The Birth Of Christ – “Who Told What To Whom?”

Nearer, My God, to Thee – André Rieu (live in Amsterdam)

I. Old Testament Prophecy and the Birth of Christ.

A. There are quite a few names throughout Scripture spoken about Jesus or given by Jesus himself. One of the most prevalent titles is “Christ” (or the Hebrew equivalent, “Messiah”).
https://www.christianity.com/wiki/jesus-christ/what-does-christ-mean.html

B. The appearance of Christ (a Baby) to the shepherds has taken place (Luke 2:1-20). The appearance of Christ (a Child) to the Magi will take place about two years later (Matthew 2:1-11).

C. As we continue the season of Advent, we wait and reflect on what it means that Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament, especially the prophecies that foretold His birth. We look at three specific prophecies about Christ’s birth found in Isaiah and Micah. Advent means “Coming” in Latin. This is the coming of Jesus into the world. https://www.whychristmas.com/customs/advent.shtml (My note: The first advent of Christ was also prophesied in Isaiah 9:6a. There will be a second advent of Christ, as is described in Isaiah 9:6b-7, 740 B.C. for both.).

D. It is very important for us to understand, in reference to the prophecy of the birth of Christ, “Who told what to whom?” It is also important to understand to whom the prophecy of the birth of Christ, “was not foretold.”

II. Let’s consider two “Jewish” prophets, “to whom the prophecy of the birth of Christ was given.” These two Jewish prophets, as well as all other prophets of the Old Testament, received prophecies from God that related to Jews, which, in turn, were given by the prophets to the Jews of Israel.

A. The importance of the Jewish prophets to the Jews of Israel, is made clear in Amos 3:7. The significance of the Jewish prophets can not be under stated, as it relates to the Jews and Israel, “past, present and future.”

Amos 3:7 – New American Standard Bible 2020 – 787 B.C.

7 Certainly the Lord God does nothing
Unless He reveals His secret plan
To His servants the prophets.

B. Note: Donald R. Sunukjian, B.A., Th.M., Th.D., Ph.D., The Bible Knowledge Commentary. “Just as one event does not take place unless another event has already happened, so the sovereign LORD does nothing regarding the history of Israel without first revealing His plan to His servants the prophets. But once this revelation has occurred, once the sovereign LORD has spoken – Israel’s judgment is sure to follow.”

III. Book Overview – Isaiah – by C.I. Scofield – 760 B.C.

A. Isaiah is justly accounted the chief of the writing prophets. He has the more comprehensive testimony and is distinctively the prophet of redemption. Nowhere else in the Scriptures written under the law have we so clear a view of grace. The New Testament Church does not appear (Ephesians 3:3-10), but Messiah in His Person and sufferings, and the blessing of the Gentiles through Him, are in full vision.

B. Consider the authority of Isaiah, as a Jewish prophet of God.

1. Isaiah 1:1;2:1 – New American Standard Bible 2020 – 760 B.C.

a. 1:1 The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz concerning Judah and Jerusalem, which he saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

b. 2:1 The word which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

C. The prophecies of Isaiah were given to him by God. Those God-given prophecies were given by Isaiah to the Jews of Israel.

1. Let’s consider Isaiah’s prophecy of the Messiah.

(a) The Messiah would be preceded by a forerunner (Isaiah 40:3–5).

(1) Isaiah 40:3-5 – New American Standard Bible 2020 – 712 B.C.

3 The voice of one calling out,
“Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness;
Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Let every valley be lifted up,
And every mountain and hill be made low;
And let the uneven ground become a plain,
And the rugged terrain a broad valley;
5 Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
And all flesh will see it together;
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

(b) The Messiah would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14)

(1) Isaiah 7:14 – New American Standard Bible 2020 – 742 B.C.

14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will name Him Immanuel.

IV. Book Overview – Micah – by C.I. Scofield – 750 B.C.

A. Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah, prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah over Judah, and of Pekahiah, Pekah, and Hoshea over Israel 2 Kings 15:23-30; 2 Kings 17:1-6. He was a prophet in Judah Jeremiah 26:17-19 but the book called by his name chiefly concerns Samaria.

B. Let’s consider the authority of Micah, as a Jewish prophet of God.

1. Micah 1:1 The word of the Lord which came to Micah of Moresheth in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and which he saw regarding Samaria and Jerusalem.

C. The prophecies of Micah were given to him by God. The prophecies of Micah were given by Micah to the Jews of Judah and Samaria (southern and northern Israel). Like his contemporary Isaiah, Micah prophesied about the Assyrian destruction of the Northern Kingdom and the later defeat of the Southern Kingdom by the Babylonians.

1. Consider the prophesied birth place of the Messiah.

a. The Savior would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).

(1) Micah 5:2 – New American Standard Bible 2020 – 710 B.C.

2 But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Too little to be among the clans of Judah,
From you One will come forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.
His times of coming forth are from long ago,
From the days of eternity.”

V. Let’s consider the prophecy of the Messiah, as it is shown in Matthew 1:18-25, and fulfills Isaiah 7:14:

A. Matthew 1:18-25 – New American Standard Bible 2020- 5 B.C. – Immanuel, God With Us.

18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, since he was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. 20 But when he had thought this over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a Son; and you shall name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 Now all this took place so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled: 23 “Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and they shall name Him Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.” 24 And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, 25 but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he named Him Jesus.

VI. Let us now consider to whom God did not foretell the birth of Christ. God did not give a prophecy of the birth of Christ to “Gentiles.”

A. The purpose of the coming of Christ to our world is described in the following verse:

1. Acts 26:23 – – New American Standard Bible 2020.

23 as to whether the Christ was to suffer, and whether, as first from the resurrection of the dead, He would proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”

B. The order in which the message of Christ would go forth is described in the following verse”

1. Romans 1:16 – New American Standard Bible 2020.

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

C. God has made it clear that Israel is His chosen people.

1. Deuteronomy 14:2 – New American Standard Bible – 1451 B.C.

2 For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for His personal possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.

V. A key truth of this written article is contained in the following verse:

A. John 3:16 – New American Standard Bible 2020.

16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.

VI. It is important to know that Jews, whom had come to belief in Christ as Lord and Savior, took the message of Christ to the Gentile world.

A. Acts 1:8 – New American Standard Bible 2020

8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth.”

VIII. Christ – God with us.

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Shepherds And Wise Men Together?

Were shepherds “and” Magi present at the manger, at the time of the birth of Christ? Let’s investigate the matter.

“We Three Kings Of Orient Are.” In the above video, shepherds and Magi are seen together in the manger scene, on the night of the birth of Christ. In this article, clarity will be brought to the matter of whom was present at the manger scene, and whom was not. As you read the article you will notice that repetition is used, with the reason being for the reinforcement of facts.

The Wise Men Seek Jesus – In the above video we see the Magi during their trip, probably from somewhere in Persia, or Babylon, to the “house” of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem. The distance between the cities of Baghdad and Bethlehem is 684 miles; the travel time is debatable, but “two years” must fit into the equation (Matthew 2:16). Upon reaching the “house,” (Matthew 2:11) the Magi see the Holy Family, with the Christ “child,” probably being two years old (Matthew 2:16). The video ends with the Holy family on their way to Egypt for the protection of the Christ child. As I watched the video, a sense of Holiness came over me. The video shows changing weather conditions, which indicates a lengthy time of travel for the Maji.

Epiphany – The Appearing Of The Christ Child To The Magi; “They All Didn’t Show Up At The Same Time.”

The revealing of Christ to the Gentiles, in the persons of the Magi at Bethlehem; also called twelfth night. Observed on January 6th. Webster New World Dictionary Of The American Language College Edition, Copyright 1964 and 1953 to 1964.

The twelve days of Christmas in the song are the twelve days between the birth of Christ (Christmas, December 25) and the coming of the Magi (Epiphany, January 6). Precisely, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” start with Christmas Day and ends with the eve of Epiphany on January 5th. The Sunday nearest to 6 Jan can be celebrated as Epiphany Sunday, or the first Sunday after Epiphany (The Baptism of the Lord).

For frequently asked questions about the 12 Days of Christmas, please click onto the following link. http://www.12days.com/faq.htm

Epiphany Scripture. Matthew 2:11 New King James Version (NKJV)

11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Scripture tells of the birth of Christ, the infant, with the shepherds being present, (Luke 2: 1-20). Scripture also tells of Christ, the young child, with wise men being present (Matthew 2:1-12). So, we see that, “they all didn’t show up at the same time.” Scripture also tells us that the Christ will be “God with us.” (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25), and will be “Mighty God.,” (Isaiah 9:6). The story of the Epiphany may be new to some believers but, nevertheless, it is good for all who know Jesus as Lord and Savior to be aware of the information. The account of Luke is celebrated as Christmas, on December 25th of each year. The account of Matthew is celebrated as Epiphany, twelve days later, with January 6th being Epiphany, sometimes being known as “the Epiphany.”

Isaiah 7:14 New King James Version (NKJV). The Immanuel Prophecy (742 B.C.).

14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

Isaiah 9:6 New King James Version (NKJV). The Government of the Promised Son (740 B.C.).

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

The first phrase of Isa 9:6 relate to the birth of Christ, His first advent. The remaining words of verse 6, as well as all of the words of verse 7, relate to the second coming of Christ, or His second advent.

Matthew 1:18-25 New King James Version (NKJV) Christ Born of Mary

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.

Matthew 2:1-12 New King James Version (NKJV) Wise Men from the East

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” 9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

Matthew 2:13-15 New King James Version (NKJV) – The Flight into Egypt

13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” 14 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, 15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”

Consider. The wise men may have traveled for a period of two years (Matthew 2:16).

Matthew 2:16 New King James Version (NKJV) – Massacre of the Innocents

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.

Consider. Three Magi show up in Bethlehem, looking for a “new King, a King of the Jews.” Herod, the King, feeling “a bit insecure,” gets concerned; he doesn’t want any competition. So, he decides to eliminate all possible opposition to his throne by killing all male babies that were two years old, and younger; so, the Christ Child must have been two years old when the Magi arrived in Bethlehem. These “wise men” were not present at the same time as when the shepherds of Luke 2 were led to the manger, where they (shepherds) saw Mary, Joseph, and “the infant Jesus.” The star (Matthew 2:2) led the Magi to Bethlehem. There, they saw Mary, Joseph, and “Christ.” We know from Scripture that Christ “is” the Light Of The World (John 1:9).

Consider. The wise men followed a star that led them to the Christ child (John 1:9: “That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.”).

Consider. After the wise men “came to Jesus,” they departed…another way.” (Matthew 2:12).

Question. After you were led to Christ, did you return…”another way?”

Christ was first made known to the Jews. Then, he was made known to the Gentiles. There are differences of opinion as to when those things happened. But, please! Don’t carry this battle of ideas out into the world of unbelievers; they have more serious things to think about, such as coming to belief in Christ as their Lord and Savior (John 3:18: ““He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”)

Consider the following information that has been written on Epiphany.

http://www.cute-calendar.com/event/epiphany/19352.html

Epiphany

January 6 in the World

Epiphany is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God the Son as a human being in Jesus Christ. It falls on January 6 or, in many countries, on the Sunday that falls between January 2 and January 8. Since the Julian Calendar, which is followed by some Eastern Churches, is at present 13 days behind the Gregorian Calendar and the revised Julian Calendar, 6 January in that calendar corresponds at present to 19 January in what is the official civil calendar in most countries.

On this feast, Western Christians commemorate principally the visitation of the Biblical Magi to the Baby Jesus, i.e., his manifestation to the Gentiles. Eastern Christians commemorate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, seen as his manifestation to the world as the Son of God. It is also called Theophany, especially by Eastern Christians. In both traditions, the essence of the feast is the same: the manifestation of Christ to the world (whether as an infant or in the Jordan), and the Mystery of the Incarnation.

In Christian tradition, the Magi, also referred to as the (Three) Wise Men, (Three) Kings, or Kings from the East, are a group of distinguished foreigners who are said to have visited Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense. They are regular figures in traditional accounts of the nativity and in celebrations of Christmas. Magi is a term derived from Greek meaning a priest of Zoroaster. (From: Wikipedia, License: CCA-SA)

Background

https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/epiphany

Epiphany is one of the oldest Christian feasts. It has been celebrated since the end of the second century, before the Christmas holiday was established. It is commonly known as Twelfth Night, Twelfth Day, or the Feast of Epiphany. It means “manifestation” or “showing forth”. It is also called Theophany (“manifestation of God”), especially by Eastern Christians. Epiphany also refers to the church season that follows the day.

The Epiphany commemorates the first two occasions on which Jesus’ divinity, according to Christian belief, was manifested: when the three kings visited infant Jesus in Bethlehem, and when John the Baptist baptized him in the River Jordan. The Roman Catholic and Protestant churches emphasize the visit of the Magi when they celebrate the Epiphany. The Eastern Orthodox churches focus on Jesus’ baptism.

My thought on the meaning of Epiphany. It is “the appearing” of the Christ Child to the Magi, who were Gentiles. The initial appearing of Christ, “the infant,” was to the Shepherds, who were Jews. The Magi found the Christ Child in a house. The Shepherds found “Christ, the infant,” in a cave. There was approximately two years time passage from when the Shepherds saw “Christ, the infant,” until when the Magi saw, “Christ, the child.”

My thoughts on the opening video. The video is very good. The story that is laid out in it shows a good chronology of events that led up to the arrival of the wise men at the “house” where Jesus and Mary (Matthew 2:11) were mentioned in scripture (Consider all of the people who may have traveled with the wise men). I think that the video clearly shows, as it relates to the Shepherds and Magi, “they all didn’t show up at the same time.” In no scripture are the shepherds and Magi present at the same time. Neither the shepherds, nor the Magi, knew where to go to find Christ; they were led by God’s Holy Spirit, in every aspect of their journeys. In today’s world, neither do we know the way to Christ, nor that we are even, “supposed to go.” We are led by the Spirit of God, in every aspect of our Journey. (John 1:9; John 6:44). Without the prompting of the Holy Spirit, we wouldn’t know that we need Christ (1 Cor 1:18; 1 Cor 2:14). Without the work of the Holy Spirit, we will not spend eternity with Christ (John 3:3; John 3:8).

Consider the definition of Epiphany, per the Merriam Webster Dictionary.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epiphany

Definition of epiphany
plural epiphanies
1
capitalized : January 6 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles or in the Eastern Church in commemoration of the baptism of Christ
2
: an appearance or manifestation especially of a divine being
3
a (1) : a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something (2) : an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking (3) : an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure
b : a revealing scene or moment

“We Three Kings”, also known as “We Three Kings of Orient Are” or “The Quest of the Magi”, is a Christmas carol written by Reverend John Henry Hopkins, Jr., who wrote both the lyrics and the music as part of a Christmas pageant for the General Theological Seminary in New York City. It is suggested to have been written in 1857 but did not appear in print until his Carols, Hymns and Song in 1863. Hopkins composed the song in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where he was a pastor at Christ Episcopal Church (which still stands at the corner of Fourth and Mulberry Streets).

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Romans 1:16

New American Standard Bible 2020

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

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A Marriage Carol 2020

Please allow me to have your undivided attention.

At the time of this writing, it is two days until Christmas eve. Six years ago I wrote the following comment in an article that I had published that relates to the subject of the article that I am publishing this evening….. “Earlier today, as I was driving through a sleepy area of my city, a dreary air was cast over the town. The sky was heavily cloud covered, and dark. A light mist was falling. Very few people were seen on the streets. The day seemed to match the condition of the story that I was hearing on Moody Radio, which was a feeling of utter despair for couples experiencing struggles in their marriages.”

This is the sixth year that I have published this article. Minor changes are made each time that I update this article, but never is an update just a carbon copy of the previous article, but is due to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Each time, before I publish this article, I watch the video, and listen to the audio of the story, “without interruption;” each time strong emotions emerge from within me, and tears begin to flow. Normally, I will publish this article sooner in the month; for this late date post, I am very sorry. But, the truth of the article remains truth.

Please, read the entire text of this article. Please, watch the video and listen to the audio recording. Please! Understand that “which is” being said and that which is not being said in this article.

The story of Jacob and Marlee is that, just a story. But, I know that their situation is one that many married couples, “are facing, have faced, or will face,” in their marriages. Many struggling couples need to come to the truth that they need, “not to give up” on their marriages, but that they should try to make their marriages work. “Jacobs and Marlees” whom are in the process of ending their marriages today, should remember the words that Jacob said about marriage (those words are “on the way.”).

Not all marriages are dying, or are dead, but may need attention. There is a high rate of marriages that are failing because of affairs. A thought stays in my mind today, just as it has in the past; and as it relates to infidelity. That thought is very strong, and is this: “If you are in an affair, “GET OUT OF IT!” Just get out! Don’t wait! Just get out! Get your life right with God! Please understand that which I am saying, and that which I am not saying. I am saying that if you are in an affair, “GET OUT” of the affair; “JUST GET OUT!” “DON’T WAIT!” “JUST GET OUT!” “GET YOUR LIFE RIGHT WITH GOD!” The knight in shining armor, standing on a lush green field, may someday have his armor to tarnish, and the grass under his feet to turn from rich green to dirty brown. No one really can be sure if the grass is greener, unless they’re actually standing in it; and then, it may be too late to stop the damage that has already, by collateral affect, begun to harm other innocent people.

Consider a memorable story of another couple.

Luke 2:1-10 Christ Born of Mary
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+2%3A1-20&version=NASB

As is recorded in the above scripture, Mary and Joseph were on their way to Bethlehem, where Mary would give birth to Jesus, the Savior of the world. Consider the story of Marlee and Jacob, and their “Christmas Eve” journey; it was being made for quite a different reason. The recording of Marlee and Jacob may be difficult for some people; I understand that. I moderate all comments that are made on my WordPress site. If anybody comments on this post on WordPress, please know that I will not publish that comment without gaining permission to do so. If you are seeing this article on any other social media site, you may want to sent your comment to me via private message.

If you are considering a Christmas Eve “divorce papers appointment,” please, let me ask you to listen carefully to the following audio recording of Marlee and Jacob, as they are on their way to sign their divorce papers, “on Christmas Eve.” Listen very attentively. As you listen, think about your wedding vows. Think about your marriage. Think about your children. Please understand that marriage is worth fighting for.

After you have read, listened to, and watched everything that is in this post, please ask yourself a very personal question (you can answer to yourself). Here it is. When you are having a conversation on social media with a “friend” of the opposite sex, “do you get a rush, or a spark?” If your answer is “yes,” maybe social media is not something that you should have as a part of your life.

As you have learned from the audio of Marlee and Jacob, they were married on Christmas Eve, “twenty years ago.” On this particular Christmas Eve, the couple is headed to an attorney’s office to sign divorce papers. Think about Marlee, Jacob, and your marriage situation. Do you remember the words that you and your mate said to each other as you stood before God, the minister, family and friends, and the rest of the people who were watching and listening as you professed your love for one another? If you have forgotten those special words, I have written some words from a traditional wedding vow for you to consider. Please read them now.

“To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish…’til death do us part.”

Please understand that I have no room for spousal abuse in a marriage.

Your particular marriage may not be failing, but there are others, of whom you know, whose marriages are falling apart. Please share this article with those people.

With Christmas being so very near, as you consider the message of this Christmas story, remember its two sets of Christmas characters, both being “J” and “M.” Joseph and Mary, two thousand years ago, were on their way to Bethlehem to bring a life into the world, with that life being Christ, the Savior of the world. In this story, Jacob and Marlee are two character types whom are present in the lives of many people all around the world today, with many being in the process of ending their marriages; such divorces will affect the lives of many others whom are part of their lives. Of the “Jacobs and Marlees” whom are in the process of ending their marriages; they should remember the words that Jacob says about marriage, “marriage is worth fighting for.”

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Georgians! Read This Before You Vote! 2 Timothy 4:14

Raphael Warnock “You cannot serve God and the military” at the same time.

2 Timothy 4:14. Watch out for Alexander the coppersmith. Fiercely opposed to our Message, he caused no end of trouble. God will give him what he’s got coming. (The Message)

Radical Raphael Warnock was educated by Marxists, praised by socialists, and even welcomed Communist leader, Fidel Castro, to his church. He defended Jeremiah Wright’s “God Damn America” agenda, decried the right to life and the 2nd Amendment, and proudly touts his support of organizations that want to destroy the nuclear family and undermine our longstanding support of Israel (See last link).

Hey Georgia, Candidate Warnock Has Another Shocker for You

Warnock repeatedly declares Jesus to have been a “poor Palestinian prophet” and a “Palestinian peasant.” This is not a one-time accident.

If you’re into anti-Semitic revisionist history, or just the latest in Replacement theology and cultural appropriation, Georgia’s Democratic candidate for Senate Rev. Raphael Warnock has a great one for you. It was previously exposed that Warnock accused Israel of shooting non-violent, unarmed Arab protesters like animals, and signed off on an anti-Semitic document accusing Israel of war crimes and comparing Israel to Apartheid South Africa.

After that information was exposed, Warnock penned an editorial denying that he believes Israel is an apartheid state and that he condemns BDS.

In Warnock’s latest sermons that have come to light (skip past the part where he appears to be preaching Marxism), Warnock enters the anti-Semitic world of historical anachronism and revisionism, and we can throw in cultural appropriation for good measure.

Warnock repeatedly declares Jesus to have been a “poor Palestinian prophet” and a “Palestinian peasant.” This is not a one-time accident.

Except, at that time, the Land of Israel where Jesus lived was then called Judea and not Palestine. Roman Emperor Hadrian didn’t rename the Jewish country to Palestine (named after the foreign invaders that plagued Israel) until after the suppression of the Bar Kochva revolt against the Roman occupiers, in 135 C.E., long after Jesus died.

Which makes Warnock’s repeated claim that Jesus was a “Palestinian” an anachronism.

And since Jesus was a Jew, just pile onto that some plain old historical revisionism and cultural appropriation.

The preacher doesn’t even know his own scriptures, instead he is channeling arch-terrorist Yasser Arafat who first crowned Jesus as the first Palestinian martyr, a lie further perpetuated by the likes of no less than Linda Sarsour and Ilhan Omar.

Warnock is running against Senator Kelly Loeffler (R) in the upcoming Georgia runoff election for Senate.

“Raphael Warnock signed letter likening West Bank to apartheid South Africa,” Jewish Insider reported Thursday.

The publication followed up with another story this week saying that Warnock, a Black pastor who leads the church helmed by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. until his assassination in 1968, “blasted Israel” in a 2018 sermon.

On Monday, Loeffler amplified that sermon on Twitter, accusing Warnock of having “a long history of anti-Israel extremism.”

Just days into the U.S. Senate runoff campaign, Rev. Raphael Warnock, the Democrat running against Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler, is under fire for his defense of a controversial African American pastor and his own statements about Israel and the Palestinians.

The latter includes a sermon in which Warnock, the senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, voiced support for young Palestinians “who are struggling for their very lives.”
https://atlantajewishtimes.timesofisrael.com/loeffler-supporters-signal-angles-of-attack-on-warnock/

Warnock tweeted Tuesday he was a “pro-choice pastor,” which inherently goes against the pro-life views of most Christians. https://www.foxnews.com/sports/nfl-coach-tony-dungy-warnock-faith

WARNOCK COMPARED AMERICA TO COMMUNIST CUBA, SAID FIDEL CASTRO HAD ‘COMPLEX’ LEGACY IN RESURFACED VIDEO

When a Twitter user pointed out on Wednesday that “pro-choice pastors” do exist, the Super Bowl champion head coach appeared skeptical.

“Rev Warner may be a pastor. My question would be ‘Is he a Christian?’ That is, does he follow the teachings of Jesus and does he believe that the Bible is the absolute word of God?” tweeted, who is a football commentaror for NBC.

He added: “I would think it would be difficult for someone who believes that God sees us when we are in the womb (Psalm 139:13-16) to think that it is OK to choose not to bring that life to fruition.”

Rev. Raphael Warnock, Georgia Senate Candidate, Says Abortion OK with Christian Faith

In reference to 2 Timothy 4:14, consider the comment on 1 Timothy 1:20, from the Reformation Study Bible.

1 Timothy 1:20 “of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.”

1:20 Hymenaeus and Alexander. Singling out these two individuals raises the question whether they were leaders in the church. Hymenaeus is mentioned again in 2 Tim. 2:17, 18 as one who has “swerved from the truth.” It is unclear whether the name “Alexander” here and in Acts 19:33, 34 and 2 Tim. 4:14, 15 all refer to the same person.

“I have handed over to Satan.” This is probably a reference to putting these two individuals outside the fellowship of the church and, hence, back into the world—the domain of Satan (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2). Paul uses a similar expression in 1 Cor. 5:5 (cf. Matt. 18:17).

“may learn not to blaspheme.” The purpose of this excommunication is disciplinary—that the two would recognize their errors and repent (2 Tim. 2:25, 26; Titus 3:10).

Consider the rich history of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. It is beyond me, as to why that congregation sits under the ungodly teaching of this pastor whom has strayed far from God’s Holy Word. It is also beyond me as to why so many Georgians want him to represent their state in the United States Senate. What are his credentials, other than speaking against America and against God’s inspired Word? (2 Timothy 3:16)

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