Another year is about to end with the hope and prospect of a new one on the dawn. Now is the perfect occasion to reflect upon the past and think about the future, that is, our spiritual future. Undoubtedly, many have already made New Year’s resolutions to loose a few extra pounds, spend less, save more or a myriad of other personal goals. But more importantly, we should also strive for spiritual goals–something we want to accomplish this year for the Lord. Below is a list of 11 goals or resolutions that I have thought about: 

1. Be a diligent student of God’s Word. It is remarkable to think that the great Sovereign of the universe has gratuitously communicated to us directly through his Word. The Lord has given us his message, and we are responsible to search the Scriptures earnestly to find out what he has revealed.

2. Pray without ceasing. We do not serve an apathetic God. We worship a benevolent Master who wants to hear our prayers and petitions and has given us guidance on how to pray.

3. Witness to unbelievers. Arguably, one of the most difficult tasks the Christian has is fulfilling the great commission, especially in a society that derides Christianity. Nevertheless, we are commanded to witness and are even called to suffer for Christ – even if that suffering is loss of friends and humiliation. If there still resides some feelings of apprehension just imagine the humiliation it took for the eternal Logos to condescend by taking on the form of man only to be spat upon and crucified. If the Lord can do that for us, we can reciprocate and do something for him.

4. Study church history industriously. I once had a man tell me that if people truly understood church history no one would be a Protestant of the Reformed persuasion. I agree with his desire for everyone to study history, but I take issue with his premise. If people truly understood their Christian heritage, I believe the constant recycling of heresy under differing names would cease….or at least abate.

5. Participate in worldwide missions. The Lord does not call everyone to minister abroad, but for those who do they are always blessed. I have yet to hear a report from someone who has witnessed in a foreign country return with reports of unhappiness. On the contrary, every testimony that I have heard is positive and uplifting.

6. Support Christian ministries. While I do not believe there is a New Testament biblical command to tithe, (Peter asked Ananias why he has lied to the Holy Spirit since the money was his to do with as he pleased (Act 5:3-4)) I am convinced of grace giving. The Lord loves a cheerful giver, not one who gives out of compulsion. Giving should be done with a mirthful heart and given to ministries as the Lord leads. There is an economic reality to every ministry. It takes the generosity of Christians to keep ministries operational.

7. Peruse theological works. We are blessed with two millennia of Christian men who have devoted their lives to studying God’s Word and have written their spiritual insights about God’s truth. We benefit from the labors of those who have gleaned from Scriptures inimitable truths.

8. Volunteer in the local community. There are many ways we can spread the gospel message. One avenue is through volunteering in the local community and demonstrating our Christian charity to the world through the good nature and grace of the Christian life. Acts of kindness are a way of fulfilling the great commission.

9. Be good stewards of the Lord’s money. The finances we have are not ours. They belong to the Lord. Owing no man anything is more than an axiom, it is a biblical command (Rom 13:8).

10. Scripture memorization. We are commanded to be ready to give a defense for the hope that is in us. One of the chief ways to achieve readiness is through memorizing God’s Word. Once we know what God has said, then we can accurately respond to those who challenge the purity of the gospel message.

11. Serve in the church. The Lord calls and equips individuals differently in order to complete the body of Christ. Some have a desire to help with manual labor while others a special calling to expound God’s Word, and still others possess a different gift. Whatever our calling is among the body of Christ, whatever the Lord has equipped us with, we should readily use it in order to edify others.

It takes a tremendous amount of grace to seek forgiveness from someone we have offended, and it takes even more grace to offer it to someone who has hurt us. To help change our hearts in this matter, the Lord preserved the story of a runaway slave, Onesimus. His story is recounted in one of the Pauline epistles. It is from this letter we learn Onesimus stole from his master before he fled his home. However, in the providence of God, Onesimus met Paul, learned about the truth of salvation through Jesus Christ, was converted and sent back to his master Philemon.

The spiritual dynamics of the Christian life demanded much from each of them. For Onesimus, the challenge would be to return to a place of humility and make restitution for whatever he had stolen.

For Philemon, the challenge would be to receive Onesimus back into his household without severe physical abuse or selling him. In addition, Philemon would be required to forgive Onesimus. That would be the most difficult part. Rooting out hatred and bitterness in the heart is a divine undertaking.

To help all of this come to pass, the Apostle Paul decided to write a letter to the man he knew in Colossae. How Paul came to know Philemon is unclear because Paul never visited the city during his years of ministry. The best that can be discerned is that while Paul ministered at Ephesus (c. AD 54-57), his sphere of influence was wide enough to reach 120 miles east to Colossae. From Ephesus, Paul was able to lead many men to Christ including Philemon. Now Paul will use specific arguments to persuade Philemon to build a bridge of fellowship with his former slave based upon spiritual principles.

First, Christians are to forgive because of the reputation associated with their character and conduct (Philemon 1:19). In the opening part of his letter, Paul speaks of the Christian reputation Philemon has. He is called "dearly beloved" and a "fellow-laborer" (Philemon 1:1 cf. 1:7). His love and faith towards the Lord and towards all saints has become well known (Philemon 1:1). The only question is whether or not the reputation is well deserved. It will be if it is found to be effectual (Philemon 1:6) in expressing actual forgiveness. Today the reputation of Christians forgiving one another is a cruel joke. More than one person has noted, "The church is the only charitable organization that shoots its wounded."

Second, Christians are to forgive because Christ has instructed His followers to forgive others. The question of authority is called upon in this principle. In Philemon 1:8 Paul states that his apostolic authority provides a basis for the request he is about to make. Many parents can understand this concept. Sometimes a parent will say to a child, "Because I am your mother" or "Because I am your father, I am asking you out of respect for my authority to do certain things." So Christ comes and says to the Christian, "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which use you, and persecute you, That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 5:44-45). Plotting to vote to destroy a person does not fulfill this commandment.

Third, Christians are to forgive on the basis of love's appeal (Philemon 1:8). Paul asserts his apostolic authority but does not use it. Rather, he will appeal to Philemon to act in grace on the basis of love. Bill and Gloria Gather have written a lovely song which reads,

"I am loved,
I am loved,
I can risk loving you.
For the One who knows me best,
Loves me most..."

And there it is. We can forgive "for love's sake."

Fourth, Christians are to find Divine grace to forgive because of the rich tradition of forgiving others. Paul speaks of himself as a prisoner of Jesus Christ (Philemon 1:1). What is the apostle a prisoner for? He is in jail for declaring the gospel of redeeming grace. He suffers in time for telling people about a Savior from sin. So Paul knows as much about being wronged as any other person in Christendom. Over the years, Paul has been bloodied and beaten. He has been mobbed and left for dead. He has been ridiculed and misunderstood and still he writes to tell others to find grace to forgive.

Fifth, Christians are to forgive because of the great trouble it is to bring a soul to the Savior. Paul speaks of Onesimus as a son whom he has brought to Christ though in bonds (Philemon 1:10). He uses the image of childbirth to indicate that the salvation of a soul is difficult. And because it is so difficult to bring someone to faith, great grace is needed for great sinners. Perhaps one reason why the prodigal son was readily forgiven was because of the agony of heart he gave his father for so many years.

Sixth, Christians are to forgive because of the spiritual union that exists among the members of the family of God (Philemon 1:17). Family members should treat each other with special consideration whenever possible. We are to do good to all men but especially to the family of God. Christians are to forgive believing that the future will justify any exercising of grace.

In the past, Onesimus was unprofitable but in the future, Paul is confident that he will prove to be profitable (Philemon 1:11). Every Christian who lives a Christian life following salvation falls into this category. Billy Sunday was nothing but another rough and carousing ball player before he met Jesus at the Pacific Garden Rescue Mission in Chicago. Mel Trotter was nothing but a drunkard desperate enough to steal the shoes off of his dead baby girl until Christ saved his soul. These marred vessels were made again in the Potter’s hands and became profitable for His service.

Seventh, Christians are to extend forgiveness because of the love others might have for an individual (Philemon 1:12). Paul states that he hopes Onesimus will be received because he is loved. Paul had thought of keeping him in his own company but decided that he could not do that without Philemon's consent (Philemon 1:13).

Eighth, Christians are to forgive others because of a fundamental change that Christ can produce in others. Philemon has nothing to fear from Onesimus. He can be trusted—forever (Philemon 1:15).

Ninth, Christians are to forgive in order to encourage one another in the sphere of faith (Psa. 101:6). Nothing will help to mold Christian grace more than to see someone treated unjustly exercising a forgiving spirit. When the story of Corrie or Bettsy Ten Boon is read in The Hiding Place, then the hearts desire is to want to show grace.

Tenth, Christians are to extend forgiveness because of the pleasure it produces in others (Philemon 1:20).

Now, in all of this it must be remember that forgiveness does not mean that past public sins are to be passed over without protest. The gospel call goes forth for people to repent of the evil they have done in tearing the body of Christ apart needlessly. One modern way much evil is being practiced is by forcing congregations to vote on issues that are unbiblical and contrary to the known will of the Lord.

Nevertheless, in all situations grace is to season the conversation. Paul acknowledges that Philemon is a runaway thief (Philemon 1:18-19). Yet, he speaks of his past sins with temperance (Philemon 1:11 cf. 1:15).

Again, forgiveness does not mean that repentance is unnecessary. It is because Philemon is contrite, humble, and willing to make restitution that he should be forgiven. Some people actually believe that God forgives sins arbitrarily. The truth is that the Moral Lawgiver demands repentance as the basis for divine forgiveness. It is because individuals and nations acknowledge their sins and show remorse that mercy and grace are free to flow. The greatest example of this in the Old Testament is Nineveh (Jonah 3:5-10).

Finally, forgiveness does not mean pretending the past has never happened. Sometimes a verbal or physical injury is committed and then never discussed again. That is not right. And it is only a matter of time before the old problems will resurface. What forgiveness does mean is that positive feelings will replace negative feelings of cruelty and hostility; positive thoughts will be emphasized over negative thoughts; and every effort will be made to communicate and be together again.

As lovely as the story of Philemon is, there is a strong probability that a person who has grievously offended someone else and who asks for forgiveness will never find it. The strength of sin is strong. And the Bible is realistic. Elsewhere, Paul says that we are to live peacefully with all men as much as is possible. Sometimes it is not possible for people are not prone to forgiving others unless they have developed a philosophy of forgiveness. It is the will of the Father, the example of Christ, and the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Forgiveness is not something Christians must tire of extending. When the believer grows weary in well doing they will move to destroy others in public after holding many private conversations to gain a secret following.

Now the questions come. "Do you have a philosophy of forgiveness?" If you do God the Holy Spirit will give you an opportunity to express it by bringing people into your lives who, from your perspective offend you. "What will you do? "What have you done up to this very moment?" "Are you a forgiving person?" "What is the evidence?"

Every Christian is an apologist whether or not he wants to be one. At some point in the Christian life, he will be required to give a defense to anyone who asks for a reason for the hope that is in him (1 Pet 3:15). We are accountable for the faith we hold and we are expected to be able to give a reasoned defense for Christianity. With that said, I believe that Christians hinder their own cause without knowing they are doing so. All too often, the Christian finds himself on the defensive when discussing the topic of God. He gets so wrapped up with the notion that the preponderance of evidence rests with him that he forgets he does not have to shoulder the burden alone. Any atheist who makes a positive assertion must also demonstrate his presupposition, not merely assert it and argue from there. If the Christian does not challenge the atheist on this he has handicapped himself from the outside of the discussion and has given his opponent the advantage.

One should also keep in mind that the inability to articulate good arguments for God’s existence is not proof for the opposite. The atheist himself must still demonstrate that God does not exist. As one notable atheist rightly asserted, "To show that an argument is invalid or unsound is not to show that the conclusion of the argument is false....All the proofs of God’s existence may fail, but it still may be the case that God exists.” When the atheist makes a positive statement that God does not exist, he is in fact asserting to have knowledge and this belief must be demonstrated through plausible argumentation.

One method that I have seen countless times by atheism’s leading critics is to argue the credibility of Christianity by comparing the belief in God to belief in Zeus, Santa Claus, the one-eyed Spaghetti monster or any other number of mythical creatures. Such absurd argumentation is a red herring and has nothing to do with the veracity of Christianity. It is a logical fallacy to lump all religions and false gods together and insist that one is not true because the others are false. We have compelling evidence that the mythical god Zeus does not exist, but it does not follow that the God of the Bible is false because Zeus is false. On the contrary, the Christian can muster credible reasons for belief in God. Now compare this to atheism. What can the atheist give us in response to some of life’s most fundamental questions? How can atheism offer an explanation to the origins of the universe, the meaning of life, morality, justice or love? The simple answer is that it cannot. Atheism fails on its most basic level to give an adequate answer to these questions and so much more while Christianity offers a cogent response to each of these questions.

The bottom line is that Christianity demonstrates the believer has rationale in his embrace of God, while the atheist has nothing more than a cloak of arrogant presumption in which to wrap himself. The next time you have a discussion with an atheist, do not let him put you on the defensive. Make sure that you are on the same level in your argumentation. If he makes a positive statement make sure he is able to demonstrate his belief in the same manner you can with the Christian religion. But in so doing, ensure you speak with gentleness and respect as Peter exhorted (1 Pet 3:15).        

(The spiral follows the Fibonacci sequence)

Fallen human beings are not children of God by nature. Such a position belongs only to those who have faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior.  The below bible verses tell a story of the confidence Christians have because of their standing in Jesus Christ before God.  I am not sure who put this bell together, but I thought it was valuable. Enjoy!

This familiar English carol dates back to the 13^th century. However, the well known combination of words and tune first appeared in Christmas Carols, Ancient and Modern, by William Sandys (London: Richard Beckley, 1833). But perhaps you have sung the song wondering what the word "Noel" actually means. The answer is that there is some uncertainty. The word probably comes from the French word Noël meaning "Christmas" which is derived from the Old French word noël, a variant of nael. The Latin origin is the word natalis ("birth"). But the word may also be from the Gaulish words "noio" or "neu" meaning "new" and "helle" meaning "light" referring to the winter solstice when sunlight begins overtaking darkness.

Certainly all of the various concepts unite in the single word, "Noel". Jesus Christ is the Light of the World. He has come to dispel spiritual darkness. Therefore, it is proper to celebrate His birth, though the exact time and date of that glorious event remains wrapped in mystery. Therefore let us sing of that first Christmas for Christ has also come to give new life, eternal life as a free gift of God. It is yours for the asking, it is yours for the receiving. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." (Acts 16:31).

The first Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields where they lay tending their sheep,
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Refrain

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

They lookèd up and saw a star
Shining in the east, beyond them far;
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.

Refrain

And by the light of that same star
Three Wise Men came from country far;
To seek for a King was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went.

Refrain

This star drew nigh to the northwest,
Over Bethlehem it took its rest;
And there it did both stop and stay,
Right over the place where Jesus lay.

Refrain

Then did they know assuredly
Within that house the King did lie;
One entered it them for to see,
And found the Babe in poverty.

Refrain

Then entered in those Wise Men three,
Full reverently upon the knee,
And offered there, in His presence,
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Refrain

Between an ox stall and an ass,
This Child truly there He was;
For want of clothing they did Him lay
All in a manger, among the hay.

Refrain

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord;
That hath made Heaven and earth of naught,
And with His blood mankind hath bought.

Refrain

If we in our time shall do well,
We shall be free from death and hell;
For God hath prepared for us all
A resting place in general.

Refrain 

Unless there are new developments in the story of the death of Caylee Marie Anthony it appears that her body has finally been found in a wooded area in Orange County, Florida. Soon those who truly loved her and others who have come to know her vicariously will be able to say goodbye. Caylee of course will not know about the outpouring of love and affection on her behalf. She will not know that hundreds upon thousands mourned her tragic end. What Caylee does know is that she is in the arms of God. She is now in heaven where she will grow up but never grow old. She will be forever young and innocent. No one will ever hurt Caylee again.

Are there any spiritual lessons of life which the tragedy of Caylee Marie Anthony might teach us? The answer is yes, and for the most part, they are familiar lesssons.

First, there is the matter of sin that dwells within the human heart. Sin caused the death of Caylee Marie. In all likelihood she was probably murdered. Murder is part of the evil or injurious behavior that lurks in the soul. Jesus said in Matthew 15:19"For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies." The reality of sin, the reality of evil must be acknowledged.

Second, because individuals commit horrendous acts of evil they need redemption. If her mother is proven to be the person who murdered Caylee then she needs redemption based upon confession and repentance. She also needs to accept responsibility.

Then third, there is the necessity of administering justice. In America’s court system justice seems to be elusive. Time after time criminals are released to kill and rape and rob again. This time the courts must stand firm. Our children need to be protected whenever possible and avenged when violent acts against them are perpetrated. Like the blood of Abel, the blood of Caylee cries out for justice.

There are other Caylees in this world. There are other abused and neglected children. Many survive, scared for life. Others do not. While saying goodbye to Calyee, let us as a nation whisper over her grave collectively and say, "Caylee, we are so sorry this happened to you. But your life and death will not be in vain. Your story reminds us of the tragedy of sin, the need for personal redemption and beyond that for the administration of justice. Now we commend you to the Father of all mercies who will comfort and protect you for all eternity. You will not be forgotten."

In December, 2008, I had the privilege of touring China for three weeks from Beijing to Shanghai to Hong Kong with travels excursions in between along the Yangtze and Li Rivers. While three weeks is not a long period of time much can be learned about another nation with concerted effort and visual observations. To say the least, what I was told and what I saw surprised me.

Until my visit to China my view of the nation was somewhat negative. I thought of China as a dark and forbidden country, closed to the West, culturally backwards with the people being under an oppressive regime. It was not too long ago that Chair Mao ruled and murdered his own people with such socially evil programs as the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution. But that was in the sixties and seventies. Today it is easy to see that new freedoms, social progress and economic prosperity have come to China. The amazing wealth of the nation is displayed everywhere. Multitudes of sky scrappers reach into the heavens in city after city as people move from slums to very nice dwelling places. It is not uncommon to have to strain the neck to gaze upon towering buildings 50 stories high and reaching upward to 80 stories. One building in Hong Kong soon to be completed will be 108 stories tall. There are so many new magnificent and majestic buildings in China. Everywhere one goes they discover China to be a nation under construction, literally.

Of particular concern to me is the state of the church in China. From what I was able to gather from a variety of sources is that there is much freedom of religion in the nation. I saw signs of religious freedom everywhere. On one building at least fifteen stories high there was a gigantic banner down the whole length of the building proclaiming in both Chinese and English that 'Jesus is Lord'. I was able to take a picture of the building. In every city I visited there were Christmas songs and not just holiday songs. In public places people listened to the words of Christian Christmas carols such as Silent Night, The Little Drummer Boy and O Come All Ye Faithful. As freedom of expressing faith in the Christian religion declines in America, freedom to embrace the Christian religion is on the rise in China. It may be that one day the Spirit of the Lord will leave America completely and let it sink deeper and deeper into the abyss of spiritual and moral darkness while the dawn of spiritual light grows and glows in a Communist nation. The gospel conquered and transformed the Roman Empire of old with all of its problems; surely the gospel can conquer whatever obstacles a Communist regime might impose on individuals. In fact, the gospel has already won the strategic victory in China. According to an official government count there are no fewer than twenty million Christians in China with eighteen millions Bibles having been printed in the country.

This is not to say that all the freedoms which Americans enjoy are the same in China for they are not. People cannot gather in public places to protest the government. Individuals must be careful not to appear as agitating others to overthrow the political status quo. To join the Communist part a person must embrace a non-religious philosophy of life. The image and spirit of Chairman Mao is still pronounced. However, people in China work hard, study hard and compete on every level. Private ownership of property is allowed and capitalistic business principles are obvious. There is upward class mobility and wealth that is hard to believe without witnessing it firsthand.

Much of the wealth of the nation is derived from the incredible artistic ability of the Chinese. "Made in China" might be a cliche for an inexpensive product but it also stands for incredible ability. Whether in architecture, landscaping, jewelry, pottery, woodworking, painting, photography or printing of books beautiful artistic creativity is on display. Other monies come from trade and tourism. Millions pour into China each year to visit the Great Wall or the Terra Cotta soldiers or the numerous other historical sites.

I was surprised by how much oil the Chinese people use in cooking and how many deep fried foods they have, not to mention their love for sugar. The Chinese put sugar on tomatoes and potatoes chips and even the popcorn. (They use way too much sugar --even for me.)

If you get a chance to visit China you will not want to miss out on the adventure of a life time and witness firsthand a nation in transformation. Change has come to China.

Once upon a time in a land far away lived a group of Puritans who hungered for godly preaching and sound doctrine. Alas, these men and women were victims of mediocre preaching but one day a non-conformist minister was asked to preach. After nearly two hours of speaking, the minister looked at his pocket watch and apologized for the length of his sermon. But the parishioners would have none of it. "Go on sir, go on!" someone shouted.

A story like this in today’s churches would sound much like a fairy tale. Instead of setting aside the Sabbath as a day of rest and a time to gather together as believers to listen to a two-hour exposition of God’s Word, many would rather sing a few song that stir the emotions and listen to a fifteen minute pep talk about how much God wants everyone’s wishes and desires come to fruition. In case you are not as convinced as I am, look no further back than this past Sunday for another glaring example of just how far our churches have declined.

Reuters journalists Kevin Krolicki and Soyoung Kim describe the Sunday morning worship service at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, MI in their latest joint article:

"With sport-utility vehicles at the altar and auto workers in the pews, one of Detroit's largest churches on Sunday offered up prayers for Congress to bail out the struggling auto industry.

‘We have never seen as midnight an hour as we face this week,’ the Rev. Charles Ellis told several thousand congregants at a rousing service at Detroit's Greater Grace Temple…"

To what might he be referring? The militant homosexual agenda infiltrating our schools and polluting our children’s minds? The recent decision by Planned Parenthood to offer gift cards for no-hassle abortions? The incessant attacks to erase God from the common vernacular? No, not even close. The Rev. Charles Ellis was referring to the uncertainty of both houses of Congress as they decide this week whether to aid the American automotive industry. (I wonder what passage from the Bible he choose as his text for his pep-talk…)

Who needs circumlocutory prayers, psalms of praise and hour long biblical expositions when we can hear 15 minute political diatribes and watch the spectacle of hundreds of auto workers being anointed with oil against the backdrop of a Ford Escape, a Chevy Tahoe and a Chrysler Aspen? Admittedly, that sounds a bit more intriguing…

But what I find to be the most tragic are the words of Rev. Ellis explaining the reason for the automotive Sunday service. Said Ellis:

"We believe he [God] can change the minds and hearts of men and women in power, and that's what we tried to do today."

Not to preach the Word of God but to persuade politicians to give money to the auto industry. In his own words, his mission was not a matter of proclaiming the gospel message, stating the truth about God’s righteous judgment against the wicked, or even declaring the gift of salvation but to single-handedly lobby members of Congress to a particular political viewpoint. Now, I am an advocate for taking all our prayers and concerns to the Lord in prayer, but neglecting the preaching of the word when we are commanded to gather together is going too far. But unfortunately, yesterday’s automotive service typifies many of the twenty-first century churches that proclaim everything but the gospel. Now more than ever, we need to return to that land far away where people proclaimed, "Go on sir! Go on."

I am writing today from the city of Xi’an, one of the oldest cities in China. All around me in this Communist state are signs of the celebration of Christmas. In the Jinshi International Hotel is a beautiful Christmas tree two stories high. In the gift shop jade crosses are being sold. In the lobby a talented musician plays Christmas carols including Silent Night for the pleasure of the guests dining. Above the front desk are bold red letters that read:

"M E R R Y   C H R I S T M A S"

It is an amazing turn of events from former days. But what does it mean?

First, it means there is a new level of religious freedom in China. Christian churches openly hold worship services. Some of the Protestant churches are quite large numbering over a thousand attendees on Sunday mornings. China is not a religious nation per se, but while the Communist government does not advocate religious worship, it does allow religious tolerance expressed in Christianity, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.

Second, the celebration of Christmas means that prophetic principles are being fulfilled. In the book of the Revelation two entities are presented as persecuting the saints. Nevertheless, the church triumphs over these two entities. An eternal principle is established. Any political system that tries to destroy the church, any religious organization that moves against the church shall fail. The kingdom of God will always in time emerge victorious over all other forces. Our God reigns.

Third, the celebration of Christmas in China means that a new generation will be given the opportunity to hear the gospel. Though millions die in superstitious unbelief multitudes will yet hear about the Lamb of God slain before the foundation of the world. Many children in China are being taught of the Christ child, born in a manger, honored by the magi, worshipped by the shepherds and beloved by countless. Let the world rejoice. There is Christmas in China.

1. Pray for him. Chuck Colson of Prison Fellowship once said of his wife that she would rather spend an hour praying for someone than five minutes criticizing him. Pray for the pastor on bended knees. Pray with him when possible (James 5:16).

2. Love him. Do not just say there is love and appreciation for a pastor, demonstrate it by being longsuffering, by speaking well of him, by encouraging him, by overlooking his minor faults and by taking the concepts of 1 Corinthians 13 and applying them.

3. Give him a chance. If there is something that was misspoken first go to him in private as per Matthew 18 and give him a chance to clarify what was said, take back or apologize before rebuking him before others and shaming him in public. 1 Timothy 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

4. Apologize if necessary. If a pastor has been shamed in public needlessly, offer him an apology. It will be good for the heart and a uniting force. 1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

5. Honor the pastor’s spiritual authority. Do not let someone try to take control of a meeting or a situation that belongs within the pastor’s right and responsibility to guide. Those who want to be in authority must first be individuals under authority. Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

6. Avoid being part of a triangle against a pastor especially if all the facts are not known. More often than not the truth is far different than what something appears to be. Most of the time a pastor will have a fuller knowledge of a situation than any other person. Proverbs 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. The Complete Jewish Bible translates Proverbs 18:13: To answer someone before hearing him out is both stupid and embarrassing.

7. Assume the pastor has your best interest in his heart. If his present behavior indicates a pastor is reaching out to love and help all the people, assume he is doing what he can to tend to the flock which GOD has made Him the pastor and overseer of. Jerermiah 23:4 And I [the LORD] will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord.  

8. Express your appreciation. If a pastor does something good to someone because you have asked him to make a particular visit or provide counseling why not tell him? After one of His healing miracles Jesus spoke on the importance of giving thanks (Luke 17:12-19).

9. Be careful to faithfully represent the pastor in a situation and what really happened. It is easy to take an event and retell it in such a way that a negative impression is left because part of the story was left out. The prophet Jeremiah warned of individuals who "will deceive every one his neighbor, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity" (Jeremiah 9:5).

10. Tell others to talk to the pastor before they talk to you if the conversation is critical or judgmental about him. It is God’s will that Christians dwell on thoughts that are positive and uplifting. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

The book of James was penned in the middle of the first century in response to professing believers whose half-hearted commitment to Christianity did not reflect a true love for Christ and proper Christian living. James gives instructions to the Christian community how best to conduct themselves when under the cross. He begins his epistle by encouraging his fellow Christians:

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (Jas 1:2-3)

But the natural inclination is to do precisely the opposite. It is easy to sink into a state of depression and to feel sorry for oneself, and it is even easier to become overwhelmed with the tumultuous events of life. We are inundated daily with the stress of work, financial pressure, conflict with others, persecution, physical ailments and a host of other difficulties. When confronted with each crisis we can respond in one of two ways. We can become despondent and think of ourselves or we can heed the words of James and count our tribulations a joy.

Some might be wondering how we could honestly count death, disease, financial ruin and persecution a joy. Is it a matter of showing stoical apathy? On the contrary. All trials, regardless of difficulty, can be considered a joy when we realize that God designed every trial that comes our way for a specific purpose. No matter how tremendous the test of faith is, God has ordained each and every one in order to develop perseverance which in turn produces mature Christian character.

It should not come as a surprise that God would keep his word when he tells us that our faith will be tested. With that said, not everyone will face similar trials. Some may never experience persecution or disease, but each will be given the opportunity to respond to trials biblically. That part is up to us. How do we respond when God sends tests our way? Do we react with melancholy and self-pity or do we put our faith in Jesus Christ and count each trial a joy knowing that God has chosen that particular trial for our benefit?

So the next time you face tumultuous times know that God has specifically chosen that trial for your benefit. That way, we can rejoice in knowing God has brought that test to us -- just as he has also given us the Holy Spirit to help in our time of need. And when we persevere, we can rejoice even more so in knowing that we are being sanctified.

The Christmas season is here again and allows an opportunity to rethink its original meaning. To do this I would suggest a reading of the gospel narrative of the birth of Christ as outlined in Luke 2:1-19. In addition, I would suggest a reading of O. Henry's classic The Gift of the Magi. For those not familiar with this short story the plot concerns Jim Dillingham Young and his wife Della. They are a young couple who are very much in love with each other but are destitute. They can barely afford their one-room apartment opposite the elevated train. For Christmas, Della decides to buy Jim a chain for his pocket watch given to him by his father. To raise the funds she has her beautiful long hair cut off and sold to make a wig. Meanwhile, Jim decides to sell his watch to buy Della a beautiful set of combs for her lovely, knee-length hair. Although each is surprised by the extreme to which the other has gone, each is pleased with the gift they received, because it represents the other's love for them. The true unselfish love that the characters, Jim and Della, share is greater than their possessions. Christmas is not about money but about love. Christmas is about sacrificial giving just like God so loved the world and gave His only begotten Son to die for the sins of others in order to provide the gift of salvation. I do not know when Christmas was taken hostage by the children so that individuals today think it is all about buying them toys, but I do know I would like to liberate the day from the tyranny of that idea. Christmas was started by adults, the magi, to honor the King of kings. It is time to reestablish that concept.