Gal 4:4-7 4But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" 7Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. NKJV
Many of us have seen the movie shown every year called “It’s A Wonderful Life” with Jimmy Stewart. His character’s name was George Bailey. In this movie, George, as a young boy, dreams of seeing the world. But this dream never came true. Instead he inherited the family business. In this show his uncle misplaces $8,000. After a frantic search, George is heard saying; “I wish I had never been born.” His reasoning was that, he would be better off dead than alive.
As the movie continues, George is given the opportunity to see what it would be like if he had never been born. In the Book of Job Chapter 3, Job also wishes the same thing after he loses all, family, possessions etc. Then he becomes afflicted with boils. He wishes like George, that he could just die, that it would be better if he had died at birth, never been born. Many of us at one time or another have had these same thoughts after times of affliction and troubles.
But think a few minutes how many people’s lives you have touched. How many people have you made smile or laugh? How many look forward to seeing you? You should be thankful that God has given you life, and thankful that He has given you the opportunity to touch so many lives.
Now, consider this. No one in history has ever impacted the world, as has Jesus Christ. What if Jesus had never been born? What would the world, your life be like, If Jesus Had Never Been Born?
Consider the following:
As an infant, despite being born in poverty and obscurity, He alarmed kings.
As a man, having never been to school, never practiced medicine, wrote a prescription, healed more people than all the doctors of His time.
Although He had never earned a degree, nor founded any institution, has/ had, more students than all colleges and universities throughout time.
Without ever having learned in any college or university, without having won a gold medal is the most written about person ever. More is written worldwide about this one man than any other throughout history. Gal 4:4-7
When Jesus came to earth, He gave one great statement which none other could claim, not Mohammed, not Buddha, none. He said; “I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the father except through Me.” John 14:6 NIV
What If Jesus Had Never Been Born?
1.We Would Have No Intimate Knowledge Of God!!!!!
A) We would not know God as our Faithful Heavenly Father and Companion (Emmanuel God With Us) “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with Us.” Matt 1:23 King James Bible Isaiah prophesied this some 700 years earlier. Is. 7:14
B) We would not know Him as our Heavenly Father. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.“ Rom. 8:14,15 King James Bible
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our father which art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” Matt 6:9 King James Bible
God the Father is more than just our father. He is also priest, protector, provider, and our physician.
If Jesus had not been born, we would never have that intimate knowledge of Him as God our father. Give thanks that in the “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” Gal 4:4-5 King James Bible
C) We Would Not Have A Redeemer, The Forgiver of Sins
One of the strongest verses in Scripture telling us this is 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” King James Bible
You and I know others who will not forgive us of sins, of wrongs done against the. They will hold a grudge, sometimes for a very long time. But God is not like that. He is ready and willing to forgive you of sins now, immediately. And to cleanse you of your sins. If He had not been born, there would be no cross; no need for it, for His whole purpose was to go to the cross, to die for your sins.
2. If Jesus Had Not Been Born, There Would Be No God To Identify With Us!
Many times, I am sure you, and myself included, ponder and wonder if God really understands how we feel. How could He understand how I feel if He had never been flesh and blood like me.
But the fact is, He did come to earth and came in the world in the natural way, born of a woman, as a baby, and grew up just as you and I have. He can, and does identify with us. He understands what it is to be tempted. John 4:1-10; Heb 2:18;4:15
Like us, Jesus had a real physical body. He hungered, was thirsty, tired, and had emotions as like us He laughed and He wept. The shortest verse in the scripture is “Jesus wept.” John 11:35 (King James Bible) and, of course He felt pain. Look at the cross and read what He endured for you and I.
Therefore, because Jesus was born, He is able to identify with us in our frustrations, limitations and temptations. We need to just stand steadfast and trust in Him to help us through trying times.
3 There Would be No Victory Over Satan
If Jesus were not born, what power or victory would you ever have over the devil? Absolutely none. 1 John 3:8 tells us; “He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. To this end the Son of God was revealed, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” World English Bible
Aren’t you glad Jesus was born, because if not we would be absolutely powerless against the devil and be forever at his mercy. We would have no hope of heaven, no hope of salvation.
4 There Would Be No Hope Of His Second Coming
If there were no second coming of Jesus Christ, there would be no Christian hope, no salvation. No heaven. For we would be then condemned to our sins and doomed for hell.
1 Cor 15:12-32 “Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not?" (King James Version)
Conclusion:
I thank God that Jesus was indeed born of the flesh and came and dwelt among us. John 1:14 Christ gave us intimate knowledge of God, He can identify with us in our hurts and temptations. There is Victory because of Him over Satan. And He is coming back again to take us to be home with Him. Many may scoff and ridicule us of our faith in Him, but we shall be victorious in the end and shall live eternally with Him, because, He was indeed born of the flesh.
Christ is the Answer! It is not too difficult to any well read individual or learned person to know that this earth is in one big mess. Though many may deny all is well, the truth is it's awful out there.
Every time you read the newspaper or hear the news on the radio or t.v., the majority of the news is bad. We have terrorists around the world wanting to destroy the ways of the free western societies. we have children and teenagers shooting their fellow students. Our own governments are turning their backs on the very people that have elected them into office. They do their own thing, no longer serving & protecting the populace. It is not hard to see that the world is topsy turvy. What once was wrong is right, and what once was right is wrong. Even mothers, brothers, sisters, brothers etc. are killing their own.
So why should we be surprised as it says in Luke 21:26 "Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."KJV
In the context of this verse Jesus is foretelling how the heavens will shake just before His coming to judge the earth and men will be fearful and frightened to the point that they will be so scared that they will be having heart attacks and many will die. These are men and women who continue to reject God and His ways, during the coming tribulation.
Likewise many today are rejecting God, rejecting the gospel message of Christ's saving grace because of the cross. And thus many are in great fear of all the trouble that is going on in the world.
Those who have placed their hope in banks are watching their wealth and riches collapse before the very eyes. Many were losing their jobs as the economy of the world is falling like a dominos castle. Families are arguing and fighting because there is no income because of the lost jobs.
People are losing the desire to live because they have placed their hopes in the gods of this world. The Baals among us include money, possessions, heroes and movie stars. None of these things have the answers they are seeking so that they may have hope, peace and joy.
Consequently many are becoming so depressed and discouraged to the point that they are listening to the tauntings of Satan as he whispers in their ears that it is time to throw in the towel, time to quit life, give up and jump.
Many are doing just that. They are jumping off of tall buildings and bridges. They are committing suicide in mass numbers, and sadly taking many others with them.
Their focus has been on themselves and the gods of this age, where there is no hope, no promise of eternity in heaven with a God who loves them. This tragicly, is a sad reality.
If the gods of this age were the only answer, the only hope to this darkened world, I too would likely give up, party on for tomorrow we die.
But there is an answer which unfortunately too many have turned their backs on because they do not want to believe in the only answer that truly does give then hope and trust.
Who are what is the answer? It is Jesus Christ! It is God, the author and maker of our lives! How do I know this? Because many years ago I put my hope and trust in Him. And He has answered my prayers. He has given me hope and trust. He has led me to the rock of ages, to the life giving waters which only through Him can nourish my thirst.
Some may ask, how can I to receive this hope and trust. It is very simple. By reading the Holy Bible, believing that maybe this book has the answers for this worlds troubles. By reading it for the first time with an open mind, you to can see the truth and also receive Christ’s salvation, hope and trust. But you need to read and keep reading, believing that what it says is true. The Bible contains God's Word. He is the author of the Bible written by man through the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” 2 Tim. 3:16 KJV
When we follow, and obey His Word, then we too are inspired and are given the power to obey His commandments and lead the life He wishes us to live, and by so doing we have hope and trust in this life and we also trust that He will take us to live with Him eternal in a world that is not ME centered, but God centered.
I recently read and studied through Psalm 119.In so doing I noticed that this Psalm is has a pattern of 8 lines per verse in each of its 22 sections. And each section stresses a title or description of God's word. Meaning that each section talks about His laws, His testimonies, His ways, precepts, statutes, commandments, ordinances, judgements etc. Do you see the pattern here? There are all one and the same. They are His guide book for us to live a righteous and Holy life that we may be happy now here on earth and into the eternal future which He has in store for us, if we but trust and obey.
If we turn from our own ways and follow His ways, then He promises us a world that is God centered, full of hope and trust in Him.
Unfortunately this me centered world is on the way to it's final end when those who focus on themselves rather than on Him will meet the one whom they worship and not the one that they think they will see one day. Satan is waiting with open arms for these ME centered people. But as for me, I will follow the Lord.
See for your self what scripture says. Psalm 119 verses 1-8 read (KJV):
„1Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. 2Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. 3They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. 4Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. 5O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! 6Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. 7I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. 8I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.“
This is only the first 8 lines read the rest. Be encouraged and obey.
This hymn which I love and sing often is a great reminder of the need and joy we receive when we Trust and Obey,
Stanza 1:
When we walk with the Lord In the light of His word, What a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there's no other way To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Stanza 2:
Not a burden we bear, Not a sorrow we share, But our toil He doth richly repay; Not a grief or a loss, Not a frown or a cross, But is blest if we trust and obey.
(Refrain)
Stanza 3:
But we never can prove The delights of His love Until all on the altar we lay; For the favor He shows, For the joy He bestows, Are for them who will trust and obey.
(Refrain)
Stanza 4:
Then in fellowship sweet We will sit at His feet, Or we'll walk by His side in the way; What He says we will do, Where He sends we will go; Never fear, only trust and obey.
(Refrain)
Go forth my friends and have a good and Godly week, for what lasting value is a good week if it is also not a Godly week.
andré
(Trust and Obey: Text: John H. Sammis, 1846-1919, Music: Daniel B. Towner, 1850-1919)
The Root and the Vine I love the analogy of the root and the vine used by Jesus in His describing what the kingdom of God is like. I have in the past work in orchards and vineyards and on occasion still do some work on apple trees and vineyards. It is so important that the trees and vines be pruned, thinned, fertilized etc. For when these things are done, there is a wonderful, plentiful crop produced. But if we do not, the crop eventually withers and the produce grows small and eventually the tree and the vine dies.
Likewise, we to need a spiritual pruning etc to grow stronger and closer to Him. For if we do not, we to fall, and eventually will grow away from Him.
Thanks for hanging in there and allowing us along with Him, in His leading, strength and direction to be vessels to help you to grow.
If If you were a Facebook member, and if you received a message to accept Jesus as your friend, would you? If you received Him as a friend and you had the opportunity to say Like Him, would you share Him with your friends? If He shared some awesome messages on Facebook with you, that could save lives, would you tell your other Facebook friends? If Jesus asked you to tell your Facebook friends about Him, would you be to ashamed to do so? If Jesus came to your door today, would you let Him in? If Jesus walked into your door, would you let Him be your friend? If Jesus shared a life altering message with you, that could save lives, would you tell your friends? If you had the opportunity to tell others about Him, would you be too ashamed to do so? If Jesus allows you a glimpse of Heaven, would He be ashamed of you? If Jesus opened the door for you to see the Father, would He be your friend? If Jesus asked the Father to be your friend, would He be ashamed of you? André
