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Christmas Lights (John 1:1-9 KJV) “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” Once a year American Christians, as well as non-believers, celebrate Christmas by stringing lights around their houses and trees. These lights shine mainly as an illumination of the holiday season and its festivities. But the true light is Christ in the life of those who trust in Him as Lord and live to be His witnesses all year long. (Matt 5:14-16 KJV) “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Are we shining the Light of Christ in this dark world? Do we share the gifts that God has freely given to us with this lost and dying generation, or do we keep them to ourselves? Jesus told us that He not only has given us salvation, but has also given us the Holy Spirit. He said that upon receiving His Spirit, we would receive power to be witnesses for Him everywhere we go. Is that happening? Are we staying powered up? Are our wicks trimmed and our lamps glowing? We should be thankful, and take full advantage of the fact that we can share Jesus Christ with practically anyone, anywhere, here in the United States without many negative consequences. So why don’t we live to witness? (Matt 5:11-12 KJV) “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Could it be that there is not a lot of resistance to the Christian witness in America, because there is not a lot of Christian witness? There is only one way to find out; begin to witness like never before! There is a movement in China called “The Way of the Cross”. Pastors, and other Christian believers who will not deny their faith even to the point of being imprisoned use that slogan. Almost 100 Chinese Christians per week are now being placed in prison for sharing their faith. While in prison, these martyrs are first beaten, and then made to labor for 16 to 22 hours per day producing Christmas lights that are sold all over the world, but mainly to the United States of America. They are given 1 glass of water per day to use either to drink, or to bath with. These harsh treatments are administered for one reason only, and that is to get them to stop witnessing. In fact all they need to do to be released at any time during their incarceration and torture is deny Christ and vow never to talk to anyone about Him. They continue to suffer because Christ is worth more to them than any earthly freedom. They are shining brighter than the lights America buys from their persecutors. This Christmas may we shine as the true Christmas lights no matter what it costs us. -Kurt Thurston December Newsletter 2002 | Presents or Presence | Spiritual Intimacy Pastor's Journal December 2001 | Christmas Lights | Destined to Become part 3 of 3 |
Biblical Counseling for Leaders
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