THE BLOOD: BLESSING OR CURSE?

"...and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin."

(1 John 1:7, NASB)

When man first sinned against his Creator and God in the Garden, death was the result of the curse sin had brought upon mankind (see Rom. 5:12). Despite man’s fall into sin that brought such misery and death into the world, God provided an answer, a solution if you will to man’s plight of sin. Scripture says “the life of the flesh is in the blood,” (Lev. 17:11, NASB); whereas death is in sin. So we have the dual nature of the blood of Christ presented to man. To those who reject the forgiveness that is found in the blood, sin’s curse will be their end, whereas those who accept the forgiveness found in the blood of Christ, the blessing of the blood will bring eternal life. Indeed there is power in the blood. There are other examples of duality mentioned in the Bible...(To be Continued)

Would you do service for Jesus your King?
There's power in the blood, power in the blood;
Would you live daily His praises to sing?
There's wonderful power in the blood.

- Lewis E. Jones

IN SEARCH OF THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"

(2 Corinthians 9:15, NASB)

Recently I watched a Christmas movie called “Elf” starring Will Farrell. In the movie there was an interesting line stated by Santa Claus: “The Christmas spirit is not about seeing, but believing.” In a sense, this is true. Unfortunately this movie misses the mark big time. The true spirit of Christmas is not about Santa Claus, or getting presents, festive parties, and family gatherings during Christmas. No, Christmas is about the birth of Christ and why He came into the world. 

I believe it is this Christmas spirit that is lacking among many of God’s people today.  Commercialism seems to have drowned out the true Spirit of Christmas. People are more interested in getting than giving, more interested in Christmas turkey dinners, family, friends, and such other social events during Christmas than celebrating the the real meaning behind Christmas. Christmas has the name "Christ" in it for a reason. The true spirit of Christmas is about reflecting upon the birth of Christ and celebrating this fact. The shepherds were told by the angels the good news: "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11, KJV). Just as the rejoiced in this truth, so should we as recipients of God's Salvation. Too many people get so focused on their gifts that they fail to see and appreciate the greatest Gift of all, the Lord Jesus Christ and His Gift of Salvation. 

The world had no room for the baby Jesus, yet there was room in a humble stable where Christ lay in a manger. Friend, as you go about your Christmas festivies ask yourself this question. Do you have room in your heart to repents and received by faith the Salvation provided by what Christ accomplished on the cross? If you receive Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour, you will experience the true Spirit of Christmas during this season.