Sharing The Gospel
Merry Christmas! How do you celebrate Christmas in your country?
by Tom Lanier on 12/12/11
Here in the United States we celebrate Christmas on December 25th. We, here, tend to think that this is a universal celebration--one that pays tribute to God's Son's mortal birth as noted in the Bible in John 1:14:
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (NKJV)
Actually it is celebrated on different dates and in many different ways around this bright blue sphere. Many places don't celebrate it at all. We aren't asked by our Heavenly Father to honor this event, but we do anyway. It's doubtful that Jesus Christ was even born at this time of year, but rather it's believed that He took His first breath at the opposite end of the calendar around July.
Here in the northern hemisphere we adorn this season with snow covered landscapes, evergreen trees, glittery ethereal wonderlands, and gifts galore. It is a fascinating time. It can be breathtaking and dreamy. Many, if not most people get lost in the hype and commercial trappings and forget what the season was intended to be embracing. Many Christians here get upset about this, but I think if we step back and re-evaluate how the birth of Christ has absolutely nothing to do with snow, evergreen trees, and glitter anyway then we can simply enjoy the season for what it is--dreamy, wistful wonderland. We can enjoy the celebration of our Savior as well, just keep it separate from the rest and then it won't spoil the fun of either celebration.
The reason that He came down from His Heavenly realm?
I [Jesus] have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10 NKJV)
. . . the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 NKJV)
Receive His gift today if you haven't already. Go to the Gospel page and read the rest of the story.
Have the Merriest of Christmases and pass this website link on to others around the world that they may help spread the great news of salvation through Jesus Christ our risen Savior.
Keeping it simple
by Tom Lanier on 05/21/11
A story goes like this:
A lighthouse keeper who worked on a rocky stretch of coastline received his new supply of oil once a month to keep the light burning.
Not being far from shore, he had frequent guests. One night a woman from the village begged some oil to keep her family warm. Another needed some to lubricate a wheel. Since all the requests seemed legitimate, the lighthouse keeper tried to please everyone and grant the requests of all. Toward the end of the month he noticed the supply of oil was very low. Soon it was gone and the beacon went out. That night several ships were wrecked and lives were lost. When the authorities investigated, the man was very repentant. To his excuses and pleading, their reply was, "You were given oil for one purpose--to keep that light burning!"
Those of us who are Christians have a responsibility to share the good news of Jesus’ love with the world around us. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by this global mentality that we’ve been subjected to in the last ten to twenty years. We are barraged by the worldwide news and pleaded by worldwide missions outreaches, etc., but I encourage you to take some time right now and close your eyes (after you read this), take a deep cleansing breath, empty your mind of all the global news and heart tugs, and thank the LORD for:
. . . 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' There is no other commandment greater than these." (Mar 12:31 NKJV)
Obviously global outreach is a great thing (my oldest son is an overseas missionary) and is part of The Great Commission, but most of us are called to keep our local stretch of shore line. We can get so globally-minded that we are no locally good. Remember that your neighbor is anyone that you come in contact with.
Sometimes reaching out is simply loving someone with your act of kindness. Sometimes it’s not retaliating someone that is treating you unkindly or unfairly. I just encountered someone last week that tore into me on the phone unjustifiably. When I simply listened and then told them I understood their concerns then looked to help them in their distress, they softened. By the end of the call they apologized and thanked me for being patient with them. When I met them in person the next day they thanked me repeatedly and we now have a great relationship. Have I opened the door for them to now listen to the good news? You bet. I even gave them a business card that invites them to this site to read the gospel on their own. You can print out these same cards and personalize them for yourself. Just go to the Services tab at the top of this page and click the link under Downloads then follow the instructions.
Easter and What it's all about
by Tom Lanier on 04/17/11
The Easter season is upon us and it's such an exciting time for many people around the world. For many children it's a time for bright pastel colors, candies, Easter bunnies, and colored Easter eggs. To many women, it's all the above for their children plus maybe a new Spring dress and buying and planting new flowers.
For Christians, this is the season we reflect and celebrate our Savior Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. Many of us actually prefer to call it (April 24th this year) Resurrection Day since the word 'Easter' is derived from ancient, non-Christian roots. Why do we celebrate it? The only way we can have forgiveness for our sins and live forever with our Creator is to have someone sinless (faultless) die in our place. The only sinless person in the universe is our Creator, Himself so He came and was born in the form of man:
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
(John 1:14 NKJV)
He eventually died on a cross, was buried in a tomb, and then was raised to life by His Father on the third day, according to the scriptures:
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,
(1Corinthians 15:3-4 NKJV)
How awesome it is that our one and only Creator loved each of us so much that He was willing to send His one and only Son to be tortured and murdered on a cross by sinful men so that we could live with Him forever!! What magnificent love! What incredible forgiveness and mercy! What a wonderful Savior we have in Jesus Christ!
Learn more by clicking the Gospel link above or the Easter link in the header. Share this great news with others by downloading materials on the Download page and send people here to learn and glean and share with their circle of influence.
Have a great Resurrection Season!
