RESOLVED

 RESOLVED?

  My past life included making New Year’s resolutions. As in did, was, then, ended, over.

  Why did I stop making New Year’s resolutions? Going beyond and above the typical list of reasons, after studying God’s Word I came to the conclusion that it is not Biblical.

  I see Romans 12:1-3 as at the center of spiritual maturation, spiritual growth for-the-Lord effecting all other personal individual custom.

Romans [BBE] 12:1-3 For this reason I make request to you, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you will give your bodies as a living offering, holy, pleasing to God, which is the worship it is right for you to give him. And let not your behaviour be like that of this world, but be changed and made new in mind, so that by experience you may have knowledge of the good and pleasing and complete purpose of God.

But I say to every one of you, through the grace given to me, not to have an over-high opinion of himself, but to have wise thoughts, as God has given to every one a measure of faith

EBB4

A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE

 

A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE !!!

In 1944, Fritz Vincken was a 12-year-old German boy who lived with his mother Elisabeth in a small cottage in the Ardennes Forest. On the evening of December 24, 1944 (during the Battle of the Bulge), three American soldiers were separated from their unit and found their way to this isolated cottage. They were frozen and exhausted, so Fritz' mother decided to let them in. Not long after welcoming the Americans, four German soldiers knocked at the door. They had lost their unit and needed a place to stay. Elisabeth agreed to let them in but firmly told everyone to put their weapons aside. Seeing that an American soldier was wounded, one of the German soldiers took out his first aid kit and treated him. That night, in the middle of a deadly battle, these seven soldiers had a peaceful and friendly Christmas dinner together. At one moment, Elisabeth stood up, picked up her Bible, and prayed for the war to end, and for all of them to survive. The next morning, the Germans gave the Americans a compass and directions to find their unit. The seven men then said goodbye to each other and headed back to their lines. In 1995, Fritz (who was living in Hawaii and had become an American citizen) found one of the American soldiers. His name was Sgt Ralph Blank, and for years, he had been telling his Christmas story to everyone. Following their reunion, Fritz said: "When he told me: 'Your mother saved my life', it was the high point of my life. Now, I can die in peace. My mother's courage won't be forgotten and it shows what good will do". Ralph passed away in 1999 in Maryland, and Fritz died in 2001 in Oregon.

CONSIDERING THE BUSINESS OF CHRISTMAS

 CONSIDERING THE ‘BUSINESS’ OF CHRISTMAS SEASON

By Jim Eckman, Omaha NE church advisor and teaching pastor for Steadfast Bible Fellowship Church.

 

  In Charles Dickens’ “A CHRISTMAS CAROL”, the dialogue between the ghost of Jacob Marley and Ebenezer Scrooge is worth pondering. As Scrooge protests Marley’s intrusion, he declares that Marley “was always a good man of business,” to which Marley responds: “Business! Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business: charity, mercy, forbearance, benevolence were all my business.” The feverish materialism of Christmas mirrors Scrooge’s perspective, not Marley’s redeemed perspective on “business”. But what exactly is the “business” of Christmas?

  In November my wife and I saw the movie “A beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” Arguably one of the best movies of 2019, it stars Tom Hanks as Fred Rogers, the host of the popular PBS program “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood,” which aired from 1968 through 2001. “Would you be mine, could you be mine, please would you be my neighbor?” That threefold question was the recurring theme song Fred Rogers sang as he entered the front door.

  Incredibly gracious and compassionate, Rogers’ passion was serving children. Since play is the language of childhood, he used puppets and make-believe to help children work through conflicts and resolve fears. He loved to tell stories. Fred Rogers once said: “I like to compare the holiday season with the way a child listens to a favorite story. The pleasure is in the familiar ways the story begins, with anticipation of the familiar turns it takes, the familiar moments of suspense and the familiar climax and ending.” Since it is so familiar, let’s review the Christmas story. The scene is the backwater town of Bethlehem. The innkeeper., Herod and other political leaders all missed the magnitude of what was occurring. But the shepherds and the Magi didn’t.

  The shepherds were tending their flocks in the fields near Bethlehem, keeping watch against thieves and predatory animals. In all likelihood, those very sheep would be offered as sacrifices on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, less than 5 miles away. Shepherds were despised and distrusted and were not even permitted to give testimony in a court of law. They were poor and most likely uneducated, perhaps even unable to read the Hebrew Scriptures. On that first Christmas night, Luke 2:8-20 reminds us, an angel, joined by a host of angels singing praises to God, announced Christ’s birth. The shepherds immediately went to Bethlehem, but, because they were poor, they offered no gifts to the Child; instead they gave themselves. [I believe that in abandoning their flocks they did so at some risk. EBB4]

  The magi (Mt.2:1-12) were likely from Persia and members of a religious caste devoted to astrology and divination. Therefore they quickly discerned the importance of the star, which guided them to the Christ child. Their journey was over 800 miles and would have taken about 40 days. Arriving at Bethlehem, they worshipped the child and gave him the most extravagant, valuable and marketable gifts imaginable in the ancient world – gold, frankincense and myrrh. Perhaps that is how Mary and Joseph financed their sojourn in Egypt These potentates from the East were rich, powerful men of leisure who could afford a long, expensive journey. What a contrast with the lowly shepherds.

  However, the shepherds and the magi were united in their joy, exhilaration and worship – a Savior had come. They knew the same truth that historic, Biblical Christianity has always embraced: This child was Immanuel, the world’s Savior, the Messiah and coming king of kings and lord of lords. That is why we sing the carols and give our gifts – all in remembrance of God’s gift in Jesus. Unmerited. Undeserved. We simply trust in His completed work that began with the cradle and led to the cross. That is the “business” of Christmas.

Auld Lang Syne

 Auld Lang Syne is the key phrase of a 1788 poem by Robert Burns, typically sung on New Year’s Eve around the world. The phrase literally translates to “old long since, and basically means “days gone by”. The following ALL GLORY BE TO CHRIST by Dustin Kensue is sung to the same tune.

 

Should nothing of our efforts stand, no legacy survive.

Unless the Lord does raise the house, in vain its builders strive.

To you who boast tomorrow’s gain, tell me what is your life?

A mist that vanishes at dawn, all glory be to Christ.

 

All glory be to Christ our King,

All glory be to Christ.

His rule and reign we’ll ever sing,

All glory be to Christ.

 

His will be done, His kingdom come to earth as is above,

Who is Himself our daily breads, praise Him the Lord of love.

Let living water satisfy the thirsty without price,

We’ll take a cup of kindness yet, all glory be to Christ.

 

All glory be to Christ our King,

All glory be to Christ.

His rule and reign we’ll ever sing,

All glory be to Christ.

 

When on that day the Great I Am, the faithful and the true,

The Lamb who was for sinners slain is making all things new.

Behold our God shall live with us and be our steadfast light,

And we shall e’er His people be, all glory be to Christ.

 

All glory be to Christ our King,

All glory be to Christ.

His rule and reign we’ll ever sing,

All glory be to Christ.

 

CHRISTMAS IS AN IMPOSITION?

 CHRISTMAS IS AN IMPOSITION?

  Christmas provides spiritual focus for some. For others it provides spiritual distraction. One way is the light-it-up-shop-til’-you-drop disorder. Then there’s the escapist condition; wrapping oneself cozily in Christmas’ sentiment apart from the reality of the eternal Word urging and providing regeneration.

  What set me to thinking about this disorder was an article excerpt: “Democratic spokeswoman Harrell Kirstien accused Republican State Rep. David Bates of attempting to impose a “Bible belt social agenda” after video surfaced of Bates saying “the only hope for America” is to “turn from our wicked ways and ask god to heal our land” and “the problem we have here in this country and in all of our states is that we no longer fear god” at New England Solemn Assembly in Plymouth Massachusetts.”   (To read all: http://visiontoamerica.org/story/dems-attack-republican-legislator-for-being-a-christian.html )

  Now, before you think I’m turning DTs into a political forum, please understand I am not and will not do so. For me to do so would seriously distract, so let’s forget Democrats and Republicans for awhile. Plus, though it is representative of USA rights contention, I’m not zeroing in on freedom of speech issues.

  What I see here is two significant questions:

1.       Is it important to celebrate Christ’s birth?

2.       Is it important to, as His professed people, who are called by His name, to humble ourselves and pray, and seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, so He will hear from Heaven and will forgive our sin and will heal our land? (2Chron.7:14)

  Which is the greater Christ-mas? (i.e. Christ-worship)

  Beware the cheap tinsel trap. 

EBB4 (2019)

 ONLY 365 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

  One regular year is 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 47 seconds. Because this is rather unfunctional, a normal year has been given 365 days and a leap year 366 days. On Dogpatch leap years February 29th is added.

  With this info in mind, just think, there’s only 365 days until Christmas!

  Do I hear a relieved sigh “It’s over until next year!” from some of you while others think “I wish it were this nice all year.”?

  Though Christmas preparation, anxious or not, has today moved far down the list, it has been replaced with Returns (Estimated $100+ million this year.), Customer Service, bills to be paid, reassembling with this time reading the instructions, and possibly day-after decompression, sadness, or even depression. Then when such business is taken care of, there’s the still with us the nasty national and world scene.

  It’s a good time to remind ourselves of Romans 12:1-3 God-pleasing thinking and action is for every day application:

·         Be careful in our relationship to others. (Mt.7:12; 1Thes.5:11)

·         Do not forget the less fortunate, those suffering adversity. (Mt.7:12; 25:34-46)

·         Marriage is holy and should be treated thusly.

·         We are to be Philippians 4:11 Christians.

·         Life is not about cash and carry. (1Tim.6:10)

·         Fear not. (62 times in Scripture.)

·         God will never leave nor abandon His children. (Deut.32:6; Jos.1:5; 1Chr.28:20; Heb.13:5)

·         His John 1:12 family can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?" (Ps.54:4; Heb.13:6)

·         Remember those who have spoken God's word. Think about their lives. Imitate their faith. (2Tim.2:2, 14)

·         Jesus Christ, The Word, is the same yesterday and today-and forever! (Jn.1:1; Heb.13:8)

·         Know His Word and stand fast upon it. We are not to live willy-nilly silly as though God’s Truth is foreign to us or as a spare tire. (Ps.119; 2Tim.2:14-19)

·         As His John 1:12 children we are different; yet in this world but not to be of this world; accept this and live accordingly. (Phil.3:20)

·         Be thankful in word and deed. (Eph.5:20; Phil.4:6; 1Thes.5:18)

·         As His redeemed people, deciding to follow Him will not always result in pleasant experience this side of heaven. (Heb.11)

·         Christmas as holiday is past. Christ-mas should be every day. (Ps.118:24)

·         His gift is not without serious responsibility. We’re to communicate it in step and speak. (2Tim.2:2)

·         We must think as God’s people, Biblically eternal-wise. (Jn.3:3; 1Cor.2:16)

  “Now may the God of peace, who by the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good to do his will, accomplishing in us what pleases him through Jesus Christ. To him be glory forever and ever! Amen.” (ISV Heb.13:20-21)

 EBB4

SPARGANOO

 SPARGANOO

  Luke 2:1-12 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. 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.

  “Sparganoo” is the Greek text word for swaddling. “Swaddling” being a foreign word in our USA culture; seldom used in common conversation, and lacking in contemporary physical practice. It describes the Oriental Middle Eastern practice of using strips of cloth (sparganon) to bundle a baby.

  Friends introduced Ann and I to both the word and practice.

  Years ago they rejoiced in the birth of their now adult precious daughter. With great joy they arrived home with her from the hospital, soon finding her a very noisy little lady. All night noisy!

  As all we such experienced parents know, rested or not, you still must go to work the next day(s).

  Finally, in desperation they phoned their pediatrician. The good doctor not being one to jump for his prescription pad, he explained how the frazzled parents and child could enjoy improved sleep. “Wrap the baby snugly in cloth.” They all slept like a baby!

  So it was in practice when Jesus began His life, swaddled in cloth, confined in the body of man. He whom formed and maintains all that was, is, and ever will be; bound and limited. To this He agreed.

  So it was that Jesus ended His life; confined, nailed to a cross with all its limitations. To this He agreed.

  So it was that he was entombed; confined, tightly swaddled in grave clothes in a tomb sealed, secured and guarded by Roman soldiers around the clock. To this He agreed.

  And yet He was, as ever, truly free; glorious example and model for our living free while temporarily swaddled this side of heaven. (Please note I said “heaven”, not “eternity”, for truly individuals always live life or death everlasting.)

  Life’s sparganoo is present, but can in no way restrict our God given freedom (Jn.8:36), unless of course we reject, allow, or even embrace otherwise.  

EBB4