But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." Luke 1:30-33
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel", which means, "God with us." Matthew 1:22-23
(find these or any other passages at www.Biblegateway.org)
Yesterday's Wilmington News Journal ran a story about the great respect the Islamic faith has for Mary and Jesus. It also told of the great similarities between the two faiths, and how there are just a few differences, which came across in the article as insignificant. They even quoted some Christian clergy who were 'amazed' at this revelation.
Friends, I wish for peace in the world among all people of all faiths. But being close is not being right. Christians must believe and share the story of the virgin born Son of God, holy, wholly God and wholly Man, crucified, resurrected, and ascended, and the only Way, Truth, and Life.
He was, and is, Immanuell, God with us.
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Questions:
1. Is it important to you that others believe in Jesus this way?
2. How do you feel about Jesus' commandment that we go and tell His story?
3. Does your church spread this message?
INTERESTING THOUGHT:
If your heart takes more pleasure in reading novels,
or watching TV, or going to the movies, or talking to friends,
rather than just sitting alone with God and embracing Him,
sharing His cares and His burdens, weeping and rejoicing with Him,
then how are you going to handle forever and ever in His presence?
You'd be bored to tears in heaven, if you're not ecstatic about God now!
Keith Green
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