The Message of Christmas

Matthew 1:18-25

A Sunday School teacher asked her class “What is Christmas a time for?”

She got the usual answers—Jesus’ birthday, a time of joy, a time to worship God… but then one child raised their hand and answered, "a time for sportsmanship, because you don’t always get everything you want."

We don’t always get what we want but at Christmas we do get what we need.  Through the birth of Christ, God provides the much needed gift of salvation to us.

History records some amazing and spectacular births, but the virgin birth of the Lord Jesus Christ surpasses all births.  The virgin birth of Jesus Christ is unique.  Jesus is the only baby ever born who had an earthly mother, but no earthly father.  He had a heavenly father, but no heavenly mother.  

The account in the Gospel of Matthew 1:18–25, views the virgin birth

from Joseph’s perspective.  Joseph and Mary had become engaged.  An engagement in that day was as binding as marriage.  Mary was found to be with child. What a shock it must have been to Joseph.  Joseph was in a dilemma.

As a result of the legal nature of engagement, a man who found his fiancée pregnant would normally divorce her. Yet, Joseph was a fair and just man, who did not want to shame Mary by divorcing her publicly, so he decided to do so privately. Then the angel prevented this by assuring him that Mary was still a virgin. Her child was conceived by the Holy Spirit, as predicted in Isaiah 7:14.

Thus we learn the message of Christmas as Joseph understood it.  Through “Jesus” God was moving in history to redeem His people.  The grace of God extended to all men who are condemned under the Law, but who may receive grace, mercy, and peace through Christ.  “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Mat 1:21 KJV).  Joseph got the Christmas message.

 

How can your sins be forgiven?

 
First, declare your spiritual bankruptcy.  “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3 KJV)   To declare spiritual bankruptcy means to understand that the cupboards are bare, our pockets are empty, and our options are gone when it comes to saving ourselves from our sinfulness.  Secondly, believe in Christ.  The name "Jesus" was a common name in that day, but after it was given to this baby born in Bethlehem, from that day until this - it has not been a common name.  “Jesus” in Hebrew means Savior. Joseph understood that this child was to be Jehovah, the Savior. Thirdly, turn from your sin.  Finally, receive His gift of salvation.

Our past can be forgiven.  “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 KJV).

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. One day the son died and the father was so grieved that in just a few months’ times… he also passed on.
 
There was to be a great auction of his paintings and a great many influential people gathered, hoping for an opportunity to purchase one of the great masters for their collections.

The auction opened with a painting of the rich man’s son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. "We will start the bidding with this picture of the man’s son. Who will bid for this picture?" There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one."

But the auctioneer persisted. "Will someone bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200? The son! The son! Who’ll take the "SON?" Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. "I’ll give $10 for the painting."

"We have $10, who will bid $20?" The crowd was becoming angry. They didn’t want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections. The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going once, twice, SOLD for $10."

A man sitting on the second row shouted, "Now let’s get on with the collection!"

The auctioneer laid down his gavel. "I’m sorry, the auction is over. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.

The man who took the son gets everything!"

The Ingredients Of Thankfulness

Philippians 1:3-8

Understanding the right ingredients is all important!  A columnist once wrote in her 

“hints” column that the best way to cook a moist turkey was to “put a cup of water 

in the cavity of the turkey, cover with tin foil and bake.”  A reader wrote back to complain.  “The turkey came out fine, but the plastic cup in the turkey melted!”

Directions must be specific.  What are God’s specific directions for developing 

a thankful heart?  What are the ingredients that result in thanksgiving?  As we 

approach the thanksgiving season, here is your thanksgiving recipe.

When we are thankful, worries cease.  In the book of Philippians we learn five 

specific ingredients of thankfulness. 

1.      The Ingredient of Recollection:   We often forget how good God has been 

       to us and what He has done for us.

2.      The Ingredient of Intercession:  Take time this thanksgiving to pray for 

      those who are in need.

3.      The Ingredient of Participation:  Find a place or person where you can 

       help bring joy into someone’s life.

4.      The Ingredient of Anticipation:  Look forward to what God has for you 

      and embrace His promises for your life.

5.      The Ingredient of Affection:  Show your love and respect to those most      important to you this season.

 "We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other."

(2 Thessalonians 1:3 NKJV)

Two men looked through bars. One saw mud; the other saw stars. Even in prison, we can experience thanksgiving!

“…let there be thanksgiving.”  (Ephesians 5:4 ESV)

50th Anniversary

As you may know, this year is The Open Door’s 50th Anniversary as a Church, and we want to be sure that we mark this occasion with the recognition worthy of such a milestone.

50 years ago, a group of believers met for the very first time not only for a time of Worship together, but also to chart a course for the future as a Church Family.  Little did they know then of all the tremendous plans God had for The Open Door Church, yet we are here today as a testimony to the Sovereign plan of God, as well as serving as representatives of what God can do with people following His will.  As we look back over the years, we must take pause and be thankful to the Lord who has blessed us with His presence year in, and year out. 

While there have been difficulties along the way, and times of great testing, we have seen miracles of God’s provision, power, and protection!  God truly is good ALL the time…even when we may not understand His ways.

As Pastor, I am honored to be here at this special time in the history of The Open Door Church, yet I look with anticipation to even greater things in the future!  The Bible says in Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jesus also made it very clear that He would build His church; Matthew 16:18 – And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

At times, we can become a bit “overwhelmed” with our own sense of importance and accomplishment, yet let me assure you that during our time of celebration we will look to bring honor to Christ as both the “builder” and “chief cornerstone”.

On behalf of the entire team of leadership here at The Open Door Church, I want to invite you to attend our special Anniversary Celebration Service.  Activities begin Saturday at 4pm-7pm on campus and continue Sunday at 10 am-2pm.

Our Anniversary service will begin promptly at 10:00 AM on Sunday, October 20th in the Church Sanctuary with a full schedule of events taking place during the day.  Please visit our website @ theopendoorchurchpa.com so that you won’t miss a moment of this great time together. 

Blessings In Christ,

Pastor Mike

 

Three Guidelines on Making Judgments

Matthew 7:1-6

 

We often hear people say, the Bible says, “Don’t Judge Others.”  A press release from Barna stated that, in the 2007 survey, “just 16% of non-Christians in their late teens and twenties said they have a ‘good impression’ of Christianity.”

Among young non-Christians, Barna said, most of the perceptions of Christianity were negative, such as that Christianity is judgmental (87%).  Even young Christians are being affected:  Half said they perceived their own faith to be judgmental.

Yet, the Bible does teach us to judge others.  Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits.”  The ability to make judgments about people and circumstances are essential to safety and protection.  God never instructs us to not make judgments, but rather he gives us guidelines on how to make judgments.  In Matthew Chapter 7 Jesus lays out for us three guidelines for judgments.

GUIDELINE # 1:  BE CAUTIOUS

Jesus teaches us not to rush into judgment of people and circumstances.  The reason we should be cautious about our judgments is because we shall all be judged one day.  Before we judge we need to examine ourselves and make sure that we are not as guilty as those we want to judge.  We do not have much right to complain about the mistakes made by people who are doing the work we should be doing. 

(Romans 2:1 NKJV)  Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge

practice the same things.

The second reason we should not be quick to judge others is because we are not God.  We have a tendency to think that we know everything about the matter. The truth is we don’t know all the circumstances, or the facts.  We need to be more cautious about our judgments until we have learned more about the truth.  It is much easier to be critical that correct.

Ultimately, only God is qualified to judge properly because of his infinite knowledge.  Thus sometimes we may have to leave the matter and judgment into His hands.

GUIDELINE # 2:  BE COMPASSIONATE

The problem that Jesus was addressing in the gospel of Matthew was a group of people who were arrogant and self-righteous.  Unfortunately, people do try to act superior to others.  But, I like to remind people the ground is level at the foot of the cross!

We all have failures and weaknesses that we need to remember when we are judging others.  Instead of focusing on the little specks of dust in other people’s eyes, we should take care of the beam in our own eye.  The greatest of all faults is to imagine that you have none.

Jesus also reminds us that whatever we use to measure someone’s life and actions that same measure will be applied to us.  Therefore, because I want to be judged mercifully by my peers and God, I will in turn do my best to judge others with compassion.  Remember we’re not put on this earth to see through one another, but to see one another through.

GUIDELINE # 3:  BE COURAGEOUS

Being courageous in our judgments means first examining myself.  When I am honest and humble then I can face up to my own problems and weaknesses and confess them to God.  Once I have cleared up my issues which might take some time, then I can see clearly to make proper judgments.

Jesus warns us about having enough discernment to properly judge a person or circumstance, not to cast pearls before swine.  That means I have to be courageous enough to look within and without.  Often we trust others who should not be trusted and our pearl of trust is trampled on.  Often we cast before people the pearls of our heart and it is taken advantage of or abused. We must train ourselves, and our children, to not be naive, but to be courageous in their judgment and discernment.  

 

 

 

     

BREAKING THE BARRIERS TO FAITH

 

    Are you facing a situation that demands an immediate decision, but are unsure about what direction to take?  The way before you may seem dim, even dark.  Perhaps there has been a sudden change in your life, and you are wondering what to do next.

    One thing remains true in your life; God has a plan.  He is the light of our hope, and if you trust Him, He will make a way for you through even the darkest of times.  Life has mountains and valleys. Yet our God is the God of the valley, as well as the God of the mountain.  

    There are many barriers that exist in our lives that keep us from having faith in God when we don’t understand our circumstances.   These barriers are the same barriers that Moses faced when God called out to Moses on the backside of the desert.  What are these barriers that limit our faith to trust God in the darkest days of our lives?

BARRIER # 1:  INSECURITIES

   When God extended his call upon Moses He was communicating to him that He believed in him and believed Moses could do the job he was called to.  But Moses struggled with this calling because he thought he was incapable of doing the job.  Therefore, Moses began to list to God all of his excuses on why he could not do the job.  Why was Moses so insecure about who he was and what he should do?  Because of his past failures Moses struggled with insecurities.  The call upon Moses was not a new call, but a call he was running from. 

   Do you feel insecure about what God is asking you to do?  Do you make up excuses why you can’t?  Do you allow your past failures to limit your life?

   God has a strategy to overcome insecurities in your life.  Step one is to quit comparing yourself to other people.  Moses thought God had the wrong person.  Surely someone else could do a better job.  When we compare ourselves we are telling God that we know ourselves better than He knows us.  God never makes mistakes!  He knows our strengths and weaknesses alike.

Step two is to find your confidence in Christ.  God never asked Moses to depend upon himself, but rather upon God’s power.  The Apostle Paul Said, “I can do all things through Christ.”

Step three is to recognize God as the one who will provide for you.  He is the source of our strength.  He is the one who will provide for us.  When we feel insufficient, He is sufficient.  When we feel overwhelmed, He will help us overcome.

 

BARRIER #2:  IGNORANCE

Moses lacked faith because he was ignorant of who God is and what He can do.  Ignorance limits our life, especially when it comes to spiritual matters.

In his book The Knowledge of the Holy, A. W. Tozer writes: “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”  Therefore, what should we do?

Begin to seek God’s face on an intimate level.  The more we know Him, the more we will know what He can do in us and through us.  How big is your problem?  How big is your task?  I assure you God is bigger.  How big is your vision?  Is it a God size vision?

In addition we should be willing to step out by faith with obedience to God.  As your knowledge of God increases you will sense more confidence in Him and will be more willing to obediently step out in faith.

 

BARRIER # 3:  INIQUITIES

Sin can be a devastating barrier in our life.  We can’t ignore personal sin and we have to make it right.  Therefore, let us be proactive in removing the barrier of our iniquities.  How do we do that?

First, we must confess our sin.  The Bible teaches very clearly that when we are honest with God and confess our sin He will forgive us.  As God speaks to our hearts about our failures don’t argue or deny His truth.  Simply humble yourself before His presence and make things right with Him. 

Second, we must forsake our sin.  That means to not engage in the sinful deed or thought anymore.  Build protective walls in your life that help you to forsake sin in your life.

Finally, we must put our sin behind us.  I meet so many people who are still carrying the guilt of their sin with them even though they are forgiven.  Quit beating yourself over the head with guilt once you are forgiven.

If God is not remembering our sin why do we?  If God is not bringing up our sin that he has forgiven why are we?  Today make a commitment to enjoy the forgiveness of God.

As we close i want to remind us that we can break the barrier to faith in our lives.  The goal of faith is to teach us to trust God on the basis of who He is, not what he provides.

 

 

 

 

Dealing With Adversity

   The story is told of a fish company who developed a new business plan to ship an exquisite line of Cod directly to their customers. They packed the Cod in water so that the Cod would be alive upon arrival and therefore maintain a fresh taste.
     One problem - The Cod died en route. The customers were not happy.
     One of the executives of the company discovered that the feared enemy of the Cod is the Catfish.  They altered their plan and included a single Catfish in each water filled package of Cod.

    The Cod fish swam for their lives the entire journey on the way to their intended destinations.  They arrived alive and healthy.  

     Adversity is very similar. Sometimes God uses adversity in our life to keep us alert and alive for His purpose. Although we don’t like the trial and often feel overwhelmed by it, God maybe using
a difficult circumstance in our life to shape us into the likeness of His Son Jesus Christ. Instead of complaining about our problem why not ask God what do you want me to learn through this adversity. 
    Our Salvation is proven by the trials from God.  God can use adversity to develop our character to make us more usable to Him.  Adversity can be an opportunity for God to serve those in need through us.
   (James 5:11)  Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.