First Words of the Gospel

During the Christmas season, more and more people (some who have not opened a Bible in 360 days and will not open it again for another 360 days) will open to the first two chapters of the book of Luke. Luke details Christ’s birth more than the other writers. From Luke’s account of the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, readers KNOW that Jesus was completely human and completely Divine, God’s Son. My constant prayer throughout the holidays is that someone who looks to the Bible for the record of Christ’s birth will come to know Him and the Salvation found in His name. As one opens up Luke’s gospel account (the good news of Jesus Christ), they are met by the words, “fear not.” Over and over again throughout this book the reader sees great lessons from the repetition of the words, “fear not.” By way of Bible study, let us consider these passages:

Luke 1:13 – Here we find the first dialogue in the New Testament concerning the Gospel, the first words of God’s plan for man’s salvation, as the angel spoke to Zacharias (the father of John the Baptizer), “Fear not.” As the heavenly being spoke to a man, the angel reassured that man with the comforting words of God, “Fear not.”

Luke 1:30 – As the angel spoke to Mary, announcing that from her womb, she, one who had not known man, would conceive and gift birth to the King of Israel, the Son of God, Immanuel, he spoke to her with the same words of comfort, “Fear not.” Before Mary could express her fears or question the angel, she heard those comforting words.

The phrase, “Fear not,” is found seven total times in Luke, twice as mentioned above spoken by angels and five times by the Savior. The context of each one is very telling. In Luke 5:10 Jesus gives these words of assurance as a call to faith to disciples who are leaving the security of their occupations to become fishers of men: men dedicated to following Christ and spreading His Word. When we leave the comfort of this life to serve Christ, He says to us, “Fear not.”

Jesus uses the same words of comfort and hope in Luke 8:50 to show His power over death. These words comforted the ruler of the synagogue whose daughter had just died (before Christ raised her from the dead) and comfort us today as we look forward with hope to the final resurrection. When we wonder if God cares for us, once again He says, “Fear not,” (Luke 12:7) even the very hairs of our head are numbered and known by our heavenly Father. When we wonder if God will provide for us, Christ says, “Fear not,” Luke 12:37. What great words of comfort to those who put their trust in God. As faithful Christians we have nothing to be afraid of in this life or on this earth.

The final “Fear not,” is found in a much different context in Luke 18:4. Jesus tells a parable of a man, a judge, “who fears not God.” He was a man whose pride consumed him and caused him to trust only in himself. When one trusts in God, he has nothing to fear. However, if a man does not fear God, he will not keep his commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13) and should be very afraid because he stands condemned in the sight of the Almighty.

this is a reprint of an article for the San Marcos Sounder

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Family of God

As the Apostle wrote 1 Peter to those suffering, persecuted Christians, he reassured them with details concerning the family of God upon which they, as members, could lean. These Scriptures still give us comfort and strength as we look to this family of God for courage, strength, and support. In 1 Peter 2, the Bible says the family of God and individual Christians are the following:
"Newborn babes, living stones of spiritual house, priests, an elect race, of royal blood, a people for God’s own possession, a people of God, pilgrims, and a brotherhood."
This is the most glorious family on earth. We are the house or household of God (Ephesians 2:19-20; 1 Timothy 3:14-15; Hebrews 10:21; 1 Peter 4:17).
Romans 8:16-17 also describes the family structure of the New Testament church, “The
Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him.” Therefore God is the Father and Jesus Christ is the Son (and the head of the church with all authority from God, Ephesians 1:22-23) and we are the brothers of Christ, joint-heirs with our Elder Brother Jesus. That which Jesus has inherited in heaven is awaiting all Christians. We can continue this family analogy,
-Born into this family John 3:3-5; 1 Peter 1:23
-Each is distinct and different but beneficial part (cf. 1 Corinthians 12)
-Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:1-2)
-We are not (should not) be part of another family cf. John 8:44
-We have an inheritance from our Father (Colossians 1:12)

If there has ever been a boy proud of his mother on Mother’s Day, if there has ever been a mother proud of her son’s grades, if there has ever been a daughter proud of her father’s occupation, if there has ever been a brother proud of his sister’s accomplishments, if there has ever been a father proud of his newborn son who would carry on the family name, then we, realizing that we are a part of the great and glorious family of Christ, ought to take great pride in our family and our family name (2 Corinthians 10:17, 1 Peter 4:17). Certain results come from taking pride in our family name, the name Christian. First, we should take enough pride in our family to tell others about it (Mark 16:15). Furthermore, would we not tell our friends if our fathers or mothers were a Senator or the President? But our Father is God! Second, the chief characteristic, the defining attribute, the distinguishing mark of our family should be love (John 13:35). We need to treat each other as family members OUGHT to be treated, 1 Timothy 5:2, “Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brethren: the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.” Third, our pride in God’s family should affect enough allegiance within us to defend our glorious name through our mighty spiritual weapons. We should want to stand up for Jesus as we so readily sing, and we all should be willing to contend for the faith (Jude 3). Finally, we must live for this family, doing that which is our duty, giving our due diligence to God and one another.

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Christmas and Family

Our family has never celebrated Christmas as the birthday of Jesus. We are not accustomed to reading Luke 2 or decorating with nativity scenes. Even though Christmas began as a religious (and somewhat pagan) holiday, my family has never observed it as such. Married now, my wife and I still do not celebrate Christmas as any sort of religious holiday (though we pray regularly that all who do celebrate the birth of Christ would also see his sinless life, matchless teachings, saving death, triumphant resurrection, and glorious church). We do however love this time of the year. The weather is usually cold, the lights are shining brightly, and generally people are, well, jollier. We are not much into Santa, but my wife loves her Christmas tree, snowmen, snowflakes, and festive decorations. But, above all else, the one thing that makes this time of year special to me is family. So many people are able to get a day or two (or week or two) off for the holidays. This time off allows for much needed family time. As this blog develops, you might notice that I believe in families. I believe that family decay leads to moral and national decay (read “what is currently happening in the US”). Though both my mom and my wife’s parents conveniently live close to each other, they do not live close to all their children. This time of year gives us a great opportunity to spend time renewing and further developing relationships with these wonderful people who we love very much. It is very unfortunate that Christmas has become more of a capitalistic holiday than anything religious or family-oriented. My hope for this Christmas season, as I am enjoying time with my family, is that families (no matter what gifts are under the tree) will nurture and sustain relationships and rekindle proper values. It is this “back to the basics” thinking that families need to be strong, to strengthen the church, and to strengthen our nation.

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Selecting a College

A. Choosing a School
Size- The population of the city and school should be considered. Smaller universities provide a greater Student-faculty ratio and more one-on-one instruction. This provides great opportunities for relationships. However, larger universities usually offer more opportunities for research and recognition and varied class schedule. Also, larger universities are often in larger cites, but this is not always the case.
Type- There are technical schools, business colleges, junior colleges, and universities. Is it a private or public institution? All of these have benefits and drawbacks.
Location- How is the city? How are the surrounding towns? How far are you from home and family? What are you looking for in the surrounding area: stores and shopping? skiing and recreation? museums and cultre? Do some research on the city and area and visit the college and the surrounding town.
Student Body Makeup- College provides a great atmosphere to meet people of diverse backgrounds. Some consideration should be given in this area. Larger schools usually have a greater diversity in student bodies while regional schools are usually made up of peopel who live in proximity.
Academics- Will this school prepare me for my next step? Does it offer the major/field I am looking for? Does the school have recognition in academics? Will a degree from this school help me get a job? Some students want to go to the "best" academic univeristy that their scores and grades allow while others choose a school becuase of other factors. Usually, third party information is needed to determine how certain schools match-up against one another.
US News Rankings
Princeton Review Rankings
Peterson's Four Year Colleges
Cost- How much does the school cost? Is it public or private? Is it a junior college or 4-year college? How good are the financial aid options? All of this information should be available online or through the financial aid office of the school.
Programs/Sports- If a student is interested in choir, you may want to consider a college that offers choir. How important is a top-tier sports program? What are you looking for in your college experience?
Church- See point “B”

B. Choosing a Church
Is there only one congregation of Christ’s church in this community? Is it strong/sound? Are there multiple congregations of the Lord’s church? Which one should be chosen? I encourage students to make out a priority list of what they are looking for in a local congregation. Number one should be sound doctrine, adherence to Jesus Christ and His word (this should be seen in public and private teaching and in the lifestyles of members). Truth should be taught and practice. Other factors to consider: Do they have an eldership? Are there other college students? Do they seem to neglect college students (this is bad)? Do they make college students the focus of the church instead of Christ (this is also bad)? Let once again take a selfish opportunity to plug Texas State, the University church of Christ and the McCarty Student Center!

C. Choosing a Major
While you certainly do not have to choose a major before going to school (and most people change once they are in school), now is the time to consider the next step after college. These questions (at least) should be considered. Can I get a job with this major or will I have to go to Graduate School? Does this college/university have special qualifications or prerequisites in this major? Can I glorify God with this major? Generally, degrees that offer the gradaute with the opportunity to have related career are computer science (and computer related majors), engineering (and related majors), sciences like chemistry and physics (but often times you need more education),nursing, and education (teaching).
Some resources:
Idiot's Guide to Choosing a College Major
Guide to College Majors 2009
(One of these books or something similar would make a great high school graduation gift!)

D. Choosing Extracurricular Activities
There are many and varied activities to be involved in college. This is a time of godly experimentation and growth as well as a time of character development. While extracurriculars can add to your time in college and should be considered, be sure that extracurricular activities do not take away from regular Bible study opportunities and worship.

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Grow Up

Each generation seems to be less responsible and less mature than the one before it. One of the signs of this is the fact that many adults live with and depend on their parents. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, “Statistics reveal that 25 percent of adult children between 30 and 34 still live at home or have returned home over a period of time (60 percent for the 22-to-24 set and about 30 percent for those from 25 to 29).”
We could postulate a number of different reasons for this phenomenon. People are getting more education, people are getting married later in life, and ultimately everyone (especially parents) is putting less and less responsibility on the shoulders of young adults. So, twenty-year-old guys sit around playing video games all day and party all night with their underwear hanging out of their pants. This is why twenty-year-old girls talk like ‘valley girls’ about meaningless things and wear too little with their underwear showing above their pants.
“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child: now that I am become a man, I have put away childish things,” 1 Corinthians 13:11. This is a principle. The church needs to lead the way in this society and the world concerning the way people should act. We should not shun proper responsibility. We should not put off growing up. Maturity should be sought by each and every one of us.
Christians are commanded to grow. “But speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, even Christ,” Ephesians 4:15. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ…,” 2 Peter 3:18. God wants us to grow up and be more and more like Jesus. We also are to develop more grace (thankfulness) and knowledge. This requires that we encourage one another to grow and take the steps needed ourselves in order to mature according to the purpose which God has called us to His glory.

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Preparation for College 3

Spiritual Preparation

As a student nears the point of leaving home they must be ready to display their OWN faith. At college one will encounter an onslaught of forces from the world (unfortunately some of these are even present at Christian Colleges) and the prince of this world. Ephesians 6 would call these attacks "fiery darts":

1. Atheism – the belief that God does not exist (it has an ugly cousin “agnosticism” which means we cannot know that God does exist). Atheism exists on college campuses unlike any other place in the world, be ready for it. (Hebrews 11:1)

2. Evolution – life came from non-life and eventuated to human beings (it also has an ugly cousin “theistic evolution” which means life came from God who used evolution to get us to where we are today). Evolution is the predominant ‘science’ on college campuses. (Genesis 1:1-2:1)

3. Secular Humanism – the belief that everything man needs is within himself, and therefore he does not need to rely on God. (Jeremiah 10:23)

4. Immorality – drugs, alcohol, dancing (and “clubbing”), cheating, sex, and gambling will all be made readily available on 99% of ALL college and university campuses. These things are ‘normal’ for most college students. (Ecclesiastes 12:1, 1 Timothy 4:12)



Parents and students need to be aware of each of these, have the knowledge of Scripture to weather the storms brought on by them, and have the ability to show from reason and the Scriptures that a worldly life is against God's will.

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God, the Bible, and US History 4

God in our Founding Documents:

"We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." --October 11, 1798 John Adams

“We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.” (Declaration of Independence)

".that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." (Declaration of Independence)

"If any bill shall not be returned by the President within ten days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall be a law, in like manner as if he had signed it." (U.S Constitution, Art. I, Section 7, Paragraph 2)

"And Whereas it hath pleased the Great Governor of the World to incline the hearts of the legislatures we respectively represent in Congress, to approve of, and to authorize us to ratify the said Articles of Confederation and perpetual Union." Articles of Confederation

At the Constitutional Convention of 1787, James Madison proposed the plan to divide the
central government into three branches. He discovered this model of government from
the Perfect Governor, as he read Isaiah 33:22;
“For the LORD is our judge, [judicial]
the LORD is our lawgiver, [legislative]
the LORD is our king; [executive]
He will save us.”

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