During the time when Jesus lived on the earth, leprosy was wide-spread. It was a dreaded disease. The word “leper” can refer to a person suffering from any of several different skin diseases. When someone had leprosy, they were covered with sores all over their bodies. Unlike chicken pox, these sores did not go away. When someone had leprosy, their situation was hopeless because there was no cure. To make matters worse, other people considered them to be unclean and were not allowed to touch them. Many people believed that people who had leprosy got the disease because of some terrible sin they had committed.

The law required all such infected individuals to stay away from healthy men and women, but in the passage we heard from Mark’s Gospel, the man approached Jesus. The man clearly believed that Jesus had the power to heal him; he simply did not know if the Lord desired to do so. 

Some ancient manuscripts have the term “being angered” rather than the term “moved with compassion.” If the former reading is correct, then Jesus was probably angry that the work of the devil had enslaved and injured the affected man. That Jesus touched this leper-and theoretically making Himself ritually unclean and exposing Himself to the disease-stood in stark contrast to the rabbis’ treatment of lepers. Jesus was on a collision course with legalistic religion throughout His ministry. The Good News challenges the drudgery of the Old Testament Law. Jesus’ authority challenged the scribes and the Pharisees. His concern for human needs was opposed by the traditions of the church.

Jesus met all sorts of physical needs during His ministry, but leprosy was a symbol of hopelessness. Jesus matches the most difficult of human needs with the deepest of human feelings. He knew the full range of human emotions because He was human. He responded to His feelings by touching the leper. Jesus let the leper and us know that He will take our place-not only in the risk of physical contamination, but in social contamination as well. By doing this, Jesus shows us what true compassion really means.

Jesus’ compassion had a cost. He had to give up His ministry in the city because the leper told people how he was healed. People had to come to Jesus in the desert, just like Jesus comes to us in the deserts of our lives.

The man disobeyed Jesus’ instructions not to tell anyone about his healing. He was affected emotionally and rejoiced. He followed his own feelings instead of following Jesus’ commands.  Why did Jesus strictly warn the man not to broadcast what He had done? First, Jesus wanted more time to define His messiahship on His terms before people could misinterpret it on their own terms. Second, if the Romans learned that He was the Messiah, it would prematurely end His ministry, and He had much more to do before His time on earth was done.

Just like Jesus took the man’s leprosy, He can take our sin. Sin makes us feel alone. We don’t feel like going to church and hanging out with fellow Christians who can encourage us. As we mature in our Christian faith we realize that is when we need Christ and Christian fellowship the most.

Sometimes we may find ourselves in a situation where we are uncomfortable, like when we had the chicken pox. But there may come a time in our lives when we find ourselves in a situation that is truly hopeless. When that happens, where can we turn? How do we find hope in a hopeless situation? We can turn to Jesus. When the situation is hopeless, Jesus is our only hope.

As God gives us opportunities, we can extend grace and show compassion with a gentle touch that conveys dignity and value. The simple, healing power of human touch goes a long way to remind hurting people of our care and concern. More important is the fact that they are reminded of Christ’s care, concern and love for them.

Bibliography

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible: New Kings James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; p. 1345)
2. “Hope for the Hopeless.” Retrieved from www.Sermons4KIds.com
3. Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament. Part of Wordsearch 12 Bible software package.
4. McKenna, D.L. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 25: Mark (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1982; pp. 52-56)
5. Pastor David McGee, “A Leper No More.” Retrieved from Christianity.com@crosswalkmail.com
6. Lisa Samru, “Power of Touch.” Retrieved form donotreply@email.rbc.org
7. “A Healing Touch.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com

Today we read about Jesus’ baptism, which was the start of his ministry on earth. Since baptism represents the washing away of sins, and Jesus was sinless, why did he need to be baptized? It was because his baptism fulfilled God’s saving activity as foretold in the Old Testament and culminating in his death on the cross. In other words, Jesus came to bring salvation to everyone. Jesus was willing to set a good example by doing God’s will, and it was God’s will that everyone who believed in him be baptized.

John the Baptist’s baptism emphasized repentance or turning away from our sins. Baptism represents the turning away from the old to the new, from our old ways of life to the kingdom of God. The baptism of Jesus (along with the descent of the Spirit, the proclamation of God and the witness of John) was a sign to both the people of his day and to us of something extraordinary. It was a sign that God wanted to become one with us and yet be different from us at the same time. Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and ascension gave baptism an entirely new meaning. Jesus’ baptism was a complete indication of his identification with the kingdom he was announcing.

Jesus’ baptism shows the glory of God’s plan and how all the details are important to God. Jesus heard the Holy Spirit call him to speak the truth and live with grace. Christ came to identify with sinners and give them his righteousness. His baptism was a part of that righteousness, and it was also a key part of Matthew’s plan to show his Jewish audience that Jesus is “God with us”. Jesus entered the same waters that his Jewish brothers and sisters entered, and by doing so they trusted that the God of Israel was still with them and could deliver them from the forces of evil. Jesus had to join with them to show them how far God would go to be a part of their lives so they could be a part of God’s life.

Jesus shows us the same thing. He shows us how far God would go to be a part of our lives so that we can be a part of God’s life. When he insisted that John should baptize him, Jesus wanted to melt into the crowd of the marginalized and rejects of society. By being with them, Jesus would raise them up, meet them in their despair, give them hope, be with them in their pain, comfort and cure them, accept them in their shame and bring forgiveness to them. Since Jesus also wants us to have right relationships with our Christian brothers and sisters, he went out and preached, healed and reached out to those who asked for forgiveness, who needed healing and who wanted to hear God’s Word.

Jesus was baptized so he could be one with us. Are we bold enough to be one with him? Can we, like Jesus, go into the dark lives of people to open their eyes and free them from sin? This can be hard to do if we are not washed of our cowardice, but when we are washed in the faith, Jesus will give us the strength we need.

Jesus’ baptism was for everyone, including the Gentiles. Acts 10:34-43 marks the acceptance of the Gentiles into the Christian community. The Gentiles did not have to show any prior observances. God is for everyone. He has no barriers to his love, and we must not put up any barriers to anyone who wants to come to God in faith.

John the Baptist did not want to baptize Jesus because John was faced with the real authority of the Son of God. John did not know what to do. John had to be faithful to his calling-preaching and baptizing in repentance-so that Jesus could be faithful in his calling. We also have to be faithful to the calling to which we have been called-preaching, singing in the choir, printing bulletins, cleaning the church or some other task. God’s way is through humble service to others, and Jesus is a good example. We have a choice-follow the wide gate to an earthly life that will lead to death and destruction, or follow the narrow gate to eternal life. By submitting to baptism, Jesus showed that God cares about us. Jesus came to a place where he did not belong so we could go to a place where we could not go otherwise.

Jesus’ submission to baptism was no simple act of personal piety. Jesus saw John’s baptism and fiery preaching as a declaration that there would be a new world order where God will set right what the evil world did wrong. By submitting to John’s baptism, Jesus declared that he was ready for this new world order-a new world order he starts with his ministry.

We as Christians are called to live out our baptism. We can’t afford to make ourselves comfortable or do only what will be appreciated or be satisfied with the way things are. We have to struggle with what’s right and what’s wrong, what’s important and what’s not important. Baptism changes us. It is a celebration of grace and an enactment of the Word of God.

As I mentioned earlier, Jesus’ baptism was the start of his earthly ministry. He had to have a clear sense of God’s support and identity before he could begin his mission. Our mission is the same as his mission, and before we can start our mission, we need to have the support and identity that only our faith in Jesus can provide. That identity is as a child of God.

Baptism calls us to service. God had a purpose for Jesus, and he has a purpose for each and every one of us. This purpose is to identify God with us in Jesus by serving justice in the world until God establishes justice on the earth.  This purpose will be made clear to us at a time and place of God’s choosing. We can’t change God’s timetable. He does things in His own time and in His own way. He gives us a vision. He reveals to us why we do what we do. He gives us a purpose even in our pain. If we are faithful, great things will happen. They might happen immediately, or they might not happen for two or three generations. They might happen in our lifetime, or they might happen after we die, but if we are faithful to God’s calling, great things will happen.

Doing what God requires is difficult. For some, it means becoming more humble, because they have gotten too proud. For others, it means becoming more forceful, because they are too meek.  For others, it means going out and helping the needy. We must also remember that what we think is the right thing to do may not be what God considers to be right. For example, Joseph thought he was doing the right thing when he planned to divorce Mary after she became pregnant, but it wasn’t what God wanted.

We must listen for our calling. We must not be afraid if God calls us to do something great. We must not be ashamed if God calls us to do something small. We must be faithful and prepare ourselves to see the heavens open and hear God’s voice saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant”.

Bibliography

1. ESV Study Bible. Part of Wordsearch 10 Bible Software package.
2. Augsburger, M.S. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 24: Matthew (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1982)
3. MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible, NASV (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.;2006)
4. Jude Siciliano, O.P., “First Impressions, The Baptism of Our Lord (A)”. Retrieved from www.preacherexchange.org
5. Exegesis for Matthew 3:13-17. Retrieved from www.lectionary.org
6. Richard Mansel, “Living the Truth”. Retrieved from www.forthright.net
7. Roland McGregor, “Epiphany 1-January 9, 2011”. Retrieved from mcgregorpage@intenex.net
8. Brett Younger, “The First Step”. Retrieved from goodsermons@goodpreacher.com
9. The Rev. Dr. Bill Leonard, “The River”. Retrieved from www.day1.org
10. David Lose, “The Power of a Good Name”. Retrieved from www.workingpreacher.org
11. Brad Ronnell Braxton, “Ready for Revolution”. Retrieved from www.religiononline.org
12. Dave Risendal, “Salvation is proclaimed”. Retrieved from http://onelittleword.org
13. Peter Clarke, O.P., “Baptizing Jesus”. Retrieved from www.torch.op.org
14. The Rev. Ben E. Helmer, “Baptism of our Lord, 1 Epiphany (A)”. Retrieved from http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com

“What are these clothes for?” asked Addy. She was at her friend Kara Johnson’s house, and Mrs. Johnson had the dining room covered with dresses, pants and some items of clothing Addy didn’t even recognize.

Kara laughed. “Mom helps the drama department over at the high school with costumes for their plays. She’s going through some old costumes to see which ones can be used again.” Kara picked up a red dress. “Hey, Addy,” she said, “You want to try some on? Mom will let us, won’t you, Mom?”

“If you girls are careful,” said Mrs. Johnson.

For the next hour or so, the girls went from being ladies of the 1700s to aliens from outer space. Their favourites were the animal costumes. Addy was a zebra and Kara was a lion. The costumes completely covered them except for air holes and a slit for their eyes. “Mrs. Johnson, my dad is out mowing the lawn. Can we walk past my house in our costumes? He’ll never know who we are, and I can’t wait to see the look on his face!”

Mrs. Johnson laughed. “Sure,” she said.

The girls giggled as they went quietly out the back door and then behind some trees to the sidewalk. They didn’t want Addy’s dad to see them coming from the Johnson house. They waited until he turned the mower toward the sidewalk, then they hurriedly walked past him.

Addy’s dad turned off the mower. “Oh no! My daughter has turned into a zebra and her friend is a lion! What shall I do?”

Addy removed the zebra head. “Da-a-d! How did you know it was us?

He laughed. “Your walk, Addy. I knew who you were by the way you were walking.”

The family had a good laugh about Addy’s costume over supper that night. Then Addy had a thought. “This is kind of like what we were talking about last week, Dad, when I was having problems with some friends at school. You said people should know I’m a Christian by the way I live my life-that I needed to walk the Christian walk.”

“Exactly right,” said Dad. “The Bible tells us that others should know we belong to God by the way we walk. Every step we take should honour Him.”

In the opening verses of his letter to the Colossians, Paul offers thanksgiving and acknowledges all three Persons of the Trinity. This divine ministry is the foundation of our Christian life and worship. Paul’s reference to Jesus as Lord foreshadows a key theme in this letter: the supremacy of Christ.

The triad of faith, hope and love is found throughout the writings of the early church. The hope that grounds the faith and love of the redeemed carries a certain expectation; it is rooted in the promises of the faithful God, thus the truth of the gospel changes lives and offers the certainty of heaven. The heart of the Gospel is the transcendent grace of God.

When Paul compares the work of the Gospel in Colossae with that in all the world, it is not hyperbole. Although the gospel message was young at the time Paul wrote the Letter to the Colossians, it had already spread from Jerusalem to Syria, Greece, Israel, Egypt and beyond. The Greek literally reads that the gospel, “in all the world has been bearing fruit and growing as it is among you.” This reminds us of the fruitfulness commanded by God in Genesis 1:28 and John 15:6. The true gospel message will prevail over competing voices, no matter how attractive they may seem.

Paul prayed that the Colossians would “be filled with the knowledge of His will.” The rest of the Letter to the Colossians describes the result of this prayer in the believer’s life. Knowledge alone is never enough. God’s Word must change one’s life and way of thinking, literally filling the believer’s life and motivating every area of his or her being. Sometimes Christians fail to live by the will and Word of God because they fall prey to false teaching; others fail through neglect, neither reading the Word nor applying it.

Paul believed that when there is faith and love, there is a well-founded hope of heaven. That hope comes when we hear the gospel and it produces abundant fruit in our lives. This fruit is produced when we let God’s love into our hearts.

God’s love allows us to understand what He does, what He wants, what His purposes are for our lives, and what He wants us to do for Him. The world He has made is so beautiful that it invites us to study His works and understand His perfections.

The will of God and the wisdom of God are inseparably linked with saturation in the Word of God. Godly wisdom is gained by studying His Word; spiritual understanding is how His children discern His will. Both wisdom and understanding are gifts of the Holy Spirit. They do not come from an unspiritual or fleshly mind. Such spiritual knowledge provides insight into God’s will; however, no one can anticipate the will of a stranger. Christians who long to discern God’s will discover it in their growing knowledge of who God is and what He wants.

When believers please the Lord constantly, that is their Christian walk. When they produce fruit consistently, that is their Christian work. When they progress in knowledge continually, that is their Christian wisdom. When they persevere in stress cheerfully, that is their Christian welfare. When they praise God correctly, that is their Christian worship.

The better a person knows God and His Word, the better he or she knows what is pleasing to God-a knowledge that becomes second nature, producing confidence by discerning God’s will rather than fear. This knowledge produces fruitful character, conduct, conversation and contributions (giving of resources). It also increases, becoming a part of who they are. They no longer rely solely on experience; they progress in their understanding of God as they progress in their understanding of His Word. People who take God’s Word seriously don’t just read it to see what it says; they make it a map for life so they can learn what to do…and then they do it.

Those who immerse themselves in God’s wisdom know how to persevere for the long haul and in the daily grind not just in the moments of crisis. Followers of Christ do not simply endure difficulties as the world does; they triumph in them in joy because they see spiritual realities beyond their circumstances. Joyful living in the midst of difficulty is the litmus test for Christians, because its only source is God. 

There is nothing we can do to earn our salvation. It is a gift that Jesus paid for with His life. All we have to do is accept it in faith. When we do, we will be fit for heaven-a community where there are different laws and where we will be changed.

Paul knew he was Christ’s ambassador, and he offered proof with healings, conversions and the establishment of churches. We are Christians are also ambassadors for Christ. We have been called, and we are to be faithful to that call. We are Christ’s brothers and sisters.

Christ gives us direction. We see things are they are and we see where we are going. Our greatest need is the direction Christ gives us. That direction includes the freedom He gives us. That freedom includes freedom from Satan’s power. Satan’s power can only control us if we let it. If we say “no” to evil and “yes” to Christ, evil won’t have any control over our lives.

God is pleased when we depend on the Holy Spirit to do good works. He is also pleased when we spend time studying His Word and learning more about Him. He will give us spiritual understanding. Spiritual growth can’t happen unless we know God. We will know when spiritual growth happens when we have a deeper love for God’s Word, a more perfect obedience, a strong foundation in doctrine, and expanding faith and a greater love for others.

Do others know you’re a Christian by the way you walk? That doesn’t mean that you tiptoe or march, but how you live your life. Could someone tell you’re a Christian by your kindness, patience and joy? Or do you walk the same as everyone else? Ask God to give you the wisdom to walk in a way that honours Him.

Bibliography

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible: New Kings James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; p. 1670)
2. “Watch your Walk.” Retrieved from www.keysforkids.com
3. Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament. Part of Wordsearch 12 Bible software package.
4. Dunnam, M.D. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 31: Galatians/Ephesians/Philippians/Colossians/Philemon Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1982; pp. 327-340)
5. Stanley, C.F.: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles bible: New Kings James Version (Nashville, TN: Nelson Bibles; 2005)
6. MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2006)

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The Feast of the Epiphany is the day when we remember the visit of the three wise men, but we also remember that Jesus came into the world for everyone-Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, upper class people and lower-class people, humble shepherds and wise men and so on.

It is also a happy time or a sad time depending on how you look at it. It marks the end of the 12 Days of Christmas and the end of the holiday season. For most of us, the decorations have been put away for another year, the parties and celebrations are over, visitors have returned home, and we are settling back into our daily routines after the Christmas season. We, like the Magi, need to break away from our daily routines and busyness to take time to look for the Christ Child. It might mean stopping in the midst of our daily lives to pray that God will help us center our thoughts on Jesus more than our daily lives. It might mean that we have to put down our to-do list to pick up our Bibles to read and absorb God’s Word.

The wise men endured a long, difficult journey. They endured dangers, hardships and scorn to find Christ, and so should we. When they found him, they worshipped him, and so should we. They set an example for us as Christians to follow. The Magi were on a quest, looking for more in their lives. They were not satisfied with the way things were. Otherwise, they would have stayed put. Change started for them when God made the first move and showed them a light in their darkness. They didn’t have to follow that light, but they picked up and began a journey that took them to Christ. They left their daily routines to find Jesus.

The star the Magi followed was not a natural phenomenon. It is a reminder that we need divine intervention to find out where Christ is in our lives. The busyness of our everyday lives can distract us from seeing the Messiah. When the light of Christ dwells in us, it guides us and blocks out the light from outside, worldly distractions. The light of Christ gives us the strength we need to make the name of Jesus known throughout the world.

The wise men studied the stars and believed in astrology. They believed that a person’s destiny was influenced by the star they were born under. They believed that if something strange happened in the sky, it was because God was breaking into the natural order to announce some special event. That is why they noticed and followed the star of Bethlehem. They had a limited sign and came to the Messiah, but those who knew the truth about God, his words and actions failed to take the Messiah’s birth seriously when they found out about it. In fact, they, like Herod, saw it as a threat to their positions and their way of life. Herod even saw it as a threat to his rule.

The Magi could not return to their old way of living after they met the Messiah, and we can’t return to our old way of living after we meet the Messiah. Jesus’ presence changes everything. There is more to life than our routines and careers. Life has more meaning now because the light of God’s presence is among us.

Those who refused to take the Messiah’s birth seriously were wrong. Jesus was a threat to their positions and their way of life because he challenged their way of doing things. He challenged them to change their ways, accept God in faith and follow his ways and teachings. He was ignored and despised not only because he challenged the established way of doing things, but also because he was not the type of Messiah people were looking for. They were looking for a Messiah who would come from the established ruling class and drive out the Romans. Instead, they got a humble servant who came from earthly parents who belonged to the lower classes of society. This fit in with one part of God’s plan for salvation-concern for the poor and disadvantaged members of society.

Epiphany is more than the inclusion of the Gentiles as part of God’s Kingdom. It is about breaking down the barriers that divide people. It challenges us to reconsider how we look at people whom we see as being outside the boundaries of God’s love. We must remember that God’s love knows no boundaries. We must take off our spiritual blinders and welcome those whom we don’t want to love.

The wise men represent us in God’s plan. They represent everyone who sets out in search of a king and finds the son of God. They gave Jesus the most precious material gifts they had, but each and every one of us can give him something even better-ourselves. Those who, like Herod and the chief priests and scribes, try to derail God’s plan for salvation will fail. They are no match for God or God’s people. God loves everyone, and Jesus came to save everyone.

The Magi were foreigners in the eyes of the ruling class, but Jesus was of keen interest to them. They went out of their way to find him and set treasures before him. The gifts the Magi brought were symbolic. Gold was a gift fit for a king, and Matthew’s Gospel introduced his Jewish audience to a king who would rule with love instead of hate, peace instead of violence. Frankincense is a gift for a priest. Jesus ministers to God on behalf of men. Myrrh is a gift for someone who is about to die. Jesus came to die for us on the cross. As we end another Christmas season, one of the best things we can do is to think about what gifts we can bring to him.

Bibliography

1. Billy Graham, “Who Were the Wise Men?” Retrieved from www.arcamax.com
2. Augsberger, M.S. and Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 24: Matthew (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1982)
3. Stanley, C.F.: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, NASB (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 2009)
4. Jim Liebelt, “The First Christmas Gifts”. Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
5. Mel Lawrenz, “” Magi”. Retrieved from thebrookletter@me.com
6. Exegesis for Matthew 2:1-12. Retrieved from www.lectionary.org
7. Jude Siciliano, O.P., “First Impressions, Epiphany of the Lord (A)”. Retrieved from www.preacherexchange.org
8. Karen Ehman, “Search Carefully”. Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
9. Fr. John Boll, O.P., “Volume 2, Feast of the Epiphany (A)” Retrieved from Volume2@preacherexchange.org

Well, Christmas is almost over for another year. For most of us the holidays are over, and our lives get back to normal. Children will be going back to school, people will be going back to work, family and friends will be going home (if they haven’t gone home already), and we will be settling back into our normal routines.

There is one more part of Christmas to come, and that’s why I said that Christmas is almost over. There is one more gift for all of us, and on the Feast of the Epiphany we receive that gift. That gift is the fact that Jesus came for all of us-both Jews and Gentiles. This concept is represented in the visit of the Magi, but it is also represented in the legendary story of the fourth wise man-a man named Artaban.

As he journeyed with his friends, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, he became separated from them. He never made it to Bethlehem. For many years he sought the Christ Child and in the process had many adventures and assisted many people, including dying beggars and frightened mothers, to whom he gave two of the three great jewels he had originally planned to give to Jesus. He even traveled to Egypt, hearing that Jesus and his parents had gone there, but was again frustrated in his quest. Now, after 33 years of searching he arrived in Jerusalem, hoping at last that he might find the child.

 At Passover time, Artaban, now an old man, noted an unusual commotion and inquired about its cause. People answered him, “We are going to the place called Golgotha, just outside the walls of the city, to see two robbers and a man named Jesus of Nazareth, who are being crucified on crosses. The man Jesus calls himself the Son of God, and Pontius Pilate has sent him to be crucified because he claims to be the king of the Jews.”

 Artaban knew instinctively that this is the king he had been searching for his whole life. Thus, he rushed to the scene. On the way he encountered a young girl being sold into slavery. She saw his royal robes and fell at his feet pleading with him to rescue her. His heart was moved and he gave away the last jewel for her ransom. Just then, darkness fell over the land and the earth shook, and great stones fell into the streets. One of them fell upon Artaban, crushing his head.

As he lay dying in the arms of the girl he had just ransomed, he cried out in a weak voice, “Three and thirty years I looked for thee, Lord, but I have never seen thy face nor ministered to thee!” Then a voice came from heaven, strong and kind, which said, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of my brothers or sisters, you did it to me.” Artaban’s face grew calm and peaceful. His long journey was ended. He had found his king!

This popular story powerfully presents the Epiphany message. The three magi of whom Saint Matthew speaks in his gospel brought their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, recognizing Jesus as priest, prophet, and king. Additionally, their presence in Bethlehem demonstrated how Christ was manifest to the nations. In a similar way, Artaban’s adventure showed that Christ calls us to manifest his glory to all nations. Artaban’s goodness and openness to all, even those he did not know, brought the face of Christ, namely the one he sought, to him. Additionally, those to whom he came, the poor and destitute, became Christ to him. Without realizing it, all his life he had been achieving his goal, to see the Christ Child. We, in turn, are challenged to be Christ to others; we must be ambassadors of the Lord.

God came to us in the form of Jesus so that we could come back to him. When we come to Christ, we are adopted into his family. We are also freed from the bondage of sin. That freedom has a purpose, which is being part of God’s plan for our lives. Our lives and the paths we take in life matter to God. We are to remember this when our lives seem aimless and without direction.

The church was unknown in the Old Testament and the Gospels. It wasn’t fully revealed until the events in Acts 2 occurred, especially the events that happened on the Day of Pentecost. It was not fully explained until Paul began his mission. The heart and soul of the mystery of the church is that Jews and Gentiles are joined into one body. The Gentiles are fellow heirs with the Jews, fellow members of God’s household, and fellow partakers of the promise of salvation for everyone. This process started with the visit of the Magi, but it was not fully realized until Peter preached to and baptized the Roman centurion Cornelius and his family.

Paul was the apostle, teacher and preacher to the Gentiles. The sufferings he experienced during his ministry were on their behalf, just like Jesus’ suffering and death were for everyone-both Jews and Gentiles. There are times when we as Christians will suffer for our faith like Paul, Christ and the disciples did. When we praise God, especially when we suffer, it forces us to keep our eyes on him and lifts us out of the pain of our suffering. It allows us to see clearly how God works in and through all believers to change something that is evil into something that is good. That does not mean that God causes pain and suffering. It means that God is with us and that he can use our suffering for his purposes.

Paul’s calling to preach to the Gentiles was the disposition of God’s grace. God not only appointed Paul a minister of the Gospel to the Gentiles through grace, He also anointed Paul with power. This verified Paul’s apostleship-an amazing thing considering that Paul so violently persecuted the church previously.

Christ came to unite Jews and Gentiles into one body of believers through the Gospel. Christ revealed the mystery to Paul on the road to Damascus and at other times during his ministry. The purpose of his ministry was of interest to angels, especially since they rejoice when a sinner repents.

The mystery is made known to us through both God’s direct intervention in our lives and through Scripture. This revelation is a gift for everyone, whereas until Christ was born it was seen only as a gift to the people of Israel. We are to share the promise with everyone.

If we enlarge our horizons, our theology will not be restricted to a denominational understanding but will affirm the ecumenical affirmations of the Christian faith centered in Jesus Christ. To be sure, we ought to preserve the best in our own theological tradition, but admittedly we do not possess the whole truth. We can learn from one another, and as we dialogue we sharpen our basic convictions.

In order to share the gift, we have to use the gifts God has given us. Some of us have the gift of preaching and teaching. Some of us have the gift of singing. Others have the gift of leadership, and still others have the gift of just being able to talk to other people and share what God has done for them in their lives. We know what our gifts are, but we also know our limitations. We don’t have to worry, because God will make up for our limitations.

God created the church to be a public testimony to his grace-a place where anyone (both Jews and Gentiles) can go to receive a constant flow of mercy, and a place to hear the message of the Gospel. Yet the church not only declares the truth to humanity; God also designed the church to display the truth to angels.

The church is called to be a house of prayer. God’s people don’t need a priest to be a mediator to approach him, as was required in the Old Testament. Jews and Gentiles both have full access to God through Jesus.

Within the church there are to be no divisions due to race, spiritual or social reasons. Faith gives us free and unlimited access to God. When we place our trust in God, it opens the way for us to communicate with and have fellowship with him at any time and in any place. Anyone and everyone can come to him. We can do so because of God’s grace.

God wants everyone to see and share his wisdom. It’s up to us to make certain that this happens. Sometimes we can’t see that Christ came for everyone and can use everyone. We need to share our gifts and burdens just like Christ shared himself with everyone-both Jews and Gentiles. We are to spread the Good News to a world that desperately needs to hear it. When we spread the Good News, we are to share it with everyone, because Christ came for everyone-and that is the greatest gift that everyone can give and receive.

Bibliography

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, NKJV (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; pp. 1642-1643)
2. Preaching Magazine, November/December 2015 (Nashville, TN: Salem Publishing Inc.; p. 65)
3. ESV Study Bible. Part of Wordsearch 11 Bible software package.
4. Dunnam, M.D. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 31: Galatians/Ephesians/Philippians/Colossians/Philemon (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1982; pgs. 175-182)
5. MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible, NASV (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2006)
6. Don Ruhl, “Our Job: Make People See the Manifold Wisdom of God.” Retrieved from comment-reply@wordpress.com
7. Michael Youssef, Ph.D., “Moments of Weakness.” Retrieved from mydevotional@leadingtheway.org
8. Joni Eareckson Tada, “Let Me Not Shrink.” Retrieved from communications@joniandfriends.org
9. Dr. R.C. Sproul, “Answering the Ultimate Question.” Retrieved from Corsswalk@crosswalkmail.com
10. Pastor Bob Coy, “Access-able.” Retrieved from www.activeword.org
11. Don Ruhl, “The Privilege of Sharing the Preaching of Christ.” Retrieved from comment-reply@wordpress.com
12. Richard Hasler, “Enlarge Your Horizons.” Retrieved from http://sermons.com/sermon/enlarge-your-horizons/14228
13. Richard Gribble, “Ambassadors of the Lord.” Retrieved from http://sermons.com/sermons/ambassadors-of-the-lord/1467337

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God”. This is John’s version of the nativity story. It doesn’t begin with shepherds and angels and a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. John’s nativity story takes us back to the beginning of creation and time, and it echoes the creation story in Genesis. In John’s Gospel, the very God who created the heavens and the earth and who breathed life into Adam was the same God who became flesh and lived among us. Jesus is the exact representation of God’s nature because he is God himself. This fulfills the purpose of John’s Gospel; namely, to prove that Jesus and God are one and the same.

Prior to Christ’s birth, there had been 400 years of silence since God spoke through the prophet Malachi. During this period of silence, the people were straining to hear a word from God, so God sent the Word. But first, he readied the world for the gospel. Because of the influence of Alexander the Great, the spreading of the Greek language made communication much easier. Also, because of the roads and general peace of the Roman Empire, missionaries could travel everywhere with less difficulty. Finally, with all of the Jews scattered throughout the Roman Empire, evangelists had many synagogues from which to preach the Good News throughout the known world.

The first Christians were Jewish, but the Gospel spread quickly to the Greeks, who knew nothing of the messiah or the fulfillment of prophecy. John had to translate these concepts into language that the Greeks could understand and appreciate. The Greek idea of “word” was “the mind of God”, or reasoning. In their minds, everything that exists was made by God. John is saying to the Greek world, “Jesus is the mind of God in human form”.

It is a concept that is so big our finite minds have difficulty understanding it. Jesus was in heaven with the Father and the Holy Spirit, but he came down to earth in the form of a human being. He walked among us and subjected himself to our human weaknesses even though he was God in human form. He walked on the earth for 33 years, but most people never even recognized him. They thought of him as being the carpenter’s son.

Whatever Jesus does, he does with grace. Whatever Jesus says, he says in truth. If we want to understand what God is like, all we have to do is look to Jesus. God came to us in Christ. When hostility and enmity exist, we can break the silence because of Christ and offer what God has offered us-a word of Grace. The true light came on the first Christmas-the light that shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it. This does not mean that darkness won’t attempt to overcome the light; however, its efforts will be unsuccessful because the light of God always prevails, even in the darkest hours of history.

Light equals life. The Light of Christ has come into our lives. Do we see it as a disturbance, or do we see it as the Light of life, like the shepherds did? This light brings peace, comfort, reconciliation and joy into our lives. The light came into the world where he could be seen and enlighten human understanding, but in spite of all that, the world failed to recognize him-did not understand him-rejected him-crucified him.

There is a story about two brothers, named Tom and John, whose father had died. He had willed the farm to the two of them to keep his sons together. It had not worked that way. John had married and lived in a small town with his family. Tom, who remained single, lived alone in the old farmhouse. “John is always preoccupied with his family,” Tom thought. “I do more than my share of the work.” He began to resent his brother. “Tom is always so grouchy,” thought John. “He is jealous of my wife and children.”

A wall of resentment built up between them. They would hardly speak to each other. They attended the same little church in town and sat on opposite sides of the nave during the Christmas Eve service. John was troubled because they had hardly acknowledged each other’s presence as they sat in church. On the way home John said to his wife, “Tom is alone and has no one to share Christmas. I know he won’t come here. Maybe we can take a warm dinner to him.” His wife prepared a delicious meal and John put it into a sleigh and started from the small town to the farmhouse in the country. Meanwhile, Tom, sitting alone, said to himself: “Life is too short for this. John is my only brother and he has it hard with his wife and family. I will load my wagon with wood for the fire and gifts for the children.” So he loaded his wagon and drove toward town.

Down in the valley between the farm and the town they met. They were silent for a moment and then they embraced with shouts of “Merry Christmas!!!!” Reconciliation took place at that moment, and the true light of Christmas was bright with a glow that could be seen for miles around.

In the Anglican Church, we do not have altar calls, spelled “A-L-T-A-R”, but Jesus always issues an altar call, spelled “A-L-T-E-R”. He calls on us to change our lives for a better fit. He calls on us to change habits that drag us down. He calls on us to read our Bibles and pray daily. He calls on us to help the less fortunate. By doing these things, we will shine the light of Christ and the light of this Christmas season on all of humanity throughout the year and draw others to him.

Bibliography

1. The Rev. Wm. McCord Thigpen, “Christmastide: A Reminder Where Our Hearts Belong”. Retrieved from www.day1.org
2. John Munro, “The Mystery and Mission of Christians”, Decision Magazine, Dec. 2010, pp. 30-33.
3. Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, NASV
4. Exegesis for John 1:1-18. Retrieved from www.sermonwriter.org.
5. Pastor Steve Molin, “Do You Like Beginnings?” Retrieved from www.sermonwriter.org
6. Pastor Steve Molin, “Alter Call” Retrieved from www.sermonwriter.org
7. Pastor Vince Gerhardy, “God Has a Word for You”. Retrieved from www.sermonwriter.org
8. Dr. Harold Sala, “The Incarnation”. Retrieved from www.guidelines.org
9. Jill Carattini, “To the World as We Know It”. Retrieved from www.rzim.org/Slice
10. Arthur J. Schoonveld, “Christmas Response”. Retrieved from www.thisistoday.net
11. Notes from Peter Anthony’s Bible Study on the Book of John, 2010-2011
12. Pastor Jim Collins, “Success Scripture of the Week: Dec. 20, 2009”. Retrieved from www.beyondpositivethinking.org
13. Anne Graham Lotz, “The Revelation of God”. Retrieved from www.angelministries.org
14. Matthew Henry Concise Commentary. Part of Wordsearch Bible software package
15. ESV Study Bible. Part of Wordsearch Bible software package

Good morning boys and girls!

Did you have a good Christmas? Did you get lots of gifts?

Did any of you go on a trip over Christmas?  How did you get there? Did you have to get directions? How did you get them? Did you ask someone? Did you go online and get directions? Did your parents use a GPS system or a map?

A long time ago there were some people who went on a journey. Can anyone guess who they were? They were the Three Wise Men. Let me tell you the story.

After Jesus was born, some wise men, also called Magi, saw a star in the sky which they believed announced the birth of a king. They traveled to Jerusalem and began to ask, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”   Herod heard about the Magi and their search for a king and he was deeply disturbed. He called a meeting of the priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” The priests told Herod that the prophet Micah had written that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem. Herod called a private meeting with the wise men and said to them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”

The Wise Men didn’t have a map or the Internet or a GPS system. They had something even better to guide them. They had a star.

So the wise men followed information that the priests had given to Herod and the star that God had given to guide them and it led them right to Jesus. When they found him, they gave him gifts and bowed down and worshiped him.   Wise men, women, boys, and girls are still searching for Jesus. There are people who want to help — people like pastors and Sunday School teachers. There is no map to help us find Jesus and there is no star to follow, but we do have the Bible. We can find the way to Jesus by reading God’s Holy Word! The Bible is the map and star that will lead to Jesus. All of us should read it every day to make sure we are headed in the right direction!   Let’s close our eyes and bow out heads for a moment of prayer. Dear Jesus, we seek you today because we want to worship you and crown you as our King. We are thankful for pastors and Sunday School teachers who want to help us, and we are thankful for the Bible which we have been given to lead us to you. Amen.

Bibliography

1. “Seeking the Saviour.” Retrieved from www.sermons4kids.com

John came into the family room where his parents were watching the news. He heard the end of a report about a man trying to collect a large inheritance. “If that man’s parents died, why can’t he get the money that was left?” John asked after Dad turned off the TV.

“He ran away from home when he was sixteen years old,” Dad explained. “That was thirty years ago, and he never contacted his family again. They searched and searched for him and found out he’d moved to another state. They wanted to have a relationship with him again and made repeated efforts throughout the years to contact him, including several visits to the city where he lived. But he wouldn’t even speak with them.”

“But he’s back now, so won’t he get at least some of the money?” asked John.

Dad shook his head. “Apparently not. His parents gave up trying to get a response from him and didn’t include him in their wills.”

“But now, after they’ve both died, he’s finally shown up and thinks he should have the inheritance?” asked John.

“Yes, but now it’s too late,” replied Dad. “He contested the will, but the courts upheld it. They said he’s not entitled to any of the money.”

“Wow!” said John. “I bet he’s sorry he didn’t make up with his parents when he had the chance.”

Dad nodded. “He learned a hard lesson–and a very common one. Do you realize that something similar happens every day?”

“It does?” asked John in surprise. “You mean there are lots of people who leave home and refuse to have a relationship with their parents?”

“That happens often enough,” said Dad, “but what I really meant is that God offers an inheritance to everyone who comes to Him through Jesus Christ. Because of our sin, we’re cut off from God, so He sent Jesus to pay the price of our sin so we could have a relationship with Him. But many people ignore His offer of reconciliation. When life ends, they’re going to want the inheritance–eternal life–given to those who are part of God’s family, but it’s going to be too late. That’s why it’s important to accept God’s offer to have a relationship with Jesus now, while we still can.”

The passage we heard from Ephesians expresses a new understanding that Paul has talked about in his other letters but never fully developed. The abolishment of the barrier between Jews and Gentiles is the key to understanding God’s plan for the universe. His plan was and is to unify the entire universe in Christ Jesus. That is God’s gift to us, and we should be grateful for what He has done for us.

The author of Ephesians refers to God’s gift of grace as a lavish inheritance. Something we didn’t earn, but which is gifted to us. How often do we settle for less when God is dying to give us grace? How often do we settle for the tired old habits of religion—legalism and dogmatism- instead of waiting in expectation for the lavish gift of forgiveness, the mystery of adoption by God? How do we correct our vision?

When the New Testament speaks of a mystery, it normally refers not to a secret but to a truth that has previously been unknown. The mystery of God’s will focuses on God’s great plan to centre all things in heaven and on earth in His Son, Jesus Christ. The dispensation of the fullness of the times refers to the time when God’s plan will be fully revealed at the Second Coming of Christ. Then everyone on earth will recognize that Jesus is Lord.

The fact that we are chosen by God gives us a purpose that we can hang on to in our slippery world. Our wide-open, permissive society is similar to the sinfulness of first century Rome. It doesn’t provide a purpose, but God does, and that purpose is to be holy and blameless in love. Second-best isn’t good enough for us as Christians. To be chosen for a purpose means that to be human and Christian is to be holy, and to make our lives an offering to God. Our destiny as Christians is in the hands of a God that loves us so much that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins so we can have eternal life with Him.

Those in Christ have every spiritual blessing needed for spirit, soul and body; for the past, present and future; for salvation and service; for time and eternity, both now and forever. The spiritual blessings believers have in Christ encompass every need and aspect in their lives. Paul specifies that these blessings are in the heavenly places so that readers will understand: this promise is not one of earthly blessings that will pass away but of spiritual blessings that will endure forever!

God hates uncleanliness. He hates to see anger boiling in the heart rather than the love that He placed there. God hates the lackadaisical heart that finds it hard to care about God, let alone anybody else. God hates gossip flowing freely off the tongue rather than encouragement or words of praise. God hates the self-indulgence that often replaces compassion and attention to the needs of the people around us. God hates the uncleanliness of the jealousy that chokes off our ability to have healthy relationships.

God hates uncleanliness because he hates anything that sells us short-short of what we can be, short of our destiny. God hates anything that harms us or prevents us from being the people He designed us to be. God hates anything that chokes off the life He desires for us.

God hates uncleanliness because God is holiness and we are not. God has higher hopes, holy hopes for us, and yet we fall short. And let’s be honest-cleanliness is next to impossible. But God is holiness, yes. At the same time, though, give thanks because God is also pure mercy.

God is love, and love does not wish to live alone. By definition, love requires relationship, so God chose for himself a people to be His own special possession. Love and sacrifice go together. We have been redeemed, justified and drawn near to Christ through His blood. This is the power of God because the love that initiated it is God’s love. Through God’s forgiveness we have redemption because of Christ’s sacrifice. As a result of this forgiveness we can respond to God in all wisdom and prudence. Through God’s forgiveness we are gathered into one body and we become God’s children. We become what we want and need. We become part of God’s family. We find unity in Christ.

When you were in school, were you ever among the last children to be chosen when teams were formed in Physical Education classes? Perhaps you felt the same way a little boy named Ronnie did. Ronnie squirmed back and forth unable to peel his eyes from the black asphalt below him. He hated this part of physical education class. He shifted his weight back and forth and listened; wishing and praying that he would hear his name called.

“Simon.” The boy next to him smiled and hustled over to his team. Ronnie sighed. There were only a few kids left and he knew he would be the last one picked. He was right, as he found himself standing alone, again. Ronnie, shoulders drooping, joined his team. Getting picked last stinks.

There are none picked last in the Kingdom of God. God does not choose us because we are the most athletic, the smartest, the strongest, or the most religious. We cannot do anything to earn the salvation God graciously and freely gives us. It has always been a part of God’s plan to adopt us into His family, so we cannot take the credit. There is no room for pride.

Our team captain is Jesus Christ. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, we are holy and blameless in God’s sight. We are set apart. Through Jesus we are a part of the body of Christ. We are on His team. We are not picked last, but first. In fact, Jesus picked us long before any of us existed! We are valued by Him because He had us in mind from the beginning of time. He took the time to create us. We belong to Him. He has a plan for us. Most important, He will never stop loving us.

The word “beloved” is a reference to Christ. The believer’s relationship with the sinless Christ is what makes him or her acceptable before God. When we believe in Christ, He works a miracle in us. We are purified and empowered by God. We obtain the riches of God’s grace in abundance. We have everything we need for life and godliness. We are to share these gifts with an unbelieving world. That is the point of the parable of the wicked, unforgiving servant. We didn’t deserve grace, but now that we have it, we have to give it as liberally and as graciously as we received it.

Six times in the Letter to the Ephesians Paul reminds readers of God’s riches: grace, the glory of His inheritance in the saints, His mercy, Christ and his glory. Because God is the source, this wealth can never be depleted and can never be lost.

The original form of the term “redemption” recalls the word “forum”, the place in ancient cities where slaves were bought and sold. Believers have been redeemed from the bondage of sin and freed by the shed blood of Christ. The believers’ inheritance consists of the promise of eternal life with God and all the spiritual blessings the heavenly Father supplies until then. Not only do God’s people receive an inheritance from God, they also make up His inheritance.

When something is sealed, it is marked with the owner’s name and secured as being in his or her possession. God marks believers as His very own by sending His Holy Spirit to live in them. The Holy Spirit Himself is the seal.

Whatever our situation may be, we are assured that God will work things out after the counsel of His own will. He will turn our sorrow into joy, and our groaning into glory. There will be times in our lives when our spiritual growth will be slow and times when it will be fast. God doesn’t always hurry in the development of our Christian life and He is not bound by time. Those of us who are deeply spiritual will be the ones who have made up their minds that they are going to stick with the Word of God, love other people and allow Him to live His life through them.

The Gentiles heard and responded to “the word of truth, the gospel of salvation”, which must include both the message of divine forgiveness and the vision of a transformed world. The Spirit is the advance instalment of the fulfilled vision. What will the vision be like? It will have the features we recognize in the Spirit. And what are they? Some might think of ecstasy and wonders. People who have listened to Paul will answer: love.

This elaborate and somewhat flowery acclamation is grounded in its underlying vision of divine love. People and things will be one when they acclaim love and compassion and acknowledge those alone as what rules. That vision of Christ is then a vision for the church and the whole world. It already shows itself where barriers and prejudice are broken down.

Bibliography

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible: NKJV (Nashville, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; p. 1639)
2. Dunnam, M.D. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 31: Galatians/Ephesians/Philippians/Colossians/Philemon (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1982, pp. 144-153)
3. MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2006)
4. Lucado, M.: The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2006)
5. Bob Christopher, “It is Finished!” Retrieved from www.basicgospel.net
6. Kenny Luck, “God’s Influence in Us.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
7. Bayless Conley, “It Will All Work Out.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
8. Michael Youssef, Ph.D., “A Glorious Inheritance.” Retrieved from mydevotinal@leadingtheway.org
9. “Lost Inheritance.” Retrieved from info@keysforkids.org
10. Kelly McFadden, “Not Last, but First.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
11. “Received and Accepted.” Retrieved from Christianity.com@crosswalkmail.com
12. “Spiritual Growth.” Retrieved from Oneplace@crosswalkmail.com
13. Christine Caine, “Obeying Matilda.” Retrieved from Biblegateway@e.biblegateway.com
14. “Global Positioning System.” Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Positioning_System
15. William Loader, “First Thoughts on Year B Epistle Passages from the Lectionary: Pentecost 7.” Retrieved from www.staff.murdoch.edu.au/~loader/BepPentecost7.html
16. “I Exam.” Retrieved from http://morrisokcumc.blogspot.com/2006/07/sermon-july-16-i-exam.html
17. The Rev. Dr. Allen Hunt, “God’s Promises for You: I Forgive You.” http://day1.org/1026-gods_promises_for_you_i_forgive_you.print

How do we know that Jesus is the only way to God?

That’s a question many people are asking these days. They say that Jesus was a good man, a religious figure or a revolutionary, but the only way to God? It’s not surprising that people have this idea, especially when you consider our modern society. There is a turning away from God, and that is represented by a decline in church attendance. We also have to consider the fact that there are passionate Muslims, Jews and Hindus who are fervent in their faith and beliefs.

The best way to answer the question is to see what Jesus said about Himself. In John 5:24, Jesus claimed powers that only God could claim. He raised the dead, healed on the Sabbath, judged sins and forgave sins. As a human, Jesus could do nothing separately from the Father. When Jesus acted, God acted. Both Jesus and God are almighty, all-seeing, all-knowing, infinite and perfect. In other words, Jesus and God are one. This means:

1. God wants us to honour Jesus. People who refuse to honour Him disobey the Father.
2. Jesus and God are equal. People who deny one also deny the other.
3. The same feeling that leads us to honour God will also lead us to honour Jesus.
4. The evidence of the existence of Jesus is the same as that of the Father. They have the same goodness, omnipresence, truth and power.
5. Those who do not offer proper homage to Jesus do not worship the true God. 
6. There is only one true God. People who claim that there are other gods worship false gods.
7. People who do not offer proper homage to Jesus are not true Christians.
8. One evidence of piety is when we are willing to render proper praise and homage to Jesus. This means loving Him, serving Him and obeying Him with all our hearts.

Jesus has the power to raise the dead if it is His will. That’s why He was able to raise Lazarus from the dead. That’s why He was able to raise the widow’s son from the dead. It is Jesus’ will whether sinners will live. He has the power to renew them. He can see our hearts and motives.

When lives are at stake, nothing is spared. That’s why firemen rush into burning buildings to rescue trapped people. Human lives are priceless. That’s how God sees us. He saw that we could not gain eternal life by ourselves, so He sent Jesus to provide it for us through His death on the cross and resurrection. God provided for us at a high cost-the death of His Son.

Many of you have children who imitated you when they were young. They did exactly what they saw you do. In the same way, Jesus did on earth what God did. He reached out to the lost, helped the needy and healed the sick. We are called to do the same. We are called to follow Jesus’ example and do what He did. As we continue growing to be more like Jesus, we will love like He loves, forgive like He forgives, care like He cares and live in ways that please Him.

Bibliography

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible: New Kings James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; p. 1449)
2. Daniel Darling, “Just Who is Jesus, Anyway?” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
3. Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament. Part of Wordsearch 12 Bible software package.
4. Dr. Harold Sala, “What is your Life Worth?” Retrieved from info@guidelines.org
5. Leslie Koh, “Just Like Dad.” Retrieved from donotreply@email.rbc.org

A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He made a sign advertising the pups and posted it in his yard. Shortly after, a boy showed up in response to the sign. “Mister,” he said, “I want to buy one of your puppies.” “Well,” said the farmer, “these puppies cost a good deal of money.” The boy reached deep into his pocket, pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer. “I’ve got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?” “Sure,” said the farmer.

The farmer whistled and called, “Here Dolly!” Dolly ran out of the doghouse, followed by four little pups. The little boy’s eyes danced with delight. As the dogs approached, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse. Slowly another little pup appeared, but this one was considerably smaller. The little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up.

“I want that one,” the little boy said, pointing to the runt. The farmer knelt down at the boy’s side and said, “Son, you don’t want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would.” The little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down and rolled up one leg of his pants, revealing a steel brace. Looking back up at the farmer, he said, “Mister, I don’t run too well myself, and that puppy needs someone who understands.”

Once the hoopla and confusion of Christmas fades and the wonder of Christ’s birth fades, Christians consider the harder questions that arise from the Incarnation-questions such as “Why did God have to come to us in this way?” and “Was it necessary for Christ to suffer during His life and especially in His death?” The short answer is that Jesus came not only to show God’s love and presence with us, but He also came to bear our mortality so that He could die to save us from our sins. God is revealed in the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus. That’s the irony of the Incarnation-that God is revealed only in human vulnerability.

As a baby, Jesus was born to a teenage girl whose heart agonized at the oppression of her people.  He drank the milk of her breasts while her innermost being throbbed with a passion for liberty. As a lad, He walked streets that were occupied by foreign troops. Swaggering or standing spread-legged in haughty arrogance, with weapons slung over their shoulders, they reflected their ruthless authority in their cold looks. As a teenager, Jesus knew the frustration of having parents who did not understand His radical calling. As a young businessman, He understood the difficulty of meeting payroll and dealing with adamant customers who demanded unreasonable service. He periodically heard the belligerent knock of the tax collector on His door demanding exorbitant taxes for a foreign oppressor. As a leader of a new movement, He was pained by the slowness of His disciples to grasp the true meaning of God’s kingdom and His servant identity. He felt the rising tide of hostility from the religious establishment and recognized the tightening vise of political power that was determined to squeeze all the breath out of His new movement. He seethed at the corruption of an illegal trial. He knew the stinging pain of the lash and the thong, the exhaustion of carrying a heavy cross, the cruelty of the soldiers pounding nails through His hands and feet. As He hung on the cross for hours, His bones began to pull from their sockets; His mouth was parched with the loss of blood and relentless heat. He experienced the alienating weight of the world’s sin, the yawning chasm growing between Him and His Father. He quietly watched the shades of death pull over His eyes until finally He gasped His last breath and gave over His life to God in a final act of submission. Then His limp and lifeless form was laid in a borrowed tomb.

Yes, in the midst of all of this He was truly one of us. Never again can we cry out in the midst of discouragement, opposition, or pain, “But God, you who are secure in Your heavenly sanctuary with all Your massive resources, what do You know of our human struggles? What do you know about living down here in the stench of human decay? Amidst all your power and glory, you have no idea of the powerlessness and helplessness of our human experience!”

On the contrary, Jesus does know how powerless and helpless we are. Jesus was and is our great High Priest. The first high priestly qualification of being identified with us comes through sufferings. There was no escape for Jesus. He had to be our brother in full identification with our feelings and our pain. He had to take on human flesh not only to become the sacrifice for our sins, but also so that He could experience what it is like to be one of us. He did not judge our human weaknesses. He felt them in His own human flesh.

Jesus has been there. He was angry enough to chase the moneychangers from the temple. He was hungry enough to eat raw grain, upset enough to weep in public, fun loving enough to be called a drunkard, winsome enough to attract kids, weary enough to sleep in a storm-tossed boat, poor enough to sleep on dirt floors and borrow a coin for a sermon illustration, radical enough to get kicked out of town, responsible enough to care for His mother, tempted enough to know the smell of Satan, and fearful enough to sweat blood.

Why would heaven’s finest Son endure earth’s toughest pain? So we would know that He is able to help us when we are tempted. Most of us can remember a time when a good friend or a loved one empathized with us during a difficult situation. “I know how you feel. I’ve been there. I get what you’re going through, and it’s going to be okay.” These words give us comfort and solace. They make us feel less alone and they offer hope for recovery and healing. This passage from the Letter to the Hebrews remind us that Jesus is that friend. He faced temptation when He spent 40 days alone in the desert. He suffered sorrow, pain, grief, and even fear. Jesus gets it. Because He gets it, and because He knows what suffering feels like, He offers us real comfort, reassurance and hope.

Union with God-which was shattered by the sin of the first Adam-could not be restored without suffering. The sufferings of Jesus the Captain of salvation were fitting because they completed the work of bringing many people to glory.

Believers are declared holy at the moment of salvation, but God also progressively sanctifies them through the Holy Spirt as they grow in their faith. Although Christians participate in this process of sanctification by reading and obeying the Bible, ultimately they increase in holiness through the work of God.

Before His crucifixion, Jesus called His followers “disciples” or “friends” but never brethren. The cross changed all of that. When Jesus saw Mary on the day of His resurrection, he told her to go and tell the brethren. By using this term Jesus showed His willingness to identify with people in their humanity and suffering. He challenges believers to consider who they are: members of God’s family.

We inhabit flesh and blood, so we are subject to death. Death was not part of God’s original plan for humanity. God wanted to save us from death, so He destroyed the power of the devil, who used death to frighten us. God was like a fireman who runs into a burning building to save people who are trapped.

When someone has a more powerful weapon than their enemy, the enemy’s weapon becomes useless. Satan’s weapon was the power of death, and it was destroyed with God’s weapon of eternal life through Christ’s birth, death and resurrection. Jesus came to earth to die. By dying, He conquered death in His resurrection. He rendered Satan powerless against everyone who is saved. We don’t have to fear death because Jesus broke the power of death over our lives.

Theologian Charles Ryrie defined the word propitiation as “the turning away of wrath by an offering.” Christ’s sacrificial death in our place turned away God’s righteous anger toward our sin, satisfying His holy requirements. Propitiation has two parts:

1. It makes guilty sinners favourable before God by satisfying the wrath of the offended party.
2. It leads to reconciliation.

Both were accomplished through Christ’s death.

We have to build our faith and confidence in God’s ability to protect and deliver us before we are faced with a difficult situation. Then when we are in danger we can fight the good fight and win. Jesus walks beside us to give us strength, courage and hope.

Bibliography

• Evans, L.H. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 33: Hebrews (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1985; pp. 70-80)
• Stanley, C.F.: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible: New King James Version (Nashville, TN: Nelson Bibles; 2005)
• MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2006)
• Lucado, M.: The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson; 2010; pp. 1691-1692)
• Vikki Burke, “Become Fearless.” Retrieved from dbm@dennisburkeministries.org
• David McCasland, “He Walked in Our Shoes.” Retrieved from donotreply@email.rbc.org
• Joni Eareckson Tada, “Rescued Through the Flames.” Retrieved from communications@joniandfriends.org
• Allister Begg, “Come to Your Tempted Savior.” Retrieved from newsletters@truthforlife.org
• Jim Liebelt, “Someone Who Understands.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
• Mary Luti, “A Sibling Empathy.” Retrieved from dailydevotional@ucc.org
• Micah Jackson, “Commentary on Hebrews 2:10-18.” Retrieved from www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary+id=3129
• The Rev. Dr. Alan Brehm, “Light Overcoming Darkness.” Retrieved from http://thewakingdreamer.blogspot.com/2013/12/light-overcoming-darkness.html