The Christmas Before Us…

The Christmas Before Us…

‘Tis the season! With ‘Black Friday’ behind us, Christmas before us, and December upon us, ‘tis definitely the season! ‘Tis the season when more good-will, gift-giving, and gratefully focusing on the God of heaven and His Son Jesus is done by the oft-times zealous but biblically-uninformed masses than at any other time of the year. Christmas lights twinkle everywhere as plastic Santas, reindeer, and manger scenes – complete with their three visiting wise men – adorn homes, consume store shelves, and light up lawns all over… and that’s where we come in.

Who came and why?

Who came and why?

We, as God’s blood-bought children, must be ever-aware of this much more widespread attitude of welcome discussion about the Savior and why and how He came to earth in the first place. We must be constantly vigilant and always looking for and to take advantage of the slightest opening to talk about what Jesus’ arrival, love, and sacrifice means to us and our lives. And one of the best ways I know of to do that, is found in the very manger and wise men depiction described above.

You see, we don’t have any idea whatsoever – biblically speaking – how many magi there were who made the trip to Bethlehem. No gospel or divinely-inspired writer anywhere ever tells us the number. There may have been two, three, two hundred and thirty-three – or any other number. We simply don’t know because the Bible doesn’t say. But most people don’t know that no one really knows. However, the one thing we DO know, is that no matter how many magi there may or may not have been, they NEVER went to the manger, nor did they visit the newborn baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling cloths that night alongside the shepherds who actually did (Lk. 2:1-17). The magi showed up some considerable time later, visiting the house instead (See: Matt. 2:1-11)!

The reason this becomes so important right now is because if we can get folks this time of year to consider some of the blatantly biblical errors which they’ve always just blindly assumed and accepted without ever examining them “book, chapter, and verse,” then maybe we can get them to question other, more eternally-impacting, commonly-held erroneous beliefs… beliefs such as thinking one can be saved by saying some man-made ‘sinner’s prayer’ (1 Ptr. 3:21), or that it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you believe (Mk. 7:5-13; Eph. 4:4-6). After all, while we must “be ready in season and out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2) to share our awesome God’s truth, ‘tis more welcome when ‘tis the season!

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Am I Your Enemy?

Am I Your Enemy?

Galatians 4:16 – Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

Christians share in the blessed opportunity to share the Good News of Christ to the world.  So many wonderful stories exist of lives which changed to the better because of the influence of the Gospel.  Where hope did not exist, fullness of future expectation abides.  Where confusion of purpose pervaded all that could be seen, clarity of life’s objectives came into view.  Such is the power and direction of the mind of God when shared with hearts that will open.  Sadly, not all hearts are open.

Not everyone wants to hear the truth.

Not everyone wants to hear the truth.

Some people of the world walk about clapping their ears and humming to themselves.  They want to hear nothing, but their own world view.  They do not understand God; other than superficially, they do not want to try.  The truth is many of those who claim Christianity are the same (2 Timothy 4:3).  Their mind stays closed to Biblical instruction.  They would rather hear themselves wax esoteric than truly study and learn (2 Timothy 2:15).  Therein, if they cannot express their thoughts, their opinions, and their conclusions, their behavior and thoughts turn into stewing, fretting, and composing their responses full of vitriol and degradation.  Those suggesting they possibly consider a different thought become the enemy.  Kind reaching out by others to truly engage dialogue, answer questions, or provide clarification is met with what appears to be preparation for battle rather than a focus on discovering unity.  Along the side they gossip, slander, grumble, and hate (John 15:18).  This behavior can be seen on most study forums, found on social media, and heard in the corners of places of worship.

Peter established there will be Christians who suffer by living and sharing the truth (I Peter 4:16).  At times, it will come from the lost of the world.  Sometimes this comes from countrymen (See Jeremiah and the prophets).  Sometimes the conflict comes from reaching out to family in concern for their souls.  At other times, the attacking will come from those that claim the same savior as you do – your spiritual brothers and sisters.  You can choose to war with them or you can choose to respond with proper Christian behavior (Colossians 4:6; I Peter 3:1-2).  If you choose to keep your distance, maintain your love for them (Matthew 5:44). Often with time, maturity, and plenty of heartache which commonly follows their behaviors, people realize their destructive behavior which they foolishly wielded and can change.  We see this with young people who grow up and we see this with arrogant hearts which finally decide to listen.  Remember, you are not the enemy unless you choose to be.  Be strong and continue to share the truth (2 Timothy 4:2, Ephesians 4:14-15).

 

 

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Think Now About Prom

News Headlines Of The Prom Season

Full disclosure.  When I was a teen, I went to prom.  Twice.

That was twenty years ago.  The headlines brought out by this timely article by Neal Pollard show that times have changed.  I’ve changed too.

Now I’m a parent and a more mature Christian.  I know a lot more about the Bible than I did when I was a teen.

For example, I know that “lasciviousness” or “sensuality” (Gal. 5:19) is a work of the flesh, and that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (Gal. 5:19-21).

How do you plan to answer the Prom question?

How do you plan to answer the Prom question?

I know that “lasciviousness” in the King James Version is called “sensuality” in the English Standard Version because the Greek word is all about “indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females,” among other things.

I remember that at the two proms I attended twenty years ago, there were a few people whose actions on the dance floor fit the above definition, even if I was not one of them.

And after reading the headlines and articles cited in the above article by Neal Pollard, I know that such sinful actions are even more prevalent in today’s proms, along with fornication, drinking alcohol, and a host of other sinful activities.

That’s why I could honestly say…twenty years ago, as an immature teenager…that I didn’t have a problem with prom.

And why I can now honestly say today, as a more mature Christian and parent, that there is no way my daughters are going to prom.

Parents, Christians, think about these things…

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Asleep in Gethsemane

Asleep in Gethsemane

“And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives” (Matt. 26:30). It is impossible to precisely know what was in the hearts of those apostles as they followed Him. After He had washed their feet in the upper room, He was troubled in spirit when He said, “One of you will betray Me” (John 13:21). Their first response was they were exceedingly sorrowful (Matt. 26:21). Emotions had to be so heavy as He led them to Gethsemane.

Are you asleep?

Are you asleep?

They may not have known where He was going, but Judas did. Jesus often went to this garden with them (John 18:2). He stopped and left eight of the apostles at one place, and then took Peter, James and John deeper into the garden. His words were, “Pray that you enter not into temptation” (Luke 22:40). Matthew described this moment in this way: “He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed…Stay here and watch with Me” (Matt. 26:38). How could their emotions not have been stirred by all that had happened!

“Watch.” Watch for what? Watch for the coming of the mob? Such could not be the case for the betrayal by Judas had to happen. It was His solemn plea with them to recognize the dangerous situation which faced them. Not a physical danger from the mob but watch lest they succumb to the temptations which lay before them. He then went a distance from them and prayed fervently to the Father.

What did they do? They went to sleep. It was not that they did not care, for Jesus said of them, “The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak” (Matt. 26:40). Yet, we stand amazed at how all of this could happen. Satan was seeking to destroy them and their place in the coming kingdom, and they were asleep. They could not watch with Him even for one hour (Matt. 26:39). There was danger all around them. Temptation abounded, and they were asleep. Jesus needed them, and they were asleep in Gethsemane.

It is possible that we are doing the same in our lives. Think of our children. How much time do we actually watch and pray for them in the world in which they live? As the years come, we will grieve for failing to equip them, but then it is too late. Parents, you are in your “Gethsemane.” Watch and pray!

Is it possible that we are asleep in our personal “Gethsemane”? Are you watching and soberly considering how the temptations around you pose such a danger? Where are your weaknesses, and what are you doing to become stronger? If you cannot see them, remember Paul’s words that those who think they will stand should take heed (1 Cor. 10:12). God help us to all watch for our souls and for the souls of those around us. God help us to never sleep in Gethsemane.

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Our Pragmatic Age

Our Pragmatic Age

We live in a very pragmatic age.  This is to say that a lot of what we say and do comes down to the question, “Is it practical?”  This means what we judge to be right or wrong is measured in practical terms such as money, time, or usefulness.  Don’t get me wrong, being practical certainly has its benefits.  I’m a fan of saving some money for a rainy day.  I also like it when my automobile operates effectively.  However, is it possible to take the principle of practicality too far?

Are your choices driven by pragmaticism?

Are your choices driven by pragmaticism?

We take the principle of practicality too far when it comes to preferring things above people.  Have you ever noticed that there is a point where, due to concerns for time, money, or usefulness, we will end relationships?  What are we saying when we do this?  Have we said that our friends and/or family are only worth so much?  Are we saying that we really don’t want to spend time with them?  Are we saying that if someone isn’t useful to me then he/she can’t be my friend?  What are we really saying?

Pragmatism is a false philosophy that places utility above everything else.  It defines truth in terms of whether something works.  It defines the good by whatever produces results.  Our culture has bought into pragmatism hook, line, and sinker, and that is one of the reasons why we don’t value other people as highly as we should.  Jesus did not subscribe to this false philosophy.  He valued people for their true and eternal worth.  He refused to define them in terms of temporal/earthly value.  Jesus loved people so much that He shed His blood for them (1 Peter 1:18-19).  Do we see people like Jesus saw them?  God bless you, and I love you.

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