A new year is always exciting and refreshing!  It is filled with new hope, new ideas, new opportunities, new adventures, and a new outlook.  It gives us all a new way to look on the future with clearer eyes and a renewed zeal to what lies ahead.  The opportunities always seem limitless, and the resolutions are sometimes higher than we can reach, but the newness outweighs it all.  Even though we live in a time when vintage items, antiques, and rustic creations are popular, we still like things that are new.  But, ultimately greater than the newness of a year is newness of life.  So many people are burdened with sin to the point that they get in the rut or habit of living in them without even thinking that life doesn’t have to be this way.  Settling for a life of drug and alcohol use because that is the “norm” or settling for a lifestyle of lying, greed, covetousness, profanity or even hatred, envy and jealousy will never allow for true happiness.  Life can only be new in Christ and His church.  When we are baptized into Christ, the “old man” is buried, and we put on the “new man” (Eph. 4:22-24).  It is only then that we walk in “newness of life” (Rom. 6:4).  The new man is not burdened anymore because he is like a newborn baby (John 3:3-5).  A baby has no cares or concerns and no need for sin—he simply needs loving parents to take care of him and give him the nourishment he needs to grow.  When you see a happy baby, you know he has what he needs. That is all that Christians need too!  We have a father to take care of us and He gives us all we need to grow thru His Word (Eph. 4:6; 1 Pet. 2:2).  That should give us a reason to smile!  But, the world still surrounds us wickedness, sin and defeat.  Even though a new life has been given, it is not perfect.  But, one day life will be entirely new!  John heard the Words of the Lord in Heaven when He said, “Behold, I make all things new” (Rev. 21:5).  Not just a new year, not just a new life, but all things new—refreshed and better than anything we know now.  When life is new in Heaven, there will be no days of depression, no days of crying because of grief or hurt, no days of anxiety, no days of fear, no days of crime, no days of temptation, no days of loneliness, no days of emotional torment, no days of darkness, no days of pain, no days of frustration—because everything old will be gone (Rev. 21:1-5).  Everything old that tends to still haunt even the most faithful Christian will not be able to bother us anymore—not even death (Rev. 21:4). It is a promise that is “true and faithful” (Rev. 21:5) that each child of God desires more every day. So, rejoice in the new year, make the most of each new day, but the best rejoicing is done in a new life in Christ with the promise of all things new in eternity.

~Derrick Coble

During the Christmas season, perhaps one of the most popular icons is the nativity scene. It is seen at residential homes, church buildings, and even government buildings as a life-like reminder that Jesus came into this world to save sinners (1 Tim. 1:15).  Most of the scenes are the same including: a stable, Jesus, Joseph, Mary, three wise men, flocks, a star, and an angel.  Every Christian definitely appreciates the fact that many thoughts are turned to the Lord at this time of year, but at the same time, it can’t be forgotten that whatever is done has to be done by the authority of God (Col. 3:17) in accordance with His Word.  So, there are three things that never really happened at the manger that everyone needs to know.  
            First, there was no angel at the manger of Jesus.  The angel Gabriel announced Jesus’ birth to Mary (Luke 1:26-35), angels ministered to Jesus after His temptation (Mat. 4:1-11), and an angel strengthened him in the garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:43).  But, no angel appeared at the actual manger.  It is true that an angel of the Lord did appear to announce the birth of Jesus to shepherds who were keeping watch over their flocks by night (Luke 2:8-12).  It was this angel, along with a host of other angels, who praised God saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). But, it wasn’t until “the angels were gone away from them into Heaven” (Luke 2:15) that the shepherds went to Bethlehem and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger (Luke 2:16) without any angels.         
            Second, there was no star shining over the manger.  The Scriptures show that the wise men saw the star in the east (Mat. 2:2) and they came to Jerusalem asking where Jesus was so they could worship Him.  Herod then sent them to Bethlehem (Mat. 2:8) while the star went before them and stood over the place where the young child (not baby) was (Mat. 2:9).  The star stood over a house (not manger) where the young child was with His mother, Mary (Mat. 2:11).  So, the bright shining star was not guiding anyone to the manger but did serve to guide the wise men to the house where the young child Jesus was.      
            Finally, not only were the wise men not at the manger, but the Bible never indicates there were only three wise men.  It simply says, “There came wise men from the east” (Mat. 2:2). But, around the eighth century, the names Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar were given to these men.  It is important to note that the wise men entered the house where Jesus was (Mat. 2:11) and presented unto him three distinct gifts.  Were there ten men bearing these three gifts?  Were there only two men bearing these gifts?  The point is that the Bible is silent on this matter and if the Bible is silent on this matter we ought to respect the Scriptures and observe that same silence.
            It is strange how the plain and simple facts surrounding the birth of Jesus are conveniently overlooked?  For years, many have accepted the nativity scene as a Biblically true icon accepted without question.  It is sad that so many are deceived by this and other doctrines that are never questioned in various religions. For this reason, everyone ought to search the Scriptures (Acts 17:11) for the real truth and “try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).  

Derrick Coble

​The most important task that the church has been given is to take the Gospel to all the world (Mark 16:15). It is easy to donate money, pass out a tract, or mail a note to some stranger to accomplish this goal personally.  However, it can be much more difficult to take the Gospel to family members or close friends.  Out of our love and compassion for those we are close to, we want to see them saved.  Knowing the only way is through obedience to the Gospel (2 The. 1:8,9), how do we ever get those we love to see the importance of obeying God’s plan?

First, we should always be gentle in dealing with those we love (1 The. 2:7,8).  The apostle Paul gave the Gospel to the Thessalonians as gently as a nursing mother who cherishes her children.  Think of all the time, attention, and care that is given to a child.  This is how we must deal with family members and friends who need the truth.  We can feed them the “milk of the word” (1 Pet. 2:2) slowly and deliberately. We then nurture them gently by showing them that “all have sinned” (Rom. 3:23) and all need a Savior (Mat. 11:29)—including us! 

Second, we must confront the issue of Gospel obedience in a humble way.  Paul loved the Corinthian congregation dearly including those who needed correcting.  He asked them a pointed question, “Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that you might be exalted?” (2 Cor. 11:7). Paul preached the Gospel to the Corinthians without taking any funds from them so that they could obey and be exalted in the sight of God.  There may be certain sacrifices we can make for those we love in order for them to follow God as well.  That may mean simply choosing to read our Bibles in front of them instead of a best-selling novel, choosing to attend a Gospel Meeting instead of watching a movie, choosing to give money to a mission work instead of buying the latest gadgets, or even buying someone a good Bible and study tools and offering to guide them in using them.  Any of these examples could open a door to the heart of others. Jesus said, “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Mat. 23:12).

Third, we must show them our sincerity (2 Tim. 3:10).  People who knew Paul knew his doctrine and manner of life and it was consistent with the Gospel.  The way we live matters (Phi. 1:27).  Talking to family members and friends about the importance of Bible class, worship, morality, etc. is necessary but if we are not consistent in living it,  it won't work.  When we let others see Christ living in us, (Gal 2:20) it will go a long way in leading them into the church.  

So, who is on your list of people to talk to?  It's not as difficult as you might think, especially if we show them how much we care for them and want them to be saved.  If you haven't made the effort yet, the time is now (John 4:35). 

Derrick Coble

 . . .you have missed an opportunity to grow . . . We are commanded to grow in our knowledge and there is no better way to do that than taking advantage of extra opportunities in hearing God’s Word (2 Pet. 3:18)

 . . .you have missed a command to assemble . . . We are commanded to assemble and not neglect it for any reason if we can help it because God wants our hearts (Heb. 10:25; Psa. 119:2)

. . . you have missed worshipping God . . . Worship should be something we all desire to do as our soul longs for God (Psa. 42:1).  If you find yourself dreading worship, it might be a sign that the world has distracted you too much (Luke 21:34).

. . . you have missed a shelter from the world . . . There are pressures and temptations we face everyday that we just need to escape sometimes to recharge ourselves.  God is the greatest shelter there is (Psa. 61:3).  

. . . you have missed the fellowship of the saints . . . Christian fellowship motivates and encourages us to live faithfully every day.  It is encouraging to know there are others with same goal (Acts 2:42; Heb. 10:24).

. . . you have missed building your faith . . . Faith comes by hearing God’s Word (Rom. 10:17).  So, if you haven’t been here for each service, your faith may be lacking.

. . . you have missed setting a good example . . . Attending every service of a meeting shows others you want to put God and the church first (Mat. 6:33).  Friends, family members, children, neighbors, co-workers, and others are all watching.  Have they seen your commitment to the Lord?
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. . . you have missed a preview of Heaven . . . Heaven is a place of service, worship, and supreme love for God as is the church (Eph. 3:21).  If attending a Gospel meeting is too much trouble for you, then Heaven will be too.  Don’t miss it (Rev. 20:15). 

Derrick Coble

Have you ever received an offer that seemed too good to refuse?  Perhaps, at a department store the clerk entices with 25% off your purchase if you sign up for a credit card.  Or, you watch a demonstration of a fantastic new product but the catch is you must buy it right away if you want the best value.  Maybe you have even been lured into one of those “free kitten” or “free puppy” deals in the dollar store parking lot.  Sometimes we are quick to say, “Sign me up” and don’t think about living with our decision on a daily basis—whether it is good or bad.  Not only does this happen in worldly decisions, but also in spiritual decisions.  When Peter, Andrew, James, and John were all called to follow Jesus, they “straightway” and “immediately” followed him (Mat. 4:18-22).  Did they realize the kind of commitment they were making?  Did they understand the sufferings they would have to endure?  Jesus would later speak of the great commitment and sacrifice in following Him.  He said that He had no place to lay His head (Mat. 8:20) and a man must forsake all that he has to be His disciple (Luke 14:33).  Furthermore, Jesus would speak of the suffering that His followers must endure by being persecuted (Mat. 5:11) and hated because of Him (Mark 13:13).  We are not much different today.  Following after Christ is a big decision and there are persecutions and sacrifices involved (2 Tim. 3:12).  Yet, it is wonderful when people make that decision very quickly and show themselves to be dedicated every step of the way—no matter what.  Such was the case with Peter, Andrew, James, and John.  In spite of human weaknesses, they proved to be valuable servants of the Lord until the end of their lives.  They said, “Sign me up” and they meant it!  There were no gimmicks, presents, or accolades; but, there was they promise of something greater to come.  We have the same promise of an eternal inheritance (Col. 3:23,24).  So, what do you say?  “Sign me up!”

I recently saw a carwash that advertised, “The Inferno Bath.”  It is a red and yellow foam that actually looks like fire as it sprays on the vehicle.  It is supposed to promote a deeper clean.  Interestingly, it was Jesus who spoke of a real “inferno bath” that will forever rid the righteous of all the filthy influences of the world.  John the baptizer called it a baptism of fire (Mat. 3:11).  There is a baptism that cleanses from sin and there is a baptism that condemns those in sin. John was baptizing believers in water (for the remission of sins) before the death of Christ.  Those who submitted to his inspired words, were forgiven provisionally looking forward to the death of Jesus for the sin of the world (Mark 1:4; Acts 19:4; 1 John 2:2; John 1:29).  Today, we are baptized for the remission of sins looking backward in faith to the Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection (Acts 2:38; 1 Cor. 15:1-4).  John compared those buried in baptism to wheat gathered safely into the barn (i.e., Heaven; Mat. 3:12).  Everyone else (including those who become unfaithful) will be baptized in “unquenchable fire.”  Baptism is literally an immersion or being submerged.  Thus, all those who are not sincere (Mat. 3:8), those who do not bring forth a change in their lives (Mat. 3:10), and those who are not obedient to the Gospel, will be overwhelmed in everlasting fire.  (Rev 20:15)  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

 If you have ever made or done something according to a plan, you might say it was, “premeditated.”  In other words, you thoroughly contemplated what you would do, and made the decision well beforehand (cf. Mark 13:11).  Such was the case with the wise men and with Herod at the birth of Jesus.  Upon seeing “his star” (cf. Num. 24:17) the wise men made the decision to go and worship Him (Mat. 2:2).  Their premeditated plan was to show deep reverence for the new King.  So, when Herod learned of their intent, he sent them to Bethlehem saying, “when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also” (Mat. 2:8b).  Unfortunately, Herod’s premeditation was murder (Mat. 2:16).

These attitudes are not so different from those in the world today.  There are those (like the wise men) who have premeditated on God’s Word and decided they will bow down to the Almighty bringing their best to Him in faithful worship (Mat. 2:11; cf. John 4:24).  On the other hand, there are some with ulterior motives who are just as hypocritical and insincere as Herod (Col. 2:23).

Premeditated Worship that Saves: 

• Exalts God & His Word Over Man (Acts 10:25,26; Psa. 119:161)
• Follows God’s Doctrinal Pattern (Acts 2:42; Rom. 6:17)—this includes singing (Eph. 5:19), giving (1 Cor. 16:1,2), preaching (2 Tim. 4:2), partaking the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7), and praying (1 Tim. 2:1-5).
• Flows From a Humble & Loving Heart (Mat. 22:37; James 4:8-10)

 Premeditated Worship that Kills: 

• Exalts the Commandments of Men over God (Mat. 15:8,9)
• Follows After Deceitful Doctrines (Eph. 4:14; 1 Tim. 4:1,2)
• Flows From a Boastful and Selfish Heart (James 4:2,3; Psa. 94:4)

“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him” (John 4:23).

So, you take out the trash, fold some towels, and give your wife advice on how to fix a problem she’s having all while checking out the latest news or sports scores.  You might be the king of the “multi-task” but will your marriage last?  God has given the husband one of the biggest responsibilities ever—to love and lead his wife as Christ loves and leads His church (Eph. 5:23-25).  A man must love his wife as he loves his own body and show his love for her by nourishing and cherishing her (Eph. 5:29).  This is the kind of love that Joseph had for Mary.  That is why he is a husband worthy of imitating.     

Righteous (Mat. 1:19):  Joseph had a firm desire to do the will of God.  He was virtuous and upright.  Think of the difference between Joseph and the many men today who refuse to acknowledge God.  Both men and women need God.

Sensitive (Mat. 1:19):  Joseph was not willing to make a public example of Mary.  He knew that she could be stoned if he did not divorce her secretly (Deu. 22:23,24).  Even though he must have felt betrayed, he was willing to show her compassion.  Husbands today must learn to never criticize their wives publicly, but lift them up.

A Good Listener (Mat. 1:20-23):  Many women complain that husbands never listen.  However, Joseph listened well.  When the angel of the Lord explained that Mary was still a virgin and had not been unfaithful, Joseph changed his mind about divorcing Mary.  Men typically do not like to be told what to do, but Joseph listened and did what the angel told him.

Loyal (Mat. 1:24,25): Joseph had an unswerving devotion to God and his wife.  He supported Mary and made sure that no one could doubt her purity by abstaining from a sexual relationship until after Jesus was born.  He was a family man who supported his large family by working as a carpenter and leading them to follow God (Mat. 13:55,56; Luke 2:41,42).  What if every husband ministered to the needs of his wife and family like Joseph?

“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD” (Pro. 18:22).

“Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them” (Col. 3:19).