A New Year

                                                          

 

A new year. An opportunity to make positive changes in our life. To make clear our focus on what is truly important. To focus on that which is eternal, letting go preoccupation with that which is temporary.

Our life is like a vapor – time passes so quickly. There is great satisfaction knowing that we have spent our time well.

Our spiritual life is eternal. Knowing Jesus, His wisdom, His ways, is of infinite value.

We must keep our eyes open so that we do not get caught up in negativity. To be full of His Spirit – full of His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, shines His light to the world.

Bringing the gospel of Jesus to the world – the knowledge of His gift of repentance with forgiveness of our sins through His name Jesus in baptism, and the ultimate gift of His Spirit – is truly eternal and the greatest blessing we can share with anyone.

(John 4:31-36, James 4:13-17, Philippians 3:8, Galatians 5:19-26, Matthew 5:14-16, Acts 26:18, Acts 11:18, Luke 24:47, John 20:31, Acts 10:43 KJV/NLT, Acts 2:38-39).

The New Year

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

"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." - Psalm 139:23-24 

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." - Ephesians 4:31-32 

"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 

"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 

"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;" - Colossians 1:10 

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." - Ephesians 4:29 

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." - Galatians 6:9 

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." - 1 Corinthians 15:58 

Love

                                                     

In this life, it is the things that are not seen that count. It is these things that are eternal. (2Corinthians 4:18).

Love is such a thing. It is eternal. Love is the most essential and most important in the scheme of things. (1Corinthians 13:13, Colossians 3:14).

The highest form of love a person can possess, comes only from Jesus. This love comes when the Spirit of Jesus is within a person, when all selfish desires have been extinguished. (Acts 2:37-45, 2Timothy 2:21, 1John 4:13, 16, Galatians 5:16-17, 2Corinthians 7:1).

This love prefers others, and forgives others. There is no boasting, no envy or jealousy. This love is patient and complete giving. (1Corinthians 13:4-7, Romans 12:9-17).

To attain such love, is walking in the Spirit of Jesus. It is having been forgiven much, loving much. (Acts 22:16, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 7:36-50, 1John 4:19, Romans 8:1-11).

Oh, that we may enter this New Year with His love working in and through our life. (1Thessalonians 2:11-12, 1 Timothy 1:5).

Repentance

                                                 

"What is Repentance? It is a change of mind, that leads to a change of heart, that leads to a change in actions. This change involves both a turning from sin and a turning to God."

This change of mind is not something that goes back and forth every day, choosing God, then choosing sin. True repentance is a life change. When we repent, we do not continue in sin, saying to ourselves that grace will keep covering our sinful lifestyle.

What does Paul say about this?

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? GOD FORBID. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE.

“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that HENCEFORTH WE SHOULD NOT SERVE SIN." - Romans 6:1-6 (My italics.)

Jesus gives us the gift of His Spirit so that we CAN walk in newness of life. His Spirit leads us to make changes in our life to become holy. His Spirit gives us power to overcome temptation and live a victorious life. With His Spirit, Jesus opens our eyes to see the way of escape from temptations. Praying in every situation, and being led by His Spirit, we keep the victory.

(Acts 1:8, Romans 12:1-2, John 14:26, 1Corinthians 2:16, Ephesians 4:11-15, 1Corinthians 10:13, Romans 8:5-16, 1John 5:4).

"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

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4

 

Give Thanks unto the Lord

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 KJV

"Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 KJV

The Godhead

                                                                 

"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." - Matthew 1:18 KJV

If someone thought God was "three persons," the above verse would be confusing.

Because God is a Spirit and is one, this is not confusing. Father - Holy Ghost - Holy Spirit - God - Spirit of Christ - Spirit of God – Spirit – Spirit of Truth - Word - Comforter - LORD - Saviour - all these and more describe the Creator of the universe, whose name is JESUS.

A "person" is a "human,” “individual," “bodily presence," "bodily appearance." (Merriam-Webster).

Because the definition of "Godhead" is deity i.e. the state of being God (Greek "theotes") (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon), then truly there is no "person" in the Godhead. The only "person" is the MAN Jesus, and the Godhead dwelt IN Him.

"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." - Colossians 2:9 KJV

 

Church! Rejoice!

                                                              

Church!

The Bible says the HEAVENS REJOICED at the BIRTH of CHRIST!!

At His BIRTH the ANGEL OF THE LORD brought "good tidings of GREAT JOY which shall be to all people."!

 At His BIRTH "there was with the ANGEL a MULTITUDE of the HEAVENLY HOST PRAISING GOD..."!

 At His BIRTH the GLORY OF THE LORD shone round about the shepherds!

 "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...

 "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 2:8-14

 Let us REJOICE and give GLORY TO GOD!

 Time for Church!

And He saw that there was no man

                                                     

The first man, Adam, sinned, bringing separation between God and man. (Romans 5:12).

"But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you..." - Isaiah 59:2

God saw the sad condition of man in his sinful state. He looked and saw there was no human that could save mankind from his wretched condition. So God Himself, His right arm of power, reached out and redeemed man from his bondage to sin. (Acts 20:28).

"And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him." - Isaiah 59:16  

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." - Hebrews 2:14-15

God’s arm is a symbol of the body He made for Himself to dwell among men. It represents power because by His body He paid the price of sin by death to reconcile man back to Himself.

"Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? ... because he hath poured out his soul unto death; and he bare the sin of many..." - Isaiah 53:1, 12

There would be no more division. God brought peace. That is why when Jesus was born, the Father revealed in flesh, He was called the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6). He came in power to bring man back to Himself.

"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

"And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel…" - Colossians 1:21-23 (Acts 2:38).

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them..." - 2 Corinthians 5:19

 

Balaam, a gentile prophet, prophesied of a Sceptre

 

                                            

"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

"The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be." - Genesis 49:10

"Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre." - Psalm 45:6

Gesenius’ Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon says, “A sceptre of a king,”

"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 1:32-33

"But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom." - Hebrews 1:8

"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

"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

When Herod the king heard the wise men, he demanded of the chief priests and scribes 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.

 

Jesus Our Horn of Salvation

                                                 

Jesus Our Horn of Salvation

Zacharias prophesied of Christ when his son John the Baptist was born.

"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 [mighty Savior] for us in the house [the royal line] of his servant David;" - Luke 1:67-69

A horn (H7161), of an ox, a goat, or a ram, is a metaphor of strength and power. The first mention of the Hebrew word for horn is Genesis 22:13. When Abraham was being tested, he prophesied: “God will provide Himself a lamb…”

"And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son." - Genesis 22:13

The horn from a ram, (a shofar), is used as a call to repentance and a reminder of the love of God for His people. It is a reminder of the ram that replaced Isaac on the altar as a sacrifice. A ram is a male sheep.

The Hebrew word for “ram’s horn,” “yovel” (H2986), is also the word for “jubile.”

"And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession [all properties return to original owners], and ye shall return every man unto his family [all slaves are freed]." - Leviticus 25:10

Jesus is God our Savior, the horn of salvation. The ram that took Isaac’s place as a sacrifice is a metaphor for Jesus. Jesus (the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world that hung on a tree) took our place as a sacrifice, just as the ram (a male sheep caught on a tree) took Isaac’s place as a sacrifice. Jesus is our Jubilee. We were slaves to sin and death but Jesus sets us free. (Hebrews 2:14-15, Acts 20:28).

We claim the freedom Jesus purchased for us when we turn our back on sin by repentance, we are baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission [forgiveness] of our sins, and we are filled with the power of Jesus to overcome sin and death when we receive the gift of His Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38-39).

"And when they were come into the house..."

While the shepherds came to worship Jesus at his birth, the wise men came to worship Him when He was “a young child” at a house. The wise men were not at the manger with the shepherds.

"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

How did these Gentile wise men hear about this star and the birth of the King of the Jews?

Perhaps the wise men were searching for the star spoken of by the Gentile prophet Balaam.

"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 [Star – “metaphor used of an illustrious prince” – Gesenius Lexicon]

Isaiah prophesied of the visitation of the wise men (kings).

"And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising." - Isaiah 60:3

"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." - Matthew 2:8-9

"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." - Matthew 2:11-12

The Lord warned Joseph to take Jesus and His mother and flee into Egypt.

"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." - Matthew 2:16 

King of the Jews

                                         

In the beginning of the nation of Israel, God was their King. After the years of the judges and at the time of Samuel, the last judge, the people decided they wanted a king like the other nations.

"And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them." - 1 Samuel 8:7

".... And they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; that we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles." - 1 Samuel 8:19-20

When the fulness of the time was come, the Lord overshadowed a young virgin causing her to conceive. This baby boy was God in a human body, the Son of God. (Isaiah 9:6, Galatians 4:4, Luke 1:35).

"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 1:23

When Jesus was born, He came as King of the Jews.

Wise men from the east came seeking this King,

"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 2:2

Interestingly, the Jews once again rejected God as their king.

"But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar." - John 19:15 KJV

God will come again as King of kings. Every eye will see Him. He will judge, go out before His people, and fight their battles. God, as the Lamb of sacrifice which taketh away the sin of the world, is this King. His name is JESUS. (Revelation 17:14, Revelation 1:7, Romans 14:10, John 1:29).  

"These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful." - Revelation 17:14

The Feast of Dedication - Hanukkah

                                                 

The Bible records Jesus being in Jerusalem at the feast of the dedication.

"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 dedication is a Jewish festival known as Hanukkah, or festival of lights. Hanukkah (Chanukah) began at sunset Sunday night, December 18th. The Hebrew word “Hanukkah” means “Dedication.”

In 156 BC Syrian-Greek king Antiochus Epiphanes IV and his armies defiled the Temple. He had tried to forcefully uproot the beliefs and practices of Judaism from the people of Israel by forbidding Jewish worship. The scrolls of the Law were confiscated and burned, and Sabbath rest, circumcision and the dietary laws were prohibited under penalty of death.

Antiochus sent his General Apollonius to wipe out Judah and his followers, the Maccabees. Though greater in number and equipment, the Syrians were defeated by the Maccabees.

On this day, the 25th of the Hebrew month Kislev in 139 BC, the Maccabees liberated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Judah and his followers cleared it of the idols placed there by the Syrians, built a new altar, repairing, cleansing and rededicating the Temple back to the service of God.

All the Temple's oil had also been defiled by the pagan invaders. When the Jews went to re-light the Temple's Golden Candlesticks, they could find only one small cruse of olive oil that was ritually pure. By a miracle of God, the one-day supply continued to burn for eight days, until new oil was made available. In memory of this, Jewish sages appointed these eight days for annual thanksgiving and for lighting candles.

For eight nights, candles are lit to recall and publicize this great miracle. A menorah holds eight candles, with one candle placed above the rest that is used to light the other candles. On the first night, one candle is lit. On the second night, two candles are lit, and so on until the eighth night. It is said that throughout the eight nights, the lights are multiplied, totaling thirty-six lights lit over 8 nights. It is required that the menorah lights be set in a window or doorway so that the world that passes by can see the light. A menorah is lit in every Jewish household. 

Church!

When the LORD, the chief Shepherd, made Himself a temple of a human body to dwell among His people, the announcement of His birth came first to shepherds.

"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

When the Lord spoke to them, the Shechinah glory surrounded them. The heavenly host praised God for His great mercy: The Creator of the universe had humbled Himself to dwell among His creation and bring salvation to the world.

"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 

The shepherds were witnesses – they did not delay. They came with haste. They then told everyone not only what the angel had said to them about this child, but also what they had witnessed for themselves.

The shepherds delivered the message. Those that heard wondered at the message. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for the good news that they had heard AND witnessed.

Just as pastors – shepherds of the chief Shepherd – taking the Word to the world that they not only have heard but have witnessed in their own life for themselves.

Be born of God – of water and of the Spirit – repent, be water baptized in the name of Jesus and filled with His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38).

Hear the Word – obey the Word – experience it for yourself – then take the word to the world!

Church!

God's Promise to David - Jesus, Son of 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 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 David is mentioned in the New Testament:

"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

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh - Part 3

                                                         

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

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 meal offering 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.

"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession." - Hebrews 4:14

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. (Matthew 16:21, 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

As the priests would eat the shewbread with the bitter frankincense, we are to crucify our sinful nature.

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

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

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh - Part 2

                                                     

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh - Part 2

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

While gold spoke of Jesus’ Kingship, myrrh spoke of Jesus’ anointing and death.

Myrrh was used in the Old Testament in the holy anointing oil used to anoint the tabernacle and the priests. (Exodus 30:22-31). Jesus spoke of His body as the tabernacle (temple). (John 2:19-21). Jesus is our high priest. (Hebrews 9:11-12). As an antiseptic, myrrh was used in embalming. Myrrh was used to anoint Jesus at His burial.

A woman anointed Jesus’ body with ointment. The Greek word for “ointment” is a root word of the Greek word for “myrrh.” Jesus said she did this for His burial, and wherever the gospel shall be preached, what she had done would be told. The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

"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 26:7

Jesus said of the woman,

“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 26:12-13 KJV

Nicodemus brought myrrh to anoint Jesus’ body for burial. This is the same Nicodemus that was a ruler of the Jews that Jesus told must be born of water and of the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:1-21).

"And after this Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took 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. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury." - John 19:38-40 KJV

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh - Part 1

                                                         

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh - Part 1

"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.

Herod demanded 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 2:5-6 KJV

Micah prophesied – the everlasting Father manifest in flesh.

"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 –

"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..." - Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV

Herod sent them to Bethlehem.

"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." - Matthew 2:11 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: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." - Luke 1:32-33 KJV

The Arm of the Lord Revealed

                                             

"Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?" - Isaiah 53:1 KJV

The LORD who manifested Himself in flesh - the "arm of the LORD" with power to redeem - was revealed to Mary, Joseph, Zacharias, the Shepherds, Simeon, Anna, the wise men, and today the church.

Jesus Prince of Peace

                                                     

When Christ was born, the angels gave glory to God declaring peace on earth and blessing upon mankind.

"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

The peace that God brought was reconciliation between Himself and man. After many years of separation, from the time of Adam and Eve, God came to make peace with man. Because He saw that there was no man without sin that could be a Savior, the Father robed Himself in flesh, came to dwell among men, then gave His life on the cross to pay the price to redeem man. God brought peace by the blood of His cross. by the gospel of peace – His death, burial, and resurrection. (Colossians 1:20, John 14:7).

"And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:" - Colossians 1:21-22

This peace of reconciliation between God and mankind was foretold by the prophet Isaiah.

"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

The child that was born is the Wonderful Counsellor, the mighty God, and the Everlasting Father. His name is Jesus. He is called the Prince of Peace because He brought peace between Himself and man by the sacrifice of His own flesh and blood, taking the judgment and justice due us for our sins upon Himself. (Acts 20:28, Philippians 2:7-8).

The fulfillment of the peace Jesus brought is the Holy Ghost. Because Jesus paid the price of reconciliation by His blood, we are able to receive His Holy Spirit and become at one with Him. No more separation because of sin – we are reunited.

Church! There is victory in the house of the Lord!

                                                                                                                                                        

How do we get this victory?

We find victory through Jesus. When we go to the house of the Lord and hear the gospel, we find that Jesus got the victory by His death, burial, and resurrection.

"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

Jesus got the victory by the gospel - His death, burial, and resurrection. We get the victory by obeying the gospel – becoming dead to sin by repentance, burying our sinful nature by water baptism by immersion with the name of Jesus called upon us, and rising to newness of life when we receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost, speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives us utterance.

(References: 1Corinthians 15:1-4, Acts 2:37-42, Acts 22:16, Mark 16:16, John 3:22, John 4:1-2, Acts 8:12-13, Acts 8:16, Acts 8:36, Acts 16:15, Acts 16:33, Acts 18:8, 1Corinthians 1:13, Galatians 3:27, Acts 1:5, Acts 11:16, Acts 2:4, Acts 2:11, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:6, Acts 8:38-39, Romans 6:1-4 (all of Romans 6), Colossians 2:11-15, Romans 8:1, Romans 8:4, Romans 8:9, Galatians 5:16, Galatians 5:25, 1Corinthians 15:1-4, 2Thessalonians 1:8, 1Peter 4:17, Romans 10:13-16 – we obey the gospel by Acts 2:38).

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." - Hebrews 2:14-15

When we follow Jesus - crucifying our sinful nature, burying our old nature by baptism in the name of Jesus, becoming alive to God by the infilling of His Holy Ghost to live a holy life – we get the victory!

As Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost,

"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

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." - 1 John 5:4

Time for church!

Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem

                                                     

Bethlehem

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

As Micah prophesied of Jesus, “Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." - Micah 5:2. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am." - John 8:58 Jesus also said, "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins." - John 8:24 Jesus told His disciples, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father…” John 14:9. (See also: Exodus 3:14, Isaiah 48:12, Isaiah 43:10, John 8:28).

"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 she shall bring forth a son

                                                     

The power of the Highest, God, overshadowed Mary so that she conceived in her womb and brought forth a son. She called His name JESUS, as the angel Gabriel told her to. (Luke 1:26-35).

"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 1:32-33 KJV

The angel of the Lord spoke to Joseph in a dream.

"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." - Matthew 1:20-21 KJV

"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 1:22-23 KJV

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." - Titus 2:11-14 KJV

Peter preached how we can apply the blood of Jesus to our life to purify us and remit our sins. The Holy Ghost then becomes our promise for us to receive to sanctify us and make us holy. (Romans 15:16, 1Corinthians 6:9-11).

"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

The Manger - A Sign

                                                

  

The word “manger” is mentioned three times in Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus. (Luke 2:7, 12, 16). In Luke 2:12 it says it is a sign!

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

According to Thayer’s Lexicon, the word "manger" is compared to “crib.” "Crib" is found in Isaiah 1:3.

"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

God gave Isaiah a vision of His coming. While the ox and donkey recognize their master, Israel would not recognize their God that cared for them. The manger was a sign.

"He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” - John 1:12

Rebellion brings spiritual blindness. Israel would not recognize their God had come to bring them salvation.

God came in the form of man so that He could shed sinless blood for our redemption. He came to pay the price that only He could pay – sinless blood.

When we receive Jesus, believing that He is God - Creator and Savior – we are able to be born again of water and of the Spirit.  (John 8:24 – I AM). By the blood of Jesus applied by His name in water baptism, our sins are forgiven. (Matthew 26:28, Luke 24:47, In Jerusalem Acts 2:38, Acts 10:43). By the power of His Holy Ghost, we are able to get and keep victory over sin. (Acts 1:8).

"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 1:13

How do we receive Jesus into our life?

"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

From the Old Man to the New Man

                                        

                                                                       

The Works of the Flesh

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." - Galatians 5:19-21 KJV

"That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." - Ephesians 4:22-24 KJV

The Fruit of the Spirit

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance..." - Galatians 5:22-23 KJV

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV

"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

"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." - Galatians 5:24-25 KJV

*Photo From: Exploring God's Word Bible Study

BETHLEHEM - "HOUSE OF BREAD"

                                                 

BETHLEHEM - "HOUSE OF BREAD"

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. 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 2:4-7

God Himself, the Everlasting Father, put on flesh and was born a baby.

The King of kings and Lord of lords was born King of the Jews.

"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

"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

"Bethlehem" means "house of bread." 

Jesus is the "Bread of Life."

"For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world." - John 6:33 

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

"I am that bread of life." - John 6:48 

"This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die." - John 6:50 

"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

"This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever." - John 6:58 

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder:

                                                            

 

"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." - Matthew 1:18 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

"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 1:22-23 KJV

"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 

"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 9:7 KJV

 

Church! Time for Holy Ghost Praise!

"Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps." - 1 Chronicles 15:28 KJV

Acts 2:38 What to do - Who - How - Why - Reward

 

"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

Spiritual Adultery

 

Spiritual Adultery

John the Baptist recognized Jesus as the Christ that had come as the bridegroom to save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21, Isaiah 54:5, John 1:29, Romans 7:4).

"Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled." - John 3:28-29

"For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body…Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." - Ephesians 5:23-27 [word=gospel - Thayer’s Greek Lexicon] (See through verse 32).

We become the bride (wife) of Christ when we turn our back on the world by repentance, covenanting with Jesus by water baptism, taking His name. (Acts 2:38, Acts 15:17, James 2:7).

"If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." - John 15:19 (John 17:14, John 15:19, 2Peter 1:4).

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." - 1 John 2:15-16

"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." - James 4:4