TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY DECEMBER 18
CHRISTIAN
Part Five
For the past four days we have been looking at the word CHRISTIAN and we have seen the major differences as to how a Christian approaches Christmas versus a non believer. As we prepare in just a few days to CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF JESUS on Christmas day, we want to share a few thoughts on the Christian and eternity as it relates to Christmas.
Defined by Webster:
One who professes the religious principles of Jesus.
GODS WORD
“For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life.” Romans 6:23
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
The birth of Jesus was the beginning of God’s plan for our salvation. As the verse from Romans reads: “For the wages of sin is death.” God provided a way for each one of us to have the penalty for our sins paid for and it all began when God sent His Son to this earth to be born in a manger.
Today we want to share with you several thoughts that are relevant to Christmas and the birth of Jesus. The Christian has asked for forgiveness for his sins and asked Jesus to come into his or her heart. This then is a beginning of a relationship with Jesus. Jesus paid the penalty for ones sins by dying on the cross. Without the birth of Jesus this could not happen. Therefore Christmas and the birth of Jesus were in God’s plan for our salvation.
The celebration of Christmas and the birth of Jesus are exciting for us because, as the verse above ends: “but the gift of God is eternal life.” Jesus is in heaven today preparing a place for the believer to spend eternity with God. God offers us eternal life as a gift and gives us a choice to accept or reject this gift. For those that accept the gift our reward is spending an eternity with Jesus in heaven. God has promised to:
• Cast all of our sins into the depths of the sea.
• Remove our transgressions from us as far as the east is from the west.
• Cast all our sins behind His back.
• Blot out our transgressions like a thick cloud.
• Remember our sins no more.
God will give those eternal life that recognize His deity, recognize His voice and take up their cross and follow Him.
We well remember how excited our children were each Christmas morning. They could hardly wait to receive their Christmas gifts that were under the tree. But when you look back even a few weeks after Christmas the gifts were worn or even broken. In contrast the gift of the birth of Jesus in a humble manger over 2000 years ago will endure forever. Christians have reason to be excited about Christmas because of this gift.
This Christmas take time to thank God for His promise to you of eternal life with Him. What an exciting day it will be when we all join together in heaven with the Lord.
OUR MEMORY VERSE FOR THIS WEEK IS.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
As we approach this Christmas season, we are so excited to be looking forward to spending an eternity with You. Thank You Almighty God for sending Your Son to this earth to be born in a manger and then to die on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins. Help my family today remember that Jesus is the reason for this season and help us to put Christ first in all of our words and deeds.
December 20, 2009
Christian Part Four: December 17, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY DECEMBER 17
CHRISTIAN
Part Four
Today we will look at how to live a successful life as a Christian. As we prepare for the “CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS” on Christmas day it is important that we offer our lives to Jesus in a way that honors and glorifies Him.
Defined by Webster:
One who professes the religious principles of Jesus
GODS WORD
“Only be strong and very courageous that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may prosper. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7; 9.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Success according to the Word of God is just the opposite of success according to the worldly standards that we live in. Most of the men and women of the Bible would be called failures today but they were considered successful according to God’s standards. Old Testament heroes and heroines had trials of mockings and scourgings including being put in chains and in prisons, but they were successful in God’s sight.
Others were stoned, tempted, slain with the sword, were destitute, afflicted and tormented, but in God’s sight they were successful. Some wandered in deserts, in mountains and hid in dens and caves of earth, but in God’s sight they were successful. The scripture says that these obtained a good testimony through their continual faith in their God and they were successful in His sight.
The world around us today measures success mostly in material things. But when you read the scriptures it is made very clear that God does not measure our success based on “THINGS.” Christmas is a wonderful time for each of us to reestablish in our minds what the real definition of success in our lives is. What is more important in your life? Is it discussing politics with a friend or leading that friend to a personal relationship with God? Is it lowering your standards to keep a friend or raising your standards to lead your family in these troubled days.
God looks at success from a far different perspective than the world does. At Christmas, we as Christians need to take time to reevaluate how we are living, what our priorities are and remember that JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON and He must be the focal point of all we do and say.
In Joshua chapter one, God gave Joshua a fourfold conditional promise that we can claim if we are willing to meet God’s conditions and then we must leave the response to Him. He may choose to bless you with spiritual victories and success, but not prosper you with wealth. But the bottom line is that He has promised to make us successful in His sight if we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
God promised Joshua prosperity, victory in battle, good success and a reward for obedience!
But God gave Joshua certain conditions. First he needed to cross over Jordan and claim the land by faith. Then he must know God’s Word. Thirdly he must meditate daily on God’s Word and fourthly learn to apply God’s Word to every moment of his day. God gives us the same conditions and as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas day we need to stop and reevaluate whether we are meeting these conditions so that in God’s sight we can live a successful life.
God expects us to have a vision to honor and glorify His name. When we have that vision then that will be our Jordan to cross over. Then we must commit to knowing God’s Word, meditate daily in His Word and finally apply God’s word to every action, both in our words and deeds that we face daily. Then you will be successful in God’s sight.
OUR MEMORY VERSE FOR THIS WEEK.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help me today to take a look at success in my life from Your perspective. Make me willing to meet the conditions You give me to live my life in a way that honors Your name.
CHRISTIAN
Part Four
Today we will look at how to live a successful life as a Christian. As we prepare for the “CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS” on Christmas day it is important that we offer our lives to Jesus in a way that honors and glorifies Him.
Defined by Webster:
One who professes the religious principles of Jesus
GODS WORD
“Only be strong and very courageous that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may prosper. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7; 9.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Success according to the Word of God is just the opposite of success according to the worldly standards that we live in. Most of the men and women of the Bible would be called failures today but they were considered successful according to God’s standards. Old Testament heroes and heroines had trials of mockings and scourgings including being put in chains and in prisons, but they were successful in God’s sight.
Others were stoned, tempted, slain with the sword, were destitute, afflicted and tormented, but in God’s sight they were successful. Some wandered in deserts, in mountains and hid in dens and caves of earth, but in God’s sight they were successful. The scripture says that these obtained a good testimony through their continual faith in their God and they were successful in His sight.
The world around us today measures success mostly in material things. But when you read the scriptures it is made very clear that God does not measure our success based on “THINGS.” Christmas is a wonderful time for each of us to reestablish in our minds what the real definition of success in our lives is. What is more important in your life? Is it discussing politics with a friend or leading that friend to a personal relationship with God? Is it lowering your standards to keep a friend or raising your standards to lead your family in these troubled days.
God looks at success from a far different perspective than the world does. At Christmas, we as Christians need to take time to reevaluate how we are living, what our priorities are and remember that JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON and He must be the focal point of all we do and say.
In Joshua chapter one, God gave Joshua a fourfold conditional promise that we can claim if we are willing to meet God’s conditions and then we must leave the response to Him. He may choose to bless you with spiritual victories and success, but not prosper you with wealth. But the bottom line is that He has promised to make us successful in His sight if we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
God promised Joshua prosperity, victory in battle, good success and a reward for obedience!
But God gave Joshua certain conditions. First he needed to cross over Jordan and claim the land by faith. Then he must know God’s Word. Thirdly he must meditate daily on God’s Word and fourthly learn to apply God’s Word to every moment of his day. God gives us the same conditions and as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas day we need to stop and reevaluate whether we are meeting these conditions so that in God’s sight we can live a successful life.
God expects us to have a vision to honor and glorify His name. When we have that vision then that will be our Jordan to cross over. Then we must commit to knowing God’s Word, meditate daily in His Word and finally apply God’s word to every action, both in our words and deeds that we face daily. Then you will be successful in God’s sight.
OUR MEMORY VERSE FOR THIS WEEK.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help me today to take a look at success in my life from Your perspective. Make me willing to meet the conditions You give me to live my life in a way that honors Your name.
Christian Part Three: December 16, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 16
CHRISTIAN
Part Three
As we continue to prepare for the “CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS” on Christmas day we continue to look at the word Christian. Today we will look at the role of SERVICE in the life of a Christian.
Defined by Webster:
One who professes the religious principles of Jesus
GODS WORD
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:16-17.
WORDS BY KEN AND DOTTIE
A Christian commits to living a life of service. During the Christmas season there are many opportunities for service. In these two verses the apostle Paul gives us five guidelines that should admonish us and give us direction in living a Christian life of service.
First of all, if we are going to live a service life for our Lord we must “let the word of Christ dwell in us richly.” We must read God’s Word, we must study God’s Word and we must saturate our lives with God’s Word. It must dwell within us and be part of all that we do.
Secondly, these verses tell us that we are “In all wisdom, to teach and admonish one another.” When the Holy Spirit makes you rich and dwells within you, you must share what you have with others. The riches of His saving grace are to be shared with the lost. And when the Holy Spirit gives us a greater understanding of any part of God’s Word we must pass it on to others.
The third direction He gives us in these verses is WORSHIP. You are never qualified to serve unless you first worship your Lord. And we are to worship with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.
And fourthly, Paul tells us that whatever we do, we do it in word first. This includes preaching a sermon, teaching a Sunday school class, visiting the sick, reading the scriptures to someone or even giving out a tract to share the plan of salvation to a non-believer. Then Paul says to do it in deed. This means that whatever your lot in life is that you do it unto the Lord. It may be to clean the house, wash the dishes or run a business.
And then Paul tells us that we are to give thanks to God the Father through Jesus Christ. We all have so much to be thankful for as we enter the Christmas season. Just think about all you have and then take the time to thank God for ALL of His blessings to you.
We were told the story just this morning that in a school in middle America several sixth grade students brought Christmas cards to some of their classmates. This is putting action to the word service. When the teacher saw the two children giving their friends the cards they were taken to the principal’s office because they broke the rules. Their parents were called to the school in order to have the children get back to their class room. These children were doing service to their friends and wishing them, through a simple card, to have a MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Every year we put a small Nativity scene along with a big star in our front yard. We do this as a SERVICE to our Lord. The scripture says we are to act in word and deed, thus we do this just as the two sixth grade children had done with their Christmas cards. Last night we noticed a young mother pushing a stroller for two and holding the hand of a third child come to the front of our house. She stopped and pointed out to her three children the star, the manger, the baby Jesus and Mary and Joseph. This display points out to our neighborhood what we believe to be the reason for the season.
You may have the large responsibility of being the bread earner or the maintainer of your home but the scripture says that for you to be successful you must represent Jesus in all that you do. You as a Christian are God’s representative to the world. Again the apostle Paul tells us to “Do all in the name of the Lord.” When we do, God will bless our efforts and keep us from becoming frustrated and discouraged with our heavy responsibilities.
When we regard our work as an act of service to God it gives us a better attitude. Colossians 4:23-24 reads: “What ever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord and not for man,” since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Jesus Christ whom you are serving.” Jesus said in Mark 9:41 that “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, you will by no means lose your reward.
As we prepare for the Celebration of the birth of Jesus let us remember that He expects us to prepare by living a service life and a life of faith.
OUR MEMORY VERSE FOR THIS WEEK IS.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Thank You Father, in the name of Jesus, for all You have given me. Help me to learn, as the scripture admonishes me, to let thy word dwell in my heart. Help me to learn to worship you and then to do all that I do in word and in deed in the name of Jesus my Savior and Lord.
CHRISTIAN
Part Three
As we continue to prepare for the “CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS” on Christmas day we continue to look at the word Christian. Today we will look at the role of SERVICE in the life of a Christian.
Defined by Webster:
One who professes the religious principles of Jesus
GODS WORD
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:16-17.
WORDS BY KEN AND DOTTIE
A Christian commits to living a life of service. During the Christmas season there are many opportunities for service. In these two verses the apostle Paul gives us five guidelines that should admonish us and give us direction in living a Christian life of service.
First of all, if we are going to live a service life for our Lord we must “let the word of Christ dwell in us richly.” We must read God’s Word, we must study God’s Word and we must saturate our lives with God’s Word. It must dwell within us and be part of all that we do.
Secondly, these verses tell us that we are “In all wisdom, to teach and admonish one another.” When the Holy Spirit makes you rich and dwells within you, you must share what you have with others. The riches of His saving grace are to be shared with the lost. And when the Holy Spirit gives us a greater understanding of any part of God’s Word we must pass it on to others.
The third direction He gives us in these verses is WORSHIP. You are never qualified to serve unless you first worship your Lord. And we are to worship with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.
And fourthly, Paul tells us that whatever we do, we do it in word first. This includes preaching a sermon, teaching a Sunday school class, visiting the sick, reading the scriptures to someone or even giving out a tract to share the plan of salvation to a non-believer. Then Paul says to do it in deed. This means that whatever your lot in life is that you do it unto the Lord. It may be to clean the house, wash the dishes or run a business.
And then Paul tells us that we are to give thanks to God the Father through Jesus Christ. We all have so much to be thankful for as we enter the Christmas season. Just think about all you have and then take the time to thank God for ALL of His blessings to you.
We were told the story just this morning that in a school in middle America several sixth grade students brought Christmas cards to some of their classmates. This is putting action to the word service. When the teacher saw the two children giving their friends the cards they were taken to the principal’s office because they broke the rules. Their parents were called to the school in order to have the children get back to their class room. These children were doing service to their friends and wishing them, through a simple card, to have a MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Every year we put a small Nativity scene along with a big star in our front yard. We do this as a SERVICE to our Lord. The scripture says we are to act in word and deed, thus we do this just as the two sixth grade children had done with their Christmas cards. Last night we noticed a young mother pushing a stroller for two and holding the hand of a third child come to the front of our house. She stopped and pointed out to her three children the star, the manger, the baby Jesus and Mary and Joseph. This display points out to our neighborhood what we believe to be the reason for the season.
You may have the large responsibility of being the bread earner or the maintainer of your home but the scripture says that for you to be successful you must represent Jesus in all that you do. You as a Christian are God’s representative to the world. Again the apostle Paul tells us to “Do all in the name of the Lord.” When we do, God will bless our efforts and keep us from becoming frustrated and discouraged with our heavy responsibilities.
When we regard our work as an act of service to God it gives us a better attitude. Colossians 4:23-24 reads: “What ever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord and not for man,” since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Jesus Christ whom you are serving.” Jesus said in Mark 9:41 that “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, you will by no means lose your reward.
As we prepare for the Celebration of the birth of Jesus let us remember that He expects us to prepare by living a service life and a life of faith.
OUR MEMORY VERSE FOR THIS WEEK IS.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Thank You Father, in the name of Jesus, for all You have given me. Help me to learn, as the scripture admonishes me, to let thy word dwell in my heart. Help me to learn to worship you and then to do all that I do in word and in deed in the name of Jesus my Savior and Lord.
Christian Part Two: December 15, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY DECEMBER 15
CHRISTIAN
PART TWO
We are now half way through the month of December. During this month we have been looking at words and subjects in these daily devotionals that will prepare us for the soon coming CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS on Christmas day. This week we are discussing what we mean by being a Christian as it relates to the birth of Jesus. Today we will discuss the role of FAITH in our Christian life as it relates to Christmas and the birth of Jesus.
Defined by Webster:
One who professes the religious principles of Jesus.
GODS WORD
“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober; be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him; be steadfast in your faith.” I Peter 5:5-9
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
The Christian life is a faith life. Faith is a gift of God and comes from hearing and hearing comes by the Word of God. (Romans 10:17). Faith is more than just a belief. Faith is trust. You can believe an airplane can fly but that is not faith. Faith is what it takes to get on that plane.
Faith is what enables us to accept God’s free gift of salvation. We accept by faith the birth of Jesus on that first Christmas morning. We were not there so we did not see the manger, the shepherds, the angels or even Mary or Joseph. But by faith we accept the birth.
We are saved by faith.
We live by faith.
We walk by faith.
Faith builds us up.
Faith allows us to move mountains
Faith helps us to overcome the world.
There are two things that the Bible requires of the Christian’s faith. First, the Christian must believe that God is. None of the writers of the Bible argued for the existence of God; it was assumed. Not even Jesus who came to this earth from the Father, ever tried to prove that God exists. Psalm 14:1 says that only a fool would say that there is no God.
Also the Christian must believe that God is a “rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” The Christian believes that God does exist, that He came to this earth to pay the penalty for our sins, that He is now in heaven preparing a place for us for eternity and that God rewards our faith in Him in this life and in the life to come.
The message of Christmas is the basis of our faith. As believers that have a true relationship with Jesus we should be compelled to share the news with all within our sight that Jesus was born on Christmas morning.
The Christian should be looking forward with great excitement to the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Are you preparing?
OUR MEMORY VERSE FOR THIS WEEK IS:
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Start today to prepare my heart for the celebration of Your birth this next Christmas day. Help our family to live our lives in a way that honors You in all that we say and do. Even though the world seems to be leaving Your name out of Christmas, may we do all that we can to let the world know about You and all that You have done for us.
CHRISTIAN
PART TWO
We are now half way through the month of December. During this month we have been looking at words and subjects in these daily devotionals that will prepare us for the soon coming CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS on Christmas day. This week we are discussing what we mean by being a Christian as it relates to the birth of Jesus. Today we will discuss the role of FAITH in our Christian life as it relates to Christmas and the birth of Jesus.
Defined by Webster:
One who professes the religious principles of Jesus.
GODS WORD
“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober; be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him; be steadfast in your faith.” I Peter 5:5-9
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
The Christian life is a faith life. Faith is a gift of God and comes from hearing and hearing comes by the Word of God. (Romans 10:17). Faith is more than just a belief. Faith is trust. You can believe an airplane can fly but that is not faith. Faith is what it takes to get on that plane.
Faith is what enables us to accept God’s free gift of salvation. We accept by faith the birth of Jesus on that first Christmas morning. We were not there so we did not see the manger, the shepherds, the angels or even Mary or Joseph. But by faith we accept the birth.
We are saved by faith.
We live by faith.
We walk by faith.
Faith builds us up.
Faith allows us to move mountains
Faith helps us to overcome the world.
There are two things that the Bible requires of the Christian’s faith. First, the Christian must believe that God is. None of the writers of the Bible argued for the existence of God; it was assumed. Not even Jesus who came to this earth from the Father, ever tried to prove that God exists. Psalm 14:1 says that only a fool would say that there is no God.
Also the Christian must believe that God is a “rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” The Christian believes that God does exist, that He came to this earth to pay the penalty for our sins, that He is now in heaven preparing a place for us for eternity and that God rewards our faith in Him in this life and in the life to come.
The message of Christmas is the basis of our faith. As believers that have a true relationship with Jesus we should be compelled to share the news with all within our sight that Jesus was born on Christmas morning.
The Christian should be looking forward with great excitement to the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Are you preparing?
OUR MEMORY VERSE FOR THIS WEEK IS:
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Start today to prepare my heart for the celebration of Your birth this next Christmas day. Help our family to live our lives in a way that honors You in all that we say and do. Even though the world seems to be leaving Your name out of Christmas, may we do all that we can to let the world know about You and all that You have done for us.
Christian Part One: December 14, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY DECEMBER 14.
CHRISTIAN
PART ONE
During the month of December we are writing these daily devotionals on subjects and words that will prepare us for the “CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS,” on Christmas day. This week our word is CHRISTIAN. For the next five days we will discuss why Christmas has a total different meaning for the Christian than for the non-Christian.
Defined by Webster:
One who professes the religious principles of Jesus.
GODS WORD
“And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” Acts 11:26
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”
Acts 26:28.
“If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed.” I Peter 4:16
WORDS BY KEN AND DOTTIE
The word “CHRISTIAN” is found only three times in the Bible. We have listed all three scripture references above under GODS WORD. The name “CHRISTIAN’ began to spread as the gospel was preached away from Antioch to the whole world.
Our word for today is in the form of a question: WHAT AND WHO IS A CHRISTIAN AND WHAT DOES CHRISTMAS REALLY MEAN TO A CHRISTIAN?
A Christian is a believer in Christ and one who really believes that Jesus is who He says He is --- THE ONLY BEGOTTON SON OF GOD. A Christian must believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and that He rose again from the dead and is alive today in heaven preparing for all those who believe in Him a place to live for eternity.
We have often said in these devotionals that being a Christian is not living by a ritual or a series of “do’s and don’ts.” Being a Christian is when one believes and receives Jesus as their Savior and then begins a relationship with Jesus. A Christian has accepted God’s gift of salvation through Jesus. By accepting this gift God thus cancels ones wages for sin which is death.
We are warned by Jesus that not everyone who calls himself Christian is a true Christian. Jesus said in Matthew 7:21 that “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of God, but only he that does the will of My father in heaven.”
Many people go to church regularly and know all the right words to talk a good talk about God. But what Jesus is saying is that it is not about our talk but about our walk that sets us apart from those who just say they are Christians. This is what some may call a “fake Christian.”
It is easier to say the right things then it is to walk the right walk. Christians are to be “doers of the Word and not hearers only.” James 1:22.
Becoming a Christian is a miraculous transformation. We cannot do it for ourselves. The following references describe the miracle changes that occur when one is a true Christian believer.
A Christian has been born into the family of God by a spiritual birth. We were born once into this world as a baby. But God requires us to be born-again. John 3: 1-8.
A Christian is a new creation in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17
A Christian is made the righteousness of God in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21.
A Christian is declared just because of his or her faith in God. Romans 5:1
A Christian has accepted God’s gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ, and God has cancelled the penalty of his or her sin, which is death. Romans 6:23
A Christian is an adopted son of God, an ambassador for Christ and a stranger and a pilgrim on this earth, because heaven is his or her home.
Only those who have experienced the miracle of being a Christian can fully understand the miracle of Christmas. For the Christian, Christmas day is a day of great joy because it is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, the one who was born and then died on the cross for our sins. Today He is in heaven preparing a place for us to spend eternity with Him. It all began in a manger that first Christmas morning. We urge you to remember that: JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.
OUR MEMORY VERSE FOR THIS WEEK IS:
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help me to understand the miracle that has taken place in my life that has brought me into a relationship with Jesus so that I fully understand what it means to be a Christian. Thank You that through my relationship with Jesus I have been made righteous and just in God’s sight and have become one of Your children. Help me to do the will of God so that I am doing more than just “talking the talk.” Help my walk to reflect that I am an ambassador for Christ.
CHRISTIAN
PART ONE
During the month of December we are writing these daily devotionals on subjects and words that will prepare us for the “CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS,” on Christmas day. This week our word is CHRISTIAN. For the next five days we will discuss why Christmas has a total different meaning for the Christian than for the non-Christian.
Defined by Webster:
One who professes the religious principles of Jesus.
GODS WORD
“And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” Acts 11:26
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”
Acts 26:28.
“If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed.” I Peter 4:16
WORDS BY KEN AND DOTTIE
The word “CHRISTIAN” is found only three times in the Bible. We have listed all three scripture references above under GODS WORD. The name “CHRISTIAN’ began to spread as the gospel was preached away from Antioch to the whole world.
Our word for today is in the form of a question: WHAT AND WHO IS A CHRISTIAN AND WHAT DOES CHRISTMAS REALLY MEAN TO A CHRISTIAN?
A Christian is a believer in Christ and one who really believes that Jesus is who He says He is --- THE ONLY BEGOTTON SON OF GOD. A Christian must believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and that He rose again from the dead and is alive today in heaven preparing for all those who believe in Him a place to live for eternity.
We have often said in these devotionals that being a Christian is not living by a ritual or a series of “do’s and don’ts.” Being a Christian is when one believes and receives Jesus as their Savior and then begins a relationship with Jesus. A Christian has accepted God’s gift of salvation through Jesus. By accepting this gift God thus cancels ones wages for sin which is death.
We are warned by Jesus that not everyone who calls himself Christian is a true Christian. Jesus said in Matthew 7:21 that “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of God, but only he that does the will of My father in heaven.”
Many people go to church regularly and know all the right words to talk a good talk about God. But what Jesus is saying is that it is not about our talk but about our walk that sets us apart from those who just say they are Christians. This is what some may call a “fake Christian.”
It is easier to say the right things then it is to walk the right walk. Christians are to be “doers of the Word and not hearers only.” James 1:22.
Becoming a Christian is a miraculous transformation. We cannot do it for ourselves. The following references describe the miracle changes that occur when one is a true Christian believer.
A Christian has been born into the family of God by a spiritual birth. We were born once into this world as a baby. But God requires us to be born-again. John 3: 1-8.
A Christian is a new creation in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17
A Christian is made the righteousness of God in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21.
A Christian is declared just because of his or her faith in God. Romans 5:1
A Christian has accepted God’s gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ, and God has cancelled the penalty of his or her sin, which is death. Romans 6:23
A Christian is an adopted son of God, an ambassador for Christ and a stranger and a pilgrim on this earth, because heaven is his or her home.
Only those who have experienced the miracle of being a Christian can fully understand the miracle of Christmas. For the Christian, Christmas day is a day of great joy because it is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, the one who was born and then died on the cross for our sins. Today He is in heaven preparing a place for us to spend eternity with Him. It all began in a manger that first Christmas morning. We urge you to remember that: JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.
OUR MEMORY VERSE FOR THIS WEEK IS:
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help me to understand the miracle that has taken place in my life that has brought me into a relationship with Jesus so that I fully understand what it means to be a Christian. Thank You that through my relationship with Jesus I have been made righteous and just in God’s sight and have become one of Your children. Help me to do the will of God so that I am doing more than just “talking the talk.” Help my walk to reflect that I am an ambassador for Christ.
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