Get ready to start a journey…a journey through the pages of the Bible and the pages of your life.
The religious leaders were offended that Jesus was having a meal with hated tax collectors. But they were not the only ones upset. The disciples of John the Baptist wondered why they had to fast while Jesus feasted. Jesus answered their question by likening himself to a bridegroom at a wedding celebration.
Hebrews 13:20-21(NIV)
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
If you are searching and hungry, if you have unsuccessfully tried to fill your life with all the things of the world, today I ask you to trust in Jesus, the Bread of Life.
We are sinners and cannot pay our debt. Our best efforts fall short, so God did for us what we could not do for ourselves. He is our Ga-al, our Redeemer. He sent his son to release us.
Before Jesus comes again, the world will experience chaos like never before. The Bible describes this time as the great tribulation, and this will be the beginning of the end. Those living in that terrible time will need a Deliverer.
In the New Testament, Jesus came to be the Passover lamb. When John the Baptist saw Jesus walking down the road, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
As we enter a new year, remember that Jesus is our Savior. Let’s keep our focus on him.
Lori and I want to wish each of you a Merry Christmas. We pray that you have a great time with family and friends. Most of all, we pray that you experience the hope, peace, joy, and love found only in Jesus.
But Jesus came as the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world. On the cross, he paid sin’s penalty. He bought us back from sin’s slavery. He freed us from sin’s prison.
Immanuel. God with us. What a powerful name! What a comforting name! At one point in history, Immanuel walked planet Earth and lived with man. Now, for the rest of history, he reigns from heaven, and his Spirit lives in us.
As we move through the week of Christmas, we are focusing on Jesus, the One Isaiah described as the “Prince of Peace.”
As we move through the week of Christmas, we are focusing on Jesus; the One Isaiah described as the “Everlasting Father.”