When we think about Christmas there are many thoughts and avenues that lead us to the story of the Christ Child.
One such story is about the "Kinsman Redeemer". Under O.T. laws the land that was divided to the tribes of Israel was subdivided to each individual family. The land was to remain in the family as a perpetual ownership. It could be rented or leased to another but the title deed stayed in the family name. The leasor could use the land at his disgression for as long as he held the lease. In the case of death of the original owner and the widow being unable to redeem the land there was a way to get the land redeemed. It was by the act of a "Kinsman Redeemer." You can read a beautiful story in the book of Ruth about it. In order to redeem the land the widow had to request that a kinsman redeem it for her. A "Kinsman Redeemer" had to fulfill at least four things. 1) He had to be the closest kinsman (relative) 2) He had to be willing to redeem the land at the request of the widow. 3) He had to be able to redeem the land (pay the required price). 4) He had to pay the price.
Jesus was sent to a generation of people who had sold out to sin and were in debt. He came to a people who were unable to redeem themselves. As a kinsman redeemer. 1) Jesus came being called the son of man and is thereby a nearest of kin for our indebted soul. 2) Jesus not only came but he is willing to take on the debt of mankind and redeem them from their sins. 3) Jesus also having come, being willing to pay the debt was also able to pay the debt. He became the complete, eternal and holy sacrifice for each and every person who will allow their debt to be paid. 4) He transacted the contract for each of us by dying on Calvary's cross. He became the final and complete payment for that which was indebted due to mankinds sinful practices.
When you think of the Babe in a manger - think of the Christ who took on flesh, willing to pay our debt, able to pay our debt and upon the cross paid our debt in full by the sheding of His own blood for each of us.
Isn't this a wonderful, revealing story of the Christ Child? Go to the Old Testament and see the story for yourselves. it is powerful and brings more light on the day we call "Christmas."
Walter L. Rose
Pastor
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
A Living Vital Church
I am quoting from an editorial in the Times Picayune of 1996. It has a few years on it but it is absolutely as true today as ever it was.
The question was asked if the amount of money expected to be given to the church was proper. Here is the answer: Is the Church costing too much? "Last Sunday another golfer sank the last putt on the 18th green and received a check for $50,000.00 for four runds of golf plus an automobile for himself and one for his wife. THis week, the papers reported that a certain popular singer will receive $100,000.00 per week for her current singing engagement. Americans spend annually more on dog food than on church contributions. It is not unusual for an individual to pay more for his country club membership than he gives to the church. Is the church costing too much?
Let me share an experience with you. On June 2, 1940, a little girl was born to us. She cost us money from the moment she was born. As she grew from babyhood to girlhood, she cost even more - her dresses and shoes to go to parties. When she went to college we discovered along with other parents, that all college expenses are not listed in the catalog. Then after graduation, she fell in love and married. She was married in a church wedding and that, too, cost a lot of money.
Then, five months after her marriage, she suddenly sickened and within a week she was dead. She hasn't cost us a penny since the day we walked away from her grave.
As long as the church is alive, she will cost money. And the more alive a church is, the more money she will cost. Only a dead church, like a dead child, is no longer expensive.
Think it over. Is the church costing too much?
Think about this and answer the comment section of this blog. I would like to hear your reply.
Remember...if it is alive then it needs your support. If it is dead then bury it and mourn its loss and find that which is alive and celebrate it.
Walter L. Rose
Pastor
The question was asked if the amount of money expected to be given to the church was proper. Here is the answer: Is the Church costing too much? "Last Sunday another golfer sank the last putt on the 18th green and received a check for $50,000.00 for four runds of golf plus an automobile for himself and one for his wife. THis week, the papers reported that a certain popular singer will receive $100,000.00 per week for her current singing engagement. Americans spend annually more on dog food than on church contributions. It is not unusual for an individual to pay more for his country club membership than he gives to the church. Is the church costing too much?
Let me share an experience with you. On June 2, 1940, a little girl was born to us. She cost us money from the moment she was born. As she grew from babyhood to girlhood, she cost even more - her dresses and shoes to go to parties. When she went to college we discovered along with other parents, that all college expenses are not listed in the catalog. Then after graduation, she fell in love and married. She was married in a church wedding and that, too, cost a lot of money.
Then, five months after her marriage, she suddenly sickened and within a week she was dead. She hasn't cost us a penny since the day we walked away from her grave.
As long as the church is alive, she will cost money. And the more alive a church is, the more money she will cost. Only a dead church, like a dead child, is no longer expensive.
Think it over. Is the church costing too much?
Think about this and answer the comment section of this blog. I would like to hear your reply.
Remember...if it is alive then it needs your support. If it is dead then bury it and mourn its loss and find that which is alive and celebrate it.
Walter L. Rose
Pastor
Monday, December 12, 2011
Where's The Line For Jesus
The title isn't original with me. It is something I read but it surely has peaked my interest in how we prioritize the events of our life and nation.
The story goes that a mother had taken her son to the mall. While there they saw several lines were formed. Some for those special release items meant to draw us into the reach of the retailer. Other lines for the food bar and even the restrooms. There was a line for Santa also. After some contemplation the young boy asked his mother.."Where's the line for Jesus?" WOW!
What a thought.
It leads me to this question; in the twist and turns of life what occupys our priorities and thought processes enough to thwart our pursuit of Jesus. There is nothing wrong with standing in line for special merchandise at whopping savings or to have the little one sit on Santa's knee and have a photo shoot. On the other hand how often have we ever stood in line to get to Jesus? Have we left a filled parking lot and refused to walk a block or two in order to get in line for Jesus? Have we become too busy standing in the "busy line" of life thereby taking away every notion of standing in line for a seat in church or a parking spot in the church parking lot?
My son told me of a special release on some "Jordan Tennis Shoes." The retailer required those wanting these few pairs of shoes to stand at the beginning of the mall entrance near their store. They had to stand exposed on a bridge over a water way and could only come across when someone from the store came and led them across in single file. One man was about 10th in line and he only began to stand at 2:00 am. He couldn't get into the store until 8:00 am.
We all have to take a good hard look at our priorities and see if we have left off drawing close to God and taken on the lack luster ease of this life.
Christmas can be a time of research and renewal in our lives.
God bless you in following close to the Lord.
Walter Rose
Pastor
The story goes that a mother had taken her son to the mall. While there they saw several lines were formed. Some for those special release items meant to draw us into the reach of the retailer. Other lines for the food bar and even the restrooms. There was a line for Santa also. After some contemplation the young boy asked his mother.."Where's the line for Jesus?" WOW!
What a thought.
It leads me to this question; in the twist and turns of life what occupys our priorities and thought processes enough to thwart our pursuit of Jesus. There is nothing wrong with standing in line for special merchandise at whopping savings or to have the little one sit on Santa's knee and have a photo shoot. On the other hand how often have we ever stood in line to get to Jesus? Have we left a filled parking lot and refused to walk a block or two in order to get in line for Jesus? Have we become too busy standing in the "busy line" of life thereby taking away every notion of standing in line for a seat in church or a parking spot in the church parking lot?
My son told me of a special release on some "Jordan Tennis Shoes." The retailer required those wanting these few pairs of shoes to stand at the beginning of the mall entrance near their store. They had to stand exposed on a bridge over a water way and could only come across when someone from the store came and led them across in single file. One man was about 10th in line and he only began to stand at 2:00 am. He couldn't get into the store until 8:00 am.
We all have to take a good hard look at our priorities and see if we have left off drawing close to God and taken on the lack luster ease of this life.
Christmas can be a time of research and renewal in our lives.
God bless you in following close to the Lord.
Walter Rose
Pastor
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