27
Dec '24
Time, Place, and Occasion of the Birth of Jesus
27
Dec '24
Introduction: When was Jesus Christ born? Was it December or June? How can we tell? Does it really matter? Let’s call three WITNESSES to testify.
(Luke 1:5) – “There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.”
1. The first witness is Zechariah the priest! He would have been chosen by lots. (Luke 1:9) – “According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.”
However, he would not function as the High Priest, who would be the only one allowed in the holiest of holies on the Jewish Feast called the Day of Atonement—Yom Kippur.
Next, Luke mentions all the people praying outside. This would have been done more than likely on The Feast of Tabernacles—Sukkot, which is the last Jewish feast of the year.
(Luke 1:10-11) – “And the whole multitude of the people were in prayer outside at the hour of the incense offering.” This priestly order was designated by King David.
2. The second witness is the shepherds in the fields watching their flock by night. (Luke 2:8) – “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.”
These were professional (priestly) shepherds raising sacrifices for the temple offerings, which was a year-round job. Contrary to the skeptics, they were not teenage boys out in the field. Even though it was winter, they would have been watching over their flock. The shepherd fields in Bethlehem are approximately three miles away on the road to the Temple in Jerusalem.
To recap, these were trained priestly shepherds responsible for raising qualified lambs to be sacrificed. By the way, the “sign” that the Angel gave them—“the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes”—would have been a key piece to the puzzle. They had skillfully wrapped numerous lambs in “swaddling clothes” to keep them from being injured, thus disqualifying them for being a sacrifice without spot or blemish.
3. The third witness is Elizabeth and Mary. Elizabeth conceives after Zechariah finishes his two-week service in the temple. After hiding for five months, she then visits her cousin Mary in the sixth month.
Apparently, afterward, Mary is impregnated by the Holy Ghost according to Gabriel the Angel.
Do the Math:
Since the Feast of Tabernacles always follows The Day of Atonement, which is a fall feast (Leviticus 23) around September:
-
- Count six months from there, and you get March.
- Mary conceives.
- Now calculate the duration of a pregnancy, which is nine months, and you come up with December.
Conclusion: There are other witnesses, but for time and space, this should be sufficient. Interesting to note: Hanukkah will be celebrated this year on December 25, commemorating the supernatural miracle of the candelabra virgin flask oil, which was enough for one day yet burned for seven days back in the days of the Maccabees, 165 B.C.
By the way, Jesus Christ observed the Feast of Lights as Jews do today. (John 10:22)
In concluding, while as CHRISTians we do not worship a date but rather a person, Jesus Christ, here is good evidence that He was, in fact, born in December.
So, “Come let us adore Him!”
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
26
Dec '24
Joy to the World
26
Dec '24
Introduction: People are sad. Many are depressed. Most of humanity is looking for happiness and prosperity. Where can they get it? What would you tell them? How are you doing deep down inside? Is there real JOY?
How can we have JOY? Try this:
1. JOY comes in the birth of our Savior Jesus! (Luke 2:10-11) – “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
Listen to the words of a favorite Christmas song: “JOY to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King.” This message to the shepherds, which has been announced through the centuries, is GREAT NEWS! God has a remedy for man’s sin; that should bring jubilant JOY!
2. JOY comes in answered prayers! (John 16:14) – “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”
Has God answered any prayers lately? Please do not forget to be filled with gratitude toward Him. From there, JOY will flow!
3. JOY comes through the fruit of the Spirit by the Holy Ghost! (Galatians 5:22-23) – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.”
Did you notice that this work of the Holy Spirit is called fruit, not fruits? Remember, Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches (John 15:1-7). The fruit comes from the vine and extends through the branches.
One last thought… sometimes the branch has to be pruned—cut—in order to produce more fruit. Are you being pruned?
4. JOY comes in having a relationship with Jesus Christ regardless of trials! (1 Peter 1:8) – “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.”
Troubles and trials are to be expected; however, as the believer stays connected to Jesus, the Vine, there is a release of His life-giving power to overcome the enemy of defeatism.
With that being said, sing out:
“Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.”
“Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.”
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
25
Dec '24
Jesus the Messiah in Isaiah’s Prophecy
25
Dec '24
Introduction: Isaiah the prophet had incredible insight; actually, the Holy Ghost inspired his writings. The fifty-third chapter of this mini Bible (66 chapters) is quite a revelation of the coming of the Messiah. Remember, Israel felt hopeless because of God’s impending judgment upon the nations as well as His chastisement on Israel. Yet, like a bright light in a dark night, this prophecy shines through the gloom and doom.
Check it out, and know this – God is in control! That means we can TRUST Him!!
1. The Messiah’s Miraculous Birth! (Isaiah 53:1-2) – “Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.”
Jesus’ birth is marked with poverty. But His life is marked with hostility as He came to His own, but His own received Him not; instead, they rejected Him according to the evangelist John. Yet, He was about His Father’s business. Are you?
2. The Messiah’s Incredible Sinless Life! (Isaiah 53:3) – “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.”
Jesus was accused of being a wine bibber—a friend of sinners! The religious crowd even made accusations against Him for being born of fornication. Ultimately, since He was a threat to the Jewish authorities including the mighty Roman Empire, He was eventually crucified, but it was all in God’s plan!
3. The Messiah’s Sacrificial Death! (Isaiah 53:4-5) – “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
Paul tells us through his epistle to the Corinthians that Jesus actually became “sin for us who knew no sin” so that we might be made “the righteous of God in Him.” In other words, He imputes His righteousness on everyone who trusts in Him; thus, both justifying and reconciling the guilty sinner.
4. The Messiah’s Prophetic Fulfillment to Bring Man Back to God! (Isaiah 53:10-11) – “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.”
Imagine the righteous demands of a thrice holy God being satisfied—appeased—in the redeeming blood of His Son. In so doing, He declares sinful man no longer guilty or condemned because of the pure and perfect offering of Jesus Christ.
Conclusion: Since our God has made provisions for sin and death on behalf of all mankind through the sacrifice of His Son, there is HOPE! Jesus, the Messiah, has conquered sin and death and lives forevermore. That means as we put our faith and trust in Him, there is not only life beyond the grave but HOPE in this life as well through Jesus, Messiah!
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
24
Dec '24
From Beginning to End – The Word
24
Dec '24
Introduction: Was Jesus created? When did He begin? How do we know? These questions will hopefully be answered in this devotion. Thanks for reading!
1. The Word was in the beginning! (John 1:1) – “In the beginning was the Word.”
The word “beginning” is ἀρχή, which means beginning, origin, or ruler. Jesus does not have a beginning as in time; instead, He has been here since eternity past. In other words, He was not a created being, contrary to the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Muslims, etc. Time and space will not allow us to post all the Scriptures that verify the eternal existence of Jesus Christ, but here are a few: John 8:58; 10:30; 14:9; Colossians 1:14-15; Genesis 1:1, etc.
2. The Word was God! (John 1:1) – “…and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Unfortunately, the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible—New World Translation—translates this verse in this manner: “…and the word was a god.” This Pastor has often said to them, “If your god is a little god, that’s fine! My GOD is a great big GOD with a BIG G!” Besides that, without getting too technical, the Greek language does not have a definite article before the phrase “and the Word was God.” No definite article means “a god” is incorrect. Rather, without a definite article, it would be properly translated as “The Word was GOD!” Do you get it?
3. The Word made all things! (John 1:3) – “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.”
Not only was Jesus Christ God, as John’s Gospel declares, but to prove it, John verifies that “ALL things were MADE by HIM!” Jesus Christ is Creator GOD!!
4. The Word became flesh! (John 1:14) – “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
Now we get to the part where the Holy Ghost wants every reader to understand that Jesus (the WORD) came to earth as a baby (became flesh) in order to live a life without sin—though He was tempted—and thus be able to die as our substitute, paying the penalty for sin, which is death (Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:14-15). Praise the Lord!
Conclusion: To summarize, John’s Gospel was written to prove that Jesus Christ was God in the flesh. By believing in Him (not just head knowledge but heart transformation), we can have eternal life. Do you believe? Are you assured of heaven? Have your sins been forgiven? Remember—from beginning to end, the WORD—JESUS—is GOD!
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
23
Dec '24
The Mystery of the Incarnation
23
Dec '24
Introduction: The Word becoming flesh and being born of a virgin is a mystery. Paul writes about this mystery. In fact, he covers a lot of ground describing a host of theological truths in one verse.
Let’s read it:
(1 Tim. 3:16) – “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”
1. Jesus Christ’s Incarnation! (1 Tim. 3:16) – “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh.”
The word “mystery” is μυστήριον, which means literally a mystery or a secret. It can be described as once hidden but now revealed, particularly in the Gospels.
The word “manifest” is φανερόω, which means to make manifest or to reveal. This definition explains it—to make known, or even to show openly. In other words, when Christ was born, it fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies written hundreds of years in advance.
2. Jesus Christ’s Justification! (1 Tim. 3:16) – “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles.”
Do you remember when Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River? Listen to the Word of God: (Matt. 3:16-17) – “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Clearly, the Trinity can be seen in this passage. Jesus Christ was God! He was justified in the Spirit and was led out into the wilderness. Two questions need to be asked and answered: Are we pleasing to God the Father? Are we led by the Holy Spirit?
3. Jesus Christ’s Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension! (1 Tim. 3:16) – “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”
Jesus Christ’s mission was to fulfill His Father’s will—by dying for our sins and being resurrected for our justification, He fulfilled His mission. Besides that, this text tells us that He ascended into heaven. Other Scriptures indicate that He sat down at the right hand of the Father. While interceding on behalf of His people, Jesus also has promised to return for His bride and then His chosen people.
Conclusion: Now this explains the mystery of the Old Testament which concealed it, while the New Testament reveals it. Have you experienced this mystery by faith in Jesus Christ? Subsequently, have you been justified by the Spirit? Are you preaching this message to others? And finally, are you waiting to be received up in glory?
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
20
Dec '24
From Glory to Glory
20
Dec '24
Introduction: Jesus laid aside His splendor in heaven to step down the starry staircase from heaven in order to be dipped in a vesture of clay. And though He was co-equal with the Father in the Godhead, yet He was willing to put aside His Shekinah glory to dress in humanity without negating His deity.
Following this glorious journey, Paul, breathed upon, dips his pen in ink and traces His mission on earth.
1. Jesus’s Transformation! (Phil. 2:5) – “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”
Can we have the same mind as Jesus? Apparently, the apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, revealed it is possible.
2. Jesus’s Identification! (Phil. 2:6-7) – “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.”
Although in the eternal counsel of the Godhead there is a oneness, keep in mind God is a Spirit. But in order to relate to man’s sinfulness and to live above the power of sin, Jesus had to come to earth to take on human flesh. Even though He was tempted in all things like we are, He did not succumb to sin’s appeal. By the way, He gives us that same power to overcome sin even though we battle daily and sometimes fall prey to the threefold enemy—the world, the flesh, and the devil.
3. Jesus’s Self-Renunciation! (Phil. 2:8) – “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
His mission was to fulfill His Father’s will. Thus, He laid down His life as a payment for our sins so that we could go free!
4. Jesus’s Exaltation! (Phil. 2:9-10) – “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.”
Being fully man but also fully God, Jesus conquered death, hell, sin, and the grave! That means we too can overcome death.
5. Jesus’s Coronation! (Phil. 2:11) – “And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Think about it. Throughout eternity, Jesus Christ will be crowned as the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords”!
Conclusion: Now that we have taken a journey with Jesus from GLORY to GLORY, the only thing left to do is to live in the light of this glorious truth until He comes again!
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
19
Dec '24
When Will There Be Peace on Earth?
19
Dec '24
Introduction: Hear the angel proclaim: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. ”Don’t forget: Peace comes with a price tag!
1. Presently, There Is No Peace on Earth! (Matthew 10:34) – “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.”
(Matthew 24:6-8) – “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”
Obviously, this is where we are heading, according to Jesus Christ, who is the Prince of Peace. But we can have peace right now through a personal relationship with Jesus (John 14:6, 27; Romans 5:1, 9).
2. Futuristically, There Will Be No Peace on Earth! (Revelation 6:4) – “And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.”
Although this will be during the tribulation period on earth, we can certainly witness a lack of peace between people as well as countries today.
3. Prophetically, There Is Going to Be Peace on Earth! (Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11; Revelation 20) – “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.”
Finally, at last, there will be true peace on earth, but only when the Christ of Christmas sets up His Kingdom. Is He ruling in your heart today?
Conclusion: While there is not everlasting peace on the earth right now, you can have peace in your heart through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul, inspired by God the Holy Spirit, writes in Colossians 1:20: “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”
By turning from sin’s curse and trusting in Jesus’ redeeming blood, you can be “born again”; subsequently, you can have your sins forgiven and ultimately a home in heaven.
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
18
Dec '24
LOOKING for a KING
18
Dec '24
Introduction: Does it seem to you that even today people are looking for a political king to rule the world? Such was the case in the days of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. However, many, due to a lack of discernment, will embrace a counterfeit king called the Antichrist. By the way, kings and rulers come and go, but there is one King who will remain forever—King Jesus!
1. The Wise Men (Magi) Were Looking for a King—The King of the Jews! (Matt. 2:1-2) – “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he that is born King of the Jews?'”
Like the prophets of old, these Persians long awaited the arrival of the highly anticipated King of the Jews, fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Perhaps they had read the writings of Daniel about this King. Is He your King?
2. Balaam Prophesied of a Coming “Ruler” King from the Tribe of Jacob Who Would Govern the World! (Num. 24:17) – “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel.”
Jesus Christ brought hope to a troubled world. Besides that, He will rule the world in righteousness, being a righteous Judge! Everlasting justice will finally prevail! How will you stand before this Judge?
3. Isaiah Shares Great Hope with the World Because of the Coming Messiah—Jesus Christ and His Government! (Isaiah 9:6-7) – “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
While some scholars and theologians understand this passage as a reference to Jesus Christ’s first coming, others see it as a declaration of His second coming. Either way, He’s coming! Compare the two: in His first coming, He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. In His second coming, He will be wrapped in a vesture dipped in blood, and His name shall be called the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Do you see Him as a baby or as a King?
Isaiah also reflects on His reign as King: “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever.”
Don’t miss that—Jesus will be in control. He will “order it”! The word “order” is כּוּן (kûn), meaning to establish, prepare, make firm, set up, fix, or direct. Bottom line: He will be in charge! Is He in charge of your life?
4. Daniel Foretold of a Counterfeit King! (Dan. 7:8, 24-25) – “And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High.”
(Dan. 11:36-37): “And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished.”
In the sovereignty of God’s economy, He allows humanity to choose between good and evil, as seen in the Garden of Eden. Apparently, Satan’s “Superman” will take the world by force, deceiving many. Could you be deceived? Are you making wise choices?
5. John Sees and Describes the Real King Who Will Come in the Future! (Rev. 19:11-16) – “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God… And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Finally, the real King will make His appearance, overthrow the Antichrist, establish His kingdom, and reign throughout eternity. Can you see world events unfolding, preparing for His entrance?
Conclusion: Get ready for the King! He’s coming—but not before the counterfeit king comes and misleads many. That is why we need to tell our friends, loved ones, and neighbors to look and prepare for the real King!
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
17
Dec '24
The Ancient of Days Became the Infant of Days
17
Dec '24
Introduction: In order for God to relate to man, He had to become a man—the God-Man. That is exactly what He did. Jesus Christ took upon Him human flesh. Notice and follow this trend containing five phases:
1. God’s Plan! (John 1:14) – “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
The word “dwelt” is σκηνόω (skay-no’-o), which means to dwell, or to tabernacle, and it can even mean to pitch a tent. God the Son pitched a tent, as it were, on earth. Consequently, He lived without sin in order to die and pay the penalty for our sins.
Another passage that refers to this incarnation is found in (Hebrews 10:5): “Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me.”
God, in the person of Jesus Christ, had to take upon Himself a human body.
2. God’s Power! Comparing the Old Covenant, which could never eradicate sin but simply cover it, the writer of Hebrews goes into detail describing what God the Son did in bringing the New Covenant, which would take away sins forever, once and for all.
(Hebrews 10:16-17): “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.”
Jesus Christ did what the law could not do.
(Hebrews 10:9-10): “Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
What a perfect sacrifice!
3. God’s Person! Paul wrote proving Jesus Christ was God. (Philippians 2:6-7) – “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.”
Did you notice that Jesus was on a mission—to fulfill the Father’s Will. Are you on a mission?
4. God’s Purpose! Jesus Christ’s purpose for coming to earth was to become a man. (Matthew 20:28) – “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
In a nutshell, Jesus revealed His purpose for coming to earth, namely to lay down His life so that our sins could be forgiven.
Conclusion: After tracing God’s Plan, Power, Person, and Purpose, hopefully His mission becomes more personal. But how about our mission?
Now our passion ought to be to go tell this GOOD NEWS! Will you?
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
16
Dec '24
The Gift that Keeps on Giving
16
Dec '24
Introduction: Wouldn’t you like to give a gift that keeps on giving? If you choose the gift of Jesus Christ, then He is sure to keep on giving. Have you received that gift? Will you give Him away to others who need eternal life? God’s gift to mankind is His Son!
1. Jesus – the Unspeakable Gift! (2 Cor 9:15) – “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”
Words cannot even begin to describe the most precious gift of all – Jesus Christ! Why? Because if you have Jesus, you have everything; He is hope to the hopeless, help to the helpless, light to those in darkness, bread to the hungry, water to the thirsty, and a friend that will stick closer than a brother! Everybody needs a friend like Jesus!
2. Jesus – the Unmerited Gift! (Eph 2:8-9) – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
That is, you can’t earn this gift; you can’t be good enough to receive it; it is given by God Himself! It is God Himself. John writes and says, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Jesus was born as a baby without sin. He lived and died without sin. That is why He could take our place on the cross to pay our sin debt. All we have to do is receive this great Gift! Have you?
3. Jesus – the Undefiled Gift! (2 Cor 5:21) – “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
This gift will not tear up. It doesn’t require batteries. And it comes with a lifetime guarantee!
4. Jesus – the Unchangeable Gift! (Heb 13:8) – “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”
Whereas things are changing all the time – the seasons, the time, fashions, etc. – the Son of God and the Word of God stay the same! That brings security! Do you need security? Identity?
Conclusion: Do you need eternal life? The Gift of Jesus Christ promises eternal life! John writes: “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”
If you do have eternal life through the gift of Jesus Christ, why not give this Gift to others? It is the one Gift that keeps on giving!
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese