Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas – Day #21 - The Night Shepherds Became Missionaries (Luke 2:8–20) – Part 1
The Night Shepherds Became Missionaries (Luke 2:8–20) In the middle of the Indian Ocean is a small land mass surrounded by crashing waves known as Christmas Island. The island, a territory of Australia that is home to about two thousand residents, was so named because it was discovered on Christmas Day 1643. Although too small to be of much economic value, it is known for its scenery: 63 percent of the island is a national park full of beautiful hiking trails and mountains and a breathtaking waterfall. Several of its plant and animal species can be found nowhere else in the world. Just over 9,000 miles away in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is another beautiful place also bearing the name. Christmas Island; this one has miles of white, sandy beaches surrounded by jagged cliffs and 120 square miles of a secluded coral lagoon. This Christmas Island, the entirety of which is a wildlife sanctuary, is in the world’s farthest forward time zone and is one of the first inhabited places on Earth to experience the New Year. The Christmas Islands, and places like them, remind us that Christmas should be a sort of island—a time when we can pause, pull away from the busyness and cares of a long year, and spend a few moments in peaceful contemplation of the greatest Gift ever given to mankind, the Lord Jesus Christ. Luke 2 shows us that God can bring peace to all who look to Him. In the middle of a difficult time in human history when taxes were on the rise, poverty was widespread, and it seemed that God was silent, He sent His only Son to be the good news and glad tidings the world needed. The Lord Jesus was presented in a humble manger in a stable of Bethlehem, and God chose common working men—a group of shepherds—to proclaim the news of His Son’s birth to the world. This was an ordinary night of work for a group of ordinary shepherds. Luke 2:8, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” They were simply going about their business, doing what they did every other night, when something amazing happened. Luke 2:9, “And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.” These shepherds suddenly heard a heavenly announcement. Luke 2:13–14, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:10–12, “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” The message from the angels was for them to “Fear not”. They were not just a little afraid; the Bible says they were “sore afraid”. God did not want them to be frightened, but calm, because His message was not one of doom and destruction. Rather, His message was that God had come to be “with us.” Good tidings are the same word from which we get the word Gospel. This good news proclaimed by the angels is for everyone. God, in His love, accepts all who come to the Lord Jesus Christ in faith. John 3:16, “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.” People who are saved rejoice in the fact that salvation is not only for those who are members of some exclusive club. Everyone can experience the forgiveness of sins and assurance of eternal security. It matters not where we come from or what dark sins are in our past; the Good News is available to all who will believe. Luke 2:13–14, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” The angels message promised peace to the earth because of the birth of Jesus. The promise concerning His peace was not limited to the day of His coming, but to the future when Jesus Christ comes again as the Prince of Peace, King of kings, and Lord of lords. John 14:1–3, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” Jesus Christ promises peace to those who believe Him now, but peace will also come to all the earth as He establishes His kingdom in the future. For every Old Testament prophesy about the first coming of Christ there are eight about his second coming. Isaiah 9:6–7, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” We may not know the day or the hour, but we believe the Word of God; soon Jesus will return as the Prince who will bring peace to the earth, fulfilling his promise. Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” It is also a fact that He will bring peace to the world for all of eternity. Please Visit Tomorrow For Part Two of This Devotion. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
0 Comments
Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas – Day #20 - CHRISTmas or MEmas (Luke 1:26-38)
CHRISTmas or MEmas (Luke 1:26-38) Luke 1:26–38, “And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” To celebrate Christmas the way it is supposed to be, or used to be, it must be all about Jesus. Its no shock to us that Christmas is the biggest commercial holiday in the United States, responsible for hundreds of billions of dollars spent on decorations, food, and of course, the “perfect” gifts for loved ones. Many people begin their Christmas shopping even before Thanksgiving and take full advantage of retailers’ Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. The weeks leading up to Christmas Day are supposed to be filled with peace and happiness, but too often we experience a holiday of worry and stress. Amongst the excitement and flurry of the season, we can easily become so frazzled that we lose sight of what it is all about. E.B. White said, “To perceive Christmas through its wrappings becomes more difficult with every year.” If we want to avoid the stress associated with the material concerns of the Christmas season, we must turn our focus upward to the One whose birth we celebrate. It’s easy to get self-centered rather than Christ-centered. Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” The truth of this season is that Jesus came to be Prince of Peace for all who believe. The Scriptures teach three promises of peace made available through Christ. Peace from God: Romans 1:7, “To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Peace with God: Romans 5:1, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Peace of God: Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” The prescription for peace is found in Philippians 4:7. When we take our requests to God while thanking Him for all that He has done for us, we will have His perfect peace. The key to great peace is not found in our resources or in our circumstances, but on our knees. Perhaps the most remembered message of Christmas was spoken by the angels in Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” While Christmas should be a time of peace, it is often the opposite for many. Worry, family problems, and financial stress can rob us of the peace God desires for His children to enjoy. All the worry in the world will never change things for the better. Until we seek God’s face in prayer, we will never know His genuine peace. When you consider that God has given us Christ while we were sinners, then you will see just what a treasure Christ is and how rich you are already. Christ is the one who was rich and became poor for us, “though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” (II Corinthians 8:9). Now, through Christ’s death, we are sons and daughters of God and rightful heirs with Christ of His inheritance. So, consider what you deserve (death and hell), and consider what you have received (eternal salvation). You are rich in Christ! Nothing in this world compares! If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas – Day #19 - The Greatest Gift Ever Wrapped (Luke 2:1-20)
The Greatest Gift Ever Wrapped (Luke 2:1-20) Luke 2:7, And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Have you ever had problems with finding the right gift for someone? Is there someone on your Christmas shopping list who is hard to shop for? Maybe they are really picky, or they seem to have everything! Many may still be wondering if they found the right gift for their family, friends, and loved ones. Sometimes we try to deceive by the way (size, weight, shape) we wrap a Christmas present! The presentation of Christ to this world was not the way we would have planned it. At first glance, the look of the manger scene may have been deceiving. Why a manger and not a mansion? Christ was content with a manger when He was born, so that we could have a mansion when we die. When you meet the Saviour, it changes you forever. If you really believe in something strong enough, you would really be able to convince others about it. I read recently about a woman who had waited until the last minute to send Christmas cards. She rushed into a store and bought a package of 50 cards without really looking at them. Still in a big hurry, she addressed 49 of the 50 and signed them without reading the message inside. On Christmas Day, when things had quieted down somewhat, she chanced to read the leftover card and finally read the message she had sent to 49 of her friends. Much to her discouragement, it this: "This card is just to say, A little gift is on the way." Suddenly she realized that 49 of her friends were expecting a gift from her-a gift that would never come. Nothing is so important this Christmas season that you cannot make time to worship the Lord. Perhaps you can sympathize with this lady! There is so much to be done this time of year. Presents to be bought, vacation plans to be made, work to finalize, decorations to hang, parties to attend, parties to host, and so many details to oversee. Sometimes the festivities of the season can wear you out. How important is worshiping Christ this season to you? Yes, you have plans and your schedule doesn't allow much downtime, but like the shepherds, God wants you to make time to worship Him for the birth of His Son. Today as we take time to celebrate Christmas with friends and family don't forget to celebrate Christ. What will you give Jesus this Christmas? I want the whole world to know that He died for us. Don’t you? Prayer, Father in Heaven, thank You for giving the greatest gift in Your Son Jesus. May I make time today to share Him with my family, friends, and all who have never heard of Him. In Jesus name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas - Day #18 – Christmas Light (Luke 1:67-79)
Christmas Light (Luke 1:67-79) Luke 1:67-79, “And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” The birth of Jesus is spoken of as “the dayspring from on high". This is pure poetry. There is nothing more beautiful in the entire Bible. The word "dayspring" means "the sunrise or the breaking of the dawn; the East, which is the direction of the sun's rising." Jesus Christ is the breaking of the dawn, the sunrise for mankind. He is the Rising One that brought light into the world. The world has never been the same since the birth of the Dayspring in Bethlehem two-thousand years ago. The babe that was wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger, came to give us His life and His gift of eternal life, which left Him wrapped in grave clothes lying in a borrowed tomb for three days. Reflection. Men were able to observe and learn about God in a new way. They could see Him in the flesh as He walked among them, and reflect upon His life, message, power, and promises. The coming of Jesus into our world is a radiant light because Heavens first Light came down to visit with us. Christmas is not about people lighting candles, nor framing their windows and doors with light, nor passing torches from hand to hand and from generation to generation. Christmas is not something done by people but something done for people. It is not our achieving but God's doing. Christmas is not essentially about our making gifts. Our generosity, however, at this season, warms our own hearts as well as the heart of our world. It is about God's love and generosity and that He so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son to it. Light is such an appropriate symbol for Christmas. Christmas, like light, makes possible a greater vision and gives warmth, life, and hope. If Christmas is like the first light from heaven, where did it shine? It shone in the midst of " them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death" (Luke 1:79). The sun of heaven, who is the Son of God, has shone into the darkness where we sit and into the shadows where we walk. It is surprising how much darkness a little light can drive away. Only a flicker of light in the night is stronger than we can know. All the darkness of the universe cannot put it out. Reconciliation. Sin broke the relationship between God and man. Because Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden, he passed on to all mankind a sin nature. Romans 5:12, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” When a person trusts in the Lord and Christ saves that person, He not only forgives and saves that person from the penalty of sin, which is death in Hell, the person’s relationship with God is also restored. Jesus became our mediator, bridging the gap between God and man, bringing about reconciliation with God by shedding His blood and dying on the cross. Our broken fellowship with God was restored (II Corinthians 5:18-21; Ephesians 2:13-16; I Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 2:17). Not only are we reconciled with God because of Christ, we as Gentiles have been reconciled with Jews who have put their faith in Christ. The work of Jesus Christ has brought about unity and made us one body in Christ. In addition to giving light to us in our darkness, "the dayspring from on high" has another purpose: " To give light to, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:79). Christmas is associated with our hope for peace, but it is more than that. It is more the source of our peace than anything else. Christ calls us to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). Reconciliation and peacemaking is our primary business. We seem to be overwhelmed by the problems of peace in our time. This should not discourage us. We should be about our task where we are. We can keep open communication, reach across barriers, give respect to every person, and show the love and acceptance of Christ. The little done by the many adds up, and when peace seems hopeless, we should remember that the dayspring from on high has broken into the darkness of our night to guide our feet in the way of peace. Nothing can ever put out that light, and it will shine until we come upon the perfect day. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas Day #17 Which Will You Celebrate?...Scroogemas, Grinchmas, or CHRISTmas?12/17/2023 Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas - Day #17
Which Will You Celebrate?...Scroogemas, Grinchmas, or CHRISTmas? (Matthew 2:1-11) Matthew 2:1-11, “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.” Christmas is a time of giving. At no other time in the year are we so kind, thoughtful, and generous. It was no accident that old Scrooge in Dickens' A Christmas Carol was changed from a miser into a generous person at Christmas. His heart, as cold as a winter's night, was warmed by the generosity of Christmas. He was so different from the person they had known that the townspeople laughed at him. Dickens says of him, "His own heart laughed; and that was quite enough for him." In Dr. Seuss' famous book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the Grinch was a bitter, grouchy creature who lived on a mountain outside of Whoville. As Christmas approached year after year, he could never handle hearing the noisy festivities that were going on in Whoville. The Grinch’s idea of Christmas was, “Stink, stank, stunk”. We are all familiar with the story, one year on Christmas Eve, he decides to steal Christmas. He dresses up as Santa Claus and steals all the presents, food, and decorations from Whoville. On Christmas morning as he is about to toss everything down into an abyss, he hears the Whos singing and celebrating Christmas even though he had taken all their stuff. He then realizes that Christmas must be more than just presents, Christmas trees, decorations, and feasts. Giving took place on that first Christmas ever celebrated. Matthew, in his story of the birth of Jesus, told of the wise men's search for the Christ child. When they had found Him in Matthew 2:11, they "fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh ". Christmas is a time to be generous. They were expensive gifts. There was nothing cheap and gaudy about them. And they were appropriate gifts since they told something about who Jesus was and what He would do. Gold was a gift for a king. Frankincense was used as incense and, therefore a gift for a priest. Myrrh, used in one of the most ancient of arts, embalming, was a gift for one who must die. They were looking for a king, and Jesus was a King but radically different from what the wise men expected. When Jesus was standing trial before Pilate, Pilate asked Him in John 18:37, “Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth ". Yes, he was a King and more wonderful than the wise men could know. They gave better than they knew. Frankincense would rise as sweet incense from an altar presided over by a priest. A priest is one who represents people to God, and as suggested by William Barclay, is a bridge builder who spans chasms that separate people from God. And it was Jesus who spanned that great chasm of sin and alienation that keeps us from God. No other priest could do that. So, Jesus was a priest in a more wonderful sense than the wise men could tell. Once more, they gave better than they knew. Myrrh was an appropriate gift to Jesus for He was a person who must die. He would die near where He was born, both in terms of time and distance. He would be put to death at the age of thirty-three on the outskirts of Jerusalem, which is fifteen miles from Bethlehem, the place of His birth. His death would be redemptive and reconciling in a way other deaths could never be. He would accomplish more in His death than the wise men could ever understand. So, once again, they gave better than they knew. Yet, it was God's gift, not those of the wise men, that gave us Christmas. The wise men only celebrated God's wonderful gift. It was at Christmas that God, so loving the world, gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. God gave with unsparing love, and He gave unconditionally. He didn't say to our world, "If you will grow up, get better, become wise, and reform yourself, then I will give you my Son." What He said in effect was, "I know how childish, broken, sick, and sinful you are. I'm going to give you My Son anyway." And He did! Christmas tells us the meaning of grace. God has made a gift beyond our worthiness to merit our ability to achieve. Real life begins when we come to God in our shattered pride, confessing that all our goodness is like filthy rags. We come with empty hands, wishing that we had some moral coinage to give God. God does a wonderful thing. He looks at our poor, empty hands and says, "You don't need to bring anything. You couldn't buy my salvation if you had all the wealth in the world. It is a gift. It is of grace. I have given my Son for your salvation." You may ask, "How could the Grinch steal my Christmas?" As illustrated in the story, the Grinch cannot steal the real meaning behind Christmas. He cannot take away the birth of our Saviour. But if your view of Christmas is in the giving and receiving of gifts, the decorations, time spent with family, or food, you will soon find that you have lost the reason for the season. Your food and gifts can be stolen, the decorations will all come down, and your family can have its quarrels, but Jesus was born to bring you salvation that can never be taken. It's not wrong to look forward to time with family, the excitement of exchanging gifts, or the traditions your family has in celebrating Christmas. During our celebration, we want to make certain we don’t forget God. In this fast-paced society it can be easy to allow our heart to grow small and to lose our heart for God. Just remember that Jesus is the Reason for the season. Spend time today reading the Christmas story in Luke 2, then thank God for all of the blessings He has given you starting with the gift of His Son. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas - Day #16 - I Still Call it CHRISTmas (Galatians 4:1-7)
I Still Call it CHRISTmas (Galatians 4:1-7) Galatians 4:1-7, “Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” Christmas, without question, is the event that changed history, that gave humanity a new start. In our society, Christmas means different things to different people. To some people, Christmas is a time for gifts, trees, wreaths, reindeer, and Santa Claus. To some, it is a reason for anger because there is so much talk about God and Jesus Christ. After all, the very word Christmas reminds us about the real reason for the season every time we say it. To some, Christmas is a difficult time because of poverty, loneliness, painful memories, or for lots of other reasons. To the child of God, Christmas is a time to celebrate the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ into the world. It is a time to worship, to remember, to thank God for His grace, and to rejoice that there is a Redeemer. It is a time of joy, peace, and wonder as we take the time to think about all God did to redeem us unto Himself. Regardless of one’s religious background, or whether atheistic or those who are defiant to acknowledge Christmas. The birth of Jesus interrupted history. We never exchange legal tender, write a letter, or sign a legal document without doing it in reference to that far-off event. It touches our lives when we are hardly aware of it. Paul wrote of that time when God took bold and daring action in Galatians 4:4-5. This important doctrine gives us some of the clear truths found in the Word of God, that tell us why God chose to send His Son through the womb of a virgin. We find that it all happened when time was full. It was as if time were pregnant, ready to give birth to something great. All of us know those special times that cannot be measured on our watches and calendars. It is time filled with meaning, purpose and hope. There is nothing dull, plain, and ordinary about it. It is exciting. It is quality time. Paul could say it was " when the fulness of the time was come ". It was full time when God was ready to act, when history was ready to take one of those mighty leaps forward. In this moment of history, God acted. " God sent forth his Son." Therefore, Christmas is not about what people have done, not about human feats no matter how impressive. It is about what God has done. It was something God had never done before. God had communicated with people, disclosed truths to them, and sent messages to them; but He had never sent His Son. This was out of the ordinary. There is a great distance between. There is a bold line between people and God but God stepped over it when He sent His Son. Jesus was born of a woman. He clothed Himself in garment of humanity. He took upon Himself our frail and fragile life. Every Christmas we acknowledge and testify of the very nature of Christ Himself. Jesus is the Son of God. He is the only way of salvation for all people in the whole world. These truths are what the Bible teaches us about Him. One of the most amazing claims in the Bible is found in Galatians 4:4, “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.” Redemption was a term taken from slavery. When a slave was set free, he was redeemed. Success in keeping the law was easy. It is easy to keep rules, much easier than to love or forgive. So people, in keeping the law, were tempted to become proud, and in their pride to become harsh, critical, judgmental, and unforgiving. It produced men like the Pharisee in the temple who thanked God he was not as other men. He was a superior person. It also produced men like the elder brother in Jesus' story of the prodigal son who, having offered his father a perfect obedience, could not forgive his younger brother nor be glad when he returned home as one from the dead. His pride had dried up the human kindness in his heart. While he would have boasted of being a free man, there was some real sense in which he was a slave. The law also enslaved men in their guilt and shame. Paul felt that the law had awakened sin, like a slumbering giant, in him. Yet, the law could not forgive the guilt it created. The law had to confess, "I cannot forgive the guilt, nor lift the shadow of shame." It left people bound in fetters of guilt. Jesus Christ came to set us free from the bonds of spiritual pride and moral guilt. His salvation was of grace. It was a gift. Therefore, the ground for pride is cut from beneath our feet. There is no room for boasting. Christ can strike the terrible chains of pride that enslave us and set us free. Jesus Christ has freed every born again believer from the bondage of guilt. The best news our world has heard rang out in Luke 2:11, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” A Saviour has been given. Jesus Christ can say what the law could never say. He can say to people who are the slaves of guilt, "I forgive you. I made you free." Yet, it is not enough to be free. The free person may feel lonely, isolated, and cut off. They need loving and accepting relationships. They need a family. Therefore, Paul said God sent His Son, not only to free us, but "that we might receive the adoption of sons." As you prepare for Christmas this year, focus on the power, majesty, and glory of Jesus Christ. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas – Day #15 Emmanuel...God with Us (Matthew 1:21-25)
Emmanuel...God with Us (Matthew 1:21-25) Matthew 1:21-25, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.” There is a great yearning inside every person to know God. Romans 1:20, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.” From the very beginning, we were made to know God, and there is something in us that wants to know our Creator. We yearn to know that God has broken through into our world. It is not enough to know that God is “up there” or “out there” somewhere. We want to know that God has come down to where we are, that He knows where we live, that He knows our name, that He cares about us, that He has walked the valleys and deserts the same way we do. We want to know that we are not alone in this universe. All the prophets spoke of this universal yearning in the human heart. Joel spoke of it, so did Malachi, Hosea, Jeremiah, Daniel and Zechariah. But no one spoke more eloquently than Isaiah. Seven hundred years before the birth of Christ, during the reign of a king named Ahaz, Isaiah predicted the birth of One who would be God coming to dwell with men. Isaiah 7:14 predicts an absolutely stunning event. Something that had never happened before and has never happened since. A virgin would conceive and give birth to a son named “Immanuel.” 1. The Name of Jesus is one of Fulfillment. As directed by the angel in a dream, Joseph called the child’s name Jesus. The name Jesus places emphasis upon Him as being the Redeemer for the sins of mankind. Jesus. Joseph clearly was a just and godly man as evidenced in his obedience to the commands of God. This name is a fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Jesus came as Immanuel to do God, the Father’s, will (Hebrews 10:5-7). The Old Testament sacrificial system was never meant to take away sin but to help people see their need for a Saviour. It was never the people’s bulls and goats that the Father wanted; He wanted their faith in His forgiveness and grace. God, the Father, sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, through the virgin birth. No one else could meet the qualifications of this statement, "God with us." Jesus Christ was God's love, holiness, and heart wrapped in human flesh. He was God walking in sandals upon this earth. Titus 2:13, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” John 1:14, “And the Word was made 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.” Jesus’ birth was prophesied hundreds of years before He was born (Isaiah 7:14). God spoke through the prophet Isaiah when he foretold that a young virgin would give birth to a totally unique Son. Isaiah even gave the Son’s name, Immanuel, which means God with us. The birth of Immanuel reminds us of Jesus’ unique identity as the God-Man (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus, the child, was born to Mary in a manger several thousand years ago, proving that He is human. God the Father gave us His only begotten Son, the eternal Son of God, to live among the human beings He created. The Son of God became the Son of Man so the sons of men could become the sons of God. The purpose of Christ’s coming is He came “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). You will never understand who Jesus is until you realize that He came to save you from your sins. This is why He lived, this is why He died, and this is why He rose from the dead. And He saves all those who trust in Him. 2. The Name of Jesus is one of Fellowship. International conflicts, civil war, and hatred seem to rule in our world. Unrest even hits close to home when interpersonal strife plagues our own lives. But the most difficult turbulence to endure is when we have no peace with our Creator. Whether or not we acknowledge it, nothing will destroy someone more from the inside out than a lack of peace with God. We know what peace is. Peace is calm instead of conflict, harmony instead of chaos. And the One who give us peace is Immanuel, Jesus Christ, our Prince of Peace. He is the one who can put together what’s unraveling in our world. He is the One who can speak peace in the middle of a storm. God is with us now in Christ. We are reconciled to the Lord. II Corinthians 5:18, “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.” In Isaiah 7:14, the proper name Immanuel points to the child who would symbolize God’s presence with His people. And God’s presence wasn’t meant just to comfort His people but to deliver them from their sin. While many people in Jesus’ time expected Him to deliver Israel from the oppressive Roman dominion, Jesus’ mission would provide the means by which they would be delivered from the dominion of sin and its eternal consequences. Remember that He is always with you and to help you trust that He has provided the way for you to have peace with God. 3. The Name of Jesus is one of Festivity. There is joy in knowing Emmanuel, Jesus Christ. Luke 2:10, “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” He now come to one of the most beautiful names that has ever graced the lips of mortal man. It is a name that invokes comfort, freedom, and rest in the believer or conflict, fury, and rebellion in the unbeliever or backslider. He paid the price so that you can understand that He is Immanuel, the God-Man, who wants to give you eternal peace. Jesus Christ paid a high price, not so that you can eat turkey dinner, have a family celebration, and open expensive presents at Christmas. Remember Jesus is the reason for the season. Keep Christ in CHRISTmas. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas Day #14 What Happens in Church…Does NOT…Need to Stay in Church!12/14/2023 Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas – Day #14 What Happens in Church…Does NOT…Need to Stay in Church! (Luke 2:1-20)
What Happens In Church…Does NOT…Need to Stay In Church! (Luke 2:1-20) When we study the first Christmas, we see " And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us" (Luke 2:15). And there was the return: "And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them" (Luke 2:20). The return is especially fascinating. They returned home to their old jobs. They didn't seek new jobs in a new place. They came back to familiar places and familiar faces. Yet, they returned to the old jobs as new men. But how can we be sure they returned as new men? The same way people can tell when our lives have been changed. They thought differently, they behaved differently, they were different. They were new men. Shepherds were keeping watch over their flocks where for a thousand years shepherds had tended their sheep. The silence of those ancient hills was broken by the voice of an angel, and a bright light from heaven scattered the shadows and darkness of that place. It is significant that the birth of Christ was announced to those shepherds. The shepherds might have liked to remain at the manger, but they could not. They had to return to their sheep and their families. The stern voice of duty called them back. We can linger too long at the altar and forget the hurting world that lies just outside the walls of the church. New men returning to old jobs. You can tell that they were not the same men who left their sheep and went into Bethlehem. Something had happened to them. They returned with a new revelation, they returned worshiping, and they returned witnessing. Only as they were made new could they do that. They did not go to hear about some new idea or feeling. They were not in search of philosophy. They went to see what had taken place. Something had happened in Bethlehem. The Lord was making something known in an event. In the New Testament you will find the same pattern. A baby is born in a stable. That baby grew up into a man who went about doing good, performing deeds of love and mercy. He was put to death, but on the third day He came forth from the dead, the mighty, reigning Lord of life and history. Once more this is revelation through a person, through events. God was not telling us who He was, He was showing us. We should remember again that the shepherds went over to Bethlehem to see what had happened, not to hear a lecture. The shepherds not only returned with a new revelation, they went back praising and worshiping God. Luke 2:20, “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” Worship is one of the most important things we ever do. In a sense, it is the heartbeat of our relationship with the Lord, the spiritual breath that we breathe. Without worship, our faith grows weak and our theology becomes lifeless. The voice we have heard grows faint and the vision we have seen becomes dim. Worship is the spring, more than all else, that nurtures our faith and keeps alive our theology. Worship would keep alive the experience of the manger. Without it, they might forget. The writer of Hebrews saw his generation of Christians drifting from their faith. It was as if the anchors had been lifted. He knew they would continue to drift unless worship dropped again powerful anchors into the deep waters of faith. Therefore, he urged them not to forsake the assembling together for the purpose of worship. Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Often we are so casual about our worship, we can take it or leave it. It doesn't matter greatly either way. Don't be surprised if the anchors are lifted and we drift aimlessly on a poorly defined spiritual sea. The shepherds returned not only with a new revelation and worshiping God, but they returned witnessing (Luke 2:17), “And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.” Such a strong emphasis on witnessing is found in the New Testament. Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 28:18-20, “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Jesus told His disciples after the resurrection Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” They were to begin witnessing where they were. This is what the shepherds did. They returned to those hills, to families and neighbors, telling what had been told about the Christ child, telling what they had seen, heard, and felt, and what a wonderful response they received. Luke 2:18, "And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds." What we need are not new models, or new styles, not even new breakthroughs in science, but men and women whose lives have been changed by Christ and who go back into the world to touch other lives with grace and hope. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas – Day #13 A Message of Comfort and Joy (Matthew 1:18-25)
A Message of Comfort and Joy (Matthew 1:18-25) Matthew 1:18-25, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.” Have you ever had it so hard to where you were puzzled on what gift to buy that certain special person? Perhaps curiosity has you captivated concerning the gift that has your name on it under the Christmas tree? Like the angels, God’s messengers, God’s Word has a way of calming us in the midst of a crisis. Joseph was not a man of haste but of Grace. The Bible says that he gave some time to think on those things that he and Mary had discussed. The man's heart had literally been ripped out, but he would not hastily react. We can find the peace of God for any situation if we allow the proper time for God to work. In watching people handle crises, too often they fail to allow the Lord to show up and show out, due to their hastiness. Psalm 25:9, “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.” 1. The Message was Helpful. (Matthew 1:20) Matthew 1:20, “But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.” Joseph was trying to ponder the situation and was allowing time for meditation when the angel of the Lord appeared in to him in a dream. The angel of the Lord had many appearances throughout the Bible, and especially in the Christmas story. We actually have various angels working within this setting to see that the events happen as God had previously planned and predicted. An angel is a messenger from God. The term "angel of the Lord" appears 12 times in the New Testament. It appears five times in the Christmas story and once when this angel appeared again to Joseph while they were down in Egypt. The angel appeared to Joseph and offered him a word of peace for his perplexity. The angel offered him a word of comfort for his confusion, and hope for helplessness. In speaking to Joseph in this dream, the angel was going to help Joseph move forward in this situation. The Lord understood the pain and perplexity that was running rampant through his mind. Joseph needed help quickly and God would use one of His angels to help him. 2. The Message was Insightful. (Matthew 1:21) Matthew 1:21, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” The angel gave very clear insight into the events that were to occur with this family. The baby would be a boy, due to his previous prophecy. Isaiah 9:6-7, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” The angel not only announced that this baby would be a boy, but he also picked out the name for this baby. The couple would name this newborn boy Jesus. Joseph and Mary did not get the honor of picking the name of their baby. God said, “this Son is mine and I will choose His name.” This is wonderful and so defining, God's Son, and God's choosing. The bottom line of this proclamation is that Jesus would be born and he would have the ability to deliver people from sin. God allowed His Son to dwell among mankind, and in doing so, the God-Man would have the anointing of God and he would deliver the world from the grip of sin. This boy would make the difference in saving mankind. 3. The Message was Faithful. Matthew (1:22-23) Matthew 1:22-23, “Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” They did call the child Emmanuel because God did appear in the flesh to this world. In this, we see that God was tying all of the pieces together to make sure that every portion of prophecy was fulfilled concerning Jesus and His birth. The Bible is filled with various passages of scripture about Jesus Christ and every one of them has been fulfilled down to the smallest, seemingly insignificant detail. It would take a while to reveal all of the various scriptures dealing with facts about the life of the anointed one that would be born in the land of Judah from the house and linage of David. The Bible has never been proven wrong on any one of its various prophecies; contrary to this, the Bible has always been proven as absolutely right. Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” This prophecy had been revealed 740 years before the birth of Christ during the reign of Ahaz, king of Judah. The virgin did have a child. The child was a baby boy. The boy was God's Son. The Son would die for the sins of mankind. This was not done in vain, many would be saved. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas – Day #12 - Seeking the Saviour this Christmas (Matthew 2:1)
Seeking the Saviour this Christmas (Matthew 2:1) Matthew 2:1, “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,” There was nothing usual or common about the birth and early childhood of Jesus Christ. Practically every event was unusual or uncommon, and totally unexpected. There was the fact of His being God's very own Son, the virgin birth, the announcement by angels, being born in a stable, and on and on. The unexpected continued right on through the experience of the wise men. The wise men are a picture of those who seek Jesus. As they sought Him, events totally unexpected happened time and again. King Herod had ruled Galilee and ultimately Judah from 37-4 B.C. It is of importance to mention this because it gives us an understanding of the time of the birth of Jesus. Herod was given the title "King of the Jews" by the Roman Senate. If we understand this, we know Jesus was actually born sometime before a.d. 1, because Herod died in 4 b.c. If one were to consider the faith of these wise men, it will not take one long to see that these men had a bold and blazing faith. I have always been intrigued with the story of the wise men. Usually the same questions are asked concerning these men and they are: How many were there? Where did they come from? How did they know? In all of our Christmas plays we always find three. The reason for this is that they presented Jesus with three gifts upon their arrival in Bethlehem. The reality is that none of us know the exact number of these men. The journey of this group may have taken 1 to 2 years. These wise men had left their homes, families, and comforts to journey to a strange land in search of the King. Wouldn't Christmas be wonderful if everyone were interested in seeking Jesus? Herod became very troubled at the thought of another King. He was a wicked man who wanted to destroy anyone or anything that might threaten his reign. He wanted to find Jesus and kill Him. This is evident by the slaughter of all the male children (Matthew 2:16). It didn't take long for men to want to take Christ out of Christmas. No doubt Herod's actions were the result of Satan's influence. He certainly didn't want Jesus to make it to the cross. Where is He? Every person needs to be asked the question, for He has already come and most are not aware of it. Why? Because they are preoccupied with self and worldly affairs, with ambition and material possessions, with the physical and the flesh. We have come a long way in such a short amount of time. How far away from God and how lost the world has become—not to know that God has sent the true King, His own Son, into the world! "He was in the world...and the world knew Him not" (John 1:10-11). How could God send His Son into the world and the world not know it? How clearly the wise men illustrate the world's blindness to eternal affairs. A wise man is a man who seeks after the King of the Jews. The wise men were commissioned to search for the newborn King. Ponder the wise men's testimony about the star. The wise men had unashamedly testified to the supernatural, the star that had led them to seek the newborn King. All the city had heard their testimony, even Herod. God used an evil man, Herod (without his knowing it), to help the wise men in their search. Any person who seeks the newborn King will be led by God to Him—no matter who God has to use to help the seeker. The wise men were now commissioned to go and search and find the child. The newborn King's own people were not even aware of His coming. The wise men never expected they would have to search for Him. Isn't it amazing how history repeats itself? Many in our day are at work to remove Christ from Christmas. I never thought I would see this day in America. When I was a child, everyone knew what Christmas was about. I played the part of Joseph in a school play. Even folks who didn't go to church recognized Christmas as the birth of Christ. Now there is a push to replace Merry Christmas with Happy Holidays. We don't want to offend the Muslims. It is a Christian holiday! Satan knows this is a special time of year when the world gets a 1st hand witness of the birth of Christ. I pray we will stand up and declare that Christmas isn't just a secular holiday, but a Christian holy day! Let's instill in our children the reason for Christmas, the birth of Christ, not Santa Claus and big presents. I have tried to imagine the joy and glory they felt as they came into the house. After all their searching, they had found the King. They immediately fell and worshipped Him. God will meet the need of anyone who faithfully searches and does all they can, the person who continues on and refuses to quit. Yet how few search Him out today (II Corinthians 6:2). Christmas is a special time for the believer. It is beyond what I can comprehend, that Jesus would leave the glory of heaven to die for me. It's amazing that He came at all! Will you seek Him and make Him known this Christmas? Let us worship Jesus this Christmas season. He is the reason! If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com |
AuthorDr. Blackman is passionate about helping others grow in the grace of the Lord. His devotions are centered on how to grow closer to the Lord through a personal relationship with Christ. Archives
May 2024
Categories |