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*TEN REASONS WHY EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD SPEAK IN TONGUES PART 2
6. Speaking in tongues is a means of keeping free from worldly contamination. I Cor. 14:28 “But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself and God.” We can speak in tongues to ourselves anywhere.
7. Praying in tongues enables us to pray for the unknown. The Holy Spirit can pray through us for things about which our natural minds know nothing.
8. Praying in tongues gives spiritual refreshing. Isaiah 28:11-12,”For with stammering lips and anothr tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing; yet they would not hear.”
9.Use tongues to give thanks. I Cor. 14:15,17, “What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also. I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also…For thus verily givest thanks well…
10. Speaking in tongues brings the tongue under subjection. James 3:8. “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” In tongues we yield this member to the Holy Spirit.
*by Kenneth E. Hagin, WHY TONGUES
“Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?” Gal. 4:16
What makes an enemy? How do you define the meaning of enemy? There is a very liberal definition on the term “enemy”. Many times an enemy is defined as someone who disagrees with us and our way of thinking. There is a big difference between disagreement and being an enemy.
Paul felt resistance and anger from the Galatians during his attempt to impart the truth to them. Their way of learning was not correct. They were receiving incorrect information around which they were building doctrine and life. Even though Paul was only concerned with trying to help these people, they reacted in a negative way. Paul continued to impart correction to them because he knew it was essential for them to know how to truly understand the message of the Gospel.
The truth about our enemy is that an enemy is only interested in doing us harm. A true enemy has no thought of helping you. A true enemy is only interested in destroying you by any means possible. Not everyone who disagrees with you is your enemy. The real concern is motivation. What motivates me to preach things that may “get on your toes?”
Years ago a member of New Life said to me, “we can hear anything you have to say as long as we know you love us.” This may not always be the case. Love prompts correction. A loving father corrects his son. God wants to correct us but He is not our enemy.
The enemy who comes only to “steal, kill, and destroy” has no idea of helping you with anything. Yet, many people prefer “pampering” rather than being told the truth. We must realize who our real enemy is and not “give him place”. Learn to recognize who your enemy really is.
*TEN REASONS WHY EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD SPEAK IN TONGUES PART 1
1. Tongues is the initial sign of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts. 2:4 “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
2. Tongues is for spiritual edification. I Cor. 14:2,4 “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God; for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries…He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself.
3. Tongues remind us of the Spirit’s indwelling presence. John 14:16-17 “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, becasue it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you.”
4. Praying in tongues is praying in line with God’s perfect will. Romans 8:26-27 “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”
5. Praying in tongues stimulates faith. Jude 20 “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.
” Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?” Gal. 4:16
There is something about the truth that brings a reaction out of everyone. Someone said, “The truth will make you free, but first it will make you miserable.” Jesus said in John’s Gospel, “If you continue in my word, you are my disciples indeed and you shall know the truth and the truth will make you free.”
It is rather contradictory that there are two major reactions to discovered truth. One is to make it known to all, and the other is to try and hide it or deny it. Our reaction to truth depends on how its revelation affects us. Will the truth make us look better or worse? When I am talking about truth, I am not talking about things that are true and do not change. These are things like fire is hot. Night is dark. Gravity always works. I am talking about ethical and moral truth. Truth like honesty, sincereity, reliability, and such. Biblical truth is usually happily received or angerly refused. The reaction is caused by what we believe the truth reveals about us. Reactions to truth range from conviction to condemnation. Conviction is a force that draws us to accept the truth and become better for it. Condemnation is a force that drives us from the truth in shame and makes us want to hide. No revelation of truth by the Holy Spirit is meant to harm us or make us ashamed. ”Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” Rom. 10:1
Subject: Does God exist? Here’s your answer!
This is one of the best explanations on the nature of God that I have ever seen… A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation.. They talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: ‘I don’t believe that God exists.’ ‘Why do you say that?’ asked the customer..
‘Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn’t exist. Tell me, if God exists:
** Would there be so many sick people?
** Would there be abandoned children?
If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can’t imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things.’
The customer thought for a moment, but didn’t respond because he didn’t want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.
Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard.
He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber:
‘You know what? Barbers do not exist.’
‘How can you say that?’ asked the surprised barber. ‘I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!’ ‘No!’ the customer exclaimed. ‘Barbers don’t exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside.’
‘Ah, but barbers DO exist! That’s what happens when people do not come to me..’
‘Exactly!’ affirmed the customer. ‘That’s the point! God, too, DOES exist!
That’s what happens when people do not go to Him and don’t look to Him for help.
That’s why there’s so much pain and suffering in the world.’
“Catch the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines. For our vines have tender grapes.” Song of Solomon 2:15
We have often heard the expression about little foxes and spoiled vines. How well do we understand its meaning? “What” are the little foxes that we should watch out for? We could list a lot of “small things” that can spoil our lives and ruin good relationships with God and our fellow man. We will consider some of them such as unbelief, resistance, and hardness of heart. Oh, these are not circumstances and situations are they? These are not small “problems” that plague our daily life. They are internal. They are attitudes we must deal with every day. They are “inside operators” that have infiltrated the “vineyard,” spoiled the vines, and destroyed the tender grapes.
Nothing going on around you is as important as what is going on inside you. It is the quality of the “internal” that determines the success and condition of the external. We must keep our vineyard walls solid and secure to protect the growth of the “fruit” within. It is not what happens around you that will destroy you. It is not what happens to you that will destroy you. The real destruction comes from what happens within you.
I will pose one more question for you to consider for awhile. ” WHO are the foxes that spoil the vines?”
THE TWILIGHT YEARS
If you are age 65 and over, don’t miss the meeting Tuesday, Feb. 14, of the Twilight Years. The meeting begins at 6:00 at the church. For more information, call Martha Blankenship at 270 585-3825.
The Complete Trustworthiness of the Bible*
*Taken from KINGDOM DYNAMICS from New King James Version.
Psalm 19:7-8 “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The Word of God is perfect–absolute, complete and entirely trustworthy are the Holy Scpritures. The Word of God is perfect in its accuracy and sure in its dependability.
It is inerrant. From the origianl manuscripts there was never any mistakes and it was protected by the Holy Spirit over the centuries. The Bible is the most completely reliable of any book from antiquity. It remains unchanged and accurate.
It is infallible. The Bible is absolutely a trustworthy guide for our faith and practice. God is true (John 3:33). The Word reveals truth (John 17:17). God cannot lie (Numbers 23:10, Titus 1:2, Heb. 6:18).
As a believer, I choose to trust the Word of God over the words of man and over the emotions about issues. I am not saved because I feel like it. I am saved because of Rom. 10:9. “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” I am not healed because I feel like it. I am healed because of I Pet. 2:24. “who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness–by whose stripes you were healed.” I make right decisions not based on my “feelings” but because of James 1:5. “If any man lacks wisdom let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
I have found over the years that the more I turn to God and His Word for decisions in my life, the more I am aware of His contant presence. Doing what is right, because it is right according to the Word of God, will bring me more peace and victory in my life.
Ps 119:89 “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations.”
Ps. 119:165 “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.”
Small groups are coming. I told you last year we would be launching small group meetings. We are testing the waters with special times of fellowship, food, and fun along with spiritual growth. Even if you have seen the movie “Courageous,” it will bless you again to see it with church family and friends. I encourage you to get involved now and establish a pattern. Involvement fosters a sense of belonging. Be a part of what’s happening at New LIfe.
JOIN A GROUP FOR THE SHOWING OF THE MOVIE “COURAGEOUS”.
Three nights at three different locations. The meeting schedule is as follows:***
6:00 CST each night.
FEBRUARY 19 Jimmy and Gayle Dowell
FEBRUARY 26 Bob and Rita Reynolds
MARCH 4 Tim and Jodie Cooper (pending)
The size of each group is limited to approximately 12. Sign up early. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to fellowship and be blessed. ****Sign up sheets are on the table in back of the church.
***We will schedule another movie night on March 11 if needed.
DON’T LIMIT GOD
It is so easy to get in a routine and “comfort” zone in our spiritual walk. God wants us to “step out on the water” as Peter did and go beyond our human limitations. If you want to see miracles, signs and wonders, begin to reach for them with your faith.
The following poem was sent to me and encouraged me. Let this poem encourage you in your walk today.
BEYOND OUR LIMITATIONS
Lord we need to move beyond
This place that we are in
To touch your very heart, O God
To have your love within
We need to move beyond the limits
We’ve placed upon our lives
To move into more of you
Revealed through Jesus Christ
Help us to keep pressing on
As, by faith, we take more steps
To really conquer our inner selves
To know you with more depth
To be focused more on you
No matter how hard it gets for us
We need to press on through
Though Satan rises with hell’s fury
With vengeance to devour
We pray, O God, you’ll arise in us
And fight with holy power
For greater are you within us
Than the enemy of our souls
For you have power and might, O God
And your Spirit is in control!
We know the victory shall be ours
Though for now the heat is on
Help us Lord to not give up
For by this you make us strong
You will sustain us in your love
Through what we’re going through
And deliver us the other side
Victorious in you! By M.S. Lowndes
“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 20-21(NKJV)
One of the major areas of study is that of faith. There is a wide spectrum of belief and opinion about the proper balance of faith with other “Biblical doctrines”, some of which may be erroneous in themselves.
I am attempting to shine the light of truth on a subject the scripture says you must have in order to please God. The trick is to have faith without it being a substitute for God.
In the verse above, the word “looking” is of extreme importance. When it comes to life, what are you looking at? If we are not watchful, we can spend more time looking at circrmstances and problems than we spend looking at Jesus. I am not calling into question the things we have learned about faith and confession. Rather, I am reminding each of us that it is Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith. Make Him the focus of your attention even when dealing with your problems.
WHY WE GIVE TO THE CHURCH
James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (NIV)
Everything we own, everything we have comes from God. So when we give, we simply offer him a very small portion of all the abundance he has already given to us. Giving is an expression of our thankfulness and praise to God! It comes from a heart of worship. For everything we give already belongs to him! God instructed Old Testament believers to give a tithe, or a tenth, because this 10% represented the first, or most important portion of all that they had.
Believers should give according to their income.
1 Corinthians 16:2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. (NIV)
We are blessed when we give.
Acts 20:35… remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ (NIV)
God wants us to give because he knows how blessed we will be as we give generously to him and to others. Giving is a kingdom principle—it brings more blessing to the giver than to the recipient. When we give freely to God, we receive freely from God.
Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (NIV)
Proverbs 11:24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. (NIV)
The value of our offering is not determined by how much we give, but how we give.
—Mark 12:41-44 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything she had to live on.” (NIV) from notes by Mary Fairchild
“The mercy seat was a slab of pure gold as wide and as long as the ark, and was laid on top of the ark, fitting down inside the crown as a sort of lid. On the ends of it, and of one piece of gold with it, were fashioned two angelic winged figures, called cherubim. These faced each other, looking down upon the mercy seat and stretching their wings out above and before them until the tips of the wings of the one touched the other’s, making a sort of covering or canopy over this symbolic throne of the invisible God. “There,” above the mercy seat, overshadowed by the wings of the cherubim, said the Lord, “I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.” (Exod. 25:22). There shone the Shekinah, the glory of the Lord, according to Jewish tradition. There is some ground for this tradition in the pillar of fire that led Israel through the wilderness journey and in the glory of the Lord that at different times filled or was seen on the tabernacle. There on the mercy seat, on the great day of atonement, the atoning blood was sprinkled in the very presence of God. For only there in the presence of this blood could the holy God consistently commune with sinful men. “Russell Byrum,1922
It is doubtless here we get the beautiful expression, “throne of grace.” (Heb. 4:16). It was a place of mercy. Located beneath the mercy seat was the Ark of the Covenant itself. This special container held reminders of God’s relationship with His people. Because of man’s inconsistancies and lack of diligence the contents of the ark were lost. Jesus came to restore and complete all that God had promised in His first covenant. Under Jesus the New Covenant is established on better grounds with better promises.
ONE OF THE SECRETS TO A LONG, BLESSED LIFE
Ephesians 6:2 “Honor your Father and Mother which is the first commandment with a promise that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
This is a scripture verse that we began teaching our children at home and at church when they were very young. A person can never honor God if they do not honor their parents. You may not agree with everything your parents have done, but by faith we need to find a way to honor the position they hold as our parents.
“Honour thy father and mother. This was a plain command of God in Exodus 20:12, written with his own hand, and delivered by Moses to them; it was of a moral nature, and of eternal obligation: and to be understood, not merely of that high esteem parents are to be held in by their children, and of the respectful language and gesture to be used towards them, and of the cheerful obedience to be yielded to them; but also of honouring them with their substance, feeding, clothing, and supplying them with the necessaries of life, when they stand in need thereof; which is but their reasonable service, for all the care, expense, and trouble they have been at, in bringing them up in the world: nor did the Jews deny this to be the duty of children to their parents, and own it to be the sense of the commandment: they say that this is the weightiest commandment among the weighty ones.” (Gills Exposition of the Entire Bible)
Many of us at New Life are now in the season of our lives that we must make the right decisions in the care of our parents. It is a great responsibility to do the right thing at the right time for their care and it is not always easy. Sometimes we must do things that our minds tell us it is the right decision but our hearts are hurting. Pray for those who want to do the right thing to honor and care for their parents. The rewards of honor are eternal. “That it may go well for you and that you may enjoy a long life on the earth.” I claim this promise today.
This past week has been a major milestone for many of the members and families of New Life. We have sustained severe attacks from the enemy of our souls. Not to give him credit but to share a hope that can only be understood as we contend for the faith.
Most of you are aware of the trial that LaVerne’s mother, Ocra, went through with the virus and broken ribs. She is now in rehab at Summit Manor after spending the week at Norton Audabon Hospital in Louisville.
After a visit with her on Monday, Miriam and I both came down with the stomach bug. We were pretty sick from Monday night until Thursday. I lost nearly ten pounds. But we prevailed by the blood of the lamb.
Just as I was recovering, my aunt called to tell me my mother’s youngest brother had died. He was one of my favorite uncles. He lives in New Mexico and all the arrangements are out there. I won’t get to take part in anything.
There are others at New Life that have been hit hard. The Adamson family has had a battle, too. Both Grant and Gracin have been in the hospital this week, but are getting better. Hope Cross’ mother is in serious condition in UK Hospital in Lexington. Keep her in your prayers.
The great thing about these kind of situations is that we are not in them alone. We have the Lord and one another. To put it in the words of Ephesians; “from whom the whole body, joined together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” Eph 4:16 I am glad I have God and brothers and sisters who care and will pray or help in any way. It must be terrible to feel all alone with no one to care. We love all of you.
Words for 2012 from AEGA Leaders
The year 2012 will be a pivotal time for the church. There will be an increased effort to silence its voice. In spite of this, the Kingdom of God will prevail and those who do not falter, will shine forth as the sun. The Son of Righteousness will arise with healing in His wings. Do not be afraid or dismayed. Through Christ, we are “more than conquerors.” Gerald Reliford-USA
I feel that we are being called to “Endure” … And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Matthew 24:12-13 KJVI believe that we are going to be tested on all sides. I believe that the Lord is calling us to become even more steadfast and immovable. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 NASB We must realize what is being required of us as His followers. We must realize how late it is. We need to be prepared. We need to also realize how important unity is in His body because a three stranded cord is not easily broken! We need to boldly proclaim His Word in these last days without compromise. Jack Ernest-USA
As I prayed, I was impressed that 2012 will be a most challenging year. But in the midst of the challenge, we will see God move mightily. I heard the Spirit say that it will not be “business as usual” this year. God desires to use us in ways that we are not familiar with. HE will bring us out of our comfort zones to a place where we must rely on the Spirit. We can no longer relax in our strength or our methods. It is also a year in which we must increase our time of praying in the Spirit. Doing so will keep us in tune with the Spirit, built up in the Spirit, and hearing clearly from God. As we pray more, we will hear more clearly and walk boldly in what we hear the Spirit say … and we will see HIM work wonderfully. Ray Foy
YOUR ATTITUDE IS SHOWING
I Corinthians 13:5–(Love)…”It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it (it pays no attention to a suffered wrong.)”
While teaching the children the Bible lesson on Wednesday night, we studied of the parable of yeast. Matthew 13:33 “He told them another parable; the kingdom of heaven is like leaven (yeast or sour dough) which a woman took and covered over in three measures of meal or flour till all of it was leavened.” Just as yeast spreads all through the dough and causes it to rise, our attitudes spread to other people. Whether our attitudes are good or bad, it will affect other people. The yeast was to make the dough rise or grow. A Christian attitude should help others to grow.
Yet in our families we do not take the time to demonstrate good attitudes. It is easier to be nice and mannerly to others than our own families. Our families should be getting better treatment than anyone else. Rudeness toward our spouse or being touchy and resentful should not be a part of a healthy marriage. Check your attitudes. Are you spreading goodness, love, and acceptance in your family? Or do you show yourself as arrogant, rude, and selfish? The next time you discipline your children for a bad attitude, ask yourself, “Where did this come from? Do I display this attitude?”
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THE TWILIGHT YEARS!!!
Everyone had so much fun at the first meeting in December. This month we are asking you to invite someone. Please bring snacks (sandwiches, finger foods, chips). It starts at 6:00. The meeting is Tuesday night, 6:00, at the church. If you have any questions, please contact Martha Blankenship at 270- 585-3825.
A DIFFERENT SHORT CHRISTMAS STORY
Ian came home from work late in the week before Christmas, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the front door. ” Daddy, may I ask you a question?” said Jack. (Continued)
“Yep, sure, what is it?” replied Ian rather brusquely.
“Daddy, how much to you earn in an hour?”
“That’s none of your business! Why do you ask such a thing?” Ian replied angrily.
“I just need to know. Please tell me. How much do you make an hour?” Jack pleaded.
“If you must know, Jack,I make $12:50 an hour,” answered his dad.
“Daddy, may I please borrow $10:00?”
Ian became furious. “If the only reason you asked is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy for Christmas or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think abut why your are being so selfish. I don’t work hard every day for such childish frivalities.” Jack quietly went to his room and shut the door.
Ian sat down and started thinking about Jack’s questions. After about an hour or so, Ian had calmed down and started to think. Maybe Jack really needed that $10.00. He really didn’t ask for money very often. The man went to the door of his son’s room and asked, “Are you asleep, son? I’ve been thinking maybe I was too hard on you earlier. Here’s the $10 you asked for.”
Jack sat up. “Oh, thank you, Daddy,” he cried. Then reaching under his pillow he pulled out some more money. The father started to get angry when he saw his son already had money. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father with tears in his eyes.
“Why did you want more money?” his daddy asked.
“Because I didn’t have enough, but now I do. Daddy, I have $12:50 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early on Christmas Eve so I can have dinner with you.” Ian was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and begged his forgiveness.
In the year 2012 are you going to adjust your priorities? My priorities will be: God, family, work. My personal relationship with God is first. I plan to pursue God with everything I have. Time with my family will be second. Time will slip by and I will not miss what is going on with my children and grandchildren. Then I will dedicate myself to do my work as unto the Lord with the best of my abilities.
Don’t let 2012 slip by. “Redeem the time for the days are evil.” Eph. 5:16
“Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new….” Rev. 21:5 There is much said in the Bible about “new”. We are a new creation. There will be new heavens and a new earth. His mercies are new every morning. What does new really mean? When we speak of a new car, do we think of it as a remade product? It is not just a “restored” product; it is brand new. We must understand ourselves as being totally different, even though we do not see ourselves that way. We have been given a gift that has transformed us into remarkable beings. We are capable of anything. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” We must learn to live in the light of our “new creation”. In our search for a 2012 slogan I have realized that there are not many words that rhyme with twelve. One of those words is “delve”. Delve means “to carry out a thorough and exhaustive search for information and truth.” Its basic meaning was “to dig with a spade.” A sample is, “Into God we will delve in 2012.” The only way to “delve” into God is to delve into His Word and immerse ourselves into His Spirit. Can we commit ourselves to this type endeavour and continue with diligence until the end? Let us try.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in the final outcome.” (Amp.)
As I think about Christmas 2011, I am also remembering the past and how fast time has gone by. It seems like yesterday that Jerry and I celebrated our first Christmas together as a married couple, but it was forty three years ago. We were living with his mom and dad while he finished his senior year at Campbellsville College (now University). We were so young (21 and 18) and felt like we were ready to make our place in the world. I don’t know if we made a place in the world, but we did grow together as God took us places we never dreamed we would go and blessed us with wonderful children.
Today we are celebrating Christmas 2011 and our family is grown from Jerry and I and two children. We have a wonderful daughter-in-law, Cindy Ernest Reliford, and son-in-law, Ricardo Hughes. With them we are blessed with 4 grandchildren, Kaylin (almost 18), MaKenzie, (almost 16), Mercedes (12), and Matthew, (9).
New LIfe for the Nations has played a big part in the spiritual growth of our family. What wonderful people God has blessed us with to pastor! You are a great church with a wonderful future. Merry Christmas to each of you.
Merry Christmas to all of you who are reading this message. It is only once in seven years that Christmas Day falls on Sunday, and Leap Year may even make it longer. Over two thousand years have passed since that first Christmas when Jesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem. He made such an impact on mankind that it even changed time. What was the date in Rome 200 years before His birth? It certainly wasn’t 200 B.C.
I ask you an interesting question. What would it be like now if Jesus had never been born? Am I sure that Jesus was born; that He is an historical person? Yes, I am sure. Otherwise, how could someone who never existed have had such a long-lasting affect on the human race. The influence of Jesus is not limited to nationality, race, creed, social customs, economics, or any other barrier. When presented to any person of any culture, there is a drawing that overcomes all arguments. When compared to any other deity Jesus wins.
How would your life be different if there were never a Jesus born? Would life go on as usual or would you be in a totally different environment. In the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”, George Bailey wished he had never been born. Clarence, the Angel, made it possible for George to see how much different things would be had he never been born. Can you imagine the impact if one as influential as Jesus had never been born. Can you think of what would be different? You might be surprised.
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Luke 1:32-33 “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father, David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end.”
IMMANUEL–”GOD WITH US”
Matthew 1:23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel.” which is translated, “God with us.”
I grew up in a church which preached a great message of salvation and right living. At the age of 12 I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. I knew that if something happened and I died, I would go to heaven and be with God.
It wasn’t until years later that I came to understand what being “saved” really meant. “Going to heaven” was only one aspect of this great salvation. I began to learn that being a Christian placed me in a special relationship with God. Salvation was not just to “keep me from going to hell.” God really wanted to fellowship with me everyday and be a part of every area of my life. I learned to be conscious of His presence in my life all day and to talk to Him. How comforting it is to know that because of Christmas we have Immanuel–God with us in Christ Jesus.
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