Dr.Barclay with Something to Think About - THE TIME

 

THE TIME

Have you ever wondered why Christ was born when He was rather than a century or two before or after the time of His arrival? In Luke we read “…it came to pass in those days” (Luke 2:1); what made those days so special?

The Bible has many prophecies concerning the birth of Christ.  In fact, the Old Testament contains over three hundred passages that refer to the first coming of the Messiah* and conditions had to be such that these prophecies could all come to fruition. So history had to be compatible with these conditions.

In Daniel, it is stated that: “…in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed” (Daniel 2:44). This was in reference to the Roman Empire, the forth kingdom of Daniel’s prophecy, and under Caesar Augustus the Roman Empire had extended its influence further than ever before and controlled all of the known civilized world at that time. So when Augustus decreed that “…all the world should be taxed” (Luke 2:1, KJV) this essentially meant all the known world.

Judea had also become a province of the empire by this time. This meant that Joseph and Mary, along with all the rest of the people of Judea, were now subject to Roman taxation and had to return to their ancestral home to be registered. Without this, there would be no reason for a girl from Nazareth to be in Bethlehem to give birth. This was needed to fulfill the prophecy of Micah “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel…” (Micah 5:2).

This was also the time of one of the longest periods of peace known through out the world. The Pax Romana extended about 200 years and was a period of relative prosperity and stability. It also made travel somewhat more safe than it otherwise would be, and this also made it somewhat easier to travel than if war and rebellion were all about. Nevertheless, the 90 or so miles between Nazareth and Bethlehem, that Mary and Joseph had travel to make it back to their ancestral home, still would have been an arduous journey.

The Roman Empire had at last encompassed Judea, therefore, Rome could remove from Judea the authority that it had as an independent country. This is also what Jacob prophesied when he said: “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to him shall be the obedience of the people” (Genesis 49:10). 

  And what place could be more fitting than Bethlehem for the birth of the Messiah? The name Bethlehem means the ‘House of Bread’ and what could be more appropriate for a saviour known as the ‘Bread of Life’.

One more thing, because Christ was born under the circumstances of the time, he was born “under the law” of Rome and therefore subject to the law and obedience to the Emperor. But about Him, Isaiah said “…to Him whom man despises, to Him whom the nation abhors, to the Servant of rulers…” shall be “…the Redeemer of Israel…” and “…a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth…” (Isaiah 49:7,6). 

A humble beginning, which began with His parent’s arduous journey because of the new taxation laws and resulted in a manger birth, Christ was born as a subject of the most powerful empire on earth. The ‘Bread of Life’ born in the ‘House of bread’ and as the servant of rulers but destined to bring salvation to the ends of the earth. Such was the birth of Christ, it is something we should think about.

Pastor Caroline - Sunday December 12, 2021 - The Third Sunday of Advent - Joy

Pastor Caroline - Wednesday December 8, 2021 - The Joy in Giving

 

The Joy in Giving

 

Galatians chapter 6 verse 9, in the Good News Bible reads:

(9) So let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest.

 

As I read this chapter 6 of Galatians this morning I can see here we are instructed in verse 2, to help carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ.

 

When we help others we extend the love of Christ to them. Perhaps someone you know is in a difficult time. Maybe sickness has overcome them, or a financial burden has them down, or being separated from family causes them much heartache. When we reach out to those in need we are bringing joy to them. During the time we spend in conversation we help lift their burdens. When we pray specifically for their need we give them hope. If we can in anyway help alleviate their burden then praise be to God!! We want them to see the promise in the word of God to not give up. As we sow into their life by helping in whatever way we can we teach them that giving is a joy and an instruction from the Lord.

 

This scripture tells me that we must always be thinking of ways to bless others; a small action done in the love of the Lord goes a long way in making someone’s day just a little brighter. This is what we call sowing and then reaping is, when we see the results brought about by what we did to help. We always give all glory to the Lord for He helps us to do good unto one another.

 

I love how the apostle Paul writes. He makes the word of God come alive to our daily needs. He tells us clearly that what we put into life and others; is exactly what we will get in return. So share your time, talent and treasure bringing joy to those around you, and you will see the blessing of the Lord on their lives and on yours.

 

Just like when a farmer ploughs the field, plants the seed, adds fertilizers, he then waits for the crop to grow. Only when he puts in his effort can he expect a crop. With the right amount of rain and sunshine supplied by the Lord, he will receive a crop due to his effort. If he never plants, he never gets a crop. If he never sows, he never reaps. Pretty simple lesson.

 

Going back to our opening scripture;

(9)So let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest.

Now in verse 10, (this is a wonderful way to bring a close to our reading today;)

(10)So then, as often as we have the chance, we should do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to our family in the faith.

 

I believe giving brings joy. Let joy surround you every day as you give to others. You will see a smile on the person who stands before you and smile will be on your countenance as well. It is better to give than to receive Jesus said in Acts Chapter 20 verse 35. Let us live by His instruction, give in His name, love one another and bring much joy to those we encounter every day.

 

God bless you as you give.

Little is much when God is in it.

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Judges Part 13

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - THE GIFTS

 

THE GIFTS

In the Book of Matthew, we are told of the wise men who came from the East to Jerusalem to worship the King of the Jews. This may have been as long as two years after Christ’s birth for the Bible states that: “…when they had come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him…” (Matthew 2:11). There was no longer a manger nor a babe or infant but a child in a house. In any case the worship was the same -  “…And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”( Matthew 2:11)

What strange gifts to bring to a child and what use would He have for such items? At the time, He probably would be more interested in some toys than in these symbolic gifts. However, this is what the men from the East brought Him - gold to symbolize riches and lordship; Frankincense, a spice used in religious ceremony, to indicate a priestly future; and myrrh, another aromatic substance most often used to prepare a body for burial. 

It seems to be apparent that the non-Jewish men from the East had more insight into what was to develop than did the Jewish leaders themselves. After all, did not Herod request the wise men to bring him news of the child’s whereabouts instead of his own people?

But there is still another aspect to this story which should have been known to the Jewish authorities. About 700 years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah wrote these words concerning the second coming of the Lord when the world will be great distress. “…The darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise over you…and the Gentiles shall come to your light…Your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be nursed at your side….All those from Sheba shall come; They shall bring gold and incense, and they shall proclaim the praises of the Lord…” (Isaiah 60: 2,3,4,5,6). Sheba refers to an area in South Arabia (the East) and incense such as frankincense but notice no mention of myrrh. This is because when the Lord comes again there will be no suffering and no further death, He will come only as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

About 700 years before Christ’s birth, Isaiah gave this prophecy as to what would happen when people came to worship the Lord, but the fulfillment really began when a child, born in a manger in Bethlehem, was honoured by those from the East with their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Another small detail, but still something to think about.

Pastor Caroline - Sunday December 5, 2021 - The Second Advent Sunday - Love

Pastor Caroline - Wenesday December 1, 2021 - Boast Only in the Lord

 

Boast Only in the Lord

 

1 Corinthians Chapter 1 verse 29 in the Good News Bible reads;

(29) This means that no one can boast in God‘s presence.

 

As I read this full chapter in the Good News Bible entitled, Christ the Power and Wisdom of God, I realize that verse 29 is something we all should remember. Please take the time to read that full chapter so this this message will be more clear. It takes only a couple of minutes.

 

We cannot place ourselves above others. We are all equal in God‘s eyes. We may have different talents, using them daily to bring about glory for the Lord, but all talents are equal. God purposely calls us to serve Him.  Sometimes we feel we are not capable to do as He asks but, if we put our faith and trust in Him He will show us how to carry out the plan He has for us.

 

There have been times in my life when I said; “Oh no Lord I can’t do that, please ask someone else.” (Have you ever said that?)

Then low and behold I end up doing exactly what He asked me to do because  He enabled me to do so. His plan overtakes our no. My no, is it delayed yes to God. He knows the right time to bring about what He has, prepared me to do. He will do the same with you.

 

Ordinary people do extraordinary things because God enables them and God gets all the glory. One cannot boast knowing full well that without God leading them they never could have accomplished the task set before them. And people who know us well know what we can do on our own and what can be accomplished through us by the power of Christ. Christ is the power and the wisdom of God. (Verse 24).

 

When we depend on God it truly is amazing to see all that He will bring about to show people His presence is very near.

 

We must never boast in ourselves, for surely we could all say: “without the Lord this would have been impossible.“ We are weak but God makes us strong in Him.

 

 So when you accomplish a wonderful task that you know was beyond your capabilities, give credit where credit is due. Tell others, tell everyone, about the wonderful works the Lord has given you the privilege to do in His name. Do the best you can do and let God help you put the finishing touches on the tasks you complete, then give all glory to God.

 

Thank you Lord for all the good in my life and I realize that without You I would be nothing. I depend on You and You never fail me. May I always give all the glory to You so others see You and want to be Your child. Remind me every day of what verse 31 in 1 Corinthian says;

(31) So then, as the scripture says, “Whoever wants to boast must boast of what the Lord has done.”

 

The Lord has done great things for us and we are glad, we are told in Psalm 126 verse 3.  I want to give all glory to God. I want to boast of the love He has for us, so that it draws others to His heart. I want to shout;

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 KJV.

 

Then, I want to give all glory to God!!

I shall not boast in me, for I am nothing without Thee.

Thank you Lord for everything!!