We Should Celebrate the “Life” of Jesus Instead of His Birth

By Dan Williams
Harding University

This is the time of year when people are focused on the birth of Christ, and it is easy to understand why. It is an appealing story, what with the angelic announcements, the baby in a manger, shepherds leaving their flocks in the field to hurry to Bethlehem to ooh and aah over Mary’s little lamb, and wise men arriving bearing gifts. I am always thankful that people have this annual opportunity to consider the Incarnation, for in the birth of Christ we truly see heaven touching earth. I would, however, add three caveats.

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On the Wrong Side of Christmas

By Fenter Northern

MUCH OF THIS SHATTERED, DISCONTENTED, BELLIGERENT WORLD IS ABOUT TO CELEBRATE A DAY IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST.

One may wonder, because from observation it seems still to be the other side of the birth of Jesus. If they could get on the right side of the birth of Christ it would solve all their troubles. They world is still back before Jesus birth, stumbling in the dark because they love it more than they do the real meaning of Christmas. The world loves the holiday, but not the meaning of it.

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The Pendulum’s Final Swing

By Fenter Northern

IN MY STUDIES AND CONTEMPLATION OF HISTORY, I KNOW EVENTS SWING FROM THE LEFT TO THE RIGHT AND BACK AGAIN IN THE SOCIETY OF MEN. I wonder today, perhaps because I am in the midst of this modern era and do not have the advantage of hindsight for our day, —I wonder if the pendulum has not swung too far—or at least farther than ever before in our society away from serous thoughts about a conscience existence after we leave this place.

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Is Christianity Losing out in the 21st Century?

By Fenter Northern

We Christians can allow ourselves to become pessimistic with all the doleful headlines and dally media behaving so irresponsibly. Partyism has relinquished all restraints and gloom and doom seem everywhere.

However, the Christian must keep in mind two facts; while we must admit disappointment is most everywhere, things are no-where near what they were before God graced history with the fact of Jesus who came when they were nailing people to the cross if they were viewed as religious or political threats. Second, for Christians, Jesus meets all the negativism around us.

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In the Crucible of Cultural Change

By Fenter Northern

“So then, brothers, stand firm, and cling to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.” ~ 2 Thess. 2:15

The blustery winds of cultural change are blowing havoc around the world. Our nation is no exception. Sadly, the Christian religion is caught in the vortex of global humanism which always prospers most in nations experiencing a period of prosperity as our great nation has since WWII.

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ENTERING GOD’S REST

By David Phillips

God’s Word tell us of the many parallels between our lives on earth and Israel’s journey to the promised land. Hebrews 4:1 reminds us to be careful, lest we come short of it. These 5 elements can be identified in both their journey, as well as ours:

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Humbly Grateful or Grumbly Hateful?

By Jim Mettenbrink

Thanksgiving Day! Recently stated was folks who live at the poverty level in the USA have more living space than the European middle class. A few years ago, the comparison revealed the standard of living for American people living at the poverty level is better than 80% of the rest of the world. We live in the lap of luxury and yet so many are dissatisfied and unhappy. Pop quiz! – “Are you humbly grateful or grumbly hateful?”

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Social Media

By Kathy Pollard

Social media is pretty great. Apparently, a lot of people think so since literally billions of people use it. I love staying connected with long-distance friends and family, seeing what God is doing the world over, and laughing out loud over a hilarious meme. It’s wonderful being able to post a prayer request or read an encouraging status. But social media can also be misused. Wasting time, ranting, sowing discord, getting involved in an ungodly relationship, or promoting self are a few examples of being a poor influence through our activities on social media.

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War to End All Wars – Really?

by Jim Mettenbrink

The last few days have been devoted to remembering those who died in wars. Emphasis is given to the beginning of Veterans day, following WWI, the “war to end all wars.” That “end” did not happen and never will. Such a phrase reflects ignorance of God and perhaps an even denial of the consequence of our own sinfulness. Ignorance of God and His actions come from one failure – Biblical ignorance.

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No Greater Gift

By Fenter Northern

“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” ~ Acts 2:38

Only God could know how many times the above text has been quoted in gospel meetings as well as on other occasions in the Lord’s church. It is not heard as much anymore. Think of yourself as well as your loved ones who upon hearing that preached placed themselves under Jesus’ Lordship and trusted in the promise to receive into their hearts the Holy Spirit. This means God’s Holy Spirit took residence in the inner man, the most stupendous gift, awesome honor, and magnificent grace that could ever happen to a person.

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