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Volume 2, Issue 6Volume 2, Issue 6Volume 2, Issue 6
December, 2013December, 2013December, 2013
Christ ian LifestylesChrist ian LifestylesChrist ian Lifestyles The Newsletter Celebrating The Newsletter Celebrating The Newsletter Celebrating Christian Life in Your CommunityChristian Life in Your CommunityChristian Life in Your Community
2 How Do We Know Jesus Was Born of a Virgin?How Do We Know Jesus Was Born of a Virgin?How Do We Know Jesus Was Born of a Virgin? How Do We Know Jesus Even Existed?How Do We Know Jesus Even Existed?How Do We Know Jesus Even Existed?
Radical SkepticsRadical SkepticsRadical Skeptics
Doubt WhetherDoubt WhetherDoubt Whether
CHRISTCHRISTCHRIST Ever Existed Ever Existed Ever Existed
“There are a number of radical skeptics today who claim
that Jesus did not exist, or they seriously doubt his exist-
ence. However, there are a number of critical problems
with doubting Jesus‟ existence due to the early and abun-
dant evidence that we have of Jesus‟ life and deeds. In fact,
there is almost unanimous consent among critical scholars
today that Jesus existed.
Historical Textual Evidence for Jesus’ ExistenceHistorical Textual Evidence for Jesus’ ExistenceHistorical Textual Evidence for Jesus’ Existence
There are over 42 sources within 150 years after Jesus‟
death which mention his existence and record many events
of his life.1
Nine (9) traditional New Testament authors A. Matthew,
Mark, Luke, John, Paul, Author of Hebrews, James, Peter, and
Jude.
Twenty (20) early Christian writers outside the New Tes-tament: Clement of Rome, 2 Clement, Ignatius, Polycarp,
Martyrdom of Polycarp, Didache, Barnabas, Shepherd of
Hermas, Fragments of Papias, Justin Martyr, Aristides,
Athenagoras, Theophilus of Antioch, Quadratus, Aristo of
Pella, Melito of Sardis, Diognetus, Gospel of Peter, Apoc-
alypse of Peter, and Epistula Apostolorum.
Four (4) heretical writings: Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Truth, Apocryphon of John, and Treatise on Resurrection.
Nine (9) secular sources: Josephus (Jewish historian), Tacitus (Roman historian), Pliny the Younger (Roman
politician), Phlegon (freed slave who wrote histories),
Lucian (Greek satirist), Celsus (Roman philosopher),
Mara Bar Serapion (prisoner awaiting execution), Sueto-
nius, and Thallus.”
More Evidence That Jesus ExistedMore Evidence That Jesus ExistedMore Evidence That Jesus Existed
“Was Jesus an actual person or just a legendary character?
Philosopher Bertrand Russell spoke for radical skeptics eve-
rywhere when he said, „Historically, it is quite doubtful
whether Christ ever existed at all, and if he did we do not
know anything about him‟ (Why I Am Not a Christian). Is
Russell correct? Is it doubtful that Jesus lived?
We have good evidence, like jewels of evidence, about
Jesus from what early non-Christians said about Him. Flavius
Josephus, the most prolific Jewish historian of the first centu-
ry, worked for the Roman emperor Domition as a profession-
al historian. Josephus recorded major historical events, in-
cluding the destructions of Jerusalem in AD 70, and authored
several major works, including Antiquities of the Jews, which
was completed in AD 93. Josephus, who was not a Christian,
wrote:
„At this time there was a wise man who was called Jesus.
And his conduct was good, and he was known to be virtuous.
Many people from among the Jews and other nations be-
came his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified
and to die. And those who had become his disciples did not
abandon his discipleship. They reported that he had ap-
peared to them three days after his crucifixion and that he
was alive; accordingly, he was perhaps the Messiah con-
cerning who the prophets have recounted wonders.‟
Michael Wilkins and J.P. Moreland conclude that, even if
we did not have any Christian writings like those of the
apostles and early church fathers, "we would be able to con-
clude from such non-Christian writings as Josephus, the Tal-
mud, Tacitus, and Pliny the Younger that:
Jesus was a Jewish teacher yet rejected by Jewish lead-ers
Many people believed that he performed healings and exorcisms
He was crucified under Pontius Pilate in the reign of Ti-berius
Despite this shameful death, his followers, who believed that he was still alive, spread beyond Palestine so that
there were multitudes of them in Rome by AD 64
All kinds of people from the cities and countryside - men and women, rich and poor, slave and free - worshiped
him as God by the beginning of the second century.
Dr. Norman Geisler and Frank Turek Noted:Dr. Norman Geisler and Frank Turek Noted:Dr. Norman Geisler and Frank Turek Noted:
„Including Josephus, there are ten known non-Christian
writers who mention Jesus within 150 years of his life. By
contrast, over the same 150 years, there are nine non-
Christian sources who mention Tiberius Caesar, the Roman
emperor [of the known world] at the time of Jesus. So dis-
counting all the Christian sources, Jesus is actually men-
tioned by one more source than the Roman emperor. If you
include the Christian sources, authors mentioning Jesus out-
numbered those who mentioned Tiberius 43 to 10!‟” (p. 108-
109).2
Thus, through careful examination of details supplied by
the prophets, gospel writers, and non- Christian historians, it
is obvious Jesus existed. These sources work hand-in-hand,
as important pieces of history, to provide us with over-
whelming evidence about Jesus‟ life on earth. We can be
sure that Jesus did indeed live. Let us then build upon this
truth to see the other truths about Jesus that the Bible reveals
- His deity and that He is the Savior of the world.
Did Jesus Ever Exist? - http://carm.org/jesus-exist#footnote1_m4hyh9y 1 (Gary Habermas and Michael Licona, The Case for the Resurrection of
Jesus, Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2004, p. 233.) 2 http://www.thinke.org/blog/2012/3/21/who-is-this-jesus.html
Thus Thus Thus
CHRISTCHRISTCHRIST Exist!Exist!Exist!
HE Is Not HE Is Not HE Is Not A Myth!A Myth!A Myth!
HE Is TheHE Is TheHE Is The Messiah! Messiah! Messiah!
3 How Do We Know Jesus Was Born of a Virgin?How Do We Know Jesus Was Born of a Virgin?How Do We Know Jesus Was Born of a Virgin? “The virgin birth is one of the most attacked miracles re-
garding Jesus. These attacks generally fall into two catego-
ries: they either attack the idea of the virgin birth or the
translation of the word „virgin.‟
To many people these days, being born of a virgin sounds
a little too much like the origin of a superhero. They think of
it as nothing more than a legend. But the idea sounded just
as bizarre to Mary. According to Luke 1:34 when the angel
Gabriel announced to Mary that she would give birth to the
Son of God she replied, „How can this be, since I have not
been intimate with a man?‟ The fact that Luke calls her a vir-
gin twice in verse 27 helps set the stage for Mary‟s skeptical
reaction. And Matthew 1:18 tells us the same thing: Mary had
not had the kind of relationship that would leave her preg-
nant.
However, Gabriel‟s response to Mary is very telling: “For
nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). The peo-
ple who reject the virgin birth do so because they don‟t
think miracles are possible. To them, Jesus was not God, He
was just a good teacher. But the evidence for the resurrec-
tion and the arguments for the existence of God give us ex-
cellent reasons to think God exists and Jesus was God incar-
nate. And if there are excellent reasons to think God exists
then miracles are possible. To reject the possibility of mira-
cles is simply an anti-supernatural bias.
The other way of attacking the virgin birth is to attack the
translation of the word „virgin.‟ Matthew 1:22 claims the vir-
gin birth took place to fulfill the prophecy found in Isaiah
7:14. And in verse 23, Matthew quotes the prophecy as say-
ing, „…the virgin will become pregnant…‟ The question is:
Did the word Isaiah used mean virgin? Hebrew has a specific
word for „virgin,‟ but Isaiah didn‟t use it. Instead he used a
word meaning „young woman.‟ Virginity is often a part of
what this word means, but not necessarily. The argument is
that Matthew is making Isaiah say something he didn‟t mean.
But this argument fails because Matthew is quoting from
the Greek translation of the Old Testament, and the word
used there specifically means virgin. The Greek translation
was made by Jewish scholars about 250 years before Jesus
was born. They knew what tradition said Isaiah meant by the
term and translated it „virgin.‟ Matthew‟s use of virgin is an
accurate translation.
Lastly, the virgin birth provides a way for us to connect
some dots. If Jesus came to die for the sins of His people
(Matthew 1:21), He would have to be sinless. To be a proper
sacrifice He would also have to be fully human to fulfill the
law perfectly. And to be able to pay for sin he would have to
be fully divine. The virgin birth provides a way for a fully
divine Jesus to be born fully human but without inheriting a
sinful nature from Adam‟s fall.”
Doug Powell, Posted on November 10, 2011 by Apologia, https://
blog.apologia.com/blog/2011/11/10/how-do-we-know-jesus-was-born-of
-a-virgin/
The Lost Years The Lost Years The Lost Years
“Among history's most fascinating
mysteries is the Bible's silence about
Jesus Christ's early life. In the gospel of
Mark, for instance, Jesus springs into
the story as a thirty-year-old man being
baptized and beginning His life's work
of preaching the gospel of the Kingdom
of God. The apostle John's account is not
so abrupt, although he, too, glosses
over the first three decades of Christ's
life in a matter of a few dozen—albeit
doctrinally rich—verses. As his book
opens, the beloved disciple immediate-
ly hits the reader with the astounding
fact of Jesus' identity as the Word of
God, the pre-incarnate Creator God,
who „became flesh and dwelt among
us‟ (John 1:14). Then, like Mark, John
skips to the ministry of John the Baptist
and Jesus' baptism.
Matthew and Luke, however, tantalize
us with a scene or two of His early
years, but hardly enough to satisfy en-
quiring minds. Both of these gospel
writers record accounts of events sur-
rounding His birth, from the angel's an-
nouncement to Mary that she would
have a Son conceived of the Holy Spirit
(Luke 1:26-38) to the family's return
from Egypt after fleeing Herod's mur-
derous anger (Matthew 2:13-21).
One scene of His early years is rec-
orded in the Gospel of Luke. The occa-
sion when, at twelve years old, He re-
mained behind at the Temple in Jerusa-
lem to listen to and question the teach-
ers there (Luke 2:41-50). The large com-
pany of His relatives travel for a whole
day before Joseph and Mary realized
Jesus is not among them. They hurried
back to Jerusalem, and once they found
Him, scolded Him for scaring them, He
asked, „Why did you seek Me?‟...„I must
be about My Father's business?' But they
did not understand what He meant.” excerpts from http://www.biblicaljesus.org/index.cfm/
fuseaction/basics.tour/ID/6/Lost-Years.htm#ixzz2htSH9hPZ
Why Were Jesus’ Early Years Such A Mystery?Why Were Jesus’ Early Years Such A Mystery?Why Were Jesus’ Early Years Such A Mystery?
“Everyone who heard him was amazed
at his understanding and his answers.
One day his parents searched for him,
and were astonished at what they saw.
„Why were you searching for me?‟
„Didn‟t you know I had to be in my Fa-
ther‟s house? ‟” Luke 2:47, 48a & 49Luke 2:47, 48a & 49Luke 2:47, 48a & 49
H o w W e r e P e o p l e S a v e d B e f o r e C h r i s t ?H o w W e r e P e o p l e S a v e d B e f o r e C h r i s t ?H o w W e r e P e o p l e S a v e d B e f o r e C h r i s t ? 4
Faith Alone, in Christ AloneFaith Alone, in Christ AloneFaith Alone, in Christ Alone “As Christians, we believe that we are saved by the grace
of God, through faith in the Savior Jesus Christ; It‟s faith
alone, in Christ alone. Salvation then, is dependent on some-
thing that God has done for us rather than something that we
do for ourselves. We know that our good works simply can-
not save us, and we also recognize that Jesus did everything
that needs to be done for us; He died on the cross to pay the
price for our sin. From the Christian worldview, God not on-
ly exists, but He has done something to save us and all He
requires is that we place our faith in Jesus for our salvation.
But what about all those people who lived and died before
Jesus was ever born? If faith in Jesus is required, how could
they be saved prior to his appearance? Well, those who
lived before Jesus were saved in exactly the same way that
you and I are saved; by the grace of God and through their
faith in the Savior! Those who lived before Jesus understood
grace and they placed their faith in a coming Redeemer…
They Understood GraceThey Understood GraceThey Understood Grace These early believers loved God and wanted to live with
him forever. They listened closely to the words of God as
they were revealed by the prophets and the scripture. As a
result, they understood the nature of grace. David, for exam-
ple, wrote about God‟s forgiveness and grace:
Psalm 32:1Psalm 32:1Psalm 32:1---5 5 5
„How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose
sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the Lord
does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no de-
ceit! When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away
through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your
hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was drained away as
with the fever heat of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin
to You, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, „I will confess
my transgressions to the Lord‟; and You forgave the guilt of
my sin.‟ Selah.
David was fully aware of the nature of God‟s free gift of sal-
vation, and Paul makes this clear to us when he describes
the knowledge that David had in this regard:
Romans 4:6Romans 4:6Romans 4:6---888 „…just as David also speaks of the blessing upon the man
to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works:
„Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven,
and whose sins have been covered. Blessed is the man
whose sin the Lord will not take into account.‟
David clearly understood that all of us are sinners who
must be saved by the Grace of God (as Paul says, „apart from
works‟). David wasn‟t the only ancient believer who knew
that they were going to be saved by their faith, even though
the Savior had not yet arrived. The New Testament tells us
that all our heroes of faith understood the role that faith
played in their salvation:
Hebrews 11:13Hebrews 11:13Hebrews 11:13
„All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but
having seen them and having welcomed them from a dis-
tance, and having confessed that they were strangers and
exiles on the earth.‟
These ancient believers certainly knew that their good
works couldn‟t save them; like Isaiah, they knew that their
„goodness‟ wasn‟t „good enough‟:
Isaiah 64:6Isaiah 64:6Isaiah 64:6
„For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all
our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; and all of us
wither like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us
away.‟
Ancient believers also knew that God‟s standard was im-
possibly high. They knew that when compared to God, they
fell far short of the mark, and like David, they knew that even
animal sacrifices weren‟t going to ultimately please a Holy
God:
Psalm 40:6Psalm 40:6Psalm 40:6
„Sacrifice and meal offering Thou hast not desired; My ears
Thou hast opened; Burnt offering and sin offering Thou hast
not required.‟
They expected a Messiah. The ancient believers knew that
their own works were repeatedly insufficient in the eyes of a
Holy God. With the limited knowledge of God that was given
to them at the time, they understood that God would have to
do something dramatic to save them. The followers of God
who lived before Jesus placed their faith in the coming Sav-
ior who was described from the earliest of times. God told
Adam and Eve that one of their descendants would eventual-
ly defeat Satan…
Genesis 3:15Genesis 3:15Genesis 3:15
„And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and
between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the
head, and you shall bruise him on the heel.‟
Abraham understood that God would provide a sacrifice
for sin, just as he understood that God would provide the
substitutionary sacrifice to replace his own son when God
called Abraham to sacrifice Isaac:
Genesis 22:8Genesis 22:8Genesis 22:8
„And Abraham said, „God will provide for Himself the lamb
for the burnt offering, my son. So the two of them walked on
together.‟
Looking back, thousands of years later, Paul reminds us
that Abraham‟s faith saved him. Abraham took Isaac to the
point of the sacrifice, fully expecting that God, in His good-
ness, would provide the „lamb.‟”
excerpts taken from www.pleaseconvinceme.com/2012/how-were-people-saved-before-christ/
AFTERAFTERAFTER
HEARTHEARTHEART The Life of DavidThe Life of DavidThe Life of David
GOD’SGOD’SGOD’S
AbrahamAbrahamAbraham & & &
IsaacIsaacIsaac
H o w W e r e P e o p l e S a v e d B e f o r e C h r i s t ?H o w W e r e P e o p l e S a v e d B e f o r e C h r i s t ?H o w W e r e P e o p l e S a v e d B e f o r e C h r i s t ? 5 W a s C h r i s t m a s N e c e s s a r y ?W a s C h r i s t m a s N e c e s s a r y ?W a s C h r i s t m a s N e c e s s a r y ? “Christmas was required in God‟s plan because the right-
eous life He requires was not attained by Adam or any of his
fallen descendants. God, prompted by grace, chose to fulfill
the holy human standard Himself.
The incarnate Deity chose to live the life we should have
lived—the perfect childhood, the spotless teenage years
and the righteous adult life. Had we been able to present to
the Father the righteous life He requires so that we could
perfectly enjoy His presence and His presents, God would
not have needed to become a man and live among us. But
we couldn‟t, so He did.
Were it only our sins that needed a payment, Christ could
have arrived on the day of His crucifixion. But our deficien-
cies were more than our acts of transgression (Doing the
things we shouldn‟t do)—
„Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.‟ Psalm 32:1
„Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count
against them.‟ Romans 4:8
„Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the
wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the com-
pany of mockers,‟ Psalm 1:1
Our problems included the „falling short of his glo-
ry‟ (Failing to do the things we should do)—
„For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,‟
Romans 3:23
„Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one
who does what is right and never sins.‟ Ecclesiastes 7:20
„If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and
the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and
just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all un-
righteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him
out to be a liar and his word is not in us.‟ 1 John 1:8-10
It is with gratitude that we celebrate His advent as an in-
fant, because we know that as our sins were atoned for on
the cross, so it was that all our human deficits began to be
rectified by one perfectly-lived life starting that very night in
Bethlehem.”
excerpts taken from the “Christmas Plan” by Focal Point Ministries
(used by permission).http://www.jesus.org/is-jesus-god/christophany-
and-incarnation/why-was-christmas-necessary.html
Why Is Christmas A GiftWhy Is Christmas A GiftWhy Is Christmas A Gift---Giving Season?Giving Season?Giving Season?
“Christmas is the great season of gift-giving. A gift is seen
to be all the more precious when we recognize this essential
fact: it is a gift, it didn‟t have to be given at all. Moreover, the
gift becomes even more cherished when we realize that oth-
er gifts might have been given in its place, especially if we
see that the gift we have received is particularly suited to
our needs and desires.
Christmas is not only a time of giving and receiving gifts, it
is the time in which we recall the greatest Gift which God
has given us—His Son. While it is true that “one ought never
to look a gift-horse in the mouth,1” it is also true that we
Christians are called to meditate upon the Incarnation and
the Birth of Christ—we are not doubting or critiquing, we are
meditating and wondering at the grace of God.
The Gift of Christmas is all the more precious when we rec-
ognize that it need not have been given at all—absolutely, it
was not necessary that God should redeem us, nor less that
he should redeem us through the particular means of the
Incarnation. Even given that He chose to save us through the
Incarnation, the whole mystery could have been accom-
plished in any number of ways. And yet, from among all the-
se possibilities, from among all these possible gifts, God has
chosen to give us this particular Gift—the Gift of His Son, the
Gift of a Child; and, through this Messiah, the Almighty has
given us salvation.” http://newtheologicalmovement.blogspot.com/2010/12/was-christmas-necessary.html
Expression TriviaExpression TriviaExpression Trivia
1 The expression “Don‟t look a gift-horse in the mouth origi-
nated in England around 1546. The meaning is ‟Don't be un-
grateful when you receive a gift. This is one of many proverbs
that are 'short and expressive sayings, in common use, which
are recognized as conveying some accepted truth or useful
advice'. This example, also often expressed as 'never look a
„given‟ horse in the mouth', is as pertinent today as it ever was.
As horses develop they grow more teeth and their existing
teeth begin to change shape and project further forward. De-
termining a horse's age and assessing the horse‟s value from
examining its teeth is a specialist task, but it can be done. This
incidentally is also the source of another teeth/age related
phrase—‟Long in the tooth.‟
The advice given in the 'Don't look a gift-horse in the mouth'
proverb is: when receiving a gift, be grateful for what it is;
don't imply you wished for more by assessing its value. http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/don't-look-a-gift-horse-in-the-mouth.html
Righteous Righteous Righteous
LivingLivingLiving
777
History of Black Women History of Black Women History of Black Women
Wearing Hats at ChurchWearing Hats at ChurchWearing Hats at Church
by Winona Rasheed
“For many African-American women, looking your best
from head to toe is important when going to church, and the
hat is one of the most crucial features. The act of covering
your head during worship has its roots in scripture. Since, it
has become a tradition for many women who want to show
respect to God while adding some pizzazz to their presence.
The Eight Commandments of Hat Wearing
Dressed in Sunday's Best
I. Thou shalt not wear a hat wider than the shoulders.
II. Thou shalt not wear a hat a shade darker than the shoes.
III. Thou shalt only wear hats with the colors of white, cream and pastels for Easter. And dark colors for Christmas.
IV. Thou shalt not wear a hat with crumpled, wrinkled or droopy feathers or flowers. (That would just be plain tacky.)
V. Thou shall look tasteful and tidy when wearing "the hat."
VI. Thou shall remember thy bone structure. If a hat doesn't fit the face, don't buy it.
VII. Thou shalt not allow a hat to compete with accessories and jewelry.
VIII. Thou shall let the hat be the focal point of the outfit.
Dressing for Church Service
It is imperative for many African-American women to look
their grandest when going before God. Today, it is most of-
ten the older women who dress the grandest on Sunday
mornings.
For many of these women and their ancestors, dressing up
for church was one of the few opportunities they had to re-
move domestic aprons and house dresses. These drab gar-
ments were replaced by bright colors, fancy shoes and elab-
orate hats that would stand out in a crowd. Style and sophisti-
cation would rule the day.
From Slavery to the 21st Century
The hat tradition began with the writings of the Apostle
Paul, who said women must cover their heads when they
come to worship (1 Corinthians 11:1-16). During the time of
slavery, black women dressed for church rather simply,
sprucing up their worn hats for Sunday service.
Now that African-American women have come so far
through years of struggles, pain and suffering, part of the hat
tradition celebrates their confidence and independence. As
black women began earning good livings, they treated
themselves to new hats, gloves and purses to match. The hat
became a status symbol, showing triumph over the hard-
ships.
Not Just Any Hat
Hat shopping is serious business. Just any old hat won't do.
Women will scour boutiques for one that's special and
unique. It will be big, elaborate, chic and a bit on the flashy
side.
The church ladies strive for a stunning appearance, with
colors and fabric that match from top to bottom, including
accessories. The hat will tie the entire outfit together and
give it the "wow" factor their looking for. Regardless of how
they appear during the weekdays, on Sundays African-
American women want to look like a queen.
Hats and the Elder Women
With today's hairstyles such as braids, twists and dreads,
the big elaborate hats are taking a back seat -- especially
with the younger generations of black women. The new hair-
styles are too big and bulky to accommodate the hat. The
culture and tradition remains, however, for elder black fe-
males. Many of them wouldn't be caught at any special occa-
sion without their fabulous hat. Going without would be like
walking around naked, and that would be just unacceptable.” http://www.ehow.com/print/about_5374431_history-women-wearing-
hats-church.html
W h a t D o e s T h e B i b l e S a y A b o u t W e a r i n g H a t s ?W h a t D o e s T h e B i b l e S a y A b o u t W e a r i n g H a t s ?W h a t D o e s T h e B i b l e S a y A b o u t W e a r i n g H a t s ?
Mrs. Erma Sims, Hays Tabernacle CME Church, Los Angeles, CAMrs. Erma Sims, Hays Tabernacle CME Church, Los Angeles, CAMrs. Erma Sims, Hays Tabernacle CME Church, Los Angeles, CA
“Let everything that hath
breath praise the Lord,....
Even the brute creatures, as
in a preceding; but more es-
pecially man, in whom God
has breathed the breath of
life, and is become not only a
living but a rational soul; and
more especially spiritual
men, converted persons,
whether Jews or Gentiles; on
whom the Spirit of the Lord
has breathed, and whom he
has quickened; and who
breathe in prayer after di-
vine things; and who also
have abundant reason to
bless and praise his name for
what he has bestowed upon
them, and has in reserve for
them; and for which they
should praise him as long as
they have breath;” Gill’s Ex-
position of the Entire Bible
"And every creature which
is in heaven, and on the
earth, and under the earth,
and such as are in the sea,
and all that are in them,
heard I saying, Blessing, and
honor, and glory, and power,
be unto him that sitteth upon
the throne, and unto the
Lamb for ever and ever;"
Revelation 5:13
W h o S h a l l P r a i s e T h e L o r d ? W h o S h a l l P r a i s e T h e L o r d ? W h o S h a l l P r a i s e T h e L o r d ?
“Let Every Thing That Has “Let Every Thing That Has “Let Every Thing That Has
Breath Praise The Lord.” Breath Praise The Lord.” Breath Praise The Lord.” Psalm 150:6Psalm 150:6Psalm 150:6
On The EdgeOn The EdgeOn The Edge
Thank You Lord for Your WordThank You Lord for Your WordThank You Lord for Your Word
Our Human Condition On “Celebrating Beginnings ”
“Often we tire of hoping for a time when there will be peace
because there is also justice, when the good is not threatened by
evil, and when joy has dispelled anxiety. Yet we keep hoping
because we must, for without hope we would be powerless.
The festal joy at Christmas can continue after the decorations
are packed up. Without celebration and gratitude the disciple‟s
life easily becomes a grim and joyless determination to get on
with life. It need not be that way. Above all, give God thanks for
the whole event of Jesus, not just for His birth.”
- from Jesus In The Gospels, Disciple 2nd Generation Studies
“Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and all that move in
them,.” Psalm 69:34
“Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song,
you mountains! For the Lord comforts His people and will have
compassion on His afflicted ones.” Isaiah 49:13
“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains
and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the
field will clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12
Christian HumorChristian HumorChristian Humor
California Christmas DishCalifornia Christmas DishCalifornia Christmas Dish
Fruit SaladFruit SaladFruit Salad
Ingredients:
3 c Seedless grapes, half cuts
3 Tangerines, peeled and
sectioned, and half cuts
1 Cantaloupe melon, balled
20 Raspberries
Juice of 2 lemons
A hefty Tbs. of honey
1/2 c of fresh mint, chopped
Directions:
Mix grapes, tangerines, and melon
in a large bowl.
Whisk together lemon and honey.
Mix in mint. Pour liquid mixture over fruit.
Sprinkle raspberries over top.
Garnish with a few mint leaves. A Very Special Reminder for ChristmasA Very Special Reminder for ChristmasA Very Special Reminder for Christmas
Farmers’ TableFarmers’ TableFarmers’ Table
8
A woman takes her 16-
year-old daughter to the doctor. The doctor says,
"Okay, Mrs. Jones, what's the problem?" The mother
says, "It's my daughter Dar-la. She keeps getting these
cravings, she's putting on weight, and is sick most
mornings." The doctor gives Darla a good examination,
then turns to the mother and says, "Well, I don't know
how to tell you this, but your Darla is pregnant-about 4
months, would be my guess." The mother says,
"Pregnant?! She can't be, she has never ever been left
alone with a man! Have you, Darla?" Darla says, "No
mother! I've never even kissed a man!" The doctor
walked over to the window and just stares out of it.
About five minutes pass and finally the mother says, "Is
there something wrong out there doctor?" The doctor
replies, "No, not really, it's just that the last time any-
thing like this happened, a star appeared in the east
and three wise men came over the hill. I'll be darned if
I'm going to miss it this
time!"
Two men strike up a con-versation at the Pearly Gates. "How'd you die?" the first man asks the second. "I froze to death," says the se-cond. "That's awful," says the first man. "It's very un-comfortable at first," says the second man. "You get the shakes, pains in all your fingers and toes, but eventu-ally, it's a very calm way to go. You got numb and you drift off, as if you're sleep-ing. How about you, how did you die?" "I had a heart attack today." says the first man. "You see, I knew my wife was cheating on me, so I showed up at home today unexpectedly. I ran upstairs into the bedroom, and found her alone, knitting. I rushed downstairs to the basement, but no one was hiding there. I ran up to the second floor, but found no one there ei-ther. I went as fast as I could to the attic, and just as I got there, I had a massive heart attack and died." The se-cond man shakes his head. "That's so ironic," he says. "What do you mean?" asks the first man. "Wow, if you had only stopped to look in the freezer, we'd both be still alive."
The Newsletter Celebrating The Newsletter Celebrating The Newsletter Celebrating Christian Life in Your CommunityChristian Life in Your CommunityChristian Life in Your Community
Christ ian LifestylesChrist ian LifestylesChrist ian Lifestyles
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