Category: Christmas

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We Have The Living Word Of God!

For November 22, 2020
The Word of God (Bible) is remarkable, and there is no other book like it anywhere. In over three thousand years of recorded human history, its promises and admonitions remain trustworthy and faithful as Psalm 12:6 (AKJV) affirms,

The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

My loving parents introduced me to the Lord and encouraged my spiritual growth and moral development. Often, we shared about our Christian faith journey, and we talked about our favorite Bible passages. Here’s the AKJV passage that most emphasized the beauty, wisdom, and practicality of the Scriptures to us,

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb (Psalm 19:7-10 AKJV).

As we grow more familiar with the truths and promises of the Bible, the Holy Spirit gives us biblical promptings to help us navigate life’s uncertainties successfully. We are the living proof of God’s marvelous plan of redemption, whereby Jesus Christ reigns in us as Savior and Lord.

We authenticate our faith in God by His Word and the person of Christ. Both of these revelations deserve our reverent consideration,

Two great revelations stand at the center of historic Christianity: the personal revelation of God in Christ and the propositional revelation of God in the Scriptures. The Christian claims that God has disclosed Himself in the Scriptures and in the Savior, in the written Word and in the Living Word of God. The evidence that the Bible is the written Word of God is anchored in the authority of Jesus Christ.1

We can find comfort in knowing Jesus Christ authenticates the Bible because He is the most important person in human history,

By any and all standards Jesus Christ has always been regarded as the greatest figure in human history. On any list of the world’s greatest men we always find at its head Jesus of Nazareth. Regardless of whether or not men acknowledge him as Savior and Lord they must pay tribute to Him as the world’s outstanding man.2

The Bible is our perfect guide to living in the New Testament Age. As we read, study, memorize, and apply its principles to our lives, we grow into His productive people of faith and grace. Then, we become expressions of Christ’s prophetic role by filtering everything we think, say, and do through a Bible-based perspective. In other words, we are people of the Bible who abide by its principles.

Although we may listen to secular experts for advice, the Word of God is the lamp and light to our footpath. Faithful meditation on its precepts will discourage alienation from God while aiding us in resisting the habitual practice of sin (Psalm 119:11, 104-105).

In the twenty-first-century, more than ever, we need specialized knowledge and skill to be considered competent in our profession. Physicians study medicine, attorneys study law. Likewise, we Christian study the Word of God to be competent practitioners of our Christian faith.

We are spiritual beings, and our existence depends on Jesus Christ, the Living Word of God. He became flesh and lived among us (John 1:14). From His Word, God gives us the life-giving resources that help us to grow spiritually and morally, because His words are spirit and life (John 6:63).

Thus, the Bible is a holy book that we cannot read casually as we would a newspaper or novel. Instead, God must provide us with the spiritual insight to interpret and apply it correctly under the guidance of spiritually mature Christians who can teach the Bible exegetically.3 Then, we “read out” of the Bible God’s instruction for our lives and grow spiritually.

Even after the dust settles, the Lord can use us mightily to provide answers to questions and problems posed by our ever-seeking world. With His Spirit, prayer, and His Word, we can inspire and transform a world in need of spiritual refurbishing.

As Christians—now more than ever—let’s embrace the Word of God and live out its principles of faith, hope, grace, and love.

What a Wonderful Savior!

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We Can Have Comfort And Joy Today!

For November 1, 2020
The New Testament book of Hebrews provides us with enduring lessons of faith, comfort, and joy—especially during these times of uncertainty,

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2 AKJV).

Three thoughts emerge from this passage, which are well worth noting. First, we are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses.” This implies our physical death is not the end of our human existence. God has given us a spiritual dimension that will continue to live long after our bodies have passed away. (God also gives us the responsibility to choose where we spend our eternity in Heaven or Hell.)

In other words, along with the “Roll Call of Faith” of Hebrews 11:4-40, all those who have died in Christ surround us like a crowd of ardent spectators cheering us toward the successful completion of our individual Christian races. Just think. We have our own “cheering section” rooting for us!

Our loved ones who have departed this life are “absent from the body and present with the Lord,” awaiting His glorious return for us. Then, they along with all those who have “died in the Lord,” will accompany Him to be reunited with us who are yet alive (2 Corinthians 5:8, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

I am comforted knowing that one day, very soon I will see Jesus along with all those precious saints, including loved ones and extended family, “coming in the clouds with great power and glory” (Mark 13:26). A most welcome and most wonderful day that will be indeed. Amen!

Second, we as Christians are to make every effort to “lay aside” the continual practice of sin, particularly the ones we find extremely tantalizing and are within easy reach. Instead, we are to pursue earnestly and heartily His righteousness consistently. Jesus makes this observation in Luke 11:35-36 (NKJV):

Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light.

“No part dark” means our lives are faith-driven, Spirit-powered, Christ-centered, and God-honoring quests for spiritual and moral purity publicly and privately, with no “secret” sins. We strive to be the same spiritual and moral person, whether we are alone or in the company of others. In other words, what we do, and how we act on Sunday during church services should be the same way we act on Monday at home, work, or school.

The “what I do in the privacy of my own home” should never be shameful or embarrassing if ever disclosed publically, since our lives reflect an integrated, consistent ethic that flows from our genuine conversion in Christ,

Sin is turning away from God. As someone has said, it is aversion from God and conversion to the world; and true repentance means conversion to God and aversion to the world. When there is true contrition, the heart is broken for sin; when there is true conversion, the heart is broken from sin. We leave the old life, we are translated out of the kingdom of darkness unto the kingdom of light.1

In Jesus’ Intercessory Prayer, He foretells how His followers live “in the world,” yet they will never become “of the world” (John 17:15-18). This was true two-thousand years ago, and it remains true for us today.

Our “spiritual eyes” must remain focused on the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the source and consummation of our faith in God, as His Spirit actively works within us. His great work of redemption, dying on the cross for our sins and being raised for our justification (Romans 4:25), pays the debt for our sins and reconciles us to God forever.

Our lives are then changed forever as we “pass from death unto life” (John 5:24). Thus from the moment we meet Christ onward, ours becomes a life-long race where His penetrating words ring true for us each day,

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me (Luke 9:23 NLT).

God commands us to be holy, just as He is holy (Leviticus 20:26). Jesus calls us to be perfect as God is perfect (Matthew 5:48). Jesus is the Vine, and as His branches, we can yield His fruit consistently, just as He tells us in John 15:5.

Although only Jesus was perfect, yet we can make every effort to refrain from habitual sin and let our lights shine before the world. Then we can glorify God and be a blessing to others just as the Lord teaches in Matthew 5:16 (NIV),

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Unfortunately, dishonesty, deceit, and debauchery have become commonplace for many professing Christians as three-quarters of Americans identify themselves as Christian, yet only 13 percent say they have no faith at all. Only one in every four is Bible-minded, although nearly two-thirds have an orthodox view of God.2

Oh, how I long for a time when noble character with principled behavior is deemed as innate Christian characteristics. To the modern-day society, inconsistent conduct has hampered our noble Christian witness,

Christianity is often not portrayed well in media. It is not “politically correct” to be a Christian anymore. Social pressure to “fit in” as a Christian is largely absent. In contrast, it is considered more socially acceptable to embrace non-Christian identities and lifestyles that stand in conflict with biblical values.3

God’s eternal purpose for His people—to “do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly” before Him each day—has not changed (Micah 6:8). Jesus declared that as the Light of the World, His followers will not walk in darkness but will have “the light of life” instead (John 8:12). In this way, He affirms His righteousness and ours.

Christian faith changes human lives as we enter into the presence of the Living God. Drastically changed human lives think, speak, and act in ways that improve the welfare of others without being motivated by race, gender, culture, social status, or political affiliation. Such is our destiny,

We don’t have to be victims of our glands. We are not automations or victims. We are free to make choices, whether noble or ignoble. To live for money, power, or pleasure is to die one day and leave it all behind. Indeed, to live for anything except Christ will mean reaching the end haunted by guilt and despair.4

Contrary to popular belief, I believe that we as Christians can and do change the world around us for the better—one person at a time.

Finally, Jesus paid the price for our sin so that we can share in the perfect joy that was set before Him. It is His most exhilarating joy that captivates our hearts and minds today and always as we receive His unfathomably precious gifts of forgiveness and freedom.

 I believe that our understanding of the “joy” set before Him, produces an assurance, comfort, and security we will not find anywhere else on earth as this enduring hymn encapsulates,

Blessed Assurance5
Fanny J. Crosby (1820—1915)

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest; Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

Chorus:

This is my story; this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long.

Yes! The Lord lavishly provides His children with forgiveness, freedom, and joy. We can never be “good enough” to earn His consideration. But we can continue pressing toward the heavenly prize He has in store for all of us who love His appearing (Philippians 3:14, 2 Timothy 4:8).
What a Wonderful Savior!

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Jesus Christ Is Still The Answer Today!

For September 27, 2020
The evening when our Lord instituted the Lord’s Supper has always been fascinating in many ways. What was He thinking and feeling? What were His Disciples thinking and feeling? The Bible provides a brief commentary on our Lord’s contemplation that evening,

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But, God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:6-8 NIV).

The first Adam’s disobedience brought sin into God’s perfect, world—and death because of his sin—for all have sinned (Romans 5:14). Since all have sinned, all of our “good deeds” are sin-polluted, which leaves us with a severe righteousness deficiency before God.

A splendid illustration would be if one carried a fountain pen in the breast pocket of their white dress shirt. More often than not, the ink pen would leak, and the slightest ink spot on the white shirt stained the shirt—sometimes permanently.

As the ink spot polluted the shirt, sin has polluted our righteousness. On our best day, we are still worthless before a holy God (who has never been polluted), and we fail before His righteousness as filthy rags,

We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind (Isaiah 64:6 NLT).

However, this is not the case with Jesus Christ. He was without sin and was fully aware His death would redeem all fallen humanity from sin and restore us to a loving, eternal fellowship with God,

Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by One Man’s obedience many will be made righteous (Romans 5:18-19 NKJV).

It is truly unbelievable how Jesus freely chose to offer Himself to redeem the entire world; whether Jew, gentile (non-Jew), believer, non-believer, rich, poor, black, white, brown, red, yellow, etc. All of us can vicariously receive the full benefit of His perfect sacrifice—without preference or distinction.

Ultimately, Jesus chose to redeem those who love Him, and those who hate Him, those who believe in Him, and those who do not believe in Him completely and without reservation. But we must choose Him,

Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on them, and to our God, for He will freely pardon  (Isaiah 55:6-7 NIV).

No one wants to live in a world that celebrates and embraces sin, licentiousness, bigotry, hatred, anarchy, and violence as part of its normal course of operations, as our fallen world does today.

Faith in Jesus Christ guarantees that the powers of Satan, sin, and death do not bind us. For in Him, we have been set free to enjoy His peace, love, and joy forever in the company of other Believers with our God.

Thus, from this day forward, it is our turning from sin through repentance, and turning to Christ by faith that yields true abundant living. In other words, it is our faith in Jesus’ perfect work that determines our righteousness (or lack thereof) before our holy, and righteous God to yield His eternal favor and blessing.

Jesus Christ is the answer for the life and the hope you are seeking today. Won’t you trust Him now?

What a wonderful Savior!

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We Can Be A Loving Family Today!

For September 13, 2020
When the Pharisaic Lawyer challenged Jesus to identify the greatest Commandment, the Lord quotes from Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18,

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments (Matthew 22:37-40 NIV).

Later, Jesus tells how our “Greatest Commandment” has been changed—love as I love you,

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My Disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:34-35 NKJV).

As Christians, we are united under a new love mandate to extend our unity and love to become family—a Christian family—with perfect, eternal unity that will forever reveal the matchless wisdom and power of God,

We have been adopted into an eternal family of God. As children of God and joint heirs with Christ, we have the privilege of sharing both in His sufferings and in His subsequent glory. God gives us the privilege of walking the same path Christ walked, enduring sufferings in this life that we may also receive great glory in the life to come. Because we are God’s children, our relationship with each other is far deeper and more intimate than the relationship that angels, for example, have to one another. For we are all members of one family.1

The Holy Spirit enables us to share in common many fulfilling moments that strengthen our resolve to follow Christ. Daily we experience how God loves us, protects us, and provides us with everything we need. We grow ever confident that He directs our steps, and that He will never leave or forsake us,

Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9 NKJV).

The Holy Spirit also solidifies our faith in God and in His Word so that we grow to rely on His eternal promises and providence instead of our subjective thoughts and fickle emotions. He will provide us with all the spiritual resources we need to live for Christ victoriously.

The Bible presents people who have fruitful and fulfilling relationships with the Lord that begin early and last throughout their lives. This is truly the Christian heritage and legacy to strive for, a special and unique witness that shows everyone we are one—even as Jesus is one with the Father.

Those of us who follow this pattern by coming to Christ early, learning God’s Word, attending church, learning from spiritually mature teachers and pastors in discipleship, and using our gifts in service are living testimonies of His miraculously transforming power.

The Holy Spirit  enables us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to share God’s Word properly, so that He can attract, convict, convince, and inspire others unto right thinking and living (2 Peter 3:18). Then, we can present His righteousness, grace, and love through our worship, service, and fellowship.

The Holy Spirit also works in us to share the life and message of Jesus Christ effectively. Here, we sanctify the Lord God in our hearts. Then we can offer a timely response to those who ask us about the unfailing hope within us, with meekness and godly reverence (1 Peter 3:15).

Ultimately, it is because of this one incredible evening, that with the aid of the Holy Spirit, we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us both now and forever (Philippians 4:13). Let’s be a loving family today!

What a Wonderful Savior!

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We Can Be Transformed Today

For August 23, 2020
Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3 NKJV). He captures our necessity for transformation to gain access to the Kingdom of God, insisting our transformation is necessary. He also assures our transformation is both accessible and simple, only requiring our faith in Him,

  God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:16-17 NKJV).

Faith is the means to receive God’s forgiveness and righteous, which is consistent with two Old Testament Scriptures:

      • And [Abraham] believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith (Genesis 15:6 NLT).
      • Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith (Habakkuk 2:4 NKJV).

We must experience a dynamic, spiritual transformation inside us before we can see the Kingdom of God.  The good news is that God can change us through the Born Again experience.

We confess our sin before God, (turn from its continual practice), and we place our faith in the redeeming work of our Lord Jesus Christ to make us righteous before God. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, we become “new creatures” in Christ.

Now, loving and pleasing God is our new all-consuming, lifelong objective. No longer do we seek the things of the world. They have become dead to us, and we are no longer subject to them. Our new aim is to emulate our Lord and live for Him to the best of our ability for the rest of our lives as illustrated below.

The Old Life (Dead)

The New Life (Alive)
    •   Proud and selfish
    • Humble and selfless
    •  Aggressive and villainous
    • Assertive and virtuous
    •  Practice deceit and duplicity
    • Practice sincerity and truth
    •  Seek to victimize others through   hypocrisy, betrayal, and lies
    • Seek to interact with God, others, and us with genuineness, and faithfulness

We live out our identity and purpose as Children of God as the Holy Spirit enables the “who we are when no one is watching” to interact with God, others, and ourselves safely and appropriately—doing no harm.

We are “proof” of God’s marvelous plan of redemption, authenticating how Jesus Christ can live and reign the hearts of fallen humanity as Savior and Lord.  Human lives change drastically in the presence of the Living Christ, as they become Christ-centered and Spirit-controlled. Won’t you give Him your heart today?

What a Wonderful Savior?

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