*Volume 77 *No. 10 *Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 *DECEMBER 2005
Contents: Original Painting The Supreme Christmas Gift Military Prayer Corner Story of Luke How Valuable is Life? The Value of a Human Being Holiday prayer Letters
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing 1 2 3 3 4 5 6 7
(verse 1)
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 angelic hosts proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem.” -Charles Wesley
THE SUPREME CHRISTMAS GIFT
Title of the original painting: THE VALUE OF A CHILD! As the little angels (in the picture), Let us also Crown Him King of Kings!
The beautiful story of Christmas is a story for each human being (male or female, adult or child) residing upon this Earth. Although the traditional holiday is celebrated in various ways, the true event of Christ’s birth continues to belong to every individual. God prepared for the birth of a Savior many years in advance of that (Christmas) morning. One such promise of preparation is found in Micah 5:25, “But you, Bethlehem…out of you will come for Me One Who will be ruler… whose (goings out) are (from days of eternity). He will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the Name of the Lord His God. And they will live securely, for then His greatness will reach to the ends of the Earth. And He will be their peace.” God sacrificed a Divine part of Himself to redeem every person from the evilness of this World. The very Presence of the Almighty Creator on this earth was for the purpose of being crushed for our sins. (Continued on Page 2)
(Continued from Page 1)
But Who among the people…realized it was THEIR Sins that He was dying for – that He was suffering THEIR punishment?
The following are inspired words from God, the Creator:
…My righteous Servant shall make many to be counted righteous before God, for He shall bear all their sins.”
“See, My Servant (Jesus) shall prosper; He shall be highly exalted. Yet many shall be amazed when they see Him… They shall see my Servant beaten…so disfigured One would scarcely know it was a person standing there. So shall He cleanse many nations.
(Isaiah 53 – see additional verses in the entire chapter)
This is indeed the Christmas story, telling of a Divine intervention into the very atmosphere of Planet Earth. God, our Savior, became as a human being so that He might experience our sorrow and trials, feeling great compassion for us. Born as a tiny baby in a smelly stable to ordinary parents, he grew physically and spiritually, in the wisdom of God. Loving and healing individuals revealed Jesus’ passion as He continued to fulfill His mission of showing us a New Way. (read the New Testament) Living Holy, without sin, prepared Him for the ultimate sacrifice- paying the penalty for our wrongdoing. With horrible suffering, He gave His all, as He was crucified like a criminal on the Cross. (continued on Page 3)
But, Oh, how few believe it! Who will listen? …In God’s eyes, He was like a tender green shoot, sprouting from a root in dry and sterile ground. But in our eyes there was no attractiveness at all, Nothing to make us want Him. We despised Him and rejected Him – A man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on Him And looked the other way when He went by. He was despised and we did not care. Yet it was OUR grief He bore, OUR sorrows that weighed Him down. And we thought His troubles Were a punishment from God, For His own sins!
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But He was wounded and bruised for OUR sins. He was chastised that we might have peace; He was lashed – and we were healed! We are the ones who strayed away like sheep! We, who left God’s paths to follow our own.
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Yet God laid on Him the guilt and sins of every one of us. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He never said a word. He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter; And as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, So He stood silent before the ones condemning Him. From prison and trial they led Him away to His death.
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God Who created us in perfection, Who witnessed our journey into sin (death), once again prepared The Way to gather us to Himself, and to give us the Gift of eternal life. Isaiah 53 cries out, “But, Oh, How few Believe it! Who will listen?” This Christmas season, please remember that God has given every individual, in every nation, the perfect, ultimate Gift of supreme importance – forgiveness with eternal life. “For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son so that anyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
MILITARY PRAYER CORNER Please remember our friends and loved ones in the Military, those who guard us, stand firm for the cause of freedom, and sacrifice for the Peace of our nation and others:
God did not send His Son Into the World To condemn it, But to save it.”
Sgt. Nathaniel Clum, Army National Guard (now returned home) Spc. Eric Ea., Army National Guard Raymond Hanks, Army National Guard Gary Miller, Army National Guard
(John 3:16-17) +
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Please send names of military personnel for prayer. SEND TO: N. Hunter 10819 CR 9470 West Plains, Missouri 65775) +
(verse 3)
Hail the heav’n born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Life and Light 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.
The Story of Luke Never Grows Old. In the New Testament Gospel of Luke, we read that the Roman Emperor commanded that a census be taken throughout the nation, and because Joseph was a member of the royal line, it was necessary for him to go to Bethlehem. He took his fiancée, Mary, with him. She was heavy with her first child – a baby created by God’s Holy Spirit. While the couple were in Bethlehem, the time arrived for the baby to be born. In a stable built for animals, the humble Son of God was born, wrapped in a blanket and laid in a feeding box,
-Charles Wesley
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because there was no room for him in the village inn. That night out in the fields, shepherds were watching after their sheep. Without warning, suddenly a bright light shone all around them, and an angel appeared. The shepherds shook with fear, but the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! I bring the most joyful news that has ever been announced. This news is for everyone! Tonight, a Savior (a Redeemer) has been born in Bethlehem. You will find him lying in a feed box, wrapped in a blanket.” At once, the angel was joined by the armies of heaven, and they all were praising God with this song, “Glory to God in the highest heaven and peace on earth for all those pleasing Him.” In time, this vast host of angels returned to heaven, and the shepherds immediately said to each other, “Let’s go see this baby that God has told us about.” They ran as fast as possible to the village, and there they found in the stable - Mary and Joseph caring for the infant Jesus who lay so humbly in a manger. After seeing these wonderful things, the shepherds left for their fields, but they could not help but tell everyone what had happened. They especially told about the angels and their message from God that the birth of a Savior was announced, and He came to earth for everyone. Their shouts of praise echoed with Joy just as that message continues to resound throughout the World today. GOD LOVES YOU! -Luke 2
How Valuable is Life? Ivan J. Smith, CSM 08-20-05 Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary says that life is “the physical functions of people, animals, and plants.” It further describes life as being that time between birth and death. God sacrificed the life of His one and only Son for you and for me in order that we, too, should live. I contend that life is far more than that described above. In Genesis 2:7, God, himself, breathed life into the man, Adam, that He created from the dust of the earth. If life was not valuable, then why would God have created it and spent His own priceless breath giving it to mankind? God could have made anything live, but He chose you, and He chose me along with every other person in the world. He chose each of us for a very special purpose. That purpose is to worship Him because from our worship of God comes love, a desire to serve, and a desire to see others saved from a lifetime of slavery to sin and death. This shows how much value God places on each human life. In the New Testament “life” took on a new and much more important meaning. That meaning is transcending from mere physical life to permanent and eternal life. God does not want you to just live physically in this world; He wants you to live with Him forever. In John 17:3, Jesus said, “This is eternal life that they may know you, the only one true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” God wants us to know Jesus and Himself along with being a part of “the Family” and then enjoying eternal life. God made us and wants an everlasting relationship with us. He values us so much that He is making a permanent place in His kingdom for each one who chooses to follow Him. This means we can be in a close, loving, relationship with the Holy Father, just as His Son is. God loves us enough to give us this most precious gift called life, so that we may be with Him, now and after our physical death. Eternal life is the highest quality of life and God wants this for each of us. It is life free of sin. It is a life of holiness, a positive relationship with God.
O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL O come all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, Born the King of angels. O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, CHRIST THE LORD. (Ascribed to John Francis Wade translated by Frederick Oakeley)
(continued on Page 5)
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Without a physical existence, we cannot continue a relationship (on this earth) with God that develops into an eternal life; therefore, He gave us this precious gift of earthly life. As Isaiah 44:2 tells us, God thought living was so valuable that He made sure that we were created exactly as He designed. “This is what the Lord says – He who made you, who formed you in the Womb.” Then God selected each of our talents that we may make the best use of them for Him. He gave not only the precious gift of life, but all our other gifts so we would find ourselves helpful in service to Him and others. Even so, it is up to each of us to choose to use our gifts for good or for evil. How valuable is life? In living on this Earth, there is the opportunity to accept God’s gift of a wonderful eternity with Him. When earthly life is over, the choice has been made and lifeeverlasting begins. You are of great worth; choose to live with your Creator.
WHAT IS THE VALUE OFA HUMAN LIFE? One of God’s greatest commandments is to “love your neighbor as yourself.” The truth is that you have no closer neighbor than the members of your own family. God’s love begins at home! Yet in America and other countries as well, we are failing to prevent violence against children, women, and even men. In some nations, the government turns a blind eye to the suffering of the vulnerable. Regardless of the legality of some violence, intentionally harming a defenseless human being, regardless of age, is neither Godly nor acceptable. Perhaps, we should ask ourselves these questions: “What justifies the beating of another unprotected/powerless human being? How does thrashing and whipping a small, vulnerable child bring glory to God the Creator? What positive lesson can we be possibly teaching a fragile elderly person by hitting him/her (other than to fear)? Does beating a defenseless woman achieve any purpose other than causing fear and anger? How is God honored when adults choose to resolve 3,200 unexpected pregnancies every day by aborting innocent babies?”
+ “…some will come to Me – those the Father has given Me – and I will NEVER, NEVER reject them…this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those He has given Me, but that I should raise them to eternal life at the Last Day. For it is my Father’s will that everyone who sees His Son and believes on Him should have eternal life…” (John 6:37-40) +
THE HOLY WORD OF GOD TELLS A DIFFERENT STORY. In this day of educated, thinking people, we still find those who place their own personal worth and value above another. This is in deep contrast to the will of God. No one person is more valuable than another. Each human being is priceless, and no one has the God-given authority to abort, harm, abuse or degrade another. Intimidation, humiliation, and the attempt to discredit another child, woman, or man originate from the evilness of the heart. Arrogance and superiority have no place in the life of a child of God. In the New Testament, we read that Jesus cared for individual persons of all positions – the rich, poor, children, men and women of diverse backgrounds. Jesus’ mission was to show God’s
Christmas Stress? Christ like Ways to De-stress. Pray. Go to bed on time. Get up on time so you will not feel rushed. Simplify then unclutter. Live within your budget. Remember: less is more. Do something for the “kid” in you. Carry a Bible to read while waiting. Get enough exercise. Get organized. Take one day at a time. + 5
child in frustration, but if you strike your neighbor, you will be arrested. What determines another human being’s suffering – size, age, or frailty? Every single human being has great worth! Gender or age makes no difference with God; instead, each individual is of the utmost importance to the Creator of all persons. Immanuel (or God with us) never suggested that a man (or men) have the authority to harm a defenseless woman. No husband was given Jesus’ approval to hurt his wife. Instead, the Holy Word instructs men to “show the same kind of love to your wives as Christ showed to the Church when He died for her…loving them as parts of themselves.” God’s word also teaches, “…a man is really doing himself a favor and loving himself when he loves his wife…” (Verses found in Ephesians 5)
love for each human being. His purpose was to make the ultimate sacrifice, giving His life, so that every single human being would accept His gift of love and spend eternity with God. WHO CAN MEASURE THE VALUE OF A HUMAN BEING? God’s voice of love calls out with mercy to each human individual, “Can a mother forget her little child and not have love for her own son? Yet even if that should be, I will not forget you. See, I have tattooed YOUR NAME upon my palm…” (Isaiah 49:15) This tattoo includes the Name of every embryo, every living person upon this earth, and every human being who has entered into eternity. “For YOU (God) created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13). The scripture describes a tiny embryo, loved, created and cherished by God Almighty. This small, vulnerable Living Being is priceless and of immeasurable worth. God our Savior (Jesus) also dearly loved little children; He even commanded the disciples to bring them to Him where the children were blessed with His warm hands of mercy and affection. The terrible abuse of little children is known to God. There are no secrets from His watchful eyes. Mistreatment of children is a grave offense against God Almighty! The Word of God tells us that the offender will reap horrifying results of such behavior. In parenting, the need for disciplining a vulnerable child is sometimes used to excuse physical abuse. The correct meaning of the word discipline is “to train” and may indeed include some methods of correction. However, there are many positive ways (other than hitting) to discipline a child such as “time out” or postponing a privilege. Good books on parenting are full of constructive ideas. Classes that instruct one to become a skillful, effective parent can be found at mental health centers or social services. Professional counselors are also very helpful. Question: Why is it acceptable and lawful for an adult to hit his/her small, vulnerable child but yet NOT appropriate or lawful when an adult hits another adult? In other words, you can strike your
The Holy Word tells us that, “we are no longer…merely men or women, but we are all the same – we are Christians; we are ONE in Christ Jesus…and all of God’s promises…belong to us.” “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!” +
HOLIDAY PRAYERS Our thoughts and prayers are with YOU this holiday season. As we worship Jesus, our Savior. We also thank Him for all those who have stood faithfully by this ministry. Because of you, Individuals are reading the Bible, Learning from Sunday school literature, Distributing and reading tracts, And spreading the Gospel In their own countries. God bless, reward you, And supply your needs. May God Comfort you with His everlasting Peace! + 6
Dear Sir/Madam, I am very happy to write you this letter. Please my main reason is that it is my first time to write a letter to you as my penpal. So I want to express little about my self. Please I am a boy at the age of 12 years old. I am in primary…I attend church called Deeper Christian Life Bible Ministry, but I don’t have a Bible to go to church. So I want to request …especially Holy Bible or New Testament. I will end here, extend my happiest greetings to all members. A. Samuel Ghana West Africa
WORDS FROM THE PAST FOR THE FUTURE! - by Orville Coleman “Many times it takes a one-to-one encounter and the unbeliever will have a chance to not only read a good tract but in their visit, they will also read into the life of the …workers. They will surely see a person of love as a pleasant, sacrificing, practicing Christian, the kind of a person who would be a good neighbor and also a blessing in their world. These encounters are of value and no one need grow weary of what something along this line can do. Christian Triumph, among other things, is making an effort to help this kind of witnessing.” +
Dear Sir/Madam, I want to apply to correspond with your ministries. Friends in Christ, I have some friends in Ghana who correspond with you and they have had trust in you because you have done something for them which has enable them to stick to Jesus Christ. They have totally repent from their sins. They tell me a lot about Christ and what God the Creator is and how love He have for human being. My friends keep on telling me if I confess my sins God will save my life. But now I want you to help me too. Teach me the will of God and to repent from my sins because I know that am sinner and I have sinned against God…I know you have heard all I mean and you will do it. Amen…I request for a Bible. F. Francis Ghana – West Africa __________________________________________
Dear Beloved, God bless you. These are the characters Of the 27 extended families visited with the gospel of our Lord Jesus in a desert areas…They accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal savior, baptize and Holy Spirit filled but no Holy Bibles and gospel materials for daily study and also anxious to grow on the word of God. I hereby request quantities of Holy Bibles, gospel books, cassettes, audio video, and CD’s for evangelism to the rural and urban areas, winning soul to Christ is our supreme task. Yours in Christ, Evan. D Utese Nigeria Dear Sir/Madam in Christ, Calvary greetings to you and your ministry. The brightness of this day has given me the opportunity to write to you..I like reading the Holy Bible and other Gospel books but I do not have this books so I am appealing to you if you can send me some Bibles and other Gospel books…some of the Sunday school children do not have bibles…it is written that if you ask anything in my name, I will do it> So I am asking in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Name and I know you will never let me down….I would like to end here with much pleasure in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Yours in Christ, A. Kennedy Ghana West Africa
Dear Sir/Madam, I am with much happiness to write you this letter…I hope by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ you are fine…Please, the main reason why I am writing you this letter is that I want you to take me as your friend and also want you to send me and my friend books…and I will be gratefully. I want to end here in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Goodbye. Yours faithfully,E. Amantwa, Ghana, West Africa + “He (Jesus) is able to save completely all who come to God through Him.” (Hebrews 7:25) 7
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Angels, From the Realms of Glory Angels from the realms of glory, Wing your flight o’er all the earth; Ye who sang creation’s story, Now proclaim Messiah’s birth. Shepherds in the fields abiding, Watching o’er your flocks by night; God with man is now residing, Yonder shines the infant Light. Come and Worship, Come and Worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King. -James Montgomery
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