Thursday, December 24, 2009
The Meaning of Christmas
For many of us, Christmas is one of our favorite times of the year. It is nice to get a break from our normal routines and to spend time with our family and friends. Many families have special Christmas customs and traditions, involving decorations, meals, songs, and the exchanging of gifts with loved ones. All of these things are very nice, but is this the true meaning of Christmas?
It seems that every year the stores put up their Christmas displays earlier and earlier, and that each year there is increasing pressure to buy more and more expensive gifts. There also seems to be a competition to see who can put up the largest and most elaborate display of decorations. With all of these things, it is very easy to lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas.
But as we strip away the layers of glitter, commercialism, and tradition that surround the celebration of Christmas, the holiday's true meaning becomes easier to see. Here we can see a star that reminds us of the star that the wise men followed two thousand years ago while seeking the newborn King. Who is this King? As the angels said to the shepherds, "Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). Christmas is the day that we celebrate the birth of the Christ--Jesus the Son of God.
What was the reason that Jesus left his home in heaven to come to this world? Was it simply to do good works, or to leave an example for us to follow? No, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15). He came to deal once and for all with the problem of sin that separates every one of us from God. "But I'm not a sinner!" you might say. Have you ever lied? Have you ever had an impure thought? God's Word is very true when it says, "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
Yes, we are all sinners, and the day is coming when “Every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). On that day, will you measure up? We can know for sure, because God has already declared what is required: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36).
Why is it so important that we believe (put our trust) in Jesus? Because God has made it clear that forgiveness of sins is not based on what we do for Him—it’s based entirely on what He has done for us.
The gift of eternal life was purchased when Jesus, the sinless sacrifice, died on the cross for our sins (Romans 6:23). Now He is risen from the dead and offers forgiveness and new life to everyone who approaches Him with a repentant heart and trusts Him as their Savior. Here is where the true meaning of Christmas becomes clear to see. Christmas is all about God’s great love for us and the priceless gift that He offers to all. If you have never made Jesus your Savior, just follow this A-B-C: admit your need of a Savior, believe that Jesus died for you, and call out to Him. He will save you!
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
Scripture verses quoted from the King James Version (KJV).
Source: Moments With The Book, www.mwtb.org
Monday, December 21, 2009
Where Does the Story of Christmas Begin?
Listen to Albert Mohler answer the question: Where Does the Story of Christmas Begin here.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Santa Preaches The Gospel
Movie script quotes with scripture references
"Sure. Well, I mentioned that Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus Christ. He was born about 2000 years ago, and the bible tells of how he was born in a manger." Luke 2:7
"In the book of Matthew it says of Mary, she will bear a Son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill, what the Lord had spoken by the prophet. Behold, the virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and they shall call his name Immanuel, which means, God with us." Matthew 1:21-23
"Another name in the Bible given to Jesus is the Word. In the book of John it says, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made." John 1:1-3
"God is holy, and just. His justice, which is perfect, demands payment for sin which is ethernal punishment in hell. We deserve this punishment, because the bible says we are all sinners. So, Jesus was born of the holy spirit by the miracle of the virgin birth, and lived the perfect life we could not live." Romans 6:23, Romans 3:23, Matthew 1:23
"Exactly, and He took the punishment for our sin by dying on the cross. We know that Jesus sacrifice on the cross saved us, because God raised him from the dead on the third day." Isaiah 53:6, Romans 5:8, 1 Corinthians 15:3-5
"Well,Jesus said in Mark 1:15, to repent, and believe the gospel. This is how a person can be saved, and go to heaven."
"Well, you're just a make believe snowman. He loves people. As he says in the book of John. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
"To those of you who are listening, I pray that you will turn away from your sin, and believe this good news today. Then you will receive the gift of eternal life. It is the greatest gift you will ever receive. May the Lord bless you this Christmas season." Romans 6:23
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Truth of the Nativity by John MacArthur
The story of the first Christmas is so beloved that singers and storytellers across the centuries have embellished and elaborated and mythologized the story in celebration. However, most people now don't know which details are biblical and which are fabricated. People usually imagine the manger scene with snow, singing angels, many worshipers, and a little drummer boy. None of that is found in the biblical account.
Christmas has become the product of an odd mixture of pagan ideas, superstition, fanciful legends, and plain ignorance. Add to that the commercialization of Christmas by marketers and the politicization of Christmas in the culture wars, and you're left with one big mess. Let's try to sort it out. The place to begin is in God's Word, the Bible. Here we find not only the source of the original account of Christmas, but also God's commentary on it.
We can't know Jesus if we don't understand He is real. The story of His birth is no allegory. We dare not romanticize it or settle for a fanciful legend that renders the whole story meaningless. Mary and Joseph were real people. Their dilemma on finding no room at the inn surely was as frightening for them as it would be for you or me. The manger in which Mary laid Jesus must have reeked of animal smells. So did the shepherds, in all probability. That first Christmas was anything but picturesque.
But that makes it all the more wondrous. That baby in the manger is God! Immanuel!
That's the heart and soul of the Christmas message. There weren't many worshipers around the original manger--only a handful of shepherds. But one day every knee will bow before Him, and every tongue will confess He is Lord (Philippians 2:9-11). Those who doubt Him, those who are His enemies, those who merely ignore Him--all will one day bow, too, even if it be in judgment.
How much better to honor Him now with the worship He deserves! That's what Christmas ought to inspire.
Unvarnished Truth
Luke 2:7 sets the scene: "[Mary] 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."
That verse is explicitly concerned with a lonely birth. There were no midwives, no assistance to Mary at all. The Bible doesn't even mention that Joseph was present. Perhaps he was, but if he was typical of first-time fathers, he would have been of little help to Mary. She was basically on her own.
Mary brought forth the child; she wrapped Him in swaddling cloths; and she laid Him in a manger. Where usually a midwife would clean the baby and wrap Him, there was no one. Mary did it herself. And where usually there would have been a cradle or basket for the baby, there was none. Mary had to put Him in an animal's feeding trough.
When Christ entered the world, He came to a place that had some of the smelliest, filthiest, and most uncomfortable conditions. But that is part of the wonder of divine grace, isn't it? When the Son of God came down from heaven, He came all the way down. He did not hang on to His equality with God; rather, He set it aside for a time and completely humbled Himself (Philippians 2:5-8).
Unlikely Testimony
Luke 2:8-20 describes the experience of the shepherds when Jesus was born. Think about that for a moment. Out of the whole of Jerusalem society, God picked a band of shepherds to hear the news of Jesus' birth. That's intriguing because shepherds were among the lowest and most despised social groups.
The very nature of shepherds' work kept them from entering into the mainstream of Israel's society. They couldn't maintain the ceremonial washings and observe all the religious festivals and feasts, yet these shepherds, just a few miles from Jerusalem, were undoubtedly caring for sheep that someday would be used as sacrifices in the temple. How fitting it is that they were the first to know of the Lamb of God!
More significant, they came to see Him the night he was born. No one else did. Though the shepherds went back and told everyone what they had seen and heard, and though "all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds" (v. 18), not one other person came to see firsthand.
Scripture doesn't describe how the shepherds' search for the baby Jesus actually unfolded, but it's not unreasonable to assume that they entered Bethlehem and asked questions: "Does anybody know about a baby being born here in town tonight?"
The shepherds might have knocked on several doors and seen other newborn babies before they found the special Child lying in the feeding trough. At that moment, those humble men knew for certain that the angels' announcement was a word from God. After their encounter with Joseph and Mary and Jesus, the shepherds couldn't help but tell others about what the angels had told them. They became, in effect, the first New Testament evangelists.
The shepherd's story is a good illustration of the Christian life. You first hear the revelation of the gospel and believe it (Romans 10:9-10). Then you pursue and embrace Christ. And having become a witness to your glorious conversion, you begin to tell others about it (Luke 2:17).
May God grant you the life-changing spiritual experiences and the ongoing attitude of enthusiasm and responsiveness that causes you to tell others that you, too, have seen Christ the Lord.
Adapted from God's Gift of Christmas.
Source: http://www.gty.org
© 1969-2009. Grace to You. All rights reserved.
Christmas has become the product of an odd mixture of pagan ideas, superstition, fanciful legends, and plain ignorance. Add to that the commercialization of Christmas by marketers and the politicization of Christmas in the culture wars, and you're left with one big mess. Let's try to sort it out. The place to begin is in God's Word, the Bible. Here we find not only the source of the original account of Christmas, but also God's commentary on it.
We can't know Jesus if we don't understand He is real. The story of His birth is no allegory. We dare not romanticize it or settle for a fanciful legend that renders the whole story meaningless. Mary and Joseph were real people. Their dilemma on finding no room at the inn surely was as frightening for them as it would be for you or me. The manger in which Mary laid Jesus must have reeked of animal smells. So did the shepherds, in all probability. That first Christmas was anything but picturesque.
But that makes it all the more wondrous. That baby in the manger is God! Immanuel!
That's the heart and soul of the Christmas message. There weren't many worshipers around the original manger--only a handful of shepherds. But one day every knee will bow before Him, and every tongue will confess He is Lord (Philippians 2:9-11). Those who doubt Him, those who are His enemies, those who merely ignore Him--all will one day bow, too, even if it be in judgment.
How much better to honor Him now with the worship He deserves! That's what Christmas ought to inspire.
Unvarnished Truth
Luke 2:7 sets the scene: "[Mary] 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."
That verse is explicitly concerned with a lonely birth. There were no midwives, no assistance to Mary at all. The Bible doesn't even mention that Joseph was present. Perhaps he was, but if he was typical of first-time fathers, he would have been of little help to Mary. She was basically on her own.
Mary brought forth the child; she wrapped Him in swaddling cloths; and she laid Him in a manger. Where usually a midwife would clean the baby and wrap Him, there was no one. Mary did it herself. And where usually there would have been a cradle or basket for the baby, there was none. Mary had to put Him in an animal's feeding trough.
When Christ entered the world, He came to a place that had some of the smelliest, filthiest, and most uncomfortable conditions. But that is part of the wonder of divine grace, isn't it? When the Son of God came down from heaven, He came all the way down. He did not hang on to His equality with God; rather, He set it aside for a time and completely humbled Himself (Philippians 2:5-8).
Unlikely Testimony
Luke 2:8-20 describes the experience of the shepherds when Jesus was born. Think about that for a moment. Out of the whole of Jerusalem society, God picked a band of shepherds to hear the news of Jesus' birth. That's intriguing because shepherds were among the lowest and most despised social groups.
The very nature of shepherds' work kept them from entering into the mainstream of Israel's society. They couldn't maintain the ceremonial washings and observe all the religious festivals and feasts, yet these shepherds, just a few miles from Jerusalem, were undoubtedly caring for sheep that someday would be used as sacrifices in the temple. How fitting it is that they were the first to know of the Lamb of God!
More significant, they came to see Him the night he was born. No one else did. Though the shepherds went back and told everyone what they had seen and heard, and though "all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds" (v. 18), not one other person came to see firsthand.
Scripture doesn't describe how the shepherds' search for the baby Jesus actually unfolded, but it's not unreasonable to assume that they entered Bethlehem and asked questions: "Does anybody know about a baby being born here in town tonight?"
The shepherds might have knocked on several doors and seen other newborn babies before they found the special Child lying in the feeding trough. At that moment, those humble men knew for certain that the angels' announcement was a word from God. After their encounter with Joseph and Mary and Jesus, the shepherds couldn't help but tell others about what the angels had told them. They became, in effect, the first New Testament evangelists.
The shepherd's story is a good illustration of the Christian life. You first hear the revelation of the gospel and believe it (Romans 10:9-10). Then you pursue and embrace Christ. And having become a witness to your glorious conversion, you begin to tell others about it (Luke 2:17).
May God grant you the life-changing spiritual experiences and the ongoing attitude of enthusiasm and responsiveness that causes you to tell others that you, too, have seen Christ the Lord.
Adapted from God's Gift of Christmas.
Source: http://www.gty.org
© 1969-2009. Grace to You. All rights reserved.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Half a Gospel is no Gospel at all - Alistair Begg
Alistair Begg is the senior pastor at Parkside Church near Cleveland, Ohio. He can be heard daily and weekly on the radio program, Truth For Life.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
What Happened At Christmas?
Pastor Mark Driscoll continues the series entitled: Luke: Investigating The Man Who Is God. This clip is taken from Part 7: The Birth Of Jesus Christ.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
"Merry Christmas” Rather than “Happy Holidays”?
Should Christians Care About Whether Retailers Say “Merry Christmas” Rather than “Happy Holidays”? by Ken Eastburn
To some, this may seem like a ridiculous question and to others this question is of the upmost importance. It is one that has recently been asked by an increasing number of Christians with the help of folks like Liberty Counsel and Focus on the Family. Liberty Counsel recently released their “Naughty and Nice” list indicating which retailers do not recognize Christmas (“naughty”) and which do (“nice”) as part of their Friend or Foe campaign while Focus on the Family launched a new website allowing consumers to rate how Christmas-friendly retailers are. That way, when we go shopping, we know it is going to be with a retailer who doesn’t offend us by saying “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings.”
After all, if we’re going to indulge our consumerist greed on the occasion of the birth of our Savior, we need to make sure we’re doing it with those retailers who say words we like, right?
Well, now that I’ve said that, you probably guessed that my answer to the question is, “No, we shouldn’t care.” But if you’re on the other side of the fence, allow me to explain why I feel this way:
Only Pharisees Clean the Outside of Cups While Leaving the Insides Filthy
As I’ve noted elsewhere, Jesus and Paul were both surprisingly silent on how secular culture conducted itself. Paul even went so far as to say that the Christian has no business judging those outside of the Church (1 Corinthians 5:12-13). This exposes our faulty thinking. You see, the only reason why we care about whether secular businesses say “Merry Christmas” rather than “Happy Holidays” is because for some reason we expect non-Christians to act like Christians. Even worse, we actually want non-Christians to act like Christians and are willing to throw around our collective weight to ensure that it happens.
So what’s the problem with that? It is a self-defeating goal. It is like tolerance…if it works, there is no reason to solve the real problem – in this case, their unbelief and/or their unwillingness to commit to Christ. Jesus said that this was cleaning outside of the cup while leaving the inside (the part that matters) filthy. He said that to the Pharisees (Matthew 23:25-26). Do we really want to go down this road?
Boycotting Non-Christian Retailers Sends The Wrong Message
I’m surprised that neither Liberty Counsel or Focus on the Family ever stopped to ask this simple question, but that’s okay, I’ll ask it for them:
What message is being sent to those “naughty” retailers when Christians boycott their stores?
There are a few that come to mind: do what we want or else; if you don’t cater to us exclusively, we’ll take offense; we will love you if/we will hate you if; etc. But guess which one isn’t being communicated? That’s right, the Gospel message – you know, the one that says that even while we were sinners, Christ died for us? The one that says that God loves us no matter what we do? That the gift of salvation is readily available to anyone who will believe and repent, committing to follow Jesus and make him Lord?
You know, the one that we are to be preaching at all times, in all circumstances, to all people?
Turns out, when we’re busy boycotting people and throwing our weight around to ensure their demise, we cannot simultaneously communicate the love of God to them. Now, I’m not saying that by giving them your money, you are communicating the Gospel to them. I’m just saying that boycotting them doesn’t communicate it and it can’t. At the very least, if you were to shop at one of these retailers, you could communicate the Gospel to the employees there and that could turn the business around.
Which brings another point to the forefront: just because a retailer doesn’t say “Merry Christmas” doesn’t mean there aren’t Christians employed there. And if you’re boycotting the retailer, are you not also harming your brothers and sisters in Christ by ensuring the business, and by extension the employees, don’t make as much money? We could be putting other Christians out of work for the sake of two words.
Is it worth it?
It Is A Distraction From Our Real Goal
Just after Jesus was resurrected he appeared to his disciples and gave them these instructions:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
I just cannot square this “Merry Christmas” uproar with the Great Commission. I cannot see how boycotting retailers for not saying words we like is creating disciples. Can you? Can you tell me how this is advancing the Kingdom of God? Can you tell me how God is pleased with us when we bully non-Christian retailers into “respecting” Christian beliefs to the exclusion of all others? Can you tell me why Jesus would engage in this type of activity?
If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
What do you think? Is the phrase “Merry Christmas” important enough for us to pick a fight about it? Why or why not?
You can comment here or at the source below.
Source: http://leavethebuildingblog.com
To some, this may seem like a ridiculous question and to others this question is of the upmost importance. It is one that has recently been asked by an increasing number of Christians with the help of folks like Liberty Counsel and Focus on the Family. Liberty Counsel recently released their “Naughty and Nice” list indicating which retailers do not recognize Christmas (“naughty”) and which do (“nice”) as part of their Friend or Foe campaign while Focus on the Family launched a new website allowing consumers to rate how Christmas-friendly retailers are. That way, when we go shopping, we know it is going to be with a retailer who doesn’t offend us by saying “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings.”
After all, if we’re going to indulge our consumerist greed on the occasion of the birth of our Savior, we need to make sure we’re doing it with those retailers who say words we like, right?
Well, now that I’ve said that, you probably guessed that my answer to the question is, “No, we shouldn’t care.” But if you’re on the other side of the fence, allow me to explain why I feel this way:
Only Pharisees Clean the Outside of Cups While Leaving the Insides Filthy
As I’ve noted elsewhere, Jesus and Paul were both surprisingly silent on how secular culture conducted itself. Paul even went so far as to say that the Christian has no business judging those outside of the Church (1 Corinthians 5:12-13). This exposes our faulty thinking. You see, the only reason why we care about whether secular businesses say “Merry Christmas” rather than “Happy Holidays” is because for some reason we expect non-Christians to act like Christians. Even worse, we actually want non-Christians to act like Christians and are willing to throw around our collective weight to ensure that it happens.
So what’s the problem with that? It is a self-defeating goal. It is like tolerance…if it works, there is no reason to solve the real problem – in this case, their unbelief and/or their unwillingness to commit to Christ. Jesus said that this was cleaning outside of the cup while leaving the inside (the part that matters) filthy. He said that to the Pharisees (Matthew 23:25-26). Do we really want to go down this road?
Boycotting Non-Christian Retailers Sends The Wrong Message
I’m surprised that neither Liberty Counsel or Focus on the Family ever stopped to ask this simple question, but that’s okay, I’ll ask it for them:
What message is being sent to those “naughty” retailers when Christians boycott their stores?
There are a few that come to mind: do what we want or else; if you don’t cater to us exclusively, we’ll take offense; we will love you if/we will hate you if; etc. But guess which one isn’t being communicated? That’s right, the Gospel message – you know, the one that says that even while we were sinners, Christ died for us? The one that says that God loves us no matter what we do? That the gift of salvation is readily available to anyone who will believe and repent, committing to follow Jesus and make him Lord?
You know, the one that we are to be preaching at all times, in all circumstances, to all people?
Turns out, when we’re busy boycotting people and throwing our weight around to ensure their demise, we cannot simultaneously communicate the love of God to them. Now, I’m not saying that by giving them your money, you are communicating the Gospel to them. I’m just saying that boycotting them doesn’t communicate it and it can’t. At the very least, if you were to shop at one of these retailers, you could communicate the Gospel to the employees there and that could turn the business around.
Which brings another point to the forefront: just because a retailer doesn’t say “Merry Christmas” doesn’t mean there aren’t Christians employed there. And if you’re boycotting the retailer, are you not also harming your brothers and sisters in Christ by ensuring the business, and by extension the employees, don’t make as much money? We could be putting other Christians out of work for the sake of two words.
Is it worth it?
It Is A Distraction From Our Real Goal
Just after Jesus was resurrected he appeared to his disciples and gave them these instructions:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
I just cannot square this “Merry Christmas” uproar with the Great Commission. I cannot see how boycotting retailers for not saying words we like is creating disciples. Can you? Can you tell me how this is advancing the Kingdom of God? Can you tell me how God is pleased with us when we bully non-Christian retailers into “respecting” Christian beliefs to the exclusion of all others? Can you tell me why Jesus would engage in this type of activity?
If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
What do you think? Is the phrase “Merry Christmas” important enough for us to pick a fight about it? Why or why not?
You can comment here or at the source below.
Source: http://leavethebuildingblog.com
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Why Did Jesus Have To Die? - Thabiti Anyabwile
Thabiti Anyabwile is senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands. He was previously an assistant pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church (Washington, DC).
HT: http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/
HT: http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Agony by Leonard Ravenhill
Leonard Ravenhill (1907-1994) was an English Christian evangelist and author who focused on the subjects of prayer and revival. He is best known for challenging the modern church and his most notable book is Why Revival Tarries.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
The Shepherds
While they faithfully looked after their sheep at night in the fields outside of Bethlehem, suddenly "the glory of the Lord shone round about them," and an angel proclaimed in their ears a message of good tidings for all.
What the Shepherds Heard Luke 2:8-14
"Fear not," said the angel, expressing Heaven's desire. Sin has produced fear in man's heart, but this message is intended to dispel it.
"I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." What a contrast with earth's news! Heaven's message--the Gospel--is truly "good news," and the reception of it brings joy to all!
"Unto you" introduces a personal appeal. "Is born this day in the city of David," tells a specific and definite fact. "A Saviour" reveals the necessity of the Gift. "Which is Christ the Lord" shows how wondrous in grace and majesty is the Person!
Then a sign was given to them, that they should find this glorious Saviour "wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." Suddenly, all was confirmed to them by a multitude of the Heavenly host breaking forth in chorus: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
What the Shepherds Did Luke 2:15-20
What they heard stirred them to an immediate decision. They said, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which the Lord hath made known to us." They could not be neutral about the matter; they dared not be indifferent concerning it. Faith in the message led them to instant action.
"They came with haste." The glory of the revelation from Heaven had gripped their hearts. Faith's acceptance of the message compelled them to go to Bethlehem with urgency. Such faith was rewarded, for they "found ... the Babe lying in a manger." Christ the Lord, the Subject of Heaven's "Good Tidings"--and the Object of their search--was before them.
"They made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child." Their testimony was the result of their faith. Returning to the fields to take up their responsibilities, they are now filled with a new joy, and are heard "glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."
Dear Reader, the message from Heaven is still being proclaimed. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15). On Calvary's cross, where He "suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God" (1 Peter 3:18), He finished the work necessary to redeem you from sin. Now He is risen from the dead--no longer in the manger, on the Cross, or in the tomb. He lives! And ...
"Now from the Glory He waits to impart
Peace to the conscience and joy to the heart;
Waits to be gracious, to pardon and heal
All who their sin and their wretchedness feel."
Will you believe the message as the Shepherds did? Will you now come to the Saviour through repentance and faith and be eternally blessed? Repentance is turning from your sins and all efforts to save yourself, realizing that you are on a path that leads you away from God. Faith is putting your trust in Jesus Christ and the work He accomplished on the cross as all that is necessary for your salvation. Jesus says, "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37).
"Thousands have fled to His spear-pierced side,
Welcomed they all have been--none are denied;
Weary and laden, they all have been blessed;
Joyfully now in the Saviour they rest."
--D.T.J.
Scripture verses quoted from the King James Version (KJV).
Source: Moments With The Book, www.mwtb.org
What the Shepherds Heard Luke 2:8-14
"Fear not," said the angel, expressing Heaven's desire. Sin has produced fear in man's heart, but this message is intended to dispel it.
"I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." What a contrast with earth's news! Heaven's message--the Gospel--is truly "good news," and the reception of it brings joy to all!
"Unto you" introduces a personal appeal. "Is born this day in the city of David," tells a specific and definite fact. "A Saviour" reveals the necessity of the Gift. "Which is Christ the Lord" shows how wondrous in grace and majesty is the Person!
Then a sign was given to them, that they should find this glorious Saviour "wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." Suddenly, all was confirmed to them by a multitude of the Heavenly host breaking forth in chorus: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
What the Shepherds Did Luke 2:15-20
What they heard stirred them to an immediate decision. They said, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which the Lord hath made known to us." They could not be neutral about the matter; they dared not be indifferent concerning it. Faith in the message led them to instant action.
"They came with haste." The glory of the revelation from Heaven had gripped their hearts. Faith's acceptance of the message compelled them to go to Bethlehem with urgency. Such faith was rewarded, for they "found ... the Babe lying in a manger." Christ the Lord, the Subject of Heaven's "Good Tidings"--and the Object of their search--was before them.
"They made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child." Their testimony was the result of their faith. Returning to the fields to take up their responsibilities, they are now filled with a new joy, and are heard "glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."
Dear Reader, the message from Heaven is still being proclaimed. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15). On Calvary's cross, where He "suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God" (1 Peter 3:18), He finished the work necessary to redeem you from sin. Now He is risen from the dead--no longer in the manger, on the Cross, or in the tomb. He lives! And ...
"Now from the Glory He waits to impart
Peace to the conscience and joy to the heart;
Waits to be gracious, to pardon and heal
All who their sin and their wretchedness feel."
Will you believe the message as the Shepherds did? Will you now come to the Saviour through repentance and faith and be eternally blessed? Repentance is turning from your sins and all efforts to save yourself, realizing that you are on a path that leads you away from God. Faith is putting your trust in Jesus Christ and the work He accomplished on the cross as all that is necessary for your salvation. Jesus says, "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37).
"Thousands have fled to His spear-pierced side,
Welcomed they all have been--none are denied;
Weary and laden, they all have been blessed;
Joyfully now in the Saviour they rest."
--D.T.J.
Scripture verses quoted from the King James Version (KJV).
Source: Moments With The Book, www.mwtb.org
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