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Christmas: Celebrating the First Advent of Christ

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Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
(Matthew 1:18-25)

In honor of the birth of Christ we have created this special page that deals with that event as well as those surrounding it. This page serves as a starting point for those seeking to study this great moment in history.

The content is divided up into five different types:

Whether you’re a pastor or Bible study leader looking for study resources, a parent looking for family devotional material, or an individual wanting to meditate on the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we hope you’ll find these resources helpful for you this Christmas season.

 

Comments

  1. THANKS!

    I will follow the links and make a file to share with our ministers. I regularily share topics as printouts to them.

    I have pointed them both to the Blueletter Bible Site and this Blog.

    Thank you for your work!

    We lit our first Advent candle last Sunday. A family volunteers to light and reads a corresponding reading.

    • All may want to do an Internet search:

      “when was Jesus born”
      “what year was Jesus born”
      “where was Jesus born”
      “what are the Pagan holidays”
      “who is Santa Claus?”
      “is Saint Nicholas Santa Claus?”
      “pagan commercialism of Christmas”

      Collect the scriptures and draw your own conclusions.

      Find the sources who can give specific Bible verses.

      Seriously ponder the wisdom of passing on the myth of Santa Claus with children.

      Blessings during this celebration of Christ’s First Advent whenever it was!

      • It interesting to see what the stars tell us when Jesus was born. If we go by what the Word of God says via the consolations in the Word and what happened during the consolation about Jesus and all the events happening toward his birth. Believe it or not the Word of God tells us when, again via the written Word with in the consolations. So, all we have to do is understand the Word when it comes to the consolations in the Word, repeat in the Word.

        Then understand and study the History of the consolations that’s already recorded, then we find out when he was actually born.

        I did it, you want believe it yourself until you research it for yourself. The when, Sept 11th 2 AD, how did things get messed up in the time table, not sure, but this is the time everything I researched, leans to. Crazy how the adversary the devil continues to tamp with the truth. On any day to attack the USA, that day. The Devil knows when, what a great attack on his part. WOW. So like I said, you’ll have to check it out for yourself, how do you think the star gazers knew he was born? By what the consolations and the stars were doing in the sky. We as researchers have the ability to turn back time and see for ourselves, to see what they saw, and it matches perfectly what the Word of God says it did. WOW.

        Jim

        • Check out this site. Really useful for us Christians trying to learn more about the Hebrews.

          http://www.hebrew4christians.com

          We really need to learn more about the 3 major feasts.

          Christ was our Passover Lamb and observed all Festivals and Feasts.

          The Feast of the Tabernacles in the Fall a very key time as reaping and sowing are major mentions in the Bible. * major hint

          The Hebrew Calendar is most probably off on reckoning.

          As is our Gregorian Calendar has boo boos the person the Pope commission made calculation errors.

          You have a good point Jim, the prince of the air really messes with us humans the instead of Lucifer, the false angel of light and the morning. Liar and murderer!

          Fight your way through Paganism to the practices of the early church. Note Paul even had one monumental challenge with heretics.

          However our God is not a God of confusion. We can rely on the inerrant manuscripts.

          God is one the throne and always keeps his promises.

          Bible HIStory is fascinating

          Yall check out the when Christ was born !
          It WILL strengthen your faith the more we research and gradually come to understanding step by step lead by the Holy Spirit.

          KEEP WALKING to claim your prize.

          Blessings to all as we remember the First Advent’s love. The Father sent His only begotten Son to us. Our precious Savior who gave it all for us that we may have eternal life.

  2. Wonderfull witnessing subject. As a child raised Catholic, one knows it is believed there that Mary was somehow “worshiped” in that culture. The opposite is true. If I understand my NKJV correctly, even our Lord was reminded that He was illegitimate by some.

    • Greetings!

      Remember always Christ is a personal Savior. You are free to study the Scriptures yourself without an earthly intercessor.

      The renting of the veil in the tabernacle as Jesus declared “it is finished” gives us a direct intercessor in Jesus Y’shua. Interesting enough the High Priest (who was greatly involved in our Savior’s death) was in the Holy of Holys when the Veil was rent in two.

      Imagine that moment!

      Christians may attend the Catholic Church or any other Denomination. Far be it for me to judge. I have friends who are members of the Catholic Church who are fine God-fearing people who do not accept the Pope as the Father of the Church.

      I am a non-denominational Christian who happens to be a member of a denominational church. It suits my needs. We are very philadelphian in practice.

      I bring my own Bible to church so that when another version is read I can to the best of my ability to compare Scripture to Scripture. I study to the best of my abilities using a Berean type of method.

      I do not accept some of the information my minister imparts either. But he usually is parallel in my understanding in the main. We do not openly discuss our few differences but have had many private talks that have been very fruitful.

      The service 2 Sundays ago our minister said he would “let us down” from time-to-time as our Shepherd and our elders could be off base occasionally also.

      He stressed, rightly so, there is only one GOOD SHEPHERD, our Holy Priest Y’shua part of the royal family of YHVH Godhead.

      At our church building (not the Christian Church many membered body) we are encouraged to read the Bible.

      I write down the supporting Scriptures our minister uses in conjunction with his main Bible verse readings. I go home and review my notes and revisit Scripture.

      My KJV Companion Study Bible has extensive notes and Indexes that cover most of inerrant manuscripts as well as Aramaic, early Hebrew, and Ancient Greek.

      I consult the NKJ Study Bible as well as ESV.

      I continue to do my research to sort out what the First Century Apostles and Disciples as well as the Early Church Fathers practiced and believed.

      A stop you may want to visit to extend your Early Christian Church research is:

      The Christian Classic Ethereal Library.

      http://www.ccel.org/

      I will search the Blueletter Bible Site more thoroughly what Early Christian sources they have.

      A helpful suggestion. It would be great if BBL had a search engine that let’s us pull up descriptors for the whole site.

      I LOVE the Blueletter Bible Team. Fantastic source. Thank you authors for the countless hours of research and programming you do for Christians and those who will choose Jesus as their personal Savior too.

      You love you Jesus our God the Son, our Savior Redemner!

      Thank you YHVH God the Father for the gift of your only Son for us. Immanuel (Emmuel) God Saves, God with us our Intercessor!

      • oops fingee flubbers again!

        Make the last…

        We love you Jesus our God the Son, our Savior Redeemer!

        Thank you YHVH God the Father for the gift of your only Son for us. Immanuel (Emmanuel) God Saves, God with us our Intercessor!

        Sign embarrassed again, a perfect mess, with many steps to talk on the Walk.

  3. BLB, Thank you for your thorough study for us. What a gift of your knowledge! It is like opening little presents and finding huge presents wrapped within each!

  4. Hey I just want to throw this out there if anyone can help. I am a pastor of a new church here in rural North Dakota and I am looking for a good online resource/software program regarding “manners and customs of the Bible” or “Bible backgrounds for N.T. and O.T.” I want something that going to put the scriptures in the context of the people of the times in which they were written…their beliefs, customs, etc.. I saw the other day in the CBD catalog that Zondervan has a nice set to buy in paper form but I am looking for something mobile (CD-ROM or online) and a bit more affordable. Zondervan’s set was like $190 and right now neither the church or I have that personally. In looking at BLB they have some stuff but not a lot specifically (unless I am missing it). Any help would be appreciated!

    • * I am looking for a good online resource/software program regarding “manners and customs of the Bible” or “Bible backgrounds for N.T. and O.T.” I want something that going to put the scriptures in the context of the people of the times in which they were written…their beliefs, customs, etc. *

      Not sure exactly what you are looking for… a type of historical/sociological/anthropology outline?
      Software?
      Video?
      Print?
      Websites?

      • Jeremy,

        I’ll look around for you once I know what you want.

        I have a rather large bookmarking foldizer of many Biblicals. Problem is, I forget where I put
        my links in which folder… (sigh)

        Ever since I had a literal knock on my door I have been in override. I would tell you my background that helps me speedily locate info. but that would be prideful.

        For my talents my lacks counterbalance. Getting old, saggy, and fuzzy of sight as well as poor memory…

        He gives and takes away 😉

        All credit to my Maker always!
        For what I was given.
        I brag in Him only as Paul says.

        One hint you can emass a rather large print library by asking around other churches for books. Also go to a used bookstore. I got some really good stuff that way.

        Gotta’ scoot. Time to get my one eye I had cataract surgery on checked.

        Ah yes, the joy of aging…
        I thank God He provides for eyesight correction.

          • Jeremy, (This post will go long. Feel free readers to skip this one, apologies to all)

            Getting something this comprehensive will be difficult without spending the bucks.

            You may want to try using references split not into a set.

            i.e. geographic book, history book, sociology, archeology book, encyclopedia, commentary.

            I borrowed for instance a geography book and had cultural articles, pictures, maps, and charts. I copied out the pages with a printer scanner (by permission of the church library).

            Suggestions:

            1. ask around “church” people of your and other congregations for any used books they can donate to your church.
            (don’t forget to mention they can get a tax deduction 😉

            2. go to flea markets

            3. hop on Amazon and do a used materials search

            4. fund raising drive

            5. an article in the Sunday paper describing your church and its needs

            6. get a grant from a charitable organization (I took grant writing and they key is to make em cry)

            7. look on the major Bible sites for freebees. An amazing amount will sent you articles, pamphlets, and books as well as es granting you copying privileges.

            8. Appeal directly to Zondervan and explain your small churches need. Could they send you a set copy (and get their charitable tax donation) Make them cry.

            9. Check eBay (I got some nice references new and used.) There are virtual storefront.

            10. Matthew Henry the full or condensed commentary is fabulous! You can find it electronically. Stock up on Spurgeon online sermons.

            11. I gulped and went ahead and bought the ESV Study Bible version. Excellent notes, background, maps, articles, history. This is an excellent resource. But like any modern version of Bibles their translational liberties may play fast and free with the inerrant manuscripts. ESV is almost literal, does paraphrase some, and has some thought to thought. Still makes a good companion to the oldest KJV Study Bible you may obtain.

            12. find a good soul mentor that would be more than happy to do a service to the Lord. Tack God loves a cheerful giver.

            13. there’s always Christmas presents.

            14. go to places like the Salvation Army.

            15. find a retired minister and offer to help him neaten up his home by helping him clean out his book collection.

            16. go to a college bookstore and look for used items.

            You get the idea. Do some prayerful creativity ponderances.

            What Jeremy is looking for…

            The set:

            Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary Old & New Testaments, 9 Volumes
            Edited By: Clinton E. Arnold, John H. Walton
            More in Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary Series
            Zondervan / Other, N/A

            …
            Many today find the Old Testament a closed book. The cultural issues seem insurmountable and we are easily baffled by that which seems obscure. Furthermore, without knowledge of the ancient culture we can easily impose our own culture on the text, potentially distorting it. This series invites you to enter the Old Testament with a company of guides, experts that will give new insights into these cherished writings.
            Features include
            • Over 2000 photographs, drawings, maps, diagrams and charts provide a visual feast that breathes fresh life into the text.
            • Passage-by-passage commentary presents archaeological findings, historical explanations, geographic insights, notes on manners and customs, and more.
            • Analysis into the literature of the ancient Near East will open your eyes to new depths of understanding both familiar and unfamiliar passages.
            • Written by an international team of 30 specialists, all top scholars in background studies.
            …”

  5. I’m on a roll Jeremy (sorry list)

    I hope others pipe up, especially you fellow ministers, youth leaders, and group leaders in the Spirit of the Advent Season.

    1. Email the larger church sites for donations and suggestions.
    2. Go to garage sales.
    3. Join forums like at the Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
    Make your appeals to the brethren.
    The CCEL has an email form which enables people to write back and forth one on one.

    The Holy Spirit will move!

    I wish we could swap email addys. I could send you html bookmarks.

    Praying for you and your congregation.
    The ministry is shrinking and you are sorely needed!

    May the Lord Bless You and Keep You, His face to Shine Upon You!
    Have a wonderful First Advent.

  6. Ooops, one more thing. If you buy the ESV Study Bible in print, it gives you electronic access to many many many of the resources you are seeking.

    Don’t forget free electronic Bibles out there to download. eSword for instance.

    • WOW! Thanks for all that! Some great ideas. I think I will start by praying about the possibility of contacting Zondervan to see what they maybe willing to do. If the Lord leads I will pursue that. Other suggestions very good as well. Sorry to keep you so busy today, but I am very appreciative of your heart to serve in this capacity today? I did see this resource that I would probably seriously consider if I were to purchase something…what do you think?

      http://www.christianbook.com/zondervan-illustrated-bible-backgrounds-commentary-version/9780310241485/pd/241480?item_code=WW&netp_id=509887&event=ESRCQ&view=details

      • I think I’d skip that. Much better commentaries to be had for free on the Net. For instance if you get eSword it comes with many of the resources in multitranslations of the Bible with lots of tools. Free is good.

        Save your money and you may be able to locate an ESV Study Bible. Check the secondary sources such as used bookstores (veritable treasure trove) or the used on eBay (or even new) and used on Amazon.

        That is the go to Study Bible IMHO for good footnotes, explanations, book backgrounds, maps etc.

        Now some people don’t like Bullinger’s Companion Bible KJV and with copious notes and indexes. The scholar was fluent with Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. Used the manuscripts. Check him out! I do part company with him on his dispensationalism. But he was the product of the 1800s when Darby and Scofield (ducking here) got Revelation and the Olivets all wrong. Sure did build a rich following at their evangelism meetings.

        Another strong contentda is Sproul, English Minister. I think he is still alive. Read all that you can out there. Many sermons and research out there.

        Check this Blueletter Bible site. If I recall right they may in fact have CDs or Bible versions. A very worthy group to support.

        Definitely download eSword. Lots of free modules you can add.

        Look also for the Berean Bible free downloadable. I wax on the Berea format of study. I love digesting each word of each verse as much as possible. I use Lexicons and of course Strongs.

        Check the bookstores for the oldest printed Strongs you can find. I bought the Exhaustive and wound up selling it to the used bookstore.

        Wish we could get together somehow on a one on one email so I can direct you further. I help our ministers out with my finds and I’ve noted some of the subject matter slip into the sermons.

        Pray lots. It seems like when the Spirit flows resources and people come your way.

        Definitely ask the publishers for copies. Humblely tell them the needs of your small congregation. Maybe a bit about how God called you. Poor people in your congregation. Those with physical challenges. These people’s testimonies will speak volumes.

        Best to you and yours this Christ rememberance time.

        I will pray for you! May your ministry blossom.

  8. I want to give a shout out to blueletterbible, for the many hours of time saving form in pecking the key board. The copy and paste to is a miracle. We want to get permission to link it with our new Digital-Magazine, given to our ministry by CEO David Hill at TRUE-MAGAZINE: in reaching and finishing HIS GREAT COMMISSION to all the world digitally.

    We were challenged by my Nephew David, to come into the Hip Hooper Rappers Bible: TRUE-MAGAZINE.COM. He exclaimed, that he could tell his Cliental to clean up their music, but I could if the Body of Christ Really Cared?

    GEUEST WHAT I AM THERE AND NOVEMBER FIRST EDITION DEDICATED TO CHALLENGING THE PALESTINIANS AND ISRAEL TO MEET IN BEERSHEBA AND REAFFIRM THE GENESES 21:22-33 OATH?

    You can the TORAH/BIBLE account if you have forgotten the story and please come back in December as learn of HIS STAR for all Seasons 365 Days and all occasions at: THE WE SUPPORT BIBLICAL ISRAEL, Geneses chapter 12 through 17:5 .

    SHALOM,

    • Ambassador,

      We will visit. Do tell the Rappers to clean up their language.

      Curious if you feel comfortable sharing a bit about yourself.

      I am convinced there will never be a lasting peace in the Middle East until all of Revelation comes to pass.

      The only power capable of this transformation is Yeshua at His Second Coming after the travail all will face at the hands of the instead of.

      The Blueletter Bible Team are the best! We have come to love the main site, this blog, and the Bible Institute.

  9. God with us came the first advent and will come again to rule.
    I am convinced.
    Be patient and wait upon the Lord with great hope with the joy we will all have seeing His face.
    Until the Second Coming may we all run the good race!

    We love you Jesus, Yeshua the King of Peace of the Godhead.

  11. Make sure all catch the Faithful to the End Series if you haven’t already. I’ve been reading the posts starting in February. Up to end of May now.

    http://blogs.blueletterbible.org/blb/2011/05/23/

    “finish well like the martyrs, faithful to the end, no matter the cost,”

    Matthew 5:10-12
    2 Timothy 2:4

    Review the series:

    Faithful to the End: Series Introduction
    Faitful to the End: Stephen, the first New Testament martyr
    Faithful to the End: the sons of Zebedee (James and John)
    Faithful to the End: Philip and Matthew
    Faithful to the End: James (son of Alphaeus) and Matthias
    Faithful to the End: Andrew, embracing the cross of Jesus
    Faithful to the End: Jude, Bartholomew, Thomas
    Faithful to the End: Peter

    Fantastic work author! Thank you!
    Jesus paid it all, all to Him we owe.
    We all look forward to seeing your face.

  12. Gen 21:22 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God [is] with thee in all that thou doest:

    Gen 21:23 Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son’s son: [but] according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.

    Gen 21:24 And Abraham said, I will swear.

    Gen 21:25 And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away.

    Gen 21:26 And Abimelech said, I wot not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I [of it], but to day.

    Gen 21:27 And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.

    Gen 21:28 And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.

    Gen 21:29 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What [mean] these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves?

    Gen 21:30 And he said, For [these] seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.

    Gen 21:31 Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them.

    Gen 21:32 Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.

    Gen 21:33 And [Abraham] planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God.

    Gen 21:34 And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines’ land many days.

  13. Recall this is after Hagar, the bonds woman. Her son Ismael by Abraham. Sarah Abraham’s free wife Sarah had Abraham choose the younger half brother Isaac to be the heir of the generations
    1. He was ready to enter into this league with Abimelech, finding him to be a man of honour and conscience, and that hada the fear of God before his eyes: I will swear, v. 24. Note, (1.) Religion does not make men morose and unconversable; I am sure it ought not. We must not, under colour of shunning bad company, be sour to all company, and jealous of every body. (2.) An honest mind does not startle at giving assurances: if Abraham say that he will be true to Abimelech, he is not afraid to swear it; an oath is for confirmation.

    2. He prudently settled the matter concerning a well, about which Abimelech’s servants had quarrelled with him. Wells of water, it seems, were choice goods in that country: thanks be to God, that they are not so scarce in ours. (1.) Abraham mildly told Abimelech of it, v. 25. Note, If our brother trespass against us, we must, with the meekness of wisdom, tell him his fault, that the matter may be fairly accommodated and an end made of it, Mt. 18:15. (2.) He acquiesced in Abimelech’s justification of himself in this matter: I wot not who has done this thing, v. 26. Many are suspected of injustice and unkindness that are perfectly innocent, and we ought to be glad when they clear themselves. The faults of servants must not be imputed to their masters, unless they know of them and justify them; and no more can be expected from an honest man than that he be ready to do right as soon as he knows that he has done wrong. (3.) He took care to have his title to the well cleared and confirmed, to prevent any disputes or quarrels for the future, v. 30. It is justice, as well as wisdom, to do thus, in perptuam rei memoriam—that the circumstance may be perpetually remembered.

  14. Abraham was promised by God to be the father of all nations. Both the Hebrews and what would be the Arab nations had an uneasy peace. Not a true peace.

    Paul spoke of this event in the New Testament. The parting of the free woman’s inheritor Isaac and the bondwoman Hagar’s Ismaal.

    Seven is a perfect number of God. Peace between the nations after much upheaval will come as Our Lord comes again to claim the throne of David at the Second Advent. The evil chaff will be destroyed in Y’shua’s rightful wrath. Separating the sheep from the goats.

    3. He made a very handsome present to Abimelech, v. 27. It was not any thing curious or fine that he presented to him, but that which was valuable and useful—sheep and oxen, in gratitude for Abimelech’s kindness to him, and in token of hearty friendship between them. The interchanging of kind offices is the improving of love: that which is mine is my friend’s.

    4. He ratified the covenant by an oath, and registered it by giving a new name to the place (v. 31), Beer-sheba, the well of the oath, in remembrance of the covenant they swore to, that they might be ever mindful of it; or the well of seven, in remembrance of the seven lambs given to Abimelech, as a consideration for his confirming Abraham’s title to that well.

    Christ prayed in a garden, on a mountain. (1.) Abraham kept up public worship, to which, probably, his neighbours resorted, that they might join with him. Note, Good men should not only retain their goodness wherever they go, but do all they can to propagate it, and make others good. (2.) In calling on the Lord, we must eye him as the everlasting God, the God of the world, so some. Though God had made himself known to Abraham as his God in particular, and in covenant with him, yet he forgets not to give glory to him as the Lord of all: The everlasting God, who was, before all worlds, and will be, when time and days shall be no more. See Isa. 40:28

    Cite This Page: (explanation of citations)

    Henry, Matthew. “Commentary on Genesis 21.” . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2011. 1 Dec 2011.

    The above notes come from the Matthew Henry commentary. With some additions of my own to transition the story along.

  15. Hold steadfast even as those martyrs of old.

    Rev 22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you all. Amen.

    Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

  17. James 1:6&7 But let him ask in faith nothing wavering for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed
    (7) For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the LORD

    Ecclesiastes 12:11-14 The words of the wise are as goads and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies which are given from one shepherd (12) and further by these my son be admonished of making many books there is no end and much study is a weariness of the flesh (13) Let us here the conclusion of the whole matter Fear GOD and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man

    Mark 7:9 And HE said unto them full well you reject the commandments of GOD that you may keep your own traditions

    Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of GOD

    2 Corinthians 6:3 Giving no offense in any thing that the ministry be not blamed

    2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate saith the LORD and touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you

    Is there so little love of our LORD and SAVIOUR help us JESUS

    John 14:15 If you love me keep my commandments

    John 15:7 IF you abide in me and my words abide in you you shall ask what you will and it shall be done unto you

    Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation of him also shall the SON OF MAN be ashamed when HE cometh in the glory of HIS FATHER with the holy angels

    John 14:23 JESUS answered and said unto him If a man love me he will keep my words and my FATHER will love him and we will come unto him and make our abode with him

    John 14:21 He that hath my commandments and keepeth them he it is that loveth me and he that loveth me shall be loved of my FATHER and I will love him and will manifest myself to him

    John 2:16 And HE said unto them that sold doves take these things hence make not MY FATHERS house an house of merchandise

    1 Thessalonians 2:10 And with all deceiveableness of unrighteousness in them that perish because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved

    Oh LORD GOD protect us from the devil and his demons and angels

    Loving the LORD

    • Steve! You have been missed.
      You and James please wade in often please.
      Onward Christian soldiers.

      I wholeheartedly agree:

      * John 14:23 JESUS answered and said unto him If a man love me he will keep my words and my FATHER will love him and we will come unto him and make our abode with him

      John 14:21 He that hath my commandments and keepeth them he it is that loveth me and he that loveth me shall be loved of my FATHER and I will love him and will manifest myself to him *

      Thank you Lord. Preserve us from all evil.

      Further…

      Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

      Rom 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

      Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

      Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

      Rom 8:39 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.

      Keep these verses in your heart.

  18. why do we call christmas a celebration of Christ? It had nothing to do with Jesus in its origin. it started as a pagan worship of the birth of the sun,which happened to be on the 25th of december.Isnt Gods word all about truth? then shouldnt we tell it? why not celebrate His birth by getting in the streets and witnessing or giving to the poor and homeless,not eachother just for the sake of a “merry xmas”. Sometimes i think the “church” just doesnt know who she is.

    • You are beginning to see the truth of our walk toward sanctification.

      This is the walk spoken of by first Christ and then the Apostles.

      Polycarp received the message from St. John. He is the angel of the Church of Smyrna. The heretic fighter taking on Paganism.

      It behooves all of us to read about the Seven Churches.

      We must keep studying individually allowing the Spirit to council us to the truth that is every Word of God. We must walk each day learning and searching the Scriptures to understand the Kingdom of God will ccme to this earth called the Lord’ Day.

      The buildings of today’s worship is far, far away from the teaching of the coming Kingdom.

      This Kingdom of the Alpha and Omega will come to earth in the form of our High Priest of the Order of Melchezedek.

      He will claim the Royal Throne upon His Second Coming.

      Until this glory day it is our individual responsibily to conform our lives to follow our Savior’s example.

      A high calling indeed. A humble calling giving all praise to Our Savior each day of the walk.

      May the many membered body of the true church be blest.

      May we all walk each day toward sanctification.

      I say all of this in deep humility. I have far to go until I sleep. Many steps to be one who overcomes and waits in patience and faith for the Lord.

      Grace to us all. May will all move to share truth and cheer one another.

      THE GOOD NEWS!

      Jesus has overcome death. He gives us life.

      KEEP WALKING!

      All praise and honor go to our Lord! You loved us before the foundation of the earth.

  19. You are beginning to see the truth of our walk toward sanctification.

    I

    This is the walk spoken of by first Christ and then the Apostles.

    Polycarp received the message from St. John. He is the angel of the Church of Smyrna. The heretic fighter taking on Paganism.

    It behooves all of us to read about the Seven Churches.

    We must keep studying individually allowing the Spirit to council us to the truth that is every Word of God. We must walk each day learning and searching the Scriptures to understand the Kingdom of God will ccme to this earth called the Lord’ Day.

    The buildings of today’s worship is far, far away from the teaching of the coming Kingdom.

    This Kingdom of the Alpha and Omega will come to earth in the form of our High Priest of the Order of Melchezedek.

    He will claim the Royal Throne upon His Second Coming.

    Until this glory day it is our individual responsibily to conform our lives to follow our Savior’s example.

    A high calling indeed. A humble calling giving all praise to Our Savior each day of the walk.

    May the many membered body of the true church be blest.

    May we all walk each day toward sanctification.

    I say all of this in deep humility. I have far to go until I sleep. Many steps to be one who overcomes and waits in patience and faith for the Lord.

    Grace to us all. May will all move to share truth and cheer one another.

    THE GOOD NEWS!

    Jesus has overcome death. He gives us life.

    KEEP WALKING!

    All praise and honor go to our Lord! You loved us before the foundation of the earth.

  20. Transfiguration

    Christ is our Tabernacle, The High Priest in the Order of Melchizedek.

    Mat 17:1 ¶ And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

    Mat 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

    Mat 17:3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

    Mat 17:4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

    Mat 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

    Mat 17:6 And when the disciples heard [it], they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

    Mat 17:7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.

    Mat 17:8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.

    Mat 17:10 And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?

    Mat 17:11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.

    Mat 17:11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.

    Mat 17:12 But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.

    Mat 17:13 Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

  21. Mat 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

    Mat 18:1 ¶ At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

    Mat 18:2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

    Mat 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

    Mat 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

    Mat 18:5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

    Mat 18:10 ¶ Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

    Mat 18:11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

    Mat 18:12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?

    Mat 18:14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

    Mat 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

    Luk 11:2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

    Luk 11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread.

    Luk 11:4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation;

    6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

    Luk 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

    Luk 11:10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

    Psa 51:2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

    Psa 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me [with thy] free spirit.

    Luk 11:28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

    Bless us to follow you closer. Kill the old man in us.

    Thank you Father for sending us yor only begotten Son.