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Reader’s Digest – Why I Am Not Renewing My Subscription

September 24, 2012 By 1 Comment

Reader's Digest - Why I Am Not Renewing My Subscription This morning I sent this letter (via email) to Readers Digest.  Although I did it my self, I do hope you are moved to do the same thing.

We are choosing not to renew any of our subscriptions with Readers Digest. It is unfortunate as my family, as well as my parents’ families (on both my and my wife’s side), have always enjoyed reading Readers Digest from cover to cover.

Those subscriptions, as well as the ones we have given as gifts, will not be renewed.

Our reason is simple – as a business Readers Digest has decided to take a side in the culture war on homosexuality. I (we) no longer want to read another article promoting a lifestyle that is deadly and immoral. This issue can be looked at both from a religious perspective, as well as a secular (non-religious) perspective.

Religious – it’s immoral. It’s a sin against the Creator of the universe. Both the Old Testament and New Testament declare it to be sin.

Secular – it is against the principal tenant of natural selection (The process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring). It is also one of the most destructive lifestyles (the CDC’s own statistics). The homosexual lifestyle does not provide the ideal environment for children; it provides a destructive unhealthy environment full of contradictions and unmet needs.

In both of the above ways many more reasons can be provided.

Readers Digest has had a disproportionate amount of articles celebrating, promoting and legitimizing the homosexual lifestyle. You have taken sides.

I do not expect those with different views in this great country to not be able to share them. Nor would I expect a secular, non-Godly business, like Readers Digest, to not have an article that mentions homosexuality. It’s part of being a free society.

I do not choose whom I will conduct business with by their religious beliefs, nor any other belief that is protected by our Constitution – i.e. a person’s view of homosexuality.

However, Readers Digest has crossed the line from being a magazine to being a pro-(particular) lifestyle magazine; therefore it is not for me or anyone else that is a Christian or knows the facts about homosexuality. Readers Digest is no longer for the general public, but for those that desire a radical change from not only religious beliefs about homosexuality, but also of basic scientific facts and natural selection.

Readers Digest is no longer a safe magazine to have around my house or business. Readers Digest is no longer a safe place to expose young and old minds to open thinking about life and what we all struggle with daily.

For my house and those that I purchase subscriptions for, we are choosing to spend our dollars elsewhere. I suspect that it is more of a disappointment to me than it is to you; although I wish that were not true. That alone, if true, speaks more about Readers Digest “agenda” than anything else I’ve said.

Filed Under: Character, Philosophy, Politics, Religion Tagged With: ,

Big God, Small Me: Bigger Than My Selfishness

March 18, 2012 By 1 Comment

Pastor James MacDonald at Harvest Bible ChapelPastor James MacDonald

March 17-18, 2012

Intro

Philemon 1:8-22

There will be a new Harvest Campus launching on the North Shore (7th Campus) on Easter Sunday.  For details, go to harvestbiblechapel.org/northshore.

Paul was a relational genius.  Many times our problems are relational.

We believe the Holy Spirit has to help us understand God’s word.

Philemon is a prison epistle.  Jesus had gone back to the Father about 30 years ago.

The letter was written to a wealthy man, named Philemon, about another brother, Onesimus.

The Bible does not condone slavery, however it does regulate it.  It was prevalent during this time.

Pastor James asked us to write down two names…people we are on good terms with, but the two of them are not.  Why do we not want to be active about getting them back together (and risk our own friendships)?  Answer – Because I’m a selfish person.

How to Bring People Together

1A) Make it an appeal instead of a requirement. Philemon 1:8-9

8 Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, 9 yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you-I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus-

The godly leader does not exercise his authority or leadership. There is something more than your title or position; it is love.

All truth and no love is brutality. Pastor James noted that he has always been a truth person and God is really working on him to be more of a grace person.

2A) Start with the more wounded person.  Philemon 1:10

I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment.

If this was a small thing, Paul would not have written this letter.  Paul was in prison.

Paul started with the most wounded person. So should we.

Onesimus must have run into Paul and was saved.

3A) Elevate the person over the issue. Philemon 1:10

I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment.

Relationships sever over issues.  The problem comes when we have an issue that becomes so big is overshadows the person.

Reconciliation does not solve the issue it bridges it.

4A) Focus on the present without negating the past. Philemon 1:11

(Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.)

Onesimus’ name means useful or profitable.

One of the best things you can do for a new person is to put them on a new page.

Never are we more like God than when we take a person that has hurt us and release them from it so that a relationship can continue and grow.

5A) Paint the picture of a better future. Philemon 1:12-16

12 I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. 13 I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, 14 but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. 15 For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, 16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave, as a beloved brother-especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

Wounded people can’t see a future…show them how great the future can be.

It’s not God’s will that any Christians end up with a relationship in the ditch

It doesn’t always end up great, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.

6A) Pay what you can as leverage to reconcile. Philemon 1:17-20

17 So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. 18 If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. 19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it-to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. 20 Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.

Paul is leveraging what he has -  Am I your friend.  Do you love me? Then we are going to meet.

Paul wrote – “If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account.” — That’s the Gospel.

Where would you be without me – Paul is cashing in all that he can.  Are we willing to put it all on the line?

7A) Express your intent to follow through and do it. Philemon 1:21-22

21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 22 At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.

As best as Paul could he said I’m coming to see that you follow through with it.

Conclusion

If you’re on good terms with two people that aren’t on good terms with each other, cash in all your chips and get after it. If they don’t work it out, stay on the person that is resisting…don’t give up.

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Big God, Small Me: Bigger Than My Past Expectations

February 25, 2012 By 1 Comment

Pastor James MacDonald

Sermon on February 25-26, 2012

 

Intro Acts 13-14

Communion was held this weekend.

The goal of this message is that we would have right expectations when you serve the Lord.

My thoughts – We spent most of the time reading through Acts 13 and 14.  Pastor James showed the typical pattern of ministry as noted below.  He went through 4 examples that followed a similar pattern.  Pastor James cautioned those that get into ministry thinking it would be easy or without trouble.  On the contrary, ministry life comes with opposition from the evil one.  If you share the gospel you are going to be met by the enemy – to silence the message.  There were not as many notes to take as normal.  Reading the scripture and noticing the pattern is what is important.  When you do, you will come away with the knowledge that it is a battle for souls.  It will be difficult, we must persevere and expect to suffer – Christ did, why shouldn’t we?  A final thought, the first thing Paul did with each city he visited was to share the gospel, not create programs or other “church” busyness.  I think we often loose track of that.  Sharing the Gospel comes first.

The Ministry Pattern

1) Communication – God wants some things said.  The gospel message is a something that God wants verbalized.

2) Opposition – every time the message goes out there is opposition.  The enemy knows what it means when the word of God goes out.  What were your expectations when you served the Lord by verbalizing the message?

3) Perseverance – how different the story would be if pastor Rick and pastor James stopped preaching when there was opposition

4) Fruit – you have to persevere to get fruit.  To see your family and friends come to know the Lord.

5) Glory – when you bear fruit, you bring glory to the lord.

The following are examples of this pattern.

1A) The pattern in Cyprus.

Acts 13:4-12 – 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. 6 When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus.  7 He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

The gospel is simple but not easy.  Don’t make it too difficult for someone.  The power of the message is in the urgency and simplicity.

2A) The pattern in Antioch.

Acts 13:13-52 – 13 Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem, 14 but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” 16 So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: “Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen. 17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. 18 And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. 19 And after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance. 20 All this took about 450 years. And after that he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. 21 Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ 23 Of this man’s offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised. 24 Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’ 26 “Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. 27 For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. 28 And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29 And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. 32 And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, 33 this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, “‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you.’ 34 And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, “‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’ 35 Therefore he says also in another psalm, “‘You will not let your Holy One see corruption.’ 36 For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, 37 but he whom God raised up did not see corruption. 38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. 40 Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about: 41 “‘Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’” 42 As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. 43 And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. 44 The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. 46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” 48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

When the factual attack fails it always gets personal.

About the word appointed – the work of salvation is God’s. Only God saves…

Acts 16:14. Romans 8:29. Ephesians 1:5. Ephesians 1:11. 1 Pete 1.

3A) The pattern in Iconium.

Acts 14:1-7 – 1 Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.  2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3 So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4 But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. 5 When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, 6 they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, 7 and there they continued to preach the gospel.

4A) The pattern in Lystra.

Acts 14:8-23 – 8 Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, 10 said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking. 11 And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, 15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. 16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” 18 Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them. 19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

5A) The pattern in me.

Pastor James wants to tell us (in relation to our church):

It’s not easy.

It comes with a great cost.

One that you don’t know anything about.

Pastor James then encouraged us all (those who are serving at Harvest) to persevere.

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Big God, Small Me: Bigger Than My Past

February 19, 2012 By 5 Comments

Pastor James MacDonald 

Sermon on February 18-19, 2012

Intro:

God likes new stuff

God gives us a new heart, new self and new name. God will bring down a new heaven.

God says “behold I make all things new”

1) God is bigger than my past.

2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

God will not call your past or my past to mind.

2) In Christ, I have a new purpose. Acts 9:16 You have to come to the place where your eyes are open and you see Jesus for who He is. Once it happened to Paul he had a new purpose. He is now willing to suffer for His name.

3) In Christ, I have a new boss. Acts 9:17-18 If you don’t know Jesus Christ as Master, Lord or Boss you don’t know Him at all.

Paul was immediately baptized

Jesus only gave us two orders.

  • Remember me – communion
  • Go public – don’t hide me, tell everyone one – get baptized – the New Testament knows nothing of an unbaptized convert. Romans 10:13, Romans 10:9

Four things about baptism

  • Baptism is personal – you believe first, then you get baptized. Your parents baptizing you as a baby doesn’t count.
  • It’s a picture – when you stand in the water you you think of the death, burial and resurrection
  • It’s a public profession – it doesn’t save you, it’s just what saved people do
  • It’s a problem – if you haven’t done it get it done – now

4) In Christ, I have a new message. Acts 9:20-22 Paul had a new story – he immediately preached in the synagogue.

We all have a story to tell…that is where you start. When you speak out the message you feel and get strengthened.

5) In Christ, I have a new enemy. Acts 9:23-25 Even though are past is behind us, our enemies are still there.

Opposition does not mean failure. Being obedient to God can bring opposition.

6) In Christ, I have a new reputation. Acts 9:26-28

7) In Christ, I have a new fellowship. Acts 9:19 and Acts 9:29-30 Express hospitality – believers should be opening our home to each other. Paul’s brothers protected him and provided for him.

Provers 17:17 – A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Service ended with baptisms…

 

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Big God, Small Me: Bigger Than My Sin (part 1)

February 5, 2012 By 2 Comments

Pastor James MacDonald

Sermon on February 4-5, 2012

Harvest showed a brief video that is shown to people that come looking for a church – The video is at the bottom of this post.  A call was made to participate in the new believer’s classes.

Pastor James announced that the notes provided are incorrect.  He changed the message Saturday morning.

1 Timothy 1:12-18, Genesis 3

12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 18 This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, 20 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Intro:

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.  Paul says that he was the top dog sinner, the CEO of sin, the chief.

1. Sin is not a trifle, it’s not a little oops; it’s a tragedy, it’s a cancer and it’s growing in the center of my life’s purpose. Apart from Christ it will take you down.

  • All natural disasters are because of sin (Rom 8 )
  • Political disaster – did you see what was happening in the streets of Damascus today?
  • Economic disaster – how many of the problems at wall street or with the housing industry would go away if you took away sin
  • Moral disaster – every moral disaster is because of sin.
  • Relational disaster -

It’s easy to see sin in others or in your family. It’s hard to see sin in yourself. What makes it so hard to see sin in the mirror? – my sin nature.

A. W. Tozer said “A man can believe in total depravity and never have any sense of it for himself at all”

Genesis chapter 3 has the fall of man.

1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?”  2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.

2. We are sinners by choice.

Four ways sin comes to us:

  • It gets us to doubt God’s word – before you can sin you must doubt God’s word.
  • Distort God’s word – God never said they couldn’t touch the apple. We don’t know that it was an apple…it was some kind of fruit.
  • Deny God’s word – that’s not going to happen
  • Discredit God’s word – God is trying to keep something from you.

Chapter 6:5 – The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

3. We are sinners by nature

Romans 5:12 – Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned

The extent of sin

Ecclesiastes 7:20 – Everyone is a sinner, to claim otherwise is self-deceit

1 John:1 – We say we have no sin

Romans 7:18 – Just because you know someone who looks like they don’t sin – they are sinners

1 Timothy 5:24 – Everyone is a sinner

Pastor James asked us to jot down three sins we are still struggling with (do it in code he said so no one can see it).

It’s important that we know the reality of sin.

5 things that sin will do:

  • Sin will pursue you – you need to stop and say I will not do that…do it now
  • Sin will disappoint you – misery will be waiting on the other side.  Our Harvest saying is “choose to sin choose to suffer.”  Sin will always lead you to a place you did not want to go
  • Sin will trip you up – you think you have it under control or resolved and before you know it, sin will trip you up
  • Sin will enslave you – sin is addictive.  You are slaves of the one or thing you obey…either obedience to righteousness or sin to death
  • Sin will expose you – Satan hates you and will expose your sin at the worst possible time. Be sure your sin will find you out

Harmatology – the study of the nature of sin

4. Paul says he was the worst sinner

Pastor James said he does not want us to think we are better than others…we need to look at ourselves.

Paul enabled others to sin – ask yourself “do I do that?”

Acts chapter 7:51-53. Steven was doing some preaching.

51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, 53 you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.”

Look at their response to Steven’s teaching:

54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. 58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

The only time in the New Testament after His ascension you see Jesus standing – A saying is – “you stand up for Jesus and He will stand up for you.”

Paul (at that time Saul) was holding their coats.  Paul is helping them sin…he is enabling them.

Do you enable to people to sin?  Do you look the other way? Do you cause them to sin by your bad example?  Spouses can cause their spouse to sin.  If this is happening talk to your small group leader or someone else at Harvest.

If they are sinning call the church.  If they are breaking to law call the police.

Kathy MacDonald said ” I will never support what I know will hurt you”. When you find out you were wrong you will need someone to come back to.  They will remember those that warned them…they will remember you for telling the truth and come back to you.

Paul pursued personal sin – Do I do that?

Acts chapter 8

1 And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.  2 Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.

Paul approved their sin.  Sin was decking him and dragging him further into darkness. Galuations 1:13 – For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it.

Paul persisted in sin chap 9:1

1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

1 Timothy 1:

12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief,  14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

The reason God saves the worst sinners (recorded in the Bible for us to see) is so that people today who have gone far into sin and have done the worst can see that they can be saved.

Next week – Paul gets saved

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Big God, Small Me: Bigger Than My Religion?

January 28, 2012 By 3 Comments

Pastor James MacDonald

Intro

Today is the first part of a 10 week series on a person – Paul…I have never preached this way before. Pastor James talked about a trip to the Grand Canyon when he was a kid.  How small he felt at how big the Grand Canyon was.  This was the segway into how big our God is and how small we are.

Pastor James believes what the scripture says about Paul.  Paul was Jewish born in Tarsus (modern day Turkey) and martyred in Rome. A great missionary raised in Jerusalem.  He was a Roman citizen who likely came from a wealthy family. His family business was tent making (leather worker).  He was able to support himself..born about 5AD, died 67AD at age 62. Birth name, Saul, educated as a Rabi, who sat under the best professors (teachers)…he joined the opposition to persecute the church.  He was the one whom held the coats while they were stoning Steven. Paul was converted when Jesus Christ appeared personally to him on the way to Damascus.

Paul was a devout Bible man.  A teacher of the scriptures. He was a “Bible Guy” a “Church Guy”…he was religious.

The word religion was used 5 times in the New Testament…the word itself is not necessarily a bad word. The problem with religion is not religious observance, but once you get outside of what Christ commanded you to do, you need to be careful and turn it [religion] down.  Religion is prescribed pattern worship.  It’s extra things added to the scripture that God does not require from us.  Paul was drowning in Religion.  Jesus pulled him out.

1A). Religious leaders can’t save me but Jesus can. Philippians 3:1-3

1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. 2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh

Repetition is a good thing. To go over and over some things is just safe. Beware of dogs – people who distort and/or add to the gospel.

Examples of this are:

  • Religious duty – you have to read the Bible to be saved. Go to church.
  • Moral responsibility – you have to quit smoking before you can be saved, stop living together if you’re not married
  • Flesh mutilators – you have to get circumcised

No one should be allowed to corrupt your mind about the simplicity of Christ and salvation

2A). Good behavior can’t save me but Jesus can. Philippians 3:4, 6b

4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

Paul was saying if anyone can get to heaven by works it was him.  He was confident in the flesh.

Pastor James mentioned that he wanted to become a Police Chaplin and told a story about his first call and how hopeless the people were; they had no pastor. No church, no one…he said to us that people just don’t know how to be saved.  There are people all around us who just don’t know.  They have never had a caring person or arm around them.  There are people dying without Christ.  Good behavior can’t save you.

3A). My family can’t save me but Jesus can. Philippians 3:5a

5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;

Four things about Paul:

  • Circumcised on the 8th day – Paul was born a Jew…he has this by birth
  • Of the people of Israel – he was from Jacob, the tribe of Benjamin
  • A Hebrew of the Hebrews – he spoke Hebrew…
  • He was orthodox

None of that helped with Paul’s salvation…it counts as zero

4A). My knowledge can’t save me but Jesus can. Philippians 5b

5b as to the law, a Pharisee;

Three signs that you are leaning to hard on your learning:

  • When you know the Word but you are not a loving person.  You have to be growing in love.  It is the truest test of your conversion.
  • When nothing is minor to you – everything is a war, a fight to the death.
  • If you freak when people believe differently

5A). My passion can’t save me but Jesus can. Philippians 6a

6a as to zeal,

6A) How to be saved?

1b) Surrender religious standing. Philippians 3:7-8

7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.
8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

2b) Submit by faith – to Christ as Savior. Philippians 3:9-11

9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

The service was closed by a video titled “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus || Spoken Word”

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Living In the Reality of Forgiveness

January 22, 2012 By 4 Comments

Pastor Rick Donald


Psalm 32

Today was the end of an incredible three part series by Pastor Rick Donald – I will post the other two sermons later this week.  The following are my notes taken from the service.  He opened with a reminder about the men’s conference next weekend.

Context – the Psalms were written out of David’s own personal experience. Many believe that Psalm 32 was written out of David’s great sin with Bathsheba (the sin was adultery, deceit, and murder).

David’s trying to tell us with Psalm 32 – “learn from me”.

1) My forgiveness from God is available through confession. (vv. 1-2)

1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

David used three verses to communicate where he was at (words that describe our hearts):

Transgression – means rebellion against God…stepping over the boundary with God.
Sin – to miss the mark…the mark is Jesus…perfect character.
Iniquity – means distorted, twisted.  It reflects the crookedness of our nature.  Our heart is sinful by nature.

“Whose sin is covered” means that which God finds offensive He removes from or puts out of his sight.  God chooses to treat me as if I’ve never sinned. He replaces my sin with Christ’s righteousness.

If sin is what I am, and God offers such forgiveness for sin, how do I get it?  Verse 2 says “in whose spirit there is no deceit.”. The solution to my sin problem is God’s own Son, who hung on the cross.  If I believe that Jesus was the payment for my sin and confess it with my mouth I will be saved.

Pastor Rick shared his salvation story from when he was age 12.

2) My fellowship with God is broken through sin. (vv. 3-4)

3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah

For when I kept silent – David kept his sin with Bathsheba silent.  He did not confess it (his sin) to God.  David did what you and I do, he hid his sin and his heart got hardened.  When David kept silent his bones wasted away (a picture of aging, weak bones and sickness). When we choose to not confess our sins, to hold them in our heart, it makes us spiritually dead.

Groaning – the sound of a wounded animal crying out.  David used this picture to show how he felt.

Your hand was heavy upon me – conviction.  Because he would not turn from his sin, God was convicting him to bring him to a place of brokenness and repentance.

Pastor Rick told the story of something in his youth.  He could have been in an accident, but because he stopped just for a moment, another car passed him and was hit by a drunk driver.  God used this to convict him.  God eventually broke him. In tears he repented and confessed his sins.  For the very first time he understood repentance.  He had to make choices to change things in his life.

5 reasons we don’t confess our sin:

  • Because we love our sin
  • I rationalize my sin – it’s no big deal…it’s not hurting anyone, yet
  • I don’t see my sin – pride is blinding me
  • We think we deserve our sin – example a husband that embraces pornography because his wife is not meeting his needs
  • I don’t want to deal with the consequences – we don’t want to trust God with the outcome of confession

We forget the joy and fruitfulness of forgiveness.

3) My growth in God is advanced through repentance. (v. 5)

5 I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

David makes it really clear here that the way to forgiveness comes through repentance.

Two parts to repentance:

  • Confession – I acknowledge my sin to you…we are agreeing with God, God, you are right, what I did was wrong
  • Repentance – this gets us out of the cycle.  To rethink or change your mind toward sin.  I’m changing the way I think about the sin, which will lead to different choices in my life as it relates to that sin

Three important parts to repentance:

  • It starts in the mind – a change in the way I think about it
  • Emotions – it needs to grieve me
  • Will – now I begin to make different choices in my life

4) The promises of God are experienced through humility. (vv. 6-9)

6 Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him.
7 You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.

Pastor Rick shared a story about horses.

Three promises from these verses:

Found – God promises his presence. Don’t take it in your own hands…it only gets worse
Protection – God is a hiding place for us. God protects us in the midst of our sin by reminding us of our position in Christ.  Satan wants you to forget this. God reminds you who He is.
Path – God will instruct you in the way you should go.  God’s Word leads us in the right way.  It keeps us from things that will be painful.

5) My thankfulness to God is expressed through worship. (vv. 10-11)

10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.
11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

Pastor Rick said he was going to let the verses speak for themselves.

My thankfulness to God for my great forgiveness that I find first in Christ Jesus that causes me to come to full repentance.

Do you have you salvation story?

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The Way of Happiness

January 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Pastor Rick Donald

Psalm 1 

The worship leader made an announcement that Lindsay McCaul’s new album would go on sale Tuesday.  It would be available after service.

These are my sermon notes; I hope you find them a blessing.  I have to say that I have found this message series by Pastor Rick a true blessing to me.  This  man packs so much into a sermon it can be overwhelming to take good notes…
1)    When I have a passion for the truth. (v. 1-2)

1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

People are looking for what will make them happy…they will never find it apart from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Blessed means happy and joyful

Advice – there are some things I need to avoid when I seek counsel.  The wicked.  A person who is not apart of God.  Pastor Rick said he has a concern for our church when it comes to who we are listening to for advice.  He asked the question, who do you go to for advise? Oprah?

Four false teachings that Dr. Higbee hears:

  • Pursue happiness at all cost; God wants you to be happy
  • Go with your heart; look out for number one
  • You are the product of your dysfunctional past; you have little or no responsibility for your action or past
  • You need a professional to treat your real issues; God is irrelevant he’s only for spiritual issues

Sinner – nor stands in the way of sinners – key word sinner

Avoid the person who chooses sin.  Also, avoid the Internet and reality TV; if you don’t, you’re still hanging out with that sinful influence

Attitude – nor sits in the seats of the scoffer (to ridicule or mock the things of God and His Word)

God’s Word will:

  • Change and transform
  • Wants to tell me right from wrong
  • It will make you wise
  • It gives me a clear picture of who God is

The truly happy man is delighting in God’s word and meditating on it (meditate literally means repeat, repeat and repeat)

If you want to know God’s joy and happiness then:

Ask – if you want, ask, God will do it
Act – you have to get God’s word out. Pick it up every day!

2) When I am a picture of stability. (v. 3-4)

3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

Can you see the picture? Stable and well grounded with deep roots.

The key word is planted (means like a tree that has been transplanted).  The psalmist is saying that we need to make choices everyday, that causes me to be fruitful and bear much fruit in my life.

How do we do this?

  • Commit to a weekend service where you are going to be fed God’s Word
  • Have a personal Bible study, where you are studying yourself about how your life should be
  • Get into a small group
  • Listen to good Bible teaching – turn off your music and talk radio

If I asked you, how can you tell if a tree is healthy – the answer would be, by the fruit.

How can you tell if a Christian is healthy and strong and if the Spirit of God is active in his life – by the fruit

What does that fruit look like?

Galatians 5:22-23

  • Love – God’s unconditional Love – it’s a choice I make to put the needs and interest of others ahead of myself with no strings attached
  • Joy – super natural delight (something God produces in my life) in the person of God and the purposes of God (always at work for his glory and your good even when we don’t see it or enjoy it)
  • Peace – the calm assurance of what God is doing is best
  • Patience – when you’re exercising restraint instead of revenge
  • Kindness – acting for the good of the person, regardless of what they do to you
  • Goodness – the desire and ability to show generosity to another person that doesn’t deserve it
  • Faithfulness – A resolve not to wander away from commitments even when it costs me
  • Gentleness
  • Self control – restraining my passion and appetites

When does a leaf wither? Answer – when it is not nourished. If you have God at work in your life, you can go through tough times without withering. You can still have joy in the midst of what you are going through.

The wicked (those that do not know God) are not anything like that.  The wicked are like chaff (that blow away in the wind).

3)  When I have the promise of eternity. (v. 5-6)

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Knowledge I will be with God for eternity

The destination for the wicked will be Hell.  They will be separated from God for all eternity.

Which one are you?  Which picture are you?  The happy, righteous, joyful person regardless of what’s happening in your life or the person destined for separation from God for eternity.

You don’t have to be separated from God for eternity….all you have to do is accept,  believe and confess.

 

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Revealed – Seeing The Invisible God

January 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Pastor Rick Donald

What Are You Looking At? Pastor Rick Changed the title to “Revealed…Seeing The Invisible God”

Psalm 19

Communion was done this morning

Pastor Rick announced that they were celebrating the birth of their new beautiful granddaughter – Kylie Ann

1) When I look into the sky I see your presence. (v. 1-6)

1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

We have a risen Savior!  You cannot miss that message at our Easter service.  In Psalm 19, he is comparing the creation of God to a choir singing His praises. God is our Creator and Designer, we are put here in this place to manifest His glory.

Creation is singing it – there is a Creator, a Designer and He is awesome.

Creation’s message is visual, it is so clear, it is so great, you only need to open your heart to see it.

It’s available – no matter who you are or where you are, we all see the same creation of God and it’s available to us all.

The sun is amazing – Stats:

  • Size much bigger then earth 864,000 miles wide
  • A million earths can fit inside it
  • 93 million miles away from the earth
  • 10,000 degrees at surface ??? Degrees at it’s core

God spoke it and the sun was there

Pastor made a parallel to his son Jordan’s marriage

The sun has a very specific course – rises in the east and sets in the west.  God is in control.

There is nothing that escapes the light and heat of the sun.

What am I suppose to get from this?  The psalmist wants us to walk away with the heavens declare the glory of God…it’s Who God is.  The creation reminds us of Who God is.

Four things God’s creation reminds us:

  • God is faithful.  You can count on Him Hebrews 10:22
  • God is powerful. If God can speak creation into existence…there is nothing that can come into your life (which He allows) that He can’t handle Jeremiah 17:32
  • God is personal.  Luke 12:6-8
  • Praise. God’s creation continually sings out to God of His Glory.  My life should bring God glory.

Question…which of those 4 things is God reminding you that you needed to hear?

2) When I look into the Word I see your promises. (v. 7-11)

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Pastor Rick made an analogy about the promises he made 30 years ago this May at the alter when he married Lynn. He noted that he has not been perfect over the 30 years with his promises.

God never falls short on his promises.

Six specific promises God makes:

  1. The law of the Lord is perfect – it revives the soul. It warns us.  God’s Word is reliable. It makes wise the simple (openness)…you can take the truth of God’s Word and apply it to your everyday life
  2. God’s Word always directs and orders our path. Keeps us from bringing harm to ourselves.
  3. The commandment of the Lord is pure. It is without blemish.  It gives me a clear accurate picture of who God is…joy, mercy righteous, judge
  4. The rules of the Lord are true and righteous all together. God’s Word is very specific on right and wrong
  5. God is a God who is consistent.  He never changes.
  6. The psalmist wants us to have an insatiable hunger toward God’s Word and living it out in God’s world

When I look into my heart I see your purposes. (v. 12-14)

12 Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

There is a very clear procession

Observation and creation

Information and promises

Transformation and change

God’s Word is not just informational…It is not just to be memorized or learned… it is to be transformational. He wants the Word to change us into His likeness.

Like the sun in verses 4-6

God’s Word wants to expose sin:

  • Hidden sins
  • Unintentional sins
  • Sins of ignorance
  • Secret hidden sins that we are aware of that nobody else knows…the ones we are hanging onto.

God’s Word wants to expose those.

Presumptuous sins…I know what God’s Word says but I want what I want.  As we expose ourself to God’s Word, God will change us.

God’s Word wants to expose our sins…

Why?

Because there needs to be a change…I need to take some things off and put some new things on.

He wants my life to reflect Him and His glory and greatness but I can’t do that until I deal with my sin.

 

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Christmas Carols We All Know – Or Knew

December 23, 2011 By 1 Comment

I miss hearing these songs.  My inspiration for this was a YouTube video by Journey of Faith doing one of those “Flash Mob” thingies…I posted their video here; it’s certainly worth watching.  If you would like to download the lyrics to these songs in a nice printable fashion you can do that here.  If you’re going to use them, please leave a comment below and share how you are going to do that. It would be a great blessing to me and others!

Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ – yes, we all know that December 25th is not Christ’s actual birthday – that really is not relevant.  What is relevant is that Christmas right here and right now is about the birth of Jesus Christ.  There are so many wonderful symbols about Christmas that point to the birth of Christ, right down to the name Christ(mas).  It’s a shame that there are a  few in this country that are trying to destroy this country’s history and Christmas along with it.

WE all need to bring Christmas back to December 25th…say Merry Christmas, shop at stores that recognize what the holiday is about, accept the greatest gift of all – Jesus, and be with family and friends.  Sing songs of joy and certainly don’t let our current government and some stores ruin your Christmas Spirit…

Merry Christmas to all -

Away In A Manger

Away in a manger,
No crib for His bed
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head

The stars in the bright sky
Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing
The poor Baby wakes
But little Lord Jesus
No crying He makes

I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by my side,
‘Til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus,
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray

Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take us to heaven
To live with Thee there

Go Tell It On The Mountain 

Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and far away
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born

The shepherds all were watching
Over their sheep at night
When a guiding star shone from heaven
And the followed that holy light

Got tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
They found a lovely manger
Where the humble Christ was born
And God sent out salvation
On that blessed Christmas morn

Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born

He brought with Him forgiveness
He live to show us the way
He came to redeem all creation
And to wash all our sins away

Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born

Hark The Herald Angels Sing

Hark the herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled”
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
“Christ is born in Bethlehem”
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn King!”

Christ by highest heav’n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin’s womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn King!”

Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris’n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn King!”

It Came Upon The Midnight Clear

It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth,
To touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, goodwill to men
From heavens all gracious King!”
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come,
With peaceful wings unfurled;
And still their heavenly music floats
O’er all the weary world:
Above its sad and lowly plains
They bend on hovering wing,
And ever o’er its Babel sounds
The blessed angels sing.

O ye beneath life’s crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow;
Look now, for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing;
Oh rest beside the weary road
And hear the angels sing.

For lo! the days are hastening on,
By prophets seen of old,
When with the ever-circling years
Shall come the time foretold,
When the new heaven and earth shall own
The Prince of Peace, their King,
And the whole world send back the song
Which now the angels sing.

Joy To The World, The Lord Is Come!

Joy to the World, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o’er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai’s height,
In ancient times did’st give the Law,
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O Holy Night!

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O’er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

O Little Town Of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight

For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And Peace to men on earth

How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may his His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born to us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel

Silent Night, Holy Night

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth ”

The First Noel

The First Noel, the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

And by the light of that same star
Three Wise men came from country far
To seek for a King was their intent
And to follow the star wherever it went.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

This star drew nigh to the northwest
O’er Bethlehem it took its rest
And there it did both Pause and stay
Right o’er the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

Then entered in those Wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee
And offered there in His presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made Heaven and earth of nought
And with his blood mankind has bought.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

The Twelve Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the third day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin;
Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding;
Oh, bring us a figgy pudding;
Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer

We won’t go until we get some;
We won’t go until we get some;
We won’t go until we get some, so bring some out here
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

What Child Is This

What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you;
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby;
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

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