The Lion of Judah!

Why do we feel that we need to conform our beliefs to “modern” society?  Aren’t we taught that the Bible is the authoritative word of God?  Did Jesus conform to society of his day?

Let’s ponder that thought for a minute.  Did our Lord and Savior, travel around Galilee, Judea and Jerusalem and make friends with the Pharisees the Sadducee’s and the Romans to become popular, just to gather followers? I don’t think so, he did just the opposite!  He befriended those who had no voice, those who were the brunt of the corruption and oppression of those in power.  He went about teaching His message and using the Old Testiment scripture to get their attention.

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21 and he began by saying to them,“Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked. 23 Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself ! Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’ ” 24 “I tell you the truth,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown.” — Luke 4:18-24

It’s time that we as Christians, follow this example.  Everyday in the news we see, hear and read about all these groups pushing for their “rights” to be heard and respected.  What about our rights and the rights of those with no voice?  What about the Christian doctrines that our country was founded on? Don’t they mean anything? Are not our views important?  If we continue to sit back and do nothing, continue to keep our mouths shut, or don’t vote, how can we expect to turn this tide that is rising against Christianity?

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:13-16

We need to stop being afraid of speaking out. Too often we are afraid of offending someone, hurting someones feelings.  For parents, was that ever a concern when we were teaching our children the difference between right and wrong?  Did you let your children do something that was going to cause them harm if they continued to do it or did you intervene and prevent that harm?  Isn’t that what we need to do now?  What harm can be worse than an eternity in the fires of Hell with Satan and eternity separated from Jesus?  We are called as Christians to proclaim the good news that is Jesus Christ and the eternal life with Him in heaven!  We need to be more like the early church and be willing to do whatever it takes to bring this news to the unbelievers!  We have become soft, comfortable and afraid to move as Christ tells us to in the Bible!

Our inaction has brought us to a brink.  I’m afraid if we continue on this path we will soon see our rights disappear and the wrath of God once again upon us.

A few weeks ago I gave you a survey as to your opinion of Jesus – Lion or Lamb.  Thank you to those who responded, as most had a good point that they felt He was both, depending on the situation.

Let me leave you with this – If he truly is both, depending on the situation, and we are not vocal in our beliefs, are you willing to be on the wrong side of the Lion?

Friends, don’t be silent, don’t sit back on this issue.  Let the Holy Spirit give you the courage and the strength to be a Christian advocate!  It is a duty of all of us that claim to be a follower of Christ.

May the power of the Lion in Christ be with you this week and always as we proclaim to our communities, our nation and the world that we are Christians!

God Bless you all!

Merry Christmas!!!

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”   Luke 2:10-14

Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

How true that verse is today!  This is the day the Lord has chosen to send his beloved son to earth to redeem us!  What a glorious day!  A day of great mercy and compassion by our heavenly father!

We gather with our families over this joyous season, we enjoy the company of friends. We celebrate this festive time, but let us not forget what happened that blessed morning over 2000 years ago.  Our Lord and Savior was born, he came to earth for us!  That’s the true reason for all the celebration.

As Christians we need to be visible and vocal to the fact that it is CHRISTMAS that we are celebrating! Not “Happy Holidays”, not some generic spin that is put on our special season to make it more “politically correct”.  The Savior, the Light of the World, the Hope of the Ages was born this blessed day, that’s why we celebrate “CHRISTMAS”

We also have to remember that for some, it may be a time of difficulty.  For those who are morning and are alone, it’s not an easy time of year.  For those who are out of work, or are working for low wages trying to support their family, it may be hard to celebrate when you’re only concern is survival.  And there are also those who really don’t know Jesus. They have never been told about the new life that he brings, so they don’t understand the celebration.

I’m challenging all my friends and anyone who reads this blog.  Be a light shining in the darkness!  Tell others this Christmas, about the love, hope and peace that comes from Jesus Christ.  Tell them the real reason you are celebrating Christmas!

And, one last thing… go to someone who may be hurting, alone, or depressed this season, talk to them, let them know that you really do care and that they are not alone.  Let the Holy Spirit work thru you to bring them some peace this Christmas. Remember Christ came to the lonely, the sick, the outcast, the children, the poor.  These were his flock.  It is our responsibility to now in the words of Christ to Peter – “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. John 21:17

May the Lord bless you and your family this Christmas!  May the New Year bring in you a renewed hope and passion to spread the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ to all those you touch, and most of all I wish that you personally experience the deep love, compassion and peace of Jesus within you.

God bless you all and Merry Christmas!

New Poll – Lion or a Lamb? How do you view Jesus?

Please take my poll…….