Merry Christmas 2024

I want to share some Christmas Reminders, that a good friend shared with me.

May the Christmas gifts remind you of God’s greatest gift, His only begotten Son, Jesus.

May the Christmas candles remind you of Him who is the “Light of the World”.

May the Christmas trees remind you of another tree upon which He died for you.

May the Christmas carols remind you of the song the angels sang, “Glory to God in the Highest.

May the Christmas season remind you in every way of Jesus Christ our King.

(author unknown)

A Good Soldier for Christ Jesus, 2 Timothy Chapter 2

Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure it if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.

This is a trustworthy saying:

If we die with Him, we also live with Him.
If we endure hardship, we will reign with Him.
If we deny Him, He will deny us.
If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny who He is.

Reminder everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them. (vv. 8-14, NLT)

Encouragement to Be Faithful, 2 Timothy, Chapter 1

So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for Him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was His plan from before the beginning of time – to show us His grace through Christ Jesus. And now He has made al of this plan to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. And now He has broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. And God chose me to be a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News. (vv. 8-11, NLT)

Hold on the the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me – a pattern shaped by the faith and love you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you. (vv 12-14, NLT)

Excerpts from 1 Timothy Chapter 5

Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader. Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

Don’t drink only water. You ought to drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach because you are sick so often.

Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later. In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light. (vv. 22-25, NLT)

Warnings against False Teachers, 1 Timothy Chapter 4

Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.

They will say it is wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive with thanks. For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer. (vv. 1-5, NLT)

The Truths of Our Faith, 1 Timothy Chapter 3

I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of truth.

Without question, this is the greatest mystery of our faith:

Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit.
He was seen by angels and announced to the nations.
He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory. (vv. 14-16, NLT)

Instructions about Worship, 1 Timothy Chapter 2

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and gives thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity – the man Christ Jesus. He gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I’m not exaggerating n- just telling the truth.

In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, fre from anger and controversy. (vv. 1-8, NLT)

Paul’s Gratitude for God’s Mercy, 1 Timothy Chapter 1

This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me as a prime example of His great patience even with the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in Him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen. (vv. 15-17, NLT)

Warning against False Teachers, 1 Timothy, Chapter 1

The purpose of my instruction is that ll believers would be filled with love that comes fro a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned aways from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. they want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about.

We know that the law is good when used correctly. For the law was not intended for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy, who kill their father or mother or commit other murders. The law is for people who are sexually immoral, or who practice homosexuality, or are slave traders, liars, promise breakers, or who do anything that contradicts the wholesome teaching that comes for the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God. (vv. 5-11, NLT)

The Truths of the Faith, 1 Timothy Chapter 3

I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.

Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith:

Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory. (vv. 14-16, NLT)