Christmas 2012: Follow That Star

Good Morning World!
This will be the last segment of our Christmas series, and hopefully it will the most thought provoking of all.

We have been studying about many things so that we can prepare our hearts and minds for a proper spiritual celebration of the Birth of the Messiah - Jesus Christ.  We have talked about the value and necessity of “Trust & Obey”, and “Faith, Love & Giving” now we are going to talk about the importance of the Birth and our reaction to it.


Let us look specifically at the wisemen again.  I don’t know if they were working in their labs altogether or if they lived in different villages or countries, but one thing for sure brought them together - a new star.  This new star brought an emotional and physical response. They must follow that star!  No matter what perils lay ahead.  No matter the consequence or cost they were going to follow that star to the ends of the earth!

In Matthew 2:10  The Bible tells us that when they say the star they were exceedingly joyful!
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

We must try to imagine in our small way the beauty and immensity of this desire.  They have just travelled approximately two years of their lives chasing something that seems to be always just over the next hill, and now they are on their last legs and the end is really in sight!  They’ve heard prophecy of this new King’s birth and His birth place!  They know that they are on the right track - finally their faith and endurance is paying off!  They find the star again and continue their journey!

A. How does this story and response apply to us today.

It can attract attention in many areas of our lives, however, I am just going to draw your attention to one area with a couple thoughts.

Luke 19
9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.   10  For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Romans 1
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

I am going to talk about the purpose of Jesus Chirst; the reason for His birth.  John the writer of the Gospel according to John tells us the He is the light and the darkness cannot overcome it.  So let us look at ourselves as lost flies.  We are nothing and our lives are many times meaningless, but all of a sudden we see a light glimmer in the distance, and like the wisemen we must follow that star of light!  So we turn our eyes into the light and we fly without ever knowing what will befall us, but we are following the light.

Many times like a fly we end up at the end of someone elses prank, or a trap which tries to do away with us, but there is something else to this light; it is different somehow.  We follow it inspite of the emotions that are crying us down.

B.  Let me pause here for a thought provoking siesta.

Recently I have had the opportunity to have conversation with a few people who have chosen to set their faith aside and no longer believe.  Life has taken its toll on these people, and because of it they have made this very important choice.  Not to diminish their life story or experience, but it is like they fly who is looking for the sunlight, but keeps getting fooled by the light of the fly zapper.  They keep getting bounced from one false light to another, and when life brings you down and you have no one to turn to for guidance in truth and righteousness it can very easily turn you aside and bring you to the point of laying aside a once precious thing.  We must be careful that we don’t trap ourselves in something that is shallow and will not really bring us any spiritual relief when we need it most.  There are so many false lights out their and at this time of year it can be so easy to get trapped by them, please don’t follow any light.  However, I encourage you to follow The Light - Jesus Christ.

Following men will lead you to disaster and devastation of mind, soul and spirit, but when we follow Jesus we find rest and peace in the midst of the storm.

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C. Back to our parable of light

When we hear the Gospel in Truth for the first time the light of it wells up in us and can overwhelm us, but I encourage you, as it takes a moment to adjust to the light first thing in the morning when you open your eyes so, it can take a moment to adjust to the saving light of Jesus Christ the first time you meet Him.

As the Bible indicates Jesus did come to seek and save that which was lost.  Not just people, but relationships, and not just any relationship, but a relationship with you personally!  Each one of us must find the light of the Star of Bethlehem to lead us to truth and a relationship with our Saviour Jesus Christ.

This Christmas I encourage you to look beyond the wrapping paper and food, and view the nativity in a new light.  Find a quiet place in your life and contemplate the creator and saviour, who came to find you!  The lighthouse light is bright, and the rocks of life are sharp, which one will you find yourself in.  Will your follow the life saving light, or will you ignore it because of past bad experiences and end up in the rocks of life? Will you find new life this Christmas, or will you participate in reminiscing about the old life, which leads to death and destruction?

The choice this Christmas is up to you.  Follow the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to salvation and freedom, or disregard it as another fraud and end up broken on the rocky shore of life....

A Rebellious Generation!

Good Morning World!

I wasn't sure what to write this morning, but then while reading a couple chapters in Proverbs I found it!  This time of year is usually a time of giving and receiving, but it is also a time of reflection and pondering.  I so enjoy reflection and pondering, but it does raise questions, problems and many times things that need to be changed.  If we don't think about where we are or where we have come from then we will never figure out where we are going.  I know we think we know where we are going, but most of us don't!

A prophecy from Proverbs 30:

¹¹ There is a generation that curses its father,And does not bless its mother.¹² There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes,Yet is not washed from its filthiness.¹³ There is a generation—oh, how lofty are their eyes!And their eyelids are lifted up.¹⁴ There is a generation whose teeth are like swords,And whose fangs are like knives,To devour the poor from off the earth,And the needy from among men.

I am only a young man, but I have personally watched the beginning of about 2 generations and rise of a 3rd.  The first I was apart of, and respect for elders and parents was still taught, albeit not as much as other generations.  Then as a very new young adult I watched the second generation as children through graduation, and they had very little respect for authority, so little it was hard to find. Finally, the 3rd generation, which includes my own Children respect and honor are a thing of the past.  Of Course I am desperately trying to instill this important life truth into my Children, but it seems so often I am beating my head upon a brick wall.  Society has changed so much in the past 30 years!  What was once ok is now breaking the law, and what was once breaking the law in now ok.  Children do not have any moral, spiritual, sexual or relationship guidelines, examples or mentors to follow!

We wonder why people are dying younger and younger, well I can give you a simple answer that you may not like or even agree with, but here it is none the less. The Bible tells us in a couple places: Children Obey your Parents.  However, what many people don't realize is that this scripture is the first commandment that comes with a promise, and in reverse a curse.

"Children Obey your parents that you may live long in the earth!"

I don't know if you understand what this means, but I'll tell you anyway.  If we learn respect of authority and we learn how to respect and honor our parents it will be a main deciding factor in how long we will live physically. On the flip side, we are rebellious and curse our father and mother, and don't listen to their wisdom and guidance then it will also be a deciding factor in the length of our life on this earth.

WAIT! You may say.  "I know many people who have died young that were good people."  True, True.  However, you don't know their heart or past, but the fact remains that society has bread rebellion into its very fabric, and now everyone is feeling the pain of this ungodly pandemic.  Just as we are all sinners because one man and women sinned against the creator, so because we have bread rebellion into our generation we all will feel the sting of death!

HOWEVER!  This is the reason for the season!  Jesus Christ was born, God with Us!  He came to seek and to save that which was lost! He came to bring us salvation from this rebellion and curse of death!  He came to free us from the slavery that comes with sin, rebellion and death.  Jesus the Messiah came to give us eternal life!  Through His birth, life and death we find truth, and truth will set you free!  Let us take time to ponder, and take ownership of the fact that we are apart a rebellious generation.  It is us, not them who need to change.  We, you, I are the ones who must find redemption, and turn back to the way of truth!

Yours for Christ,
Pastor Fred

Advent Thoughts: Trust & Obey

Good Morning World!  This advent season I would like to turn your attention to another reason for the season.  It's not all about the gifts or the giving, and it isn't all about the peace and joy, which we love and participate in especially during this time of year.  However, there is an element of the season that is often over looked, but has just as much relevance and importance as all the above.

TRUST & OBEY

There is a song that we sing when I am participating in a service at the local senior homes called Trust & Obey, and in it is described the blessing and importance of trusting and obeying Jesus our Saviour.  Also, in reading the story of the birth of Christ - the whole story, we come across two stories that really portray the meaning of our title.  First, we have the priest, Zechariah.  He was going to become the father of John the Baptist who was the forerunner or pro-claimer of the Christ.  However, when the angel told him this news he was full of fear and doubt.  So much so, that the angel punished him for his unbelief by taking away his ability to speak.  Zechariah didn't speak until after the birth of John when they were going to name him.  So much for trust and obey!  The other story is about Mary.  She a young virgin, with probably only a limited knowledge of God and angels, was visited by Gabriel the archangel, who told her she was the chosen one who would carry the incarnate God within her.  She asked a couple questions and with faith accepted this great honor without fear or doubt.  God was with her and made sure she was protected throughout the pregnancy and all the while the child was growing.

Are you beginning to see what I am talking about?  When we trust and obey we are given great honor in the kingdom of God.  We are protected and shown the way.  When we do not trust and obey we are given just the opposite.

I am not trying to scare anyone into finding Jesus, but I am trying to encourage you that when He comes knocking on your door that you listen, trust and obey!

Merry Christmas,
Yours for Christ,
Pastor Fred

Daily Bible Reading & Devotion -- Psalm 36

Good Morning and Merry Christmas World! From the "True North Strong and Free" to the south of Chile, From the north of Siberia to the Cape of Good Hope, From the Philippines to the outback of Queensland, From the North Pole to the Antarctic may the Joy of this blessed season wash over you, and the Peace of Jesus Christ comfort you!

December 22, 2009

Psalm 36

Sometimes we forget that we live in a wicked world. The everyday grind makes us immune to the chaos around us. David thought he lived in a wicked world. I wonder what he would say about the generation we live in today?

Still through all the wickedness and crap this world has in it God is still Good All the Time. His word is forever settled in heaven, and He really is in control. He is great in righteousness, mercy and loving kindness. He will take care of all those who put their trust in Him, and He will take care of all those who don't put their trust in Him.

So often we forget to look beyond our little comfort zone. We live a selfish life that consists of all our immediate needs. That is why politicians and country leaders have such a difficult job, because people never want to look at the big picture. This Christmas season, however, you celebrate or don't remember to look beyond your comfort zone and show some love and kindness to someone else!

Merry Christmas!

Pastor Fred

Seasonal Joy!

Christmas has officially started at our home! On November 1st we start the Christmas music and start putting up some decorations - we love to celebrate Christmas as long as possible!

When you develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the time of year we designate to celebrate his birth becomes extra special! We love to share, give, rejoice, love and sing about His coming from Heaven to Earth to show us the way!

During this time of seasonal Joy let the spirit of Christ and His coming wrap its warm arms around you, and lift you above your sorrows, strife, problems and stress! May you learn to have your own personal relationship with Jesus Christ!

Yours for the Kingdom of Christ,
Pastor Fred
P.S. If you'd like more information about having a personal relationship with Jesus please feel free to email me!