Who and What Are You Feeding?

By Rufus M. Parker

Text: Romans 8:5-10 -  "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness."

After reading and listening to the news a few weeks ago, I learned that merchants had become concerned that people were not going to spend much as money as in past years' Christmases. But as time passed, the reports began coming in that most stores were in the black. 

I sat and wondered about all the spending taking place. How much of it went towards something to edify the Spirit? I wonder how many Bibles were purchased and given as gifts? I wonder how much was spent on spreading the gospel to a lost and dying world? 

It seems as though the longer the Lord tarries the more people are trying to satisfy the flesh more than the Spirit. What I have found is this; if you feed and take care of the spiritual man, the fleshly man will be under subjection. As you continue doing this he will remain dead - and you will live - because your life will be full of righteousness.

Editor's Note: Bro. Parker pastors Calvary Apostolic Church in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Retired from a U.S. military career, he has authored numerous books and publishes a daily blog; here is a lnk...  http://morningmanna-parker.blogspot.com

The Birth of Jesus Christ...

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Matthew 1:18-21 - Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His Name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins."

Let's consider four important facts about the birth of Jesus Christ. Note: A fact is something that can be proved or verified...

Fact 1: He was born. He actually lived on earth. He walked and talked with men, proving that God keeps His promises. Messiah, Shiloh, Jehovah Shuah. See Daniel 9:25 and Luke 2:1-3. He fulfills prophecy - Genesis 3:15. His birthplace was in Bethlehem - Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:1, Luke 2:4.

Fact 2: He was born of a virgin. See Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:18-21, Luke 1:27-37. Why? 1.) To fulfill prophecy, 2.) So His Father would be God (not man). Note that Jesus' blood came from His Father. 3.) Only a free man can purchase a slave. (Galatians 4:23, 31)

Fact 3: He was God's perfect plan. Imagine Joseph's shock at Mary's pregnancy! he needed to be convinced. He needed to be stripped of pride, doubt, and fear. See Proverbs 29:25, II Timothy 1:7, I John 4:18, Hebrews 13:6.

Fact 4: It was His mission. "To save His people from their sins." and, "To seek and to save that which was lost." See Luke 19:10, Acts 5:31, Hebrews 7:25.

A Costco Jesus

By Rachel Coltharp

Through the years I have had several inexpensive nativity sets, (oft destroyed by my kids,) and for the past few years we have used a "Fisher Price" kid-friendly set. But in my heart, I’ve longed for a "Big Girl" nativity set. 

Imagine my delight when I ventured upon an heirloom set at Costco; hand painted, with intricate details. It was really, truly lovely. But it wasn’t really truly real. The middle-eastern Jewish family had been replaced by a pale skinned, fair eyed, silky haired European family. I'm guessing that the pale skinned Jesus is an easier sell to pale skinned buyers. And at Costco, it's all about the sell. So though it was beautiful, I just couldn’t buy it. I don’t want to buy a Jesus who's been altered to look like me.

How many times do we find this has happened? Biblical has been altered, for a better "sell."

Songs that sound beautiful, with notes that strike an emotional chord in our hearts, but words are not at all like those of Jesus... Songs easy on the ear, and just as easy on our sin.

Or doctrines that come along that are easier on the ear than the sounds of bleating lambs slaughtered for sin, or of nails being hammered into flesh. Doctrines that do not call us to give up our sins, or take up our cross.

How many times, in the market place of ideas, have we chosen and purchased an altered idea of Jesus, one who thinks, acts and reacts, remarkably like us? The modern version of Jesus is often one who isn’t too concerned about heaven or hell. It's one who is more concerned with social issues than sin issues. The modern idea of Jesus is less controversial than the real one. And he looks a lot like our American culture, but he doesn’t look a lot like the Biblical one.

A Jesus who looks and acts like like me won't call me to change to be like him. And the “me” version of Jesus, won’t save me... from sin, or from myself.

So, as much as I love the LOOK of the Costco set, I put it back on the shelf. I’ll wait for something that represents Him - the real Him. The little brown skinned baby, with His brown skinned mother, and His brown skinned step-father.

And I'll pass on the modern Jesus. The one calls me to no sacrifice. I want the authentic Savior. One that will save me in, and from, my sins. I don’t want a Jesus who looks like me... 

I'm not going to buy into a Costco Jesus.

Editor's Note: Rachel is the wife of Brent Coltharp, District Superintendent for the state of Illinois, and pastor of First Apostolic Church in Aurora.

Christmas 2012

By Marjorie Kinnee

Before time began, God had a plan,
To redeem mankind from his sin;
Knowing man's dross would lead to a cross,
The price for cleansing within.
(Revelation 5:9-12)

God's perfect plan would require a Man,
Who'd embrace man's frail, weak form;
Yet live a life free from sin and strife,
While shielding man's soul from sin's storm.
(Philippians 2:5-11)

Meanwhile Adam, along with his madam,
Was choosing to walk his own way;
Disobedience' cost - Paradise lost,
Now death was the price they'd pay.
(Romans 6:23)

Genesis, chapters 1 thru 3, show God's plan for all to see,
Though sinful, man was not without hope;
The promise sublime, in the fulness of time,
Brought man what he needed to cope.

"Love drew salvation's plan, grace brought it down to man,"
"For God so loved... that He gave!"
Paid sin's price, made the sacrifice,
Man's sin-sick soul to save.
(John 3:16-17; Romans 5:8; I John 3:16)

"Born in a manger, to His own a stranger,"
Jesus came to save that which was lost;
"Obedient, lowly, serenely holy,"
He willingly paid the cost.
(John 10:10-11, 18; 14:6; Hebrews 12:2)

What must we do to bring into view,
And Salvation's requirements to meet?
The way was made, God's plan displayed,
As "death" was crushed 'neath His feet.
(Genesis 3:15; Romans 6:23; I Corinthians 15:55-57; I John 5:8)

We share in His death through repentance,
We're buried with Him in His Name,
Then rise to walk in newness of Life,
His power and glory proclaim!
(Acts 1:5, 8; 2:1-4, 37-40; 4:12; Romans 5:11; 6:3-5; Ephesians 2:4-7)

Christmas and the Cross

A Poem by Donna Franklin

 

 

The cries of a newborn baby signaled the start of hope.
At last the Mighty God is revealed,

The long-awaited Promise was about to be fulfilled,
And the darkness of sin to be healed.

 

Shepherds in the fields saw a glorious sight,
When angels heralded the news;
Awed to be given this great revelation,
They ran to see the King of the Jews.

Mary's Baby Boy was taken to the Temple
When He was eight days old;

Simeon said now he'd seen God's Salvation,
An event that had long been foretold.

He was born in Bethlehem, then became a Nazarene,
Fulfilling prophecies in God's Holy Word;
His life totally planned, cruelest death - a given,
And His resurrection assured.

He arose and appeared to His many disciples,
Said He's soon endue them with power;
They'd all be filled with the Holy Ghost,
If they'd tarry till His chosen hour.

It happened on Pentecost just as He'd said,
Soon they preached the Apostles' Doctrine;
They began to baptize in Jesus' great Name,
For complete remission of sin.

Let us celebrate the Cross while we celebrate Christmas,
Thank God for unmerited love!
Be thankful He was born, be thankful He died,
Be thankful He now guides from above.

Merry Christmas to all, may God bless you this season;
May you seek to draw closer to Him.
May you never forget that YOU are the reason...
Why He came, and why He's coming again!

 

Editor's Note: Donna Franklin attends Paoli United Pentecostal Church (Pastor Terry Erwin) in Paoli, Oklahoma.

Just One Month 'Til Christmas

A poem by Deborah (Kierstead) Haroun

 

 

Just one month 'til Christmas
As shepherds watched their flocks each day;
All of life seemed normal,
Watching sheep in the ordinary way.

 

Something new was coming...
They just worked on as shepherds will;
The job for which they'd been gifted,
Keeping sheep on a grassy hill.

* * * * * * *

Just one month 'til Christmas
As bustling with the chores of today;
What will I do for the Master?
Let me be busy on His tasks I do pray.

Editor's Note: Deborah attends Apostolic Gospel Lighthouse (Pastor Gordon Kierstead) in London, Ontario. She is busy in the work of God, involved in both local church and distict (Ontario) activities.