No Humbug Here

"....Bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness...." (Neh. 12:27)

I'm sure over the years you have heard of all the bad-mouthing of Christmas, "Christ's mass," December 25th is the celebration of the "Italic god, Saturn, and the rebirth of the sun god," the pagan roots of the Christmas tree, etc., etc.  The Roman Catholic Church, Ancient Rome, Nordic pagan god worshipers can do what they like.  I celebrate with lights and trees and giving of gifts, Jesus Christ, His Appearing, "Who went about doing good," died on a Roman cross, shedding Precious Blood, rose from an earthquake shattered tomb, Who, "when he ascended on high...took many captives and gave gifts to his people."  The religionists can humbug Christmas all they wish.  This redeemed sinner, redeemed from the power of sin, the grave, an eternal Hell, will celebrate His First appearing, until either His Second Appearing or I die and, "enter thou into the joy of the Lord." 

Sarah and I pray that you will do the same and don't let the pagans enjoy all those trees and lights by themselves.  Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, it is all about Father coming to us in Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Hallelujah!

Woody
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Read of Hanukkah in Buchenwald at: www.apf327.blogspot.com
Unreached Peoples of the Day:    www.apfunreachedpeoples.blogspot.com

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking unto Jesus"

Hebrews 12:2

Because of Our Eternal Life, We Are There!

"And I saw no temple therein, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.  And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it and the Lamb is the light thereof.  And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it....And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it.  And there shall... enter into it...they which are written in the Lamb's book of life." 

(From Revelation 21:22-27, KJV-- Advent Reading, Book of Common Prayer) 

The Christmas Event and the Cross are pivotal events in the long succession of Bible Prophecy.  Our text today, however, reveals where all of this is headed, "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb."  Jesus Christ has been referred to as "The All-Sufficient One."  Father, Son, Holy Spirit, the Living Triune God Himself is our life here, and our goal for Eternity.  This is the "reason" for the continual exhortation to run our race, "Looking unto Jesus."  Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit are the "Object" of our life, our Eternal Life of eternity.

Who would have thought that the little Baby in that manger was to take all who give their lives to Him to such an almost inconceivable reality, "no need of the sun, neither of the moon, for the glory of God...and the Lamb is the light thereof."  Interesting that we are told there is no need for a temple, "for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it."  Right now, my friend, right where you and I are is a foretaste of this Advent reading.  "The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb," is in us who believe, indwelling, abiding, sustaining, directing, comforting, healing, prospering, preserving. 

Can I tell you of a most wonderful Christmas gift today?  There is a very real sense that we are already "there," because God is not time/space bound and neither are we in the Holy Spirit.  Such glory in our present fellowship, and yet such anticipation in what is yet to come, a very Merry Christmas indeed.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I cannot comprehend this, but I receive this because I receive You.  Amen.
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Unreached Peoples: www.apfunreachedpeoples.blogspot.com  

I and many others have predicted this: www.apf327.blogspot.com

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking unto Jesus"

Hebrews 12:2

"Behold, I Am Laying In Zion For A Foundation A Stone"

"Because you have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol (the place of the dead) we have an agreement-- when the overflowing scourge passes through, it will not come to us, for we have made lies our refuge, and in falsehood we have taken shelter.  Therefore thus says the Lord God, Behold, I am laying in Zion for a foundation a Stone, a tested Stone, a precious Cornerstone of sure foundation; he who believes (trusts in, relies on, and adheres to that Stone) will not be ashamed or give way or hasten away [in sudden panic]." (Isaiah 28:15,16-Amplified Bible, Advent Reading From B. of C.P.)

In the 20th Century alone, Russia, Germany, and the United States of America, came under the judgment of our text.  They, "made a covenant with death," and, "made lies our refuge, and in falsehood we have taken shelter."  History records the utter stupidity of such a "covenant."  Someone would say, "Well, I understand the horrors of Communist Russia and Fascist Germany, but America?  Yes.  In 1962 Americans stood by and did nothing while the highest court of the land took the daily praying of the prayer of Jesus out of the state school system.  Next, in 1963, Americans allowed the "God-Breathed" Word to be eliminated from those same schools.  In the middle to latter 1960's, our government leaders succumbed to the self- destructive forces and in 1975 abandoned our ally, South Viet Nam.  Corrupt though it may have been, it was still our ally.  In the following years, millions were murdered by the communist reprobate, Ho Chi Minh.  And perhaps the worst, "covenant with death," and the worst, "refuge," and, "shelter," America came under was the 1973 Supreme Court decision to legalize the murder of babies while in their mothers' womb.  All three countries have paid dearly for such utter stupidity.

That First Christmas Night ("O, Holy Night") when the Godhead fulfilled our text in Jesus, "Behold, I am laying in Zion for a foundation a Stone, a tested Stone, a precious Cornerstone of sure foundation," He revealed to mankind a better way, yes, the only Way.  Jesus the Christ Is Our Foundation Stone, and, "he who believes (trusts in, relies on, and adheres to That Stone) will not be ashamed or give way or hasten away [in sudden panic]."  Shame and, "sudden panic," comes on any person or nation who rejects Jesus Christ for, "a covenant with death," and making, "lies our refuge, and in falsehood...have taken shelter."  But during this Christmas Season, you and I can take great comfort in the words of Joel 2:27, "My people shall never be put to shame."  Why?  Because they have repented of and refused all refuge of lies and shelters of falsehood.  Believe me, there have been and will be in the days ahead events which will cause those under, "lies," and, "falsehood," to, "hasten away [in sudden panic.]"  But to you and me who trust absolutely in Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ alone, no hastening away, no sudden panic.  We will be able to say to all around us, "This is that which was spoken by the prophet...." 

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You so much for my Foundation Stone, Jesus.  Amen.
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Unreached Peoples:  www.apfunreachedpeoples.blogspot.com       

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking unto Jesus"

Hebrews 12:2

"His Unspeakable Gift"

"And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened....And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire....And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.  There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."  (From Revelation 20 & 21)

Our text is some of the Advent reading for today from The Book of Common Prayer.  It reveals the contrast between those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ, who are "washed in the Blood of the Lamb," whose sins have been removed, "as far as the east is from the west," whose names are written in, "the Book of Life," those in whom Jesus Christ lives, and those who have known none of the aforementioned.  To the agnostic who cannot resolve the "God question," I say, "Err on the side of caution."  The Bible declares two possibilities, "The lake of fire," or, "God will wipe away every tear"; the choice is ours. 

Christmas is not about a date, no matter who ultimately set it.  It is about, "The Coming One," whether December 25 or whatever.  Those who refuse to celebrate Christmas because of some religious jangling are robbing themselves of a great festive season.  What is important is that, "The Coming One," Jesus Christ, foretold by prophets, came into the world in a very small town just a short distance from Jerusalem and, "This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."  And, because of Father's Gift of Jesus, all my sin is forgiven, and there is a day coming when, "There shall be no more pain for the former things have passed away."!

Our text reminds us of the blessing and the curse of His appearing, blessing to those who "receive Him still," and curse to those who reject Him still.  Christmas: "This is how God loved the world; He gave His Only Son" (literal translation of John 3:16).  The greatest reason to give gifts at this time of year is not so much that the "wise men" gave gifts to Jesus, but that Father gave us the Gift of Himself in Jesus Christ.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I say with Paul, "thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift."  Amen.

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Unreached People of the Day: www.apfunreachedpeoples.blogspot.com
Read of the Danger in North Korea: www.apf327.blogspot.com

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking unto Jesus"

Hebrews 12:2

Moses' Writings and Jesus' Words Are One

"For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me.  But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?"  (Jn 5:46,47)

The answer is really quite simple; you cannot.  The writings of the Old Testament are integral with the New Testament.  People have asked me why the New Testament does not seem to speak of "political," governmental, or international relations.  Again, the answer is really quite simple; the Word of God does not have to repeat Himself.  The Bible is a whole.  If modern Christendom would realize this, live this, proclaim this truth, the modern Christian Church would not be so insular.  

Jesus came to build His Kingdom, His Nation, "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder....Of the increase of (literally) government and peace no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice...."  And, Jesus sends us to nations, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations."

Today's Scripture Readings for Advent, suggested by "The Book of Common Prayer," is Isaiah 11:1-9, Revelation 20:1-10, and John 5:30-47.  Our text reveals the historic and prophetic revelation of Whom the Bible calls, "The Coming One."  Jesus is King; Jesus is Ruler; Jesus is Savior; Jesus is coming again.  All the Biblical prophesies were not fulfilled at His first appearing.  They will only be completed at His second appearing.  If, "you believed Moses, you [will] believe [Jesus]."  If we read and believe the Old Testament writings, we will then "bring" them with us to the New.  Only when we so live, will we break out of parochial life styles and embrace The Kingdom of Heaven/God, embrace the nations, embrace humanity.

Father, in Jesus' Name, grant me a new and ever-expanding break out.  Amen.  

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Today's Unreached Peoples: www.unreachedpeoples.blogspot.com

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking unto Jesus"

Hebrews 12:2