Christmas Message 2019

“Jesus was God and man in one person, that God and man might be happy together again.”  - George Whitefield

The "virgin birth" of Jesus occurred about two thousand years ago to a dedicated Jewess named Mary and a humble carpenter named Joseph. We have also come to know this as the "nativity of Christ" (Matthew 1:18–25; 2:1–12; Luke 1:26–38; 2:1–20). 

Throughout history this has been a topic of deep, religious significance and noteworthy, scholarly interest. As stated in the Christian scriptures, Hebrew prophecies about the Messiah were actualized by the miraculous event (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; Micah 5:12).

Further, let us not forget that Jesus had a purpose for his time here on earth. His mission was to was to bring God’s plan of salvation to completion, which was saving the lost (Luke 19:10). 

In the following quote, the late Rev. Billy Graham succinctly articulated the product of Jesus birth: 

"The very purpose of Christ's coming into the world was that he might offer up his life as a sacrifice for the sins of men. He came to die. This is the heart of Christmas."

We live in a world that is fraught with hate, unrest, and violence. And sometimes it can be difficult to muster the strength to walk out the front door of our homes. But, we cannot give in to fear, apathy, and distrust.

Mercifully, Jesus came into the world to show us that there is another way, a better way. His life and teachings demonstrated and promoted love, compassion, brotherhood, and forgiveness. He left us an indelible guide by which we all can live by (John 13:34-35).

Always remember that Jesus never stops seeking and saving those who humbly place their faith in Him. And now, as we always do at another year's end, we thank Our Lord for all of the blessings He has gracefully spread upon our ministry, staff, writers, and friends.

As customary, it is also time for us to go on our annual winter break. We will return Monday, January 6, 2020. As we enter the new year, The Coffeehouse Bible Ministry will be celebrating 10 years of serving Jesus Christ in his good works!

We certainly have much to be thankful for, but we are especially grateful to you who follow our blog! On behalf of everyone here at our ministry we wish everyone a warm, safe, and blessed Christmas and New Year. See you 2020..!

May Jesus Christ bless you always,

~Eve

Video - Paul Tripp: 3 Often Overlooked Aspects of the Christmas Story

Some aspects of the Christmas Story can be lost or forgotten amid all the hustle and bustle of the season. Author Paul Tripp discusses three of these for us here. They serve as reminders about the real story hidden behind all the twinkling lights and brightly wrapped presents.  ~ Eve

Let Us Dwell in Unity!

"The unity we most deeply need is through personal unity with the one Lord and Brother, that thus we may really enter into the power and blessing of this great grace of unity with each other."  - W. Hoyt

One of the most popular themes carried through the holiday season is brotherhood or unity. The cheerful, laughing, singing people we see in television, periodicals, and social media ads all seem happy enough for sure.

In theory, this is the way it should be; everyone getting along, having a great time together. Then we switch the channel or turn the page and there it is, all of the ugliness, pain and injustice we inflict on one another, in full, glorious color.

It is no secret that this goes against what God desires for us (John 13:34-35). His kind of unity goes much deeper into our hearts and souls. It isn't a staged, artificial unity but a very real one, and certainly worth taking a closer look.

Unfortunately, due to obvious limitations of space, this will not be an exhaustive look. Instead, a brief, concise one will have to suffice. Thus, I have chosen the short, Psalm 133 for a basic starting point, as its theme is all about unity. 

This Psalm is a description of the blessing and benefit of unity among brethren, as written by David. Psalm 133:1 begins by speaking about the goodness and pleasantness that occurs when God's people reside together in unity.

This unity recognizes that although mutual love is expressed, believers are free to have differences on minor things. We are free to agree on fundamentals, but are allowed to differ on things of lesser importance in mutual love.

Psalm 133:2 compares unity among believers to precious oil that is poured out over Aaron's head. This refers to a fragrant anointing perfume (sacred oil) used in the anointing of Aaron the priest (Exodus  30:22-30).

As the sacred oil moved down over his beard and shoulders, then finally his breastplate (which had the inscribed names of the 12 tribes of Israel), it symbolized the unity of the nation in worship under their consecrated priest. 

Just as the oil consecrated Aaron, so too was the nation made holy by the unity of the worshipers in Jerusalem. A wonderful image of the ministry of the Holy Spirit coming down as a savory perfume on God's people when they are happily united is given here.

Psalm 133:2, is similar to the previous verse. The dew flowing down from Hermon, a high mountain located just north of Israel, figuratively describes God's blessings descending to His people. And the blessing..? 

The blessing being God's intent for the happiness, health, and prosperity of His people both in this life, and the hereafter. Sadly, Israel, much like us in modern times, rarely attained the level of unity or blessing described here. 

In the end, this Psalm serves as a representation of the the Heavenly Kingdom. We can only pray that at some future date, such true, spiritual unity will be experienced by all believers in God (2 Thessalonians 2:15).

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Peter 3:8; Ephesians 4:2; Philippians 2:2; Romans 15:6

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to live in harmony with others, and in accord with Your will and teachings. Amen.

God bless you, 

Whitney

How Goes Your Faith?

"All growth that is not toward God is growing to decay." - George Macdonald

We have seen what can result when religious belief is carried to extremes, and when it flounders in lethargy. Too much or too little of anything can have a detrimental effect. But what if it runs neither hot or cold, but lukewarm?

This was the case in the church of Laodicea, one of the seven churches of Asia Minor referred to in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 3:14-22). The indifference it exhibited was so disgusting it sickened the Lord (Revelation 3:16).

They were not so unlike many of us at present. Their time and attention was focused more on temporal comforts, possessions, and entertainment (Revelation 3:17). Meanwhile, dedication and passion toward the Lord was tepid and weak.

Especially at this time of the year, it's easy to get swept up in the clamor, uproar, and excitement of politics, television, sports, etc. There's nothing wrong with these as long as they do not affect our spiritual needs.

All too often, however, they do. It is then that complacency, ignorance, and self-sufficiency take hold. The result is that Christ takes a back-seat in our lives instead of being the driver (Romans 12:1-2).

Fortunately, all is not lost. Like the church in Laodicea, the pathway to repentance and expectation is not closed to us either. Though our conduct towards Him may be outright abhorrent, the Lord is ever gracious to us (Revelation 3:20).

Jesus did not come to earth to conform to the status quo. He came to engage, inspire, and motivate our hearts and minds (Matthew 10:34). For us to do anything less is offensive. A lukewarm faith is a passionless, ineffective faith.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:3-4; John 5:39-40; Hebrews 11:6; Ephesians 4:19; Titus 1:16

Prayer: Dear Jesus, may You strengthen and replenish my faith and love for You every single day, amen.

Blessings always,

Cyndy

Don't Stop Believing!

"Unbelief is never cheap; it costs more than it pays."  - Woodrow Kroll

No one would disagree that there's no shortage of worries or anxieties in our daily lives. We're all beset by problems periodically, and there's just no getting around it. "It is what it is," as they say.

One of the problems that can occur due these "troubles" in life is that it can play havoc on our belief. It can cause us to doubt and second-guess our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Even the disciples of Jesus were troubled by reason of their unbelief (Luke 24:38). A couple of the disciples had actually seen and spoken with the risen Jesus and hurried to tell the others about this.

At first, the others had a hard time processing this in their minds. Then Jesus suddenly appeared where they were all gathered (Luke 24:36). Needless to say, this shook them up pretty good (Luke 24:37).

"Startled and frightened" they were, even though Jesus himself was standing right there in front of them! We, too, in times of stress let go of our belief and let our weak and imperfect human reasoning to take over.

It's hard to believe that the disciples could be so weak in faith. But remember, their world was a confusing, unsure, and scary mess at the time. They'd just lost Jesus and now he was back! It was all a bit overwhelming.

Their belief was at a low-point at this time, and understandably so. Our own belief can be beaten down and weakened by occurrences life. And, if this could happen to Jesus' disciples, what makes us think we're any different?

In troubled times we must cling tightly to our belief in Jesus Christ, even though our intellectual doubt is telling us to do otherwise. The trouble with intellectual doubt is that it destroys the peace of the soul.

Believers walk by faith and not by sight. Yet one who believes is more likely to see than one who doesn't. It is faith in God, the reliable truths of the gospel, His promises and controlling providence that brings peace and comfort.

Our worst experiences in life have all been prearranged by God's infinite wisdom, and in the middle of them all He will manifest himself. Therefore, don't question or resist, but trust Him. Don't be worried or troubled, just believe!

Scripture: John 20:29; Mark 9:24; Romans 4:3; Hebrews 11:6; 2 Corinthians 5:7

Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me to trust in what I cannot see, and believe in Your invisible presence, amen.

May God lead your path,

Lee

Video - Lisa Bevere: Start Moving

Life's roads can sometimes seem unclear and confusing, making us wonder if we're headed in the right direction, or not. We press on but inevitably we come to a grinding halt. At that point the question arises, "Am I on the right path?"

In this short video clip best-selling Christian author, teacher, and speaker Lisa Bevere assures us that God will provide the direction we need in order to get a stalled out life moving again if we just remain faithful. I think it's pretty good advice we can all use!  ~Eve

We Are Made for Compassion

"God's dream is that you and I and all of us will realize that we are family, that we are made for togetherness, for goodness, and for compassion."   -Desmond Tutu

According to The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, "compassion" literally means "to suffer together." Researchers define it as the feeling that arises when you are confronted with another's suffering and feel motivated to relieve that suffering. 

In the biblical sense, the Hebrew and Greek definition of "compassion" is not that different. It means "to have mercy, to feel sympathy and to have pity." God, according to the Bible, is a compassionate, gracious, patient, and loving God (Psalm 86:15).

Some say that compassion is in short supply today. They also say this world is so corrupt and lost that we've forgotten what compassion looks and feels like. There are times, I must admit, this would certainly appear to be the case.

We are all born with compassion, though some are not real sure about when and how to use it. So there it sits, under-utilized and under-appreciated and, in some cases, it may even be unrecognized when it is shown.

If we are unfamiliar with, or don't understand something, we seek instruction and guidance on it. We need someone to teach or model it for us. And what better teacher than the designer of the human heart, mind, and soul than God Himself!

God is the ultimate representation of compassion. All His words and actions are given freely to us in the Bible. You might call it God's "how-to" book on compassion. If anyone needs to be schooled on the subject you couldn't find a better textbook! (1 John 4:16)

Here's a small sample of what you will find there: God is a compassionate father who loves His children (Psalm 103:13–17); He sees our suffering and takes pity on us, but He is also kind and forgiving on us, and moves on these as He sees fit (Romans 9:14–16).

Like any parent, God may become angry with us, His children. But, He will not stay angry with us forever. Because He loves us so, God will "will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea" (Micah 7:18–19).

Finally, God's greatest act of  compassion and love for us was to provide an atoning sacrifice for our guilt. He did this by sending His Son Jesus to die for our sins (Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:1–10). Here lies the quintessence of compassion itself.

Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) said, "I would rather feel compassion than know the meaning of it." He understood that compassion is of no use unless it is put into action. We, too, must awaken dormant compassion and press it into service. Our world needs it now more than ever!

Scripture: Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-13; Galatians 6:2; 1 Peter 3:8; 1 John 3:17

Prayer: Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, amen.  - Psalm 103:2-4 (ESV)

May God bless you,

Lainey

Walking in the Truth

 "Where I found truth, there found I my God, who is the truth itself."  - Augustine

"What might best describe the character of the Christian life?" If you're like me, a flood of thoughts and opinions come to mind. Periodically asking ourselves questions like this helps our Bible study and knowledge.

And as you read through Scripture something interesting occurs. You begin to notice certain patterns emerging, especially among the gospel writers. One in particular stands out in my mind, the apostle John. 

You will find that he uses the word "truth" quite a bit in his teachings. Check out John 8:32; 1 John 1:8; 1 John 3:18, for example. Thus, the word "truth" would be an appropriated answer to our question, according to John.

John always refers to believers as those who are of the truth. A Christian life to him is where one walks/acts in the truth. This, I find, is an agreeable description of the Christian life.

"Truth" forms the basis of an attainable Christian life, that in its absence would not be. Unquestionably, the Christian life derives its power from the Lord's presence. His being in our soul is what powers that life.

The way in which that life is developed is more effectively expressed by the word "truth" than any other. Let's examine attributes evident in a person who walks/acts in the truth. Hopefully, you will see these in yourself, too.

One exhibited characteristic is openness, that is, he or she has a dislike for hiding their actions or purposes. Paul says that such a person "comes into the light" (John 3:21). There is a strong desire to show they have nothing to hide.

A closely related trait to the above is the simplicity of purpose. A person desires to openly serve God, yet they retain a small consideration for something else in their own soul. 

He/She is open and simple, but remains laser focused on pleasing God, knowing nothing else takes more precedence, or has greater importance in their life. Finally, the last distinguishing feature is imperative and non-negotiable.

Any Christian life worth its salt needs courage. This is especially so in the face of opposition, contempt, and indifference. It also takes a courageous person to not be ashamed of Christ, and to stand with Him against detestable things.

The bottom-line is that "truth" belongs to Him, and it will be found in Him. The Lord Jesus alone is the power by which we adhere, speak, do, and live the truth. We would do well to always remember this!

Scripture: 3 John 1:4; Psalm 119:160; John 1:17; Psalm 51:6; Ephesians 4:21; 

Prayer: Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. Amen.  - Isaiah 12:2

In Christ,

JoAnna

Keep Jesus in the Season!

"I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it."  - Psalm 101:3

The annual frenzied, craziness of the holiday season has officially begun. Merchants, both brick-and-mortar and online, have been anticipating this moment for months.

Somewhere in the midst of all the festivities and twinkling lights it can be easy to forget our spiritual bearings. We get swept up by the spirit of the season and set the Holy Spirit aside.

It is important, especially at this time of the year, that we keep things in perspective. That is, we must keep our focus on Jesus Christ as we are told in Hebrews 12:1-2. This can be difficult to do at this time of year.

Perhaps we could all use some good advice on how to enjoy this special season, but still manage to keep it all from getting out of hand. And what better source of support of inspiration to turn to than the Bible!

Naturally, there are many verses we could refer to, but I feel that in 1 John 2 we will find timely guidance to see us through with minimal distress to our spiritual and physical lives.

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them" (1 John 2:15). Pay close attention to "the world." In this case, it means the ways of the world, its pleasures, passions, and pursuits.

We should not to set our affinity on the things of this world. The object of our attention must always be on Jesus Christ. How easy it is to get tripped up on this particular point. Stay focused!

Next, "For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world" (1 John 2:16). Take special heed of the words "lust" and "pride" in this verse.

"Lust," as it is used here indicates those indulgences that satisfy worldly appetites or cravings, not necessarily sexual in nature. Namely, the pursuit of objects which divert our attention from Jesus, and offer only temporary fulfillment.

In addition, "pride" implies boasting, pretentiousness, and arrogance. As you might have guessed, many find satisfaction in promoting what they have as a mark of position and power. Self-promotion over Jesus Christ is never acceptable!

Finally, "The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever" (1 John 2:17). This verse sums up all that has been mentioned thus far.

The things of this world are transient, they posture themselves briefly in the spotlight before fading away. Yet, there are many who place the center of their attention on various objects of "desire."

The point here today is not to spoil your enjoyment of life. Think of it as a self-checklist to remind us all what is truly important, not only now but all year long. As verse 17 says, "...whoever does the will of God lives forever."

Scripture: Philippians 3:12; Proverbs 4:25; Colossians 3:2; Matthew 6:33; Isaiah 26:3

Prayer: Dear Jesus, I will meditate on your commandments and fix my eyes on your ways at all times. On You who provides life everlasting and not objects of fleeting contentment, amen.

Love and blessings,

Andrea