The Biblical Christmas Story

The four gospels that open the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) all contain a reference to Jesus' Birth, which is the Christmas story.  Each of the accounts are different as each were written for different audiences, from different perspectives.  However, the primary aim is the same.  All four gospel writers are conveying the truth that Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, was uniquely born.  Jesus took on human flesh and identified with His creation so that ultimately He could redeem the lostness and brokenness of mankind.

John captures with great depth the story of Jesus' incarnation when he boldly states, "And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)  In the Old Testament days God would display His glorious presence among the nation of Israel in the most holy place, first in the tabernacle and later in the temple.  This symbolic, shining light was the closest the people, through the ministry of the high priest, would ever really come to God Himself.

All of that changed in Bethlehem.  The glory of God, in the person of Jesus, came down to dwell among us.  That baby in the manger changed everything!

This is the story of Christmas. For those who have come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior, it is up to us to "Go Tell it on the Mountain...that Jesus Christ is born!"

Enjoy Grace

"...God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6)

I recently took a close look at this verse.  I was challenged to consider the things that I do out of pride, and there are many.  The obvious implication is that when I walk in sinful pride I am walking in opposition to my heavenly Father.  If you take just a moment to process that truth it may shake you to the core.  An honest look at your heart may reveal that there are areas of pride in your life too.  It is helpful to recognize these sorts of subtle sins, share them with a trusted friend, confess them to God and repent from them.  But wait, it gets better.  Read the second phrase.  When we live humbly before God and others we enjoy the grace of God!  That is the favor of Almighty God.  This is something that is so powerful and something that I desperately need and desire.

Let me encourage you to list a few ways you display pride.  Then, list the ways you have experienced God giving you grace when you exhibit humility.  Thank Him for the kindness and mercy that is yours in Christ.  Give Him praise.  Enjoy Grace.

The Gospel Alliterated

Many preachers alliterate the main points of their sermon.  It is the sort of thing that is catchy and often easy to remember.  This method is not actually taught in a seminary preaching class, at least not in mine.  Alliterating sermon points may stem from our desire to appear clever or engaging.  Which can be helpful to hold the attention of our audience.  But this could also lead to an egotistical clown in the pulpit.  We need to guard against relying on our own abilities or drawing attention to ourselves and away from Christ and the gospel.

Here are a few key aspects of the gospel that contain a bit of an alliterated flow.  I understand this is not an exhaustive explanation of the good news.  But it seems to cover at least three vital points.  The alliteration provides a helpful tool when trying to recall these areas.

God is Righteous.  Man is Ruined and needs Repentance.  Jesus Christ is the only suitable Redeemer.

The simple truth is this: I'm not clever enough to actually formulate these thoughts on my own.  Just like I am unable, as a broken and filthy sinner, to come to God on my own.  I am so thankful and amazed at the mercy and grace of God!

Show Me the Money

I'm always on the look out for a good gospel tract.  There are lots of tracts, but few good ones.  I'm not saying that many do not contain the gospel, most do.  However, many are too long, poorly designed or just plain cheesy.

The other day while reading a book that had belonged to my father I discovered a small tract that was being used as a book mark.  On one side it looked like a twenty dollar bill, only about 1/3 the size.  On the back was this message:

"WHAT MONEY CAN BUY
Money will buy: A bed but not sleep. Books but not brains. Food but not appetite. Finery but not beauty. A house but not a home. Medicine but not health. Luxuries but not culture. Amusement but not happiness. A crucifix but not a Saviour. A church pew but not heaven.  What money can't buy, Jesus Christ can give freely without charge. Is He your Lord and Saviour? If not, you can get a new lease on life right now. Confess to God that you have sinned and that you want to turn from you sins to receive Jesus as Lord of your life Through that step of believing faith you can start life afresh with your sins forgiven and a new life in Christ."

I remember that my Dad had a stack of these tracts.  He gave me a few and I gave them all away.  Its not a perfect tract but it has some appeal.  The money image is eye-catching and the theme strikes at the heart of many who worship the "almighty dollar."  I checked online and apparently the publisher of this tract is out of business.  Not shocking, the copyright date on the one I have is 1997. Ancient by today's standards.

Mathias Media has produced lots of good evangelism and discipleship materials.  Two Ways to Live is a gospel presentation that can be viewed via the web or distributed in tract form.  The North American Mission Board of the SBC has some helpful tips about using tracts in personal evangelism as well as a link to purchase tracts.

If you find a helpful gospel tract make sure you get extra copies.  But don't use them as book marks, share them with someone who needs to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.

It Takes Courage To Be A Father

Last night my wife and I attended a screening of Courageous, the newest film from Sherwood Pictures. This is the same company that made Fireproof and Facing the Giants.

Wow!  This film blew me away.  I'm no movie critic, but I know a good story when I seen one.  Courageous has a timely and powerful message that every parent needs to hear.  It hits theaters nationwide on September 30.

As a father, I was really challenged by this movie to be more faithful and intentional with my family.  When you realize what's at stake and the dangers that face parents and kids alike, it becomes clear that it takes courage to be a father.

"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4
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The Gospel is the Word of Life

"To all those who love Christ and his gospel," John Calvin writes:

"Without the gospel everything is useless and vain; without the gospel we are not Christians; without the gospel all riches is poverty, all wisdom folly before God; strength is weakness and all the justice of man is under the condemnation of God.  

But by the knowledge of the gospel we are made children of God, brothers of Jesus Christ, fellow townsmen with the saints, citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, heirs of God with Jesus Christ. By whom the poor are made rich, the weak strong, the fools wise, the sinners justified, the desolate comforted, the doubting sure and slaves free.  The gospel is the Word of life."

From John Calvin's preface to Pierre-Robert Olivetan's 1535 translation of the Bible

Encouragement for Dads

Parenting is a tremendous blessing but it is not for the faint of heart. I know this first hand. My children have given me a multitude of joys and smiles over the last 2 decades. But there have been tough times as well. As a father of three daughters, I have been frustrated, brokenhearted, angry and disappointed. Often this is not the fault of my girls, but rather my own inability to live up to what I sense a Christian Dad ought to be and do.

Obviously, Children don't come with an owner's manual. So most of us learn as we go or we parent in a manner similar to how we were raised. Many parents would love to have instruction or encouragement but they don't know where to find it. The church is the logical place to seek this sort of support. Especially needful is instruction for parents in the area of discipleship and spiritual training. This is key for followers of Christ who are young parents. But sadly this doesn't always happen. Honestly many of us don't want to admit our parenting struggles and some parents have blind spots and fail to realize how desperately they need assistance.

A new ministry has been launched by Ryan Steenburg to lend support and encouragement to Christian parents, especially for fathers. Daddy Discipleship is aimed at training and equipping parents to "take an active participatory role in the discipleship process of their children that is marked by a lifestyle of instruction in the fear and knowledge of the Lord." I know Ryan's heart for the Word of God and for the family. You will be challenged and blessed if you get to know this ministry.

You should visit the Daddy Discipleship web page regularly, read the blog and also to "like" them on Facebook. You just might find the encouragement you have been looking for.