Message of Grace
PUBLISHED BY GRACE CHAPEL MINISTRIES OF O'BRIEN, FLORIDA

“FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD: NOT OF WORKS, LEST ANY MAN SHOULD BOAST” EPHESIANS 2:8

VOLUME 3
ISSUE 12
DECEMBER 2002

WHAT CHILD IS THIS?

"BEHOLD THIS CHILD IS SET FOR THE FALL AND RISING AGAIN OF MANY IN ISRAEL: AND A SIGN WHICH SHALL BE SPOKEN AGAINST!"
LUKE 2:34

This is the glorious season of the year when the religious world and the non-religious world seem to embrace one another and pay homage to the birth of the CHRIST child. Perhaps it is a superficial act of remembrance on the part of many, but HIS birth is nonetheless celebrated by the multitude. In the midst of all the hustle and bustle of the season with its parties, cantatas, decorations, and gifts, one question often goes unanswered: Just who is this CHILD that was born in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago?

HE is a real person!

"AND SHE BROUGHT FORTH HER FIRST BORN SON, AND WRAPPED HIM IN SWADDLING CLOTHES, AND LAID HIM IN A MANGER" LUKE 2:7

Recently, I read a letter to the editor of a local newspaper, in which the letter writer questioned the historical existence of JESUS of Nazareth. Obviously, no one can go back in time and prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that there ever was such a person, anymore than one can prove the existence of Marco Polo, Moses, or even George Washington for that matter. Yet there is a historical record of HIS existence found in the Bible. Ultimately HIS existence must be received by faith. (Hebrews 11:6) The Scriptures clearly state that HE was born of a woman and made in the likeness of a man. The story of the birth of the CHRIST child is not a myth or simply a religious fairytale. HE actually lived and breathed upon this Earth on which you and I walk. HE grew in favor with GOD and man and went about doing good, fulfilling HIS Father's will. As a man HE came to know the pains and sorrows of living in this world.(Isaiah 53:3). HE was tempted with the same temptations that you and I face on a daily basis.(Hebrews 4:15). And finally HE endured the pain and suffering of death (Romans 6:23).

He is really GOD!

"WHO BEING IN THE FORM OF GOD, THOUGHT IT NOT ROBBERY TO BE EQUAL WITH GOD" PHILLIPIANS 2:6

Many religions of the world today will recognize that JESUS was a good man. Most even admit that HE was a prophet sent from GOD. They are impressed with HIS miracles, even as were the religious leaders of the Jews in HIS day. However the greatest objection that the religious leaders of the Jews had was that they understood that this man JESUS was not ashamed to identify Himself as ONE with the FATHER (John 10:30). One of the great dividing lines between truth and error, light and darkness, heaven and hell is found in our response to His open declaration that HE is GOD of very GOD. There can be no equivocation on this point. Either we accept HIS deity or we must classify HIM as a deceiver and a religious charlatan.

He is really KING of Kings!

"OF THE INCREASE OF HIS GOVERNMENT AND PEACE, THERE SHALL BE NO END"
ISAIAH 9:7

The world at large embraces the CHRIST child and has fond visions of mother and infant, surrounded by livestock and shepherds, as strains of "Silent Night" fill the crisp winter air. After all, babies are so soft, cuddly and totally non-threatening. How can anyone hold animosity toward an infant? Yet the world in general does not embrace HIM as LORD of Lords. The religions of the world are set against HIS rulership and despise HIS dogmatic assertions of deity. They scoff at the reality of his resurrection, ascension, and promised return. "YET HAVE I SET MY KING UPON MY HOLY HILL OF ZION" PSALMS 2:6 We are not waiting for some future time or age when HE shall become the KING. HE has already been installed in that position by the FATHER. It is not necessary for men to ratify HIS selection or turn out for HIS coronation. "AND ALL THE INHABITANTS OF THE EARTH ARE REPUTED AS NOTHING; AND HE DOETH ACCORDING TO HIS WILL IN THE ARMY OF HEAVEN, AND AMONG THE INHABITANTS OF THE EARTH: AND NONE CAN STAY HIS HAND OR SAY UNTO HIM, WHAT DOEST THOU?" DANIEL 4:35

We certainly hope that this holiday season is a blessing to you. It is our prayer that during the course of all of the festivities and happy times, that you spend some time reflecting on who this CHILD, born of a virgin, really is. Remember that HE is the SAVIOR of sinners and heareth such who call upon HIM. (Romans 10:13)

mam

CHRIST RECEIVETH SINFUL MEN

Let not the wise show forth their learning.
Let not the rich show forth their wealth
But let the poor bring forth their yearning,
And the sick their need for health.

Boast not today of your goodness.
Offer up no works of charity.
But confess to HIM your weakness,
And seek HIM now on bended knee.

If you, my friend, today are hungry,
And you find yourself in poverty,
Approach the LORD while HE's not angry,
And HE will give you everything you need.

Chorus:

For CHRIST receiveth sinful men.
Takes them just as they are and then
Opens up the prison doors and sets the captives free!
CHRIST receiveth sinful men

mam