The center of our preaching is Christ. We preach the whole written Word of God, yet recognizing always that the essence of our message is the Incarnate Word. We must make it “clear” that our witness is not self-help or improvement through human effort or rule-keeping, but Jesus our Sacrifice, Jesus our Savior, Jesus our Sovereign. A clear and simple testimony about Jesus is the essence of truly prophetic preaching.
This is just one of the over 300 Messianic prophecies fulfilled in Christ. This one was fulfilled in Judas’ betrayal of Jesus (Matt.27). Yet, not every biblical prophecy has been fulfilled. There are more. And God has a perfect promise-keeping, prophecy-fulfilling record, so stay alert. Perhaps we will be the generation who sees His return.
David observed God’s common grace, how He was good and loving to everyone. Rain showers fall on us and our neighbors alike. Yet not everyone acknowledges their Source. For those who do, God gives special grace, showering us with blessings through Jesus, His Son.
Young and old alike anticipate Christmas morning, watching and hoping for toys and new clothes. But the One born on Christmas day calls us to get clothes of righteousness from Him and to be watching for His return. It’s good to celebrate His birth, especially when we let the Story lead us to the Cross, the Empty Tomb and to His Parousia. Merry Christmas friends! And Happy Birthday Jesus!
God’s Love came down at Christmas. This gift of God’s agape love has your name on it. But it isn’t yours until you open it. Praying this prayer from Psalms is a good way to get the wrapping off. Giving yourself to Him, Christ gives Himself to you. Have you opened God’s Christmas gift?
God told Zerubbabel that neither the collective force of his people, nor his own individual effort would be able to rebuild the temple. He would have to rely on God’s Spirit for empowerment. God usually has to strip us of our own power and might, or let us come to the end of it, in order to teach us to rely on Him. Whatever God has called you to do, it will only be accomplished through His strength and not yours. Be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18).
David’s prayer is appropriate for all, but especially for those who presume to teach and preach. I pray this always, and even more fervently before stepping in front of God’s people on Sunday mornings.
John the Revelator saw the birth of Jesus from heaven’s perspective. I believe the woman represents Israel with the 12 stars being the 12 tribes (see Joseph’s dream in Gen. 37:9). John catches a glimpse behind the curtain of pre-history and of the spiritual warfare that preceded the Savior’s birth. Satan tried to stop Christmas, but failed.
The Magi followed the star looking for the one born king, and found HIm in the city of Bethlehem as prophesied. Yet, His kingdom had not yet come. Jesus preached the kingdom, and taught us to pray “Thy kingdom come” prayers. He was crucified and rose from the grave to overcome the ruler of this world and inaugurate His Kingdom. Some day, the 7th trumpet will sound and King Jesus’ will reign on earth as in heaven.
John ate the scroll containing the word from God. This should always be the preacher’s process, to first “eat” the Word before proclaiming it. The Word needs to have its effect on the prophet before repeating it to others.