Christmas: The Kings Honor a Baby

Christmas: The Kings Honor a Baby         Kelly Durant 12-2-12 Re: 12-8-24

Matthew 2:9-11    ⁹ When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.¹⁰ When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.¹¹ And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

2. All of us are people surrounded by individuals who are creatures of habit. It is evident that no nation, race, or people will never drastically change past traditions, most are here to stay (Not good in many regards). As Christians we will always celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth while the people of the world will emphasize celebrating gift-giving materialism. Consumerism has morphed itself into a magical man who gives out endless gifts. Santa Claus is a famous fictional character and is used as a tool to market all kinds of merchandise.  

It is true that some Christians do not find that Santa Claus so offensive depending on the context and status in which you interpret him. He is just a fantasy and many children know that by age 5. The actual historical basis of the story of St. Nicolas giving out gifts to the poor children is a wonderful example of how we all should be! But Santa from the North pole dominates over the St. Nicolas story!

All of us here, as multi-millions of people, do gift giving as a tradition! Giving and sharing gifts with one another is rewarding, and especially giving to those in hard times; no one doubts that God blesses those who help the needy! (Matthew 25)

3. Here’s my personal take, what if we really did abide by the list of who is ‘naughty’ and who is ‘nice’ in order to qualify who will get a gift and who will not? I think commerce would come to screeching halt if we abided by that rule! Today some children are terrible and no one, not parents, nor teachers are correcting them appropriately. Only when these ego inflated bullies grow up and end up in jail for disrespecting the wrong person and the law do they start to see the light of right and wrong. (if they ever do!)

I wish we could grade adults on how naughty or nice they were as well. Some of you I have observed (but what I observe does not matter really, it is God that sees everything!) have been very good at loving, helping, and of humbly serving and caring for those in need. We should reward goodness, but the world rewards those following the evil trends Satan’s demons inspires others to do. 

Also, we all have seen others with bad behavior, that when they get their pride just a bit little offended, they start saying all kinds of rude things. Like when you scratch a veneer surface, the cheap wood underneath shows through!

4. But let’s contemplate on making our traditions better: God was the first gift giver! He gave Jesus Christ to the world to be the savior so everyone would repent and radically change and by becoming as He was, humble, loving, and serving, we are granted the heavenly gift of eternal life. Our job is to preach the gospel and thereby share the gift of eternal life to everyone we meet. Jesus=the best gift!

Let’s now jump to the part of the story about the other ones in the record that gave material gifts to Jesus. These are kings honoring Jesus as the King of Kings. There usually are the 3 kings in the manger scenes, but these are the ones giving 3 types of gifts. We conclude there were at least 3 but there actually could have several been more. Who knows, but with all their servants they all may have been totaling in the hundreds. 

I find it fascinating that they were kings in their very distant distinct lands, yet they came to recognize the authority of a baby who would grow up to be a king. Think how much faith, humility, and supernatural confidence this requires to travel 6 months to a year there and back! Trusting in a heavenly sign!

5. Also, consider that if they saw the star stop over the manager, why didn’t other people see it and come as well? Were others just not in tune with the heavenly bodies in space? Or were these men special in their spiritual ability to perceive? 

Here is a real Christmas mystery: How did these KINGS from very different cultures and lands very distant from each other all interpret the same reading of the stars and prophesies of their ancient writings or religions that a KING would be found under the spectacular appearing of strange bright star? 

Kings, as we know from history, never bow to anyone. Everyone in their lands are expected to bow to them and give them gifts and taxes; never was it heard of that the kings would give gifts and that they would bow to another authority, especially kneeling in front of a baby!? They not only kneeled, they worshipped Him! That is honor! They were elated filled with “exceeding joy"! Unprecedented!

6. Showing respect and honor will always imply sharing something of value to prove honor. All religions ask for something; some 10%, or you can give 100%, it all depends on how much you will give up for God! God is fair and blesses back.

What I hate about governments is they ask for a usual 20-30% and if you’re rich they might take up to 90% in taxes! (in socialist Europe & elsewhere) Why do you think the English, as well as others, keep immigrating to the U.S.? They are escaping the heavy burden of their taxes. The burden gets heavier day by day everywhere! Here, sadly, it has gotten very burdensome! Your taxed working, spending, saving, & when you die whoever gets you stuff will get taxes on that as well!

Have you ever wondered how each king knew how many provisions they would need to travel 6 months to a year to reach Jesus to give Him a gift? Many people here will give to the Lord a few days of their time, but would you do what they did and spend a big part of your fortune on a trip that would mean camping in extreme heat and extreme cold, crossing deserts, facing thieves, and hiring dozens of crew to help you care for your camels and equipment? The honor of these kings required great sacrifice or goods and time!

We know the kings came from the Orient, but from where precisely is still undefined by historians. Many agreed that amongst these kings were one or more of the Zoroastrian kings, which were in power in Persia at the time of Jesus’ birth. 

The King Vishtapa, was Ciro's father, and he had been convinced of the existence of a 3^rd and final savior that would come in the world who would battle in the end of the world and defeat evil. Zoroaster said that a great savior would arise in the world, and his name would be Soasyant, which means one who will fulfill righteousness! Amazingly this goes with same description of Christ in the bible!

7. Contained within the writings and prophesies of these kings was the word that the savior would be born of virgin, and he live and then be killed but on the third day he would be resurrected. All of this ancient knowledge the wise kings would have shared and known amongst themselves. What irony that the kings of the world honored him while those of Jewish dissent missed what was happening. 

Notice as well in Matthew Chapter 2 that king Herod asked the Jews, what the prophecy said and where would the king be born and they replied in Bethlehem. The Jews had the book of Isaiah and all ancient prophecies that co-incited to confirm the birth of the righteous Messiah, the Christ, or baby Jesus.

These were legendary writings and they confirmed that Jesus would be born the Messiah, not just for the Jews, but for everyone in the orient and for the rest of the world! What makes me upset is how the people of the world reject truth fulfilled in prophecies which is awe-strikingly supernatural, a sign that God is revealing His power to transcend our understanding! 

8. These kings obviously returned home to honor Jesus by telling everyone about Him. They told of all their adventures, of escaping getting killed by Herod over his jealousy, and of finding Jesus below the star. They were evangelistic prophets but how long did their people keep on believing? 20 years, 100, we don’t know!

The news of baby Jesus fulfilling ancient extrabiblical prophecies did not last very long because pagan worship continued in the orient and centuries later the religion of Is___m was crafted and new laws were imposed without the influence of Jesus recognized by these ancient kings. A ‘submissive’ oppression spread not by gaining the awe of people as the fulfillment of prophecies, but by fear! Those in that whole region (about 50 countries) who did not bow to ‘their prophet’ were deposed and even genocides took place with several hundred million deaths. 

9. So from today’s study we conclude that honor to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ must be done in a similar manner as it was done by the kings.  How was that honor shown?

By sacrifice: they traveled far, and they gave gifts to prove their revering honor. 

By worship: they kneeled in front of Jesus and recognized his divine authority.

By being ‘in tune’ with the divine: they acted upon seeing the star as a supernatural sign which confirmed that the king they had expected in ancient writings would appear. They honored him as the righteous savior of the world with great joy! Poor shepherds, wealthy kings, and even angels honored Jesus!

If kings honored Jesus, how much more we should honor him! None of us here today are a king or a queen. One day when we join the heavenly host to honor Jesus, God will know who honored Jesus the most! Heavenly rewards will be for those who honor Him now. Every knee will bow to Him, and the sooner we do that the better as all authority is His over souls in Heaven, and in this world.

The Holy Spirit Makes You Glow!

 The Holy Spirit Makes You Glow!                                    Kelly Durant  6-27-10 Re 6-11-23

We are all just worms, according to the scripture!    

Job 25:6

6 how much less man, who is but a maggot — 

a son of man, who is only a worm!"

Eccl 8:1

Who is like the wise man?

Who knows the explanation of things?

Wisdom brightens a man's face

and changes its hard appearance. 

 

2. There is story about the boy who went with his father fishing, but the boy was going through a stage in his age that he was unthankful and complained for everything. The father said enough is enough, if you complain anymore, I will make you eat a worm! The boy complained again, and then again about something that morning so they got when home the father said, “Alright, here is the worm on the plate, now eat it!” The boy complained, “Well at least fry it and put salt on it!” Then the boy said, “This is so unfair, I will eat half only if you will eat half too!” The father feeling bad that he punished him this way said, “Okay, look I am eating half!” Then the boy put on a frown cried and complained again. “What is it this time?” demanded the father. The boy said, “You ate the half that was going to be mine so I can’t eat the half you left!” (wahaa!)

 

There are many types of worms, but one type is special, a glow worm, it glows in the dark. We as people are as worms, but for God we can be a glow worm! He makes our faces to shine!

 

3.Today we will examine the HS in your life. I want to start off with a neglected part of the spirit of God, the part that makes us glow, the HS. Remember when Moses spent time with God, he came down from the mountain glowing like the sun and they had to cover his face to keep from blinding the people! On the day of Pentecost the HS glowed around the heads of the disciples.  And Stephen, the first martyr had the glow of the H.S. on his face too!

 

Anyone with God’s Holy Spirit will have God’s shine. It is a light, a happiness, a radiance that bears witness of the power of God in us! The HS is also wisdom.  

Eccl 8:1

Who is like the wise man?

Who knows the explanation of things?

Wisdom brightens a man's face

and changes its hard appearance. 

 

4. In the NT, we conclude that Stephen was glowing like an angel when they stoned him. Despite having a face full of strength, light, and the HS, they stoned him to death.   

Acts 6:15

15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.    

Acts 7:55-56

55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." 

Most of you are familiar, to get God’s Spirit, all you need to do is ask for it! It will make you more beautiful, it is God’s testimony for all to see! Your glow!

    

5. How do we get it? We ask for it!     Luke 11:13

13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

In the Salvation Amy we emphasize the HS as a part of our being.  Many songs speak of asking God to send the fire today, like the fire on the flag, we will not do God’s work without his Spirit present in our lives. In reality, historically, the SA appears to be sort of like a precursor to the Pentecostal movement for their emphasis on the HS! The founders had it!

 

No one can deny that few Christian movements have ever accomplished in only 150 years what the SA has accomplished in 130+ countries with multi-millions of souls saved, lives restored from vices, and multi-millions given aid to help in their poverty or disaster! In the end, you can be proud you are one of the Soldiers who serve others in need with the HS as your strength! But serving is a burden and duty if you do not have the H.S. in you!

 

6. Why Study Spiritual Gifts? Acts 1:8

1.    It’s a Matter of Obedience – 1 Corinthians 12:1

            “Now about your gifts…I do not want you to be ignorant.”

2.    They will benefit and its ministries will become increasingly effective as its member discuss and use their gifts.

3.    Individual believers will mature in their self-image and faith as they experience the competence of God.

 

Let’s examine the church historically. The HS has often been neglected by the power-hungry church due to its potential to empower the believer, or average man or woman. Look at Peter, a rough middle to low class fisherman, and with the HS he preached sermons that converted thousands! 

 Historical Overview

•       Augustine – disregarded what texts stated – minimized the role of the Holy Spirit in imparting divine enabling to Christians.  Vague, at best in dealing with the pace and meaning of Spiritual gifts.

•       Emperor Constantine – Made Christianity a state religion.  Concept of priesthood strengthened – (empowered) Regarded as the primary means of grace.  Weak, passive laity.

•       Thomas Aquinas – Drew parallel between Spiritual gifts and Spiritual fruits.  Equated Spiritual gifts with inner virtues (love, hope) Standard view of Roman Catholicism thus did not develop an adequate theology of Spiritual Gifts.

•       John Calvin – Ambiguous at best, lumping together all things pertaining to true knowledge of God as gift of the Holy Spirit.  Supernatural gifts ceased with the death of the last apostles.

•       John Wesley – Christians should concentrate on a more excellent way “ – love”

•       Holiness Movement – Late 1800’s makeup largely of Methodists.  Became interested in the nature of Spiritual gifts.

•       Spawned the Pentecostal Movement – emphasized some of the gifts listed in Scripture

 

7. FRUIT

n  The fruit of the Spirit produces ethical character

n  All of the fruit of the Spirit is for each Spirit-filled believer

n  The fruit of the Spirit is reflective of maturity in Christ.

n  The fruit of the Spirit deals with inward attitudes

n  The fruit of the Spirit is an indication of Spirit-filled life

n  The fruit of the Spirit is difficult to imitate

n  The fruit of the Spirit is continually with us, because it is a maturity of a Spirit-filled life

 

   8. GIFTS

n  The gifts of the Spirit produce Christian Service

n  Some of the gifts of the Spirit are for each Spirit-filled believer

n  The gifts of the Spirit are reflective of the blessings of Christ

n  The gifts of the Spirit deal with outward actions.

n  The gifts of the Spirit are not and indication of Spirit-filled life

n  The gifts of the Spirit are easier to imitate

n  The gifts of the Spirit may come and go – may not always be evident

 

9. The 5 basic principles:

1. God imparts spiritual gifts according to His divine grace; they cannot be earned through human merit.
2. God gives spiritual gifts according to his own discretion; He is not bound by man’s wishes.
3. God wills that every Christian exercise spiritual gifts; these divine enablings are not limited to a few believers.
4. God provides gifts for the purpose of ministry and service; they are not given in order to draw attention to man or to satisfy his ego.
5. God intends that the ministry of the church be accomplished through spiritual gifts; human talents are not adequate for spiritual ministry.

 

-God imparts spiritual gifts according to His divine grace

-God gives spiritual gifts according to his own discretion

       -God wills that every Christian exercise spiritual gifts

       -God provides gifts for the purpose of ministry and service

       -God intends that the ministry be accomplished through spiritual gifts

 

      10. A Chart of the New Testament Charismata

Romans 12:6-8	I Corinthians 12:4-11	I Corinthians 12:28	Ephesians 4:11
•       Prophecy •        Teaching •        Serving •        Exhortation •        Giving •        Giving Aid •       Compassion	•       Prophecy •        Healing •        Working Miracles •        Tongues •       Interpretation of  tongues •        Wisdom •        Knowledge •        Faith  •        Discernment	•       Prophecy •        Teaching •        Healing •        Working Miracles •        Tongues •        Interpretation   of tongues •        Apostleship •        Helps •       Administration	•       Prophecy •        Teaching •        Apostleship •        Evangelism •       Shepherding

11. We are human, we are worms. All of us may be weak at times, people complain and are not happy at times, all of us have our trials in life that seem very hard to bear at times but what is the answer? 

Where would you rather be, in the dirt, or in the light? The HS is like a fire, shining with a light of love that warms everyone in their path! We must ask God for the gifts of the Spirit!

The answer is to be busy for God, applying  ourselves in His work, in His kingdom with the power of the HS! Doing God’s work without the HS is like burning an old kerosene lamp on empty. Instead of burning the oil, we can be burning the wick of our own flesh, and when we do, all the people see the light going out and smell the burnt dry attitude.

Having God and Jesus in your life means having the H.S. fruit and gifts too! The people who really serve God, serving Him not out of duty, not out of pressure, but serve out of love for God with the power of the HS have a shine on their face! The people with the HS in their lives attract others to love and serve God like a light that attracts all the creatures in the night to surround it.

Does your face and heart glow with the HS? Being reminded of the gifts and fruits of the HS, do you believe God is using you in one or more of these areas?

If not, now is your time to come for prayer and to ask for the HS!