Pressing Toward The Mark - A New Year - 2021

 A new year. A new calendar to open and start new. An opportunity to purpose in our hearts to live for God more than we have last year…to do more in the kingdom of God – praying more, witnessing more, fulfilling our callings.

It can be a productive time of self-examination. It can be a productive time of making things right. It can be a time of forgiveness. It can be a time of repentance and receiving forgiveness.

Philippians 3:12-14 KJV - "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

Another translation:

Philippians 3:12-14 - "I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."

For those that like correlations... The Butler and the Baker and Communion

While Joseph was in prison, Pharaoh’s Butler and Baker were also cast into prison. The Butler and the Baker both had dreams. The Butler dreamed he was taking grapes and pressing them into Pharaoh’s cup. Joseph interpreted for him that in three days he would be restored to his position.

The Baker dreamed that birds ate all his bake goods that he had in a basket on top of his head. Joseph interpreted for him that in three days he would hang on a tree and die. (Genesis 40:1-19)

The Butler seems to represent the blood and Spirit of Jesus. The Baker seems to represent the body of Jesus. Jesus’ flesh hung on a tree, died, and was buried. But in three days, His Spirit resurrected Him to life.

“I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6.51)

"And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."" (Mark 14:22)

"Now it came to pass on the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the head of (summoned) the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. Then he restored the chief butler to his butlership again, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand. But he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them." (Genesis 40:20-22)

As the fulfillment of the dreams take place in three days, Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection also take place in three days.

“Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day” (Luke 24.46)

The Butler, as the cup bearer, seems to represent the Life that is in Jesus.

"Then he (Jesus) took the cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And he said to them, "This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many." (Mark 14.23, 24)

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood…" (Leviticus 17:11a)

After Joseph had interpreted the Butler’s dream, Joseph told him to remember him.

"But remember me when it is well with you, and please show kindness to me; make mention of me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this house (prison)." (Genesis 40:14)

"Then he restored the chief butler to his butlership again, and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand.… Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him." (Genesis 40:21, 23)

Just as Joseph told the Butler to remember him, Jesus told his disciples to remember Him when they would take the cup with the fruit of the vine.

"In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”" (1 Corinthians 11:25)

Then the chief butler spoke to Pharaoh, saying: "I remember my faults this day." (Genesis 41:9)

For two years, the Butler had forgotten to tell Pharaoh there was an innocent Hebrew bound in prison. Then, the Butler remembered his faults.

Before we take communion, we are to remember our faults.

“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:28)

When we repent, we crucify our flesh, just as the baker was hung on the tree. When we apply Jesus’ blood in water baptism for the remission of sins and receive the Holy Ghost, we are restored to God, as the Butler was restored to his position with Pharaoh.

In communion, we examine and judge ourselves, as the Butler remembered his faults. When we remember Christ, He is loosed and elevated in our life to a position of power, salvation, and provision, as the Butler remembered Joseph, who ascended from a place of being bound, to rule all the land of Egypt, providing for and saving the world from famine.

Now, before the new year starts, is a good time to examine ourselves

"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” - 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV

"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;" - Hebrews 12:14-15 KJV

"For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged." - 1 Corinthians 11:31 KJV [But if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged by God in this way.]

An audio message on the power of forgiveness - The Tragedy of a Wounded Spirit - preached by David Shatwell at Pentecostals of Alexandria

https://youtu.be/wVL005e_OYQ?t=103

Saying ‘Goodbye’ to 2020 and ‘Hello’ to 2021 - Forgetting, and Reaching Forth

 

We are about to say ‘Goodbye’ to 2020 and ‘Hello’ to 2021.

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended [yet achieved it]: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13-14 KJV

Amen.

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh Part 3 - Myrrh

Myrrh was one of the three gifts from the wise men given to Jesus when they came to worship Him as King of the Jews. (Matthew 2:1-2, 11).

While gold spoke of Jesus’ kingship, and frankincense spoke of Jesus’ priesthood, myrrh spoke of Jesus’ death.

"Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat." - Matthew 26:6-7 KJV

His disciples were indignant at the waste of the oil. Jesus responded,

"For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her." - Matthew 26:11-13 KJV

The Greek root word for ‘ointment’ is ‘myrrh.’ The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Myrrh was used to anoint a body at burial.

The Greek word for ‘myrrh,’ used in the gifts of the three wisemen, is used only two times in the New Testament. The second time is at His burial.

"And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus…And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight." - John 19:38-39 KJV

Interestingly, this is the same Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, that Jesus told, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:1-21, John 7:50-52, John 19:38-42).

An observation was made about the hundred pound weight of myrrh and aloes that Nicodemus brought to embalm Jesus’ body: "The quantity of the balm is extraordinary and exceeds all normal proportions. This is a royal burial."

How fitting the gift of myrrh: Jesus was born King of the Jews, born to die for the sin of the world. Just as the wise men offered Jesus the gift of myrrh at His birth, Nicodemus offered the gift of myrrh at His death, making sure Jesus had the burial of a King.

A Christmas Story - What is Christmas, Mama?

 Christmas is the time of the year when we remember the great gift the Lord gives to us.

God’s gift is for you, for me, and for all the world.

What gift does God give us, Mama?

The Lord gives us a gift that prophets from old time told us would come.

What are prophets?

Prophets are holy men that God speaks to. God tells them what He wants them to tell His people.

Isaiah is a prophet. God told Isaiah there would be a child born. He would be a son. He would be born a King. He would bring the kingdom of God on earth.

Who is this child?

Isaiah told us this child is Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Is this child God?

This child is God inside a human body. God began His life as a human as a little baby.

Why is He called The Prince of Peace?

God brought peace to us when He paid the price of our sins. It is a wonderful feeling when we are forgiven and have a fresh start to do what pleases God.

"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." - Isaiah 9:6 KJV

"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." - Colossians 1:20 KJV

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." - 2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV

What is this child’s name, Mama?

This child would be named JESUS. This name is God’s name. It means “LORD Salvation”. The name JESUS is God’s greatest name because God paid the price for our sins in the name of Jesus.

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts 4:12 KJV

Who is this child’s mama?

Her name is Mary.

The angel of the Lord, Gabriel, visited Mary. He told her God would give her a son. He would be God in a human body – the Son of God. The angel told Mary to name her child JESUS. He would be a King with a kingdom that has no end.

"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS." - Luke 1:31 KJV

"He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:" - Luke 1:32 KJV

"And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." - Luke 1:33 KJV

Joseph was soon to be Mary’s husband. He had just found out that Mary was expecting a baby. Joseph was thinking of not marrying her.

While he was thinking about this, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. He told Joseph to not be afraid to take Mary as his wife. Mary was going to have a baby by the power of God’s Spirit.

He told Joseph to name this holy child JESUS: “for he shall save his people from their sins”.

"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." - Matthew 1:20 KJV

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21 KJV

Where was Jesus born?

The Lord spoke through the prophet Micah telling us that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem.

Bethlehem was King David’s home. God promised David there would be a son born from his descendants that would reign forever. This son of David would be God in a human body that would be King forever.

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." - Micah 5:2 KJV

"And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom." - 2 Samuel 7:12 KJV

"He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever." - 2 Samuel 7:13 KJV

On the night Jesus was born, the angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds that were watching their flocks of sheep in the fields.

All of a sudden, the shepherds felt the glory and power of the Lord all around them and got scared.

The angel told them, you have nothing to be afraid of - you are feeling the presence of God! What I have come to tell you is going to make you very happy. It will bring great joy to you and to everyone that hears the good news I am bringing you.

The angel told the shepherds they would see a sign. They would find Jesus wrapped up snugly and lying in a manger.

Why was Jesus in a manger, Mama? Is a manger what animals eat out of?

Yes. God told us that animals know who the farmer is that feeds them and they know that they find their hay in the manger, but God’s own people do not know who He is and that He cares for them.

God, our heavenly Father, made Himself as a baby and was born our Savior. God knew that He would be rejected by the leaders of His people. He knew that they would not recognize Him as their Savior in a human body. The manger is a sign to show the world Jesus is God.

What happened next, Mama?

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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." - Luke 2:8-9 KJV

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." - Luke 2:10-11 KJV

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

"The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass (donkey) his master's crib (manger): but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider." - Isaiah 1:3 KJV

Suddenly the sky was filled with angels. They were praising and giving God glory for the peace He was bringing to earth between Himself and man. Because of God’s great gift, we can have a close relationship with Him again, like Adam and Eve had back in the Garden of Eden. God was going to save us from our sins that had caused separation between us and God.

The shepherds were excited to go see the Savior that everyone had been waiting for!

They hurried to Bethlehem and found Mary, and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger, just as the angel of the Lord had told them.

"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." - Luke 2:13-14 KJV

"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. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger." - Luke 2:15-16 KJV

When they saw Jesus in the manger, the shepherds went and told everyone everywhere, The Lord has come to save us!

"And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child." - Luke 2:17 KJV

"And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. ... And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." - Luke 2:18, 20 KJV

As Jesus grew, from a child to a man, He spread His love telling people everywhere about His kingdom. He went about preaching and healing sick, blind, deaf, and lame people.

Jesus chose twelve men to follow Him. They are called disciples. Jesus baptized His disciples in His name Jesus, then they baptized in Jesus name all those that came to Jesus.

When we repent and are baptized in Jesus name, our sins are washed away.

Many people heard this message and began to follow Jesus. They knew Jesus is the way to heaven.

"After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized." - John 3:22 KJV

After doing many miracles and preaching the gospel, God gave the greatest gift He could give: He gave His body on a cross made from a tree to pay the price of our sins.

Did God die, Mama?

The body that God lived in died on a cross. His disciples buried His body in a tomb. But that is not the end of the story!

"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree…" - 1 Peter 2:24 KJV

"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself…" - Colossians 1:20 KJV

On the third day, God brought His body back to life.

An angel at the grave told His disciples Jesus had risen from the dead!

Because Jesus is God, He is alive today and forevermore.

"And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him." - Mark 16:6 KJV

Jesus then spent 40 days with His disciples. He told them He was going away to heaven, but He would come back and fill them with His Spirit, the Holy Ghost.

"To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:" - Acts 1:3 KJV

"And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." - Acts 1:4-5 KJV

When we are sorry for the wrong things we have done, and we love Jesus with all of our heart, we can receive God’s special gift of His Spirit in us.

When we are baptized in water in Jesus name, all the things we are sorry for are washed away. We are clean from all of our sins. We enter into the kingdom of God.

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." - John 3:5 KJV

Jesus told His disciples to tell everyone the good news of His gospel. The gospel is the good news that Jesus died for our sins, He was buried, and on the third day rose again!

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." - Mark 16:15 KJV

What shall we do, Mama?

Peter explained what to do on the Day of Pentecost when Jesus first poured out His Spirit.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

"For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:39 KJV

We can worship and pray to Jesus and receive His gift of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost! We can get baptized in water in Jesus name and have all our sins washed away!

This gift is for you, for me, and for all the world!

Mama, now I know what Christmas is –

It is the time of year we remember the birth of Jesus and the great gift He gives to us – peace, His Holy Ghost, and a place in His Kingdom!

The Birth of Christ the Lord - The Shekinah Glory and a Multitude of the Heavenly Host Praising God

                                             

The birth of Christ came with the announcement of the angel of the Lord, the Shekinah glory, and a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, giving Him glory for the peace He was bringing as Savior of the world revealed in flesh.

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

“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:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 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.

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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.

When the angel of the Lord announced the birth of Christ to the shepherds, God graced the occasion with His Shekinah glory shining round about them.

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

“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.

“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.

“And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

“And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

“But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

“And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." - Luke 2:1-20 KJV

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh part 2 What is frankincense?

Frankincense is a white resin burned as fragrant incense. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Exodus 30:34 when the LORD told Moses to make a perfume, pure and holy, to put before the Ark of the Covenant in the Tabernacle. The frankincense, along with three fragrant spices, was to be only for the LORD. (Exodus 30:34-38).

It appears that because frankincense was to be only for the LORD, the wise men offering frankincense to the young child Jesus was symbolic that Jesus is the LORD. (John 14:7-10, Colossians 1:15).

Frankincense was also placed on meal offerings to the LORD. The priests, Aaron’s sons, took his handful of the flour, the oil, with all the frankincense, and would burn the memorial of it upon the altar to the LORD. (Leviticus 2:1-3)

As the remnant of this offering with frankincense was for the high priest Aaron and his sons, the wise men offering frankincense to Jesus, points to Jesus being our High Priest.

"But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." - Hebrews 9:11-12 KJV

Frankincense was also placed on the shewbread, which was placed in the holy place by the altar of incense and the golden menorah. The shewbread was renewed every week and would be eaten by the priests. It is said that the frankincense gives the shewbread a bitter taste.

Here we see the frankincense pointing to the bitterness of suffering of Christ, the Bread of Life that was offered for our sins. (John 6:48).

"I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." - John 6:51 KJV

Jesus experienced the bitterness of extreme pain and suffering of lashes and then crucifixion. As the priests would eat the shewbread with the bitter frankincense, we are to follow Jesus and crucify our sinful nature. (Matthew 16:21).

"Knowing this, that our old man [our old sinful lifestyle] is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." - Romans 6:6 KJV

We do this by repenting of our sins, being baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, to live a new life in Jesus. (Acts 2:38-39).

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh Part 1 - Gold

 

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, 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 2:1-2 KJV

The three gifts that the wise men brought Jesus spoke of His identity, His mission, and His future.

One of the gifts the wise men brought to Jesus was gold – gold for a King.

"When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel." - Matthew 2:3-6 KJV

It was the prophet Micah that foretold of this King – the LORD manifest in flesh – coming out of Bethlehem to rule Israel. (Isaiah 9:6 – the everlasting Father).

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." - Micah 5:2 KJV

Isaiah prophesied this King would be the Mighty God, born as a child, to rule and reign upon the throne of David.

"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. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." - Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV

Gold for a king – and Jesus is King of kings – reigning forever!

"And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." - Luke 1:30-33 KJV

The Star

While the shepherds came to worship Jesus at his birth, finding him in a manger, the wise men apparently came to worship at a later time.

The Bible records, “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother”.

They worshiped Jesus in a house, where he is described as a young child. This was perhaps around the age of one, for Herod “slew all the children…from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.”

Balaam, a gentile prophet, had prophesied of a Star. This star is Jesus the Messiah.

"I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel…" - Numbers 24:17 KJV

This is the account of the wise men and the star:

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, 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.

“When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

“And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

“Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

“When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

“And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

“And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying,

“Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

“When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

“Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,

“In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not." - Matthew 2:1-18 KJV

Jesus is “the bright and morning star”.

"I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star." - Revelation 22:16 KJV

Jesus - Our horn of salvation, Vessel of God's Spirit

 

"And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;" - Luke 1:67-69 KJV

God overshadowed the young woman Mary making Himself a body so He could visit His people, dwelling among them. (John 1:10-11). God did this so He could shed His own blood for the remission of sins and redeem not only the Jewish people, but all the world. (1 Peter 1:18-19, 2 Corinthians 5:19).

Jesus is our horn of salvation.

“Since animals (especially bulls) defend themselves with their horns, the horn with the Hebrews (and other nations) is a symbol of strength and courage, and is used as such in a variety of phrases…” Hence, horn of salvation is “equivalent to a mighty and valiant helper, the author of deliverance, of the Messiah, Luke 1:69” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon).   

Horns were used as vessels for anointing oil.

"And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons." - 1 Samuel 16:1 KJV

"Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward." - 1 Samuel 16:13 KJV

“Anointing was the inaugural ceremony for priests, kings, and sometimes also prophets, and by it they were regarded as endued with the Holy Spirit and divine gifts…” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon).

In the New Testament, “anointing” speaks of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of God.

“Hence, in 1 John 2:20 and 27, this anointing is used of the gift of the Holy Spirit, as the efficient aid in getting a knowledge of the truth…” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon).

Jesus is our Savior. He is our salvation.

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts 4:12 KJV

Just as the horn was a vessel of the anointing oil, Jesus is a vessel of God’s Spirit. He is our horn of salvation. "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father" - John 14:9 KJV

Before Abraham was, I am

 "And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? 

“And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." - Exodus 3:13-14 KJV

Jesus said to the people,

"Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? 

"Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by." - John 8:56-59 KJV

God keeps His promises. Pentecost.

 God promised to King David,

"And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house [temple] for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.”- 2 Samuel 7:12-13 KJV

Jesus was born the son of David, preached the gospel of His kingdom, was crucified, buried, and on the third day rose from the dead. (John 3:5, John 2:19-21, Hebrews 3:3-6). Forty days later, He ascended into heaven. On the Day of Pentecost, Jesus poured out His Spirit on all those praying and waiting in the upper room. (Acts 1:4-5, Acts 2:4).

Peter then preached to the people that God had just poured out His promised Spirit. (Joel 2:28-29). Peter preached the gospel, then preached what David had spake concerning Jesus. Peter testified that God had kept His promise to David: those in the upper room were witnesses of Christ’s resurrection, and now all the people gathered were witnesses of God’s promised outpouring of His Spirit.

"Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; he seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell [among the dead], neither his flesh did see corruption [rot in the grave].

“This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear." - Acts 2:30-33 KJV

God keeps His promises.

Isaiah prophesied of Jesus. He is The Mighty God and The Everlasting Father.

 

Isaiah prophesied of Jesus. He is The Mighty God and The Everlasting Father. He was born a son to dwell among His creation. Isaiah prophesied that Jesus’ kingdom (government) would be forever, upon the throne of David, just as He promised David. (2 Samuel 7:12-13).

"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. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." - Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV

Jesus established His kingdom with judgment and with justice by His death, burial, and resurrection. (The gospel). With His passion for His people, He took the judgment and justice for our sins upon His back and upon His cross. By His purchasing us from sin and death by His blood, we are able to be born again of water and of the Spirt and enter into His kingdom. (Acts 20:28, John 3:5).

As Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost, by the gospel we can repent of our sins, be baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives us the utterance). (Acts 2:22-24, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4).

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV

Bethlehem – Part 5 City of David

                                

Bethlehem is called the city of David. It is where David was from.

"And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons. ... And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem." - 1 Samuel 16:1, 4 KJV

Because Joseph was a descendent of David, he was to return to Bethlehem for the taxing.

"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:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child." - Luke 2:4-5 KJV

It was in the city of David, Bethlehem, that Jesus was born. Jesus was born the Son of David, the promised Messiah, whose kingdom and throne will be forever, as God promised David. (2 Samuel 7:16).

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." - Luke 2:8-11 KJV

"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." - Luke 2:15 KJV

Bethlehem – Part 4 God’s promise to David

 

God promised David He would establish the throne of his kingdom forever.

"And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying, Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD…I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house [a temple] for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever... And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever." - 2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-13, 16 KJV

The first time David is mentioned in the New Testament is in the first book and the very first verse describing the lineage of Christ:

"The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." - Matthew 1:1 KJV

The second time:

"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." - Matthew 1:20 KJV

Luke also mentions David and God’s promise to him:

"And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary... And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." - Luke 1:26-27, 30-33 KJV

To be continued…

Bethlehem – Part 3 “House of Bread”

On the night Christ was born, angels appeared to shepherds in the fields, watching over their flocks by night. The angel of the Lord announced to them the birth of Christ in the city of David, which is Bethlehem.

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

"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." - Luke 2:13-14 KJV

"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." - Luke 2:15 KJV

"And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger." - Luke 2:16 KJV

Bethlehem is a Hebrew word meaning “House of bread.”

Jesus, the “Bread of Life,” was born in Bethlehem, the “House of Bread.” Jesus is the Living Bread.

"And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." - John 6:35 KJV

"I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." - John 6:51 KJV

Jesus spoke symbolically of His body being bread.

"And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me." - Luke 22:19 KJV

Bethlehem – Part 2 Prophecy

The prophecy of Christ being born in Bethlehem is mentioned in Matthew.

Herod the king gathered all the chief priests and scribes together and demanded of them where Christ should be born. (Matthew 2:3-4).

"And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

“And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel." - Matthew 2:5-6 KJV

Isaiah also prophesied:

"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. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." - Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV

Jesus – the Wonderful Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace – came to bring His government, the kingdom of God. He brought it with judgment and with justice when He took the judgment and justice for our sins upon Himself so that we could enter His kingdom.

Jesus explained that to enter into His kingdom there is a spiritual birth, for His kingdom is a spiritual kingdom.

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." - John 3:5 KJV

He gave Peter the keys to the kingdom which Peter revealed on the day of Pentecost, when God’s Spirit was first poured out. (Matthew 16:19, Acts 2).

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

The government “upon his shoulder” is as a yoke. (Gesenius').

Jesus said,

"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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:29-30 KJV

We take His yoke upon us when we covenant with Jesus by repentance and water baptism. We find His rest when we receive His Spirit, the Holy Ghost.

Jesus is our Governor - Wonderful Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.  

The Feast of Dedication, the Festival of Lights, also called Hanukkah Part 2

 The holiday is celebrated on the first night by lighting a light in the menorah (candlestick). For eight nights, every night there is an increase of one more light lit. On the eighth night, all eight lights are lit.

The candle that lights the lights is called the servant candle (shamash). It is to sit a bit higher or lower than the rest of the candles.

This servant candle appears to me a metaphor for Jesus. He is our Master and Lord, yet He was a servant.

"If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet." - John 13:14 KJV

The servant candle is not extinguished after it does its job of lighting the other candles. Its light is available to light a candle in case a candle blows out.

Jesus is available to ‘relight our light,’ refilling us with His Spirit if we stumble and repent.

"Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light." - Ephesians 5:14 KJV

"The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light." - Romans 13:12 KJV

"Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:" - Ezekiel 37:4-5 KJV

“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry." - Luke 15:20-24 KJV

To be continued…

Jesus and the feast of dedication Part 1

 

There are two Jewish holidays, not a part of the law, from before the time of Christ.

One of these holidays is Purim. (Esther 9:28). The second one is the Festival of Lights, also known as Hanukkah ("Dedication"), or the Feast of Dedication.

These two holidays appear to be metaphors of Christ and His Kingdom.

The Bible records Jesus being in the Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the feast of dedication (Hanukkah).

"And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch." - John 10:22-23 KJV

The feast of the dedication, also known as Hanukkah, began Thursday eve December 10 and ends December 18. (Eight nights).

It celebrates the miracle of the only remaining cruse of pure oil lasting eight nights instead of the usual one night when the Greek armies desecrated and defiled the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. This was on the Jewish month Kislev 25, about 160 BC. On the civil calendar, Kislev 25 generally coincides with the month of December.

The feast of dedication also celebrates the victory of a greatly outnumbered army of Jews over the Greek army that occupied Israel and were trying to force a godless lifestyle on the Jews.

One cruse of oil was only enough to last one night in the golden candlesticks in the Holy Place. It would take eight days to procure new pure oil. Miraculously, the one cruse kept the light burning in the Holy Place for eight days.

To be continued…

Bethlehem - Part 1 Prophecy

The Bible records that Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

"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:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered." - Luke 2:4-5 KJV

The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem fulfills the prophecy of Christ the Messiah being born in Bethlehem.

"Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?" - John 7:42 KJV

The scripture that says Christ comes out of the town of Bethlehem is found in Micah.

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." - Micah 5:2 KJV

The everlasting Father was revealed when Jesus was born. “Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father…” John 14:9.

"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." - Isaiah 9:6 KJV

And this shall be a sign unto you - the manger

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

When the angel of the Lord announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds in the fields, he told them they would recognize him by this sign – they would find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

To explain how this would be a sign, it appears there is a link to a verse by the prophet Isaiah.

According to Thayer’s Lexicon, the word “crib” is another word for “manger.”

"Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider." - Isaiah 1:2-3 KJV

“Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” - the “master’s crib.”

Another translation, “Even an ox knows its owner, and a donkey recognizes its master’s care—but Israel doesn’t know its master. My people don’t recognize my care for them.”

Israel would not recognize their God had come to bring them salvation.

"He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not." - John 1:10 KJV

"Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?" - John 14:9 KJV

The word manger is mentioned two more times.

"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." - Luke 2:7 KJV

The King of Glory, the Lord Almighty had come to dwell among His people, and they did not recognize Him. There was no room for Him even in an inn. He was born in a stable where the animals were kept.

Yet the shepherds “came with haste” and found Him! The Lord revealed Himself to the shepherds – the pastors of the sheep.

"He came unto his own, and his own received him not." - John 1:11 KJV

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." - John 1:12-13

This is how we are born of God:

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39

To whom did the angel of the Lord announce the birth of Jesus?

 

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." - Luke 2:8-11 KJV

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

"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." - Luke 2:13-14 KJV

The angel of the Lord made the great announcement of the birth of Christ the Lord to shepherds and their flock. (Exodus 3:1-2, Psalm 78:70-71, Jeremiah 23:3-4, Jeremiah 3:15, John 21:15-17, John 10:1-5, 7, 1 Peter 5:1-4, 1 Peter 5:1-4, Acts 20:28.)  

"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. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child." - Luke 2:15-17 KJV

The shepherds were witnesses. They told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. The angel told them he was bringing good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. This child that was born is the Saviour, Christ the Lord. He came to bring peace to the world. (Acts 1:8, Acts 5:32, Acts 22:14-15, Matthew 24:14, Mark 13:9, 1 Corinthians 1:6, 1 Corinthians 2:1, 2 Corinthians 1:12, 2 Thessalonians 1:10, 1 Timothy 2:6, 2 Timothy 1:8, Acts 13:52, Romans 14:17, Romans 15:13, 1 Peter 1:8, Jude 1:24-25).

Jesus brought peace to the world by His gospel – His death, burial, and resurrection. (Colossians 1:20-23). Because of this, it is called the gospel of peace.  (Romans 10:15, Ephesians 6:15). We claim His peace when we apply His gospel to our life. (John 20:19-23, Acts 10:36-43, Isaiah 9:6-7). Repentance is death to sin. Water baptism in the name of Jesus is burial of old sinful nature. Holy Ghost infilling is resurrection to new life. (Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4).

"And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." - Luke 2:20 KJV

Our Heavenly Father revealed in flesh in His name above every name - His name of salvation - JESUS

 Our Heavenly Father overshadowed Mary causing her to conceive. Our Heavenly Father is a Spirit. He is holy. Our Heavenly Father is also called the Holy Spirit, or Holy Ghost.

The child that was born was the flesh and blood body of our Heavenly Father. That child carried the name of our Heavenly Father because He is our Heavenly Father revealed in flesh. That name which is above every name, that every knee shall bow to, is the Father’s name of salvation. That name is JESUS.

 (Luke 1:32, 35, John 4:24, John 1:1, 14, Isaiah 9:6, John 14:7-11, John 5:43, John 17:11, Ephesians 4:4-6, Luke 11:13, Matthew 10:20, John 15:26, Philippians 2:10, Acts 4:10, 12).

"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.

“Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 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." - Matthew 1:18-23 KJV

Our Heavenly Father overshadowed Mary causing her to conceive. Our Heavenly Father is a Spirit. He is holy. Our Heavenly Father is also called the Holy Spirit, or Holy Ghost.

The child that was born was the flesh and blood body of our Heavenly Father. That child carried the name of our Heavenly Father because He is our Heavenly Father revealed in flesh. That name which is above every name, that every knee shall bow to, is the Father’s name of salvation. That name is JESUS.

 (Luke 1:32, 35, John 4:24, John 1:1, 14, Isaiah 9:6, John 14:7-11, John 5:43, John 17:11, Ephesians 4:4-6, Luke 11:13, Matthew 10:20, John 15:26, Philippians 2:10, Acts 4:10, 12).

"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.

“Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 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." - Matthew 1:18-23 KJV

For unto us a child is born

 "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." - Isaiah 9:6 KJV

Acts 2:38

 

Praise Jesus!

 

"Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." - Psalm 106:1 KJV

"But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth." - Psalm 86:15 KJV

"For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." - Psalm 100:5 KJV

"Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's." - Psalm 103:1-5 KJV

"Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's!" - Psalm 103:1-5 NLT

"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." - Philippians 4:4 KJV

 

God was IN Christ, reconciling the world unto HIMSELF

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." - 2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV

Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and on the third day He rose again. This is the gospel. It is good news. Jesus paid the price to reconcile us back to Himself. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

We turned our back on sin, and covenanted with Jesus by baptism in His name, applying His blood to our sins. By our covenant, He gave us the gift of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38-39).

Now it is our calling to walk in this new holy life and be a witness of this gospel message of reconciliation to others.

The Bible tells us,

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:15-16 KJV

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.”

"Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." - Colossians 4:5-6 KJV

“Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”

The word “redeem” is defined in Thayer’s Greek Lexicon as, “to buy up…to buy up for oneself, for one's use…Ephesians 5:16 and Colossians 4:5, where the meaning seems to be to make a wise and sacred use of every opportunity for doing good, so that zeal and well-doing are as it were the purchase-money by which we make the time our own;”

We see the days are evil. Jesus has committed unto us the word of reconciliation – the gospel - to reach this world.

"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." - 2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV