Romans 10:9-10 “if you acknowledge publicly with your mouth that Yeshua is Lord and trust in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be delivered. For with the heart one goes on trusting and thus continues toward righteousness, while with the mouth one keeps on making public acknowledgement and thus continues toward deliverance.” –
Complete Jewish Bible version
ACKNOWLEDGE PUBLICLY
As human beings, we all have a deep desire to be acknowledged and accepted by others. We thrive on recognition and validation from our peers and loved ones. This desire for acknowledgement also extends to our faith journey – we want to be seen and accepted by God for who we are and what we believe. But there is a specific type of acknowledgement that holds great power in our spiritual lives – public acknowledgement.
In Romans 10:9, it says, “If you acknowledge publicly with your mouth that Yeshua is Lord and trust in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be delivered.” This powerful verse speaks to the importance of publicly acknowledging our faith in Jesus Christ. But what does it mean to publicly acknowledge our faith, and why is it so significant?
This excerpt from the United Methodist Book of Worship is part of the ritual of baptism.
The pastor asks: “On behalf of the whole Church, I ask you: Do you reject all that is evil, repent of your sin, and accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?”
The responsive is, “I do.”
The next question is, “Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord, in union with the Church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races?”
The response again is, “I do.”
Public acknowledgement is more than just saying the words “I believe in Jesus.” It goes beyond a private confession of faith and involves making a public declaration of our beliefs. It is a bold and courageous act that requires us to step out of our comfort zone and share our faith with others. When we publicly acknowledge our faith, we are making a statement to the world that Jesus is our Lord and Savior.
But why is this public acknowledgement so crucial in our faith journey?
First and foremost, it shows that we are not ashamed of our beliefs. In today’s society, there is often pressure to keep our faith hidden or to water it down to avoid offending others. However, by publicly acknowledging our faith, we are boldly proclaiming that it is an essential part of who we are and that we will not be silenced or ashamed of it.
Furthermore, public acknowledgement is an act of obedience to God. In Matthew 10:32-33, Jesus says, “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.” By publicly acknowledging our faith, we are fulfilling God’s command and showing our love and devotion to Him.
Public acknowledgement also opens up opportunities for fellowship, discipleship, and accountability. By surrounding ourselves with other believers, we can grow in our faith and become stronger disciples of Christ.
Moreover, public acknowledgement is a powerful tool for evangelism. As Christians, we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. By publicly acknowledging our faith, we are sharing our testimony and inviting others to know Jesus for themselves. Our public acknowledgement may be the very thing that leads someone else to salvation. I often say that the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are not as effective as the stories of Bob and Brenda or Jill and Jim. People respond to your living testimony far more readily than to those of people dead for thousands of years.
It is essential to note that public acknowledgement of our faith should not be a one-time event or a mere formality. It is an ongoing process that requires us to continue making public declarations of and living our faith. Romans 10:10 says, “For with the heart one goes on trusting and thus continues toward righteousness, while with the mouth one keeps on making public acknowledgement and thus continues toward deliverance.”
In addition to publicly acknowledging our faith, it is also vital to trust in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead. This trust goes beyond mere belief; it is a deep seated conviction that Jesus is who He says He is – the Son of God and the Savior of the world.
When we trust in the very core of our being and publicly acknowledge our faith, we experience a sense of freedom and deliverance from the bondage of sin. It allows us to let go of any shame or fear associated with our old identity. And lets us fully embrace our identity as followers of Christ.
Here’s the condensed version, public acknowledgement of our faith is a powerful and essential aspect of our spiritual journey. It shows our love and devotion to God, invites others to join us on our journey, and leads us towards righteousness and deliverance. As we continue to trust in our hearts and make public declarations of our faith, may we never be ashamed to boldly proclaim that Yeshua is Lord. Amen
The Importance of Honoring Authority and Paying Taxes
In the book of Romans, chapter 13, verses 6 and 7, the apostle Paul writes, “For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, busy with this very thing. Pay to all what is due to them—taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honour to whom honour is due.” These verses may seem mundane and unrelated to our spiritual lives, but they actually hold great significance and importance in our relationship with God.
Firstly, we must understand that all authority ultimately comes from God. In Romans 13:1, Paul writes, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” This means that the leaders and authorities in our government have been placed there by God for a specific purpose. Whether we agree with their policies or not, we are called to respect and honor them as representatives of God’s authority on earth.
Paying taxes is a practical way for us to fulfill our duty to honor and respect authorities. In ancient times, taxes were used to fund the government and provide for the needs of the people. Similarly, in modern times, taxes are used to fund public services such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and national defense. By paying taxes, we are contributing to the overall well-being of society and fulfilling our responsibility as citizens.
Moreover, paying taxes also shows our trust in God’s sovereignty. As Christians, we believe that God is ultimately in control of everything and that He will provide for our needs. When we willingly pay our taxes, we are acknowledging that God has placed these authorities in our lives for a reason and that He will use our contributions for His greater purposes.
But it’s not just about paying taxes; Paul also emphasizes the importance of giving respect and honor to those in authority. This includes not only our government leaders but also our employers, teachers, and other figures of authority in our lives. By showing respect and honor, we are reflecting the character of God who is just and righteous.
In a world where rebellion and disrespect towards authority are becoming more prevalent, it is crucial for us as Christians to be a shining example of honoring and respecting those in authority. This does not mean blindly following every decision or policy, but it does mean treating them with dignity and showing grace and kindness even when we disagree.
Furthermore, honoring authorities is also a way for us to demonstrate our faith in God’s plan. We may not always understand why certain leaders are in power or why certain laws are in place, but we can trust that God has a greater purpose for everything. As it says in Proverbs 21:1, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.” Ultimately, God is in control and He can use even the most unlikely situations for His glory.
In addition to honoring authorities, Paul also reminds us to pay what is due to them. This goes beyond just taxes; it also includes giving them the respect and honor they deserve. As Christians, we are called to be responsible citizens who fulfill our civic duties and contribute to the well-being of society.
Paying taxes and honoring authorities may not always be easy or convenient, especially when we feel like our hard-earned money is being misused or when we do not agree with certain decisions. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to submit to authority and trust that God will use our obedience for His greater purposes.
Ultimately, Romans 13:6-7 reminds us that our relationship with God goes beyond just our personal spiritual life; it extends to how we interact with the world around us. By honoring authorities and fulfilling our duties as responsible citizens, we are glorifying God and living out our faith in practical ways.
In conclusion, let us remember the words of Paul in Romans 13:6-7 and strive to fulfill our duty to pay taxes, give respect and honor to those in authority, and ultimately trust in God’s sovereignty. May we be examples of good citizenship and reflect the love of Christ in all aspects of our lives.
“For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves but for the one who for their sake died and was raised.”
As Christians, we are called to live a life that is centered around the love of Christ. This love is an active force that motivates and guides us in all aspects of our lives.
In 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, we are reminded of this love and its powerful impact on our lives.
The passage starts by stating that the love of Christ urges us on. This word “urges” carries a sense of urgency and intensity. It is not a gentle nudge, but a strong and compelling force that drives us forward. The sense of urgency and intensity is not a mild push, but a powerful and persuasive drive that propels us ahead. This love is not passive, but rather proactive and deliberate. It motivates us to take action, to step out of our comfort zones and strive for a life that aligns with God’s will.
CHRIST DIED
The love of Christ is not just for a select few, but for all. The verse states that “one has died for all”. This speaks of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. God’s love for us is a love that knows no boundaries or limits.
ALL HAVE DIED
The verse then goes on to say that “therefore all have died”. This may seem like a strange statement at first glance, but it is a reminder that through Christ’s death, we have also died to our old selves. Our old sinful nature has been crucified with Christ and we are now made new in Him as Galatians 2:19b-21 states, “For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ, 20 and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” This death allows us to be free from the bondage of sin and live a life that is pleasing to God.
GODCENTRIC
Why did Christ die for us? The verse continues by saying “so that those who live might live no longer for themselves but for the one who for their sake died and was raised”. Jesus’ death was not in vain. It was an act of selfless love that was done for our sake. And in response to this love, we are called to live a life that is no longer centered around ourselves, but for God.
LIFE OF SERVICE
Living for God means putting Him first in everything we do. It means surrendering our desires and ambitions to His will. It means living a life of obedience and serving others with love, just as Christ did for us. This may not always be easy, but the love of Christ urges us on and gives us the strength and motivation to keep going.
POINT OF VIEW CHANGE
When we truly understand the magnitude of God’s love for us, it changes everything. It changes how we view ourselves, others, and the world around us. We are no longer just living for ourselves, but for the one who died for us. Our purpose and identity are now rooted in Christ and His love for us.
REBORN TO SHARE
This love also has a powerful impact on our relationships with others. When we are motivated by the love of Christ, we see others through His eyes – as beloved creations of God who also need to experience His love and grace. It compels us to reach out and share the good news of Jesus with those around us, regardless of their background or beliefs.
REFLECTING JESUS
Furthermore, the love of Christ also guides us in how we treat others. In John 13:35, Jesus says, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” Our love for others is a reflection of our love for Christ. It is a witness to the world that we are followers of Jesus. When we live in this way, our actions speak louder than words and draw others closer to God.
IN A RELATIONSHIP
So how do we practically live out this love of Christ in our daily lives? Firstly, we must constantly remind ourselves of God’s love for us by meditating on His Word. The more we understand His love for us, the more we will be motivated to live for Him. We can also seek to cultivate a deep and intimate relationship with Him through prayer and fellowship with other believers.
DELIBERATELY CHRISTLIKE
Secondly, we must be intentional in our actions and attitudes towards others. This means showing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, even when it may be difficult. We can also look for opportunities to serve and bless others, just as Christ did for us.
LIVE TO LOVE
To recap, the limitless love of Christ should be the driving force in our lives. It urges us on to live a life that is pleasing to God and to love others as He loves us. It is a love that knows no boundaries and has the power to transform our lives and the lives of those around us. May we always be reminded of this love and allow it to guide us in all that we do.
Our scripture passage for today is Ephesians 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”
To truly understand this passage I’m going to give you some background that you may or may not already know. So bear with me for a little bit, okay?
Under God’s law, sin requires reparation. Death is the consequence of sin as stated in Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
So, when Jesus Christ was put to death, He acted as a replacement for all of humanity in its state of sin. This is known as substitutionary sacrifice.
The concept of substitutionary atonement, where an innocent party takes the punishment for a guilty party, finds its roots in the Old Testament through the sacrificial system, particularly the Passover lamb and the Day of Atonement, foreshadowing Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
You may be familiar with the term scapegoat. A scapegoat is described in Leviticus 16, where the sins of the Israelites are symbolically placed upon the goat and it is sent into the wilderness.
Parenthetical inserts are mine for clarification.
Leviticus 16:7-10 He (Aaron) shall take the two goats and set them before the LORD at the entrance of the tent of meeting, and Aaron shall cast lots on the two goats, one lot for the LORD and the other lot for Azazel (a desolate place). Aaron shall present the goat on which the lot fell for the LORD and offer it as a purification offering, but the goat on which the lot fell for Azazel shall be presented alive before the LORD to make atonement over it (to ritually place the sins of the people upon the goat), that it may be sent away into the wilderness to Azazel.
The idea of substitutionary atonement, also known as vicarious atonement, is a key belief in Western Christian theology. It states that Jesus sacrificed himself to pay for the sins of humanity, bearing the punishment and consequences that we deserved. 1 Peter 2:24 states “’He (Jesus) himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed. ‘” Corinthians 5:21 states, “God made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God,”
With this background information out of the way, we will dive deeper into the meaning of Ephesians 1:7 and explore how it can impact our lives.
The Bible is full of verses that speak to the human experience and provide guidance, comfort, and hope such as Ephesians 1:7 – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” This powerful verse holds a deep meaning and offers a message of redemption, forgiveness, and grace that is relevant to all of us.
Redemption is a term often used in the Bible, and it refers to the act of being saved or rescued from something. In this case, Ephesians 1:7 tells us that we have redemption through Jesus Christ. This means that through his sacrifice on the cross and the shedding of his blood, we are saved from our sins and given a chance at eternal life. This is a powerful reminder of the love and mercy that God has for us. Despite our shortcomings and mistakes, He offers us redemption through His son.
It is important to note that this redemption is not something we can earn or achieve on our own. It is a gift from God that comes through His grace. This truth takes the pressure off of us to be perfect or to constantly try to earn salvation. We can rest in the knowledge that God’s grace is more than enough to redeem us.
The next part of the verse speaks about forgiveness – “the forgiveness of our trespasses.” Just as redemption cannot be earned, neither can forgiveness. It is given to us freely by God through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This forgiveness covers all of our sins – past, present, and future. It is a complete and total pardon for our wrongdoings.
It’s important to understand that forgiveness does not mean that our actions are excused or that there won’t be consequences for our sins. However, through God’s forgiveness, we can be reconciled with Him and experience true freedom from the burden of guilt. We are no longer defined by our mistakes but by the grace and forgiveness of our loving Father.
As we continue to reflect on this verse, it’s important to note that the redemption and forgiveness mentioned in it are not limited to a one-time event. It is an ongoing process that we experience every day. We, me and you, will continue to fall short and make mistakes, but with God’s grace, we can continually seek forgiveness and be redeemed. God’s never-ending love for us and His desire for us to continually grow and improve in our faith.
The final part of this verse – “according to the riches of his grace” – is a powerful reminder of the abundance of God’s grace. He doesn’t just give us enough grace to cover our sins, but He lavishes it upon us in abundance. His grace is overflowing, never-ending, and more than enough for all of us.
So what does this verse mean for us in our daily lives? First and foremost, it reminds us of the incredible sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for our redemption. It also encourages us to seek forgiveness when we fall short and to continually grow in our faith. Finally, it reminds us to rest in the abundance of God’s grace and to extend that same grace to others.
May we always remember the power and importance of these truths in our daily lives and may they inspire us to live a life of faith, love, and gratitude. Amen my the yes the
6 Your boasting is not a good thing. Do you not know that a little yeast leavens all of the dough? 7 Clean out the old yeast so that you may be a new batch of dough, as you really are unleavened. For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. 8 Therefore, let us celebrate the festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”
In the book of 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses the church in Corinth, urging them to remove a specific yeast that is causing harm and division among them. This passage, 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, speaks about the power of removing that yeast and the significance it holds for our lives as Christians.
Firstly, Paul reminds the Corinthians that boasting is not a good thing. Boasting is the child of pride and gives a sense of superiority, which are not traits that align with the teachings of Christ. Instead, Paul calls for humility and unity among believers.
He then goes on to use a metaphor of yeast to illustrate his point. Just as a small amount of yeast can leaven an entire batch of dough, so can a small amount of boasting and pride affect the entire church community. It only takes one person to sow seeds of division and malice within a community, and before we know it, the whole community can be affected.
You may be more familiar with a this updated version that says the same thing, “One bad apple spoils the whole barrel.”
We may think that our actions and words do not have a significant impact on others, but the reality is that they can spread like a cancer and affect those around us. Therefore, we must be mindful of our words and actions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Christ.
Paul then urges the Corinthians to clean out the old yeast so that they may be a new batch of dough. This statement carries a deeper meaning than just removing pride and boasting from their midst. It speaks about transformation and renewal.
As Christians, we are called to continuously strive for renewal and transformation in our lives. We are called to let go of our old ways and embrace the newness that comes with being in Christ. This process is ongoing and requires us to constantly examine ourselves and make changes when needed.
Paul then makes a powerful statement that Christ, our Paschal lamb, has been sacrificed.
To better understand the significance of Paul’s analogy of the Paschal lamb let me explain.
In the twelfth chapter of Exodus God commanded the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and use its blood to mark their doorways, ensuring that the “destroying angel” would spare their homes during the last plague in Egypt which destroyed the first born male of humans and their livestock.
The roasted Paschal lamb was then consumed alongside unleavened bread and bitter herbs as part of the Passover feast. This lamb represented liberation and rescue from captivity.
Paul’s words explain that in the New Testament,
Christians view Jesus as the “Lamb of God,” who is offered as a sacrifice to redeem the sins of humanity, mirroring the significance of the Passover lamb in the Old Testament.
In the gospel of John chapter one verses twenty-nine and thirty-six we read where John the Baptizer sees Jesus and exclaims, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Christian doctrine holds that a divine Jesus chose to suffer crucifixion at Calvary to save the world from its sins.
Well that’s not quite right. Jesus didn’t save the world. He saved the people from their sins.
Hmm! Let’s try that again. Jesus died to save me from my son and you from yours. Salvation is a very personal thing.
This is imagery by Paul is a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross. His death and resurrection have freed us from the power of sin and death, and have given us a new life in Him.
This truth should fill us with joy and gratitude, especially as we approach the season of Christ’s Resurrection. It should also serve as a reminder that our actions and attitudes should reflect this new life in Christ. We are called to live differently, to be holy, that means set apart from the ways of the world.
Therefore, Paul urges the Corinthians (and us) to celebrate the festival, not with the old yeast of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. This is a call to let go of our old ways of living and embrace a new way of life in Christ.
He reinforces this idea in his second letter to the church at Corinth where he writes, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
It is essential to note that Paul is not calling for perfection here. He knows that we are all flawed and will make mistakes, but he is urging us to continually strive for a life that is pleasing to God.
Since strive is not a word commonly used today we could substitute
“struggle for”, “earnestly seek”, or “give it our all to gain.” As a Christian our past is gone so we need to actively try to live a life filled with sincerity and truth, where we are honest with ourselves and with others. This is the positive yeast that lifts us and those around us.
Boasting in an unhealthy yeast that is selfish and self-centered. In pride we attempt to lift ourselves above others. To not care for anyone but ourselves. This is less like yeast and more like cancer where the cells grow in an unhealthy manner.
1 Corinthians 5:6-8 highlights the significance of removing the yeast of pride, boasting, malice, and evil from our lives. It reminds us of the power that our words and actions hold and how they can impact those around us.
It also urges us to continuously strive for renewal and transformation in our lives, letting go of our old ways and embracing a new life in Christ.
Ultimately, it calls us to celebrate the festival of the Resurrection with sincerity and truth, reflecting the purity and simplicity of our faith in Christ.
Finding Comfort and Strength in God During Difficult Times
Life is filled with many ups and downs. We all experience moments of joy, success, and happiness, but we also have to face difficult and uncertain times. These challenging times can come in many forms – be it personal struggles, a global crisis, or any unexpected event that turns our world upside down.
Born in the Nineteen fourties, I am a child of the Cold War.
Offutt Air Force Base is a U.S. Air Force base south of Omaha, Nebraska. That is 141 miles from my hometown in Iowa. It is also the headquarters of the U.S. Strategic Command. As such it was surely a target of potential nuclear attack. Though we were outside the immediate kill zone of a nuclear bomb, the prevailing West to East winds would have carried radioactive debris and dust our way.
In school we conducted duck and cover drills. The drills were intended to protect us from a potential nuclear attack. Students were taught to hide under our desks or against a wall We were told to crouch with our knees near our chests and to cover our heads with our arms.
During thise days, when tensions were high during the Cold War, the US government actively supported and advocated for the building of fallout shelters, both publicly and privately, in order to safeguard citizens from potential nuclear attacks.
Though my childhood was filled with the everyday joys such as riding my bicycle, climbing trees, fishing, running and jumping, and playing with my friends, much of my childhood also had an ever present fear of the bomb lurking in the background. It was as if the entire nation was covered by a form of PTSD PRE-traumatic stress disorder.
That was my generation. However every generation has it’s own fear filled background that in some way haunts them and colors their lives with dread.
In such moments, it’s natural for us to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and even lost. We may feel like we have nowhere to turn to for comfort and strength. Some of us may depend on our own skills and assets to get through these tough times. I was raised with the idea of self reliance whereby the less I relied others the stronger, the better, I would become.
Since becoming a Christian it has been hard to “Let go and let God.” The Frog Sunday school class motto of Fully Relying On God is not easy for some of us to live up to.
However as a Christian, I have increasingly found myself turning to God for comfort and strength during difficult times. The words of Psalm 46 provide a powerful reminder that God is our safe haven and source of strength in times of distress. These verses reinforce the unwavering belief and confidence we can have in God, no matter what chaos or uncertainty surrounds us.
The Psalm begins with the declaration, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). This verse alone is a source of great comfort for me. It reminds me that no matter what challenges I may face, God is always there for me. In this mortal world where things can change in an instant, knowing that I have a stable and unwavering source of support brings me immense peace.
The Psalm goes on to say, “Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea” (Psalm 46:2). This verse serves as a reminder that even when everything around us seems to be falling apart, we do not need to fear because God is with us. He is our rock and our firm foundation, and nothing can shake us when we put our trust in Him.
As humans, we often tend to rely on our own abilities and strength during difficult times. We may try to control the situation or find solutions on our own. However, as the Psalmist says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10). These words remind us to be still and have faith that God is in control. He is all-powerful and will be exalted no matter what happens. This verse encourages us to release our worries and trust in God’s plan for us.
In addition to finding comfort and strength in God’s promises, I have also found peace in turning to Him through prayer and reading His Word. In times of distress, I often pray for guidance, strength, and peace. I also turn to the Bible for comfort and assurance. Reading verses like Psalm 46 reaffirms my belief that God is always with me, even during the most difficult times.
Moreover, Psalm 46 speaks of a future where “nations are in uproar” and “kingdoms fall” (Psalm 46:6). As I said earlier every generation has it’s own fear. Do while the psalmist’s words may seem daunting, they also serve as a reminder that God is ultimately in control. No matter how chaotic the world may seem, His plans will prevail.
As followers of Christ, we are not promised a life without trials and challenges. In fact, Jesus Himself said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Therefore, we can find hope and strength in knowing that we have a God who has already overcome the world. Through His Spirit He is always with us, ready to guide us and give us the strength we need to face any situation.
As a Christian, I have often found myself turning to God for comfort and strength during difficult times. The words of Psalm 46 provide a powerful reminder that God is our safe haven and source of strength in times of distress. These verses reinforce the unwavering belief and confidence we can have in God, no matter what chaos or uncertainty surrounds us.
As humans, we often tend to rely on our own abilities and strength during difficult times. We may try to control the situation or find solutions on our own. However, as the Psalmist says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10). These words remind us to be still and have faith that God is in control. He is all-powerful and will be exalted no matter what happens. This verse encourages us to release our worries and trust in God’s plan for us.
In addition to finding comfort and strength in God’s promises, I have also found peace in turning to Him through prayer and reading His Word. In times of distress, I often pray for guidance, strength, and peace. I also turn to the Bible for comfort and assurance. Reading verses like Psalm 46 reaffirms my belief that God is always with me, even during the most difficult times.
As followers of Christ, we are not promised a life without trials and challenges. In fact, Jesus Himself said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). However, we can find hope and strength in knowing that we have a God who has already overcome the world. He is always with us, ready to guide us and give us the strength we need to face any situation.
It is true that during difficult and uncertain times, it is natural for us to seek comfort and strength in something bigger than ourselves. As a Christian, I have found immense comfort and peace in turning to God and His Word. The words of Psalm 46 are a powerful reminder that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. He is our safe haven, our source of strength, and the one who will ultimately bring us through any difficult situation. So let us take comfort in His promises and trust in His plan for us, knowing that He is always with us.
The psalmist continues by saying, “Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.” These words paint a vivid picture of chaos and destruction. The earth is changing, the mountains are shaking, and the waters are roaring. But even in the midst of this turmoil, the psalmist declares that there is no need to fear because God is with us.
This Psalm serves as a reminder to stop and consider the truth of these words. We may face difficult situations that seem insurmountable, but we must remember that God is greater than any challenge we may face. We can find comfort and strength in knowing that He is in control.
The psalm goes on to describe a river whose streams make glad the city of God. This river represents God’s presence and His constant provision for His people. It is a source of joy and refreshment, even in the midst of chaos. This imagery reminds us that in the midst of troubled times, we can find peace and joy in God’s presence.
Verse 5 declares, “God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns.” This verse speaks of God’s unwavering presence and protection. Just as a city built on a strong foundation will not be shaken, we can trust that God will keep us steady and secure. He will help us through our trials and give us hope for a new day.
The following verses describe a world in turmoil, with nations in uproar and kingdoms tottering. But in the midst of all this chaos, God utters His voice and the earth melts. This is a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and power over all things. No matter how great the turmoil, God is still in control.
The psalmist then proclaims, “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” This verse serves as a refrain throughout the psalm, emphasizing the source of our strength and refuge – God Himself. He is with us, fighting for us, and protecting us from harm. We can take comfort in knowing that we are not alone in our struggles because the Lord of hosts is with us.
As the psalm continues, we are invited to behold the works of the Lord and see what desolations He has brought on the earth. This may seem like an odd invitation at first, but it serves as a reminder of God’s power to bring about change and bring justice to a broken world. He makes wars cease, breaks bows and shatters spears, and burns shields with fire. These images speak to His ability to bring peace and justice to all corners of the earth.
The psalm concludes with the powerful words, “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations; I am exalted in the earth.” In the midst of chaos and turmoil, it can be difficult to find stillness and peace. Hang onto those words, “Be still and know that I am God.” This verse reminds us to be still and remember that God is in control. He is exalted above all nations and all circumstances, and we can find rest in knowing that He is God.
The final refrain of the psalm echoes once again, “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” These words serve as a reminder of God’s constant presence and protection. No matter what comes our way, we can find strength, peace, and refuge in Him.
The conclusion of Psalm 46 offers a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and strength in times of trouble. It encourages us to turn to Him as our refuge and source of strength, knowing that He is always with us. We can find peace and comfort in His presence, even when the world around us seems to be falling apart. Let us take these words to heart and trust in the Lord of hosts, who is with us always. Be still, and know that He is God! Amen
34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. 36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.
THE POWER OF THE RESURRECTION
Have any of you seen a U.F.O. an Unidentified Flying Object? If you have have you tried describing the event to others?
I have seen two UFOs in my life. The first one was while I was in my early teens. We lived in a small settlement that wasn’t even an official town. We were well away from any towns or cities of any size. This is important because at night there was no light pollution. The stars and expanse of the Milky Way were clearly visible on this particular late spring evening. It was well after dark but it was such a glorious evening that I was still playing in the yard.
That’s when I saw it. It was a large sphere glowing orange. At first I thought that it was the moon. However it was much too large – many times the perceived size of the moon in the sky. I went to the front door and called for my mother to come and see. Before long we noticed a few of our neighbors were also in their yard looking at this odd event.
Some suggested that it was a hot air balloon. Others dismissed that by saying it was too perfect of a sphere to be a balloon and to quiet. There was no sound of the propane flame. I had never seen a hot air balloon until much later in life and they are surprisingly loud.
More people were coming from their homes. And then it just disappeared like turning off a light switch. The stars were clearly visible in the space where the object had been. It hadn’t just gone dark. It was no longer there.
Many of us stood standing and staring at the sky. Then one by one people returned to their homes.
The next day there was some talk of the night before but before long we just quit discussing it.
Now that I’ve shared my story do you believe that I saw a UFO? Have you formulated a theory that would provide a logical explanation of what I might have seen? Or have you just dismissed it as a delusional or as pure fiction? Am I a credible witness?
Now, how are you going to react if I tell you that I just saw my dead friend walking and taking to me?
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It is the belief that Jesus, who was crucified and buried, rose from the dead on the third day, fulfilling the prophecies and promises of God. In Luke 24:34-41, we see the disciples experiencing the reality of the resurrection, and their reactions teach us valuable lessons about the power and significance of this event.
The passage begins with the disciples recounting how Jesus appeared to Simon. Just moments before, they were filled with sorrow and despair after witnessing their beloved teacher being crucified. But now, their hearts were filled with joy and hope as they shared the news of Jesus’ resurrection. This is the first indication that something extraordinary has happened – Jesus has risen from the dead.
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It is a pivotal event in human history that transformed the lives of the disciples and continues to impact our lives today. As we read in the Gospels, after Jesus’ crucifixion, his followers were devastated and filled with fear. Their leader, whom they believed to be the Messiah, had been killed. But as they were discussing this tragic event, something miraculous happened – Jesus appeared among them, alive and well.
Imagine the shock and disbelief of the disciples as they saw their resurrected Lord standing before them. It was not just a figment of their imagination or a dream – it was real. And in that moment, Jesus greets them with the words “Peace be with you.” This greeting may seem like a customary way of saying hello, but it carries a much deeper meaning.
In John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” This peace that Jesus offers is not temporary or superficial, but it is a peace that surpasses all understanding and can only come from God. It is a peace that calms our fears, soothes our anxieties, and fills us with hope and joy.
The disciples were in desperate need of this peace as they were struggling to come to terms with the events that had just unfolded. They had witnessed Jesus’ brutal crucifixion and had lost all hope. But in that moment, when he appeared before them, he brought them peace. This shows us the power of Jesus’ resurrection – it can bring peace even in the midst of chaos and despair. It is a reminder that no matter what we may be facing in our lives, there is always hope and peace to be found in Jesus.
However, instead of being overjoyed at seeing their resurrected Lord, the disciples were startled and terrified, thinking they were seeing a ghost. This reaction shows their lack of understanding and faith in the power of Jesus’ resurrection. They had seen him perform miracles during his ministry, yet they still could not comprehend the reality of his resurrection. How often do we also struggle to believe in things that seem impossible? The resurrection teaches us to have faith in God’s power and to trust in his plans for our lives, even when they may seem unimaginable.
The disciples’ initial disbelief and fear were quickly replaced with overwhelming joy and amazement as Jesus showed them his wounds and ate with them. This was the moment they truly understood the significance of his resurrection. It was not just about defeating death, but it was also about the fulfillment of God’s promises and the redemption of humanity.
The peace that Jesus offers is not just for the disciples or the early believers, but it is for all of us today. In a world filled with chaos, violence, and uncertainty, we can find peace in knowing that Jesus has overcome the world through his resurrection. He has conquered sin and death, and through him, we have eternal life.
But this peace is not something that can be achieved through our own efforts or by following societal norms. In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” True peace can only come from having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is through him that we can experience true peace and find rest for our souls.
Moreover, this peace is not limited to just our personal lives. As followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of peace in this world. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” We are called to spread the peace that Jesus offers to those around us, to be a light in the midst of darkness, and to bring hope to those who are in despair.
The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event that happened 2000 years ago. It is a powerful reminder of God’s love for us and the hope and peace that he offers. It also challenges us to have faith and believe in the impossible, just like the disciples did. As we celebrate Easter and remember the resurrection of our Lord, may we be filled with peace and joy, and may we continue to spread his message of love and hope to all those we encounter.
Jesus then invites the disciples to look at his hands and feet, to see the scars from the crucifixion. He even invites them to touch him, proving that he is not a ghost but a tangible and living being. This moment is significant because it confirms the reality of the resurrection. Jesus did not rise as a spirit or a symbol; he rose in his physical body, conquering death and providing evidence for his followers to believe in his resurrection.
As the disciples were still struggling to believe, Jesus asked them if they had anything to eat. This may seem like a strange question, but it serves as another proof of his resurrection. Ghosts do not eat or have physical bodies that require nourishment. By eating in front of them, Jesus reaffirms his physical resurrection and dispels any doubts or disbelief they may have had.
The disciples’ reactions to Jesus’ resurrection teach us that even those who were closest to Jesus struggled to understand and believe in the power of the resurrection. But as they witnessed and experienced it firsthand, their doubts turned into joy and amazement. This transformation is a reminder that the resurrection has the power to change our lives from despair to hope, from doubt to faith, and from death to eternal life.
The significance of Jesus’ resurrection goes beyond just proving his deity or fulfilling prophecies. It also holds immense power for our lives today. In 1 Corinthians 15:17, Paul writes, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” The resurrection is what gives us hope for eternal life and salvation. It is proof that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was accepted by God and has the power to save us from our sins.
Moreover, the resurrection also gives us hope for our own physical bodies. Just as Jesus rose from the dead with a glorified body, we too will have new, resurrected bodies in the future. This promises us that death is not the end, but through Christ, we have the hope of a new and eternal life.
In conclusion, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a historical event; it is a powerful and life-changing reality. It teaches us the power of God to overcome death, doubt, and despair. It gives us a firm foundation for our faith and hope for our future. As we celebrate Resurrection Sunday and remember his resurrection, let us be reminded of its significance and allow it to transform our lives. May we have faith in the power of the resurrection and live in the hope and peace that it brings.
THE POWER OF GOD’S PEACE AND PROVISION based on Hebrews 13:20-21,
In this fast-paced world that we live in, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. We are constantly bombarded with demands from work, family, and society, leaving little time for rest and reflection. It’s no wonder that stress and anxiety have become so prevalent in our society. If I had known how busy I’d be after retirement I’d have kept working. I didn’t retire from work. I only retired from getting paid for it
But in the midst of all the chaos, there is a promise of peace and provision from a higher power. In the book of Hebrews, chapter 13, verses 20-21, we read a powerful prayer that reminds us of the power of God’s peace and provision in our lives.
“Now may the God of peace who raised from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
These verses serve as a reminder to us that we serve a loving and caring God who desires to equip us with everything good so that we can do His will. Let’s break down this powerful prayer and reflect on its meaning for our lives.
THE GOD OF PEACE
Firstly, this prayer addresses God as “the God of peace”. The God of peace is a powerful title that speaks to the character and nature of the Almighty. In a world filled with chaos, confusion, and strife, it is comforting to know that there is a God who embodies peace. This title emphasizes God’s role as the ultimate source of peace, not just in our personal lives but in the world as a whole. It reminds us that no matter how tumultuous our circumstances may be, we can turn to God and find true peace. In fact, as we find in Philippians 4:7, it is “peace which surpasses all understanding.” This signifies a peace that is beyond human comprehension, a divine peace that transcends earthly anxieties and circumstances. I have found in my own life that it’s not just a feeling of calm or tranquility, but a supernatural peace that comes from God and guards the believer’s heart and mind often when we are facing the greatest challenges and struggles that we experience the peace of God in the most profound ways. As stated in 1 Corinthians 14:33, our God is not a God of disorder or confusion, but of peace and order. This means that even when everything around us seems to be falling apart, we can trust in the unchanging and peaceful nature of our Heavenly Father. He is the one who brings peace to our hearts and minds, calming our fears and anxieties. As we seek to understand and embrace the God of peace, we can find rest and comfort in His presence. Ultimately, this title serves as a reminder that despite the chaos in our world, there is a God who reigns with perfect peace, and He invites us to experience His peace in our lives every day.
THE POWER OF THE RESURRECTION
The next part of this prayer reminds us of the power of the resurrection. It says “who raised from the dead our Lord Jesus”. This powerful statement is a reference to the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross. Through His death and resurrection, we have been given new life and the promise of eternal salvation. Romans 5:10-11 reveals that when Jesus rose from the dead, He took us out of being ‘in Adam’ or being spiritually dead, and now we have life in Christ, we have His life. In short, we are forgiven by His death and saved by His resurrection life.
This is a reminder that no matter what struggles we may face in this life, we can find hope and strength in the power of the resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus represents the victory over sin and death, and it is through His resurrection that we are able to experience true forgiveness and redemption. This part of the prayer serves as a reminder that no matter how difficult our circumstances may seem, we have the assurance that Jesus has overcome the world and has given us new life. It is a call to trust in the power of the resurrection and to hold onto the hope that it brings, knowing that through Jesus, we have been given victory over all things. This powerful statement in the prayer is a reminder of the life-changing impact of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and it encourages us to live boldly and confidently in the truth of His sacrifice for us.
THE GREAT SHEPHERD
The next part of this prayer refers to Jesus as “the great shepherd of the sheep”. In John 10:11. Jesus proclaims, “I am the good shepherd, the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep”.
This title speaks to the role that Jesus plays in our lives as our guide and protector. In the Bible, sheep are often used as a symbol for humanity, and in this context, Jesus is portrayed as a loving and caring shepherd who watches over his flock. Just as a shepherd knows each of his sheep by name and leads them to safety, Jesus knows each of us intimately and guides us on our journey through life. He is not only our leader but also our protector, always keeping us safe from harm and danger. This title serves as a reminder to us that we are never alone, and that Jesus is constantly watching over us, guiding us towards righteousness and protecting us from the trials and challenges of life. It also shows the depth of Jesus’ love for us, as he cares deeply for each and every one of us and wants us to thrive and flourish in our lives. As we pray to Jesus as “the great shepherd of the sheep”, we are acknowledging his role in our lives and placing our trust in him to lead us on the right path.
THE BLOOD OF THE ETERNAL COVENANT
The phrase “by the blood of the eternal covenant” holds great significance and serves as a poignant reminder of the immense sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross. It symbolizes the ultimate act of love and selflessness, as through His blood, we have been redeemed and reconciled with God. This powerful phrase serves as a constant reminder of the magnitude of Jesus’ sacrifice, and the depth of His love for us. It is through this eternal covenant that we are able to have a relationship with God and receive His blessings. The shedding of Jesus’ blood serves as a bridge between humanity and God, providing a way for us to be forgiven and made new. This phrase is a testament to the unbreakable bond between God and His people, an unbreakable bond that was sealed with the blood of Jesus. It serves as a powerful reminder of the ultimate price that was paid for our salvation, and the eternal love that God has for us. Through the blood of the eternal covenant, we are given the opportunity to enter into a deep and meaningful relationship with our Creator, and to experience His endless blessings in our lives.
EQUIPPED WITH EVERYTHING GOOD
The next part of this prayer is a promise from God that He will equip us with everything good. This promise is a reassurance that God is always with us and will provide us with the necessary tools and resources to fulfill His will for our lives. It reminds us that we are not alone and that God has a plan for each and every one of us. In times when we may doubt our abilities or question our own strength, this promise serves as a reminder that God will never leave us stranded and will always provide us with everything we need. It gives us hope and confidence to face any challenges or tasks that may come our way, knowing that God will equip us with everything good to accomplish His purpose. With this promise, we can rest assured that we are capable and empowered to do His will, even in situations where we may feel ill-equipped. It shows the depth of God’s love for us, as He not only guides and directs us, but also equips us with the necessary skills and tools to fulfill His plan for our lives. This promise serves as a source of strength, encouragement, and assurance that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
WORKING IN US
The phrase “working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ” in the prayer is a powerful reminder that our ability to do God’s will is not dependent on our own strength. It acknowledges that through Jesus Christ, God works within us to transform us into vessels that are pleasing in His sight. This highlights the importance of surrendering our lives to God and allowing Him to work in us. It is a humbling recognition that our own efforts and actions alone are not enough, but it is through His power and grace that we are able to live a life that is pleasing to Him. This statement serves as a reminder of our dependence on God and the need for constant surrender and reliance on Him. Through His power, He can shape and mold us into the people He wants us to be, ultimately bringing glory to His name. As we pray these words, we are reminded of the transformative work of God in our lives and the importance of continually seeking His will and allowing Him to work within us.
TO WHOM BE GLORY FOREVER AND EVER
Lastly, this prayer ends with a declaration of praise and glory to God forever and ever. It serves as a powerful reminder that all the blessings and goodness in our lives come from Him. It is easy to get caught up in our own achievements and forget that without God’s grace and guidance, we would not be where we are today. This declaration of praise humbles us and redirects our focus back to God, acknowledging Him as the source of all our blessings. It also serves as a reminder to give credit where credit is due – to our Heavenly Father. As we carry out His will and experience His provision and peace, it is important to remember that it is by His grace and love that we are able to do so. This declaration of praise is a beautiful way to end the prayer, as it reaffirms our faith in God and expresses our gratitude for all that He has done for us. Ultimately, it reminds us that our lives should be lived for the glory of God, as He deserves all the honor and praise forever and ever.
In conclusion, this prayer from the book of Hebrews serves as a powerful reminder of the peace and provision that God offers us through His son Jesus Christ. In the midst of our busy lives, let us not forget to turn to Him for rest, strength, and guidance. May we be encouraged by these words and continue to walk in faith, knowing that we serve a loving and faithful God who equips us with everything good to fulfill His will. Let us give Him all the glory and honor, forever and ever. Amen.
1 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,
2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”
3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him;
4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.
5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
6 “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’
7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared.
8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”
9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was.
10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.
11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
SERMON: THE GIFT OF TIME
HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE.
Slide #1. A nativity set including shepherds and wise men.
QUESTION: How many of us have a nativity set at home that has Jesus, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, wise men, sheep, and maybe camels or donkeys?
QUESTION: who can tell me what is inaccurate here?
First, I want to clear up a few things.
Then I have questions that I’ll try to answer.
We will marvel at the commitment some have shown the Lord.
Then we will examine our own commitment.
And at last, through the power of the holy Spirit, I hope to make a change in my life and yours
When I read the account of the Magi I have questions. This is my study process.
QUESTION 1: How many Kings?
QUESTION 2: Were they Kings?
QUESTION 3: When did they visit?
QUESTION 4: How did they know about the birth of a new king of the jews?
QUESTION 5: How long did they travel?
Which brings me to
QUESTION 6: Other than gold frankincense, and myrrh what other gift did the wise men give?
#1 Their time and efforts. This wasn’t a quick decision or an easy trip. To quote from Advent Conspiracy – “These men were not playing the worship games of which many of us are guilty—these gifts of gold and precious spices nearly cost the Magi their lives. “ –
Remember King Herod’s reaction when the wise men came asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?
Fear!
”When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him;”
Frightened enough to murder a generation of infants.
He would gladly have tortured and killed the wise men had they returned to him after finding Jesus.
WE THREE KINGS.
We three kings of orient are
Bearing gifts we traversed afar
Field and fountain
Moore and mountain
Following yonder Star
I love that song in spite of its inaccuracies.
The history of the Three Kings, also known as the Magi or Wise Men, originated in the Gospel of Matthew.
According to this biblical account, a group of wise men, magicians, and astrologers from the East traveled to Jerusalem to visit the newborn king and pay their respects.
Despite being members of the upper class, they humbly presented the child with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Interestingly, Matthew did not mention the number of men or their names nor did he refer to them as kings. This aspect of the story only emerged in the 8th century when it became a popular tradition.
The significance of the gifts presented by the Magi is not to be overlooked. Each one holds a symbolic meaning –
frankincense representing Christ as the High Priest,
gold representing him as the King, and
#2 Myrhh – a foreshadowing of Jesus’ death for the sake of truth, and his role as a Prophet.
.
Q. Where in the “East” were the wise men from?
Matthew’s use of the term “Magi” gives us a clue. Magi is the only Persian word in the original Greek Bible. They were likely priests of Zoroastrianism, which was the official religion of Persia.
Q. How is it that The Wise Men from Persia were familiar with the prophecies of Christ, the King of the Jews?
A. You will remember the many times that the Jews were conquered and taken into slavery. Read the book of Daniel and you will see how he introduced the God of Israel to the King’s Court.
Many others in other times made known the one true God to their foreign masters.
Wise Men still seek out knowledge and store it away. As do wise women.
Q. How long did they travel?
A. The Bible does not say how long these wise men traveled to reach Jesus.
Church tradition suggested 12 Days for the journey. This is the basis of the 12 Days of Christmas – another song that I like. Twelve days is not likely though.
If the Magi had visited the holy family twelve days after his birth, the family would have had wealth with which to redeem Jesus at the temple instead of the two doves that they used.
You, of course, remember what I taught two years ago about the need to redeem the first born sons. Right?
Because according to the law of Moses, It is customary for the mother to come to the synagogue on the Sabbath after her 40 days when she has regained her strength.
In Remembrance of the Passover in Egypt, Since that time, all first born males belong to God. The parents could redeem, that is “buy back” their sons by an offering of a lamb, silver coins or a family, like Joseph and Mary, who could not afford a lamb or the silver. For the poor, an offering of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons was made.
If the wise men had arrived within the first twelve days, Jesus would have been redeemed with a lamb or coins rather than doves
Many believe that the wise men traveled for two years. This idea comes from the fact that King Herod, after asking the wise men when they saw the star, ordered the slaughter of all children under the age of two.
“Two years of travel seems excessively long to me as the distance from Persia to Israel is only about 1600 miles (depending on starting point). Knowing that they could travel only as fast as the slowest walker in the group, (Their servants would not have ridden camels) These were people who were used to walking sometimes long distances but probably only walked 25 miles a day on average. That would give them about 64 days travel time. However, since they were traveling by night (following a star) they probably traveled somewhat slower. So purely as a mental exercise, I’d estimate that they COULD have traveled it in 90 days. One quarter of a year.
Now, if I haven’t lost y’all by now, you may be wondering,
“WHAT’S THE POINT?”
TIME! Time is the point. This was not an easy undertaking for these men. It took planning, it took resources, and it took time.
Q. If you were going to be gone from home, from family, from your business or job for even one quarter of a year and possibly as long as two, what would be your cost in resources and in time?
Seriously, shout it out. What are things you would need to take care of to travel that long?
God often asks for, or rather demands, our time.
Now for the BIG question. How much TIME does God expect of me and of you?
The short answer is, All of it!
But let’s just say that God wants a tithe of everything – including our time.
Time is a slippery concept to grasp. Time past is gone and can not be altered.
Future time has no substance. Making plans for the future is like writing on air.
Only NOW is real and can be manipulated – but be quick about it – NOW will soon be the PAST.
A tithe or a tenth of 24 hours equals about 2 1⁄2 hours a day.
Don’t answer this out loud. . . But
Do you commit 2½ hours a day to prayer, to biblical study, or to service for our king? It needs not be a solid block of time. Minutes and seconds spent in service, study, and/or prayer can add up.
Here are some sobering facts about time usage.
A 2020 study showed that Americans averaged a little over 3 hours a day of television.
But wait there’s more.
On average, adults spend about 11 hours a day staring at some kind of screen, whether that be a computer, phone, tablet, TV or another type of electronic device.
Second slide
I’m a firm believer that every believer needs to read the Bible. And not just read but study. Ask questions and look for answers.
There are countless helps available to guide your reading through the bible.
I suggest starting with the gospels.
Take your time and learn something new everyday.
3rd Slide
Another option is to listen to the Bible in audiobook format.
On average, audiobooks read at about 150 words per minute, so it will take around 90 hours, or a little less than 4 days of non-stop listening to “read” the entire Bible.
I would recommend, when possible, read and listen at the same time. Be ready to stop the playback to make notes and reflect on what you just read and/or heard.
Earlier I mentioned the book of Daniel. As w read, we see that Daniel made a habit of praying three times a day.
Jewish men are obligated to perform public prayer three times a day; morning, afternoon, and evening. The Jewish prayer book has special services set down for this.
Now, depending on how established you are in God’s grace, you can interpret that as a religious routine, or you can see dedicated prayer time as an outward expression of an intimate relationship with the Lord.
Praying regularly enables a person to get better at building their relationship with God
Although Christian have no formulas or shortcuts to walking in the Divine Presence, here are some steps to follow that you may find helpful:
PRAY, STUDY, AND SERVE.
These are all active verbs and all require an investment of our time.
Many of us have been studying The Advent Conspiracy. It contained a quote by Mark Labberton that I feel bears repeating here.
4th Slide quote below
(“According to the narrative of Scripture, the very heart of how we show and distinguish true worship from false worship is apparent in how we respond to the poor, the oppressed, the neglected, and the forgotten.
As of now, I do not see this theme troubling the waters of worship in the American church.
But justice and mercy are not add-ons to worship,
nor are they the consequences of worship.
Jesus and mercy are intrinsic to God and therefore intrinsic to the worship of God.”)
What Would Jesus Do! Is a great way to live a life.
However, how do you know what Jesus would do if you haven’t even studied what he did do?
Are we keeping the lines of communication open with the Godhead through prayer and meditation?
What sacrifice do we bring to the king? Do we even understand what sacrifice means?
Do we give or do we only do what is convenient?
The dictionary says this: Sacrifice is a noun that means to give up something valuable to gain something more desirable or to prevent evil.
To put it another way, if it doesn’t hurt a little bit then, … though it was an offering … it wasn’t a sacrifice.
#3 Jesus’ sacrifice to God for us – he was faithful to God’s commands to the point that the religious people put him to death. His death defeated sin/satan’s hold on us
While it is true that salvation is a gift freely given …, it comes with a DUTY.
We are to be SERVANTS.
Servants to God our Father,
servants of our brothers and sisters in Christ,
servants of widows,
orphans, and
strangers,
the hungry,
the thirsty,
the naked,
the sick,
and imprisoned.
At the very least we owe a sacrificial gift of our TIME to our Lord.
Years ago, even when I preached every Sunday, I denied being a preacher. I thought of myself as a teacher.
One day the Spirit came to me, “What’s The difference between a teacher and a preacher?”
Immediately the thought came to me that a teacher wants you to learn something whereas a preacher wants you to become something.
I am after all a preacher. Because I want us to become something, to make a change in our lives,
I will leave you with this thought.
We must look into ourselves. Examine our daily routine.
#4 Time is the most precious commodity for most of us.
Do we tithe a tenth of our time to God, to study, meditate, pray, and
serve the family of God – including believers and non believers,
friends, family, strangers, and yes … enemies.
Will we take time to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, visit the sick or those in a physical, emotional, spiritual, or financial prison?
Here ends the learning.
The doing is up to us.
Remember, #5. Christianity Is Not A Passive Religion!
Scripture: John 5:1-11 (the Passion Translation)
From Galilee, Jesus returned to Jerusalem to observe one of the Jewish feasts.
Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, there is a pool called in Aramaic, The House of Loving Kindness, surrounded by five covered porches. Hundreds of sick people were lying under the covered porches—the paralyzed, the blind, and the crippled— all of them waiting for their healing. For an angel of God periodically descended into the pool to stir the waters, and the first one who stepped into the pool after the waters swirled would instantly be healed.
Among the many sick people lying there was a man who had been disabled for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, he knew that the man had been crippled for a long time. Jesus said to him, “Do you truly long to be well?” The sick man answered, “Sir, there’s no way I can get healed, for I have no one to lower me into the water when the angel comes. As soon as I try to crawl to the edge of the pool, someone else jumps in ahead of me.” Jesus said to him, “Stand up! Pick up your sleeping mat and you will walk!” Immediately he stood up—he was healed!
So he rolled up his mat and walked again! Now Jesus worked this miracle on the Sabbath. When the Jewish leaders saw the man walking along carrying his sleeping mat, they objected and said, “What are you doing carrying that? Don’t you know it’s the Sabbath? It’s not lawful for you to carry things on the Sabbath!” He answered them, “The man who healed me told me to pick it up and walk.”
Sermon: “Impossible” by Tom Williams
Let us pray: Lord, as by your Holy Spirit I was prompted to write this message, may that same Spirit intercede between the words I say and the words your people hear. Amen
I chose today’s scripture reading from The Passion Translation for two reasons. The first reason is because it gives the Aramaic meaning of the name for the pool most commonly called Bethesda. The second reason is because this is one of the versions that includes the verse “For an angel of God periodically descended into the pool to stir the waters, and the first one who stepped into the pool after the waters swirled would instantly be healed.” The New Revised Standard Version, for example, omits it. The reason it is left out of some versions is because many of the oldest manuscripts do not include it. Personally, I’m for its inclusion because … well because, without this part of the narrative, we are left wondering why … why are all of these people hanging around here. It isn’t a swimming pool. They are not sunbathers working on their tans. These are people seeking a miraculous cure for what holds them.
John began his narrative by saying, “Jesus returned to Jerusalem to observe one of the Jewish feasts.” The author didn’t find it important to say which feast day it was, only that it was the reason Jesus came to the city.
Feast days were celebrated in the temple and large groups of people came to Jerusalem for the observation.
Are there any fishermen here today? Where do you go to catch fish? The desert or the lake? Right, you go where the fish are!
Jesus knew that if you want to fish for people, you must go where people are. This feast day was a ready made place to share his message.
John mentioned that the pool is near the Sheep Gate. I find it interesting that though John felt it unimportant to mention what Jewish feast day it was, he specifically mentions the Sheep Gate’s proximity to the pool.
One might assume that John’s Jewish readers would know the location of the Pool of Bethesda without referencing the gate.
Which makes me wonder, why did he choose to draw their attention to the Sheep Gate? Perhaps it was to remind people that the temple’s sacrificial sheep came in through this gate. It’s likely that Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice, entered through this gate on this journey into Jerusalem. I don’t know, but it could be, amen?
Jesus came to the pool and observed hundreds of people gathered around the pool. Each of them coming for release from the illness, injury, or deformity that bound them.
Imagine for a moment, Jesus threading his way through this crowd of ailing people who came hoping for a miraculous healing.
Within this multitude is the one person that Jesus was seeking. The person who had given up hope. Jesus came seeking the lost. Our scripture passage tells us, “There was a man who had been disabled for thirty-eight years.”
There are things that we do not know about this man. How many of his thirty-eight years had been spent at this pool? How did he get to the pool? Certainly, at one point, someone had helped him. Why were they no longer helping?
Is want to ask him, “After 38 years, why are you still here? It’s obviously not working for you.
Are you just stuck here because you don’t know what else to do?
Has staying put … become more comfortable than going elsewhere?
But here came Jesus, straight to this man like he had an appointment.
Can’t you just see the gentle look of concern on Jesus face when he asked THE question? “Do you truly long to be well?”
Of course he wanted to be healed, Right? It seems, at first, to be an absurd question, doesn’t it? Almost like a cruel taunting of a crippled man. amen? I certainly wouldn’t go to a person in a wheelchair and ask, “Would you like to walk?
But we know that Jesus was never cruel. At the same time, he had a way of cutting to the heart of the matter with his questions.
Listen closely to the question “Do YOU truly long to be well?” Out of this vast crowd Jesus asked “Do YOU?” As if to say, “I know that THEY want to be healed – but do you?”
“Do you TRULY long to be well?” Do you want to be well? Or have you become so adjusted to your ailment that you have accepted it as your new reality. Do you think, “It is what it is?”
The sick man answered, “Sir, there’s no way I can get healed”.Ah, there it is. “there’s NO WAY I can get healed.” Hopelessness! He had given up. No faith in himself or his friends. No faith in the magical mystical pool. No faith in God.
Jesus asked if he wanted to be healed and instead of truthfully answering, he gave excuses.
Excuse number one. No help. “I have no one to lower me into the water “ Excuse number two. The uncertainty of when a healing might come. “when the angel comes.” Excuse number three. His own weakness. “As soon as I try to crawl to the edge of the pool” Excuse number four. Blame it on everyone else. “someone else jumps in ahead of me.”
What a pathetic individual, amen?
But wait a minute. How do you answer Jesus when he asks you, “Do you TRULY want to be released from the burden you carry? “
Are you hopeless? Have you become so accustomed to carrying your burden that you have resigned yourself to the fact that it is yours and yours alone to shoulder that burden?
In the hymn There Is Power In The Blood
Lewis Edgar Jones, the hymn writer, questioned four things. Would you be free from your burden of sin? Would you be free from your passion and pride? Would you be whiter, much whiter than snow? Would you do service for Jesus your King?
The hymn writer didn’t leave you with questions only. He gave the answer There is power power wonder working power in the blood of the lamb.
But back to our story. Jesus asked, if the man truly wanted healing.
The lame man never gave a direct answer but only excuses as why he wasn’t already healed.
Jesus, heard the pain behind the excuse and knew that the man needed healing. Jesus gave the lame man a series of commandd, Jesus said to him, “Stand up! Pick up your sleeping mat and walk!”
Those are impossible things for a lame man to do, Amen?
At the risk of sounding like Forrest Gump, “My mama always said things are only impossible until they aren’t.”
Who is this Jesus to commands this man to do the impossible? John 1:1, 3 testifies this about Jesus, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being.”
In Matthew 28:18 Jesus proclaimed, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
Okay, so far we’ve been focused on a lame man way back a long time ago. But now we’re looking inward at ourselves.
To quote The Music Man, “You got trouble, folks. Right here in River City, trouble with a capital “T”
I don’t know what your trouble with a capital “T” may be. We all face the impossible in spiritual, physical, emotional, financial, relational, and many other “al”s.
What, in your life, is impossible? Seriously, take a moment to think about that Big Bad Thing in your life. Go on … I’ll wait. Don’t say it out loud. This is a between-you-and-God thing.
…
Got it in mind?
Good. Now, how will you answer Jesus when he asks you, “Do … you … truly … long to be free … from your burden?”
Will you make excuses for the mess you’re in? Excuse number one. No help. Excuse number two. The uncertainty timing. Inconvenient timing. Excuse number three. Your own inability to solve the situation?. Excuse number four. Blame it on everyone else. Excesses 5 through infinity. We are so good at excuses. Excuses are so much easier than believer that the impossible can happen for us, Right?
Have you lost hope and accepted that it is what it is?
Or will you Give it to God who has always done the impossible from the very beginning?
Be careful with how you answer Jesus. If you truly want to be free … he’s going to command you to do the impossible.
He commanded the lame, “Stand up! Pick up your sleeping mat and you will walk!” Impossible!
Jesus commanded Peter to get out of the boat and walk to him on the water. Impossible!
He commanded Lazarus to rise from the dead. Impossible!
What impossible thing will Jesus command to to do? “Do … you … truly … long to be free?” Are you willing to obey the command to do the impossible?
There are some of his commands that are universally given to everyone. “Follow!” Be willing to give up everything and everyone to follow him wherever he leads you.
These are Jesus’s words in Luke 14:33 “So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple”
And Matthew 16:24 “Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Those are universal commands. For us all to make Jesus the most important person in your life. No person No possession No place No plan Nothing is to take the place of God in our lives.
In addition you, me, and every believer will have their own personal impossible duty to perform for the Master. For the lame man three commands in a row, “Stand up! Pick up your sleeping mat and you will walk!”
Well, I don’t know what your impossible duty will be, but I know how to be prepared. John Wesley had a prayer that is now known as the Covenant Prayer. “I am no longer my own, but thine. Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt. Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee, exalted for thee or brought low for thee. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal. And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.”
The first time I heard that prayer I was amazed because, though far more eloquently stated, it echoed a simple prayer I had been praying on my own. “Lord, push me, pull me, place me where you want me. I give you permission to override my freewill. Not my will but your’s, Lord. Amen.
Okay, so we truthfully answer Jesus and we do what he commands and, like a Disney movie, everyone lives happily ever after, right? Right?
Well we have the perfect example right here in this section of scripture. He, the lame man “rolled up his mat and walked again! Now Jesus worked this miracle on the Sabbath. When the Jewish leaders saw the man walking along carrying his sleeping mat, they objected and said, “What are you doing carrying that? Don’t you know it’s the Sabbath? It’s not lawful for you to carry things on the Sabbath!”
This poor guy had only been made whole for a moment or two and was already in trouble by the religious leaders. And I imagine that there were other difficulties he would face. He now needed a place to stay and a job to provide for himself.
“What are you doing carrying that? Don’t you know it’s the Sabbath? It’s not lawful for you to carry things on the Sabbath!” This formerly lame man had the perfect answer for his accusers, “The man who healed me told me to pick it up and walk.”
That has to be the answer to our detractors also. Oh yes, as we travel our journey following Jesus, there will be barriers and stumbling blocks to overcome. But our answer must always be, The man who saved me told me to.”
Know this from 1 John 4:4 “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. “
The is a song by Jamie Kimmett titled, BURDENS. I’ll not sing it but read it as poetry.
When you’re all alone When there’s trouble stirring in your soul And if your world is falling apart Just hold on for the morning break to dawn
Come and lay your burdens down To the place where freedom is found At the feet, at the feet of Jesus Come and lay your burdens down
When the deepest sorrow weighs on your heart When you’ve prayed for answers but the answers never come For every tear that you cry There’s a promise He will make your burdens light
Come and lay your burdens down To the place where freedom is found At the feet, at the feet of Jesus Come and lay your burdens down
Lay them down Lay them down
When we see Him face to face All our worries will surely fade away In the presence of His glorious light We’ll sing hallelujah to the one who gave us life
Come and lay your burdens down To the place where freedom is found At the feet, at the feet of Jesus Come and lay your burdens down
Come and lay your burdens down To the place where freedom is found At the feet, at the feet of Jesus Come and lay your burdens down Come and lay your burdens down.
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