Christmas Story

As we continue to look at the Christmas story it’s important to point out that Christ was born without sin. If Jesus was the biological descendant of Joseph the curse of sin would be upon him, and that’s exactly why (Luke1: 43-35) is so important, because it describes the conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit and not by Joseph. In the Gospel of Luke chp 3, Luke traces the human genealogy of Mary backward from her father Heli to Adam himself, but it never says that Christ was “begat” by Joseph. In Matthew chp. 1, the genealogy of Joseph is traced back to David and Abraham describing the fact that Joseph was in the genealogy of the promised seed, thus giving him the right to claim the throne of David, but it still is never stated that Joseph “begat” Jesus, only that he was the husband of Mary. Joseph adopted Jesus, and as an adopted son all the rights, blessing, and privileges of son ship were given him by law. This firmly shows that Jesus Christ was completely human, a true descendent of David, and at the same time God. Jesus was indeed virgin born, (Isa 7:14) says “…therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

“proving”

When it comes to Faith Promise giving, it’s all about “proving” or keeping our word. (2Co 9:7) “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give;…” Giving after one has promised to give, is proof of one’s commitment. Faith Promise is making a financial commitment to give knowing that God will provide for us if we give. In other words our faith is tested every time we give. It’s one thing to vow, but it’s another thing to keep one’s vow when things get tight. If we will just learn to give first, God is obligated by His Word to provide every time back to us. Faith always precedes God responding. (Lu 6:38) says, “Give, and it shall be given unto you;” There is only one person to blame if your needs are not being met, and that’s You! God does not lie or make false claims in His Word. If He says He will take care of us, than He will, and when He does you’ll know it. (2Co 9:8) “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” So which will it be, will this year be a year of fear and doubt, or a year of faith and miracles. We can’t have it both ways. So practice faith promise, & watch God provide!

For without faith it is impossible to please him. (Heb11:6)

Do you really believe that if you give financially to God, that He will take care of your needs? Not trusting in God’s promises is the same as saying to God, I don’t believe you. God’s blessing always follows our obedience. (Mt 6:33) “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Lu 6:38) “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal (or give) it shall be measured to you again.” (Mal 3:10) “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (2Co 9:7) “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver, for God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” For without faith it is impossible to please him. (Heb11:6)

Faith Promise

November is again upon us, and again I will be asking you to commit to giving to Faith Promise. I’m sure that all of you have been tempted to cut back this year, but if you will just glance at the mission’s board, I believe that the Holy Spirit will again burden your heart to commit another gift to these brave men and women. They are counting on us not to quit but to continue to give. Many churches are cutting back, but let’s not be one of them. Our goal must be to continue on in faith, even though our funds are low. “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.” Don't let fear dictate your Faith Promise this year. God can supply even during a famine. “…for God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” “Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food.” Oh listen, don’t draw back out of fear, but let faith lead you forward to give again at least what you gave last year. So, let faith win, give and trust God for the results!

Start serving now, and don’t stop serving until you stop breathing.

(2Ti :5) “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” The main object lesson of the above verse is not just to do serve the Lord, but to finish our course rightly. The Apostle Paul was instructing Timothy in how to finish and not quit along the way. 1) Watch. This is the same word that the Lord used in the garden of Gethsemane, when he desired the apostles to stay awake and pray. Why? Because “the flesh is weak.” Stay alert, and stay on course. 2) Endure affliction. The word means to “bear up under.” Don’t quit, toughen up, believe God for a miracle, and claim his promises. (Pr 24:10) “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.” 3. Work evangelistically. If you want to finish rightly then don’t let anything stop you from sharing Christ. Witness, invite, disciple, & get involved. 4. Make full proof of your ministry. Don’t stop short of all that God wants to do with you & through you. Start serving now, and don’t stop serving until you stop breathing. There are way too many Christians today retired and/or on vacation.

What is our purpose as Christians ?

(Ph. 1:6) “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” What is our purpose as Christians ? God doesn’t just save us, to save us, He saves us to use us, but in order for Him to use us He needs to rebuild us, reshape us, and retrain our thinking. That’s why sometimes things go wrong, or why problems arise that we cannot fix, so God can reveal Himself faithful in every situation. Christian growth takes place through a series of tests, and each test is divinely planned and purposed to conform us more into the image of Christ. Here are just three. 1) The test of “calling.” We have been called to “go into all the world.” Have you passed it? You’ll never pass and see souls saved until you obey God and go. 2) Test of ‘provision.” This test is given when God places us in the place of need. We either pass or fail based on our trust in God’s promises. This test is designed to build faith. 3) Test of suffering. Living saved is identifying with the rejection and suffering of Christ. None of us can pass this test until we die to self and let God perform His good work in us. Therefore Christian, understand that living Christ is a life long test, but fear not God gives it to us with an open book.