What Must You Do To Be Saved.

"Hear, then, in a few words, the way of salvation. It is this. Christ said to the Apostles, 

“Preach the gospel to every creature: he that believeth and his baptized shall be saved, and he that believeth not shall be damned.” Or, to give you Paul’s version, when he spoke to the jailor, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” 

Thou askest what thou art to believe. Why, this: that Christ died and rose again; that by his death he did bear the punishment of all believers; and that by his resurrection he did wipe out the faults of all his children. And if God give thee faith, thou wilt believe that Christ died for thee; and wilt be washed in his blood, and thou wilt trust his mercy and his love to be thine everlasting redemption when the world shall end."



Spurgeon, Charles. The Complete Works of Charles Spurgeon: Volume 2, Sermons 54-106 . www.DelmarvaPublications.com. Kindle Edition.

The Problem with Christmas

Matthew 2:3 (ESV): “When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.”

The birth of Jesus was a disruption! It upset the current ruler and even the general population. The status quo was about to change. Very disturbing! It’s the same word that Matthew uses in Matthew 14:26 (ESV): “But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear.”

Matthew Henry comments: “Note, Carnal wicked hearts dread nothing so much as the fulfilling of the scriptures.”

The fulfillment of prophecy requires that if someone has omniscience; if someone is omnipotent and sovereign, it can be disturbing. It is a scary thing to be in the presence of an all-knowing, all-powerful, unchallenged king. Hebrews 10:31 (ESV) reminds us that “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

What a comforting thought to know God in Christ and enjoy His Presence without fear. So says the Psalmist in Psalm 139:17 (ESV): “How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them.”

This is the comfort of the Gospel: Romans 8:1 (ESV): There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Revelation 22:20 (ESV): “He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”

Come Let us Worship, Day 20, December 20

1 John 3:16–17 (ESV)

¹⁶ By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. ¹⁷ But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?

We might all complain and even criticize the mountains of toys and presents at Christmastime in this western world, but the idea is not wrong. Christmas and giving go hand in hand. ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, ESV). When Paul encouraged the Church at Corinth to keep their commitment to support the famine stricken churches in Jerusalem; and when he used as an example of the Macedonian generosity, he grounded all this in the Gospel:

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9, ESV). So the exchange of gifts at Christmas is intended to be a reminder of the greatest gift of all. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, ESV)

This is not to deny the exorbitant, perhaps wasteful giving at Christmas.  It is to say the idea is right.  One other thing, the original gift exchange at Christmas was far from fair.  2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV) records this exchange:

²¹ For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

This is the gospel — the good news that our sins are laid on Christ and his righteousness is laid on us, and that this great exchange becomes ours not by works but by faith alone. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,” (Ephesians 2:8, ESV).  This gift exchange was full of inequities, but full of grace and mercy.

Father our gift exchange at Christmas is a very poor example of what it is to typify.  In the Great Exchange, you gave to us your righteousness; we gave our sin.  We are truly the beneficiaries of mercy. This Gospel truth and reality is to be the basis of unselfish giving in my life toward those in need.  May we be transformed by the Gospel, rendered generous.

Come Let us Worship, Day 25, December 25

Twas the Night Before Christmas

Jim MacLellan

December 2008

‘Twas the night before Christmas, darkened by sin.

This Man, I resisted to know.

But a glimpse of His light, shined hope deep within,

He called and I wanted to go.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, the door opened wide.

A new stirring I felt deep within.

His Voice spoke with wonder, I couldn’t resist,

He called and I ran after Him.

‘Twas the Day after Christmas, O what can I say

A new freedom that’s in His control.

Christ, the Gift, is the Giver, My treasure, My all,

He leads satisfying my soul.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Come Let us Worship, Day 24, December 24

Most of us are familiar with Clement Moore’s poem written in 1822 that has become a tradition in many homes prior to Christmas. “Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. . ..”  

The truth is that is was night time before Christmas – before Christ’s birth.  We read in the Gospels that “In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. It was also night in Israel in an emotional sense.  Israel was under the rule of Rome.  They were slaves of the Roman Empire.  It was also night time for Israel socially.  Many Jews had returned from exile and were worshiping God in Jerusalem, but many more had stayed in Persia, and still others had settled in Egypt and elsewhere.^[1]   Families were divided.  Friends were distant.

It was also night time in Israel, spiritually.  The Hebrew community was chastened. Turning the page from the Book of Malachi to the first chapter of the New Testament is a leap of more than four hundred years. It had been 400 years since God had spoken to Israel.  The light of God’s face had been turned away.

It is always night time before God does something creative and wonderful. 

The ancient record tells us that before God spoke the Universe into being in one miraculous creative act – it was night.  (Genesis 1:1-3)

Darkness precedes dawn. 

There was darkness in the life of Mary and Joseph.  We glamorize the Christmas story, but forget that Mary was a teenager.  She was pregnant.  She had never been sexually active.  But only she and God knew that.  Even her fiancée couldn’t be sure.  She was about fifteen and pregnant, forced to travel in the latter stages of her pregnancy – forced to find a dwelling in a stable. 

It is always dark before the light.

Prior a person coming to faith in Christ – being set free from sin’s curse and finding freedom in a relationship with God, the Bible says they are in darkness.  2 Corinthians 4:3-6

There is always darkness before light.

Jesus made an amazing claim while on earth.  He said, “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”” (John 8:12, ESV)

Father, today we pray for those who walk in darkness – especially the darkness of sin.  Many of these are our friends, our family, our neighbors.  Spiritually it is the night before Christmas.  May the Christ whom we worship, this Christmas, bring light into their lives and set them free to worship you.  Amen.

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^[1]New Geneva study Bible. 1997, c1995 (electronic ed.) (Mt 1:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Come Let us Worship, Day 23, December 23

John 10:10–11 (ESV)

“¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. ¹¹ I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.“ [Emphasis mine]

This is part of the final public address of Jesus.  He uses another of the “I am” statements that John so meticulously records. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, ESV). This statement is not offered in isolation.  Israel’s shepherds have failed miserably in caring for the nation.  God promises to raise up another shepherd who will lead his people in righteousness[1]. God himself comes, in Christ, and takes on the role of this shepherd.

Read this promise carefully.

““I will make with them a covenant of peace and banish wild beasts from the land, so that they may dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods. And I will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing, and I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing. And the trees of the field shall yield their fruit, and the earth shall yield its increase, and they shall be secure in their land. And they shall know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke, and deliver them from the hand of those who enslaved them. They shall no more be a prey to the nations, nor shall the beasts of the land devour them. They shall dwell securely, and none shall make them afraid. And I will provide for them renowned plantations so that they shall no more be consumed with hunger in the land, and no longer suffer the reproach of the nations. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God with them, and that they, the house of Israel, are my people, declares the Lord God. And you are my sheep, human sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Lord God.”” (Ezekiel 34:25–31, ESV)

This is covenant language – New Covenant language.  Notice the emphasis, not on wealth so much, but security, peace, and assurance.  The picture is also so wonderfully portrayed in the Shepherd’s Song:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:1–6, ESV)

This is the meaning of the “abundant life”.  This is why Jesus came. 

Father, you are my shepherd, my Good Shepherd.  Today and always, lead me where I will rest content and my soul will be nourished. Whatever the hill or valley, or even in the darkness, my fear is gone for you are present. You have given us eternal life that is now and forever – that minds it ever-increasing culmination in your presence, where there is fullness of joy.  Amen.

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[1] “And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd.” (Ezekiel 34:23, ESV)

Come Let us Worship, Day 19, December 19

It is sometimes remembered but often we forget how real it really is. I’m talking about tangible, palatable sadness.  The context of Christmas for many people around the world is a backdrop of sadness. Christmas was once filled with laughter and happy gatherings.  But this Christmas is anything but joyful.  Perhaps the loss of a spouse, a child, a friend is the ache that cuts through the Christmas happenings.  Perhaps it’s a person enduring a very unhappy, unfulfilled marriage.  Perhaps it’s a loss of job or hope of future security. 

In the 1960s, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles released a song entitled, The Tracks of my Tears.  Two stanzas went this way:

People say I'm the life of the party
'Cause I tell a joke or two
Although I might be laughing loud and hearty
Deep inside I'm blue

So take a good look at my face
You know my smile looks out of place
If you look closer it's easy to trace
The tracks of my tears

This year. as were other years, there will be many who seem to be laughing loud and hearty, but inside – deep inside it’s not that way.  Christmas is a sad time of year.  Must this be endured?  Is there any hope?  I don’t think that pat answers provide the solution.  Pretending that things are OK is not a balm in Gilead, either.   I can only pass on one solution that is wrapped up in these words: Don’t waste your tears. I get that from James, chapter 1:

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2–4, ESV)

Notice, “let steadfastness have its full effect.” When genuine faith crashes head first into various kinds of trials – and stays the course by trusting in the unseen hand of God, it produces endurance/steadfastness.  It is this patient endurance that will bring honing and shaping.  This trial is sanctifying, making us more like Christ.

As the Heidelberg Catechism so properly affirms: “He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.”   This trial, this pain, this loneliness is intended by God for our salvation.

Where is Christmas in that?  That’s why he came.  He came to “seek and to save the lost”

Father as we anticipate this Christmas, the loneliness, the pain, it is hard to keep a smile on our face. Yet for some reason you have ordained this for my salvation.  I pray that I will not waste this opportunity to grow in grace and in deeper knowledge of You.  Amen.

Come Let us Worship, Day 22, December 22

I just listened to the daily news program, The National, by the CBC. They were reporting on a place called Moss Park Overdose Prevention Site, located in Toronto.  They had access to the site and interviewed several drug users.  One person’s statement caught my attention. “It’s Christmas,” they said. “Depression.  Lots of overdoses. People are going to die.” However that is true.  “Depression tends to increase during the holidays due to an increase in demands (perceived as stressful), family issues, and being unable to manage expectations.”[1]

How sad. It’s supposed to be a time to rejoice; and a time for hope.  Yet some find the time a trigger for depression, suicide, drug overdose, death.  How sad.  Warren Weirsbe writes, “In the years before Christ’s birth, there was a growing sense of hopelessness among the peoples of the world. Many people felt that the old religions had failed, but there was nothing to make them believe that better days were coming.”[2]

Many of us are familiar with the words of Isaiah’s prophecy:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:6–7, ESV)

But the backdrop to this prophecy reveals this dark condition:

“They will pass through the land, greatly distressed and hungry. And when they are hungry, they will be enraged and will speak contemptuously against their king and their God, and turn their faces upward. And they will look to the earth, but behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish. And they will be thrust into thick darkness.” (Isaiah 8:21–22, ESV)

But Chapter 9:1-5 speak of a great hope. A Messiah, promised as a “child” being born would shine into Israel’s darkness.  Those who trusted and believed God’s promise had hope.  Likewise was a godly man named Simeon[3] who held onto that hope, believing the promise of God.

Nothing has changed in all these millennia, people still need hope and hope is found in the promises of God.  Paul found hope in the Promised Saviour. We read, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,” (1 Timothy 1:1, ESV) [Emphasis mine]

Thank you Father that hope is found in a Person and the multitude of promises in your Word. We ask that you, the God of hope, will fill us who believe with all joy and peace as we continue to trust in You. This Christmas, may we overflow with hope by the power of the Spirit.  Amen. (Romans 15:13).

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[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2017/12/13/why-does-depression-tend-to-increase-during-the-holidays/#3b31a8fc4a6d

[2] Wiersbe, Warren W.. C Is for Christmas: The History, Personalities, and Meaning of Christ's Birth (p. 87). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

[3] “Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.” (Luke 2:25, ESV)

Come Let us Worship, Day 18, December 18

The cards, the greetings, the sons trumpet the greeting to all: “Peace on earth, good will to men.”  It sounds like a positive, joyful, universal blessing.  But we miss the point of the Scriptures if we simply accept this.  The Bible says, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased” (Luke 2:14, ESV).  Notice that the Christmas greeting invites everyone to participate in the praise of God; and the peace carries a qualification: “on whom he is pleased”.

“Glory should be given to God in the most exalted of ways, while on earth one should see that this child means peace for those “on whom his favor rests.””[1]

In the Latin Vulgate, this short song is known as the “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” (“ Glory to God in the highest heaven”). God’s glory is the manifestation of all his majesty and power.  The Christmas announcement calls us to give glory to the all-glorious one.

The Roman Caesar Augustus would boast that he had established peace by conquering Rome’s enemies. However Jesus was to establish peace, but by very different means. 

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6, ESV)

Jesus is the provider of peace, but we mustn’t think in terms of our definitions.  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27, ESV).  The peace that Christ gives is not indiscriminate to all and it is not often definable.  “Rejoice in the Lord always . . . Let your reasonableness be known to everyone . . . do not be anxious about anything . . . And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4–7, ESV)

The angels invite us to bow before His glory and for those who have received his grace, anticipate his unique peace.  “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1, ESV)

Father, it is striking that there seems to be a universal adoption of many of the precious Christmas thoughts and sayings.  How sad it is that many will recite this angelic announcement unaware of what they are saying.  May the Gospel arrest hearts this year and may your saving grace rest on many, this Season.  May you be glorified.

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[1] Bock, Darrell L.. Luke: The NIV Application Commentary from Biblical Text to Contemporary Life (p. 85). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

Come Let us Worship, Day 21, December 21

In the 10th Chapter of Isaiah, the prophet foretells of an Assyrian King whom God will bring against Judah.  He is described as a ruler that is swinging an axe under the direction of God.  Judah is pictured as a forest that has been mostly struck down by this axe – except for a remnant.   We picture a forested area that is mostly chopped down and decimated, with a few stumps remaining.  And then we hear these words: “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.” (Isaiah 11:1, ESV) 

Why is Christ called the Branch of Jesse?

      ·         Jesse lived during the days of the prophet Samuel. He and his family had lived in the town of Bethlehem in the territory of Judah for several generations—at least since the time of Boaz (Ruth 2:4).

      ·         Jesse had at least eight sons (2Samuel 16:10-11), the youngest of which was David. God chose the sons of David to rule over Israel and one of his sons was destined to become the King of kings: "'Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, 'that I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; a King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth'" (Jeremiah 23:5).

      ·         Both of Jesus' human parents were of the line of David (Matthew 1:1, 6; Luke 3:31). Before His conception, Gabriel tells Mary, "The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David" (Luke 1:32). 

So, with no doubt, this Branch that would shoot forth from the family of Jesse, from the ancestry of David would be none other than Jesus Christ, born of the virgin Mary.  He would be the One who would bring salvation.   The most arresting and stunning aspect to this prophecy of the coming of Jesus, is not just that He is the Branch or the Shoot of Jesse (verse 1); but notice verse 10: “In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.” (Isaiah 11:10, ESV). 

This Jesus is not only the shoot, but He's the root.  Jesus is not only the child of the Messianic family, but He is the origin of the Messianic family.   He is not only Christ; He is Creator. When the final Book of the Bible concludes, Jesus reminds the reader that He had sent an angel to the Churches (Revelation 2-3) with His message because He is "I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” ^[1]

For Isaiah to call Jesus both the "root" and the "shoot" of David, is to proclaim Jesus as both God and man. 

Father the mystery of your Son’s nature is amazing.  But we thank you that it is true.  Jesus is both our God and Sovereign, but he is our mediator, our redeemer and our Priest.  He hears. He sympathizes. He is Christ, the King.  

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^[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Re 22:16). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Come Let us Worship, Day 17, December 17

Max Lucado is quoted as saying, “If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Saviour.”[1]  This is what God did: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, ESV). [Emphasis mine]

Notice the surrounding context:

¹⁴ And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, ¹⁵ that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

¹⁶ “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

So the word “gave” refers to both vv 14-15 in that he was given to be “lifted up” and refers to verse 17, he was given in the sense of the incarnation.  The term “lifted up looks up to Calvary’s cross and yet even beyond to Christ’s exaltation. “Jesus is predicting his death on the cross as both his exaltation to glory and the basis of salvation for sinners.”^[2]

This text assumes that God could have left the world in its present condition: perishing. But he intervened and “gave” His Son to save everyone who would believe. “It’s just as amazing — only a million times more so — as if you should say to your son, “There is something I want you to do for me: I have some enemies that deserve to perish, and I want you to go and die in their place, so that they can have eternal life.” Whatever else you know about God, make sure you know he is like that.”[3]

God is the initiator.  This verse speaks of our response, but the emphasis is that God took the initative. Think of it:  We could not love God unless he first loved us. If he hadn’t made the first move we would have no relationship. There would be no forgiveness, no righteousness, no adoption, no future, no hope, unless “God gave.”

In his autobiography, Surprised by Joy, C.S. Lewis describes a time in his early atheist life when he understood existence through the lens of the playwright. It was clear to him that, “if Shakespeare and Hamlet could ever meet, it must be Shakespeare's doing. Hamlet could initiate nothing.”[4]

The amazingness of grace is just that.  If God and man were ever to meet, God had to initiate.  He did.  He gave.

Thank you Father that your love for us was so intense and so intentional that you took the initiative, you moved first to save those who would believe in you.  You could have walked by, but you didn’t.  All glory and thanks go to you.  Thank you Lord.

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[1] https://www.quotes.net/quote/38331

^[2] Osborne, G. R. (2018). John: Verse by Verse. (J. Reimer, E. Ritzema, D. Thevenaz, & R. Brant, Eds.) (p. 83). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

[3] https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/god-so-loved-the-world-part-1

[4] C.S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life (New York: Harcourt, Brace, 1956), 223-224. 

Come Let us Worship, Day 16, December 16

The best-loved-verse in the Bible is very likely John 3:16.  I am currently preaching a mini-series on this verse that will take about 5 Sundays to explore.  It is rich, simple but complex.  Less familiar than John 3:16 is 1 John 3:16 (ESV)

¹⁶ By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

“In 1 John the author calls readers back to the three basics of Christian life: true doctrine, obedient living, and fervent devotion.”^[1] In 3:16 we can easily see that the ground for “fervent devotion to our brothers and sisters is the love evidenced and experienced in us by Christ.  In other words, “Jesus’ path to the cross marks the selfless, self-giving way of life to which his followers are called.”^[2]

But behind the ethical considerations is this doctrine: “he laid down his life for us.”   “Christ accepted the painful death of the Cross so that we might be saved from eternal punishment.”^[3] “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, ESV)

It is clear in the Scriptures that the death of Christ was intended to actually, effectually, truly save a group of people referred to as “us” or “the sheep”.  Herein we have the great divide in Christian doctrine:  Christ indeed loves the whole world.  How does God love the whole world? ““For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NLT).  As true as that is, God loves the whole world, BUT, He did not die for the whole world.  For all whom he died for, He accomplished actual salvation.

The intent of Christ’s sacrifice was that His elect be saved.  The extent was the whole world.  John Piper is right, this doctrine is also for our joy.  “Christians can be confident that Jesus’s blood will conquer the power of sin and death. Everyone for whom Jesus died will receive the saving benefits of his death by faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus’s death victoriously liberates sinners from sin and disarms the power of the devil.”

No more let sin and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground . . ..

Father, thank you for sending your one and only Son.  Jesus, thank you for not considering equality with the Father something to be held onto.  You voluntarily came and humbled yourself, being obedient – even obedient to the Cross. Thank you Holy Spirit for calling and converting us to this glorious plan of redemption.  Thank you that it is real, not potential.  Thank you that it is accomplished, not pending.  Amen.

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^[1] Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 2426). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

^[2] Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 2434). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

^[3] Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (1 Jn 3:16). Nashville: T. Nelson.

Come Let us Worship, Day 15, December 15

I recently visited a patient in hospital who was encouraged by a nurse who told them, “We’ll get you home for Christmas.”  I was reminded of Bing Cosby’s classic rendition of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”.  It was recorded in 1943. Hundreds of people would have been gathered around their radios, listening with tears in their eyes hoping their fighting soldiers would be home for Christmas.

I’ll be home for Christmas, you can plan on me.

Please have snow and mistletoe, and presents on the tree.

Christmas Eve will find me, where the love light gleams.

I’ll be home for Christmas… if only in my dreams.

At the same time Christians are drawn to the classic song, sung by the late Jim Reeves:

This world is not my home I'm just a passing through
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue
The angels beckon me from heaven's open door
And I can't feel at home in this world anymore
Oh lord you know I have no friend like you
If heaven's not my home then lord what will I do
The angels beckon me from heaven's open door
And I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

The tugs of this world, our friends and in particular family make the song dreamy instead of real for most of us.  Many of us would be reluctant to truly say, “This world is not my home . . . I’ll be home for Christmas.” I think there’s value for the believer to stop and reflect on their true home.  Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2, ESV). In the 19^th Century, Sanford Fillmore Bennett penned these words:

There's a land that is fairer than day,
and by faith we can see it afar;
for the Father waits over the way
to prepare us a dwelling place there.

Hebrews 13:14 encourages us to remember and find strength in the fact that “we seek the city that is to come.” It’s not only hopeless; it flies in the face of the Gospel to pursue lasting satisfaction in this life. The words “Here we have no lasting city” drive us to only source of contentment. Perhaps one of my readers, or even me, “will be home for Christmas”?

Father, you have set eternity in our hearts.  We know that we seek the city that is to come.  Lord, I pray that you will graciously wrest our hearts from what never satisfies and enable us today to set our affections on this above, where Christ IS, and to look to what is unseen, eternal and spiritual.  Grant us the discontent to truly say, “I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.”

Come Let us Worship, Day 14, December 14

“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” (Micah 5:2, ESV)

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:4–7, ESV)

Why Bethlehem?  John Piper writes, “Bethlehem is scarcely worth counting among the clans of Judah, yet God chooses to bring his magnificent Messiah out of this town. Why? One answer is that the Messiah is of the lineage of David and David was a Bethlehemite. That’s true, but it misses the point of verse two. The point of verse two is that Bethlehem is small—not that it is great because David was born there. (That’s what the scribes missed in Matthew 2:6). God chooses something small, quiet, out of the way, and does something there that changes the course of history and eternity.”[1]

One immediately thinks of 1 Corinthians 1:27–29 (ESV),

²⁷ But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; ²⁸ God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, ²⁹ so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

And again, 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV),

⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

It seems to be God’s pattern to disallow a philosophy, person or place to undermine his glory. “I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols” (Isaiah 42:8, ESV).  [Emphasis mine].

Father, it is a good reminder, especially in this Season of the year, but indeed all year, that nothing should engage our lives to the point the glory – that earth-shaking, mouth-dropping, mind-stopping glory that is the wonder of your essence, should pale in comparison to what we do and say.  Lord keep us from idols.  Lord, demolish anything that is “raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5, ESV).

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[1] https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/from-little-bethlehem-will-come-a-ruler-in-israel

Come Let us Worship, Day 12, December 12

Luke records the exact conversation that took place between Gabriel and Mary.  Luke 1:1-4, 26-38  Luke, we know was a medical doctor.  He was also a diligent, dedicated historian.  The question this raises is this:  This is an intelligent, educated medical doctor, with the tenacity of an investigative journalist – who believes in miracles.  How can that be?

Every reasonable person believes in cause and effect.  Predictability is what makes our life sane.  Some scientists disprove the virgin birth because they see no relationship between cause and effect.  But the difference between the Christian and the non-Christian isn’t on the issue of cause and effect but on the location of the cause.  If Luke were here he would agree that the virgin birth would be incredulous if we simply believed that everything we can see must have a natural cause.  But that’s not what Christians believe.  That’s not what Dr. Luke believes.  Let me explain:

#1.   Christians do not believe that God is merely one cause alongside every other cause. The Christian believes that God is THE ultimate cause of everything; and all other causes are subsequent or secondary.  ““Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’” (Isaiah 46:8–10, ESV) . If God did not exist and if God did not preside over the universe, there would be NO CAUSES.

#2.   Christians believe that God is able to do anything.  That’s the claim of Gabriel.  There is nothing too hard for God.  The sacred name for God, revealed to the Jews, teaches us this.  His Name is Jehovah!   Jehovah means: the eternal, self-existent, self-sufficient God.  Everything that is, existed in God.  He is not created.  He is eternal, therefore He is perfect and all-powerful.  Therefore God is not only the Ultimate Cause behind all things.  He is also Ultimate – all powerful.  There is NOTHING impossible with God.

#3.   Thirdly, and lastly, as the ultimate authority in the universe, God has the right and the power to set aside the natural predictability of events whenever He wants to.  If He wants to make water into wine, He can.  If He wants walls to implode straight down, He can.  And if He wants to create life in a human mother apart from human procreation, He can.  He is God.

Here’s the main point: When a rational, investigative, tenacious scientist believes that there is a personal God who creates something out of nothing, it becomes nothing for him or her to believe that God can cause a baby to be born in the womb of a virgin.  God can do the impossible.

Father, there is nothing impossible for you.  There is so much more to the virgin birth and the incarnation, but one thing it reminds us as we face this day: there is nothing to hard for you.  Our hope and our trust is in you alone.