Volume 2, Issue 6Volume 2, Issue 6Volume 2, Issue 6

December, 2013December, 2013December, 2013

Christ ian LifestylesChrist ian LifestylesChrist ian Lifestyles The Newsletter Celebrating The Newsletter Celebrating The Newsletter Celebrating Christian Life in Your CommunityChristian Life in Your CommunityChristian Life in Your Community

2 How Do We Know Jesus Was Born of a Virgin?How Do We Know Jesus Was Born of a Virgin?How Do We Know Jesus Was Born of a Virgin? How Do We Know Jesus Even Existed?How Do We Know Jesus Even Existed?How Do We Know Jesus Even Existed?

Radical SkepticsRadical SkepticsRadical Skeptics

Doubt WhetherDoubt WhetherDoubt Whether

CHRISTCHRISTCHRIST Ever Existed Ever Existed Ever Existed

“There are a number of radical skeptics today who claim

that Jesus did not exist, or they seriously doubt his exist-

ence. However, there are a number of critical problems

with doubting Jesus‟ existence due to the early and abun-

dant evidence that we have of Jesus‟ life and deeds. In fact,

there is almost unanimous consent among critical scholars

today that Jesus existed.

Historical Textual Evidence for Jesus’ ExistenceHistorical Textual Evidence for Jesus’ ExistenceHistorical Textual Evidence for Jesus’ Existence

There are over 42 sources within 150 years after Jesus‟

death which mention his existence and record many events

of his life.1

Nine (9) traditional New Testament authors A. Matthew,

Mark, Luke, John, Paul, Author of Hebrews, James, Peter, and

Jude.

Twenty (20) early Christian writers outside the New Tes-tament: Clement of Rome, 2 Clement, Ignatius, Polycarp,

Martyrdom of Polycarp, Didache, Barnabas, Shepherd of

Hermas, Fragments of Papias, Justin Martyr, Aristides,

Athenagoras, Theophilus of Antioch, Quadratus, Aristo of

Pella, Melito of Sardis, Diognetus, Gospel of Peter, Apoc-

alypse of Peter, and Epistula Apostolorum.

Four (4) heretical writings: Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Truth, Apocryphon of John, and Treatise on Resurrection.

Nine (9) secular sources: Josephus (Jewish historian), Tacitus (Roman historian), Pliny the Younger (Roman

politician), Phlegon (freed slave who wrote histories),

Lucian (Greek satirist), Celsus (Roman philosopher),

Mara Bar Serapion (prisoner awaiting execution), Sueto-

nius, and Thallus.”

More Evidence That Jesus ExistedMore Evidence That Jesus ExistedMore Evidence That Jesus Existed

“Was Jesus an actual person or just a legendary character?

Philosopher Bertrand Russell spoke for radical skeptics eve-

rywhere when he said, „Historically, it is quite doubtful

whether Christ ever existed at all, and if he did we do not

know anything about him‟ (Why I Am Not a Christian). Is

Russell correct? Is it doubtful that Jesus lived?

We have good evidence, like jewels of evidence, about

Jesus from what early non-Christians said about Him. Flavius

Josephus, the most prolific Jewish historian of the first centu-

ry, worked for the Roman emperor Domition as a profession-

al historian. Josephus recorded major historical events, in-

cluding the destructions of Jerusalem in AD 70, and authored

several major works, including Antiquities of the Jews, which

was completed in AD 93. Josephus, who was not a Christian,

wrote:

„At this time there was a wise man who was called Jesus.

And his conduct was good, and he was known to be virtuous.

Many people from among the Jews and other nations be-

came his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified

and to die. And those who had become his disciples did not

abandon his discipleship. They reported that he had ap-

peared to them three days after his crucifixion and that he

was alive; accordingly, he was perhaps the Messiah con-

cerning who the prophets have recounted wonders.‟

Michael Wilkins and J.P. Moreland conclude that, even if

we did not have any Christian writings like those of the

apostles and early church fathers, "we would be able to con-

clude from such non-Christian writings as Josephus, the Tal-

mud, Tacitus, and Pliny the Younger that:

Jesus was a Jewish teacher yet rejected by Jewish lead-ers

Many people believed that he performed healings and exorcisms

He was crucified under Pontius Pilate in the reign of Ti-berius

Despite this shameful death, his followers, who believed that he was still alive, spread beyond Palestine so that

there were multitudes of them in Rome by AD 64

All kinds of people from the cities and countryside - men and women, rich and poor, slave and free - worshiped

him as God by the beginning of the second century.

Dr. Norman Geisler and Frank Turek Noted:Dr. Norman Geisler and Frank Turek Noted:Dr. Norman Geisler and Frank Turek Noted:

„Including Josephus, there are ten known non-Christian

writers who mention Jesus within 150 years of his life. By

contrast, over the same 150 years, there are nine non-

Christian sources who mention Tiberius Caesar, the Roman

emperor [of the known world] at the time of Jesus. So dis-

counting all the Christian sources, Jesus is actually men-

tioned by one more source than the Roman emperor. If you

include the Christian sources, authors mentioning Jesus out-

numbered those who mentioned Tiberius 43 to 10!‟” (p. 108-

109).2

Thus, through careful examination of details supplied by

the prophets, gospel writers, and non- Christian historians, it

is obvious Jesus existed. These sources work hand-in-hand,

as important pieces of history, to provide us with over-

whelming evidence about Jesus‟ life on earth. We can be

sure that Jesus did indeed live. Let us then build upon this

truth to see the other truths about Jesus that the Bible reveals

- His deity and that He is the Savior of the world.

Did Jesus Ever Exist? - http://carm.org/jesus-exist#footnote1_m4hyh9y 1 (Gary Habermas and Michael Licona, The Case for the Resurrection of

Jesus, Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2004, p. 233.) 2 http://www.thinke.org/blog/2012/3/21/who-is-this-jesus.html

Thus Thus Thus

CHRISTCHRISTCHRIST Exist!Exist!Exist!

HE Is Not HE Is Not HE Is Not A Myth!A Myth!A Myth!

HE Is TheHE Is TheHE Is The Messiah! Messiah! Messiah!

3 How Do We Know Jesus Was Born of a Virgin?How Do We Know Jesus Was Born of a Virgin?How Do We Know Jesus Was Born of a Virgin? “The virgin birth is one of the most attacked miracles re-

garding Jesus. These attacks generally fall into two catego-

ries: they either attack the idea of the virgin birth or the

translation of the word „virgin.‟

To many people these days, being born of a virgin sounds

a little too much like the origin of a superhero. They think of

it as nothing more than a legend. But the idea sounded just

as bizarre to Mary. According to Luke 1:34 when the angel

Gabriel announced to Mary that she would give birth to the

Son of God she replied, „How can this be, since I have not

been intimate with a man?‟ The fact that Luke calls her a vir-

gin twice in verse 27 helps set the stage for Mary‟s skeptical

reaction. And Matthew 1:18 tells us the same thing: Mary had

not had the kind of relationship that would leave her preg-

nant.

However, Gabriel‟s response to Mary is very telling: “For

nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). The peo-

ple who reject the virgin birth do so because they don‟t

think miracles are possible. To them, Jesus was not God, He

was just a good teacher. But the evidence for the resurrec-

tion and the arguments for the existence of God give us ex-

cellent reasons to think God exists and Jesus was God incar-

nate. And if there are excellent reasons to think God exists

then miracles are possible. To reject the possibility of mira-

cles is simply an anti-supernatural bias.

The other way of attacking the virgin birth is to attack the

translation of the word „virgin.‟ Matthew 1:22 claims the vir-

gin birth took place to fulfill the prophecy found in Isaiah

7:14. And in verse 23, Matthew quotes the prophecy as say-

ing, „…the virgin will become pregnant…‟ The question is:

Did the word Isaiah used mean virgin? Hebrew has a specific

word for „virgin,‟ but Isaiah didn‟t use it. Instead he used a

word meaning „young woman.‟ Virginity is often a part of

what this word means, but not necessarily. The argument is

that Matthew is making Isaiah say something he didn‟t mean.

But this argument fails because Matthew is quoting from

the Greek translation of the Old Testament, and the word

used there specifically means virgin. The Greek translation

was made by Jewish scholars about 250 years before Jesus

was born. They knew what tradition said Isaiah meant by the

term and translated it „virgin.‟ Matthew‟s use of virgin is an

accurate translation.

Lastly, the virgin birth provides a way for us to connect

some dots. If Jesus came to die for the sins of His people

(Matthew 1:21), He would have to be sinless. To be a proper

sacrifice He would also have to be fully human to fulfill the

law perfectly. And to be able to pay for sin he would have to

be fully divine. The virgin birth provides a way for a fully

divine Jesus to be born fully human but without inheriting a

sinful nature from Adam‟s fall.”

Doug Powell, Posted on November 10, 2011 by Apologia, https://

blog.apologia.com/blog/2011/11/10/how-do-we-know-jesus-was-born-of

-a-virgin/

The Lost Years The Lost Years The Lost Years

“Among history's most fascinating

mysteries is the Bible's silence about

Jesus Christ's early life. In the gospel of

Mark, for instance, Jesus springs into

the story as a thirty-year-old man being

baptized and beginning His life's work

of preaching the gospel of the Kingdom

of God. The apostle John's account is not

so abrupt, although he, too, glosses

over the first three decades of Christ's

life in a matter of a few dozen—albeit

doctrinally rich—verses. As his book

opens, the beloved disciple immediate-

ly hits the reader with the astounding

fact of Jesus' identity as the Word of

God, the pre-incarnate Creator God,

who „became flesh and dwelt among

us‟ (John 1:14). Then, like Mark, John

skips to the ministry of John the Baptist

and Jesus' baptism.

Matthew and Luke, however, tantalize

us with a scene or two of His early

years, but hardly enough to satisfy en-

quiring minds. Both of these gospel

writers record accounts of events sur-

rounding His birth, from the angel's an-

nouncement to Mary that she would

have a Son conceived of the Holy Spirit

(Luke 1:26-38) to the family's return

from Egypt after fleeing Herod's mur-

derous anger (Matthew 2:13-21).

One scene of His early years is rec-

orded in the Gospel of Luke. The occa-

sion when, at twelve years old, He re-

mained behind at the Temple in Jerusa-

lem to listen to and question the teach-

ers there (Luke 2:41-50). The large com-

pany of His relatives travel for a whole

day before Joseph and Mary realized

Jesus is not among them. They hurried

back to Jerusalem, and once they found

Him, scolded Him for scaring them, He

asked, „Why did you seek Me?‟...„I must

be about My Father's business?' But they

did not understand what He meant.” excerpts from http://www.biblicaljesus.org/index.cfm/

fuseaction/basics.tour/ID/6/Lost-Years.htm#ixzz2htSH9hPZ

Why Were Jesus’ Early Years Such A Mystery?Why Were Jesus’ Early Years Such A Mystery?Why Were Jesus’ Early Years Such A Mystery?

“Everyone who heard him was amazed

at his understanding and his answers.

One day his parents searched for him,

and were astonished at what they saw.

„Why were you searching for me?‟

„Didn‟t you know I had to be in my Fa-

ther‟s house? ‟” Luke 2:47, 48a & 49Luke 2:47, 48a & 49Luke 2:47, 48a & 49

H o w W e r e P e o p l e S a v e d B e f o r e C h r i s t ?H o w W e r e P e o p l e S a v e d B e f o r e C h r i s t ?H o w W e r e P e o p l e S a v e d B e f o r e C h r i s t ? 4

Faith Alone, in Christ AloneFaith Alone, in Christ AloneFaith Alone, in Christ Alone “As Christians, we believe that we are saved by the grace

of God, through faith in the Savior Jesus Christ; It‟s faith

alone, in Christ alone. Salvation then, is dependent on some-

thing that God has done for us rather than something that we

do for ourselves. We know that our good works simply can-

not save us, and we also recognize that Jesus did everything

that needs to be done for us; He died on the cross to pay the

price for our sin. From the Christian worldview, God not on-

ly exists, but He has done something to save us and all He

requires is that we place our faith in Jesus for our salvation.

But what about all those people who lived and died before

Jesus was ever born? If faith in Jesus is required, how could

they be saved prior to his appearance? Well, those who

lived before Jesus were saved in exactly the same way that

you and I are saved; by the grace of God and through their

faith in the Savior! Those who lived before Jesus understood

grace and they placed their faith in a coming Redeemer…

They Understood GraceThey Understood GraceThey Understood Grace These early believers loved God and wanted to live with

him forever. They listened closely to the words of God as

they were revealed by the prophets and the scripture. As a

result, they understood the nature of grace. David, for exam-

ple, wrote about God‟s forgiveness and grace:

Psalm 32:1Psalm 32:1Psalm 32:1---5 5 5

„How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose

sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the Lord

does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no de-

ceit! When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away

through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your

hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was drained away as

with the fever heat of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin

to You, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, „I will confess

my transgressions to the Lord‟; and You forgave the guilt of

my sin.‟ Selah.

David was fully aware of the nature of God‟s free gift of sal-

vation, and Paul makes this clear to us when he describes

the knowledge that David had in this regard:

Romans 4:6Romans 4:6Romans 4:6---888 „…just as David also speaks of the blessing upon the man

to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works:

„Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven,

and whose sins have been covered. Blessed is the man

whose sin the Lord will not take into account.‟

David clearly understood that all of us are sinners who

must be saved by the Grace of God (as Paul says, „apart from

works‟). David wasn‟t the only ancient believer who knew

that they were going to be saved by their faith, even though

the Savior had not yet arrived. The New Testament tells us

that all our heroes of faith understood the role that faith

played in their salvation:

Hebrews 11:13Hebrews 11:13Hebrews 11:13

„All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but

having seen them and having welcomed them from a dis-

tance, and having confessed that they were strangers and

exiles on the earth.‟

These ancient believers certainly knew that their good

works couldn‟t save them; like Isaiah, they knew that their

„goodness‟ wasn‟t „good enough‟:

Isaiah 64:6Isaiah 64:6Isaiah 64:6

„For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all

our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; and all of us

wither like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us

away.‟

Ancient believers also knew that God‟s standard was im-

possibly high. They knew that when compared to God, they

fell far short of the mark, and like David, they knew that even

animal sacrifices weren‟t going to ultimately please a Holy

God:

Psalm 40:6Psalm 40:6Psalm 40:6

„Sacrifice and meal offering Thou hast not desired; My ears

Thou hast opened; Burnt offering and sin offering Thou hast

not required.‟

They expected a Messiah. The ancient believers knew that

their own works were repeatedly insufficient in the eyes of a

Holy God. With the limited knowledge of God that was given

to them at the time, they understood that God would have to

do something dramatic to save them. The followers of God

who lived before Jesus placed their faith in the coming Sav-

ior who was described from the earliest of times. God told

Adam and Eve that one of their descendants would eventual-

ly defeat Satan…

Genesis 3:15Genesis 3:15Genesis 3:15

„And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and

between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the

head, and you shall bruise him on the heel.‟

Abraham understood that God would provide a sacrifice

for sin, just as he understood that God would provide the

substitutionary sacrifice to replace his own son when God

called Abraham to sacrifice Isaac:

Genesis 22:8Genesis 22:8Genesis 22:8

„And Abraham said, „God will provide for Himself the lamb

for the burnt offering, my son. So the two of them walked on

together.‟

Looking back, thousands of years later, Paul reminds us

that Abraham‟s faith saved him. Abraham took Isaac to the

point of the sacrifice, fully expecting that God, in His good-

ness, would provide the „lamb.‟”

excerpts taken from www.pleaseconvinceme.com/2012/how-were-people-saved-before-christ/

AFTERAFTERAFTER

HEARTHEARTHEART The Life of DavidThe Life of DavidThe Life of David

GOD’SGOD’SGOD’S

AbrahamAbrahamAbraham & & &

IsaacIsaacIsaac

H o w W e r e P e o p l e S a v e d B e f o r e C h r i s t ?H o w W e r e P e o p l e S a v e d B e f o r e C h r i s t ?H o w W e r e P e o p l e S a v e d B e f o r e C h r i s t ? 5 W a s C h r i s t m a s N e c e s s a r y ?W a s C h r i s t m a s N e c e s s a r y ?W a s C h r i s t m a s N e c e s s a r y ? “Christmas was required in God‟s plan because the right-

eous life He requires was not attained by Adam or any of his

fallen descendants. God, prompted by grace, chose to fulfill

the holy human standard Himself.

The incarnate Deity chose to live the life we should have

lived—the perfect childhood, the spotless teenage years

and the righteous adult life. Had we been able to present to

the Father the righteous life He requires so that we could

perfectly enjoy His presence and His presents, God would

not have needed to become a man and live among us. But

we couldn‟t, so He did.

Were it only our sins that needed a payment, Christ could

have arrived on the day of His crucifixion. But our deficien-

cies were more than our acts of transgression (Doing the

things we shouldn‟t do)—

„Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven,

whose sins are covered.‟ Psalm 32:1

„Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count

against them.‟ Romans 4:8

„Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the

wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the com-

pany of mockers,‟ Psalm 1:1

Our problems included the „falling short of his glo-

ry‟ (Failing to do the things we should do)—

„For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,‟

Romans 3:23

„Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one

who does what is right and never sins.‟ Ecclesiastes 7:20

„If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and

the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and

just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all un-

righteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him

out to be a liar and his word is not in us.‟ 1 John 1:8-10

It is with gratitude that we celebrate His advent as an in-

fant, because we know that as our sins were atoned for on

the cross, so it was that all our human deficits began to be

rectified by one perfectly-lived life starting that very night in

Bethlehem.”

excerpts taken from the “Christmas Plan” by Focal Point Ministries

(used by permission).http://www.jesus.org/is-jesus-god/christophany-

and-incarnation/why-was-christmas-necessary.html

Why Is Christmas A GiftWhy Is Christmas A GiftWhy Is Christmas A Gift---Giving Season?Giving Season?Giving Season?

“Christmas is the great season of gift-giving. A gift is seen

to be all the more precious when we recognize this essential

fact: it is a gift, it didn‟t have to be given at all. Moreover, the

gift becomes even more cherished when we realize that oth-

er gifts might have been given in its place, especially if we

see that the gift we have received is particularly suited to

our needs and desires.

Christmas is not only a time of giving and receiving gifts, it

is the time in which we recall the greatest Gift which God

has given us—His Son. While it is true that “one ought never

to look a gift-horse in the mouth,1” it is also true that we

Christians are called to meditate upon the Incarnation and

the Birth of Christ—we are not doubting or critiquing, we are

meditating and wondering at the grace of God.

The Gift of Christmas is all the more precious when we rec-

ognize that it need not have been given at all—absolutely, it

was not necessary that God should redeem us, nor less that

he should redeem us through the particular means of the

Incarnation. Even given that He chose to save us through the

Incarnation, the whole mystery could have been accom-

plished in any number of ways. And yet, from among all the-

se possibilities, from among all these possible gifts, God has

chosen to give us this particular Gift—the Gift of His Son, the

Gift of a Child; and, through this Messiah, the Almighty has

given us salvation.” http://newtheologicalmovement.blogspot.com/2010/12/was-christmas-necessary.html

Expression TriviaExpression TriviaExpression Trivia

1 The expression “Don‟t look a gift-horse in the mouth origi-

nated in England around 1546. The meaning is ‟Don't be un-

grateful when you receive a gift. This is one of many proverbs

that are 'short and expressive sayings, in common use, which

are recognized as conveying some accepted truth or useful

advice'. This example, also often expressed as 'never look a

„given‟ horse in the mouth', is as pertinent today as it ever was.

As horses develop they grow more teeth and their existing

teeth begin to change shape and project further forward. De-

termining a horse's age and assessing the horse‟s value from

examining its teeth is a specialist task, but it can be done. This

incidentally is also the source of another teeth/age related

phrase—‟Long in the tooth.‟

The advice given in the 'Don't look a gift-horse in the mouth'

proverb is: when receiving a gift, be grateful for what it is;

don't imply you wished for more by assessing its value. http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/don't-look-a-gift-horse-in-the-mouth.html

Righteous Righteous Righteous

LivingLivingLiving

6 So What Do You Want From God? So What Do You Want From God? So What Do You Want From God?

777

History of Black Women History of Black Women History of Black Women

Wearing Hats at ChurchWearing Hats at ChurchWearing Hats at Church

by Winona Rasheed

“For many African-American women, looking your best

from head to toe is important when going to church, and the

hat is one of the most crucial features. The act of covering

your head during worship has its roots in scripture. Since, it

has become a tradition for many women who want to show

respect to God while adding some pizzazz to their presence.

The Eight Commandments of Hat Wearing

Dressed in Sunday's Best

I. Thou shalt not wear a hat wider than the shoulders.

II. Thou shalt not wear a hat a shade darker than the shoes.

III. Thou shalt only wear hats with the colors of white, cream and pastels for Easter. And dark colors for Christmas.

IV. Thou shalt not wear a hat with crumpled, wrinkled or droopy feathers or flowers. (That would just be plain tacky.)

V. Thou shall look tasteful and tidy when wearing "the hat."

VI. Thou shall remember thy bone structure. If a hat doesn't fit the face, don't buy it.

VII. Thou shalt not allow a hat to compete with accessories and jewelry.

VIII. Thou shall let the hat be the focal point of the outfit.

Dressing for Church Service

It is imperative for many African-American women to look

their grandest when going before God. Today, it is most of-

ten the older women who dress the grandest on Sunday

mornings.

For many of these women and their ancestors, dressing up

for church was one of the few opportunities they had to re-

move domestic aprons and house dresses. These drab gar-

ments were replaced by bright colors, fancy shoes and elab-

orate hats that would stand out in a crowd. Style and sophisti-

cation would rule the day.

From Slavery to the 21st Century

The hat tradition began with the writings of the Apostle

Paul, who said women must cover their heads when they

come to worship (1 Corinthians 11:1-16). During the time of

slavery, black women dressed for church rather simply,

sprucing up their worn hats for Sunday service.

Now that African-American women have come so far

through years of struggles, pain and suffering, part of the hat

tradition celebrates their confidence and independence. As

black women began earning good livings, they treated

themselves to new hats, gloves and purses to match. The hat

became a status symbol, showing triumph over the hard-

ships.

Not Just Any Hat

Hat shopping is serious business. Just any old hat won't do.

Women will scour boutiques for one that's special and

unique. It will be big, elaborate, chic and a bit on the flashy

side.

The church ladies strive for a stunning appearance, with

colors and fabric that match from top to bottom, including

accessories. The hat will tie the entire outfit together and

give it the "wow" factor their looking for. Regardless of how

they appear during the weekdays, on Sundays African-

American women want to look like a queen.

Hats and the Elder Women

With today's hairstyles such as braids, twists and dreads,

the big elaborate hats are taking a back seat -- especially

with the younger generations of black women. The new hair-

styles are too big and bulky to accommodate the hat. The

culture and tradition remains, however, for elder black fe-

males. Many of them wouldn't be caught at any special occa-

sion without their fabulous hat. Going without would be like

walking around naked, and that would be just unacceptable.” http://www.ehow.com/print/about_5374431_history-women-wearing-

hats-church.html

W h a t D o e s T h e B i b l e S a y A b o u t W e a r i n g H a t s ?W h a t D o e s T h e B i b l e S a y A b o u t W e a r i n g H a t s ?W h a t D o e s T h e B i b l e S a y A b o u t W e a r i n g H a t s ?

Mrs. Erma Sims, Hays Tabernacle CME Church, Los Angeles, CAMrs. Erma Sims, Hays Tabernacle CME Church, Los Angeles, CAMrs. Erma Sims, Hays Tabernacle CME Church, Los Angeles, CA

“Let everything that hath

breath praise the Lord,....

Even the brute creatures, as

in a preceding; but more es-

pecially man, in whom God

has breathed the breath of

life, and is become not only a

living but a rational soul; and

more especially spiritual

men, converted persons,

whether Jews or Gentiles; on

whom the Spirit of the Lord

has breathed, and whom he

has quickened; and who

breathe in prayer after di-

vine things; and who also

have abundant reason to

bless and praise his name for

what he has bestowed upon

them, and has in reserve for

them; and for which they

should praise him as long as

they have breath;” Gill’s Ex-

position of the Entire Bible

"And every creature which

is in heaven, and on the

earth, and under the earth,

and such as are in the sea,

and all that are in them,

heard I saying, Blessing, and

honor, and glory, and power,

be unto him that sitteth upon

the throne, and unto the

Lamb for ever and ever;"

Revelation 5:13

W h o S h a l l P r a i s e T h e L o r d ? W h o S h a l l P r a i s e T h e L o r d ? W h o S h a l l P r a i s e T h e L o r d ?

“Let Every Thing That Has “Let Every Thing That Has “Let Every Thing That Has

Breath Praise The Lord.” Breath Praise The Lord.” Breath Praise The Lord.” Psalm 150:6Psalm 150:6Psalm 150:6

On The EdgeOn The EdgeOn The Edge

Thank You Lord for Your WordThank You Lord for Your WordThank You Lord for Your Word

Our Human Condition On “Celebrating Beginnings ”

“Often we tire of hoping for a time when there will be peace

because there is also justice, when the good is not threatened by

evil, and when joy has dispelled anxiety. Yet we keep hoping

because we must, for without hope we would be powerless.

The festal joy at Christmas can continue after the decorations

are packed up. Without celebration and gratitude the disciple‟s

life easily becomes a grim and joyless determination to get on

with life. It need not be that way. Above all, give God thanks for

the whole event of Jesus, not just for His birth.”

- from Jesus In The Gospels, Disciple 2nd Generation Studies

“Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and all that move in

them,.” Psalm 69:34

“Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song,

you mountains! For the Lord comforts His people and will have

compassion on His afflicted ones.” Isaiah 49:13

“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains

and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the

field will clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12

Christian HumorChristian HumorChristian Humor

California Christmas DishCalifornia Christmas DishCalifornia Christmas Dish

Fruit SaladFruit SaladFruit Salad

Ingredients:

3 c Seedless grapes, half cuts

3 Tangerines, peeled and

sectioned, and half cuts

1 Cantaloupe melon, balled

20 Raspberries

Juice of 2 lemons

A hefty Tbs. of honey

1/2 c of fresh mint, chopped

Directions:

Mix grapes, tangerines, and melon

in a large bowl.

Whisk together lemon and honey.

Mix in mint. Pour liquid mixture over fruit.

Sprinkle raspberries over top.

Garnish with a few mint leaves. A Very Special Reminder for ChristmasA Very Special Reminder for ChristmasA Very Special Reminder for Christmas

Farmers’ TableFarmers’ TableFarmers’ Table

8

A woman takes her 16-

year-old daughter to the doctor. The doctor says,

"Okay, Mrs. Jones, what's the problem?" The mother

says, "It's my daughter Dar-la. She keeps getting these

cravings, she's putting on weight, and is sick most

mornings." The doctor gives Darla a good examination,

then turns to the mother and says, "Well, I don't know

how to tell you this, but your Darla is pregnant-about 4

months, would be my guess." The mother says,

"Pregnant?! She can't be, she has never ever been left

alone with a man! Have you, Darla?" Darla says, "No

mother! I've never even kissed a man!" The doctor

walked over to the window and just stares out of it.

About five minutes pass and finally the mother says, "Is

there something wrong out there doctor?" The doctor

replies, "No, not really, it's just that the last time any-

thing like this happened, a star appeared in the east

and three wise men came over the hill. I'll be darned if

I'm going to miss it this

time!"

Two men strike up a con-versation at the Pearly Gates. "How'd you die?" the first man asks the second. "I froze to death," says the se-cond. "That's awful," says the first man. "It's very un-comfortable at first," says the second man. "You get the shakes, pains in all your fingers and toes, but eventu-ally, it's a very calm way to go. You got numb and you drift off, as if you're sleep-ing. How about you, how did you die?" "I had a heart attack today." says the first man. "You see, I knew my wife was cheating on me, so I showed up at home today unexpectedly. I ran upstairs into the bedroom, and found her alone, knitting. I rushed downstairs to the basement, but no one was hiding there. I ran up to the second floor, but found no one there ei-ther. I went as fast as I could to the attic, and just as I got there, I had a massive heart attack and died." The se-cond man shakes his head. "That's so ironic," he says. "What do you mean?" asks the first man. "Wow, if you had only stopped to look in the freezer, we'd both be still alive."

The Newsletter Celebrating The Newsletter Celebrating The Newsletter Celebrating Christian Life in Your CommunityChristian Life in Your CommunityChristian Life in Your Community

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