2007 12 Dec

When Adam deliberately ate of the forbidden fruit, he abdicated his throne as the head of the human race and gave it to Satan. Adam's seed, every human born into this world, was forever lost and in the degradation of sin. None of Adam's seed could ever lift themselves above this fallen condition. The plan for our salvation, made in eternity past, was revealed to the the human race. Immediately after the fall, God stepped in and made a way for our salvation and the forgiveness of sin. It was to be from the seed of the woman. Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. This prophesy opened the way for our great salvation and emancipation.

The first phrase of the above verse sets into motion a built-in enmity between the human race and serpents. When we see a snake our first instinct is to kill it. I've heard some people say, "A snake is a snake, is a snake!" Our first inclination is to defend ourselves from the snake, be it poisonous or not. This phrase identifies "thy seed" as the serpent which is Satan, whose head was bruised at the cross. "The seed of the woman" is none other than our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, whose heel was bruised at the cross.

The second phrase "it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel" is a prophesy of the greatest, future event in history. At the cross Satan was totally defeated; his headship over the human race was lost. "Her Seed" is the Lord Jesus Christ. His heel was b bruised at the cross, but like all bruises it was only temporary. When Christ came forth from the tomb, death and the grave were defeated. Satan's power was forever destroyed. Neither death nor the grave can hold Christ's followers. 1Corinthians 15: 55-57 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 40:10-11 Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. This passage foretells the coming of Christ as our shepherd.

John, chapter ten, gives us a beautiful description of Christ claiming to be out shepherd. Let's look at these wonderful truths about Christ being our shepherd. First, notice that Christ is the door. When the sheep were corralled the shepherd would lay abross the opening so that no one would leave or enter without his permission. In verse nine, Jesus says, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved." To enter heaven we must go through Christ. In verse eleven, Jesus says "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." Romans 5:8 gives us the simple fact of Christ giving His life for you and me ("But God comendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us") In verse fourteen, we see that Christ said, "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine." Let there be no confusion, Christ knows who each of His children are and we can know for sure who our Savior is through the word of God.

The challenge is found in verse twenty-seven, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."

In the Book of Hebrews we find an interesting quote from Psalm 40. In Hebrews 10:5 we read, Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering and thou would not, but a body thou hast prepared me. This is a quote from Psalm 40:6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened; ...We might well ask how the phrase mine ears hast thou opened became a body thou hast prepared for me... ? This phrase in the Book of Hebrews is what we find in the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament. The Greek translator ...with the help of the Holy Spirit...understood the Hebrew text as a kind of figure of speech...If God is to "dig out ears" , "He must prepare a Body". Walvoord, John F, and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible of Knowledge Commentary, (Wheaton Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc. ) 1982, 1985.

In these verses we see that Jesus Christ existed as a person prior to His birth. At His birth, Jesus Christ came to exist in the form of human flesh. There never has been no well there ever be a person quite like this.

In this test, we see part of the purpose for which the took the form of humanity. We see that what God was not able to accomplish through all the blood sacrifice and worship of the Old covenant, He did accomplish in and through Jesus Christ coming to this earth in the form of human flesh.

The birth of Jesus Christ is the most significant thing to have ever happened in the history of this earth. In the person of Jesus Christ, God Himself took the form of human flesh and lived among us.

The Hebrew work for Prophet means to announce, to show, to deliver an oracle from God; to speak as God's ambassador; foretell future events. (Wilson). the Greek word for a prophet speaks of one who speaks forth or openly; a proclaimer of a Divine message. (Vine).

The Scriptures portray our Lord in His three great offices as Prophet, Priest, and King, each incomplete without the others; Prophet, to instruct and inform; Priest, to atone and intercede; king, to subdue and control. (A.T. Pierson).

Jesus is referred to many times as a prophet. On Palm Sunday the multitude said; This is Jesus, the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee. Matthew 21:11. The two disciples on the road to Emmaus said concerning Jesus: Luke 24:19...was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people; The woman at Jacob's well said, John 4:19...I perceive that thou art a prophet. The testimony of the blind man that Jesus healed was John 9:17...He is a prophet. Following the miracle of the feeding of the 5000 we read; John 6:14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.

Jesus prophesied of His death (John 12:33; 18:32), of His return for His own (John 14:3), of His return to rule and reign (Matthew 24:30), and of His resurrection (Matthew 26:32). And of many other events.

He indeed was a prophet; a public expounder; a proclaimer of the Divine message; One upon whom the Spirit of God rested; a Preacher of Divine counsels; an authoritative and infallible teacher of God's will; a Fore-teller and a Forth-teller.

Thought: It has been well said, as Shepherd, He bears the crook; as Suffering Savior, the Cross; as victorious King, the Crown. (A.T. Pierson)

Recorded in the Old Testament is a series of prophecies which point to the birth of our Savior. These references are sometimes called the "Thin Red Line." They are as follows:

Today we are looking at number six, Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14. The doctrine of the "Virgin Birth" has been cussed and discussed, berated and believed, loved and hated, accepted and rejected. Mankind has tried to deny it, explain it away, reject the word "virgin" and translate it "young woman" but it's still in the Word of God" The Hebrew word "almah" is used several other times and always means a virgin or an unmarried maiden. It is used of Moses older sister, Miriam, who was between eight and thirteen years of age when she was "baby watching" young Moses where her was hidden in the bulrushes beside the Nile River.

Isaiah's prophecy is proved and confirmed in Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. And also confirmed by the angel Gabriel when he spoke To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary, Luke 1:27.

There are four elements to this allegory that must be identified in order to understand what is being taught. The elements are: the True Vine (Christ), the Husbandman (The Father), the branches (believers), the fruit (the product of an obeying believer). Our focus today is on Christ being the True Vine. There are two words that appear often in this passage, which every believer ought to be aware of. These two words show us the focus and desire of our Savior Jesus Christ. He wants us to be abiding in Him and bearing fruit.

The words abide or abideth appear nine times in these eleven verses. This gives us a serious indication that Christ is genuinely concerned about the relationship of the believer to Himself. Verse four says, Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. Here we see the importance of the vine being connected to the branch and the branch being connected to the vine.

The end result, the Father wants to see is found in verse eight, Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit... How those results are produced is found in verse five, I am the vine, ye are the branches; He that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing. Believers must abide in Christ if they are going to glorify their Father.

One last thing to take note of is verse six, If a man abide not in me he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. Consequences come to those who choose not to abide in "The True Vine."

In Philippians 2: 6-7 we read some interesting things about our savior Jesus Christ. In this text we read where He...being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But... took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: .... In the New American Standard translation we read Philippians 2:6...although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped. In other words, we see here that Jesus Christ was both God and man.

For we read that Jesus was made in the likeness of men...and that He existed as God. These two truths create many dilemmas for us. For example Jesus wrestled with temptation. In Hebrews 4:15 we read where Jesus...was in all points tempted like as we are...And also read in James 1:13 that ...God cannot be tempted with evil...

So also would it be impossible for God to die, and yet we know that Jesus Christ died in every sense of the word for our sins. There is the greatest mystery here. But there is also great danger. For trying to explore such great mysteries with the tool of human logic leads to heresy. Thus when it comes to the work of Jesus Christ our focus needs to be on his person and what God has revealed about his work. This will keep us true to the Bible. We especially need to beware of trying to understand his work in terms of the duality of his natures. Human language and logic on which the language is based is wholly inadequate to explore such mysteries.

The Greek word for priest speaks of one who offers sacrifices and has the charge of things pertaining to God. (Vine). One who attends upon God; to administer in things pertaining to the service of God. (Wilson).

The Hebrew word speaks of a prince of minister. (Concordance). Authorized minister of a deity, One with autocratic power. (Davis).

The most extensive exposition of Jesus Christ as a Priest is given to us in the book of Hebrews. There was the Aaronic priesthood made then the order of Melchisedec. Christ was a priest after the order of Melchisedec and not Aaron. God also points out that this priesthood is superior to that of Aaron. Jesus Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest but He was called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. Hebrews 5:5, 10; 6:20. Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. Hebrews 7:17.

Thought: Bible Mathematics: We do not add to the Bible, nor subtract from it, but rightly divide it.

We are fast approaching a day in which gifts consume our thinking. Our thoughts are on those whom we are going to buy gifts. And at times we will find ourselves wondering what kind of gifts we ourselves will receive. During this time let us not forget the most precious gift that was ever given, and the most wonderful gift that you have ever received. That gift is the gift of God found in Romans 6:23, "...the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Often times when children are telling their parents what they want for Christmas the parents will say something to the effect of, "Well then, you've got to be good." This leads the child to think, "If I'm good, I"ll get gifts, and if I'm not good, I won't get any gifts." We make light of the bad boy receiving coal in his stocking while the good boy receives all kinds of neat gifts. These sayings can be fun, and at times cute, but don't forget that if the gift of God was based on behavior, we would all be giftless. In fact, we would find ourselves in the coal category--hell. Praise God that His gift was not based on behavior but on His genuine love for you and me.

Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast. With the focus on gifts and giving this season, let us not lose sight of Christ who should be our focal point on Christmas Day and each day that follows.

We have noted in an earlier devotional that there is great complexity in the two natures of Jesus Christ. In Hebrews 4:15 we read where Jesus...was in all points tempted like as we are.... And yet we also read in James 1:13 that ...God cannot be tempted with evil...These truths have caused some to question whether or not Jesus was something more than we are.

It was essential that Jesus experience life as we do except for sin. His purpose in coming to this earth was to fully enter into our experience. We find that Jesus was tempted, and he experienced sorrow, hunger and almost everything that we experience as part of being human in including growth. In Luke 2:52 we read that ...Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

And most importantly,l Jesus entered into our suffering as the result of the curse of sin. In Matthew 8:20 we read where He once said, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. In Isaiah 53:3 we read concerning Jesus Christ, He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief...There is a very common experience in being human. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 we read that There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:...Yet within this common experience of humanity Jesus knew the very worst except for sin. He not only suffered death, but the death of the cross.

It is important to remember that Jesus Christ was human in every sense that we are except for sin.

The term King denotes royalty, sovereignty, royal power, dominion, (Vine); a male sovereign or monarch, the chief authority over a country or people (Dictionary).

In the New Testament the angel announced to Mary that the Son she would bear would be given the throne of His father David and He would reign over the house of Jacob forever. Luke 1:32-3. The wise men from the east asked, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. Matthew 2:2. When asked by Pilate Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus responded...To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth...John 18:33, 36. The Jews rejected Him as king, saying...We will not have this man to reign over us. Luke 19:14. So He was crucified with the title over the Cross JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

He is King, and He will be King and one day At the name of Jesus every knee should bow,... and... every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord...Philippians 1:10-11.

Not many Christians have learned humility. Webster says of humility, "the state or quality of being of mind or spirit; absence of pride or self-assertion; acts of self-abasement." Moses was an example to the Old Testament believers. Our Lord Jesus was the New Testament example. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:8. Remember, He was very God and very man. In the above verse we see His human side. He became obedient unto death. When someone rubs you the wrong was and you retaliate, you are lowering yourself to their level. None of us want to be wrong, but when we are it takes humility to say these three words. "I am wrong!" In our youth we think we know everything and no one can tell us anything.. This is the absence of humility. The Apostle Paul said When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 1 Corinthians 13:11. In other words, when we become adults, we should act like adults. If we are walking around with a chip on our shoulder, we are not humble.

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, (put on a heart of compassion), kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Colossians 3:12. ...God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 1 Peter 5:5. Peter gives us an admonition for true humility. One of my friends, Dr. Lehman Strauss said, "When I was a young preacher I thought I knew everything about the Bible, but now I am an old man and I don't know anything about the Bible." What he was saying, was that he had learned humility.

If we truly desire to be Christ-like, then we must humble ourselves, for none of us have resisted unto blood. You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in you striving against sin; Hebrews 12:4.

If Christians were to demonstrate the same work ethic as that of Christ, this world would be totally different. Jesus said in John 9:4, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work." There are three things to take notice of in this verse:

First, there is work to be done. The work then is the same work that needs to be done now: the teaching and preaching of Christ, faithfulness to the Father, meeting the needs of other, and much more. In Matthew 9: 37-8 Jesus said...The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. The fields are ready to be harvested. The work is ready to be done.

Next, like Christ we have a time frame in which to do the work. The time frame that Christ had was till His death. The time frame we have is until His return. Matthew 24:42 tells is Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Although we do not know the date and time of His return, we are certain of one thing and that is He will come. We are to watch and occupy till His return.

The third thing to notice is Christ did his work. Luke 2:49 shows us the focus of Jesus Christ ....I must be about my Father's business. All throughout Scripture we can see His dedication to His Father. On many occasions He arose early in the morning, went late into the evening, went without food and rest, and often times went through much suffering to accomplish His Father's work.

15th

Jesus Christ Is God

Optional Scripture Reading: John 1: 1-18

In an earlier devotional we looked at the two natures of Jesus Christ. There we saw the complexity of this truth. In Hebrews 4:15 we read where Jesus...was in all points tempted like as we are....And yet we also read in James 1:13 that ...God cannot be tempted with evil.... This has caused some to question whether or not Jesus was something less than fully God.

There are many statements in Scripture which reveal that Jesus Christ is God in every sense of the word. His taking on the form of human flesh did not diminish his deity in any way. In Colossians 1:19 we read one of the most clear statements of the Bible in this regard. In this verse, we read that it pleased the Father that in him (Jesus Christ) should all fulness dwell. That is all the fullness of God dwells in the person of Jesus Christ. In our optional scripture reading for today we find that in the beginning Jesus Christ was God. John 1:1.

When Jesus Christ came to visit this earth in the form of human flesh a great miracle and mystery took place. That is, God Himself became a man and walked and lived among us. He entered into our experience without taking from what it meant to be God in any way. We are not told how in the Bible, but we find that demons recognized Him.

We find one day as he crossed the Sea of Galilee with His disciples that even the wind and waves were subject to His will. He walked on water and he raised the dead. He was God in every sense of the word. And we need to take great care not to diminish His glory in our thinking.

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16th

Jesus Christ-- Savior!

Optional Scripture Reading: Luke 2: 1-14

The Greek word for Savior is speaking of a deliverer; preserver. (Vine). Before He can be King of one's life, He must first be one's Savior.

In the announcement to the shepherds the angel said, ...Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, ...For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 1: 10-11. When Mary heard the announcement of the angel regarding the birth of Jesus she said, ...My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Luke 1: 46-7.

Following the conversion of the woman of Samaria, many believed in Jesus and said: ...We...know that this indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. John 4:42.

Peter had this to say: The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour...Acts 5: 30-1. Paul made several references to Jesus Christ as Savior. ...Christ is the head of the church; and he is the saviour of the body. Ephesians 5:23 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ; Philippians 3:20 John wrote And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 1 John 4:14. And that God wants all men and women to be saved is evident from Scripture; For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2: 3-4. Also see John 3:16, 2 Peter 3: 9... He will save all who come to Him in repentance and faith.

Thought: He who is truly born of God is sure to resemble his Father.

The Lifeline, Anchor Baptist Church

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17th

Five of Christ's Names

Optional Scripture Reading: Colossians 1: 12-17

Today we are looking at five of the many names of Christ. It would fill several dozen of these devotional books to look at all of His names, so five will suffice for today. Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Wonderful. The Hebrew word is also translated miracle and marvelous. In Judges 13:18 the angel of the Lord said his name was "secret". Secret if from the same Hebrew root.

Counsellor expresses the idea that He is the Supreme Counsellor. The One who is qualified to give counsel to all created beings.

The Mighty God is also "El Gibbor" meaning GOD (IS) THE WARRIOR. In other words, in the Old Testament He fought for Israel, under General Joshua, and defeated Amalek. Moses held up his hands on the mountain top and Joshua won the battle. God destroyed the walls of Jericho because the people were obedient and marched around the city once each day for six days and the seventh day, seven times--and the walls came tumbling down. Jesus, the "El Gibbor" fought the devil at Calvary and won. He stands ready to fight our battles today, both spiritual and physical.

The Everlasting Father. He was with the Father in eternity past. He is seated at the right hand of the Father now. He will be with the Father in eternity future. Eternity is timeless, but since we are creatures of time, we can only understand things in past, present and future. He planned the Ages, He was there for the formation of the earth and all the galaxies....and by him all things consist. Colossians 1:17.

The Prince of Peace. This Peaceful Prince shall promote and increase His government without wars. He is the one who gives the Christian peace of mind and heart.

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18th

Conformity to Christ

Optional Scripture Reading: Romans 6

Just as water when put into a mold and frozen conforms to ice, so too are Christians to conform to the mold of Christ. It is interesting to watch children pick a person that they would like to be like someday. If their hearts and minds are set on being like Mom or Dad, it won't be long before they begin to act and talk the same way they do. Christ is our mold. We are to be molded into His image. Romans 8:29 tells us For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his son...

God's word tells us what we are and are not to conform to. Consider Romans 12:1-2, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Here, God specifically tells us not to be conformed to this world. This world will one day face the judgment of a Holy God.

What we are to conform to is found in Philippians 3:10, That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.... The death of Christ gave us the opportunity to have victory over sin and the grave. When we became conformable unto His death, by dying to sin and self, we are claiming that victory.

Romans 6:8 Now if we be dead with Christ, be believe that we shall also live with him.

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19th

The Temptation of Jesus Christ

Optional Scripture Reading: Luke 4:1-13

In Hebrews 4:15 we read where Jesus, was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. There are those who would speculate that since the temptation was real, Jesus could have sinned. Seemingly, they would view the temptation as one in which all heaven was waiting with fear to see whether or not Jesus would yield to temptation.

There are also those who seem to view God as wondering what to do with this world. They see His as struggling to figure out what to do with evil people in this world. We find no such picture in the Bible. In Psalm 2:2-4 we read about a time that is yet to come when The kings of the earth set themselves... against the LORD...saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in derision.

We noted earlier that the two natures of Jesus Christ is a great mystery that coupled with human reason can lead to heresy. We noted also that we are wise to think of His work in terms of His person and not His human or divine nature. And yet we must not forget that we ought to also be very careful not to do anything that would diminish his deity.

Jesus had a great advantage over Adam in the temptation. Adam had a holy moral nature, but he did not have nor could he have a holy moral character. Jesus had a holy moral character, and as such He could not have sinned. A holy moral character is born of experience. We as saints in our glorification will have a holy moral character.

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20th

The Incarnate Christ

Optional Scripture Reading: Philippians 2: 5-11

Incarnation means the act of assuming flesh; theologically, the gracious voluntary act of the Son of God in assuming a human body and human nature. (Unger). The Christian doctrine of the incarnation briefly stated, is that the Lord Jesus Christ is one person with two natures insolubly united, the one nature being that of the eternal Son of God, the other being that of man, in all respects human 'yet without sin'. (Unger).

How important is this doctrine (teaching)? The incarnation is one of the greatest events that have occurred in the universe. God in the person of the Son, identified Himself completely with the human race. (Lewis Sperry Chafer, Systematic Theology, 1948) The Son of God, the 2nd person of the Trinity, became flesh. That is walked this earth in a human body. (E.S. English).

By becoming flesh Jesus Christ became to mankind:

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

The Word speaks of Jesus Christ. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. John 1:1.

Thought; Jesus was in better company in the stable than He would be today at many a "Christmas Party".

East Side Evangelist, Sioux Falls, SD, USA

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21st

Jesus is our Redeemer

Optional Scripture Reading: Job 1

Job 19:25-6 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God... Job is considered to be the oldest book in the Bible. He understood that there was to be a Redeemer and Job would see Him in the flesh. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Ephesians 1:7. Job knew that redemption would come through the blood of the Redeemer. He made burnt offerings for his children lest they had sinned.

Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1: 14. The word "earnest" can also be a "pledge". When we make arrangements to purchase a piece of property we are required to seal the contract with earnest or pledge money. If we break the contract we forfeit, or lose our earnest money. We were redeemed at the cross. We are now redeemed and we shall be redeemed when we arrive in glory. From our view point it is progressive, but from His view point it is a finished transaction. The purchase price has been paid. We'll never need another sacrifice. His blood was a once for all purchase price. Yes it's paid in full!

Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. WE have a warranty deed on a possession in heaven. It is more sure than the best warranty deeds in this world.We are His repossessed property bought from the slavery of sin!

Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. This is a blessed verse We are redeemed and forgiven of all sins. Also the presence, power and penalty of the sin nature. To state it again, our sin nature and all sins are under the blood of our Precious Redeemer.

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22nd

Christ Came to Put Away Sin

Optional Scripture Reading: Hebrews 9: 12-28

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned...Adam was the man that introduced the world to sin when he ate of the forbidden fruit. From that time on man has lived under the curse of sin. The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23 For all have sinned... The consequence of that sin is found in Romans 6:23 For the wages of is is death...Man, left to himself, is doomed to an everlasting punishment.

The chief purpose for the coming of the Christ is found in 1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Christ came to take away our sins and to be our scapegoat. We see this concept of the scapegoat in the Old Testament in Leviticus 16: 20-22. On the day of atonement the sins of Israel are placed on the head of a goat that is later released into the wilderness never to return again. John referred to Christ in John 1:29 as the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Later in 1 John 3:8 we are given another reason why Christ came down from Heaven. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Christ came not only to take away our sins but also to destroy the works of Satan. Christ destroyed the works of Satan at Calvary. Through Christ's death, burial, and resurrection we now have victory over sin and the works of Satan.

1Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

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23rd

The Love of Christ

Optional Scripture Reading: 1 John 4: 7-12

Jesus Christ taught that everything in the Old Testament could be reduced to two simple principles. They are: Love for God and love for others. At the time Jesus Christ walked this earth the people embraced the ten commandments and the law. They were very zealous for these, but they were seriously lacking in genuine faith and love.

In John 15: 13-14 we read where Jesus said, Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. In the book of Romans 5:7-8 we read that ...Scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

The truth in Jesus Christ is that while we were the enemies of God, while we hated God and were alienated in our minds, He loved us and died for us. Included in the gospel message is the instruction that we love even our enemies. For the natural mind, this is not normal, and it does not even seem moral. When Jesus preached the sermon on the mount, He referred to the best of rabbinical understanding of His day. And that wisdom He summed up in Matthew 5:43. He said Ye have heard that it hath been said , Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. In other words part of what these teachers of the law were saying was purely evil and wrong.

God's people today need to remember that included in real righteousness is this very love of God.

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24th

The Christmas Story

Optional Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-15

A teacher once asked her class of 40 pupils to write on a sheet of paper the word "Christmas". this being accomplished, she asked them to write after the word Christmas, the first thing they thought of. When the papers were returned, the teacher read the following answers: Tree, holiday, no school, carols, and Santa Claus. Not one person had written Jesus! What a sad commentary on our testimony as Christians. (The Sawdust Trail).

The true Christmas story is given in the Gospels of Luke chapters 1 and 2, and Matthew chapter 2. Take time to read and to meditate on this wonderful story.

GOD'S CHRISTMAS GIFT

THE WRAPPING: Luke 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

THE TRIMMINGS: Luke 2: 13-14 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

THE CONTENTS: Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

THE TAG: Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

OUR GRATITUDE: 2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Enlightener, First Baptist Church

Thought: A Christless Christmas is like a counterfeit dollar.

Daily Bread, 1977

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25th

Luke 2
King James Bible

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 23 (As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

26th

Christ Our Example

Optional Scripture Reading: I John 2:3-6

According to Webster's Dictionary and example is a thing or a person suitable to be used as a model. 1 Peter 2:21 says For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps... Christ is more than suitable to be a model for us. In a world where it is so hard to find suitable examples to follow we can always be assured that the example left by Christ will be right and true.

Christians, Christ did not leave us an example just to leave an example. He left the example for us to follow His steps. Following requires action. Every day a believer ought to be taking steps to becoming more like Christ. The very word "Christian" means to be a follower of Christ. Are we being the followers that God would have us to be?

Whether we like it or not we are all examples in so many ways to one extent or another to the people who are watching. If people are to follow the example that we leave, where will they end up? Children often follow the example of an older brother or sister, and most of the time they will follow the example of their parents. Parents, it is important not only to teach your children the right way, but more so to lead them in the right way.

Praise the Lord; we don't have to wonder about what to do, or in which direction we should go. If we follow the example that Christ has left for us, it will lead us to the place where He is now.

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27th

Truth is Balanced

Optional Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:15-22

In our text, some of the best minds in Israel got together and tried to trap Jesus in His words. They were trying to get Him at odds with the people or the Roman government. The question they asked Jesus was designed to prove that He was not consistent, and to destroy Him. I think it is possible to put almost anyone of us in a position in of inconsistency. But not with Jesus. For in Christ is absolute grace and truth.

So it is that Jesus was able to give His enemies a balanced answer to which they could not object. Not especially that He did not answer with a simple yes or no. Complex questions can never be answered in that way. We need to remember that the truth is infinite and complex. For this reason, we need to realize that human logic and even human language cannot adequately hold the truth. So it is with the truth of God and the love of God. You see, the truth as revealed in God's law is not really truth without love and without truth there is no real love.

Whenever we get into trouble, we have either compromised or misrepresented the truth. Jesus never made either of these mistakes. Therefor His enemies could not destroy Him without turning to evil. We need to remember that this great balance is the essence of what it means to be Christlike. I believe one of the reasons that we find the requirement that church leaders be effective leaders in the home is because of this balance. It is only as we manifest both truth and love that we can reach the hearts of people. We must ever remember that We love him, because he first loved us. I John 4:19

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28th

Jesus Christ--The Messiah

Optional Scripture Reading: Daniel 9:20-27

"The Hebrew word j'yvim, or Messiah, means the anointed one." (Concordance-Wilson). "It is rendered in the LXX or Septuagint by the Greek equivalent Messiva. The word Christ is therefore almost invariably used instead of Messiah in the New Testament as the official designation of our Lord." (Unger). In two instances of the New Testament Messias is used and is the Greek form of Messiah: John 1:41, 4:25-26.

The question, "Is Jesus the Christ?" is of great importance not only to the Jews, but to all mankind. Jesus answers the question because He distinctly claims to be the Messiah. The woman at Jacob's well said; John 4:25-26 ...The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

When Simon Peter's brother, Andrew, found Peter he said to him ... We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. 42 And he brought him to Jesus... John 1: 41-42.

In the Old Testament Daniel speaks of the Messiah being cut off or killed and is a prophecy regarding the death of Jesus Christ. Daniel 9: 25-26.

One day Jesus Christ, the Messiah, will return in glory and set up His Messianic Kingdom. Matthew 24; 25. Of this future Messianic kingdom and glory our Lord had full consciousness in His earthly public ministry.

Thought: At Christmas time consider not so much the gift of the friend, but rather the friendship of the giver.

--Fellowship Paper

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29th

Christ our Mediator

Optional Scripture Reading: ! John 1:1-10

The classic verse in Scripture is 1Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus... But this is not the only one!

In the following verses we see that Christ has obtained a more excellent ministry. Not only was He our Savior and example for ministering on earth...But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises... Hebrews 8:6. And again ... And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. Hebrews 9:15. I don't know what this does for you, but He has established a new and living covenant that included me. Not for time alone, but for eternity.

Going back to I Timothy 2:15, above, in His meditorial ministry, He is my attorney and pleads my case before the Father. He says to the Father, "I have a little brother or sister that has sinned. He or she has asked forgiveness for their sins and my blood is testimony before you, my Father, that they are forgiven." Every Christian should claim and memorize 1 John 1:7-9 as their personal promises from the Lord, His blood cleanses from all sin.

And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things that that of Abel. Hebrews 12:24. This refers back to Genesis 4:3-13. Adam and his family were under the Adamic covenant and had been taught to offer the blood sacrifice of a slain lamb. We are under the blood of a new and better covenant that was established at Calvary and we no longer need to sacrifice animals.

Christ is truly

our Sacrifice, our Savior, our Mediator, our Redeemer, and our coming King of Kings!

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:7-9

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30th

The Meekness of Christ

Optional Scripture Reading: Mark 15:1-34

Meekness has been defined as "strength under control." The Bible says that a Christian being led by the Spirit would display meekness. Meekness is the eighth fruit of the spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. God's word said that Christ is meek in Matthew 11:29...Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Can anyone honestly say that they truly believe that Jesus Christ was a weak and powerless man? In fact the power that he had while he was on earth was greatly seen many times through His miracles. Consider some of the miracles that He performed: John 2:1-10 gives us His first miracle; Turning the water to wine. Matthew 14: 22-33 tells us of His account of walking on water. He fed over five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fishes in Mark 6:31-44. He cleansed the lepers and caused the blind to see. In John 11:43 He said, "Lazarus, come forth" and Lazarus rose from the dead. The Word of God, over and over, shows the power that Jesus Christ possessed.

With all the power that our Lord and Savior had, would it have been impossible for Him to come down off the cross? No! The Creator of this world could have done anything He wanted. It is not that He did not have the power to come down from the cross, but HE had enough love for you and me to stay on the cross. With everything that was done to Him at Calvary Philippians 2:8 tells us, He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Meekness is not weakness, it is controlled strength.

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31st

Absolutely Holy

Optional Scripture Reading: I John 1:1-10

One of the biggest tools of the enemy is to confuse ourminds about good and evil. Some of the most evil people his world has ever known are those who have allowed heir hearts and minds to become embittered and full of hate. Most importantly they have come to hate God and believe that He is evil. This hatred is then transferred to God's people.

In 1 John 1:5 we read, ...That God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. This same statement cannot be made about even the very best of us. And it is hard to imagine any way to make this point any stronger in human language. That point is that there is no evil whatsoever in God. He is all together lovely, the lily of the valley, and the bright and morning star.

How is it that people get confused about this? First of all, we need to remember that Satan tries to represent himself as an angel of light. 2Corinthians 11:14. The enemy would have us misunderstand God's word, and the truth.

When we as God's people fall and fail , we add to this confusion in the minds of lost people. God told king David that his terrible failure had ...given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme,... 2 Samuel 12:14. Is it any wonder that the devil is the accuser of the brethren?

On the other hand, when king Saul fell, King David was concerned that this not be used by the enemies of the Lord. In 2 Samuel 1:20 he says, ...Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest...the Philistines rejoice... lest ...the uncircumcised triumph.

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