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The Meaning of Christmas #2 (Luke 2:11-14; Romans 16:25-27; 1 Timothy 3:16)

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The Meaning of Christmas #2 (Luke 2:11-14; Romans 16:25-27; 1 Timothy 3:16)
December 20, 2019
Categories: Devotional
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READ: Luke 2:11-14, Romans 16:25-27, and 1 Timothy 3:16

Luke 2:11-14 (KJV)
11  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Romans 16:25-27 (KJV)
25  Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
26  But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
27  To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

1 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
16  And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 

KEY THOUGHT:

What kind of answer would you get if you asked the average person, “What’s Christmas all about?” I suppose for some, the answer would be based on the cultural message sent out by media, marketing, and mass promotion. Sadly, the answers would mostly miss the mark. We’ve done such a great job of blending the secular with the sacred that we seldom separate the two enough to give Christmas its true identity. With that in mind, there’s so much of the season that Christmas is not about… It’s not about…

  • Santa Claus, St. Nick or an elf named Buddy…
  • Rudolph, a red nose, or a reindeer running over someone’s grandmother…
  • Snowmen, magical hats and scarves, or ugly sweaters…
  • Snowflakes that glisten, warm apple strudel, or any other favorite thing,
  • Carols with or without jingling bells, even if they’re silver…
  • Dickory dock, hanging a sock, or climbing down the chimney at 12 o’clock…
  • Packages wrapped in pretty paper, pretty ribbons, and bows…
  • Cookies, puddings, punches, or candy kisses…
  • Friends, family, fancy dinner parties or memorable moments spent roasting chestnuts (or boiling peanuts) by the fire…
  • Snow (real or otherwise), even if it paints a picture like one by Currier and Ives…
  • Mangers, cattle, sheep, or even their shepherds on a midnight clear…
  • Gold, frankincense, myrrh, or gift cards… Or those who bring them…
  • Stars in the night sky, silent or not…
  • Trees and lights, glitter and sparkle, or tinsel and garland…
  • Poinsettias, holly, ivy, evergreens, or even mistletoe…
  • Dot com (Amazon or any other), Black Friday, cyber Monday, or any of the twelve-plus days of Christmas…
  • So many other things that give opportunity to distract us from the Truth about Christmas…

While most of these things are part of the Christmas season experience, these things are not what Christmas is truly all about…

It’s important to note that none of those things listed are wrong or bad, but each of them must be kept in perspective so that they don’t overshadow what true meaning of Christmas. Keeping Christ first at Christmas requires us to recognize that Christmas is a birthday celebration and a reminder… It’s also much more than that. So, what’s Christmas really about?

It’s about:

  • A plan from the beginning of time. (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1; Genesis 3:15)
  • Prophecies fulfilled in the person of Christ as God with us (Matthew 1:20-23; Micah 5:2; Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7, 53:1-12)
  • Grace to God’s fallen creation (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Romans 8:34)
  • Sacrifice by God’s only Son on a cruel cross devised by man (Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 2:13-14; 1 Peter 2:21-25)
  • Salvation by the blood of God’s unblemished lamb (1 Peter 1:19-21)
  • Life everlasting given by grace and received by faith (Ephesians 2:1-10)
  • The gospel of salvation spread, taught, and realized around the world (Matthew 28:18-20)
  • The power of God given to man through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
  • An eternal kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28-29)
  • A Mediator, a Savior, a Redeemer, a King all in one name – Jesus , God with us (Matthew 1:20-23; 1 Timothy 2:3-6; Philippians 2:9-11)

When you carefully consider Christmas, you’ll find the true meaning of Christmas, and why God sent His Son as a Gift… It’s as much about the cross as it is about the manger.

CONSIDER:

  1. How much of your Christmas celebration is focused on Christ as compared to all of the other “trappings” of Christmas?
  2. How do some of the traditions of Christmas distract both believers and unbelievers from the true meaning of Christmas?
  3. What can you do to help promote the truth of Christmas and help others see its real meaning?

APPLICATION:

Let the truth of Christmas add real meaning to the holiday season!

 

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Roby Duke – Not the Same (1982)July 24, 2019For quite sometime now, Roby Duke has been my favorite Christian/Gospel artist by far. I’m not sure why that’s the case, but I connect with his music, both in style and in content. Writing, recording, producing his own recordings as well as other artist’s recordings from 1982 through 2006 made Roby Duke somewhat of a legend and a collector’s item among serious Christian music fans. His music stopped in 2007 when he passed from earth to Heaven on December 26, 2007, only two days after his final performance with his son at Calvary Chapel in Thousand Oaks, California. For years before that, his music became a rarity as Christian labels stopped printing and distributing his recordings. His original vinyl, cassette tape and CD recordings have been out of print and unavailable for some time now. They also are not available in any digital format. Two later independent releases are available, but the classic material is difficult to find. As a result, I have located vinyl and cassette tape versions of Roby Duke’s first three albums, Not the Same (1982), Come Let Us Reason (1984). and Blue Eyed Soul (1986). My favorite album by far, Down to Business was released on CD and cassette only (no vinyl!) in 1989 (I have copies of both versions). Another fine album, 1994’s Bridge Divine was also only available on CD and cassette tape, although I’ve yet to locate a cassette copy. Again, the songs on these albums are no longer available in any format, either analog or digital. Two later CDs, 2004’s Ghost (a very personal, mostly instrumental album that provides an intimate look at that time of Roby Duke’s life) and 2006’s Relaxed Fits, which includes a few re-makes of his originals along with some arrangements of classic hymns (his version of “Be Thou My Vision” is a standout on this album), were both released on CD and digital formats and are available today through the usual music marketplaces. While it’s hard for me to choose a single track from the classic albums that aren’t available, I picked “Not the Same,” the title track from Roby Duke’s first album of the same name. Taken from the original vinyl release of Not the Same, “Not the Same” was published in 1984 on Firewind/Sparrow records. Ratings:   Note: Audio is provided for education and review purposes in accordance with US copyright law provisions. [...] Read more...
Lou Hayles – Don’t Let Them Fool You (1977)
Lou Hayles – Don’t Let Them Fool You (1977)April 19, 2019Digging deep into the audio vault looking for something that would help recognize Resurrection Sunday, I found this song, “Don’t Let Them Fool You,” by Lou Hayles from her first solo album Don’t Hide Away. The album is a UK release that came out of Great Britain’s “Jesus Music” movement of the mid-to-late 1970’s. The entire album features quality orchestration along with acoustic instrumentation accompanying Ms. Hayles’ captivating voice on original compositions. Although the album is a rare find in the US, it’s definitely worth the effort required to locate a copy and listen. “Don’t Let Them Fool You” speaks of an encounter with the empty tomb on the first day of the week after Jesus was crucified. The song challenges you to avoid listening to doubters and believe that He is risen! Praise His name He’s alive… He’s alive… He’s alive… Don’t let them fool you. Taken from the original vinyl release of Don’t Hide Away, “Don’t Let Them Fool You” is the first track on the album. Don’t Hide Away was published in 1977 on Myrrh Records (UK) (MYR1055). Ratings:   Note: Audio is provided for education and review purposes in accordance with US copyright law provisions.   [...] Read more...
How to Live Without Worry
How to Live Without WorryMarch 15, 2020DAY 1: Why Worry? (Read Matthew 6:25-34) Matthew 6:25-34 (KJV) 25  Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26  Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27   Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28  And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29  And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30  Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. This week’s devotion is quite simple: Know what you believe, know it’s the truth, know Who it’s from, and trust in Him! Even when the going gets rough and the truly unexpected and unimaginable happens, trust in what you know is true! The apostle Paul put it this way: “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12). Sometimes it seems that the whole world around you might be going crazy and you’re not sure what the next hour will bring, much less what tomorrow will be like. While it’s hard to not get anxious and to worry about the situation, recall what Jesus said in Matthew 6:34: “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof”. Certainly, we live in days of where the evil is sufficient. Yet, we can still live worry free with a peace that comes only from knowing Jesus Christ and understanding that He has this all covered. Over the next week, look at the following principles to help you live worry free in these troubled times: Have faith Exercise trust Practice prayer Be prepared Live in the reality of today’s blessings Be thankful Day 2: Have faith. (Romans 8:28-39) That means believe what God has promised, especially through His Son, Jesus Christ. If you read Matthew 6:25-34, you can’t help but sense God’s provision and protection for you. Add to that what the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:28-39… Phrases like: all things work together for good; nothing can separate us from the love of God, and in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loves us. Read it, remember it, and believe it. Romans 8:28-39 (KJV) 28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Day 3: Exercise trust. (Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 6:33-34) Believing is one thing. Living by what you believe is a whole different matter. Take what God promises and apply it to your daily living. Allow God to show Himself through your faithful obedience. As the writer of Hebrews says: Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) 6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Exercising your trust in God means that you act on your faith. If you believe that He is in control, then you will give Him whatever it is that worries you. He will take care of it. Matthew 6:33-34 (KJV) 33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Day 4: Practice prayer. (Philippians 4:4-7) In Philippians 4, the apostle Paul provides the perfect formula for peace in troubled times: Philippians 4:4-7 (KJV) 4  Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 5  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. The key here is prayer… Not worrying or being anxious, but through prayer in every situation, turn it over to God and let Him supply what you need – peace! Day 5: Be prepared. (Philippians 4:8-9) You can also see from the same passage in Philippians mentioned above, that there are steps you can take to prepare your though life for whatever may come. When you think the right thoughts, its a lot easier to flee anxiety and worry. But not only prepare your thought life… Also, be prepared by doing what’s right. Know that when you’re obedient to God’s will, He will honor your obedience with His peace and a right relationship with Him. Philippians 4:8-9 (KJV) 8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Day 6: Live in the reality of today’s blessings. (James 4:13-15) Even today I heard this phrase as the world was turning upside down: “in everything there’s a silver lining.” Look for the blessings in the midst of hardship. Life’s too short to worry about what could be. Take advantage of what God gives you here and now. The book of James puts it this way: James 4:13-15 (KJV) 13  Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14  Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15  For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. When you live in the reality of today’s blessings, you won’t have time to worry about tomorrow. Day 7: Be thankful. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24) No matter how bad things may seem, there’s always something to be thankful for. Look at what the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” He follows that up in verses 23 and 24 with these words: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (KJV) 16  Rejoice evermore. 17  Pray without ceasing. 18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19  Quench not the Spirit. 20  Despise not prophesyings. 21  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22  Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23  And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24  Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. You can be thankful because “in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving” you can go to God and seek His perfect peace to survive yet another day in these troubled waters called life. Living a worry free life starts with knowing not what the future holds but by knowing WHO (That WHO is God, not the World Health Organization) holds your future. You can know that by trusting in God’s promise of salvation through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. If you haven’t done that already, then receive the gift by calling on Him for salvation. Then and only then will your worries begin to cease. In conclusion, consider the following reasons to be thankful even when circumstances aren’t what you’d like them to be… 1 Corinthians 15:57 (KJV) 57  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV) 14  Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 2 Corinthians 9:15 (KJV) 15   Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. [...] Read more...
The Meaning of Christmas #2 (Luke 2:11-14; Romans 16:25-27; 1 Timothy 3:16)
The Meaning of Christmas #2 (Luke 2:11-14; Romans 16:25-27; 1 Timothy 3:16)December 20, 2019READ: Luke 2:11-14, Romans 16:25-27, and 1 Timothy 3:16 KEY THOUGHT: What kind of answer would you get if you asked the average person, “What’s Christmas all about?” I suppose for some, the answer would be based on the cultural message sent out by media, marketing, and mass promotion. Sadly, the answers would mostly miss the mark. We’ve done such a great job of blending the secular with the sacred that we seldom separate the two enough to give Christmas its true identity. With that in mind, there’s so much of the season that Christmas is not about… It’s not about… Santa Claus, St. Nick or an elf named Buddy… Rudolph, a red nose, or a reindeer running over someone’s grandmother… Snowmen, magical hats and scarves, or ugly sweaters… Snowflakes that glisten, warm apple strudel, or any other favorite thing, Carols with or without jingling bells, even if they’re silver… Dickory dock, hanging a sock, or climbing down the chimney at 12 o’clock… Packages wrapped in pretty paper, pretty ribbons, and bows… Cookies, puddings, punches, or candy kisses… Friends, family, fancy dinner parties or memorable moments spent roasting chestnuts (or boiling peanuts) by the fire… Snow (real or otherwise), even if it paints a picture like one by Currier and Ives… Mangers, cattle, sheep, or even their shepherds on a midnight clear… Gold, frankincense, myrrh, or gift cards… Or those who bring them… Stars in the night sky, silent or not… Trees and lights, glitter and sparkle, or tinsel and garland… Poinsettias, holly, ivy, evergreens, or even mistletoe… Dot com (Amazon or any other), Black Friday, cyber Monday, or any of the twelve-plus days of Christmas… So many other things that give opportunity to distract us from the Truth about Christmas… While most of these things are part of the Christmas season experience, these things are not what Christmas is truly all about… It’s important to note that none of those things listed are wrong or bad, but each of them must be kept in perspective so that they don’t overshadow what true meaning of Christmas. Keeping Christ first at Christmas requires us to recognize that Christmas is a birthday celebration and a reminder… It’s also much more than that. So, what’s Christmas really about? It’s about: A plan from the beginning of time. (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1; Genesis 3:15) Prophecies fulfilled in the person of Christ as God with us (Matthew 1:20-23; Micah 5:2; Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7, 53:1-12) Grace to God’s fallen creation (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Romans 8:34) Sacrifice by God’s only Son on a cruel cross devised by man (Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 2:13-14; 1 Peter 2:21-25) Salvation by the blood of God’s unblemished lamb (1 Peter 1:19-21) Life everlasting given by grace and received by faith (Ephesians 2:1-10) The gospel of salvation spread, taught, and realized around the world (Matthew 28:18-20) The power of God given to man through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20) An eternal kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28-29) A Mediator, a Savior, a Redeemer, a King all in one name – Jesus , God with us (Matthew 1:20-23; 1 Timothy 2:3-6; Philippians 2:9-11) When you carefully consider Christmas, you’ll find the true meaning of Christmas, and why God sent His Son as a Gift… It’s as much about the cross as it is about the manger. CONSIDER: How much of your Christmas celebration is focused on Christ as compared to all of the other “trappings” of Christmas? How do some of the traditions of Christmas distract both believers and unbelievers from the true meaning of Christmas? What can you do to help promote the truth of Christmas and help others see its real meaning? APPLICATION: Let the truth of Christmas add real meaning to the holiday season!   [...] Read more...
Ephesians 4:17-32 Notes & Questions
Ephesians 4:17-32 Notes & QuestionsJuly 7, 2012July 8, 2012: Ephesians 4:17-32 Notes: After Paul emphasizes unity among the believers, he challenges them to live a practical Christianity that stands out among men, so as to draw others to Christ.  Paul’s challenge includes: An encouragement to walk in the newness of Christ, not as Gentiles (vs. 17-19) A challenge to learn and demonstrate the new life in Christ (vs. 17-24) A description of the characteristics of the new life vs. the old life (vs. 25-32) An encouragement to walk in the newness of Christ, not as Gentiles Paul calls to reminder the experiences of the Ephesians from their past and brings to mind the manner in which the Gentiles live: The Ephesians are encouraged not to walk (live) as they had in the past, and as other Gentiles live.  (v. 17) The characteristics of the Ephesians past life are listed in verses 18 and 19: lack of understanding (v. 18) separated (alienated) from God through their ignorance and blindness to the Truth (v. 18) lasciviousness (lewdness, obscene, lustful) (v. 19) unclean works (v. 19) greed (v. 19) These characteristics not only apply to the Ephesians, but were statements of our lives before we were made clean through Jesus Christ, our Savior. A challenge to learn and demonstrate the new life in Christ Paul immediately points out that the manner of living of the Gentiles did not come from Christ, but there was a new walk that came through the new life in Christ: The Ephesians did not learn to live like the Gentiles, or to backslide to their old ways, from Christ. (v. 20) Rather than live as other Gentiles do, the Ephesians should recall what was learned from Christ and adjust their behavior to walk in the newness that Christ brought them. (v. 21-24) As Paul instructed the Ephesians, God’s Word so instructs us. We are new creatures through Christ and we should walk in newness of life and with a purpose that He has wrought in our hearts. Put off (reject) the lifestyle of our past Be renewed through the Holy Spirit and by the reading of the Word of God Put on (accept) the new lifestyle Christ has given us through His righteousness and a call to be holy A description of the characteristics of the new life vs. the old life Paul provides a detailed list of how not to live and how to live in a description of the old man vs. the new man…: Things we should clean up and avoid: Reject lying (v. 25) Be careful regarding anger and wrath toward others (v. 26) Don’t allow the devil a place in your life (v. 27) Don’t rob or steal (v. 28) Avoid corrupt communication and evil speaking (v. 29) Avoid bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor (noisy shouting or raucous behavior), evil speaking, and malice (desire to do evil to others) (v. 31) Things we should do in newness of life: Be honest and truthful (v. 25) Settle disputes quickly without anger (v. 26) Work and earn a living in order to be ready to give to others in need (v. 28) Speak in a manner that edifies (lifts up) others and spreads grace (v. 29) Recognize the importance of the Holy Spirit and depend upon Him (v. 30) Be: kind tenderhearted forgiving (v. 32) Keep in mind how Christ has demonstrated kindness and forgiveness toward us (v. 32) Recognize that by backsliding or choosing to live as we have in our past and not allowing the newness of Christ to shine forth in our life, we can grieve the Holy Spirit and limit the work that God does in our life. While this hinders the work of the Holy Spirit in our life, it does not diminish the fact that we are saved (assuming that a person has truly trusted Christ by repenting of their sin and accepting God’s gift of salvation).  Once a person is truly saved, their salvation is sealed (forever) by the Holy Spirit. (v. 30) By demonstrating the newness of Christ, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide and direct our life to further growth in likeness of Christ. Questions What relationship does a Gentile have with God?  How does a Gentile live compared to the Ephesian Christians? What does Paul mean when he compares the “old man” (v. 22) to the “new man” (v. 24)? How would you expect a saved person to be different from an unsaved person? How can a Christian teen (or an adult Christian) “learn Christ”? What are some characteristics of a Christian teen (or adult) who has gone back to their “old life”? If you were to find yourself slipping back to some of the habits you had prior to trusting Christ for salvation, what are some of the things that you could do to help reject those habits and grow in your new life with Christ? Considering the list of characteristics that Paul instructed the Gentiles to “put off” or reject, do any of those apply in your life today?  If so, how will you put those things off? How would you grade your new life in Christ (A, B, C, D, or F) based on the characteristics Paul gave of walking in newness of life? Can a person continually live a life that has no changes from their past and be a born-again Christian?  Explain. What does it mean to grieve the Holy Spirit?  Is it possible for a person who is truly saved to grieve the Holy Spirit to the point of losing their salvation? (see note on v. 30 above)   [...] Read more...
Recent and Popular Devotional Posts
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I remember distinctly the day that I came to the realization of my mortality. Before that day, I lived blindly and free as a young man, enjoying all that life offered me and counting on my own ideas, schemes and resources to sustain me. I was a lot like what the apostle Paul described in Titus 3:3. But then, Titus 3:4 happened… [...] Read more...
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The Much-Anticipated Christmas (Luke 2: 8-20; Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6-7)
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Audio Resources and Posts
Roby Duke – Not the Same (1982)
Roby Duke – Not the Same (1982)July 24, 2019For quite sometime now, Roby Duke has been my favorite Christian/Gospel artist by far. I’m not sure why that’s the case, but I connect with his music, both in style and in content. Writing, recording, producing his own recordings as well as other artist’s recordings from 1982 through 2006 made Roby Duke somewhat of a legend and a collector’s item among serious Christian music fans. [...] Read more...
Lou Hayles – Don’t Let Them Fool You (1977)
Lou Hayles – Don’t Let Them Fool You (1977)April 19, 2019Digging deep into the audio vault looking for something that would help recognize Resurrection Sunday, Read more [...] Read more...
Sonlight – Day of Salvation (1973)
Sonlight – Day of Salvation (1973)January 21, 2019Here is a track from Sonlight’s 1973 vinyl LP. This early Christian “pop” song has Read more [...] Read more...
Neale & Webb – At The Cross (1995)
Neale & Webb – At The Cross (1995)May 28, 2019Most of the Audio Vault is filled with vinyl records. However, there are a few CDs that find a spot there. At The Cross by Neale & Webb is one of those rare CDs that fits into the vault. Out of print for some time now and (as far as I can tell) not available in any digital format, At The Cross was released in 1995 on CD and cassette (no vinyl!). [...] Read more...
Wendy & Mary – “Around the Walls” (1985)
Wendy & Mary – “Around the Walls” (1985)February 28, 2019Here is a track from Wendy & Mary’s 1985 vinyl LP, “Battle of the Heart.” Read more [...] Read more...
John Fischer – Leavin’ It All To You (1982)
John Fischer – Leavin’ It All To You (1982)April 9, 2019John Fischer’s first album was released in 1969 at the advent of a new wave of Christian music striving to bring the message of the gospel to the rapidly changing youth culture of the day. His first album, The Cold Cathedral, is considered by many to be the first contemporary Christian music album released in the United States. [...] Read more...
 
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