What do you give to the person who has everything? What do you give to the Creator of all things? The Magi, wise men from the east, brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They were expressions of untold wealth. But these gifts were also prophetically significant. Beyond the great worth of these Christmas presents was the foretelling of our redemption.
Matthew shared this picture which prefigures a day greater than the time of his birth. “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).
Frankincense – This was an incense which was familiar to the High Priest of Israel. The ministry of the priest was to be a mediator between God and the people – to intercede on their behalf with animal sacrifices for their sin. Frankincense was burned as a sweet fragrance to cover the stench of death and rotting or burning flesh. This newborn child of Mary’s was sent from heaven to be our Great High Priest. He came to live an exemplary sinless life, to be qualified before God to offer Himself as the perfect, ultimate and final sacrifice for the sins of the world. Jesus came to die. The sacrifice was bitter sweet.
The fragrant gum resin from the Boswellia tree also had another benefit. Frankincense also holds medicinal healing properties. Herbalists for centuries have used frankincense as a natural remedy to reduce inflammation. Only by familiarity with the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, could the wise men have known who Jesus was and what He would accomplish for mankind. Hear the words of the prophet, hundreds of years before Jesus was born. “But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
Myrrh – Worth five times more than frankincense was this royal perfume. Mixed with precious oils, the aromatic spice derived from a tree resin fragranced the bedrooms of kings. But it was also used in the practice of embalming, even in embalming Jesus. As we can see in John 19:39, “And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound [weight].” They removed His body from the cross and wrapped it in grave cloth and these spices. The myrrh at His birth foretold His burial. Three days in the grave was proof of His death.
The double use of this perfume is meant to remind us that although Jesus was dead and buried, this was not the end, for He was destined to be restored to His royal heavenly throne.
Gold – “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth; And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11). The gold the wise men brought were treasures foretelling a ruler both human and divine. Without the Son’s obedience to the Father, even unto death, there could be no resurrection. But because Jesus Christ faithfully fulfilled God’s directions to redeem lost humanity, the Spirit raised our glorious Lord from the dead, and the Father laid all of the kingdom of God upon His shoulders. Jesus Christ is truly the King of kings and the Lord of lords, who rules and reigns forever more. He came from Heaven to return to heaven. From incarnation to resurrection, Jesus is our priceless gift of salvation from sin for eternal life with Him.
The wise men brought gold, some variety of myrrh, as well as frankincense as gifts to the infant Jesus. So what do we know of the possible significance of these gifts? Because He suffered, we will suffer. Because He died, we must die. Because He lives, we too will be resurrected to eternal life with Him. Give the gift of your life to the Lord Jesus Christ today!
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
The Other Prodigal
Many of us have prodigals in our lives. A prodigal is one who wastefully squanders what he has. The prodigal that we are most familiar with is the younger son who prematurely took his share of his father’s estate and carelessly consumed it all on immoral living. This led to poverty and the awakening of his conscience to repent and return his father’s house. But did you know there is more than one way to wastefully squander what you have in relation to the father? Did you know there was another prodigal?
The elder son was every bit as much a prodigal as the younger son. Although he never left home, never took advantage of his father, worked hard and was always obedient, he was a prodigal none the less. Clearly and almost justifiably, he was enraged at his father hosting a barbeque to welcome home the younger son. The elder son was jealous, bitter, resentful and unforgiving. But that isn’t what made him a prodigal.
At the appeal of his father to join the party, the elder son accused the father of NEVER throwing a party for him and his friends. The father never celebrated his faithful service. Never gave him so much as a goat, let alone the fatted calf. It is the father’s reply that reveals to us the reality that the elder son in his own way is a prodigal, too.
“And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.” (Luke 15:31)
The elder son didn’t squander money, or consume rebellious living. The elder son wasted time and opportunity while sitting in the father’s house doing nothing. “ALL THAT I HAVE IS YOURS!” This was a true statement, for in the distribution of the father’s estate it would have been customary to will 1/3 to the younger son and 2/3 to the elder son. After the younger took his share and took off, the rest would befall to the elder son. While the younger squandered, the elder maintained the status quo. He lived a “get by” kind of life. He didn’t do too much. He didn’t do too little. Mediocrity might be the best description.
What hit me right between the eyes was this is like so many Christians today. We posses ALL the resources and assets of the kingdom of God. All that the father has is ours, now! We have the truth of the Word, the privilege of prayer, victory of the cross and the blood of Christ, resurrection power, the authority of the name of Jesus, protected with the armor of God and the constant abiding presence of the Holy Spirit to comfort and to guide. What an utter waste if we relegate all of our divine inheritance into just showing up at church and paying our tithe. What a wasteful squandering of kingdom authority!
The five virgins were left behind for not being prepared for the bridegroom’s coming. The goats were separated from the sheep for doing nothing to help their brethren. The servant was judged by his master for burying his talent. He was convicted for being lazy. The seed sown among thorns produced no fruit due to the worries and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches.
While we are here, we have kingdom work to do, in kingdom authority. We are here to work the works of God while it is yet day, not bide our time to until we can get rescued out of here! Freely you have received freely give!
The elder son was every bit as much a prodigal as the younger son. Although he never left home, never took advantage of his father, worked hard and was always obedient, he was a prodigal none the less. Clearly and almost justifiably, he was enraged at his father hosting a barbeque to welcome home the younger son. The elder son was jealous, bitter, resentful and unforgiving. But that isn’t what made him a prodigal.
At the appeal of his father to join the party, the elder son accused the father of NEVER throwing a party for him and his friends. The father never celebrated his faithful service. Never gave him so much as a goat, let alone the fatted calf. It is the father’s reply that reveals to us the reality that the elder son in his own way is a prodigal, too.
“And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.” (Luke 15:31)
The elder son didn’t squander money, or consume rebellious living. The elder son wasted time and opportunity while sitting in the father’s house doing nothing. “ALL THAT I HAVE IS YOURS!” This was a true statement, for in the distribution of the father’s estate it would have been customary to will 1/3 to the younger son and 2/3 to the elder son. After the younger took his share and took off, the rest would befall to the elder son. While the younger squandered, the elder maintained the status quo. He lived a “get by” kind of life. He didn’t do too much. He didn’t do too little. Mediocrity might be the best description.
What hit me right between the eyes was this is like so many Christians today. We posses ALL the resources and assets of the kingdom of God. All that the father has is ours, now! We have the truth of the Word, the privilege of prayer, victory of the cross and the blood of Christ, resurrection power, the authority of the name of Jesus, protected with the armor of God and the constant abiding presence of the Holy Spirit to comfort and to guide. What an utter waste if we relegate all of our divine inheritance into just showing up at church and paying our tithe. What a wasteful squandering of kingdom authority!
The five virgins were left behind for not being prepared for the bridegroom’s coming. The goats were separated from the sheep for doing nothing to help their brethren. The servant was judged by his master for burying his talent. He was convicted for being lazy. The seed sown among thorns produced no fruit due to the worries and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches.
While we are here, we have kingdom work to do, in kingdom authority. We are here to work the works of God while it is yet day, not bide our time to until we can get rescued out of here! Freely you have received freely give!
Friday, April 17, 2009
School of Life Long Learning
I’m passionate about Christian education. Call me “Christian Ed” if you like. I remember summer camp when I was a teen. We were visited by the president of a Bible college. His approach to the young people was very interesting. He asked the students, “What career choice have you made for your future?” Many kids weren’t sure. Others were confident they would pursue fields in engineering, medicine, law enforcement and business. His next question was simple. “After completing your education,” he asked, “how many years of your life will you spend in that profession?” Most of the young people assumed 30, 40, maybe even 50 years in their chosen occupation. He then asked, “How many years do you expect to be a Christian?” The obvious answer is the rest of your life. The last question was, “Then should you consider starting your adult life in Christian education?”
The Bible college president posed a convincing argument. Too bad I didn’t follow his counsel in my youth. It took me many more years to come to the reality of his sage advice. A career may last a few decades, but serving the Lord is forever. Yet, how seriously do we take the issue of adult Christian education? I believe as believers, when entering into relationship with Christ, we enroll in a “School of Life Long Learning.” One human lifetime is not enough to learn all there is to know about God. But isn’t that one of the primary reasons God has given this one life to you?
“Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ.” (Philippians 3:8 NLT)
“Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ.” (Philippians 3:8 NLT)
However, I have witnessed well meaning Christians dismiss the value of faithful commitment to Bible study. “Sunday School is what I did as a kid,” seems to be their attitude. It really demonstrates an attitude of, “I did my time as a kid, so I don’t need Bible classes anymore.” With or without a degree, we don’t graduate from Bible school until resurrection. I am confident that I will take and teach Bible courses for the rest of my life. It is a matter of spiritual discipline in my mind.
Another deficiency to note is the “dummy down” approach being taken with adults. We need to teach to stretch and grow our faith by the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). If I had my druthers, I would teach all adult classes at least to a junior college level. We tend to live with such low expectations of students that we seldom give homework or expect that students will memorize Scripture verses. You might be surprised at what level students will rise to when challenged and lead.
I’ve been so pleased with the resent response we had at our church in launching a school of ministry. I told the pastor if we could get six commitments we should start the two year diploma program. Wonder of wonders! We finished our first session with 24 disciples. Four times more than the fleece I had laid out. But people are hungry for discipleship, thirsty for the knowledge of God and longing for leadership.
In this day and age we desperately need believers to give God their best effort toward self-discipline to study, learn and grow. If you are gifted and capable, we need you to step up and teach the Word. If you are a true follower, seek out and find Bible based, Spirit filled courses to study. Join the “School of Life Long Learning” today!
If you live near Stockton, CA, take classes with us at Lakeview bible Institute (http://www.lakeviewassembly.com/). If you can study online, try Golden State School of Theology (http://www.goldenstate.edu/).
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
The Fruit of the Spirit is Love
(Taken from my book, "IDENTIFYING GOD". To order a copy, or for more information contact me at edhan362@yahoo.com) C.S. Lewis in his book The Four Loves, called "agape" an unconditional love not dependent on any lovable qualities that one possessed. This amounts to caring for others regardless of the circumstances. Lewis went on to say that "agape" was the greatest of all loves. "Agape" then is God's love acting on our nature and flowing from Him, through us by the Holy Spirit. "Agape" is seldom used outside of the New Testament in the ancient Greek language. But in the New Testament, it is the primary word for love.Jesus said in John 13:35, "By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love (agape) one to another." The love (agape) that Jesus taught and lived went even deeper than that. He said ?
"Love (agape) your neighbor." (Mat. 5:43)
"Love (agape) your enemy." (Mat. 5:44)
"Love (agape) the Lord thy God." (Mat. 22:37)
"Love (agape) one another." (Joh. 13:34)
"Love (agape) Me (Jesus)." (Joh. 14:15)
Doesn't that cover just about everybody? We, in the Spirit of Christ, are commanded by Jesus to love (agape) everyone, even our enemies. "? Bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Mat. 5:44). Now that's a tall order. All that we can say is, "Holy Spirit, help us to love with God's love!"We see this selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love (agape) in Jesus when He said, "Greater love (agape) hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (Joh. 15:13). Paul took this statement a step further by saying, "For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love (agape) toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:7-8). This is the sacrificial love (agape) of Jesus toward us. Even when we were enemies of God, Jesus died to save us, deliver us and heal us!
I grew up with a grandmother who understood and lived unconditional love (agape) before my eyes. But she didn't start out that way. She was living in Indiana, when she answered the call to go and cook at a rescue mission in California. She responded dutifully by selling all that she had to make the trip and get started. When she got off the plane, my father (who was 15 at the time, and had gone before her)said, "Momma, you're going to have to change your ways. You're too proud." This bothered her as she thought of all she had given up to answer God's call.On the drive from the airport to the mission she had imagined serving in one of the beautiful Spanish missions of California. Then they pulled up in front of the rescue mission.The place that she saw looked like an old Indiana barn that needed painting. None the less, they showed her to her room, and let her know that services would begin at 6 p.m.Grandmother got all dressed up like "Kelsey's pet horse" and went down to the chapel for the evening service. She took a front row seat. A little before six o'clock they opened the doors. Homeless men came pouring in the door from the street to sit through the "ear beating" (that's what they called the sermon), before they could get some hot food. About 200 men crowded into a room that sat 150. They smelled of stale wine and perspiration. Grandmother prayed, "Surely God, you have made your first mistake. You would not want me in a place like this."At testimony time in the service my father stood and shared, "I thought skid row was a place, geographically speaking. But I found out that it was really a condition of the heart. I found skid row in my 15 year-old heart, and I knew I needed Jesus."When the service was over, grandmother went back to here room and knelt down beside an old broken down davenport, and surrendered her will to Jesus. She said to God, "If you want me to stay here you are going to have to give me your love, because I don't have what it takes."
God agreed by giving her some immediate instructions. Her assignment was to stand at that door before the evening service and shake the hand of every man that attended. That is how she earned the reputation as "Mom of Skid Row." Her expressions of affection, good will and benevolence followed her ministry for over 25 years, until she went home to be with the Lord.The Holy Spirit wants to grow a "I Corinthians 13" kind of love (agape) in all of us.(Taken from my book, "IDENTIFYING GOD". To order a copy, or for more information contact me at edhan362@yahoo.com)
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Follow me on my NEW blog site... http://idgod-realidentity.blogspot.com/
"Love (agape) your neighbor." (Mat. 5:43)
"Love (agape) your enemy." (Mat. 5:44)
"Love (agape) the Lord thy God." (Mat. 22:37)
"Love (agape) one another." (Joh. 13:34)
"Love (agape) Me (Jesus)." (Joh. 14:15)
Doesn't that cover just about everybody? We, in the Spirit of Christ, are commanded by Jesus to love (agape) everyone, even our enemies. "? Bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Mat. 5:44). Now that's a tall order. All that we can say is, "Holy Spirit, help us to love with God's love!"We see this selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love (agape) in Jesus when He said, "Greater love (agape) hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (Joh. 15:13). Paul took this statement a step further by saying, "For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love (agape) toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:7-8). This is the sacrificial love (agape) of Jesus toward us. Even when we were enemies of God, Jesus died to save us, deliver us and heal us!
I grew up with a grandmother who understood and lived unconditional love (agape) before my eyes. But she didn't start out that way. She was living in Indiana, when she answered the call to go and cook at a rescue mission in California. She responded dutifully by selling all that she had to make the trip and get started. When she got off the plane, my father (who was 15 at the time, and had gone before her)said, "Momma, you're going to have to change your ways. You're too proud." This bothered her as she thought of all she had given up to answer God's call.On the drive from the airport to the mission she had imagined serving in one of the beautiful Spanish missions of California. Then they pulled up in front of the rescue mission.The place that she saw looked like an old Indiana barn that needed painting. None the less, they showed her to her room, and let her know that services would begin at 6 p.m.Grandmother got all dressed up like "Kelsey's pet horse" and went down to the chapel for the evening service. She took a front row seat. A little before six o'clock they opened the doors. Homeless men came pouring in the door from the street to sit through the "ear beating" (that's what they called the sermon), before they could get some hot food. About 200 men crowded into a room that sat 150. They smelled of stale wine and perspiration. Grandmother prayed, "Surely God, you have made your first mistake. You would not want me in a place like this."At testimony time in the service my father stood and shared, "I thought skid row was a place, geographically speaking. But I found out that it was really a condition of the heart. I found skid row in my 15 year-old heart, and I knew I needed Jesus."When the service was over, grandmother went back to here room and knelt down beside an old broken down davenport, and surrendered her will to Jesus. She said to God, "If you want me to stay here you are going to have to give me your love, because I don't have what it takes."
God agreed by giving her some immediate instructions. Her assignment was to stand at that door before the evening service and shake the hand of every man that attended. That is how she earned the reputation as "Mom of Skid Row." Her expressions of affection, good will and benevolence followed her ministry for over 25 years, until she went home to be with the Lord.The Holy Spirit wants to grow a "I Corinthians 13" kind of love (agape) in all of us.(Taken from my book, "IDENTIFYING GOD". To order a copy, or for more information contact me at edhan362@yahoo.com)
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Follow me on my NEW blog site... http://idgod-realidentity.blogspot.com/
Monday, March 30, 2009
"Identifying God" - the book
Check out my book "Identifying God" at www.edhan-idgod.vpweb.com
We invite you to read our book, which is a Bible Study in the
character, nature and authority of God!
Do you know who God is?
You may think you know, but you have no idea.
God is not who you think He is.
God is not who others say He is.
God is who He said He is.
The book “IDENTIFYING GOD” offers a biblical definition of the One True Deity. This Scriptural portrait of the character of God can be a tremendous help for new believers looking to foundationalize their faith. It can also be beneficial for established believers by filling in some of the gaps in their personal faith.
Through this study you will discover …
• The nature of God from the meanings of His biblical names.
• Why the name of Jesus has authority over every name.
• The ministry of God’s Holy Spirit, who works within you.
In a world that is faced with a serious “identity crisis,” this book can help to settle much of your confusion by aligning your faith with “the King of kings, and the Lord of lords.”
Here's what people are saying about author
Ed Han and the book "IDENTIFYING GOD"...
"Ed Han is a quality and detailed Bible teacher. His teachings are both practical and theologically deep at the same time. In his book IDENTIFYING GOD, Ed uses these strengths to address a foundational understanding of God. His insights will be helpful to a wide variety of people. Most importantly, Ed lives a real sincere, down to earth Christian life. His life reflects his teachings and therefore there is real life in his teachings."
Tim Kurtz, Pastor
Fusion Christian Fellowship
Yuba City, CA
"I received your book IDENTIFYING GOD. I thank God, who gave you the prophetic message concerning the writing of this book. I must confess, it is helpful and I was inspired as I read it. Your illustrations gave me deeper understanding of the topics being discussed. This book is very good and you are an excellent teacher. Brother Ed, God richly blesses you. In fact your explanations made me read with excitement. I would like you to teach this topic here in Ghana in my ministry. I believe God is using you to talk to Africa . It is as if you are an African and know the problems here. God is using your book for spiritual break through! Hallelujah! Our God is wonderful. I am very happy about your teaching and I love it.Thank you for your teaching. You make it very simple to understand. You are a great teacher of the Word."
Joseph Ntsiabah
Pastor in Ghana
West Africa
character, nature and authority of God!
Do you know who God is?
You may think you know, but you have no idea.
God is not who you think He is.
God is not who others say He is.
God is who He said He is.
The book “IDENTIFYING GOD” offers a biblical definition of the One True Deity. This Scriptural portrait of the character of God can be a tremendous help for new believers looking to foundationalize their faith. It can also be beneficial for established believers by filling in some of the gaps in their personal faith.
Through this study you will discover …
• The nature of God from the meanings of His biblical names.
• Why the name of Jesus has authority over every name.
• The ministry of God’s Holy Spirit, who works within you.
In a world that is faced with a serious “identity crisis,” this book can help to settle much of your confusion by aligning your faith with “the King of kings, and the Lord of lords.”
Here's what people are saying about author
Ed Han and the book "IDENTIFYING GOD"...
"Ed Han is a quality and detailed Bible teacher. His teachings are both practical and theologically deep at the same time. In his book IDENTIFYING GOD, Ed uses these strengths to address a foundational understanding of God. His insights will be helpful to a wide variety of people. Most importantly, Ed lives a real sincere, down to earth Christian life. His life reflects his teachings and therefore there is real life in his teachings."
Tim Kurtz, Pastor
Fusion Christian Fellowship
Yuba City, CA
"I received your book IDENTIFYING GOD. I thank God, who gave you the prophetic message concerning the writing of this book. I must confess, it is helpful and I was inspired as I read it. Your illustrations gave me deeper understanding of the topics being discussed. This book is very good and you are an excellent teacher. Brother Ed, God richly blesses you. In fact your explanations made me read with excitement. I would like you to teach this topic here in Ghana in my ministry. I believe God is using you to talk to Africa . It is as if you are an African and know the problems here. God is using your book for spiritual break through! Hallelujah! Our God is wonderful. I am very happy about your teaching and I love it.Thank you for your teaching. You make it very simple to understand. You are a great teacher of the Word."
Joseph Ntsiabah
Pastor in Ghana
West Africa
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