Merry CHRISTmas Eve

 

Sharing gifts this HOLYday Season

 

Be prepared today!

 

Greetings.....

 

Share yourself

 

Holy Week '24 . . . and now we wait!

 Ever wonder what the followers of Jesus were thinking on Saturday? Their Master has been crucified and labelled a traitor. What would become of them? What do they do now? Many went into hiding for fear of their lives! 

The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it.  Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. (Luke 23:55-56)

Funny thing is, it was the women who were ready to go back to the tomb to finish preparing Jesus' body for a proper burial. I am sure His apostles were praying . . . but probably in fear and bewilderment. However, they went about the spiritual business of honoring the Sabbath . . . and of course waiting.

So now we too wait! Wait for what you might ask? We know Jesus a has risen and sits at the right hand of the glory of God. We know He was raised from the dead and will soon return. How soon? Now we wait with anticipation, however not in fear!

Between Good Friday afternoon and SONday morning, Jesus' Spirit descended into hell to release those awaiting the Savior from Paradise . . . Abraham's Bosom. Their waiting was richly rewarded!

What about you and me? Are we hiding out? Are living in fear to share our faith? Are we willing to go as the women did? The Bible promises specific rewards (crowns) for those who love and anticipate His appearing. Read what Paul wrote to Timothy . . .

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.         (2 Timothy 4:8)

Yes, now we wait, but our waiting is done in serving others and sharing this Good News: Jesus is soon to return!

Christ in us . . . .

. . . . the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. (Colossians 1:26-28)

It is so crazy . . . that God would allow us to even know Him, much less to allow Himself to be present in us to show the world Who He is! The God of the universe places His Spirit in every believer to represent Himself to the world. He could easily just do miraculous things day after day for the world to see, yet He chooses you and me! 

So my prayer, as was Paul's in the following verse, is that we will experience that hope . . . that joy . . . that peace within us today so that others may experience Him as they are in contact with us. May we reflect Jesus to others today!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

The love of money.....

According to a recent report, there are only 2,668 billionaires in the world. Together, these individuals have accumulated $12.7 trillion in wealth. And 86 of the people in this exclusive club are under the age of 40! Consider the tremendous wealth held by those 2,668 individuals in comparison to the rest of the world’s 7.837 billion people.

This sharp division between the rich and the poor was not the ideal in ancient Israel. The Jubilee laws were designed to prevent the utter ruin of those who fell into debt. It also prevented individuals within Israel from accumulating large amounts of land perpetually. After every seventh sabbatical year (50th year), the Year of Jubilee was proclaimed (Leviticus 25:8-12)

Some things need to be remembered from the Old Testament. We are not to be greedy. The love of money is still the root of all evil! Just look at our news! One day all things will be made right. The Year of Jubilee gave Israel a foretaste of that day. Jesus has fulfilled aspects of the Jubilee legislation.

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18–19).

What are we doing with our money . . . well, God's money?

No privilege here!

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.(Galatians 3:26-29)

No privilege here! No one greater . . . smarter . . . better looking . . . better hair . . . better skin color . . . richer or poorer. In God's eyes, His children are one!

Oh, if we as a Body would only get that! The Jews thought they were Abraham's chosen. However, when God blessed them and blesses us with benefits, we are to share them with those that do not have the same opportunities we have. The only reason one has things is because God has allowed them to have it!

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. (1 Timothy 6:17-18)

As believers we all have been blessed by God by His grace, not our works. In a world that is begging for change, maybe we can be that change?

Our response says it all!

And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. (Luke 2:16-20)

Our response says it all! It seems fitting that shepherds were the first to be told of the coming of the Good Shepherd. These particular shepherds provide a model response in at least three ways: First, they responded in faith to what they’d heard and went to find the child. Second, they rejoiced at what they’d heard and seen and spread the good news to others. Finally, they gave praise and glory to the Lord for all of it. 

Many Bible scholars believe these shepherds were watching over special flocks—animals used for the Temple sacrifices. In that case, there’s a double meaning here: Those taking care of the repetitive sacrificial animals were the first to learn that the perfect, once-for-all Sacrifice had come! 

The shepherds were special in God's eyes. . . . So we are too! So how do we respond to this Good News? Will we respond in faith, rejoice within our hearts, and thus give God the praise for it all? 

Finally, our response says it all . . . will we share this Good News . . . a Savior has come!

“We have found the Messiah”. And he brought him to Jesus.

Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour). One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. (John 1: 35-42)

So, has Jesus found you? If so, what have you done with Him? 

John the Baptist introduced his followers to Jesus (see John 1: 36 above). Andrew brought his brother Simon (Peter) to Jesus and introduced him to the Messiah. Peter, as we read in Acts 2, went on to introduce thousands to Jesus.

So what have you and I done with Jesus? If the Messiah has indeed called us, and we have indeed found Him, then what are we doing with Him? 

Sharing Christ-Part V: How do I share Christ?

 As we go through the days leading up to Thanksgiving, I am preparing myself and Lord willing, my students to be looking forward to not only food, football, and family, but also helping someone find Christ! I have discussed the what, when, and why, but how do I share Christ? 

Regardless of what some may say, there is no set process or procedure. While we do in fact have a handbook . . . God's Word . . . there is no cookie-cutter outline or plan. One cannot predict what circumstance will occur or what people one may encounter. I believe openness and willingness is the key!

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. (Colossians 4:2-4)

We must be open to how, when and where the Lord leads us. We must also be open to whom He leads us. As Paul writes above, we also must be in prayer constantly about sharing the Gospel. Finally, we must be willing to share, not embarrassed or timid. 

Sharing the Gospel is not a one day event or a short term trip . . . It is a life style! The way I live shares Christ!

Sharing Christ: Part IV . . .When is the right time to share the Gospel

So when is it the right time to share the Gospel with people? Is it ever the wrong time?  

Believers always should be prepared to share Christ. (1 Peter 3:15) However, knowing what to share doesn't always prepare us for knowing when to share! We all want to be sure we have the right scriptures and the right delivery. Timing is everything . . . God's timing!

We live in a multi-generational and multi-cultural society. Being aware of the right opportunity to share is critical! The most important thing, I think, about sharing Christ is learning how to listen. . . . yes listen! While we may may plan mission trips and other outings to share Christ, it all begins with listening . . . listening to others to hear their needs, their hurts, and their experiences. 

In a world where people don't trust many things or people in general, we have to build trust. Rarely in today's culture does someone accept Jesus on the spot. It is the result of many conversations with many different people and many different circumstances. In reality, God just puts us in the right place at His time!

So we really do not plan it. We practice it! Always be looking to join God at work. Be prepared with scriptures sure. Also be prepared to listen and share your story as well. Many times it is simply sharing your heart! So be ready . . . today may be the right time!!!

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect . . . (1 Peter 3:15)

Sharing Christ- Part III . . . . "WHY should I share Christ"?

"WHY should I share Christ"? The better question is "Why would I not share Christ"?

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.” (Matthew 9:35-38)

Imagine a birthday or CHRISTmas morning when you see a beautifully wrapped gift with your name on it. You can pretty much figure out what it is just by looking. It must be those brand new Jordans or the new Playstation. No, it's the Oculus Quest! But rather than opening up the package and using the gift, you leave it in the box unwrapped and unused for months . . . perhaps years. You may never open up the gift!

So, why should we share Christ? He is the greatest given ever given! Once we have received Him, we are commanded to go and make more disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). Why would we not share Christ, when He invites everyone to know Him and receive His free gift of eternal life?  Why also, would we disobey our Savior and Lord . . . if we call Him Lord?

Why indeed?

Sharing Christ (Part II) Now that I am saved . . .

 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures . . . (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

Now that I am saved . . . what?

So many say they are saved. Yet so little show it in everyday life. Oh yeah, we show up in church on SONday . . . .maybe. After all, we can watch church on line now. Do I really have to be in church? (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2010%3A25&version=NKJV)

That tithing thing is old. Who gets my money anyway? Does God really need my money? (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Haggai%202%3A8-10&version=NKJV)

The Bible is not so relevant today. Reading it bores me and doesn't apply to me. (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2024%3A35-37&version=NKJV)

Once saved, we now have work to do! Yes, the Holy Spirit secures us, but we have to grow! We need to seek Him out, learn from Him and others. We need to give to support the work of the Church. We need to read His Words and become more like Jesus for the world to see!

Now that we are saved . . . what?

Sharing Christ (Part I) . . . Now what?

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. (2 Timothy 1:7-8)

As Thanksgiving approaches, I am compelled to write and focus upon what we do once we are saved. I must first ask this: Why do people desire to be saved in the first place?

For some, the obvious answer is, "I do not want to go to hell!"  That's an obvious answer! One discovers the separation between God and sin, realizes that sin indeed separates one from God, and they desire to be rescued from that destiny. 

Now what?

Once saved, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit from Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. He died upon the cross and rose from the grave to conquer sin and death. He gave the Holy Spirit as a guide and counselor, teacher and comforter for His followers (Acts 2). His Spirit seals us as His own for eternity.

All true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, who have been effectually called have been “sealed for the day of redemption” (Eph. 1:13-14), are being guarded through faith by God’s power (1 Pet. 1:3-5), will be glorified (Rom. 8:29-30), and can never perish or be snatched from the Father’s hand (Jn. 10:28-29).

So do not hide your relationship with Christ. Live it! Don't simply sit on it and wait to die to enjoy it. No . . . live it out loud for others to see and experience with you!