“The challenge, really, is how to bridge the gap between an ancient biblical text and a present-day life situation. How do we attempt to bridge that divide ?” – Michael R. Emlet

The above question is from Dr. Emlet’s new book CrossTalk: Where Life and Scripture Meet. If we think about it, it’s one of the most important questions we can ask when reading our Bibles. As Dr. Emlet notes, however, too often we drift towards a familiar pattern.

There are two categories of passages in our Bibles that Dr. Emlet refers to in his book. These are “ditch” passages and “canyon” passages. The ditch passages are those that are extremely familiar to us and seem to directly relate to a situation or problem in our lives. These can include Psalm 23 (fear), Psalm 51 (repentance) and Philippians 4:6 (anxiety). We return to these over and over as sources of comfort. Others can go into the canyon category and don’t at first glance seem to be passages we’d first turn to. These include Obadiah, Exodus 25-31 and 35-40, and 1 Chronicles 1-9. The application of these canyon passages take some work.

What Dr. Emlet explains though, is that if we don’t take the time to do the work on these types of passages, we wind up with an “abridged” Bible. He discusses the marketing of special Bibles that have the New Testament packaged with Psalms and Proverbs. The publishers of these special editions are making a “value judgment” according to Emlet. “Why not sell the New Testament with Leviticus and Esther ?” asks Emlet. As proof of this, Emlet asks us to look at our own Bibles and the areas that appear “dog-eared”. Chances are they’re not the OT sections of genealogies and lists. They’re instead the areas where we find texts that we relate to our lives most quickly and easily.

I think this is something we need to be cautious of. Many of us can recite verses from those “ditch” passages and turn to these in our time of need. There’s really nothing wrong with that. But stepping over a ditch is much easier than stepping over a canyon. We need to flex our spiritual muscles a bit more with those more difficult texts. Keeping the storyline of the entire Bible in view is critical for us. Our growth as Christians depends in good measure on this.

“Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”- Luke 2:28-32

Some years ago my wife received news that her uncle Harold had cancer. Harold had been a special blessing to her since her childhood growing up in Virginia. He had stayed in touch with her over the years often sending gifts and offering words of encouragement.

Harold was passionate about healthy eating and an expert on natural and herbal health supplements. He had remained remarkably healthy and energetic for the 80 years of his life and had never spent a day in the hospital. As often happens with cancer, soon after his diagnosis he began to fail rapidly.

Due to the closeness of the relationship my wife’s concern for Harold grew as his health deteriorated. But it wasn’t just his physical health that burdened her. She was also worried about his spiritual well-being. Although he was a good man he had never given his life to Christ.

Other family members had told us that Harold was not a Christian but no one, for whatever reason, was willing to share with him God’s plan for eternal life. A pastor had been asked to pay him a visit but he never showed up. That’s when Janet asked me if we could make the drive to Virginia from our home in Alabama to talk to him about his relationship to Christ.

We found him frail and suffering from pain inflicted by his disease. Most of his days were spent sitting in a chair or laying on a sofa. He was just too weak to get out.

He was so excited to see Janet even to the point of wanting us to take him for a ride. As our tour guide he led us over country roads pointing out places of special meaning in his life. Upon our return we helped him into the house where he again slumped into his chair.

As we sat with him it was obvious that he was overcome with weakness and fatigue. Throughout our visit I had been praying for the right time to engage him in a discussion about his spiritual condition. “Harold, I would like to ask you a personal question.” I asked to which he nodded acceptingly. I continued, “Have you come to the place in your spiritual life that you know that you will go to heaven when you die?” He said that he had not come to such a place and worried about his relationship to God.

To make a long story short he was very interested in all that I had to say about the way to eternal life through Christ. When I asked him if he was ready to receive Jesus he said that he was so I led him in prayer.

As soon as I said, “Amen,” something amazing happened. This elderly man, frail and crippled by cancer, suddenly clapped his hands and hopped up in his chair. “I am so happy!” he shouted. “The weight has been lifted. The burden is gone. I can feel it.” He said as he launched into a chorus of genuine praise for what God had done.

In today’s scripture we’re told of an elderly man named Simeon. The bible teaches that Simeon was burdened for Israel. His prayer was that he would not die until he saw that God had intervened to save His people. That day had come as he met the baby Jesus. He responded, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation…”

An encounter with Jesus is life changing. Suddenly the weight of the burdens of this life is lifted in the person and presence of the Savior. Just like Simeon my wife’s Uncle Harold experienced the incredible peace that comes in knowing Jesus.

Is there somebody that you love who is not a Christian? Isn’t it time that you tell them the good news? Of all the gifts you gave or received this Christmas, none is greater than the gift of eternal life. Give it to someone you love today.

Prayer

“Heavenly Father. Thank You for the peace that You have given me in knowing Jesus and the assurance of life eternal. I pray for those who do not know you…those in need of eternal life. Save them, Lord. Use me as You will as a messenger of Your good news. I ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Today’s Blurb: A mom explains how she teaches her young children the word of God and shares an original bible study for kids. 

 Originally Posted by Charity A. Gutierrez on  TrueHelp

Turn Laundry Time into Bible Study Time: 

Teaching your kids about the bible is as easy easy as teaching a two-year old to sort laundry.  A two-year old cannot read but they can recognize colors.  So you as a parent attach a picture of the colors exactly where you want the clothes of the same color to go.  A two-year old can match colors and so a two-year old can sort laundry.  You just did not know how to teach them to until now.  As you stand amazed as you watch them sort laundry for the first time think of this… 

Teaching a child the bible is no different.  They do not know what you know.  They have not experienced what you have experienced.  They can not read and even if they do they are not able to interpret the words they are reading as you do.  Even adults differ on the interpretation of words.  So  what then?  How do you teach them?  You must relate what you want them to learn to what you know they already know.  This is why I beleive Jesus loved to use parables.  So today give your child the parable of the parent doing laundry: 

Here is verse to talk to your kids about as they separate their clothes by color: 

Genesis 1:4
And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. 

Ask your kids: 

Why do colors need to be separated before washing? 

Will a white piece of laundry stay just as white if it is washed in a load of dark colors? 

What does this tell us about our faith in Jesus Christ? 

Another verse to reflect on: 

Ephesians 5:25-27  

“ …Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her ²⁶to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, ²⁷and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”   

Ask your children: 

What does Jesus wash us with?

 Today’s Tip:  Turn laundry Time into Bible Study Time! 

Teaching your kids about the bible is as easy as teaching a two-year old to sort laundry.  A two-year old cannot read but they can recognize colors.  So you as a parent attach a picture of the colors exactly where you want the clothes of the same color to go.  A two-year old can match colors and so a two-year old can sort laundry.  You just did not know how to teach them to until now.  As you stand amazed as you watch them sort laundry for the first time think of this… 

Teaching a child the bible is no different.  They do not know what you know.  They have not experienced what you have experienced.  They can not read and even if they do they are not able to interpret the words they are reading as you do.  Even adults differ on the interpretation of words.  So  what then?  How do you teach them?  You must relate what you want them to learn to what you know they already know.  This is why I believe Jesus loved to use parables.  So today give your child the parable of the parent doing laundry: 

Here is an example of a laundry time bible study that you can start  to talk to your kids about as they separate their clothes by color: 

Ask Your Child?

Do you know that the first thing God did when he made the world was separate light from dark?

Tell Your Child:

“Genesis 1:4
And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness.”

Ask your child: 

Why do colors need to be separated before washing? 

Will a white piece of laundry stay just as white if it is washed in a load of dark colors? 

Explain to your kids why you separate laundry.  Show your children how dark colors bleed by placing a dark color piece of fabric in hot water or by washing a white sock in a load of dark clothes.

Ask your child:

What does the dark color remind you of?

“Do you know what Jesus compared darkness to? 

Tell your Child:

Jesus compared darkness to sin. To all the bad things we think and say and do. We can read about it in our bible. 

Ask your child:

 What does the white color remind you of?

Do you know what the bible compares the color white to? 

Tell Your Child:

 The bible compares white to being pure.  Pure means you have no sin.  Pure means your thoughts and words and the things you do are good.

Ask your child?

Can I wash away a bad thought with soap and water?

(Pretend to wash a thought)

Can I wash away a bad word with soap and water?

(Pretend to wash a word)

Can I wash away a bad attitude with soap and water?

(Pretend to wash a nasty face)

Can you stop someone from hitting you by washing their hand?

(Pretend to wash a fist)

How can you wash away the bad things you think and say and do?

Tell Your Child:

There is something that can wash us from the inside out.  The bible sometimes calls it water.  Jesus calls it living water.  This water is not just water like the water in our sink.  You cannot see this water the bible is talking about.  This special water the bible is talking about is the Spirit of God. 

The Spirit of God is like water to us because it keeps our spirit alive just like we drink water to keep our bodies alive.  Our bodies cannot live without water. Our spirit cannot live without the Spirit of God.

The Spirit of God is what cleans up all our bad thoughts and words and the bad things we do.  The Spirit of God is the only thing that can wash away our sin.  It is the Spirit of God that must wash us if we are to be forgiven for the bad things we do.

But we cannot have this special water, this Spirit of God, unless we believe in Jesus Christ.  When Jesus died on the cross his blood and the water that was inside him actually came out of his body and spilled onto the hard earth beneath his feet.  That is not the only thing that came out of Jesus when he died.  Jesus was pure and good.  Jesus was filled with the spirit of God.  Jesus had to die so that the Spirit of God that was inside him could come out and touch the hard hearts of the men.  His Spirit spills onto our hearts when we first hear his words… the very words we read in our bible.

But just like water spills quickly down a hard surface. (Spill a liitle bit of water down the washing machine) If we say no to Jesus and the words in our bible… If we say we do not need Jesus, his word, or his blood what we are really saying is we do not need God or his forgiveness.  We have a hard heart that is not letting his Spirit soak in.  We must have a soft heart for God.  We must be willing to believe. Once we believe God’s word, his Spirit can start to soak into our hearts.  If we want more of God’s Spirit we must read more of God’s Word in the Bible. 

We cannot wash our clothes or our bodies with a sprinkle of water can we? (Sprinkle some water on your dirty clothes) No we need a whole washing machine filled with water, a tub or a shower.  (Show child the washing machine full of water). It is the same with God’s word.  God’s word is what can clean us up because his word is his Spirit speaking to us.  Our soap is all the different scriptures he has given us.  (Show child laundry soap). 

He uses your body as a tool to help wash your spirit, just like a piece of clothing washing in a washing machine (Show child clothes washing in washing machine).  He even uses your body to wash other people’s spirits too when you use your body to bring someone a message from Him.  He will keep washing and rinsing away our bad thoughts and words and the bad things we do, and keep using us to help wash up others,  if we keep reading and thinking about his words.  Then one day we will be ready to be pulled out of our body, but not yet it is not time.

(Walk away and come back later when the clothes are ready to go in the dryer).  Yes one day our spirit will be pulled by the hand of our Lord right out of our body, like clothes being pulled out of a washing machine.  Then we will be brought home to be with him in heaven in the warmth of his love (Put clothes in dryer), our spirit looking clean, good and pure before him because we have been washed by his word.

References:

The darkness of sin:

Acts 26:15-18 (English Standard Version)

15And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17  delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles- to whom I  am sending you 18  to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

The white of Purity, Goodness, Justice, Righteousness (Correctness)

Lamentations 4:7
Her princes were purer than snow, whiter than milk;

Isaiah 1:16-18 (English Standard Version)

16Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean;  remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, 17learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.

18″Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet,
   they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.

How we are washed:

Ephesians 5:25-27  

“ …Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”   

God’s Spirit compared to living water:

Jeremiah 17:13
O LORD, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you shall be put to shame;those who turn away from you shall be written in the earth, for they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living water.

John 4:10
Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”

God’s word is a living word:

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

God’s Word is Jesus:

John 1:14
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

God’s Words are Spirit and Life:

John 6:63
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

How To Be A WINNER In The BIG RACE

The ancient Greeks celebrated the great national festival known as the Olympics between 800 BC and the 400 AD. This festival was celebrated every four years in the sanctuary of their god Zeus in Olympia. It involved competitions between representatives from the Greek city-states.

Did you know that Paul was thinking of similar games when he wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:25 that all athletes “go into strict training”? These particular games were celebrated every two years on the Isthmus of Corinth in honor of the Greek gods. The Greeks were passionate about the games and the winners received crowns made of laurel or olive branches. In both the ancient and modern games the athletes practice long hours to improve their endurance, strength, skills and performance.

The Bible compares life to a race, but makes remarkable claims about what is victory. In the game of life we can succeed — but not by our own strength. Let’s look at how we can be winners in life’s race. Our examples are King Solomon, who lived 3,000 years ago, and the apostle Paul, who lived 2,000 years ago. Both competed at the top of their professions.

Solomon’s Race
Solomon was from Israel’s royal family, the son of King David. As king for 40 years he had great wealth and power. You might say he was a winner.

A recent poll voted the boxer Muhammad Ali the greatest sports star of the twentieth century. He carried the torch at the opening ceremony of the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. As heavyweight champion of the world he boasted, “I am the greatest!” That’s also how Solomon felt, but it did not last. His book, Ecclesiastes, shows how he sought success in life through such things as wisdom, pleasure, possessions, wealth and hard work.

• Wisdom: Solomon was devoted to exploring everything by wisdom, and became known as the wisest man in the world (1 Ki. 4:29-34; Eccl. 1:13,16). He was an expert in botany and zoology. He wrote 3,000 proverbs and 1,000 songs. He was so famous people from other nations came to hear him. The Queen of Sheba visited him and confirmed that his wisdom and wealth were far greater than what she had been told (1 Ki. 10:6-7).
• Pleasure: Solomon tried to cheer himself with wine, and he acted the fool (Eccl. 2:3). He also indulged in entertainment, and had 1,000 wives who gave him great pleasure. He did whatever made him happy (1 Ki. 11:3; Eccl. 2:8).
• Possessions: Solomon had great homes, vineyards, gardens and groves filled with all kinds of fruit trees. He built reservoirs to irrigate his flourishing groves. He had many slaves and owned more livestock than any other king in Jerusalem. It is recorded that he had 12,000 horses, 1,400 chariots and 4,000 stalls to keep them (2 Chr. 1:14; 9:25).
• Wealth: Solomon was the richest man on earth (1 Ki. 10:23) — like Bill Gates is today. His great wealth came from commerce, mining, gifts from visitors, and taxes from countries between the Euphrates River and Egypt (1 Ki. 4:21; 10:25). He collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of kings and provinces (Eccl. 2:4-8).
• Hard Work: Solomon enjoyed working hard for his success. He undertook many great projects, among them being the palace it took 13 years to build (Eccl. 2:10-11,17-22). He had everything a person could desire, but didn’t find lasting satisfaction in success. He learned that man’s appetite is never satisfied (Eccl. 6:7). As he looked at everything he achieved, it was meaningless and futile, like chasing the wind. There was nothing worthwhile anywhere (Eccl. 2:11). He concluded that unless you “remember your Creator … everything is meaningless” (Eccl. 12:1, 8).

His despair resulted from looking for success in all the wrong places — of trying to find his way in life without God. Leaving God out of life’s race leads to disappointment, because life is more than success. Solomon had everything money could buy and power could seize, but couldn’t find satisfaction. He discovered that a life not centered on God is meaningless.

The Right Race?
Are you following Solomon by leaving God out while striving for such things as education, career, money, power, popularity, pleasure, etc.? Only the top three finishers receive a medal at the Olympic Games. Many athletes will not receive a prize, even though they did their best. Others will be disqualified because they broke the rules of their event.

The marathon race will be run along a well-marked route through the streets of Sydney, Australia to the Olympic Stadium. Athletes must follow this route to qualify for the prize. Jesus saw people as being in two categories: those travelling a wide road that leads to destruction, or a narrow road that leads to eternal life (Mt. 7:13-14). Which road are we running on? Those who ignore God and live like Solomon are running down the route that leads to hell and torment.

During much of his life Solomon was in the wrong race! If we are in the wrong race, then our best is not good enough. Without God, our best efforts, no matter how good, are never good enough to get us to heaven.

We can only enter the race to heaven by accepting God’s offer of forgiveness for our sins through Jesus Christ. The Bible says we can be saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. Salvation is God’s gift to us and not anything we have done (Eph. 2:8). We can only be winners through Christ’s victory (1 Cor. 15:57; 1 Jn. 5:4-5).

Paul’s Race
The apostle Paul was privileged to have Hebrew religion, Greek culture and Roman citizenship. He had two names: Saul was his Hebrew name and Paul was his Greek name. The son of a Pharisee, he studied under Gamaliel, an esteemed teacher of Jewish law. He was born a pure-blooded Jew of the tribe of Benjamin. He was a member of the Pharisee sect that demanded the strictest obedience to Jewish law. He obeyed Jewish law so carefully that he was never accused of any fault (Phil. 3:5-6).

His first “race” was religion and he excelled in it. He was a fanatical Pharisee who was convinced that Christians were heretics and that God’s honor demanded their extermination (Gal. 1:13-14). He persecuted and imprisoned Christians and approved of Stephen’s death (Acts 9:1-2; 22:2-5,19-20; 26:4-11; 8:1-3). He travelled around the country capturing Christians. So Saul was racing along the broad road to destruction.

But on the way to Damascus he was miraculously confronted by Jesus and converted from the error of his way. He immediately began to live by faith in his Savior. Now on the narrow road to heaven, he preached Christianity, worked with those he had previously persecuted and was persecuted by his previous colleagues.

Paul used the illustration of a race to describe how he lived: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14). He was looking forward to the end of the race, and the prize in heaven to all who put their trust in God.

We are urged to imitate Paul by following his example (Phil. 3:17). He said, “Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air” (1 Cor. 9:24-26). He ran hard to win, exercising discipline and self control, with a definite goal and purpose.

Furthermore, he urged us to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith … Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Heb. 12:1-3). As runners we should focus on the goal, throwing aside anything that might hinder us, such as materialism and legalism. The “love of money” causes some to wander from the faith, while unbiblical rules stop some from running a good race (Gal. 5:7; 1 Tim. 6:10-12).

As a Christian, Paul could look forward to victory and finishing the race, even victory over death: “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24). Paul knew his mission. Near the end of his life he wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Tim. 4:7-8). Paul lived by faith.

The Christian’s Race
From Paul’s example we see that Christians are to live by faith and focus on their heavenly destiny. Their goals are: to live like Christ and please God, not others (2 Cor. 5:9; Gal. 1:10; 1 Jn. 2:6); to persevere with passion and be diligent, not lazy (Mt. 25:14-29); to practice humility, not selfish ambition (Mt. 18:4; Phil. 2:3). When asked who is the greatest, Christ said it was whoever is humble like a child. Be a Christ-like servant and don’t have a win-at-all-costs attitude (Mt. 20:25-28).

The Bible says we should: “live” in peace and harmony (Rom. 12:16,18; 1 Cor. 7:15; 2 Cor. 13:11; 1 Th. 5:13; 1 Tim. 2:2; Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 3:8); “live” by faith (Rom. 1:17; 2 Cor. 5:7; Gal. 2:20; 3:11; Heb. 10:38); “live” a life of love (Eph. 5:2); and “live” by the Spirit (Gal. 5:16,25).

Sports psychologists coach athletes to be winners because they know how much the mind influences performance and behavior. Christians should have their minds set on what the Spirit desires, as they have “the mind of Christ” (Rom. 8:5; 1 Cor. 2:16). The Holy Spirit is their coach (Jn. 16:13). This is their secret of success: right relationships with God and others. So the key to real success is a relationship, not an achievement.

The Christian’s reward is a prize beyond compare. It is described as “the victor’s crown,” “the crown of life,” “the crown of glory” and “the crown of righteousness” (2 Tim. 2:5; 4:8; Jas. 1:12; 1 Pet. 5:4). Also, since it is kept in heaven, it will never fade away, and never perish or spoil (1 Cor. 9:25; 1 Pet. 1:4; 5:4). As believers are Christ’s servants, their reward is to hear this: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Mt. 25:21).

Everyone who accepts Jesus into his/her life is a winner. Remember, that the criminal who repented on the cross was told, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” And Lazarus, the beggar, finished up in heaven, while the rich man was tormented in hell (Lk. 16: 22-26; 23:43).

Your Race
Unfortunately many live selfish lives that lead to destruction (Phil. 3:18-19). If you have left God out of your life, your best will never be good enough. No matter what you may achieve, you will not have lasting success or lasting victory. Instead, you will have the emptiness and lack of purpose experienced by Solomon. In this case you need to get in the right race by accepting God’s offer of forgiveness for your sins through Jesus Christ. No great achievement is required, just childlike trust and commitment (Mt. 18:3).

Although you are not competing in the Olympic Games you are running the race of your life. Are you running the good race (Gal. 5:7)? Christians are not only saved by faith, they should also live by faith. This means trust and commitment to God, to the Scriptures and to other Christians. Success depends on your relationship with God.

Where is your commitment and passion in life? Are you chasing after other things like Solomon? Is your attention distracted, or are you developing a new mindset so you will know what God wants you to do in life (Rom. 12:2)? We only have one lifetime, so let’s make it count for God.

Do your best by following Jesus and imitating Paul; don’t be distracted or sidetracked from the race like Solomon.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: George Hawke, a university professor, lives with his family in Sydney, Australia, the site of the 2000 Olympic Games.

With permission to publish by: Sam Hadley, Grace & Truth, 210 Chestnut St., Danville, IL., USA.

Website: www.gtpress.org

top

History of Salvation in the Old Testament

It seems like at this time of year we are constantly being told to remember the “real” reason for the season.  That’s generally followed up with some comments about how commercialized the holiday has become.  And, to be honest, there is some truth to that stuff.  I’m here to say that presents ARE the reason for the season.

Christmas to me is really about presents.  Starting with the ultimate present that God gave us when he gave his only begotten son.  How about the present Jesus gave us all by giving us life through His death and resurection?  Next there is the gift of the Holy Spirit, the comforter Jesus promised us would come when He left to be with the father. 

And since Christmas is always a time spent with our families, let’s think about that present for a moment.  I’m so thankful for the gift that God has given me of a great family and also great church family.  That’s just scratching the surface!

There is one other kind of presents…presence that I think is important to remember at this time of year.  God’s presence is perhaps even more so the reason for the season.  Consider this for a moment.  We are celebrating the birth of Christ.  What does this represent?  Check out John 1:14, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”  His birth represents, God coming here in the form of a man, taking on flesh, being present with us.  God’s presence is the “real” reason for the season.

Merry Christmas to you all and may God Bless you with a blessing that can’t even be contained.

Sing, O Daughter of Zion;
shout aloud, O Israel!
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,
O Daughter of Jerusalem!

The LORD has taken away your punishment,
he has turned back your enemy.
The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you;
never again will you fear any harm.

On that day they will say to Jerusalem,
“Do not fear, O Zion;
do not let your hands hang limp.

The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:14-17

I absolutely ADORE how this passage ends with the Lord rejoicing over his people with singing.  How magnificent a picture of God’s tender love. Praise the Lord and rejoice in him always!

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones today.

What do people crave? Pregnant women can crave pickles. I have craved bread when my blood sugar is out of whack. Some people crave strong drink or pornography. The Bible says in Proverbs 21:21 “He who earnestly seeks after and craves righteousness, mercy and lovingkindness will find life in addition to righteouosness (uprightness and right standing with God) and honor.”

What would cause one to crave these 3 things: righteousness, mercy and loving-kindness? Backing up to verse 5, we read, “The thoughts of the [steadily] diligent tend only to plenteousness, but everyone who is impatient and hasty hastens only to want.” Verse 26 states, “…the righteous gives and does not withhold.” So, if we are steadily diligently to seek after God we will give to Him.

II Corinthians 9:6-10

6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

In Acts 10 we read about Cornelius, the Roman leader who the angel spoke to. Verse 4: “…The angel said to him, Your prayers and your [generous] gifts to the poor have come up [as a sacrifice] to God and have been remembered by Him.” Beginning here, Peter began preaching to the Gentiles. verses 34-35: “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”

Romans 13:8 “Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor [who practices loving others] has fulfilled the Law …” vs. 10 “Love does no wrong to one’s neighbor [it never hurts anybody]. Therefore love meets all the requirements and is the fulfilling of the Law.”

I love my new Bible reading schedule, which is 10 chapters per day in all sections of the Bible. It goes through Acts and Proverbs monthly.

If we crave these 3 things – righteousness, mercy and loving-kindness, we will be pleasing to God and He will bless. We will have a heart to serve Him diligently, patiently waiting on His direction. Our hearts will be toward the poor, as Cornelius gave alms to the poor. We will have love for our neighbors.

Ephesians 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God

This is one of the ways that the Holy Spirit works in our lives as Christians (Eph. 5:18). He uses our fellow Christians to teach us humility, to provide us away to serve God by serving our fellow men (Col. 3:22), to hold us accountable in every area of our lives to the Spirit’s workings (Heb. 13:17), as well as to our obedience to the law (I Cor. 6:1-3). This injunction of submitting ourselves does not specify “to his pastor,“ but “to one another,” calling to mind Pro. 27:17. This teaches us to also submit ourselves to our peers for help and guidance. For we do not submit ourselves to them because they are our betters, but we submit to and serve them as a way to submit ourselves to and serve Christ (Col. 3:22-23).

Just as every leader must first learn to be able to truly serve before he can truly lead (Luke 14:8-11, John 14:13-15), so it is that when each one is serving one another selflessly, it becomes natural for, not only also for them to submit to each other for accountability, but for each to provide accountability to whoever asks it of him. By selfless serving, leaders are made. By each serving each selflessly an atmosphere of mutual accountability is created. An atmosphere of trust and loyalty is also generated by such magnanimous generosity, and accountability and submission thrives in such an atmosphere.

Luke 2:51a And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them:

Even Christ, when He was young, even though he knew who He was, submitted Himself to His mother, who was earthly. How much more should I, imperfect, sinful, depraved, young and inexperienced, obey and submit myself unto those wiser than me as well as to God’s teaching?

I Corinthians 16:15-16 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and [that] they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with [us,] and laboureth.

We ought to serve those that serve, especially those that serve wholly in the work of God. Those elders who rule well are therefore worthy of double honor (I Tim. 5:17, Rom. 13:5, I Pet. 5:5).

I Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

We must respect and obey those who have more experience and knowledge than us: we am subject unto them. Also, we have a responsibility to those younger than us (i.e. our siblings) to show them a good example. Also, we must humbly remember that everyone is “older” than us in some area: therefore we must be humble and be in subjection to all.

Philippians 2:5-11 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth;
11 And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

He made Himself of no reputation (greek#2758 = to make empty; to make of none effect; to abase); He took on Him the form of a servant; He was made in the likeness of men (the infinite God became finite man); He became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. And the outcome: God has exalted Him above all others, so that at the last day, every knee will bow to Him and confess His Lordship. Christ placed God first in His life continually and perfectly, and God’s glory was therefore manifest in Him and made Him Lord of all.

Matthew 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Submit to suffering

Christ suffered for us infinitely. What an immeasurable debt for us! Christ was perfectly sinless, and suffered ultimately, yet He had no thought or vestige of anger or revenge in His heart. How can we, deserving of hell, say that any discomfort we feel is undeserved compared to His sacrifice? He, for us, bore our penalty, and thereby reaped immeasurable glory. All He asks in return is for us to cast aside our broken cisterns, drink His living water (Jer. 2:143), and follow in His perfect way and footsteps by obeying His Word. How can any sacrifice we do equal His? So how can we complain at any injustice? How can we refuse to submit ourselves to any suffering for His name?

God the Father, greatest of all fathers. The perfection of Justice, Love, and Wisdom. How can we doubt His power, His omnipotence, or His Love? So how can we not trust ourselves to His everlasting arms as Jesus, who hazarded most on the foreknowledge, power, and love of His eternal Father, did? Who would know better than He? He knows that suffering is but a tool in God’s hand, and naught would befall Him but what the Lord desired for Him. How can we with our imperfect minds and knowledge doubt but that a perfectly loving and caring God who also knows everything and can do anything, can and will perfect for us a perfect way and will in our absolute best interest?

I hope that this short study in submission will help you. Study the verses and apply them to your life. Submission is a crucial attitude to battling sin, but it must be practiced in every area of life. Seek conviction and take action.

With love and prayer in Christ,
Jay Lauser

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”-
Isaiah 9:6

What do you remember most about Christmas as a child? I recall the excitement of putting up the Christmas tree. When the tree was decorated I knew that Christmas was near. Daddy would go into the field behind our house and cut down a cedar tree. Then mom would critique his choice. That generally would lead to an argument.

Daddy was a perfectionist and as I recall, painfully slow. It seemingly took him forever to affix the stand to the bottom of the tree. And then came the lights. You know, one light goes out and they all go out. What devious individual came up with that design? I wonder how many family arguments have resulted from those frustrating lights?

Finally it was time to decorate the tree. Mom and Dad kept all the ornaments in a giant wooden box. To my recollection, every year we had the same lights, ornaments, and decorations. We even used the same icicles. Neatly packed away in the box were incredibly fragile Christmas balls made out of very thin glass (probably designed by the same guy who invented the lights). I knew I was growing up when Daddy finally permitted me to hang one on the tree. That right was quickly relinquished when I dropped the ball and it crashed into a million pieces.

The tree trimming adventure always concluded with Daddy climbing the ladder and attaching a star to the top of the tree. Then he plugged in the lights as mom turned off the room light. There before us stood the fruit of our labor in all its shining glory. It was uniquely ours, crafted by the personal touch of a family. Suddenly, all the fussing, criticizing, and arguing were replaced with joy and laughter.

More important than the tree was what went under the tree. Gifts! There’s something so special about receiving gifts when you are a child. Heaven forbid if it was clothes. I wanted toys!

Over the years I have received many Christmas gifts. Some I remember but most are forgotten. Even those gifts that were supposed to keep on giving don’t work anymore or have long since been thrown away. That is, with the exception of one.

The greatest Christmas gift that I ever received will be with me for all eternity. This incredible gift came from God. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…” But this gift of unconditional and sacrificial love was not just given to me. It is available to all who will receive it.

Inside the eternal gift package is everything needed to sustain you through this life on earth and all of eternity. “…and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

This gift never goes out of style or becomes obsolete. It never loses power or wears out. It never fails or disappoints. It can never be stolen or destroyed. Always reliable and completely trustworthy.

This amazing gift was given on the first Christmas day nearly 2000 years ago. It is the gift of God’s Son, Jesus.

Have you received the gift? If not, accept Him today by asking Jesus to be Lord of your life. If you have received Him then that is cause for thanksgiving and praise. On this Christmas Day, take time to acknowledge the greatest gift you have ever received. Worship the Gift!

Prayer

“Heavenly Father. I praise You and adore You. Thank You for giving the most precious of all gifts. I worship You for You are my Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Holy, holy, holy are You, oh God. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

While thinking about the story of the birth of the Christ Child, I am filled with excitement. When thinking about the life of Christ I am filled with awe. When thinking about the Crucifixtion of the Redeemer I am filled with sadness. When Thinking about the resurrection I am filled with hope. (Callahan)

Poverty alleviation is the theme of most developmental programmes of nations today. Unfortunately, they never fight against the root cause of spiritual and physical poverty – fornication!

I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, 9 but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” Revelation 22:8-9

John Piper, in a sermon, “Worship God!”

The angel said to John, when he fell down at the angel’s feet, “Do not do that. I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brethren the prophets and of those who heed the words of this book. Worship God.” In other words, don’t worship angels, worship God! Don’t worship nothing, worship God! Don’t neglect God or despise God, worship God! This is the last chapter of the Bible, and this is the last duty of man: worship God!

John Piper, in a sermon on Job 42, “Job:Reversal in Suffering”

Neither bad theology (in the words of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) nor good theology (in the words of Elihu) gives us the knowledge of God which changes a person’s heart. “Taste and see that the Lord is good!” (Psalm 34:8). There is a knowledge that only comes through tasting. Five seconds of honey on the tongue will show you more sweetness than ten hours of lectures about the sweetness of honey. “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Until God gives you a taste of his goodness all the theology in the world will not give you a knowledge of his goodness that changes your heart and saves your soul.

Job Tasted and Saw That the Lord Is Good

When Elihu was finished speaking the truth to Job, Job said nothing. Only after God spoke (in chapters 38–41) did Job say, “I had heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees thee” (42:5). When God himself came to Job and spoke and took the initiative to make himself known to Job, Job tasted God! And his eyes were opened.

Now Job has a new sense of God’s reality. It is more than intellectual or speculative knowledge. It is the knowledge of the heart. He has tasted. And now he sees. And the result is a broken and changed man.

Job Confesses Three Great Truths

In 42:1–6 Job bows in reverent submission to confess three great truths.

1. In verse 2 he confesses the truth that God is absolutely sovereign: “I know that thou canst do all things, and that no purpose of thine can be thwarted.”
2. In verse 3 he confesses the truth that God’s wisdom makes his own wisdom look like ignorance: “I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.”
3. And in verse 6 he confesses the truth that he is guilty of despicable sin in questioning the ways of God: “I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”

A Broken and Changed Person

Job is a broken and changed man. That’s what happens when you really see God. It happened to Isaiah: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips . . . for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” (Isaiah 6:5). It happened to Peter when Jesus showed his power: “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (Luke 5:8). It happened to the centurion when Jesus came to his house: “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof” (Luke 7:6).

Before Job saw God in this way, he had esteemed himself somewhat highly and had not hesitated to assert his righteousness. Now he sees himself more clearly. And what he sees drives him to repentance.

If we don’t feel grieved for our sin, and deeply unworthy of God’s goodness, then we need to pray earnestly that God would show us himself—that he would cease to be a mere doctrine that we hear with our ear, and instead would become an awesome, infinitely holy, dreadful, and wonderful Sovereign that we taste and see with our hearts.

To read or listen to the rest of this sermon, click here:

December 25 

Revelation 22 (ESV)

The River of Life

22:1 Then the angel [1] showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life [2] with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants [3] will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

Jesus Is Coming

6 And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”

7 “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, 9 but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant [4] with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”

10 And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11 Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.”

12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, [5] so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. [6] Amen.

Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. John 21:25

J.C. Ryle wraps up our reading of John:

As much of Christ’s sayings and doings is recorded as the mind of man can take in. It would not be good for the world to have more. The human mind, like the body, can only digest a certain quantity. The world could not contain more, because it would not. As many miracles, as many parables, as many sermons, as many conversions, as many words of kindness, as many deeds of mercy, as many journeys, as many prayers, as many warnings, as many promises, are recorded, as the world can possibly require. If more had been recorded they would have been only thrown away. There is enough to make every unbeliever without excuse, enough to show every inquirer the way to heaven, enough to satisfy the heart of every honest believer, enough to condemn man if he does not repent and believe, enough to glorify God. The largest vessel can only contain a certain quantity of liquid. The mind of all mankind would not appreciate more about Christ, if more had been written. There is enough and to spare. This witness is true. Let us deny it if we can.

And now let us close the Gospel of John with mingled feelings of deep humility and deep thankfulness. We may well be humble when we think how ignorant we are, and how little we comprehend of the treasures which this Gospel contains. But we may well be thankful, when we reflect how clear and plain is the instruction which it gives us about the way of salvation. The man who reads this Gospel profitably, is he who “believes that Jesus is the Christ, and, believing, has life through His Name.” Do we so believe? Let us never rest till we can give a satisfactory answer to that question!

December 25

John 21:15-25 (ESV)

Jesus and Peter

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Jesus and the Beloved Apostle

20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who had been reclining at table close to him and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” 23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers [1] that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”

24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.

25 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

December 25

Job 42 (ESV)

Job’s Confession and Repentance

42:1 Then Job answered the Lord and said:

2 “I know that you can do all things,
and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
3 ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
4 ‘Hear, and I will speak;
I will question you, and you make it known to me.’
5 I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
but now my eye sees you;
6 therefore I despise myself,
and repent [1] in dust and ashes.”

The Lord Rebukes Job’s Friends

7 After the Lord had spoken these words to Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. 8 Now therefore take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves. And my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.” 9 So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did what the Lord had told them, and the Lord accepted Job’s prayer.

The Lord Restores Job’s Fortunes

10 And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.11 Then came to him all his brothers and sisters and all who had known him before, and ate bread with him in his house. And they showed him sympathy and comforted him for all the evil [2] that the Lord had brought upon him. And each of them gave him a piece of money [3] and a ring of gold.

12 And the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning. And he had 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys. 13 He had also seven sons and three daughters. 14 And he called the name of the first daughter Jemimah, and the name of the second Keziah, and the name of the third Keren-happuch. 15 And in all the land there were no women so beautiful as Job’s daughters. And their father gave them an inheritance among their brothers. 16 And after this Job lived 140 years, and saw his sons, and his sons’ sons, four generations.17 And Job died, an old man, and full of days.