Christmas is all about Christ. We share gifts in remembrance of God's greatest gift to us. Jesus the Christ. This was God's plan of forgiveness for us.
How good do you have to be to get into Heaven? Better than the next guy? Good enough to you? This makes everyone a god. Judging others and judging themselves. However God is the judge. By what measure does HE judge? It is not by how often you have been in church or how much you give or don't give for that matter. You are judged on the basis on of your relationship and acceptance of Jesus Christ. Christ must be your savior.
Christianity is the only religion that has Jesus, who died in our place, for our sins. By myself, I can never be "good enough". I will still make mistakes and still have things that I can never erase from my life. But, I do have Jesus. God forgives me not by my work, but by the work of Jesus. When God asks who should pay for my errors in life, Jesus answers that HE has already paid for me. My forgiveness, from my savior.
I don't have to rely on myself to "earn" forgiveness. I rest in assurance that Jesus has earned it for me. Jesus was real. No doubt that all of history records Him and His acts. History records His words. Not just in the bible, but in many books written by historians from that time and time forward. Even now, Jesus is real. He moves today through the hearts of many, and the miracles that many have recounted. He is real in my heart, giving strength, assurance and forgiveness.
Especially at this time of the season, do not miss out on the greatest gift of all, free to you. The gift of Christ, given to you, freely from God.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Monday, October 27, 2014
To Halloween or not to Halloween...........................That is the question.
Many Christians take a pretty hard stance against Halloween.
Does its origin date to pagan customs, or to Christian customs of sharing food and children going door to door to exchange food for prayers? Did it take a poor turn during the Reformation? Is it 'worshiping' the dead or spirits, or prayers and remembrance of 'All Saints'? Is it similar to Christmas and Santa..........or is that a whole different debate all its own that we should share later?
Or is it just fun dressing up in costumes and getting candy? Basically folks, it's just fun dressing up in costumes and getting candy.
Many of us grew up watching "I Dream of Jennie" and "Bewitched". I would have loved to make something appear out of nothing. Hey, we watched "Bugs Bunny" smash "Daffy's" head and he'd return in the next cartoon unscathed. How about the poor"Coyote"? Superheros, magic, "Harry Potter". All fun. Kids know it's not real. We knew it wasn't real. It's not about exposing kids to these kinds of shows, or to Halloween, it's about exposing them to Christ.
You can't make evolution disappear. But you can find God in science, if you know God. Folks, this is about exposing kids to God. Being grounded in your faith and sharing that within your family. If you are not 'worshiping demons' then Halloween is about dressing up and eating candy. If you are Christian, you can still enjoy Christmas, the tree, and even Santa. But you know it's about Christ.
The Bible teaches moderation (not abstinence- see Timothy), Kindness, Sharing, Faith AND not judging others. Don't turn people off to Christ, with your 'religious' beliefs.
So, lighten up. If you don't want to participate in Halloween, then don't. But my participation does not make me some how less of a Christian. I can be a Christian, even wearing a Spiderman costume for a few hours. Spiderman is pretty cool. God is great. Love, laugh, share and be kind to others, even your enemies (or those you disagree with).
Halloween, go for it, just in moderation.
Does its origin date to pagan customs, or to Christian customs of sharing food and children going door to door to exchange food for prayers? Did it take a poor turn during the Reformation? Is it 'worshiping' the dead or spirits, or prayers and remembrance of 'All Saints'? Is it similar to Christmas and Santa..........or is that a whole different debate all its own that we should share later?
Or is it just fun dressing up in costumes and getting candy? Basically folks, it's just fun dressing up in costumes and getting candy.
Many of us grew up watching "I Dream of Jennie" and "Bewitched". I would have loved to make something appear out of nothing. Hey, we watched "Bugs Bunny" smash "Daffy's" head and he'd return in the next cartoon unscathed. How about the poor"Coyote"? Superheros, magic, "Harry Potter". All fun. Kids know it's not real. We knew it wasn't real. It's not about exposing kids to these kinds of shows, or to Halloween, it's about exposing them to Christ.
You can't make evolution disappear. But you can find God in science, if you know God. Folks, this is about exposing kids to God. Being grounded in your faith and sharing that within your family. If you are not 'worshiping demons' then Halloween is about dressing up and eating candy. If you are Christian, you can still enjoy Christmas, the tree, and even Santa. But you know it's about Christ.
The Bible teaches moderation (not abstinence- see Timothy), Kindness, Sharing, Faith AND not judging others. Don't turn people off to Christ, with your 'religious' beliefs.
So, lighten up. If you don't want to participate in Halloween, then don't. But my participation does not make me some how less of a Christian. I can be a Christian, even wearing a Spiderman costume for a few hours. Spiderman is pretty cool. God is great. Love, laugh, share and be kind to others, even your enemies (or those you disagree with).
Halloween, go for it, just in moderation.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Hey, chill out!
To rebuke means to simply express disapproval. In Biblical terms there is a meaning of 'to silence' that comes with the authority of the individual doing the rebuking. Our authority comes from Christ.
Often our picture of rebuking is the pastor with great animation, sweating and loudly rebuking and praying. However, the intensity is really not necessary.
The Bible tells us not to fear, not to dismay, as in Isaiah. Jesus further tells us to calm down and have no fear, no worries. Jesus is telling us to 'chill out'. Some advice that we all can use, including me from time to time.
Our advice from Christ, is to relax. When tempted by Satan, Jesus simply, and calmly, tells Satan to get away from me (Matt 4). We are to stand firm in our faith (in Christ). We don't need to shout at the Devil, but simply resist and the Devil will flee us. Satan is the one that runs away. We are advised to put on the full armor of God and then.................stand. No fight, no struggle, just stand...in faith.
So the next time worry, or trouble, or temptation attacks you....just stand. Be calm. Tell it to go away. Know that Christ is with you always. And, let His peace be your peace. Smile, don't worry and 'chill out'....in Christ. Have a blessed day!
To rebuke means to simply express disapproval. In Biblical terms there is a meaning of 'to silence' that comes with the authority of the individual doing the rebuking. Our authority comes from Christ.
Often our picture of rebuking is the pastor with great animation, sweating and loudly rebuking and praying. However, the intensity is really not necessary.
The Bible tells us not to fear, not to dismay, as in Isaiah. Jesus further tells us to calm down and have no fear, no worries. Jesus is telling us to 'chill out'. Some advice that we all can use, including me from time to time.
Our advice from Christ, is to relax. When tempted by Satan, Jesus simply, and calmly, tells Satan to get away from me (Matt 4). We are to stand firm in our faith (in Christ). We don't need to shout at the Devil, but simply resist and the Devil will flee us. Satan is the one that runs away. We are advised to put on the full armor of God and then.................stand. No fight, no struggle, just stand...in faith.
So the next time worry, or trouble, or temptation attacks you....just stand. Be calm. Tell it to go away. Know that Christ is with you always. And, let His peace be your peace. Smile, don't worry and 'chill out'....in Christ. Have a blessed day!
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