Most of us have heard of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:1-20), and the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-40). What we don’t hear much about, however, is the Great Mandate found in 1 Corinthians 15:24-28. This powerful passage gives us clues to the over-all purpose of God found in Jesus Christ. Stop for a moment and allow the Holy Spirit to teach you as you carefully read these five verses. Consider verse 24:

“Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom Read More | Comments

As we start out the New Year, I find it particularly important to consider how exactly we interpret God’s Word. The Bible remains the most timeless book of all time. Written over the course of 1,500 years, penned by more than 40 different authors, and yet keeping a consistent message and theme throughout, the Word of God is truly timeless. In view of our ever-changing culture, it’s refreshing to know that the God’s Word will never change. As we begin 2011, I would suggest that you do your own personal study and come to a conclusion as to how you personally, your church, home groups, or chrisitian organization actually interprets the Word of God.

Have you ever heard someone say,“The Bible can be intrepreated in lots of different ways. There are many valid opinions as to what it actually means.”

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Signs are always helpful and effective. Signs like: “Keep Out”, “Open”, ‘Detour,” “Help Wanted,” “Child Sleeping,” or “In Session,” all communicate something and provide directional clarification.

It’s interesting to me that surrounding the birth of Christ there were four signs:
(1) the sign of the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14)
(2) the sign of the guiding star (Matthew 2:2)
(3) the sign of the swaddling clothes (Luke 2:12)
(4) the sign of the stumbling stone (Luke 2:34-35)

The first sign is found in Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call him Emmanuel.” This son would be like no other person.  He would be Emmanuel, “God with us!” The sign of the virgin birth, more correctly stated, the virgin conception, was biologically impossible without a mighty miracle of divine creation. This miraculous incarnation assures us that the omnipotent God has entered the human family once and for all. This miraculous sign points to the miracle of our spiritual birth that only comes about because of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Titus 3:4,5 speaks of the miracle of the incarnation with respect to our salvation: “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit…”

The second sign, the star, has been the subject of much speculation.  I will not go into the various views on this, but Scripture is clear that this was a literal star (See Matthew 2:2). What is so intriguing about this historical account is the fact that these Gentiles were wise enough to seek for the King of the Jews that was predicted in the Word of God.   They were magi, who were members of the priestly caste in Persia, and who were experts in astronomy, astrology, and the Old Testament. Daniel and Mordecai had a profound influence on the Persian kings, so the magi could reasonably conclude that this spectacular star was, indeed, “his star” (Matthew 2:2). Even though the text of Scripture does not say the star was a sign, it is fair to conclude that God used it to bring the magi to look for the “King of the Jews.”

So today “wise seekers” will seek out the prophecies of old to discover the hidden realities of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, God’s anointed one.

Even the Psalmist states that the heavens declare the glory of God, and Paul in Romans 1:20 say that “… the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.”

We do not need the sign of the star… we simply ought to respond to physical creation and glorify Him as the true God! (See Romans 1:21).

The third sign is the sign of swaddling clothes. “And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.” – Luke 2:12

Who would have thought the “King of the Jews”, the “Messiah,” the “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords,” would be born in such humble conditions? Yet this is a crucial ingredient in the message of Christmas. We do not find our purpose, joy, fulfillment, destiny, status or power but we find our strength and reward by approaching the birth of Christ with humility, awe, and contrition.

“The humble shall see this (salvation), and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God.” – Psalm 69:32

The fourth sign is the sign of the stumbling stone. Scriptures says, “…This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.” – Luke 2:34. The opposition that would mark the entire life of Christ would begin with his birth, as Herod would unsuccessfully seek to slay Him.  Many would fall over this “rock of offense” in Israel (See 1 Peter 2:8) as Jesus carried out His Father’s will.

This sign points to the reality that each of us has an opportunity to respond to the complete message of Jesus Christ. For those that walk daily and consistently in his light, we will be lifted up to the place where we live not for our own desires but to fulfill His powerful purposes.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” –  Ephesians 2:10

This Christmas would you remember these four signs surrounding the birth of Christ?

The sign of the Virgin Birth reminds us of our spiritual birth.The sign of the star reminds us that true seekers still seek him.The sign of the swaddling clothes reminds us that surrender is essential.
The sign of the stumbling stone reminds us that we are to remain steadfast.

May you follow these signs to build your faith and strengthen your heart this Christmas!

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?  We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.’” – Matthew 2:2

Herod was an Edomite and the Edomites were the descendants of Esau. Jacob and Esau, who began warring in their mother’s womb, continued their battle throughout history. This war began between the sons of Jacob—Israel versus the sons of Esau—the Edomites.  And we find them still at war in Matthew Chapter 2 as a son of Esau, Herod, is trying to slaughter a Son of Jacob, Jesus.

The “wise men” were members of the priestly caste in Persia, who were experts in astronomy and astrology and were well versed in the Old Testament. These magi were most likely influenced by Daniel the prophet while he was in captivity in Babylon.

Herod considered himself “King of the Jews.”  These Persian magi were very important and powerful leaders in the great Persian Empire, which had never been subjugated by Rome.  They probably appeared in Jerusalem with a large entourage and thus gained quick access to Herod’s court.  In fact, there is some historical indication that Persia was at this time threatening Rome along the Eastern boundaries of the Roman Empire. No wonder Herod was “troubled, and all Jerusalem with him,” (2:3) at the suggestion that Persia might be about to throw its support to a new Jewish king.

These “magi,” came to “worship him.” (Matthew 2:11)  Worship means, “to bow, or bend the knee with the offering and giving of gift or service.”  We see this in the first recorded act of public worship in the Bible in Genesis 4:1-5, when Cain and Abel came to give to the LORD their offerings. Worship always involves obedience that is motivated by a humble heart and a contrite spirit.

The wise men understood they were in the presence of royalty and therefore expressed their worship by giving gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Not only did the gifts honor Jesus for who he was, but also those gifts were a financial boost for this young family as they escaped and lived in Egypt.

Gold was probably an indication that they recognized him as a mighty King since gold is a metal associated with kingly rule.  By bringing frankincense, the spice used by priests, they were acknowledging the young babe would someday fulfill the office of Priest. By giving Myrrh, being the spice used in burials, the wise men acknowledged Jesus would be a martyred Prophet.

The three-fold office of the Messiah is seen in the gifts of the wise men: gold for a Mighty King, frankincense for a Ministering Priest, and myrrh for a Martyred Prophet.

“Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14

Over the years some have looked at this verse with skepticism in regards to the use of the word, “virgin.” Some would have us believe that it ought to be translated “young unmarried woman.” This really is just a device to avoid the miracle of Christ’s virgin birth. The word actually refers specifically to a “maiden”, that is, to a young woman who is unmarried and sexually chaste and thus has virginity as one of her characteristics.

The name Immanuel, “God with us,” is the message of the sign. It is so important that Matthew translates it for his readers in Matthew 1:23.

Emmanuel (the same as “Immanuel” except spelled with an E) is Jesus’ name descriptively but it was never spoken to Him directly. You’ll never read in Scripture about someone saying, “Emmanuel, come over here please.” You’ll hear them say, “Jesus,” “Rabbi,” or “Master,” but never Emmanuel. This name Emmanuel is a descriptive title of the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ—God with us. Emmanuel clearly describes the perfect holiness of God with all of His righteous attributes. Perhaps this is the reason during the millennial Kingdom Jesus will be called, “Yahweh-Tsidkenu,” or “the LORD is our righteousness!” (See Jeremiah 33:16).

Yahweh (Self-existent One) is not only righteous Himself but has declared us to be righteous as well! Not on the basis of anything that we have done or because of anything intrinsically good within us but rather, because of Jesus’ obedience to the Father in going to the cross on our behalf. (See Romans 5:19)

Isaiah 9:6,7 is another prophecy that elaborates further on the concept of Immanuel, the child born to the virgin (7:14). The virgin child will also be the royal Son of David with rights to the Davidic throne. This coming King is clearly divine, for there has not been any king in the Davidic line that was like the one described here in Isaiah 9.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

While on our trip to the Middle East last month, our guide in Israel was a wonderful God-fearing archeologist named Ruthie. We grew to love her in a matter of days. She was extremely knowledgeable and had guided tours for notable people like Bible scholar Chuck Missler, Hal Lindsey, Mike Huckabee, and even Pat Boone. I call her God-fearing because she would say things like, “Never question the Bible, always question yourself.”

As we were driving at the end of our trip, I asked her, “Ruthie, why is it that you do not accept Christ as the Messiah?” She thought about it for a moment and then said, “He does not fulfill all the prophecies found in Isaiah!” I thought more about that and in some sense I could understand what she was saying. The prophecy of Isaiah 9 has only partially been fulfilled. Christ the Messiah does not have “the government upon his shoulder,”…at least not yet. The Thousand Year Reign known as the Millennium will bring this prophecy to fulfillment (See Revelation 20:2). I asked her what her Messiah would do and she said, “Deliver Israel from her enemies and bring about lasting peace.” She then said something profound, “Perhaps when your Messiah comes back he will be my Messiah too.”

Friends, never underestimate the power of subversive questions. I use the word subversive not in the negative or destructive sense but to refer to questions that motivate people and encourage them to re-conceptualize long held positions. When asked with sincerity and love we get very insightful answers from others!