When Jesus was Born

         Much of what is in the Gospels is repeated. That’s why we have the term Synoptic Gospels – Matthew, Mark, and Luke share a lot of similarity. There are, however, few events that are mentioned in all four Gospels – the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John. Holding that thought in mind consider what might be so important that it is mentioned in all four gospels. What is really so important that they all mention it.

I am not a Bible “scholar” so if anyone finds I missed something feel free to bring it to my attention so I can address it. Now, concerning the items in all four gospels, and the timing of this article, I’ll start by pointing out it’s not when Jesus was born. It’s not even one of His miracles or one of His sermons, or one of His parables. Only two items come readily to my mind. One is the crucifixion of Jesus. The importance of which is obvious to any Christian. The second is when the Holy Spirit descended upon Him - Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10, Luke 3:22, and John 1:32.

Perhaps it’s just me but I find it strange that His “birthday” is celebrated but not when the Holy Spirit descended on Him. He didn’t begin His ministry – the Gospel – until after this. Well, some would say that we don’t know when that was. True, but we don’t know His birthdate either- and His birthdate is celebrated after the manner of a pagan rite. I guess the dove didn’t descend near enough to a pagan holiday to be corrupted.

It’s probably a good thing we don’t know when; but, it’s kind of sad that so few see or remember the significance of an event so important that it is in all four Gospels. For fellow Christians, can you remember the awesome feeling you felt when you were baptized? Can you imagine how it must have felt to Jesus the man? The Holy Spirit descending upon Him and God’s voice coming from the heavens proclaiming, “This is My Son”.

I leave it to each reader to discover why this event was so important that it is mentioned in all four Gospels.

Things Darwin didn't even attempt to Answer

It seems these days that not buying into macroevolution is tantamount to saying "here's my sign". Microevolution is a given - even commonsense explains it. This doesn't hold true for macro. Although I delve more into this on my website I wanted to throw out something simple here.
I have a simple question for all the geniuses out there. Where did the elements of the periodic table come from? I can answer that. Can you?

Pagan Holiday Season

I'll probably be seen as a scrooge but . . . There is no Biblical basis for christmas. Most folks should know by now that the "roots" of christmas are the pagan holiday of Saturnalia. The RC incorporated it into "christianity" in the 4th century to appease the romans. Even the "traditions" of the tree, mistletoe, and gift giving are all pagan based.
Folks complain that the observeance of christmas is all about "commercialization", but it never has been different. The Puritans banned it. Throughout most of history it has been used as an excuse to kill jews.
I don't "observe" christmas myself and am surprised by the arguments about "merry christmas" versus "happy holidays". The word holiday comes from "Holy day" - again a pagan influence on the RC.
Anyway, hope everybody stays safe and well for the rest of the year and beyond.

In Brotherly Love,

Wayne

Current Bible work

I have compiled my own list of NT references to the OT with citations and am up to about 252. There are about 8 I can't find listed toward the end. It is free and is on my website's Free Downloads page or available here. Any help would be appreciated.

Also, I was wondering about a new project. Many of us have seen a "red letter" version that has Jesus' spoken words in red in the NT. Anyone ever seen an OT version that "highlights" God's spoken words? I've been thinking about starting one . . .

Post 12/21/12

Well, 12/21/12 is here and so are we. Once again, though many won't see it this way, the Bible is proven correct again. See Mark 13:33 and Matthew 24:42 and most importantly Mathhew 24:36. No man knows when our time has come - not even the angels in Heaven. I would say that held true for the Mayans too!
Someday it will come, maybe soon. I hope it does. Though when doesn't really matter. Are you ready? That's all that does matter.

Doom Whose Day?

It seems like everywhere you look in the media you find something about doomsday and the end of the world. Well here's a newsflash - everybody's world will end someday. If not on 12/21/12, then sometime thereafter. Like the old saying goes - "life, nobody gets out alive".

The question shouldn't be so much as to when or how you die but how you lived. Whether a catastrophe hits or not, it is a moot point to live longer if your soul is dead. What's the point of a live body and a dead soul.

Don't get me wrong - I am as prepared as my financial situation allows. I learned my lessons well as a boy scout and as a member of the US Armed Forces. But the reason I am not worried is that I learned even better lessons from the Bible and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

For any non-believers reading this I ask you to think about what good it does you to prepare for this world and not the next? For any fellow Christian preppers out there - Keep the Faith - it's why we are here.

In Brotherly Love

Wayne

Islam and Agape in Action

It's pretty popular these days in much of the "West" to be "anti-islam". In an article on my website I discuss what is meant by Christian Biblical Love. What it means to "love your enemy". Here's a link to some folks that are getting it right -http://3lotus.com/en/General/islamic-persecution-of-christians-in-middle-east.htm .

If you really want to learn more check out the downloadable book they have by Dr. William Campbell called The Qur'an and the Bible in the light of history and science.

I served in both the US Navy and the US Army so I am not a bleeding heart liberal by any means. But when you get the chance to share God's love you should do so.

If it was easy anybody could do it. We actually can - with God's help.