Introduction: Have you ever wondered about the “STAR”? How did the wise men know that it was the one? Had they heard about the “STAR”? Matthew’s gospel records these words.

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” (Matthew 2:1-2).

The STAR of wonder was prophesied by Balaam! (Numbers 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, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.”

Did you notice Moses called Jesus a “Star out of Jacob?” This Ruler would come out of Israel. His entrance into this world would be displayed by a “STAR” of wonder. An unmistakably heavenly sign would light up the sky declaring the MESSIAH was here. No doubt, the Magi (wise men), because they had read the Old Testament prophecy, would have followed the STAR across the Persian desert while witnessing it resting above the land where Jesus Christ was born (obviously they arrived after Jesus birth). Keep in mind, these men were experts in astronomy and astrology not to mention, again, students of the Hebrew Scriptures.

Is this not amazing how God used various pieces in the puzzle for the incarnation of the Son of God!

Introduction: Just as CHRIST “must” come the first time, and He did…. He “must” come the second time, and He will! But can the “Grinch” (Satan) keep Him from coming? He tried the first time and he will try again. In fact, he is out to steal your CHRISTmust from coming.

1. How did Satan attempt to devour Jesus Christ at the first CHRISTMAS! (Rev 12: 1-5) – “And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads……and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.”

2. Why will Satan try to stop Jesus Christ in His SECOND COMING?(Rev 12:5,17) – “And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.”

The word “rule” is “ποιμαίνω, which means shepherd, or tend to a herd. It means to govern.

Bottom line: Jesus Christ will rule all the nations (ethnos).

Satan knows his time is short “….for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time” (Rev 12:12). Time is running out for the devil! “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Rev 12:17).

However, Satan (the dragon) is defeated and he knows it. Jesus is LORD! He will return both in the rapture and in His second coming as the KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDS!

Are you ready? Are all of your loved ones and friends prepared? Let’s get ready as we celebrate CHRISTmust!Love y’all,

Introduction: God’s glory is the ultimate aim for all that we do. The angels revealed this mission. After all, our Lord deserves all the glory. Is your life glorifying to Jesus?

1. Look at the word Glory! (Luke 2:14) – “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

The word “glory” is δόξα (dox’-ah), which means praise, honor, renown. The word glory means an especially divine quality, or it can indicate the unspoken manifestation of God, His splendor. As you can see, glory encompasses who God is. Words do not do Justice to attempt to explain the glory of God.

2. Look who saw God’s glory!
* Ezekiel did (Ezek 1)
* Moses did (Exo 33)
* Paul did (2Cor 12)
* John did (Rev 1)

Have you seen the glory of the Lord? 
One way we see His glory is thru creation (Psa 19:1,2).

Introduction: What does Christmas mean to you? All of us probably have good memories of growing up in our childhood and celebrating CHRISTmas day. Spending family time together was a priority. Unwrapping gifts, giving the “right gifts” was included. Do you remember? Listening to Christmas music and snacking all during the day was fun. Oh yea, and reading the biblical account of the meaning of Christmas was special.

Needless to say, it was a time to connect with your family and friends.

1. Christmas is about the birth of our Savior! (Luke 2:10,11) – “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

Matthew’s gospel was written to portray Jesus Christ as “King of the Jews.”

The first few chapters included His INCARNATION…. Next His INSTRUCTIONS, His PREPARATION, His PREDICTION, His CRUCIFIXION, and finally His RESURRECTION.

2. Christmas is about Forgiveness of our sin! (Matt 1:21-23) – “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Jesus Christ was born to die. That is the purpose of His first coming. He lived a life without sin – perfect (Matt 5:48), that is why He could pay for our sins.

“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” 2Cor5:21).

3. Christmas is about spreading the “Good News”! (Luke 2:17) – “And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.”

What a privilege to spread the good news about Jesus Christ! He was born to die on a cross but to rise from the grave. And He has promised to come again.

Conclusion: What does Christmas mean to you. Hopefully, this devotion will help remind you of the meaning and joy of CHRISTMAS!

Introduction: Need peace? The saying is true: “To know God is to Know Peace.”

No God = No Peace!

But where does genuine PEACE come from? Paul led by the Spirit explains, “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us” (Eph 2:14).

A Wall of Separation between Jews and Gentiles! (Eph 2:14) – “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.”

Check out the word “Peace” – εἰρήνη, which means one, peace, quietness, rest. It can refer to a peace of mind.

Do you have a peace of mind?  It’s not that you are in control but instead that your trust and faith is in Jesus Christ even when you do not understand. Peace does not mean that we have to be able to explain everything. Rather, it means that no matter what, our life is in His hands. 

In the context of this passage, the technical interpretation is that while God had a special unconditional covenant with the Jews in the Old Testament, after Christ’s death and resurrection the wall was torn down to include into the Church, both Jews and Gentiles—all who had a personal relationship with Jesus. 

The practical application can be seen in that while there is a wall of separation between us and God because of sin, through the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ the wall is torn down.

Conclusion: Has the wall been removed between you and God?

Introduction: Will there ever be Peace on earth? The daily headline reads,”Wars and rumors of wars.” Nightly news reviews the horror of the human race. There is “No peace.”

Even the earth is groaning awaiting its redemption. But there is HOPE!

Jesus Christ is coming again!! As the Prince of Peace, His kingdom shall rule and reign!

Do you need His Peace today? We all do!

1. Jesus Christ’s first coming was introduced by the angels as Peace on Earth! (Luke 2:13,14) – “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

While people are looking for peace in a pill or bottle, CHRISTians find peace in a lasting relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus not only brings peace, He is our peace. 

2. Isaiah the prophet foresaw Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace! (Isa 9:6) – “6For 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, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

1. A Son is given – the Son of God.
2. The government will be upon His shoulders.
3. The Old Testament prophet, Isaiah describes in several passages when this Prince of Peace shall rule (Isa 11; 65).

3. Jesus Christ’s millennial reign will usher in His Peace! (Isa 2:4) – “….and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”

When has this ever happened? Never. That means it must be futuristic, and it is. During the millennial reign of Christ there will be peace. 

Conclusion: Are you experiencing peace right now? Why don’t you call upon the Lord for His peace?

Not only does He have peace but He is our Peace!

“Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. 9 And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. 10 So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.”

1. The reason for stress relief! (Exo 17:8) – “8 Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.”

After victories are won, we can expect the enemy to attack. Are you in a stressful situation right now. Spiritual Warfare?
Wait. Hold on. Don’t give up!

2. The rollercoaster of stress relief! (Exo 17:9-11) – “And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. 10 So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.”

Up and down like a rollercoaster, the battle went. One minute was victory, and the next minute defeat. Are you going thru a ride of attacks? Stand fast in the Lord!

3. The results of stress relief! (Exo 17:12,13) – “But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.”

Stress relief can be achieved when help is on the way. Jesus is always near and is quick to hear. That is to hear His people’s cry. Will you call upon Him now?

1. What does it mean to be in Christ Jesus? (Eph 2:13) – “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”

To be “in Christ” is a divine act. Not only is it a judicial declaration but it also is experienced with practical application.
To be placed into Christ is to be taken out of Adam. Through Adam and our disobedience we were made sinners. But through Jesus Christ’s obedience we are made righteous!

2. How can we be brought close to Jesus Christ? (Eph 2:13) – “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”

Once the blood of Jesus has been applied to our life then we are not only pronounced righteous but also proven innocent – meaning no longer guilty – pardoned. Consequently, we are made a new creature in Christ. Furthermore, we have access to draw near to God’s throne of Grace by the blood of Jesus, not to mention “Peace” with God (Heb 10:19; Col 1:20).
That is why we sing “There’s Power in the Blood”!

Introduction: Have you ever needed something to be fixed? All of us have! Here are 4 broken parts according to the apostle Paul that Jesus Christ fixed.

1. A Wall of Separation! (Eph 2:12) – “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:”

Look at the word alien. In other words, we were “foreigners” or outcast from God’s plan.

2. A Door of Isolation! (Eph 2:12) – “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:”

The word “commonwealth” means citizenship.

3. A Window of Invitation! (Eph 2:12) – “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:”

Outside of God’s covenant promise to Abraham and his descendants is the inference.

4. A Lost Generation! (Eph 2:12) – “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:”

Clearly this was bad! No hope!! Without God!!! But the good news is Jesus’s redeeming blood fixes the problem.

Introduction: Did man come from apes? Was there a “Big Bang” in outer space eons of years ago? These questions demand an answer. How were the heavens and the earth created? Did God use the process of evolution to bring about Creation?

The book of Genesis answers these questions.

The word “created” is בָּרָא,(baw-raw’), which means to shape, or create. In other words, God (אֱלהִים – el-o-heem’), spoke into existence something out of nothing.

Time, space, matter was created at an instant thru the spoken Word of God. Remember. There was never a time when God was not; He is from eternity past. And He will be in eternity future.

2. What Evolution teaches: It starts with the Big Bang.

Billions of years ago gases in outer space collided and it caused a Big Bang or explosion. Instantaneously, planets were flung into their proper order without missing a beat. Then through the process of radiation and mutation a single cell amoeba turned into a paramecium, and from there a tadpole, a fish, a monkey, and ultimately sophisticated man!

Question: If this theory is true, then where are the transitional fossils?

That is just it, there are none!

The creation model explains that almighty God made man from the dust of the earth, “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Gen 2:7).

He made a woman from the side (rib) of the man, “And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man” (Gen 2:21-22).

So rather than man evolving from apes, the Bible teaches that God created both man and woman.

3. Is Evolution a religion?

Yes. It attempts to bypass accountability to a Creator. In fact, it leads down the road to man becoming his own god! This is called humanism. 

However, man cannot escape his “date with destiny”!

Conclusion: Whereas today students are being brainwashed into believing the BIG LIE; the Word of God adamantly refutes this nonsense. When comparing and contrasting the two models, one will more than likely embrace CREATIONISM over EVOLUTION.

One last thought: “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Heb 11:3).