The identity of the Magi, or "wise men," is another of the wonders that surround the first Christmas. The account of their visit is recorded in Matthew 2:1-12.
What we think we know about them is based largely on the misinformation that is perpetuated in our carols and on our Christmas cards. We imagine them as wearing crowns and regal robes and traveling on camels. Because they brought three gifts - gold, frankincense, and myrrh - some have concluded that there were three of them (We … Continue Reading ››
While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground, an angel of the Lord came down, and glory shone around.
"Fear not," said he for mighty dread had seized their troubled mind, "glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and all mankind."
-While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks, Nahum Tate (1700)
Above are the first two stanzas of the familiar Christmas carol, "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks." Adopted by virtually all hymnals since the time of its writing, … Continue Reading ››
Praise ye the Lord. Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good. ~ Psalm 106:1
Years ago a believer with an unusual spirit of gratitude regularly attended the services of a mission in Chicago. Being a black man, he was often the victim of discrimination by the world; yet he radiated Christian joy. One day entering the mission with a bandage on his thumb, he explained that he had smashed it with a hammer. Then he added, "But praise the Lord. I have my … Continue Reading ››
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. ~ Hebrews 10:25
Why is attending a local church so important? Can't a Christian just worship God in the comfort of his own home, out in the woods, or on the lake? Why is it important for a Christian to assemble with other believers for regular times of worship?
"I believe that Timothy was afflicted with a constitutional timidity. Paul reminds him to let no man despise his youth, and to the Corinthians he wrote: 'Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be among you without fear' (1 Cor. 16:10). He was a splendid young preacher, with good ancestry and in dead earnest, but he needed to be set on fire....
"Paul advises Timothy to kindle the sacred Flame within him ... There come times … Continue Reading ››
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).
This verse is rich in positive statements about the person and power of the God of this universe for every soul. Notice three things that should give comfort to the heart of every believer and inspire courage and confidence.
1. THE PROTECTION OF GOD IS PROMISED"God is our refuge." The place of safety and security is found in the loving care of God, Who has promised to be with His own (Isaiah 43:2), … Continue Reading ››
"If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalm 11:3)
America is unique in her Christian origin and way of life ever since the Mayflower landed in 1620. The very purpose of the Pilgrims was to establish a government based on the Bible. The New England Charter, signed by King James I, confirmed this goal: "...to advance the enlargement of the Christian religion, to the glory of God Almighty..."
Daniel Webster wrote, "Lastly, our ancestors established their system of government on morality and religious sentiment. … Continue Reading ››
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" (II Timothy 3:16).
While visiting in the hospital recently, a dear lady remarked to me, "I've been reading my Bible, and it's amazing to me how it answers the questions of life." Most people who get around to reading the Bible for themselves are amazed to discover how many questions it answers. Someone has said, "The B-I-B-L-E stands for Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth." Beyond … Continue Reading ››
"The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts" (Psalm 10:4).
This verse reflects the state of the natural man, or the man apart from Jesus Christ. He will not seek after God. He will not call upon God nor inquire of Him as to what is right or what is wrong, but will do what seems right in his own eyes. The root cause of this attitude of neglecting the Person and the will … Continue Reading ››
Strategic prayer for missionaries involves an understanding of their life and work. The Scriptures draw our attention to numerous aspects of the needs and struggles missionaries consistently face. The apostle Paul himself made reference on multiple occasions to his overwhelming need for the prayers of others. Consider Paul' s A to F prayer requests:
ACCEPTANCE by co-workers (other believers) - "[T]hat my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints" (Romans 15:31b).
