tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51417406084381138472024-03-05T22:58:14.007-05:00FredWes FOCUSDAILY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS FROM PASTOR BRADPastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.comBlogger3497125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-71118288550766449562019-01-05T05:00:00.000-05:002019-01-09T11:03:35.862-05:00FredWes Focus is MOVINGGood Morning friends and followers!<br />
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FredWes Focus is MOVING! As of today, please visit <a href="http://fredwes.com/fredwes-focus">fredwes.com/fredwes-focus</a> for new posts. You can also go to fredwes.com and select the Connect link and then FredWes Focus from the menu!<br />
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Come visit my new home! Can't wait to see you there!<br />
<br />Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-40990154363596702032019-01-03T22:10:00.002-05:002019-01-04T10:16:29.690-05:00A Personal Shepherd<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><em>“SURELY – goodness and mercy will follow me…..”</em> Psalm 23:6</span></span></strong></div>
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<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tvNTVoRXStyEe72Qlo9t5hnimyQdIirKyx0NiLNL6Tbj6XLTmOUnYmhi9lkxBaKc4gx3v6sFm73NCpZ29EhPXqXbUBVCWnddEi7D_yGjjb4D3cuEz3HUUptfQI4J_5if42IMLXjP10So/s1600/photo-1496395650962-374cae58ca8b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1352" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tvNTVoRXStyEe72Qlo9t5hnimyQdIirKyx0NiLNL6Tbj6XLTmOUnYmhi9lkxBaKc4gx3v6sFm73NCpZ29EhPXqXbUBVCWnddEi7D_yGjjb4D3cuEz3HUUptfQI4J_5if42IMLXjP10So/s320/photo-1496395650962-374cae58ca8b.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<li>"<i style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Promises are like babies: easy to make, hard to deliver.</i><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">" ~Author Unknown</span></li>
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<li><i style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">"It is not the oath that makes us believe the man, but the man the oath.</i><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">" ~AeschylusHe began His ministry by being hungry, yet He is the Bread of Life.</span></li>
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<li>"<i style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Promises are like crying babies in a theater, they should be carried out at once.</i><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">" ~ Norman Vincent Peale</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">The future is your friend when you have a personal shepherd Who has an intimate concern and care for you! And, the future is your friend when you have a powerful shepherd who has seven-fold ability to protect and provide for you. But there is still another reason to trust this shepherd - His promises!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">But the promises made are only as good as the previous promises that have been kept. How can you be sure you can trust the promises of this Shepherd? Has He proven reliable?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Jesus ended His earthly ministry by being thirsty, yet He is the Living Water. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Jesus was weary, yet He is our rest. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Jesus paid tribute, yet He is the King. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Jesus was accused of having a demon, yet He cast out demons. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Jesus wept, yet He wipes away our tears. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Jesus was sold for thirty pieces of silver, yet He redeemed the world. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Jesus was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, yet He is the Good Shepherd. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Jesus died, yet by His death He destroyed the power of death.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Yes! This Shepherd IS trustworthy! He not only keeps His word HE IS THE WORD!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">What He promises:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>God’s presence</b> -- "I will never leave thee" (Heb. 13:5)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>God’s protection</b> -- "I am thy shield" (Gen. 15:1)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>God’s power</b> -- "I will strengthen thee" (Isa. 41:10)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>God’s provision</b> -- "I will help thee" (Isa. 41:10)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>God’s leading</b> -- "And when He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them" (John 10:4) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>God’s purposes</b> -- "I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil" (Jer. 20:11) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>God’s rest</b> -- "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>God’s cleansing</b> -- "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>God’s goodness</b> -- "No good thing will He withhold from them that work uprightly" (Psalm 84:11)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>God’s faithfulness</b> -- "The Lord will not forsake His people for His great name’s sake" (1 Sam. 12:22) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>God’s guidance</b> -- "The meek will He guide" (Psalm 25:9)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>God’s wise plan</b> -- "All things work together for good to them that love God" (Rom. 8:28)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">With the troubling and uncertain future you face how can you have hope?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">You can be sure your future is your friend because your Shepherd is personal and He is powerful AND you can trust His promises!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">The things that are coming in the next few months and years will be trouble on a scale you have never seen before. It will be frightening. It will be painful. You will be tempted to panic. That is why I want to remind you of your Shepherd and that if you fully trust Him, you will need not fear the future for He will make your future your friend!</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-6316067182856193052019-01-02T21:59:00.003-05:002019-01-02T21:59:45.912-05:00January 3, 2019<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><em>"But the Lord God called out to the man. "Where are you?"</em> he asked." Genesis 3:9</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Intellectually we know that God hates sin. And we know that we should too. But, there is something deep in our being that finds it easier to love sin than to love God. That "something" deep within us is called our "sin nature". Genesis 3 tells the sad story of where that nature came from.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The sin nature is a perversion of the free will with which God graced Adam and Eve. That will that had drawn them to God and connected them with God, was twisted against God when they disobeyed Him. You and I have been born with that nature having inherited it from them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Nowhere in the Bible do we see the ugliness of sin any more clearly than in the Garden where God's grace is so evident. That ugliness is so evident because the consequences of sin are so clear. I want to discuss those over the next few posts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The first consequence I want to focus on is that sin separates.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Creation was all about God wanting to be intimately related to the beings He had made and placed in a pristine holy environment. And it was good! Very good! So good that He looked forward to being with them each day and strolling through the paradise of Eden. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Think about that! A perfectly perfect God (perfect means complete-lacking nothing) longed to be WITh Adam and Eve! This God Who dwelt in perfect unity within the Trinity, still desired to love and be loved by man! Amazingly good news for us!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I want you to wrap your mind around that so that you can hate what their sin did to God - it created a separation between Him and His created beings. Those whom He had created for Himself were now inaccessible to a holy God not able to experience intimate friendship with sinful ones.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">While there is no doubt that Adam and Eve were the big losers in this transaction - and us by inheritance - God suffered from their sin as well. His will was frustrated and His plan was sidetracked.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sin separates you from God. That explains the deep longing in your soul because you were designed and created and wired to live in perfect fellowship with Him. But sin makes that impossible. Until you comprehend this simple but profound truth, the rest of the Bible will make no sense to you. You must clearly come to grips with the bad news of separation before you can glady embrace the good news about salvation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Paradise was lost. Perfect union was shattered. In the presence of absolute love and grace, sin is exposed in all its hideousness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sin caused us to give up on God, but it did not cause God to give up on us. He still longs for us. He still comes seeking us. As horrible as our sin might be, His love and grace are greater! Though we were helplessly separated from Him, He immediately anounced a plan to reconnect us with Him!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">All these years later, God comes to you each morning and longingly calls to you, "Where are you?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">How will you answer?</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-73995858500210088952019-01-01T19:16:00.005-05:002019-01-01T19:16:50.910-05:00January 2, 2019<div align="justify" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." </em>Luke 2:10</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You have had it happen and so have I. It always happens at the most inconvenient time. You hurry to your car, slip the key into the ignition and turn the key but - nothing happens. Maybe you get a click or maybe not, but your battery is dead and your car is not going to start. What a horrible feeling! Your car needs a source of power to get started and your battery has no power. You are stranded! What will you do?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Obviously, you need to find a source of power to help start your car. You need a jump start. You need to get next to someone who has a poweful battery that your battery can draw power from. And since you are unable to move from where you are, someone needs to come and bring the power to you. When that helpful person arrives, either they or you should have some jumper cables to connect the powerless to the powerful. That transfer of power will get you started and on your way again! What a relief!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God sent His powerful Son, Jesus, to a powerless world to help jump start your joy. That is what Christmas was all about! God doesn't want you to be spiritually stranded. He is not pleased when your spiritual battery runs down. And since you were powerless to move, God sent Jesus to you! Jesus came with the power to jump start your joy! </span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly." </em>Romans 5:6</span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>"He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— "</em> John 1:11-12</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That is the <em>"good news of great joy" </em>that the angel was sharing with the shepherds! That is the good news I share with you! You don't have to start a new year powerless! You don't have to be stranded in some lifeless useless unfulfilling spiritual place. God wants to connect with you to jump start your spirit and restore your joy! Jesus is the key! Not only is He the power source - He is the jumper cable. Not only does He recharge your spiritual battery, he replaces it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On this second day of 2019, do you need a jump start? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Are you tired of being spiritually powerless? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What will it take for you to connect - or reconnect with Jesus!</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-39155207877507703242019-01-01T00:47:00.003-05:002019-01-01T00:47:41.198-05:00January 1, 2019<div align="justify" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" </em>II Corinthians 5:17</span></span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy 2019! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May God bless you with a healthy and joy-filled year!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Time marches ahead relentlessly and a new year is upon us! Will you make the New Year new or will you drag the same old pain and problems across the threshold of time?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Speaking of time, the Apostle Paul reaches across the centuries with this solid reminder that only in Christ can all things be made new! So, the New Year cannot be truly new unless you are "in Christ".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What needs to be gone in your life? What did you carry in 2014 that you don't need to drag into 2015? Is there a sinful habit? Is there shame over your past? Is there an unhealthy relationship? Is there a spiritual stronghold? Is there a lack of discipline? Is there discouragement or depression? Is there spiritual apathy? Is there outright rebellion against spiritual truth?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The promise is that if you are "in Christ" you can be made new and the old, painful, unproductive, and harmful things can be gone!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, what does it mean to be "in Christ"?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It means to live in trust. When you trust "in Christ" for your salvation and stop trusting in your own goodness or righteousness, then you can enter into a spiritual relationship with Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It means to live in truth. When you are "in Christ" you surrender to His truth and "lean not unto your own understanding". His truth is expressed through His Word, the Bible. Living in truth means that you commit to defining what is real in your life based on what the Bible says is real. You live by its principles. You order your life by its priorities. You shed your past and plan your life according to its promises and you prevail in life according to its power.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The New Year can only be new if you are made new! It can only be happy if you are made whole - and holy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As you turn the page on the calendar will you turn a page in your spiritual experience? Will you be "in Christ"? Will you trust His truth to transform you into a "new creation"? Will you allow Him to make "all things new" in you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You can be "in Christ" or in crisis. It's up to you.</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-39727925299759241272018-12-30T21:42:00.000-05:002018-12-30T21:42:36.048-05:00December 31, 2018<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="text Josh-1-1" style="text-align: start;">"After the death of Moses the servant of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5853A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> said to Joshua<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5853B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> son of Nun, Moses’ aide: </span><span class="text Josh-1-2" id="en-NIV-5854" style="text-align: start;">“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River <span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5854C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span>into the land<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5854D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span> I am about to give to them<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5854E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span>—to the Israelites.</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span class="text Josh-1-3" id="en-NIV-5855" style="text-align: start;">I will give you every place where you set your foot,<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5855F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span> as I promised Moses.<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5855G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></span></span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span class="text Josh-1-4" id="en-NIV-5856" style="text-align: start;">Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon,<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5856H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></span> and from the great river, the Euphrates<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5856I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></span>—all the Hittite<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5856J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></span> country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west.<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5856K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></span></span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span class="text Josh-1-5" id="en-NIV-5857" style="text-align: start;">No one will be able to stand against you<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5857L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></span> all the days of your life. As I was with<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5857M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></span> Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5857N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></span> you.</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span class="text Josh-1-6" id="en-NIV-5858" style="text-align: start;">Be strong<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5858O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></span> and courageous,<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5858P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></span> because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5858Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></span> to give them. </span><span class="text Josh-1-7" id="en-NIV-5859" style="text-align: start;">Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5859R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></span> all the law<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5859S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></span> my servant Moses<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5859T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></span> gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left,<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5859U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></span> that you may be successful wherever you go.<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5859V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></span></span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span class="text Josh-1-8" id="en-NIV-5860" style="text-align: start;">Keep this Book of the Law<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5860W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></span> always on your lips;<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5860X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></span> meditate<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5860Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></span> on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.</span></i></b><b><span class="text Josh-1-6" style="text-align: start;"><i>" </i>Joshua 1:1-8</span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="text Josh-1-6" style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></b>
<span class="text Josh-1-6" style="text-align: start;">A promise made nearly five centuries ago was about to be fulfilled as Joshua prepared to lead God's people across the Jordan River and into the land promised to Abraham and his descendants.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Josh-1-6" style="text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<span class="text Josh-1-6" style="text-align: start;">But, there were some choices that needed to be made first:</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Josh-1-6" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once he decided to venture out of his comfort zone and answer the call of God, Joshua faced another choice: Would he choose God's courage or his contentment?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Twice Joshua is urged to be courageous. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What does it mean to be courageous? Several insights are giving in these verses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Courage is conformity to God's Word. "<b><i><span class="text Josh-1-7" id="en-NIV-5859" style="text-align: start;">obey<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5859R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></span> all the law<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5859S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></span> my servant Moses<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5859T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></span> gave you...."</span></i></b></span></span></span></div>
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<b><i><span class="text Josh-1-7" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Courage begins with a willingness to shape your life around God's Word.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Courage is consistency. "<b style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="text Josh-1-7" id="en-NIV-5859" style="text-align: start;">Be careful....."</span></i></b></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="text Josh-1-7" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Obedience would not be required just once, it would require consistent and continual care to remain obedient. Each time would take renewed courage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Courage is conviction. You can be courageous if you are convinced that God has the power to deliver on His promises. Joshua was sure of that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Courage is commitment. Because Joshua was sure that God would do what He promised, he found courage to do his part.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Entering into the promise land will require courage! Courage that is found in God and His Word.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Joshua had the courage to conquer and he wouldn't be content with less!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Are you courageous or contented?</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-76597895078302922652018-12-29T22:38:00.000-05:002018-12-29T22:38:09.026-05:00December 30, 2018<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="text Josh-1-1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="chapternum" style="bottom: -2.4px; box-sizing: border-box; left: 0px; line-height: 19.2px; position: relative; text-indent: 0px;"></span>"After the death of Moses the servant of the <span class="small-caps" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-5853A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5853A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></sup> the <span class="small-caps" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> said to Joshua<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-5853B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5853B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></sup> son of Nun, Moses’ aide:</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span class="text Josh-1-2" id="en-NIV-5854" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-5854C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5854C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></sup> into the land<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-5854D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5854D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></sup> I am about to give to them<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-5854E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5854E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></sup>—to the Israelites.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span class="text Josh-1-3" id="en-NIV-5855" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I will give you every place where you set your foot,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-5855F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5855F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></sup> as I promised Moses. </span><span class="text Josh-1-4" id="en-NIV-5856" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-5856H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5856H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></sup> and from the great river, the Euphrates<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-5856I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5856I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></sup>—all the Hittite<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-5856J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5856J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></sup> country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-5856K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5856K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></sup></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span class="text Josh-1-5" id="en-NIV-5857" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><sup class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>No one will be able to stand against you<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-5857L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5857L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></sup> all the days of your life. As I was with<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-5857M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5857M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></sup> Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-5857N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5857N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></sup> you.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></i><span class="text Josh-1-6" id="en-NIV-5858" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><i>Be strong<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-5858O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5858O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></sup> and courageous,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-5858P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5858P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></sup> because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-5858Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5858Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></sup> to give them." </i>Joshua 1:1-6</span></b></span></span><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Promised Land was to be a place to believe, a place to belong and a place of blessing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If anyone needed such a place as this, it was these people who stood on the banks of the Jordan peeking across to the Promised Land. After 400 years in slavery and 40 years of circling in the wilderness, they were ready for a place like this!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But, they still had to cross the Jordan River at flood stage and then conquer the land from the Canaanites. There were some decisions they needed to make to God and to their new leader, Joshua before they crossed into the Promised Land. These are the same decisions that will be required of us at FredWes as we seek to lead people into God's Promised Land.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the first decision: Will I live for His calling or my comfort?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was nothing comfortable about being in bondage in Egypt. Nor was there anything comfortable about living in tents like nomads in the desert. Crossing the Jordan and possessing the land was going to be uncomfortable. I would imagine </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it had to be tempting to settle in on this side of the Jordan and get comfortable for awhile.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God was calling Joshua out of his comfort zone and Joshua was expected to call God's people out of theirs.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you think about it, nothing is comfortable about being a Christian. If it is you probably are doing it wrong.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To become a Christian the Holy Spirit has to convict you of your sin - that is VERY uncomfortable because sin is what you have become comfortable with until now.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once you accept Christ you face the discomfort of your will struggling with His will. He hasn't called us to comfort He has called us to conformity with His will and purposes.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Growing in Christ involves helping Him develop His nature within you until you more comfortable with obedience than you with sin.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joshua had to decided if he would live for his comfort or for God's calling. You will face the same decision. Perhaps you are at that point now. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will you step out of your comfort zone?</span></span></span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-82263166278747779802018-12-28T22:23:00.003-05:002018-12-28T22:23:55.053-05:00December 29, 2018<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">"just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Therefore know that [only] those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, [saying], “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham." </em><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><em>Galatians 3:6-9</em></span></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">By reviewing the call of God to Abraham and recalling the covenant that was made we can get a clear understanding of God's purpose for the Promised Land. It was to be a place of believing, a place of belonging and a place of blessing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That sounds like a place I would want to be! What about you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Believing is important. It was through believing that Abraham journeyed to the Promised Land and this new land was to become a place where believing God would be easy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Belonging is crucial spiritually, emotionally and psychologically. Each of us need a place where we feel accepted and valued and safe. Belonging makes it possible to have an identity, to enjoy intimacy and to have involvement in the lives of others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Blessing is God's stamp of approval on your life. It signifies you have found favor with Him through your obedience and faith. God's blessing crowns you with significance and supplies your needs. The blessing of God also gives you a way to bless others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I think of these things, it occurs to me that not only are these three purposes important to God's Promised Land but they also form the foundation for a healthy home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Believing, belonging and blessing should also form the dynamics of a healthy church fellowship. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I want FredWes to be a place where it is easy to believe God is real and His Word is true because if the strength of our faith and the sincerity of our fellowship.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I want Fredwes to be a place where it is easy to belong because of the acceptance and affirmation people receive when they come to visit. I want us to make it easy for people to be assimilated into the life and ministry of FredWes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I want Fredwes to be a place of blessing where we experience His presence and favor. I want us to be a blessing to others as He blesses us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God designed His land of promise to be characterized by these three things because He desired the Promised Land to not be just real estate, He planned on it being a relationship! God is our promise! Only in Him will you find true belief, true belonging and tremendous blessing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Are you dwelling in the Promised Land?</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-21469369389241400472018-12-27T20:46:00.003-05:002018-12-30T21:23:33.478-05:00December 28, 2018<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God."</i> Leviticus 25:38</span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Following 400 years of bondage and 40 years of wandering through the wilderness, God's people stood on the verge of entering the Promised Land of Canaan. Essentially, they were one more obedience from realizing this long awaited promise. The land of Canaan awaited on the other bank of the Jordan River.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Exodus and the wilderness wandering were historical events. They actually happened and are recorded in the first several Old Testament books. But they also illustrated the spiritual journey God wanted to lead them on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Egypt and the years of bondage are a vivid picture of the life of sin. Living apart from God leaves you as a slave to your selfish sinful desires. Like generations of Hebrews, you are born into "Egypt". Spiritually speaking, you and I are born into the captivity of a sinful nature. And like the Hebrews enslaved in Egypt, it takes a supernatural act of God to set us free.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just as God sent Moses to the Pharaoh to declare, "Set my people free!" God sent His Son to set us free from the bondage of sin and death! He was conceived by the Spirit and born of a virgin and subjected Himself to the cross, taking the penalty of sin and the bondage of death upon Himself. When He shed His blood for our sins He made it possible for you to escape Egypt! And when the Spirit of God raised Him from the dead, He put you within reach of God's Promised Land!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2014 lays before you full of promises and challenges. Perhaps 2013 has been a year in Egypt for you. Or, maybe you have found yourself wandering through a wilderness period. God, through Christ and by the leadership of His Holy Spirit can bring you out of your Egypt and through your wandering. He wants to lead you to the edge of His Promised Land where you can experience His best, and find His rest, and grow from His tests!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Will you listen to His voice?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Will you obey his call?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Will you repent and reconcile with Him?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Will you make the necessary restitution?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Will you be willing to make 2019 a truly NEW year?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I believe that is where we are as a church! God has led us out of our Egypt and through some wilderness experiences. On the eve of a New Year He is going to give us some peeks into His Promised Land. He bids us to take the risks associated with obedient faith and cross over our Jordan into new a level of life and ministry in Him.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It will be a little scary and a lot exciting!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Are you willing to get your feet wet?</span></span></span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-78769822882587339062018-12-26T21:25:00.001-05:002018-12-26T21:25:14.474-05:00December 27, 2018<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Deut-34-1" style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">"Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5841A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah,<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5841B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> across from Jericho.<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5841C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span> There the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> showed<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5841D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span> him the whole land—from Gilead to Dan,<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5841E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="text Deut-34-2" id="en-NIV-5842" style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Mediterranean Sea,</span><span class="text Deut-34-3" id="en-NIV-5843" style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;"><span class="versenum" style="vertical-align: top;"> </span>the Negev<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5843G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></span> and the whole region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms,<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5843H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></span> as far as Zoar.</span><span class="text Deut-34-4" id="en-NIV-5844" style="background-color: white;"><span class="versenum" style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: top;"> </span><i>Then the </i><span class="small-caps" style="font-style: italic; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><i> said to him, “This is the land I promised on oath<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5844J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></span> to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5844K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></span> when I said, ‘I will give it<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5844L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></span> to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5844M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></span> over into it.” </i>Deuteronomy 34:1-4</span></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After 40 difficult and frustrating years of leading God's people to God's Promised Land, he only got to see it from a distance. Though, most of those he had led would not get to see it at all. They were done in by their rebellion, idolatry and disobedience. Moses was done in by a single act of disobedience.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maybe you are tempted to believe that one little disobedience isn't a big deal. Well, Moses would beg to differ with you. The next time you entertain thoughts of disobeying, think again! Think, "Moses".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Other than a promised piece of real estate by several rivers, what is special about the Promised Land?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Promised Land is God's Best!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">From the moment that Eden was corrupted and Paradise was lost, God was looking to restore a place where His people could enjoy His best.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God promised that day He would undo what the Serpent had done. To keep that promise he needed a land where His people could dwell and raise up a great nation. Out of that nation would come the Promised Messiah to save His people from their sins.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Promised Land Was God's Test!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After 40 years of testing God's patience, God was now prepared to test them. The generation of their fathers had been rebellious and disobedient to God bringing His judgment upon them. But now their obedience would be tested. Would they follow Joshua across the Jordan River in flood season? Would they be willing to march around Jericho with Him? Would they faithfully fight against the ungodly people people dwelling in the land they were to possess?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They were about to be put to the test in the Land of Promise.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Promised Land Was God's Rest!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If they would follow Joshua and obey God, there would be victories over their pagan enemies. Once all of their enemies had been conquered and destroyed, they would have the rest that comes with peace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Moses missed the Promised Land because of his disobedience, but he had experienced some of God's Best as God opened a sea, and sent manna from heaven, and met Him on Mt. Sinai.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Moses missed the Promised Land but he had certainly been tested dealing with the Israelites in the dessert.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, after climbing the Mt. Moab and glancing at Canaan from a distance, he finally found his rest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What about you?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do you want God's best?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Believe and obey in His promises.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do you want to pass God's tests?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fight in His might.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do you want His rest?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Destroy all the enemies of your heart and surrender completely to Jesus!</span></span></span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-42654119004552041072018-12-25T22:48:00.002-05:002018-12-25T22:48:19.117-05:00December 26, 2018<div align="justify" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>"Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." </em>John 6:35</span></span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As the prophet Micah foretold, Jesus was born in Bethlehem. It was the city of his ancestor, King David and by decree of Caesar Augustus that all throughout the land the citizens were to register of the census in their home town.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was while Mary and Joseph were there in Bethlehem that Mary's baby was born in a manger at a local stable because the inn was full. So the history records that Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea. It was prophetic but it was also symbolic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The word "Bethlehem" means "house of bread". Jesus, the Son of God, was born in "the house of bread". The Bread of Life was born in the "house of bread"! How good is that? Think about what that birth in Bethlehem signified.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First, it means that Jesus sustains life. As bread was a staple of their diet and an important part of ours and sustains our physical life, Jesus sustains the spiritual life of anyone who believes in Him and "feeds" on Him spiritually.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Second, it means that Jesus strengthens life. As a healthy diet of good food, such as bread, is necessary to strengthen the body, so "feeding" on Jesus strengthens the spirit of a believer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Third, it means Jesus satisfies life. Few things are more delicious and substantial than a hot freshly made loaf of homemade bread. You can almost smell it now, can't you? In the same way, Jesus satisfies the spiritual hunger of those who "feed" on Jesus!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How do you "feed" on Jesus?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have faith in Him. Believe what His Word tells you and life according to those truths.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have fellowship with Him. Walk with Him daily. Talk with Him through pray and hear Him through His Word. Regularly partake of Communion in the fellowship of your local church.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All of this is possible and available to us because the Bread of Life was born in the "house of bread"! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What good news this brings to a hungry world!</span></span></span></div>
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Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-28332351374269406562018-12-24T20:32:00.002-05:002018-12-24T20:32:41.478-05:00December 25, 2018<div align="justify" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<strong><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>"But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people."</em> Luke 2:10</span></span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Joyous Christmas to you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is another reason why the good news of Christmas brings reason for joy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christmas brings the joy of His presence, and the joy of His pardon, and the joy of His peace. Anyone of those is reason enough alone - but ALL of them are available to you through Christ!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Want more?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Find joy in His power!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was the power of God that caused an elderly couple to conceive and give birth to John the Baptist, the greatest prophet ever! From their weakness came the strength of God! From their impotence sprang a miracle! His power brought Zachariah and Elizabeth great joy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because <em>"nothing is impossible with God"</em>! That is His power!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Through the power of God a virgin gave birth to the Son of God without ever knowing a man! It is impossible, but it happened! Because <em>"nothing is impossible with God"! </em>He has the power to accomplish everything He wishes to accomplish. And he can do it through weak human beings! Mary found exceeding joy through the power of God at work in her!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christmas demonstrates the amazing power of God! Nothing is impossible because of His great power! And that power resides in you when you walk in Christ and His Spirit!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Perhaps you are facing some difficult challenges as you celebrate Christmas 2018. Find joy in the power of God! Take joy in the knowledge that <em>"nothing is impossible for God"</em>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Merry Christmas!</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-8481520004876402962018-12-23T22:04:00.003-05:002018-12-23T22:04:27.909-05:00December 24, 2018<div align="justify" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>"But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people."</em></strong> <strong>Luke 2:10</strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span></div>
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<div align="justify" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There is a trite old definition for joy<em> </em>that says joy is<em> "<strong>J</strong>esus-<strong>O</strong>thers-<strong>Y</strong>ou".</em></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em></em></span></div>
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<div align="justify" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em></em></span></div>
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<div align="justify" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em></em></span></div>
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<div align="justify" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em></em></span></div>
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<div align="justify" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em></em></span></div>
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<div align="justify" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em></em></span></div>
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<div align="justify" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Actually, that formula fits pretty well into this text we have been studying.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The shepherd's joy began when they heard the angel tell about the birth of Jesus. For centuries faithful Jews had been praying, waiting and longing for the Messiah. Now the angel is announcing His arrival and the good news comes to a few humble shepherds! How good is that!?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And then they hurried to the stable to see the Christ-child as the angel foretold. When they arrived and saw Him cuddled in his mother's arms they rejoiced!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus was a source of joy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<div align="justify" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<div align="justify" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Having seen for themselves and rejoicing at the sight of the newborn Son of God, the shepherds then went to spread the good news to others throughout the land. Wherever they went and everyone they told were amazed at their story. Their joy incited joy in others!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<div align="justify" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<div align="justify" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Their witness about Jesus was a source of joy to others!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once they had seen Jesus and then told others about seeing Jesus and when they had seen they joyous response of others, then the full significance of the events they had seen and heard finally impacted them. They were filled with joy! It was an amazing night of joy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I guess the trite old formula IS true. Joy does come from <strong><em>J</em></strong>esus and then <strong><em>O</em></strong>thers and <strong><em>Y</em></strong>ou. So, it may be trite but it is true! </span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-54520830634900999382018-12-22T20:19:00.001-05:002018-12-22T20:19:34.292-05:00December 23, 2018<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<strong><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>"But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." </em>Luke 2:10</span></span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once famous evangelist, Billy Sunday said, “if you have no joy, there’s a leak in your Christianity.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Joy was a new experience for the shepherds because joy arrived with the coming of Jesus! But it should not be a novel experience for you. Jesus intended for His believers to live in joy:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." </em>John 15:11</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." </em>John 16:24</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, what can you learn about joy from this encounter between the angel and the shepherds?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>First, joy comes from <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">receiving</span> the good news.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These shepherds heard the good news in a very dramatic way. The angels came to them with this amazing announcement. How great was that?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You will not get the news from an angel but the good news is no less powerful. One of your main responsibilities is to put yourself into places where you can receive the good news. Whether that be church service or small group or listening on radio or on the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Internet</span> or watching TV or in your daily devotions, it is up to you to get your daily dose of good news! No one else can do that for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How can you have joy if you are not regularly hearing the good news? What are you doing to make sure you regularly hear the good news?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Second, joy comes from responding to the good news.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The shepherds immediately responded to the good news. When they heard about what was happening they went to see it for themselves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What do you do with the good news you <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">receive</span>? Do you obey it? Do you test it? Do you live it out in your daily living so that you know it it true? Do you let it guide your decisions and steer your emotions? Joy is not an emotion, but it is an action that leads to positive feelings. Feelings always follow faith and faith is the preferred response to the good news.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Living in joy means receiving the good news and responding to the good news and thirdly, joy results from relationship with the good news!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Joy is the natural response to living in relationship with Jesus. If you receive the good news just for information you will not live in joy. If you receive purely for inspiration it will not remain. But if you will commit to living in an intimate personal relationship with Jesus, your joy will not leak. The good news is about truth and Jesus IS the Truth! The good news is about finding your way and Jesus IS the Way! The good news is a way of life and Jesus IS the Life!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How is your relationship with Jesus? How well do you know Him? Is He your Source of Joy?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Don't let the joy leak out of your life. Plug that leak by plugging into Jesus! Receive His good news daily and respond to it and live in relationship with it!</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-34887768487588829122018-12-21T22:58:00.003-05:002018-12-21T22:58:56.427-05:00December 22, 2018<div align="justify" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>"But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people."</em></strong> <strong>Luke 2:10</strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The shepherds found joy that night just as the angel promised. Once they found the joy they spread it around. True joy is contagious!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, what is the source of joy? If it is contagious, why don't we see more of it? Do you have it? Would you like to have it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have been sharing with you some sources of joy based on the events that transpired that night. The birth of Jesus brought the joy of God's presence, and it brought the joy of God's pardon, and the joy of God's peace, and joy from God's power, and the joy of God's promises proven true, and joy because of the possibilities that faith in God brings to your life!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The possibilities are what I want to focus on this morning. Notice that the angel appeared to three different times in this chapter and each time he announced that there were greater possibilities for their lives if they would receive the good news and believe it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There was Zachariah, the aged priest with a barren wife. They had prayed and dreamed of having a son all of their lives, but to no avail. Now the angel announced that what they had thought was impossible was now possible! Nothing is impossible with God!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mary was a teen-aged girl making wedding plans and looking forward to being married to her fiancée, Joseph. When the angel brought the amazing news that she would soon become the mother of the Son of God, it was not possible since she had never known a man. But her life was filled with possibilities because nothing is impossible with God!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Even the shepherds who live a lonely isolated life would become evangelists, proclaiming the birth of Christ and spreading the joy they had come to know! They never would have believed that was possible!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Loving God and living in Christ lifts the limits from your life! As the Apostle Paul came to understand, <em>"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". </em>Imagine the joy of knowing that your life is filled with potential and possibilities when God is your God!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over this past week I have shared six reasons to have joy because of the birth of Christ. Any one of these if reason enough for joy in itself, but the good news of Christmas is that ALL of these are available to you as a believer!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, again I ask you, "How's your joy?" Are you living in joy? If not, why not? What are you lacking? What is missing?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Are you living in His presence? Have you received His pardon? Do you know His peace? Is His power at work in you? Do you believe His promises? Are you focused on your possibilities or are mired in your past?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Will you take a spiritual <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">inventory of your life as 2018 draws to a conclusion and a New Year looms? </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Will you determine that for 2019 you are going to discover your joy?</span></span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-55351743288615045142018-12-20T21:19:00.000-05:002018-12-20T21:19:05.911-05:00December 21, 2018<div align="justify" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." John 2:10</span></em></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over the past several days I have been focusing on the announcement made by the angels to the shepherds that holy night. What was this <em>"good news of great joy"</em>? Why don't we see more joy in the church among believers?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have recognized there should be joy in the presence of God and joy in the pardon from God and because of the peace of God though Christ. Also, you can find joy in the power of God. Christmas was impossible but impossible things happened so Jesus could be born!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How about another reason for joy?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You can take joy in the promises of God! In the events leading up to and culminating in the birth of Jesus there were 360 prophecies fulfilled. That means that 360 things that God predicted in advance were going to happen happened! And they happened exactly as they were foretold!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That incredible fact proves that God had His fingerprints all over the events that led up to the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ! And the accuracy of these predictions should give us joy in knowing that the promises of God are true and reliable!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whatever His Word promises He will do!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is no one else you know and love who could keep his promises 100% of the time! Every person over promises and under delivers. BUT NOT GOD!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you are facing a difficult circumstance right now and you desperately need Him to be Who His Word says He is - rejoice! Jesus is everything He promises He is and He can do and possibly has already done what ever He says. What He can do is posted in His Word. Read it, memorize it and claim it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Find joy in praising Him that He will do what He promises to do! Christmas proves it!</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-78330495141573757752018-12-19T21:50:00.003-05:002018-12-19T21:50:42.133-05:00December 20, 2018<div align="justify" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>"But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." </em>Luke 2:10</span></span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christmas is supposed to be a season of joy. In this series of posts I am taking a closer look at this topic of joy. What is it and where does it come from?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Joy comes from God's <b><i>presence</i></b>. Christmas is when God came to us in the person of Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Also, joy comes from God's <b><i>pardon</i></b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus came to be our Savior. Savior from what? He saved us from the penalty of sin. As sinners we were spiritually dead and destined for eternal death. But Jesus, because He was without sin, took our sins upon Himself. He died for you and me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because He took our penalty, we can be pardoned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It would be the equivalent of you receiving a death sentence because of a heinous crime you committed. You are arrested and tried and found guilty by a jury - because you ARE guilty. When you appear before the judge he sentences you to death and you are taken to death row. You remain there for several years until the time comes for your sentence to be carried out and you hear footsteps coming down the long hallway toward your isolated cell. Your heart quickens, a big lump develops in your throat and there is a sinking feeling in your stomach. "This is it!", you think to yourself. But, the guard opens the door and announces, "You are free to go!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"What?", you reply.</span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"You are free to go. Report to the Warden and he will make sure you get your belongings."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"But........why........how?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"The Warden's son volunteered to take your death sentence. He will die tonight in you place! Since he has taken your sentence you are free!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As the news begins to sink into your consciousness, you feel a great sense of relief and then slowly a joy arises in you as you realize you are free! You will get to grow old! You will get to see your children grow up! You will live out your days in freedom because someone's son died in your place!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That is the pardon you receive in Jesus when you put your faith in Him. And that is why Jesus came at Christmas. He came to pay the penalty for your sins so you can be pardoned!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Joy results from God's presence and joy arises from His pardon. Christmas is where it all began!</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-64500431839483742902018-12-18T22:13:00.003-05:002018-12-18T22:13:50.241-05:00December 19, 2018<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>“This is how the birth of Jesus
came to about; His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before
they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. </i></b><b><i>Because
Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her
to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. </i></b><b><i>But after
he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and
said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because
what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. </i></b><b><i>She will give birth to a son, and you are to
give Him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.” </i></b><b><i>All this
took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: </i></b><b><i>”The
virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him “Immanuel”
(which means “God with us”) </i></b><b><i>When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of
the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. </i></b><b><i>But he
did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave
him the name Jesus.” </i>Matthew 1:18-25<i><o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p></i></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When
you read this at first glance it appears to be a story about the birth of
Jesus, but take a closer look – a second look and you will see it focuses on
the immaculate conception of Jesus.</span><o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">V. 18 – “but before they came
together, she was found to be pregnant”</span><o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Matthew
wanted to make it clear to his Jewish audience that this child conceived in
Mary could not have been Joseph’s. </span><o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In
the Jewish custom of arranged marriage it is possible that Mary and Joseph did
not know each other well. Perhaps they had never met face to face. That would
make it impossible for this pregnancy to be traced to Joseph.</span><o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">V. 18b – “by the Holy Spirit”</span><span style="color: red;"><o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After
establishing this could not be Joseph’s child it is made clear how the
conception happened and who the child belonged to – God!</span><o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Spirit of God had melded with human cells to create a God-man who would be called Jesus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>V</i>. <i>20</i>
– <i>“do not be afraid to take to you Mary
your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”<o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For the third time in three verses the angel emphasizes that Mary's pregnancy had nothing to do with Joseph or any man. The child growing in her womb was the offspring of God's Spirit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>V</i>. <i>21</i>
– <i>“and you shall call His name Jesus for
He shall save His people from their sins.”<span style="color: red;"><o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p></span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Were this child the offspring of the man, Joseph, there would be no way he could have saved people from their sins for he would need a Savior himself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So once again, the angel emphasizes the divine origin of this pregnancy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">V. 23 – “Behold a virgin shall be
with child….”</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Quoting from the Prophet Isaiah, the angel stresses for the fifth time that Mary will be a virgin when she conceives this child and still a virgin when she gives birth to the child.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">V. 25 – “and did not know her
until she had brought for her firstborn Son.”</span><o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just in case you missed it the first five times, Mary is a virgin and has had no sexual relations with Joseph or any other man.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It
seems to me that Matthew is trying to make a point here. What do you think?</span><o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh,
Baby! You bet he is! God’s plan of
redemption and the hope of every man rested on this child being the child of
God born of a woman. There are three great doctrines wrapped up in this
wondrous event!</span><o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception which declares Mary conceived her Son by the power of the Holy Spirit not the seed of man.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The doctrine of the Incarnation states that in the womb of the Hebrew virgin named Mary, God united His Spirit with human flesh and God became a man to dwell among us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When we share these two truths we are talking about two foundational tenets of the doctrine of salvation! Without these two doctrinal truths Jesus couldn't have come to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now God desires to birth new life in your spirit by the power of His Spirit! His Word wants to be fleshed out in your life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will you respond to His calling on your life with the same faith and obedience demonstrated by Mary?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-35789025832070450422018-12-17T20:06:00.002-05:002018-12-17T20:06:33.260-05:00December 18, 2018<div class="chapter-2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="text John-14-1">“Do not let your hearts be troubled.<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26670A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> You believe<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26670B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> in God;<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26670C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span> believe also in me.</span> <span class="text John-14-2" id="en-NIV-26671">My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26671D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span> to prepare a place for you?</span> <span class="text John-14-3" id="en-NIV-26672">And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26672E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span> and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26672F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span></span> <span class="text John-14-4" id="en-NIV-26673">You know the way to the place where I am going.” </span></i><span class="text John-14-5" style="font-style: italic;">Thomas<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26674G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></span> said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” </span><i>Jesus answered, </i><span class="woj"><i>“I am<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26675H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></span> the way<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26675I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></span> and the truth<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26675J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></span> and the life.<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26675K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></span> No one comes to the Father except through me." </i>John 14:1-6</span></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="woj" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is the Season of concentrating and celebrating the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, the Son of God. Rightly so!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I want to do that by fast forwarding from the time of His birth to a significant statement He made in the days leading up to His death.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus identifies Himself as "THE TRUTH".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Interesting! Truth is not just a concept or a theory or an opinion - "TRUTH IS A PERSON!" Jesus is truth! He defines it, He demonstrates it, and He demands it of His followers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since truth is a Person, entering into truth requires a relationship with that Person! While truth may lead you to Jesus, only entering into a faith relationship with Jesus, can you know truth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A bold statement like this had better be well documented! The claim of truth is only as valid as the evidence supporting the claim and the evidence behind Jesus' statement is 350+ fulfilled prophecies! Over 40 prophecies were fulfilled just in the events surrounding His birth! The other 300+ were validated by His life, His ministry, His death and His resurrection.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Think about it! If 350+ predictions are made by dozens of godly people under the inspiration of God's Spirit between 1,000 to 400 years ahead of time are all perfectly fulfilled in the life of one person, shouldn't you take that Person's claims seriously? And if that person predicts His death AND His resurrection and then pulls it off, doesn't that give Him serious credibility?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and He defines truth for me. Whatever lines up with His life and teachings is true and anything that contradicts them is untrue.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Those last two statements will offend many people because it will challenge their notions of truth. There is no better example of this than what has happened to Duck Dynasty founder, Phil Robertson.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">By giving honest Biblical answers to questions posed to him by a journalist, he has come under heavy criticism and the loss of his TV job. Many claim to be offended by Phil's expression of what he believes to be true.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, for those who are offended by Phil's sincerely held beliefs, what do they hold as truth and what support do they offer for their claims? What they believe is based on their opinions, perhaps recent opinion polls, their emotions, their values, and their worldview. In other words, their version of truth is based on human wisdom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />So, now his expression of truth has been punished, Phil will have to decide if he will continue to hold to that truth or conform to the pressure of worldly wisdom.</span></div>
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What does this have to do with Christmas?</span></div>
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Everything!</span></div>
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The arrival of God's Son on planet earth, and all the credibility that lends to the Word of God, confronts you with the decision of choosing your personal standard for truth.</span></div>
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If you, like Phil, hold with Jesus for your definition of Truth you can be sure your "Phil Robertson moment of truth" is coming.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you ready?</span></span></span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-82350030832365987062018-12-16T22:41:00.001-05:002018-12-16T22:41:23.508-05:00December 17, 2018<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-1-18" style="font-style: italic;">"</span><span class="text Matt-1-18" style="font-style: italic;">This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. </span><span class="text Matt-1-19" id="en-NIV-23164" style="font-style: italic;">Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23164T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></span> her quietly.</span><span class="text Matt-1-20" id="en-NIV-23165" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="versenum" style="vertical-align: top;"> </span>But after he had considered this, an angel<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23165U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></span> of the Lord appeared to him in a dream<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23165V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></span> and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. </span><span class="text Matt-1-21" id="en-NIV-23166" style="font-style: italic;">She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,</span><span class="text Matt-1-21" style="font-style: italic;"> because he will save his people from their sins.” </span><span class="text Matt-1-22" id="en-NIV-23167" style="font-style: italic;">All this took place to fulfill<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23167Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></span> what the Lord had said through the prophet:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="text Matt-1-23" id="en-NIV-23168" style="font-style: italic;">“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”).</span><span class="text Matt-1-23" style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="text Matt-1-24" id="en-NIV-23169" style="font-style: italic;">When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23169AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></span> of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="text Matt-1-25" id="en-NIV-23170"><i>But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus." </i>Matthew 1:18-25</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Prophet Isaiah foretold that <i>"The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us") </i>Isaiah 7:14</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every birth is a big deal!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When Dr. Foresman delivered my daughter I noticed he was crying. When I saw him crying it worried me. Were his tears an indication something was wrong?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everything looked fine to me, but this was the first birth I had witnessed so what did I know? One of the nurses must have seen the look of concern on my face so she pulled me to the side and told me, "Don't worry, he cries with every baby he delivers. He thinks birth is a miracle."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course, that made me feel a whole lot better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Twenty-two months later when we went in for the birth of my younger son, I was watching to see if Dr. Foresman to see if he would cry this time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He did!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While every birth is beautiful and amazing, Isaiah prophesied the birth of God's Son, the evidence that God is with us AND He would be the embodiment of God in the flesh.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The unmistakable sign of the birth of God's Son was clear - He would be born of a virgin!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of the billions of births that have happened or will ever occur, only ONE will be delivered by a virgin. And notice, not just "a" virgin but "the" virgin!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How can you have confidence that Jesus is the Son of God? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">History records that He and He alone was born of a virgin, just as it was foretold centuries before. </span></div>
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<span class="text Mic-5-2" id="en-NIV-22636" style="font-style: italic; position: relative; text-align: start;">“But you, Bethlehem<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22636A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> Ephrathah, </span><span class="indent-1" style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;"><span class="text Mic-5-2" style="position: relative;">though you are small among the clans<b> </b>of Judah, </span></span><span class="text Mic-5-2" style="font-style: italic; position: relative; text-align: start;">out of you will come for me </span><span class="indent-1" style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;"><span class="text Mic-5-2" style="position: relative;">one who will be ruler<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22636C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span> over Israel, </span></span><span class="text Mic-5-2" style="font-style: italic; position: relative; text-align: start;">whose origins are from of old, </span><span class="indent-1" style="text-align: start;"><span class="text Mic-5-2" style="position: relative;"><i>from ancient times.” </i>Micah 5:2</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And because that promise came true we can have confidence in these promises:</span></div>
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<span class="text John-3-16" id="en-NIV-26137" style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;">"For God so loved<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26137A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> the world that he gave<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26137B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> his one and only Son,<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26137C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span> that whoever believes<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26137D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span> in him shall not perish but have eternal life.<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26137E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span></span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;"> </span><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138" style="text-align: start;"><i>For God did not send his Son into the world<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26138F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span> to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." </i>John 3:16-17</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Rom-5-6" id="en-NIV-28054" style="font-style: italic;">"You see, at just the right time,<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28054M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></span> when we were still powerless,<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28054N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></span> Christ died for the ungodly.<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28054O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></span></span><i> </i><span class="text Rom-5-7" id="en-NIV-28055" style="font-style: italic;">Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die.</span><i> </i><span class="text Rom-5-8" id="en-NIV-28056" style="font-style: italic;">But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.<b> </b></span><span class="text Rom-5-9" id="en-NIV-28057" style="font-style: italic;">Since we have now been justified<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28057Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></span> by his blood,<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28057R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></span> how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28057S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></span>through him!</span><i> </i><span class="text Rom-5-10" id="en-NIV-28058" style="font-style: italic;">For if, while we were God’s enemies,<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28058T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></span> we were reconciled<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28058U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></span> to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28058V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></span></span><i> </i><span class="text Rom-5-11" id="en-NIV-28059"><span class="versenum" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;"> </span><i>Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation." </i>Romans 5:6-11</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span class="text Rom-3-21" style="text-align: start;"><b>"</b></span><span class="text Rom-3-21" style="text-align: start;">But now apart from the law the righteousness of God<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28013AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></span> has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28013AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></span></span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span class="text Rom-3-22" id="en-NIV-28014" style="text-align: start;">This righteousness<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28014AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></span> is given through faith<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28014AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></span> in Jesus Christ<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28014AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></span> to all who believe.<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28014AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></span>There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28014AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></span></span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span class="text Rom-3-23" id="en-NIV-28015" style="text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;"> </span>for all have sinned<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28015AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></span> and fall short of the glory of God,</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span class="text Rom-3-24" id="en-NIV-28016" style="text-align: start;">and all are justified<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28016AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></span> freely by his grace<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28016AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></span> through the redemption<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28016AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></span> that came by Christ Jesus.</span><span class="text Rom-3-24" style="text-align: start;"><b> </b></span><span class="text Rom-3-25" id="en-NIV-28017" style="text-align: start;">God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,</span><span class="text Rom-3-25" style="text-align: start;"><b> </b>through the shedding of his blood<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28017AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></span>—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28017AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></span>—</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span></i><span class="text Rom-3-26" id="en-NIV-28018" style="text-align: start;"><i>he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus." </i> Romans 3:21-26</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Eph-2-1" style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;">"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29231A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span></span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;"> </span><span class="text Eph-2-2" id="en-NIV-29232" style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;">in which you used to live<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29232B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> when you followed the ways of this world<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29232C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span> and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air,<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29232D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span> the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. </span><span class="text Eph-2-3" id="en-NIV-29233" style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;">All of us also lived among them at one time,<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29233F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span> gratifying the cravings of our flesh</span><span class="text Eph-2-3" style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;"><b> </b>and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.</span><span class="text Eph-2-4" id="en-NIV-29234" style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;"> </span>But because of his great love for us,<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29234H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></span> God, who is rich in mercy,</span><span class="text Eph-2-5" id="en-NIV-29235" style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;"> </span>made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29235I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></span>—it is by grace you have been saved.</span><span class="text Eph-2-6" id="en-NIV-29236" style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;"> </span>And God raised us up with Christ<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29236K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></span> and seated us with him<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29236L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></span> in the heavenly realms<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29236M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></span> in Christ Jesus,</span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;"> </span><span class="text Eph-2-7" id="en-NIV-29237" style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;">in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace,<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29237N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></span> expressed in his kindness<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29237O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></span> to us in Christ Jesus.</span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;"> </span><span class="text Eph-2-8" id="en-NIV-29238" style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;">For it is by grace<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29238P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></span> you have been saved,<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29238Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></span> through faith<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29238R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></span>—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — </span><span class="text Eph-2-9" id="en-NIV-29239" style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;">not by works,<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29239S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></span> so that no one can boast.<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29239T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></span></span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;"> </span><span class="text Eph-2-10" id="en-NIV-29240" style="text-align: start;"><i>For we are God’s handiwork,<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29240U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></span> created<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29240V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></span> in Christ Jesus to do good works,<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29240W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></span> which God prepared in advance for us to do." </i>Ephesians 2:1-10</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If this prophecy of an event so unlikely as a virgin birth is proven to be true, then all the other promises concerning the purpose, plan and power of this One Who was born must be true as well!</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-57449291447720079892018-12-15T20:38:00.003-05:002018-12-15T20:38:24.188-05:00December 16, 2018<div align="justify" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>"But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."</em></strong> <strong>Luke 2:10-11</strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The angel came bringing good news!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And not just good news - good news of great joy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That announcement presupposes that there was some bad news going on. Uh, yeah! This proclamation came to a people whose politics were bad news. They lived under Roman oppression. And their economy was bad news. They earned very little and much of what they did earn went to the Romans. There was an ultra-wealthy ruling class and a lot of really poor folks and no welfare program. Even worse, their religion was a disaster! It was oppressive, demanding, impersonal and corrupt. This was the world the average Jew lived in! And there was no hope on the horizon!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But then in a remote pasture to some lonely shepherds, hope came! Good news was announced!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As a pastor, I live in a world of bad news. Hardly a day goes by that I don't hear some bad news about someone. I have my own bad news to deal with, too. How do I cope with all the bad news? What am I to do in an ever worsening economy, an ever expanding increasingly oppressive government, and a religion that is daily attacked and minimized?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What are you to do?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, I am a minister of "the Gospel". What is the "Gospel"? The "Gospel" means "good news"! In a world of bad news I believe the good news! The very same good news that the angel brought to the shepherds! The good news that Christ has come! A Savior is born! The Savior died for my sins to conquer sin and rose again to conquer death! For me! For you! For everyone who believes and receives the good news!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Am I to deny the bad news? Am I to ignore it? No! I speak good news to it! I deal with bad news in the power of the good news. I live in the knowledge the the good news is more powerful and longer lasting than the bad news! The good news is more real than the bad news! The good news means more and brings more joy in light of the bad news! My hope is in the good news!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As we move into this week before Christmas and as you celebrate Christmas at your church and with your family and in your quiet time with the Lord, rejoice at the reality of the "Gospel" the good news of salvation! God has conquered sin and death and through the power of the good news living in and through you and me He is conquering evil. Rejoice that the bad news will end but the good news is eternal - and only gets better!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That is your good news report for today!</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-49203596617929234362018-12-15T20:35:00.001-05:002018-12-15T20:35:13.326-05:00December 15, 2018<div align="justify" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>"Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” </em>Luke 1:18-20</span></span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month."</em> Luke 1:34-36</span></span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have you ever noticed how most people find it easier to believe bad news than to believe good news?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When Zachariah and Mary were presented with some of the best news ever shared, they questioned it. Understandable - but not acceptable</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, it is encouraging to notice how Gabriel responded in each case. He gave them evidence! And I believe he did so because he understood that they wanted to believe but they weren't used to such good news! so, he helped them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In Zachariah's case, he struck him dumb, so he could not speak. At first glance it looked like a judgment, but I believe it was evidence. I think it was for Zachariah's benefit. How better to believe a supernatural report than to see something supernatural happen?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For Mary, the angel gave her two proofs, a longer-term proof - pregnancy; and a shorter term proof - her formerly barren cousin, Elizabeth's pregnancy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's the good news I get from both of these examples, God not only asks to have faith, He gives it to us! When He knows we really want to believe He will give us evidence to believe. I like that! I need that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now on my part, I need to work on my faith until I find it easier to believe good news from God, from His Word, and by His Spirit. I must condition my faith to expect good things from the Hand of God and to know that He will also turn the bad news into good in His time! That is my part! But I can even count on His grace to help me there! And I can condition my heart and mind and spirit by saturating them in the Word of God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So this is the good news of Christmas - for those who believe and those who are wanting to believe more - there really is only good news! There is immediate good news and there is ultimate good news! That is the God we serve! Christmas is the evidence!</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-43520153257180597112018-12-14T09:23:00.000-05:002018-12-14T09:23:07.483-05:00The Relationship of Relationships with Christmas<div align="justify" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<strong><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><em>"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!" </em>Philippians 2:5-8</span></span></span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHoZNeTkCBp2ybUXr3KJDb2a0BHv8_HlX-niHXZWAFy24fb-cOdZIyKlZ_-xuBLsA0mdPJ2xFdR0P1QA0lZ-ukZgFhUtWruraWRgUjdyD5TFdoDahTaAqrm-DWqYFvPTFZ6ZH-E4bK7Z7/s1600/photo-1450221882353-ed6177a2ff23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1350" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHoZNeTkCBp2ybUXr3KJDb2a0BHv8_HlX-niHXZWAFy24fb-cOdZIyKlZ_-xuBLsA0mdPJ2xFdR0P1QA0lZ-ukZgFhUtWruraWRgUjdyD5TFdoDahTaAqrm-DWqYFvPTFZ6ZH-E4bK7Z7/s320/photo-1450221882353-ed6177a2ff23.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Everyone who has ever struggled in a relationship should be thankful for Christmas!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I guess that would include about all of us! I know people who do relationships better than others but I don't know anyone who hasn't struggled with a spouse or a parent or a sibling or a co-worker or a neighbor or someone!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">There is a simple reason why we struggle with relationships - SIN! That's right, sin! Sin, as in selfishness. Sin as in self-seeking! Sin as in selfish ambition. When sin rules in your heart and mind, you are a user not a lover. When sin rules in your heart and mind, you are separated from God and God is love. Sin not only brings separation it brings isolation, it brings alienation, it brings humiliation, it brings degradation, and it brings complications.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Christmas reminds us of how much God desires to be in relationship with you and me! He literally moved Heaven and earth to remove the barriers that separated us and Him. I'm not sure any of us will ever understand why He loves us that much, but the <em>"good news of great joy"</em><strong> </strong>is that He does love us and Christmas proves it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">There has never been a great or more damaging relationship breech than the one that separated God and man. Only God could bridge that gap and Jesus became that bridge! Because He was conceived by the Holy Spirit He was born sinless and lived His life in perfect obedience. That allowed Him to bear the guilt and penalty of our sins!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Relationship with God is now possible through Christ! Once you enter into relationship with God, healthy relationships with others becomes possible!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">As Christmas 2018 draws near, is there a relationship or two that needs some healing? I understand it takes two to heal a relationship (actually it takes three), but with God's help and with Christ's example, you can begin the healing! If Christmas can bridge the gap between God and you, is there any relationship that can't be healed?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Christmas says, "No!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">What will you say?</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-79935435928312934752018-12-12T21:10:00.001-05:002018-12-13T14:47:29.607-05:00Christmas Love<div align="justify" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<strong><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><em>"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!" </em>Philippians 2:5-8</span></span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I am having trouble getting my mind around this Scripture. This is pretty radical stuff! On one hand it sends a comforting message of how much God loves us, but it also confronts us with our responsibility to love each other like Christ loved us! What Christ demonstrated at Christmas must be how we love each other year-round!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Let's examine that love again today.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAK8Zs-PRDRsUFRk_kpYp1vy9XetOrZ-yYZk1S3E2GUrcmihs9L_E45vrnzLWiidh6oJrdWkj9qyfNKcW0ar7EucTedcWVLKfNNLSGjExhBLEFg6IbX_64JJXmNui7o5KIxavzayy1MPA/s1600/photo-1480721145676-f5c40929d80c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="1266" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAK8Zs-PRDRsUFRk_kpYp1vy9XetOrZ-yYZk1S3E2GUrcmihs9L_E45vrnzLWiidh6oJrdWkj9qyfNKcW0ar7EucTedcWVLKfNNLSGjExhBLEFg6IbX_64JJXmNui7o5KIxavzayy1MPA/s320/photo-1480721145676-f5c40929d80c.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">The first thing I notice is that Christmas love <strong><i>sees</i></strong> the needs of others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Romans 5:8 tells us, <b><em>"God demonstrated His love for us in this, while we were still sinners Christ died for us!"</em> </b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Wow! God provided for our need before we were even aware we had a need! He provided a solution before we even understood the problem!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">How attuned are you to the needs of others? Are you too consumed with your own problems and pains that you become oblivious to the plight of others? Christmas love sees the needs of others and seeks to ways to minister to those needs. Christmas love is not selfish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Can you imagine a church fellowship where each member saw the needs of others and stood ready to help? What a radical place that would be!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Christmas love also <strong><i>serves</i></strong> the needs of others. Jesus wasn't simply an observer that saw rhe needs from the security of Heaven and waited for someone else to do something. Christ, the omnipotent sovereign Son of God, shed all His power and privileges to become a servant! He surrendered control and became vulnerable so He could serve a needy race! Christmas love is humble in order to be helpful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">How about you? Are you willing to humble yourself to serve someone else? Are you willing to give up control and allow yourself to be vulnerable if it means meeting the needs of others? Can you be weak to strengthen someone else?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Imagine a fellowship like that! What a radical place that would be! Why can't there be a place where members see each others needs and step up (or down) to serve those needs?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Also, Christmas love <b><i>sacrifices </i></b>for the needs of others. This may be the most radical of all because it usually involves death. For Jesus, the sacrifice didn't begin at the cross. It because at the throne of His Father in the most exalted place in Heaven! Everything we dream about and desire, Jesus had - and He laid them down! He saw our needs and judged our crisis to be more urgent than His own comfort. Christmas love willingly traded Paradise for pain. How can God die? BECAUSE HE WANTED TO!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">What have you sacrificed for someone else? It is nice to see a need and feel compassion. But Christmas love sees the need, serves the need and sacrifices what ever it takes to solve the need. Love is hard work! Love is costly! Love hurts! You can't love safely and conveniently - you must love sacrificially!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I dream of a fellowship where Christmas love is a reality. Why can't we love until it hurts? Why can't we die to serve others? Didn't Jesus call us to <em>"deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow Him"? </em>What if there was a group of believers who actually decided to be that radical!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Christmas love will cost you, but Christmas love will change you - and everyone around you! Christmas love could create a contagious fellowship! It could be Christmas in July - and August, and September and...........</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5141740608438113847.post-8374850904692182512018-12-12T20:49:00.000-05:002018-12-12T20:49:21.789-05:00December 12, 2018<div align="justify" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<strong><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!" </em>Philippians 2:5-8</span></span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christmas was <b>driven</b> by love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In these three incredible verses Paul reveals the motive of why Jesus gave up His exalted position and all the privileges of being God and did some serious down-sizing to become flesh and blood. He stepped out of eternity and into time. He came from a serene and secure paradise to a sinful, selfish and savage world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What would possess Him to do such a thing?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">LOVE! No other explanation makes sense.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Not only was Christmas driven by love but it<b> defines</b> love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Love begins with an attitude -<em> "have the same mindset as Christ".</em><strong> </strong>No one loves accidentally. No one loves naturally. Love is a decision. You and I love because we choose to love. Even Jesus, Who was God - and God IS love - had to set His mind on leaving Heaven.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Love becomes an action - <em>"He made Himself nothing".</em> Love has to be more than a thought or a feeling. Love has to be demonstrated with corresponding actions. Love seeks! Love serves! Love sacrifices! The Bible says that God loves us BUT Christmas showed it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Love bought atonement - <em>"He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross"</em></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Love properly expressed results in life-change. Real love is transformative It changes the heart, it changes the head and it changes the habits. Loving like Jesus loved changed the world! When you receive His love it changes you - it helps you love yourself. Loving yourself enables you to live for God and love others. Paul begins this portion of Scripture by commanding us to love like this in ALL of our relationships!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What drives your life? What defines your life? What difference does your life make?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christmas demands an answer! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Christmas holds you accountable to love! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Christ took away all the excuses!</span></span></span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Pastor Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556908996933637345noreply@blogger.com0