Month: December 2011

Jesus was born, lived, died, lives again and will return. Merry Christmas.

Below is a translation of  poem that is said to be carved in the door of a church in Germany.  I don’t know if it really is there or not, but that fact doesn’t change the impact of the poetry.  Consider your stand in Christ.  At the risk of appearing to engage in one verse theology I offer the following scripture.

Keep examining yourselves to see whether you are continuing in the faith. Test yourselves! You know, don’t you, that Jesus the Messiah lives in you? Could it be that you are failing the test? (2 Corinthians 13:5)

Just as the Old Testament can be divided into the categories of the Law, history, the Prophets and Poetry; the New Testament can be divided into the Gospels, the Epistles and Revelation.  Some categorize Acts as historical which is fine.  Most of the letters (13 or 14 if you count Hebrews) were written by Paul – seven of them to churches that existed at the time.  However, what is often overlooked is that Jesus also wrote seven letters and they are in the New Testament.

What if I told you there is a story unfolding right now but it isn’t science fiction?
That’s right. There has been a story unfolding since the beginning of time that when you realize its implications, it sounds like the wildest science fiction story ever told but every word of it is true.

I want to ask you to do something today.  Wether you have given yourself to Christ or not, consider the reason for that decision.  If you have given yourself, that is great news.

If you haven’t, think about why that is.  Is it because of fear of what others might think of you?  I would suggest you rethink that as you are the one ultimately responsibile for the keeping of your own soul.  Your eternal postion hinges on this decision and you have only this lifetime to make it.

Perhaps you are like me and waiting for more “proof” of the reality of the Bible.  I have to tell you from experience that you are in for a long hard road.  Do not let me disuade you, however, but get out there and do the homework.  Again, you may not have as much time as you imagine you have to make this most important decision in your life.

If you have decided adamantly to refuse Christ, have a reason for it.  I don’t agree with your results.  I’d suggest you reconsider but in the end, have a reason for your decision.  Christians are often scoffed at for being blind followers.  That standard works toward the non-beleiver as well.  Don’t be a blind non-believer.

Again, though, it is my wish that each and every one of you will evaluate your position in Christ and have a reason for it.

… Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you to explain the hope you have. (1Pe 3:15)

The above quote is from the first letter from Peter to the exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, and to everyone else chosen according to the foreknowledge of God.  This is all future Christians. I put it there because it is a tradition among some Christians to share their salvation testimony.  It is a helpful tool for others who may be considering the truth of Christ.  Sharing these testimonies helps us to see the wide variety of ways people come to the truth and show us that we are not alone in our conversion from the path that leads to death.  Some salvation experiences seem quite extraordinary filled with emotion.  Some are less fantastic but no less extraordinary than anyone else since anyone who comes to the Christ does so through a miracle.  (John 6:44) Not a one of us would seek God if left to our own devices. (Romans 3:10, Ecclesiastes 7:20)

So it is my hope that by telling my story; it will help someone to give up their final doubts or perhaps lend encouragement to someone who is already a Christian but may be feeling faint in their faith.

My prayers go out to Reverend Billy Graham and his family.  Should the Lord have more for him to do, may he recover to good health.  Should He be calling Mr. Graham home, may he comfort his family.