The Numbers in the Bible PODCAST

The Numbers in the Bible
PODCAST
24.2 MB Run Time: 52:56
( 01/31/07 )
We discuss the importance of the numbers found in the Bible. The numbers help us gain more insight into the Bible. Through the numbers, a Divine pattern emerges and allows us to connect the information found in the Old Testament and the New Testaments.

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Luke 1:1-14;4:14-21 (Sermon for the week of January 21st)

(Saint Luke)

Gospel
Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21

Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events
that have been fulfilled among us,
just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning
and ministers of the word have handed them down to us,
I too have decided,
after investigating everything accurately anew,
to write it down in an orderly sequence for you,
most excellent Theophilus,
so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings
you have received.

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit,
and news of him spread throughout the whole region.
He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all.

He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up,
and went according to his custom
into the synagogue on the sabbath day.
He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah.
He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring glad tidings to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.
Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down,
and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him.
He said to them,
“Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”

SERMON:

This week's reading grants me the opportunity to reflect on Luke...who he was and why he started his Gospel the way he did.

Luke was not one of the 12 Apostles, but heard the account of Jesus from a few of the actual 12 Apostles and was the personal companion to Paul. Paul wrote 2/3 of what is now in our New Testament. Luke provides certain insight that no other book of the New Testament has. Luke's inspiration and information for his Gospel and Acts came from his close association with Paul and his companions as he explains in his introduction to the Gospel. He re-arranges certain events in order to place emphasis that he felt the other Gospels told in a different sense. That is what makes the Gospels unique. They are the same story told by different witnesses. Matthew and John are eyewitness testimony written down but compiled together at a later time. Luke writes these accounts down himself, intact, and together but highlights events that are briefly touched on in the other Gospels. Luke's unique perspective on Jesus can be seen in the six miracles and eighteen parables not found in the other gospels. Luke's is the gospel of the poor and of social justice. He is the one who tells the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man who ignored him.

For people who doubt that the writings of the New Testament have some how been corrupted by the Roman Catholic Church or some other "group" with a hidden agenda...how could anyone doubt the cohesion and power that comes from reading the Gospels? Surely, man cannot create a spiritual experience that comes from closely studying the Scriptures?! Since men wrote the words, they fulfilled the Will of God. As Jesus says:
"Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." (Mark 13:30-31)

Luke is a historian...and a physician. Most importantly, Luke was a witness to the testimony of the Apostles...and a witness to the life of Paul...who was the last "chosen Apostle" of Jesus Christ. Remember that Paul conversed with the Lord AFTER the ascension. As we read in one source, "Luke had a great knowledge of the Septuagint and of things Jewish, which he acquired either as a Jewish proselyte (St. Jerome) or after he became a Christian, through his close association with the Apostles and disciples.It is worthy of note that, in the three places where he is mentioned in the Epistles (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 24; 2 Timothy 4:11) he is named with Mark (cf. Colossians 4:10), the other Evangelist who was not an Apostle (Plummer), and it is clear from his Gospel that he was well acquainted with the Gospel according to Mark; and in the Acts he knows all the details of Peter's delivery--what happened at the house of Mark's mother, and the name of the girl who ran to the outer door when Peter knocked. He must have frequently met Peter, and may have assisted him to draw up his First Epistle in Greek, which affords many reminiscences of Luke's style. "

Now with this in mind we have a new insight into the beginning of this weeks reading. Let's re-read it again...

"Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events
that have been fulfilled among us,
just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning
and ministers of the word have handed them down to us,
I too have decided,
after investigating everything accurately anew,
to write it down in an orderly sequence for you,
most excellent Theophilus,
so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings
you have received."

Now let's break the rest of the reading down...

"Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit,
and news of him spread throughout the whole region.
He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all."

"Jesus returned to Galilee"
Again, Galilee is significant because of it's insignificance. Jesus was not born in the center of Jewish life which was Jerusalem...He was born in an insignificant town, and grew up in Galilee, and insignificant town. Many Gentiles lived in Galilee and Luke will write that the women who observe Jesus' crucifixion are from Galilee. Jesus is accepted in an insignificant town that has a large Gentile population, and not accepted in Jerusalem...which has a dominate Jewish population.

"in the power of the Spirit"
Luke emphasizes that Jesus and His ministry are not of man but of the Spirit. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus during His baptism. The Holy Spirit is with Jesus every step of the way. Jesus is born into flesh but is of the Holy Spirit. Two in one fleshly body...all works and words of Jesus are of the Spirit.

"and news of Him spread throughout the whole region"
There is a reason why news is spreading. It is because the Messiah has been born and is proving who He is!

"He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all"
Jewish worship takes place in the Temples and teaching, prayers, and readings take place in the synagogues. We do not know what Jesus taught them...only if I was there to hear it!

"He came to Nazareth, where He had grown up"
Jesus was born in Bethlehem but grew up in Nazareth. Matthew tells us that as a young adult Jesus moves to Capernaum (Matt 4:13)

"and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the Sabbath day"

Who's custom? HIS CUSTOM! Who is the one who gave the Jews the Sabbath? It was Jesus who was the voice who spoke to them before he came to live in a tent of flesh. It is His command and His Sabbath. He observes what He has commanded.

"He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah."

Synagogue worship would have followed a format. A reading from the Torah followed by an explanation, then a reading from the prophets followed by an explanation. The president of the synagogue invites someone to comment on the scriptures. The question people will wait to answer is if the selected commenter will know what they are talking about. People would wait to see if someone would jump up and correct them when they were off course. When Jesus speaks...it is with an authority that no one wants to challenge...I wonder why!

"He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,"

Jesus read Isaiah 61:1-2 but omits 61:2b which speaks of the "day of vengeance of our God". His commentary focuses this time on salvation and He choose not to mention the Judgement. This is emphasizing a two stage action...salvation now, judgement later.

"because he has anointed me"
Jesus was anointed at his baptism by the Spirit when the Spirit descended upon Him. He was not anointed with oil, but with the Holy Spirit. A King of Kings...the Messiah. Jesus is the successor to King David.

"to bring glad tidings to the poor"

Who are the "poor" in this verse? The economically or the spiritually poor? Answer is both. All people who are economically or spiritually impoverished have the ability to receive Grace. Jesus' ministry is centered around the poor, the captive, blind, oppressed, and possessed. He is here to help, and will help, and does help...if one is open to receiving His Grace. These glad tidings are the miracles of Grace that are available to those who believe in Him. Everyone, be it Jew, Gentile, or heathen (and this means everyone in the world) can receive His Grace...period.

"He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives"

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus' first miracle is the cleansing of a man possessed, yes I said possessed, by a demon. Jesus can and does release those who's hearts believe from the worst kind of pain and dark despair. Being possessed by a demon is the worst despair you could be in. The power to release demons comes from the Creator...and that Creator is Jesus! Do you know of anyone else that can claim to do this? Have you ever been in the presence of a demon?

"and recovery of sight to the blind,"

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus will restore sight of blind people and will tell the egotistical and prideful to invite the poor, crippled, and blind to their dinner tables. This verse is also talking about those who are spiritually blind, (ex. atheists). This is the meaning of this verse...Jesus restores sight to those who are spiritually blind and Luke will emphasize this in Acts 26:18...(all you atheists open your heart and ears now!) "To open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by FAITH in me".

Continuing on with this week's reading...
"to let the oppressed go free"

There is nothing like freedom. To be oppressed is horrible. Freedom is truly appreciated by those who were oppressed at one time and then set free. Freedom is often taken for granted by those who were never oppressed. Most of us, as Christians, realized at some point in our faith the reality of the spiritual oppression we had. The Good News of Salvation through faith in Christ is one climatic point we reach...the feeling of being truly free! Free from the clutches of death! Free from the guilt of sin! Free to fulfill the Good Works we have come to realize are set for us to do. We still sin and we are aware of our shortcomings by repentance in order to realign ourselves by the direction and guidance of the One who set us free...Jesus the Christ.

"and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord."

What does this verse mean? THE MESSIAH IS HERE! CHRIST HAS COME! THE PROPHECIES WILL AND HAVE BEEN FULFILLED! REJOICE IN THE PROCLAMATION OF THE YEAR THAT OUR LORD WAS BORN!!!

"Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down,"
In the synagogue, you stand to read the scriptures and you sit to teach.

"and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him."
What a sight this must have been to see the Messiah physically in front of you! Surely, we do not have this opportunity...but I know I would be looking intently!

"He said to them,
“Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Today is not yesterday and today is not someday. It is now...present time. Notice Jesus never uses the words yesterday or someday. Jesus proclaims the Truth..the wait is over...THAT day has come...the prophecies are and were fulfilled...salvation is here. We are tools of His hands today...we have predestined opportunities to fulfill by bringing the Good News to the poor, helping the oppressed, helping those inflicted with disease and deformities, exorcising demons, and helping the "blind" recover their spiritual (or physical) sight through Him. These things are being fulfilled today as they were in the past...as His Sheep...the tools we need to help are at our disposal backed by the Real and Awesome power of the Lord.

Poverty, captivity, and blindness have two meanings...one physical and one spiritual. It is troublesome to have an empty wallet but it is worse to have an empty soul. Physical captivity is really bad, but being captive to drugs or alcohol is worse. Not being able to see is horrible, but being lost spiritually is REALLY horrible! Helen Keller was blind from infancy, but her words and actions demonstrated a clear spiritual sight...

"Once I knew only darkness and stillness...my life was without past or future...but a little word from the fingers of another fell into my hand that clutched at emptiness, and my heart leaped to the rapture of living. Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light." (Helen Keller)

God Bless you and your families this week.

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Christian Persecution in NORTH KOREA

NORTH KOREA
Evangelist Executed for Bible Distribution -
VOM Sources/ World Bible Distribution

A North Korean evangelist has been executed for possessing and distributing a Korean New Testament. World Bible Translation Center has confirmed the incident, even though the details of the death are not available. Pray for the family and friends of this evangelist. Ask God to comfort them and encourage them, knowing that to be absent in this natural body, is to be present with the Lord. Also pray Christians in North Korea will entrust themselves to Christ and preach the gospel without hesitation.

II Timothy 1:7-12
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For this reason 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 what I have committed to Him until that Day.

Every month The Voice of the Martyrs reports on what is really happening around the world where our brothers and sisters are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. Now you can receive a free subscription to The Voice of the Martyrs award winning monthly newsletter. You will be inspired, you will learn to pray and even discover practical ways to get involved. Sign up today.

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Introduction to the Bible PART 2

Introduction to the Bible PART 2

PODCAST
11 MB Run Time:48:27

( 01/17/07 )
Part 2 begins with Commandment #2 and continues to Commandment #10. We discuss several issues within our society that relate to the 10 Commandments. We conclude with some practical advice when one begins to read the Bible for the first time.

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CHRISTIAN PODCAST,PODCAST,PODCASTING,BIBLE STUDY PODCAST,FAITH PODCASTING

Introduction to the Bible PART 1

Introduction to the Bible PART 1
PODCAST
10.3 MB Run Time: 36:09
( 01/17/07 )

Part 1 begins by discussing each page of our 30 page slide show: The Introduction to the Bible. We discuss sin, God, Creation, Adam & Eve, The Flood, and begin to tackle the 10 Commandments. This series stops at Commandment #1.

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CHRISTIAN PODCAST,PODCAST,PODCASTING,BIBLE STUDY PODCAST,FAITH PODCASTING

Service Interruption

We would like to apologize for the service interruption...our site was down for three days. The webmaster has changed web hosts due to the poor service and incompetent customer service from the original web hosting company. The new web hosting company guarantees 99% up time without interruption, and we do not plan on experiencing any more down time.

God Bless.

If You're Going to Boycott Israel, Do It Right

By Barry Shaw
The Daily Sport December 28, 2006

OK. So I understand that you are ticked off at Israel, and in love with the Palestinians.
That's fine with me, as long as you have truly weighed up all the facts.
So, you want to boycott Israel?
I'll be sorry to miss you, but if you are doing it - do it properly.
Let me help you.

Make sure that you do not have tablets, drops, lotions, etc., made by Abic or Teva.
It may mean that you will suffer from colds and flu this winter but, hey, that's a small price for you to pay in your campaign against Israel, isn't it?

While we are on the subject of your Israeli boycott, and the medical contributions to the world made by Israeli doctors and scientists, how about telling your pals to boycott the following....
An Israeli company has developed a simple blood test that distinguishes between mild and more severe cases of Multiple Sclerosis.
So, if you know anyone suffering from MS, tell them to ignore the Israeli patent that may, more accurately, diagnose their symptoms.
An Israeli-made device helps restore the use of paralysed hands. This device electrically stimulates the hand muscles, providing hope to millions of stroke sufferers and victims of spinal injuries.

If you wish to remove this hope of a better quality of life to these people, go ahead and boycott Israel.

Young children with breathing problems will soon be sleeping more soundly, thanks to a new Israeli device called the Child Hood.
This innovation replaces the inhalation mask with an improved drug delivery system that provides relief for child and parent.
Please tell anxious mothers that they shouldn't use this device because of your passionate cause.
These are just a few examples of how people have benefitted medically from the Israeli know-how you wish to block.
Boycotts often affect research.
A new research center in Israel hopes to throw light on brain disorders such as depression and Alzheimer's disease.
The Joseph Sangol Neuroscience Center in the Sheba Medical Center at Tel HaShomer Hospital aims to bring thousands of scientists and doctors to focus on brain research.
A researcher at Israel's Ben Gurion University has succeeded in creating human monoclonal antibodies which can neutralise the highly contageous smallpox virus without inducing the dangerous side effects of the exisiting vaccine.

Two Israelis received the 2004 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Doctors Ciechanover and Hershko's research and discovery of one of the human cells most important cyclical processes will lead the way to DNA repair, control of newly produced proteins, and immune defense systems.
The Movement Disorder Surgery program at Israel's Hadassah Medical Center has successfully eliminated the physical manifestations of Parkinson's disease in a select group of patients with a deep brain stimulation technique.

For women who undergo hysterectomies each year for the treatment of uterine fibroids, the development in Israel of the ExAblate 2000 System is a welcome breakthrough, offering a non-invasive alternative to surgery.

Israel is developing a nose drop that will provide a five year flu vaccine.
These are just a few of the projects that you can help stop with your Israeli boycott.
But let's not get too obsessed with medical research, there are other ways you can make a personal sacrifice with your anti-Israel boycott.

Most of Windows operating systems were developed by Microsoft-Israel.
So, set a personal example. Throw away your computer!

The Pentium NMX Chip technology was designed at Intel in Israel.
Both the Pentium 4 microprocessor and the Centrium processor were entirely designed, developed, and produced in Israel.
Voice mail technology was developed in Israel.
The technology for the AOL Instant Messenger ICQ was developed in 1996 in Israel by four young Israeli whiz kids.
Both Microsoft and Cisco built their only R.& D facilities outside the US in Israel.

So, due to your complete boycott of anything Israeli, you now have poor health and no computer.

But your bad news does not end there. Get rid of your cellular phone!
Cell phone technology was also developed in Israel by Motorola, which has its biggest development center in Israel.
Most of the latest technology in your mobile phone was developed by Israeli scientists.
Feeling unsettled? You should be. Part of your personal security rests with Israeli inventiveness, borne out of our urgent neccesity to protect and defend our lives from the terrorists you support.

A phone can remotely activate a bomb, or be used for tactical communications by terrorists, bank robbers, or hostage-takers.
It is vital that official security and law enforcement authorities have access to celluar jamming and detection solutions.
Enter Israel's Netline Communications Technologies with their security expertise to help the fight against terror.
A joint, non-profit, venture between Israel and Maryland will result in a 5 day Business Development and Planning Conference next March.
Selected Israeli companies will partner with Maryland firms to provide innovation to the US need for homeland security.

I also want you to know that Israel has the highest ratio of university degrees to the population in the world.
Israel produces more scientific papers per capita - 109 per 10,000 - than any other nation.
Israel has the highest number of start-up companies per rata. In absolute terms, the highest number, except the US.

Israel has the highest ratio of patents filed. Israel has the highest concentration of hi-tech companies outside of Silicon Valley.

Israel is ranked 2 in the world for venture capital funds, behind the USA.
Israel has more museums per capita.

Israel has the second highest publication of new books per capita.
Relative to population, Israel is the largest immigrant absorbing nation on earth.
These immigrants come in search of democracy, religious freedom or expression, economic opportunity, and quality of life.

Believe it or not, Israel is the only country in the world which had a net gain in the number of trees last year.

So, you can vilify and demonize the State of Israel. You can continue your silly boycott, if you wish. But I wish you would consider the consequences, and the truth.
Think of the massive contribution that Israel is giving to the world, including the Palestinians - and to you - in science, medicine, communications, security.
Pro rata for population we are making a greater contribution than any other nation on earth.

We can't be all bad....

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Jesus is the head of any church

Request for Prayer and Comment
Doug Collins
Jan 11, 2007

I don't expect many to agree with what I am about to say but I challenge you to pray about it. I am not proposing this as anything more than a 'Request for Comment". Do not think I am trying to PUSH this as a doctrine. Rather, this is to challange our tradional thinking and query God about it to see if it lines up with God.

First let me say. I am not a pastor or a board member and I have never had any problems with my local church!
In an organization who do you report to? The person who can fire you right? When it comes down to it anyone who has power to fire you is your boss. If you want to keep your job you must come under the authority of your boss right?
So who does a pastor report to? Most pastors can be fired by a board of men. Which means the pastor is coming under the authority of men. In fact, if God tells the pastor to do something big, does the pastor not have to then get the approval of the board? This structure cannot be pleasing to God. Woe to the man that votes against something God has told a pastor to do. Heck that goes way beyond the grumbling we read about in Numbers 12:
1 Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite.
2 "Has the LORD spoken only through Moses?" they asked. "Hasn't he also spoken through us?" And the LORD heard this.
3 (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)
4 At once the LORD said to Moses, Aaron and Miriam, "Come out to the Tent of Meeting, all three of you." So the three of them came out.
5 Then the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud; he stood at the entrance to the Tent and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When both of them stepped forward,
6 he said, "Listen to my words: "When a prophet of the LORD is among you, I reveal myself to him in visions,I speak to him in dreams.
7 But this is not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house.
8 With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?"
9 The anger of the LORD burned against them, and he left them.
10 When the cloud lifted from above the Tent, there stood Miriam—leprous, [a] like snow. Aaron turned toward her and saw that she had leprosy;
11 and he said to Moses, "Please, my lord, do not hold against us the sin we have so foolishly committed.
12 Do not let her be like a stillborn infant coming from its mother's womb with its flesh half eaten away."

Is there no fear of God anymore? Do you suppose you serve a different God? The fact that you are not struck down in punishment is far worse because it means God has given you over the rulership you have chose. That of man. Yes we are to obey the rules of man (goverment and all those in authority over us) but only when it does not conflict with God as we see in Acts 5:28-29
"We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood."
29Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!

The only person biblically that a pastor should be answering to is God's apostles. And if a man is to call himself an apostle should he not have at a minimum signs, wonders, and healings confirming that even believers should be bearing this fruit?

Who is the head of the church? Jesus? YES!

The reason we have setup this structure is a statement of negative faith. In essence we are saying to God; "We don't trust that you can run your church. Jesus, we don't trust you to hire and fire through the working of your Spirit. We have decided to fix your Kingdom and make it a democracy. Our leader will report to us, not God. Oh yes, he can hear from God, but then we will use our board to approve or disapprove what You told him."

In fact I would go so far as to say that we have made Jesus the symbolic head of the church much the same as the Queen of England. The real decisions are made by the board. If you want the real Kingdom of Jesus you must also accept the King FULLY!
I am not saying anything against Elders or thier role. It just does not include over-ruling a pastor.
The biblical authority structure of the church (simplified for this discussion) seems to be:
Jesus
Apostles
Pastor
Elders
Believers

Yet we have Believers choosing the Board, the Board choosing the Pastor and the pastor not submitting to any Apostles. Seems broken to me. Suggestions anyone?
No wonder we have such a hard time entering the Kingdom and getting our healing. We don't want to submit to it. We would rather submit to an organization of men, and of course, we get the result of rulership by men, a very non-miraculous Kingdom (or should I say democracy).
Doesn't this remind you a lot of the Israelites demanding a King when God wanted to be King? They didn't trust God's rulership. They would rather submit to a man's rulership, and not even that, because via demoncracy we even control him!!

OK. So now I have made a case for what is wrong. I invite everyone who reads this to pray and comment as Holy Spirit leads and I will publish the results. Do not comment unless you feel strongly Holy Spirits leading. I want this as pure as possible.

Please pray and reply with "in context" scripture

Technorati:church issues,current affairs,church-issues

Christian One Liners

CHRISTIAN ONE LINERS

1) Don't let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case.

2) Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their pews.

3) Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisors.

4) It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.

5) The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.

6) When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.

7) People are funny; they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.

8) Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.

9) Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.

10) If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.

11) God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?

12) Some minds are like concrete thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.

13) Peace starts with a smile.

14) I don't know why some people change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from?

15) A lot of church members who are singing "Standing on the Promises"
are just sitting on the premises.

16) We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.

17) Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He'll clean them.

18) Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.

19)Don't put a question mark where God put a period.

20)Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.

21)Forbidden fruits create many jams.

22)God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

23)God grades on the cross, not the curve.

24)God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts!"

25)God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.

26)He who angers you, controls you!

27)If God is your Co-pilot - swap seats!

28)Prayer: Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!

29)The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.

30)The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.

31)We don't change the message, the message changes us.

32)You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.

33)The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:
1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.


Technorati: christian humor,wise sayings,christian wisdom

Christian Persecution in PAKISTAN

PAKISTAN
Evangelists Attacked by Taliban; One Killed; Two Injured -
VOM Sources On January 2, 2007,

Two evangelists working with Muslim converts in the dangerous Northern areas of Pakistan were attacked by the Taliban. One of the men was shot and killed instantly, two other Muslim friends were wounded and one escaped. The Taliban has since sent threatening calls to one of the evangelists. Since the police in this area favor the Taliban, pray for God's protection for these brothers and for healing for those wounded in the attack. Pray this situation will bring these Muslim brothers into fellowship with Jesus Christ. Also, pray God would comfort the family and friends of the brother who was killed, assuring them their loved one has received a crown no one can take away.

Revelation 3:5,11
5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
11 Behold,I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.

Every month The Voice of the Martyrs reports on what is really happening around the world where our brothers and sisters are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. Now you can receive a free subscription to The Voice of the Martyrs award winning monthly newsletter. You will be inspired, you will learn to pray and even discover practical ways to get involved. Sign up today.

Technorati:christian-persecution,christian persecution,persecution

Matthew 2:1-12 (Sermon for the week of January 7th)

Gospel
Mt 2:1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod called the magi secretly
and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage.”
After their audience with the king they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way.

SERMON:

This week we reflect and celebrate Epiphany. The word epiphany means appearance or manifestation. The appearance or manifestation described by Matthew in this weeks reading has a supernatural quality to it. Allow me to explain the difference between how man sees manifestation and how God can at any time manifest something. For example, you may manifest a cup of coffee by brewing coffee, grabbing a cup, and then pour coffee into the cup. Or a cup of coffee could be manifested by God; you could be sitting in front of the TV and all of the sudden a cup of coffee manifests itself right before you...hot coffee and all, even with cream and sugar if that's how you like it. I am starting this week's sermon off with this analogy because this weeks reading is full of Divine supernatural activity that is not the workings of witches or magicians. It is full of the work of God himself that would leave any scientist baffled. Epiphany is a time to reflect that God sent His Son to the world and allowed the appearance of His Son and surrounded the birth of His Son with miraculous signs. ALL people, be it Jew, Gentile, or Heathen are to be saved through Him. The early church celebrated 4 holy days...Easter, Pentecost, Epiphany, and later Christmas. This is a week of awe, reflection, and celebration.

Let's begin with the reading:
"When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?"
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”

We may relate the story of Jesus birth with visits from shepherds and wise men together. The shepherds came from the nearby places surrounding Bethlehem and the wise men or "magi" came from far away. These visits happened at two different times. The wise men's visit probably took place a while after the shepherds had departed. We know that Mary and Joseph remained in the vicinity of Bethlehem and Jerusalem until Jesus had been circumcised and presented in the temple (Luke 2:22-38). Mary also needed to recover from just giving birth. It is presumed that the wise men or "magi" visited them during the time that Mary and Joseph visited Bethlehem and Jerusalem.

There are three interesting portions to discuss in this very first part of the reading.
First, who is this King Herod?

The Herod spoken of in this verse is Herod the Great whom had sons named Herod Archelaus, Herod Phillip, and Herod Antipas. These sons will succeed their father when Herod the Great dies according to Josephus, in 4 BC. Herod was known as a great king in both good and mostly bad ways. He kept the peace, built the Temple, and was sometimes generous. He also murdered his wife, Mariamme, murdered his mother, Alexandria, murdered his oldest son, Antipater, and murdered his sons Alexander and Aristobulous. Augustus, the Roman emperor once said that it was safer to be Herod's pig than Herod's son. When Herod was approaching death, he had a group of elite citizens from Jerusalem arrested and gave orders that the when he died, the citizens were to be killed so that some tears would be shed when he died.

Second, who are the magi?

We know some information but not a lot about the magi. What we do know is interesting.
We are told that the magi are from the East. These magi were Arabs from the land of Babylon or ancient Persia which is modern day Iran / Iraq. They were probably followers of Zoroaster. We have been accustomed to calling these magi, kings, but Matthew calls them magoi or Magi. Calling them kings probably came from Psalm 72:10, which speaks of the kings of Tarshish rendering tribute and Sheba bringing gifts. Isaiah 60:6 speaks of the people of Sheba bringing gold and frankincense which are two of the three gifts the magi bring when they visit Jesus. The word magi or magus has three possible definitions. First, magi are plural and magus is singular. One of the definitions of a magus is: "a member of the Zoroastrian priestly caste of the Medes and Persians". The second definition is: a sorcerer or magician. The third definition comes from the Jews where the "magoi" looked to the stars for answers that LEGITIMATELY COME ONLY FROM GOD. The one definition that does not pertain to this reading is the definition that the magi are sorcerers or magicians. Sorcerers and magicians use astrology, horoscopes, and a religious system that is incompatible with the Christian faith. They work magic using demonic powers. The definition that works best for the "magi" in this verse is a combination of 1 and 2, these magi where probably from Persia and followed Zoroaster, and followed the stars just as the Jewish Magoi did, looking to the stars for revelations that come only from God. God is in control of the stars and can at any time show a star to guide those to Christ. We do not know for sure what the names of the magi were or how many their where. We think that there are three because they give three gifts, and the number three surrounds Christ throughout His life. The names of the magi are not certain, however, a 6 th century mosaic in a church in Ravenna, Italy name them as Melchior, Caspar (or Gaspar), and Balthasar. The most important thing to reflect on is the fact that these magi are GENTILES. The Jewish chief priests who lived less than 5 miles away from Jesus know that a Messiah is to be born, Jesus fits all the prophecies and the time line, as well as receives a star in the sky to point to exactly where He was, and the chief priests refuse to come and acknowledge Him. The Gentile Magi travel from far away and joyfully receive the Messiah and acknowledge Him. The Gentile Magi have a better grasp of Scripture and faith than the chief priests in Jerusalem! Remember the verse: "First to the Jews then to the Gentiles".

Third, How did the magi know that a king was born?
The magi tells us that they observed HIS STAR at it's rising. People have tried to identify the star that led them to Jesus. There has been little agreement to what this star was or is. We do know that this "star" does not behave as stars do, because it "stops" over the place where Jesus is. This is one example of an "epiphany" the supernatural manifestation that occurred here. The star of Bethlehem was a sign of God and God has the power to stop stars in their tracks! The Gentile magi were not the only ones who were aware that a star would rise to show that the King of Kings had been born...but these Gentile Magi not only knew what they were witnessing but also travelled from far away to pay homage.

This is where this portion of the verse ends...with the Gentile Magi giving homage to Jesus.


Next we read:
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.

Why would Herod be greatly troubled over a baby? Herod murdered anyone threatening his throne; remember that he murdered members of his own family. Herod is also of Arab descent and rules under Rome's authority. The Jews resent Herod and would rather have a king of their own. Everyone is aware that if the Jews have a chance to overthrow him, they will. Hence, Herod was worried when he hears that a God-ordained king has been born within his jurisdiction. One interesting part of this verse is where it states: "and all Jerusalem". Why would all of Jerusalem be greatly troubled too? It seems to me that Matthew is implicating the Jewish elite, priests, and the Jewish people as opposing Jesus right from the beginning. They will share the guilt of the crucifixion, but Matthew is linking them with Herod even at the early stages of Jesus' life.

Next we read:
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”

Matthew again seems to be singling out those who deny and oppose Jesus. The chief priests were Annas and Caiaphas which would have been (one or both of them) gathered together and we will see these two again at Jesus' crucifixion. The scribes are "scholars" of the Law. Scribes are in constant conflict with Jesus during his lifetime.

The part of the verse that states, "Bethlehem of Judea" is important to reflect on. It is called "Bethlehem of Judah" (belonging to the tribe of Judah) to distinguish it from the other Bethlehem which was in the North, in the territory of Zebulon (today Beth-Lehem 12km from Nazareth). It was also the birthplace of King David. When God rejected King Saul, Samuel went to Bethlehem where he anointed David as king of Israel. Bethlehem is a small town that is not high on the social ladder. It is ironic and appropriate that the Messiah would be born here, humbly. King David's beginnings were also humble. He served as a shepherd. The Jews were waiting for another "great" King David, and Jesus is the King they are waiting for. It isn't what they expect, but there is no reason to ignore Him.

The part that states, "And you Bethlehem, in the land of Judah" comes from Micah 5:2 and 2Samuel 5:2 , and Matthew seems to drive the point that the prophets foretold Jesus' birth in Bethlehem and the Jews, chief priests, scribes, and Pharisees, have the means and the scripture to know without a doubt that the Messiah is coming and yet they do nothing about it.

In the part of the verse that states, "are by no means least among the rulers of Judah" is a purposeful word play that Matthew has done to poke at the Jewish religious establishment. Micah in 5:6 says, "one of the little clans of Judah" and Matthew changes it to "are by no means least among the rulers of Judah". He shows that Bethlehem has and will become the most honored city instead of a "little clan of Judah". Matthew got that right! The point Matthew drives home with these verses is that the chief priest and scribes know the Talmud, but they miss the fact that the Messiah has been born.

Next is:
"Then Herod called the magi secretly
and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage.”

Herod wants the Magi's help in determining the time that the star appeared because this will help him determine how old the baby Jesus is so that he can murder him. As we know from history, Herod decides to kill all children in Bethlehem 2 years old and younger! What an evil man! And to think, if Jesus is just a good and wise teacher and not the Messiah...how this deranged king killed babies because of it! There was reason and the knowledge that the Messiah was born...and these children died because of it at the hands of a man, an unholy man, possessed with power and the material wealth of this world. This type of men murder for vanity...and it is sick. This passage does give us a clue that at this time, Jesus is 2 years or younger. God is always powerful and above all evil...remember that God warned both the wise men and Joseph who later flee to Egypt to protect his family from the wrath of men.
The treachery of this world of man begins in Jesus' infancy...this world owes Him and owes Him big for what mankind did to Him...this world owes Him His life back, and no human can give back someones life.

Next:
After their audience with the king they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,

Stars do not stop in their orbits, and this is not natural, it is a manifestation from God.
Notice that these Magi, who are Gentiles, are overjoyed. The "chosen people" aren't, Herod isn't, and the chief priest's are "greatly troubled". The Jews who should be ready to receive Christ with great joy are afraid! The Gentile Magi, who are regarded as unworthy to associate with among the Jews, receive Jesus joyfully. The scribes expect to have a handle on things and must provide answers, and Jesus started to twist their human logic around in His infancy.

Finally:
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way.

Notice that the Magi prostrate themselves and pay homage. This is still the practice among Arabs and especially Muslims who adopted practices of ancient Persia. Prostrating is the act of kneeling and then laying ones whole body flat on the floor in complete submission and respect. This practice is still seen today when Muslims pray. The gifts that the Magi bring are expensive and easy to travel with. Some think of the Magi as Kings because of the gifts they bring to Jesus and the verse in Psalm 72:10-11 which states that kings will give "the king" tribute. There is a difference between magi and kings...and this reference to kings visiting Jesus comes from this Old Testament parallel. These gifts would seem inappropriate for a human child...we would expect clothes and toys. These gifts are for a King. Gold is one of the few acceptable gifts for a king. Frankincense is a gift for a priest, and myrrh is used as an anointing oil, and is also used for anointing bodies for burial. Joseph could have used these three gifts later to help pay for the journey to Egypt because they would be easy to trade with or sell.

Look again that the Magi were warned in a dream! Herod cannot even try to stand in the way of God's plan for the salvation of the world. He obviously didn't know what he was dealing with. The Herod's of this world are no match for God and God's people. God sent a dream to these men to expose Herod's treachery and they knew to steer clear of anything having to do with Herod.

Behold! The manifestation of the King of Kings who shall be the path to salvation and eternal life has come! The joy is ours as we each reflect and joyfully accept Jesus into our hearts!
Behold! The Son of God has come, has died, has resurrected, so that we may be broken from the chains of sin and have eternal LIFE! No demon, devil, or Herod could ever or will ever touch us and prevent us from faith"ing" in Our Lord! Now that is the source of true Joy...the Joy of the Kingdom to come.

God Bless you and your families this week of Epiphany.

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Christian Persecution in INDIA

Indian Church Burnt; Christians Arrested -
Compass Direct
On December 23, 2006, Hindu extremists burned down a church and disrupted services in several Indian states. They continued their harassment and arrested carol singers on Christmas Eve. In a separate event, a pastor and 10 other missionaries were beaten and arrested for singing carols. They were later released. In another incident, Hindu extremist group, Bajrang Dal, attacked 20 Christians gathered in a church. "They stormed into the church, beat some of the Christians and destroyed hymnbooks and Bibles. Five Christians were injured in the attack, three suffered hearing loss due to a blow to the head, and a Bible a school student's hand was fractured," Compass Direct News reported. Pray God heals those that were injured and protects them, giving them boldness to continue their Christian walk.

Acts 4:29, 30
Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”

Every month The Voice of the Martyrs reports on what is really happening around the world where our brothers and sisters are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. Now you can receive a free subscription to The Voice of the Martyrs award winning monthly newsletter. You will be inspired, you will learn to pray and even discover practical ways to get involved. Sign up today.

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Luke 2:41-52 (Sermon for the week of January 1st)

Luke 2:41-52
Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety." And he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" 13 But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced (in) wisdom and age and favor before God and man.

SERMON:
Happy New Year to all of you and may the Lord bless you, protect you, and grant you peace and serenity. May the sheep of His flock diligently work towards fulfilling His Good Works through our faith.We are channels for the only Good who is God to work through in these times of war, uncertainty, hatred, and evil. We strive to be brighter becons of the Light that shines forth from the King of Kings...Jesus the Christ!
Now for this weeks bible reading...In the first part of the reading we learn some interesting information about Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. We are told that:
"Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom".

This is the only canonical story of Jesus' boyhood, and the Gospel of Luke is the only Gospel with information about Jesus' early years. There are apocryphal stories that exist which may contain some truth, but some of the stories seem pretty far fetched. In one apocryphal story, Jesus strikes down children and raises them up again. Yes, the Son of God has this power, but why would the Messiah waste His time and resources to do something so juvenille? That is the point we want to reflect on. Jesus is 100% man and 100% God and at one time the 100% man was 100% a child. Where is the line on this child behavior? The early Church fathers agreed that a young God-Man named Jesus would not have abused His power by having fun by striking children just to raise them up again. There are some stories that are probably true, but they are surrounded by what I interpret as made up stories and assumptions from people in the past who did not know Jesus at the time of His youth and thus these stories were not placed as "approved" accounts of Our Lord's life. We learn in the first verse that Joseph AND Mary made the journey to Jerusalem EVERY year for Passover. This is unusual but shows the devotion Joseph and Mary possessed and was probably due to the fact that they knew from Divine experience that their son, Jesus, was the Son of God. Jewish males were obligated to keep three festivals: The festival of unleavened bread called Passover, the festival of booths or Tabernacles, and the festival of weeks or Pentecost. Jewish women were allowed but not required to attend these festivals. Adult Jewish males who lived within 20 miles of Jerusalem were required to attend Passover annualy, while others tried to do it once in their lifetime. The journey from Nazareth would have been costly and a significant trip to take. It was expensive and took a long time to get to Jerusalem from Nazareth. The trip would have taken at least two weeks in travel time alone. We learn that Joseph and Mary are very observant Jews for making the trip every year. We read that Jesus was twelve at this time and since His parents made the trip every year, Jesus would have made this trip yearly with them.

In the next verse we learn:"After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances,"

It seems a little careless that Jesus' parents wouldn't have noticed Him missing for a whole day, but the way these journey's were completed allows us to understand the situation. When journeys like this were made the men stayed together with the men, the women with the women, and the children with the children. Times were simpler and the threat of harm did not exist as it does today. Children would play together and in a day's journey, they probably travelled less then 15 miles.

Then we read:"but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers."

Imagine the panic of parents searching for their child for three days! Jesus was sitting in the temple and sitting was usually a posture for teachers and for students. I don't think that Jesus was sitting in the temple teaching the teachers but he was as we read asking questions. A question and answer type of teaching environment was a staple of Jewish teaching and the Jewish teachers were obviously amazed at the questions AND the answers that came from a twelve year old boy. "All who heard him were astounded" Luke is telling us that even as a small boy, Jesus was already preparing Himself as a teacher who obviously possessed great wisdom and authority as we will later read in Luke. At this time, it must have astounded all who were present to hear the answers and the questions that came from a twelve year old.

Next we read:
"When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety." And he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" 13 But they did not understand what he said to them."

There seems to be a different meaning in this portion of the reading between the reaction of the people in the temple and the reaction of Jesus' parents. The verse states that his parents were "astonished" and astonished means: "filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock". Indeed, his parents were searching for Jesus in Jerusalem for three days...I am sure they were a little upset. The question Mary asks Jesus seems to come out of anguish. It is also unusual for a Jewish mother to confront a son, usually the Jewish father would confront a son. Jesus' answer is interesting. Jesus states that HE MUST be in my Father's house. Jesus is compelled as the Son of God to be in the temple and appropriately gives the title "Father" not to His human father but to the Father, God. We see that with a few words, Jesus at a very young age is establishing among his peers that He is the Son of God and HE MUST fulfill the duty that the Heavenly Father has predestined. Wouldn't these words coming out of the mouth of a twelve year old shock you? I would be disturbed. It approached the line here that as a human boy who is not the Son of God, the Messiah is being disrespectful to his parents. However, if we know that Jesus is the Son of God, then His words are appropriate and right, for the Son of God is the Son of the Father in heaven, and His duty is to His Father, not to Joseph and Mary. We read that Jesus' parents "did not understand what He said to them". Even though Mary and Joseph were visited by Angels, and Mary was conceived by the Holy Spirit, it would have been difficult for any parents to lose their son and find him in a Temple "astounding" people. Mary and Joseph did not have the luxury of reading about their lives in the Gospels. They reacted as any human paretns would even if we had angelic visits, and it would have been confusing, difficult, and maybe even frustrating being parents to the Messiah. Even though Joseph and Mary have had Divine experiences, the full impact and reality of who Jesus was and what would take place, could not have entered their thoughts and minds. These events had not taken place yet.

We read:"He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart."

Notice that the verse says "went down" with them. Jerusalem was on a mountain which is a geographically high place but the temple was also spiritual high ground. I see this verse meaning two things and the most important being that as Jesus became "obedient" to his parents, He had to "come down" from the spiritually high place that He was at in the Temple, and come back to the reality that He was also a human man possessing a tent of flesh as the Messiah who had human parents. This verse shows that Jesus in no way dishonored his parents and broke one of commandments, becuase obedience is honoring one's parents. It might have seemed to be disrespectful to Mary and Joseph for leaving the caravan to go to the temple, but disrespect doesn't lead to sin unless one become disobedient. We know that Jesus is the Messiah and it makes sense that He is indeed in "His Father's house" which was the temple of Jerusalem, but those who do not believe in Jesus being the Messiah cannot use this verse to prove that Jesus sinned, becuase Jesus never dishonored His father or mother and was obedient to them.

Fianlly,"And Jesus advanced (in) wisdom and age and favor before God and man."

Jesus was 100% God and 100% man, but the "man" had to physically mature just as any human has to. We see the Son of God emerge at an early age, but we also see that Jesus had to develop and mature. Jesus did not emerge from the womb of Mary as a man, but he was born as a 100% human and was born as an infant as we are in order to be one of us. This was required for Him to redeem us...He HAD TO be born as one of us and HAD TO die as one of us. We read about His growth and know that Jesus matures into 100% man as He gets older. The verse tells us about the wisdom and favor Jesus is advancing in. What is wisdom? Wisdom is knowledge but goes beyond the understanding of facts. Wisdom involves values and priorities. It invovles understanding of just not what is, but what really matters. Divine favor comes from a realtionship from God, and human favor comes from realtionships with humans. We see that Jesus is growing and developing not only wisdom, but Divine and human realtionships as He possesses the tent of flesh. An amazing reading this week!

God bless all of you this year of Our Lord 2007!

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