What do you know about the Christmas story? Not the story you heard from your grandmother or your grandfather. Not the story you were told in school, or even the story you heard in Sunday school. What do you know about the Christmas story in the Bible? When was the last time you read it?
Personally I'm very familiar with the Christmas story. I've read it often over the years from the pages of God's word. But this year as I dove into the Christmas story in the Gospel of Luke I decided that I was going to take my time and focus on some of the aspects of the Christmas story that I had perhaps overlooked in years past. This Sunday I'll be sharing a message about the stable that Jesus was born in. As I thought about that stable I was confronted with several different things that I personally have in common with that stable. If you can make it to church this weekend I think this interesting take on the Christmas story will both encourage and inspire you.
I want to encourage you to read the Christmas story in the coming days, focus on it, meditate, think about it, let yourself become immersed in the drama that surrounds the birth of our Savior. Take a fresh look, don't just glance at it and think that you already know the story, instead pretend that you've never heard it before and examine it closely from beginning to end. Don't just do this once, take time to read it every day and focus on it every day. I promise you will be blessed!
Pastor Pete
Friday, December 17, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Word From The Pastor
It seems like it was just yesterday when I stared up into the bright blue sky to catch a glimpse of an airplane passing overhead. As I took my eyes off the plane which was quickly moving out of sight, a bright green bud on the ash tree in front of my house caught my eye. Upon closer inspection there were many more brand new spring leaves being born before my very eyes. Winter was over, spring had arrived and with it new life. As I continued to work in my yard that afternoon I pondered some of the amazing aspects of life.
Today as I worked in my yard, rushing to finish several tasks before the sun set and darkness impeded my ability to work, I caught a glimpse of something else out of the corner of my eye. Naturally I turned my head to find a single leaf falling to the ground. It was not violent, brutal, or unnatural at all. Instead that leaf fell to the ground as if it was performing the last graceful dance of its short life. It was just a few months ago that its bright green glow burst forth from the bark of that ash tree. Now it lies in my yard waiting to decay and return to the earth from which it came. Two verses immediately came to mind as I pondered the significance of this natural cycle nature produces.
1Peter 1:24–25 NIV For, “All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.
James 4:13–15 NIV Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
As I thought about the many truths contained in those verses, my heart was reminded to pray for many people I know who, like that leaf, find themselves in the last stages of their own lives and only barely attached to the tree as their season of life comes to an end. One of my closest friends and most faithful partners in the ministry God has blessed me with, currently lies in a hospital bed needing constant care to survive. My grandmother is strong, faithful, and a powerful prayer warrior, but like the leaves on a tree, we all bloom but for a season then we are afforded the privilege of returning to the place of our origin. Not to mother earth, but instead into our Father’s hands, who has loved us from the beginning of time, who knit us together in our mothers wombs, and who has already prepared a place for us in His eternal Kingdom.
My thoughts then quickly turned to family, friends, church members, and myself, who find ourselves still firmly attached to the tree. We are green and functioning just like we are supposed to. Many of us are in the prime of our lives yet what we fail to realize is that one day we too will fade and fall. I fear that we are wasting much of our limited time on this planet. This is not to say that we are totally unproductive and inefficient. But certainly we could all pray, read our Bible, witness, worship, and obey His commands just a little more. I certainly know I could. One of my greatest fears is that I will one day arrive in heaven and realize how much of my life was wasted on myself, and the temporary things of this world. Only the eternal investments I make will last forever, everything else will fade and be unable to withstand the test of time.
When its time for me to take my last great journey I pray that I will be like the leaf I witnessed today. I pray that I might be able to peacefully let go knowing that my season has passed, my work has been completed, my race finished, and that in some small way my short life was effective and helped the tree grow. Then without regret, hesitation, or fear, I might peacefully float away to my Father’s loving arms in heaven. I pray that we might all be able to approach our final days in such a way.
What will you do with your life in 2011? What will you do with your life this Christmas season? What will you do with your life next week? What will you do with your life tomorrow? Do you have a plan? Have you afforded God the opportunity to guide you in the direction of His own purpose for your life? Time is the greatest gift we have been given and no one knows how much of it they will have. May we all live well!
Pastor Pete
Life is a path trodden by all men, and but once.
John Gill[1]
It is not how long but how well we live that matters.
Anon.1
Life is not measured by length but by depth. Birthdays tell us how long we have been on the road,
not how far we have travelled.
not how far we have travelled.
Vance Havner1
The great use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts it.
William James1
Make sure the thing you are living for is worth dying for.
Charles Mayes1
Life is worth living better than most men live it.
Anon.1
Live so as to be missed.
Robert Murray M’Cheyne1
Let God have your life; he can do more with it than you can.
D. L. Moody1
Let us live as people who are prepared to die, and die as people who are prepared to live.
James S. Stewart1
[1]Blanchard, John, eds. The Complete Gathered Gold: a Treasury of Quotations for Christians. Accordance electronic ed. New York: Evangelical Press, 2006.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Be Like Jesus Today
This morning I was thinking about one of my memory verses 1 John 2:5–6 NIV But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. What an incredible statement, if we claim to live in him we must walk as Jesus did. I thought about some areas in my life that still need much refining so that I might be a better reflection of Christ. There are still things in my walk which are lacking to be sure. It is my goal today to be more like him, it will be my goal tomorrow, and the next, and the next, until God is finished with me. I pray that we might all make this our goal and greatest ambition in life, that we would be like Jesus. Below are some quotes you might consider reading as you think about what it means to be like Christ.
If you are in Christ, and Christ is in you, then the world should see nothing else.
Anon.
From morning to night keep Jesus in your heart, long for nothing, desire nothing, hope for nothing, but to have all that is within you changed into the spirit and temper of the holy Jesus.
William Law
If you try to imitate Christ, the world will praise you; if you become like Christ, the world will hate you!
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
When no mark of the cross appears in our discipleship, we may doubt the ownership. We should be branded for Christ.
Mary S. Wood
To be much like Christ, be much with Christ.
Anon.
If you are in Christ, and Christ is in you, then the world should see nothing else.
Anon.
From morning to night keep Jesus in your heart, long for nothing, desire nothing, hope for nothing, but to have all that is within you changed into the spirit and temper of the holy Jesus.
William Law
If you try to imitate Christ, the world will praise you; if you become like Christ, the world will hate you!
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
When no mark of the cross appears in our discipleship, we may doubt the ownership. We should be branded for Christ.
Mary S. Wood
To be much like Christ, be much with Christ.
Anon.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Christmas--Did You Know?
I was reading in the Holman Bible Dictionary today and I found this article about Christmas. It contained some interesting things that I had never known or thought of. I thought I would share it with you all as well. By the way this is a great Bible Dictionary.
CHRISTMAS Of the major Christian festivals, Christmas is the most recent in origin. The name, a contraction of the term “Christ’s mass,” did not come into use until the Middle Ages. In the early centuries Christians were much more likely to celebrate the day of a person’s death than the person’s birthday. Very early in its history the church had an annual observance of the death of Christ and also honored many of the early martyrs on the day of their death. Before the fourth century, churches in the East—Egypt, Asia Minor, and Antioch—observed Epiphany, the manifestation of God to the world, celebrating Christ’s baptism, His birth, and the visit of the magi.
In the early part of the fourth century, Christians in Rome began to celebrate the birth of Christ. The practice spread widely and rapidly, so that most parts of the Christian world observed the new festival by the end of the century. In the fourth century the controversy over the nature of Christ, whether He was truly God or a created being, led to an increased emphasis on the doctrine of the incarnation, the affirmation that “the Word became flesh” (John 1:14 HCSB). It is likely that the urgency to proclaim the incarnation was an important factor in the spread of the celebration of Christmas.
No evidence remains about the exact date of the birth of Christ. The December 25 date was chosen as much for practical reasons as for theological ones. Throughout the Roman Empire, various festivals were held in conjunction with the winter solstice. In Rome, the Feast of the Unconquerable Sun celebrated the beginning of the return of the sun. When Christianity became the religion of the Empire, the church either had to suppress the festivals or transform them. The winter solstice seemed an appropriate time to celebrate Christ’s birth. Thus, the festival of the sun became a festival of the Son, the Light of the world. See Church Year.
Fred A. Grissom
CHRISTMAS Of the major Christian festivals, Christmas is the most recent in origin. The name, a contraction of the term “Christ’s mass,” did not come into use until the Middle Ages. In the early centuries Christians were much more likely to celebrate the day of a person’s death than the person’s birthday. Very early in its history the church had an annual observance of the death of Christ and also honored many of the early martyrs on the day of their death. Before the fourth century, churches in the East—Egypt, Asia Minor, and Antioch—observed Epiphany, the manifestation of God to the world, celebrating Christ’s baptism, His birth, and the visit of the magi.
In the early part of the fourth century, Christians in Rome began to celebrate the birth of Christ. The practice spread widely and rapidly, so that most parts of the Christian world observed the new festival by the end of the century. In the fourth century the controversy over the nature of Christ, whether He was truly God or a created being, led to an increased emphasis on the doctrine of the incarnation, the affirmation that “the Word became flesh” (John 1:14 HCSB). It is likely that the urgency to proclaim the incarnation was an important factor in the spread of the celebration of Christmas.
No evidence remains about the exact date of the birth of Christ. The December 25 date was chosen as much for practical reasons as for theological ones. Throughout the Roman Empire, various festivals were held in conjunction with the winter solstice. In Rome, the Feast of the Unconquerable Sun celebrated the beginning of the return of the sun. When Christianity became the religion of the Empire, the church either had to suppress the festivals or transform them. The winter solstice seemed an appropriate time to celebrate Christ’s birth. Thus, the festival of the sun became a festival of the Son, the Light of the world. See Church Year.
Fred A. Grissom
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
God Ain’t Big Enough (Yeah Right!)
Some people say that God is simply not big enough to accomplish the things that need to be done in the modern era. While few say it with their lips most say it with their actions. We just don’t trust God or believe in his power anymore. Whether its finances, family, work, health, safety, or church, few really trust God completely anymore. While our prayers cry out for help, our actions often scream we don’t think you can do it! We forsake faith and embrace self-reliance, after all, we gave God all of ten seconds and He did not respond.
I just read an article from USA Today entitled “Universe holds billions more stars than previously thought.” Last week astrologists announced that they now believe the universe holds at least three times as many stars as they previously estimated. So what is the new number? They now say there are at least 300 sextillion stars (that's 300,000,000,000,000,000,000,000). So Is God BIG and able enough to handle whatever you may be facing? Consider the following scripture and you decide.
Genesis 1:16 NIV God made two great lights — the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars.
Psalms 8:3–4 NIV When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
Psalms 147:4 NIV He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.
I just read an article from USA Today entitled “Universe holds billions more stars than previously thought.” Last week astrologists announced that they now believe the universe holds at least three times as many stars as they previously estimated. So what is the new number? They now say there are at least 300 sextillion stars (that's 300,000,000,000,000,000,000,000). So Is God BIG and able enough to handle whatever you may be facing? Consider the following scripture and you decide.
Genesis 1:16 NIV God made two great lights — the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars.
Psalms 8:3–4 NIV When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
Psalms 147:4 NIV He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.
Monday, December 6, 2010
God is Moving
Last Friday I told a group of servant leaders at our church a little bit about the great work that God is doing in Asia right now, specifically in India. I have been keeping a close eye on this movement of God over the past 6 months and have been amazed to see the kind of passion that exists in the lives of Christians overseas. Today as I was reading some news from that part of the world I came across this article. It caught my eye because this is the organization I encouraged our church to consider partnering with next year to be a part of the great work that God is doing in that part of the world. Pray for these people!
Gospel for Asia-supported missionary Jethu Monin was attacked by anti-Christian extremists while he was walking to church on Sunday. They badly injured Jethu, and he is now recovering.
Jethu serves in an area dominated by people who worship the gods and goddesses of their traditional religions. Many of the devotees of these religions are fearful as they see the once-faithful choose to give their hearts to Christ.
The attackers left Jethu badly beaten and they had one message for him:
"You should not conduct Christian prayer meetings in this area," the attackers told him.
They also demanded that he leave or face more extreme consequences. This was not the first time that the 25-year-old missionary had faced persecution. When he and his family chose to follow Christ their own village expelled them. But Jethu has compassion for the men who beat him. He understands their point of view because he used to be one of them. Jethu and his family were staunch believers and followers of this same traditional religion. Then Jethu heard about the love of Jesus from a Bible college student. By this time, he had already grown discouraged because of many problems in his life, which his gods and goddesses didn't seem to care about.
Jethu's parents were shocked to see their son's transformation into a joyful person. They soon followed in the footsteps of Christ, too. This caused quite an uproar in their village.
"They tried to convert us back into the former religion. As they could not change our decision to follow Jesus, they threatened us and expelled us from the village," Jethu explained. "At this time of turmoil, God became our strength and courage who kept us safe in His hands."
The family has followed Christ wholeheartedly ever since. They are now praying for the men who attacked Jethu, that they will come to know Christ.
Jethu's church also asks for prayer for his complete healing and that this incident will not cause him any discouragement.
Missionary Attacked on The Way to Church
Gospel for Asia-supported missionary Jethu Monin was attacked by anti-Christian extremists while he was walking to church on Sunday. They badly injured Jethu, and he is now recovering.
Jethu serves in an area dominated by people who worship the gods and goddesses of their traditional religions. Many of the devotees of these religions are fearful as they see the once-faithful choose to give their hearts to Christ.
The attackers left Jethu badly beaten and they had one message for him:
"You should not conduct Christian prayer meetings in this area," the attackers told him.
They also demanded that he leave or face more extreme consequences. This was not the first time that the 25-year-old missionary had faced persecution. When he and his family chose to follow Christ their own village expelled them. But Jethu has compassion for the men who beat him. He understands their point of view because he used to be one of them. Jethu and his family were staunch believers and followers of this same traditional religion. Then Jethu heard about the love of Jesus from a Bible college student. By this time, he had already grown discouraged because of many problems in his life, which his gods and goddesses didn't seem to care about.
Jethu's parents were shocked to see their son's transformation into a joyful person. They soon followed in the footsteps of Christ, too. This caused quite an uproar in their village.
"They tried to convert us back into the former religion. As they could not change our decision to follow Jesus, they threatened us and expelled us from the village," Jethu explained. "At this time of turmoil, God became our strength and courage who kept us safe in His hands."
The family has followed Christ wholeheartedly ever since. They are now praying for the men who attacked Jethu, that they will come to know Christ.
Jethu's church also asks for prayer for his complete healing and that this incident will not cause him any discouragement.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
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