, shopping, and rush, rush, rush - it’s about Christ, His Birth, God’s love, and the hope we have in Him. Christmas is Christ! Be an ambassador for Christ. Let the love, joy, peace, and compassion of Christ flow through you this season and be a blessing to the culture you live in. Don’t be an imitation - be the real thing!

A Defining Moment

“And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins. And He said, ‘Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on.’”
Luke 21:1-4

Lynne Hybels, the wife of renowned pastor, Bill Hybels, tells of a most touching scene she witnessed years ago. As a child she was very intrigued with a man in a discount store who was struggling with the purchase of a small and inexpensive figurine. His attire revealed much. He was an older man whose children were no doubt grown. The lines in his face and the worn clothes on his back told of a hard and bitter-sweet life. Yet everything about this man communicated the intensity of his love for the recipient of that gift. His gift would not compare with the countless other gifts purchased by those whose incomes afforded much more. The wrapping would probably be less than elaborate. It might be the only gift he could give her. But somehow his gift seemed more significant than any other.

Since that time Mrs. Hybels has seen 30 years of Christmas shopping frenzies, but each year this anonymous shopper is the one who tugs at her heart and moistens her eyes. She says, “Sometimes the most beautiful love stories are etched on the faces of the lowly and shared by the humble.” May such stories of intentional love define your Christmas season this year!

Remember - it’s not what you give as much as it is how you give, why you give, and the love it is given with.

What the Wise Men Teach Us, Part 2

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:10-11

As we come back today, we are looking at five truths the wise men teach us about giving. They teach us how to give...

1. An Unexpected Gift to Someone

2. They Gave a Gift with Genuine Joy
Verse 10 says they saw the star and rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. There was no humbug here - no, they gave with joy. Do you give because you have to, or because you want to? Remember old Scrooge was changed when he gave with the right heart. We are reminded in Acts 20:35 “That it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

3. Their Gift Was Personal
What they gave came from their heart. It is not corporate giving, but personal giving that counts.

4. Give a Gift that Lasts
We’ve been talking about these wise men for 2,000 years.
Two things you can give at Christmas that will last:
1. Memories - Do things that make memories.
2. A Godly Heritage.

5. They Gave the Gift - NOW
They saw the star...They followed the star...They came to the child.
Keep short accounts.
Don’t do it later - do it Now!
Don’t wait for the money to buy the most expensive gift - do something now.

Build Memories –
1. Spend time with your kids.
2. Take your wife out.
3. Make that phone call.
4. Write that letter.
5. Tell someone you love them (today)!

Don’t put off to next year what you could do this year. Give with the right heart and you will be blessed.

What the Wise Men Teach Us About Giving

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:10-11

As we look back to the wise men, they give us five beautiful truths about giving. They teach us to - Give an unexpected gift to someone. Remember, these wise men were not Jews, no one in Israel was expecting them, and all were surprised when they showed up looking for Him, who had been born King of the Jews. The point is - Sometimes the best gifts we give are the unexpected gifts. Not the ones people are expecting to get, but the ones no one is expecting to get. Let me ask you, who could you bless this year with an unexpected gift?

Let me give you - Twelve Christmas Gift Suggestions:
1. Give your parents the words, “I love you.”
2. Give your children a full day of your time.
3. Give an ear to someone who needs a listener.
4. Give a hand to someone less strong.
5. Give an old friend an unexpected visit.
6. Give a former neighbor a phone call.
7. Give a kind word to a weary sales clerk, or maybe a candy cane with a ribbon.
8. Adopt a set of grandparents, a student in college, or a military family.
9. Invite some neighborhood children over for some homemade cookies.
10. Get together as a group and go caroling to some seniors or shut-ins.
11. Give an anonymous money gift to someone in need.
12. Give God thanks for sending His Son as the Redeemer of His world.

And here’s one for you – Give yourself time to reflect on this holy season!

Give a Grace Gift

“And a man who had been lame from his mother's womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he began asking to receive alms. But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, ‘Look at us!’ And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, ‘I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk!’ And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.” Acts 3:2-8

As we looked yesterday, there are different kinds of gifts that people can give - one is a ‘grace’ gift. That is the kind of gift that is un-repayable. God gave us His Son - you can’t repay, you can only receive. Here in our text we see a man healed who had been lame from his mother’s womb. A miracle, a gift of grace from God.

People often ask, how do you give a grace gift?
Simply put ...
1. From the heart
2. It is impossible, therefore, to measure the cost.

In my life there have been many grace gifts given to me. For instance:
- A lady who made me peanut-brittle every Christmas for over twenty years.
- A woman who every December would schedule a thirty minute appointment with me and cancel it on the day of the appointment, and give me 30 minutes to do what I wanted.
- A brother who had a set of golf clubs and gave them to me.
- A family who bought us luggage, because they saw the need.
- A couple who gave us their time share for a week.
- A couple who let us use their condo in Mammoth every summer for a family vacation.
- A couple who take us every year to see USC football games.
And on and on....

You see - we buy gifts, but what could we give? We’re missing the blessings of Christmas. What are some grace gifts you could give?
Being together - Time.
Doing a service - People who fix things for you; who run tapes for you; who landscape for you.

The greatest gifts you receive are not always the ones with the price tags, but are the ones that come from the heart.

A Gift Worth Giving

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.’ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: “AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.”’ Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.’ After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.” Matthew 2:1-12

There is no time like Christmas! The beauty of Christmas is that it is a profound message, simply given. Christmas is about giving - “...for God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son...”

Here in our text we see the wise men coming from the east, with gifts for the Christ child. Notice two things -
1. They were personally given.
These were wealthy people - could have sent them, but they took them personally.

2. They were properly given.
It was more than a gift - not just gold, frankincense and myrrh.

These were gifts that were given with glory, adoration, honor, and with the worship of Jesus in mind.
- Gold is a gift for a king.
- Frankincense carries with it the idea of purity.
- Myrrh is what you use when someone was to be buried.

In these three gifts you see God giving us insight into the life of His Son.

John Maxwell reminds us that there are three kinds of gifts that we give at Christmas.
1. Gifts for a gift - gift.
We receive a gift and we give a gift for the gift. We look, we value, we reciprocate.
We keep the stores busy at Christmas just giving gifts for the gifts we were given.

2. A gift for a favor -gift.
We give a gift expecting not a gift back from you, but a favor down the line.
Employee - Employer.

3. A grace gift - gift.
A gift that is un-repayable.
Christ gave His life for us. You can never repay Him for it. You can only receive it, and thank Him for it.

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” II Cor 9:15

Eternal Life Now!

“When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:11-13

Paul writes, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.” One day we will see Jesus and all that we have suffered and enjoyed will pale in comparison to the truth and reality of His presence.

Often the reason we don’t maximize the life we have is because we don’t really know the One who gives life. We may have an idea or mental image of God, but the reality of His presence is not something we incorporate into our lives on a daily basis. If we did, we would stop trying to solve our own problems and give Him the burdens of our hearts. We would not place emphasis on acquiring material possessions but trust Him to meet all our needs. We would be more interested in abiding in Him and allowing His presence to be evident through our actions.

Living with an eternal perspective begins by asking Jesus to saturate every area of your life with Himself. You don’t have to wait until eternity to experience the intimate fellowship of God. Open your life up to Him, fully and completely, and He will give you a blessed taste of eternity now.

“Our Heavenly Father would have us do real business with Him in our praying.” -C.H. Spurgeon

You Have Been Set Free

“This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son. The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” 1 John 5:6-13

He decided to take the promotion his company had offered. It meant a raise, new position, and better retirement benefits. However, the manager he presently worked for became incensed and complained that this move would affect his department. The employee immediately became confused. He knew the job was God’s best for his life. Yet his boss’s guilt-laden words made the decision difficult.

John, the apostle, wrote to a group of people who, like us, struggled with insecurities and fears. Their environment was unstable and the future unclear. Accusations and threats often brought up thoughts of violence and death. Their only hope was found in the truth given to them by God’s Son. John wrote: “If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater” (1 John 5:9). There is conflict in our world. But God’s presence and peace are greater. No one has to yield to false guilt or pressure from others.

Jesus has set you free. His Word is your eternal hope. He gave you His truth so you might experience freedom from bondage of guilt, fear, and insecurity. By applying Scripture to your life, you refuse to settle for anything less. Listen to God’s voice, and you will have wisdom for every decision.

“For the Christian, power lies in the truth.” - Neil Anderson

Remember the Lord

“O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
For the LORD is a great God
and a great King above all gods,
in whose hand are the depths of the earth,
the peaks of the mountains are His also.
The sea is His, for it was He who made it,
and His hands formed the dry land.
Come, let us worship and bow down,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
For He is our God,
and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand...”
Psalm 95:1-7

“Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing to the LORD, bless His name;
proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.
Tell of His glory among the nations,
His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.
For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised;
He is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before Him,
strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.
Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory of His name;
bring an offering and come into His courts.
Worship the LORD in holy attire;
tremble before Him, all the earth.
Say among the nations, ‘The LORD reigns;
indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved;
He will judge the peoples with equity.’
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all it contains;
let the field exult, and all that is in it.
Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy
before the LORD, for He is coming,
for He is coming to judge the earth
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in His faithfulness.” Psalm 96

Happy Thanksgiving!

Are You Content?

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:10-13

When he was younger, he dreamed of success; but as life progressed, he became bitter and withdrawn. A series of unfortunate incidents led to disillusionment - a college scholarship he could not complete; a marriage that, at best, was shaky; and children he longed to love but did not know how. These were only signs of a deeper problem - a lack of true contentment and peace with God. Now when most people are approaching retirement, he is forced to work a job he hates so bills can be paid. He always thought contentment was something he could buy and own, but he was wrong.

Even author and philosopher C.S. Lewis sought the solace of contentment, which he labeled “joy.” He had hoped to find it in a place or a state of mind, but instead he “found it to be a Person [Jesus Christ].” Contentment comes to those who seek the things of God above the things of the world. It is the result of laying down earthly desires while cultivating a friendship with Christ.

As you think through your life, are you content? If nothing were to change from this point - could you be satisfied with what God has given you? Remember, contentment abides where Jesus Christ is Lord of all.

“True contentment is need oriented not want oriented.”
-Andy Stanley

No Turning Back

“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Romans 12:1

In Paul’s day, people offered themselves to all kinds of sinful behavior. Prostitution and other forms of idolatry were common practices in pagan temples. In an attempt to raise the spiritual consciousness of the Roman church, Paul insisted that believers retain a high standard of purity. They had received new life through Jesus Christ, but now they needed to practice and live out this new life on a daily basis.

The church probably wondered, “How do we do this? Everywhere we turn, our eyes are met with forms of degradation.” Sound familiar? The only way we can maintain our purity is by an act of our wills, whereby we become living spiritual sacrifices to God.

Warren Wiersbe writes, “God transforms our minds and makes us spiritually minded by using His Word. As you spend time meditating on God’s Word, memorizing it, and making it a part of your inner man, God will gradually make your mind more spiritual.”

When we desire God’s will over the desires of the flesh, we deny self. We acknowledge that we have been crucified with Christ and we no longer live, but Jesus Christ now live to the glory of God in us (Galatians 2:20).

“O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more.” - A.W. Tozer

The Way to a Renewed Mind

“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2

What we think and what really is, sometimes are not in sync - we want to think God is in control, but the truth is, we are really running the show. In her book, Beyond Ourselves, Catherine Marshall writes of spiritual renewal:

“One morning I was particularly discouraged. I was caught between all my blessings - a wonderful husband, three lovely children at home and a fourth in and out, a big new house, and my daily writing. I was quite frankly, exhausted. So once more we took the situation to God....‘Lord, we’ve tried everything we can think of. Every road has seemed a dead end....Tell us what it is -.’”

God showed her that she was “dictating the terms” of her life. “A thought stabbed me. What if - for this period of my life - I was supposed to give up the writing? Immediately this possibility brought tears. Why should I have to relinquish something which I had from the beginning dedicated to God - and something from which I also got such intense satisfaction?”

Resolutely, she submitted her desires to God. “Though my emotions were in stark rebellion, I knew that sooner or later they would fall into line. When the relinquishment was complete, the breakthrough occurred.”

The way to a renewed mind is the way of submission. When we submit our desires to Christ, He transforms our will and prepares us for a great blessing. To renew our mind means we adopt a changed attitude and see things from God’s perspective.

A Powerful Transformation

“Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do.’” Acts 9:1-6

“So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized; and he took food and was strengthened. Now for several days he was with the disciples who were at Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, ‘He is the Son of God.’All those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, ‘Is this not he who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and who had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?’ But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.” Acts 9:17-22

The apostle Paul encountered Jesus Christ on the Damascus Road. Blinded and prostrate before God, Paul realized nothing he had learned could rival what Christ had revealed. Nor did he have a grasp of the immediate change that would take place in his life.

Some people have shared how God removed certain sinful desires at the point of salvation. Others tell how old habitats disappeared gradually. However, neither of these statements explains the depth to which God’s salvation reaches. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:17-18: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God...”

When you accept Christ as your Savior, God immediately transfers your name from the book of sin and death to the book of eternal life. He purifies your life and no longer views you according to your sin, but deals with you according to the testimony of His Son. Don’t harbor the memory of the past failures and sins. Once you come to know Jesus, the past failures and sins. Once you come to know Jesus, the past is eternally behind you and the new - holy and pure - is forever in front of you.

All things are made new in Christ!

The New You

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:12-17

Jesus told the people: “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Following this theme, Paul wrote: “Those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness...” (Colossians 3:12).

The “good works” we do in Christ never consist of worldly honors and material gains. On our own, we can never achieve the level of spirituality Christ spoke of. But thanks to His presence in us, this is attainable. We honor God by allowing the Holy Spirit to reflect Christ’s life in us. The light of your life should be Jesus Christ. A heart of compassion, a look of kindness and true humility, or a gentle spirit cannot be forced. It is an overflow of the Holy Spirit’s presence in the life of a believer.

Can we block His activity? Yes. Sin, legalism, complacency, and lack of repentance block God’s work in and through us. When God sees you, He sees the very core of your being. Allow Him to work through you to reveal His nature so when people see you, they will see Jesus and lives will be changed.

“The Christian life must be lived in the will, not in the emotions.” -Catherine Marshall

Conviction vs. Preference

“But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.” Daniel 1:8

“Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.’” Daniel 3:16-18

When Daniel refused to defile himself by eating the king’s food, he held fast to a conviction he deemed worthy enough for death. Convictions always challenge our level of commitment. Daniel viewed his relationship with God as far more important than satisfying the king’s whims. Once he took his stand, God provided a solution to the situation, and Daniel was allowed to eat that which was in keeping with God’s commandments.

Pleasing God - not men - was the most important issue to Daniel. Loving the Lord and keeping His commandments were his utmost desires. It wasn’t a matter of preference but a matter of godly conviction. Preferences are based on feelings. They change erratically and are often abandoned for the sake of immediate gratification. However, a conviction is based on God’s principles and deals with life from an eternal perspective.

Satan’s ultimate goal is to move you from a point of conviction to a point of preference. Once he has done this, he changes your view from God’s best to that which satisfies the flesh. Be wary of compromising your convictions, for you belong to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

When God tells you to do something, you should do it based on who is doing the talking.

The Price of Prayer

“Now again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and it incited David against them to say, ‘Go, number Israel and Judah.’”
2 Samuel 24:1

“Now David's heart troubled him after he had numbered the people So David said to the LORD, ‘I have sinned greatly in what I have done But now, O LORD, please take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.’” 2 Samuel 24:10

“So Gad came to David that day and said to him, ‘Go up, erect an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.’ David went up according to the word of Gad, just as the LORD had commanded. Araunah looked down and saw the king and his servants crossing over toward him; and Araunah went out and bowed his face to the ground before the king. Then Araunah said, ‘Why has my lord the king come to his servant?’ And David said, ‘To buy the threshing floor from you, in order to build an altar to the LORD, that the plague may be held back from the people.’ Araunah said to David, ‘Let my lord the king take and offer up what is good in his sight. Look, the oxen for the burnt offering, the threshing sledges and the yokes of the oxen for the wood. Everything, O king, Araunah gives to the king.’ And Araunah said to the king, ‘May the LORD your God accept you.’ However, the king said to Araunah, ‘No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price, for I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God which cost me nothing.’ So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. David built there an altar to the LORD and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Thus the LORD was moved by prayer for the land, and the plague was held back from Israel.”
2 Samuel 24:18-25

In numbering the people of Israel, David shifted his trust from faith in God’s ability to human resources. And in His anger, God sent a pestilence that killed 70,000 men. “When the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD relented....And the angel of the LORD was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. Then David spoke to the LORD when he saw the angel who was striking down the people, and said, ‘Behold, it is I who have sinned, and it is I who have done wrong; but these sheep, what have they done? Please let Your hand be against me...’”
(2 Samuel 24:16-17).

When David realized his sin, he went to God in prayer (verse 10). And when God withdrew His anger, David prayed once again. He purchased the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite so he could offer sacrifices and said: “I will surely buy it [the threshing floor] from you for a price, for I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God which cost me nothing” (verse 24).

When your back is against the wall and every avenue closed up before you, do you say a quick prayer to gain relief, or do you offer prayer that costs you something? David humbled his heart before God, and the Lord heard his cry.

Through prayer we recognize our dependence on God.

The Priority of Prayer

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Once Paul entered Macedonia, he immediately established a church in Philippi and then turned his attention to the port city of Thessalonica. Over 200,000 people lived and worked there. The city was a melting pot of cultural differences. It was also an area where immorality and crime thrived. Therefore, most believers saved under Paul’s ministry came from pagan backgrounds.

The apostle worked quickly to help new believers understand their spiritual foundation. One of the ways this was accomplished was through prayer. Paul admonished the church to “pray without ceasing,” which means to maintain an attitude of constant prayer. Much more than constant mumblings, unceasing prayer means to live life in conscious awareness of God’s personal love and availability.

Paul’s strategy was simple: when temptation comes - pray. When fear approaches - pray. When someone falsely accuses you - pray. When you are happy or sad - pray. No matter what you’re facing, pray because God answers prayer! The way you get to know your heavenly Father is through prayer. You can come to Him with anything, at any time or day or night.

The power of God is found in spending time with Him.

The Erosion of Our Life, Part 2

“Then Saul said, ‘I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will not harm you again because my life was precious in your sight this day. Behold, I have played the fool and have committed a serious error.’ David replied, ‘Behold the spear of the king! Now let one of the young men come over and take it. The LORD will repay each man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I refused to stretch out my hand against the LORD'S anointed. Now behold, as your life was highly valued in my sight this day, so may my life be highly valued in the sight of the LORD, and may He deliver me from all distress.’ Then Saul said to David, ‘Blessed are you, my son David; you will both accomplish much and surely prevail.’ So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.” 1 Samuel 26:21-25

The erosion of Saul’s life began quite subtly. The enemy never announces his plans to lure us away from our devotion to Christ. Instead, he uses small and seemingly harmless tactics to draw us into deception and compromise.

One careless event changed the course of Saul’s life and eventually led to his denunciation by God and death. Although the believer is kept by God’s grace, sin has its consequences; and many times it is our relationship with God that suffers. Make sure your life is free of spiritual erosion by asking God to give you a deep love for Himself and His Word.

Amy Carmichael once wrote: “The story of Mary breaking her pot of ointment made me think of some among us who love their Savior and yet have not broken theirs (vessel of oil). Something is held back, and so there is no outpouring of love, no fragrance in the house. It is shut up, not given. The days are passing so quickly. Soon it will be too late to pour all we have on His feet. How sorry Mary would have been if she had missed her opportunity that evening - an opportunity that would never come again: ‘But you do not always have Me.’ Soon He was among His foes. She could not have reached Him then.”

“If we are anywhere but in the love of God, we drift apart.”
-Amy Carmichael

The Erosion of Our Life

“Thereafter Samuel called the people together to the LORD at Mizpah.” 1 Samuel 10:17

“Then the Spirit of God came upon Saul mightily when he heard these words, and he became very angry. He took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout the territory of Israel by the hand of messengers, saying, ‘Whoever does not come out after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen.’ Then the dread of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out as one man. He numbered them in Bezek; and the sons of Israel were 300,000, and the men of Judah 30,000. They said to the messengers who had come, ‘Thus you shall say to the men of Jabesh-gilead, “Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hot, you will have deliverance.”’ So the messengers went and told the men of Jabesh; and they were glad. Then the men of Jabesh said, ‘Tomorrow we will come out to you, and you may do to us whatever seems good to you.’ The next morning Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the camp at the morning watch and struck down the Ammonites until the heat of the day. Those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together.”
1 Samuel 11:6-11

There is a tendency to think of King Saul’s life as being sinister and foreboding. But Saul didn’t begin his reign as a baneful terrorist. The Bible says: “...he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. Samuel said..., ‘Do you see him whom the LORD has chosen? Surely there is no one like him among all the people.’ So all the people shouted and said, ‘Long live the king!’”
1 Samuel 10:23-24

Saul bore God’s anointing along with the love and respect of the people. The first obvious sign of erosion came in 1 Samuel 15 when Saul willfully disobeyed God and offered a sacrifice only Samuel was commanded to make. Pride and jealousy, combined with insecurity, led to even deeper erosion of his spiritual values. In the end, Saul’s life was void of all that was godly.

Most of us think there’s no way we would yield to such spiritual decline. Before you adopt this view, recall the life of Saul. He was a humble man when he first became king. But by the end of his life, disobedience and pride were his captors. Ask God to surface an area of erosion in your life. Then pray He would give you wisdom and the ability to make the necessary course corrections.

All sin begins with a spirit of pride.

Standing on the Facts

“So a second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, ‘Give glory to God; we know that this man is a sinner.’ He then answered, ‘Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.’ So they said to him, ‘What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?’ He answered them, ‘I told you already and you did not listen; why do you want to hear it again? You do not want to become His disciples too, do you?’ They reviled him and said, ‘You are His disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where He is from.’

The man answered and said to them, ‘Well, here is an amazing thing, that you do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes. We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him. Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, He could do nothing.’” John 9:24-33

The blind beggar would not be dissuaded. Even when the rich and influential Pharisees harassed him, trying to make him go back on his story, he refused to give in. He had been blind; now he could see! And he knew Jesus Christ was the One who had healed him. Nothing the Pharisees did made him say otherwise. Few things are more compelling than an eyewitness account. An eyewitness knows the truth. He does not depend upon someone else’s interpretation of events because he was there himself.

Like the blind beggar, the apostle John had an eyewitness, life-changing encounter with Jesus. John knew from one-on-one personal experience that Jesus is the Messiah. John was there when Jesus healed this beggar. He stood at the foot of the cross when Jesus hung there in agony. John staked his life, his very being, on the truth that Jesus is God’s Son. Eventually, the hostile Roman Emperor Domitian left John on the Isle of Patmos to die because he wouldn’t recant.

Through the Gospels, you also meet Jesus face-to-face. Have you staked your life on the truth of God’s Word? As you obey, you become an eyewitness to the reliability and power of Scripture.

Our faith is based on the sound evidence of God’s truth, not blind belief!

Growing Up in Christ

“And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” Ephesians 4:11-16

Some things are easy to measure - how tall you are, what size clothes you wear, how much you weigh. But how do you measure spiritual growth? How can you determine how far you’ve come in your walk with the Lord? God works in the lives of His children in different ways at different times. But as you pray, study the Bible, and worship regularly with other Christians, you should notice several changes.

Quick and genuine repentance - When the Holy Spirit convicts you of specific sin, you go immediately to Jesus to confess and turn away from it.

Rejoicing in trials - Spiritual battles become more intense, but you want to thank God for them.

Increasing desire to obey - Sin becomes less attractive; you find delight in following His commands.

Eagerness to share - As you discover His lovingkindness, you can’t keep the joy to yourself. You tell others what He is doing in your life.

Are you becoming more like Jesus each day? No matter where you are in your relationship with Him, you can cling to this promise: “...He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

“...and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God...” Ephesians 4:24

Move Beyond the Milk!

“Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.” 1 Peter 2:1-3

As any parent knows, a new baby has a limited menu. They drink milk or a gentle formula that’s just right for their small digestive systems. As they grow, they move up to soft foods that have been specially mixed for easy swallowing. But it’s only when babies cut their teeth that the real joy of eating begins.

God designed the believer’s “appetite” for His Word to work in much the same way. As a young believer, you begin the nourishment process with the milk of Scripture, the elementary principles that lay the groundwork for deeper truths to come. Then as you mature in your relationship with Christ, you’re ready to learn more.

A baby that doesn’t progress to more substantial foods doesn’t keep growing. Something is wrong. It would be unnatural and unhealthy for the baby to drink only milk for an extended period of time. If you don’t move beyond the basics of faith, you soon become spiritually malnourished and cease to develop as God planned.

Are you growing in the Lord? Commit yourself to feeding on God’s Word each day, trusting Him to work His principles into your heart as you obey His direction. The more of His truth you absorb, the more you’ll grow to be like Christ.

Salvation is only the beginning of God’s plan for you!

Amazing Love

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:14-18

He has a wife and three children whom he adores. He spends time with them whenever he can, going fun places and listening to their hurts and needs. His business ethics are unimpeachable; he is known by all as a fair man who goes the extra mile when nobody asks him to. And his charity work for the local hospital helped build a much needed burn treatment center.

Would you ever guess that this man has a rebellious heart? He does. It’s not easy to see by judging from external appearances. Even though he outwardly obeys the law and is concerned for the well-being of others, he is dead in his spirit to the things of God and doesn’t care what God says about his life.

Every person is born with a spirit that is disobedient to God. It is literally “bent away” from the Lord and set on its own course. Ephesians 2:1 says: “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins.” People who continue to go their own way, ignoring the way to God through Jesus Christ, will perish and be lost forever.

Are you camouflaging a rebellious heart? Have you asked Jesus to correct your sinful condition? Jesus is the only One who can make your heart right, inside and out.

“Amazing love! How can it be that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?” -Charles Wesley

Seeking the Lost

“Now all the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him. Both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, ‘This man receives sinners and eats with them.’ So He told them this parable, saying, ‘What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!” I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.’” Luke 15:1-7

The Pharisees were appalled that Jesus associated with sinners. They grumbled about Jesus’ action publicly to show their disgust for what they called loose, disreputable behavior. Sometimes He even ate meals with these sinners and social outcasts.

Jesus responded immediately. He wanted them to understand that His real mission is to save lost mankind - all who recognize that they are separated from God by their sin and believe that He pays the price for them. Jesus wanted these Pharisees and scribes to know how much each lost soul means to Him, how much He is willing to do to restore the person to fellowship with God.

Jesus, the true Shepherd, compared His love for sinners to a shepherd boy searching for one lost sheep. This shepherd boy left his other ninety-nine sheep safe in the fold to seek the missing one. The shepherd was personally responsible for each sheep in his care. If something happened to one of them, he had to give an account to the owner of the flock. Imagine this boy’s relief and joy when he finally carried the wandering one home.

Jesus has this same love for you. He wants you to know your infinite value, to come to Him and rest in His care.

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

The Exact Truth!

“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.” Luke 1:1-4

Why should we be informed about our faith? Why should we seek to know the facts behind what we believe? We’ve heard people say, “God said it; I believe it,” and abandon any attempts at apologetics - explaining their beliefs to others. Sometimes such a statement evades a perplexing question or attempts to cover up an embarrassing lack of information.

Luke knew how vital it is to be prepared with the facts, details like how, where, when, and why. Luke stressed that he had “investigated everything carefully from the beginning.” He made sure that his information was correct, right down to time and place. Why? He had a single mission in mind: demonstrating to his friend Theophilus, and to all who would read his gospel that Jesus is the one true, living God.

You have the same reason to study and learn all you can about Bible history and doctrine. 1 Peter 3:15 urges believers to “always [be] ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you...” Your reasonable, solid answers may be just what an unbeliever needs to hear.

“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7