A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope,
encouragement and exhortation.
Wednesday,
December 19, 2018
(Click on photo for larger view)
"The Incarnate Word" (Part
3)
This week all
our messages are on "The
Incarnate Word".
Some of these messages
may be a bit more
theological in nature
than many of our
messages!
Message summary: Today in all the hustle and bustle of life with all the beeps, notifications and distractions, consider and rejoice that the Almighty Maker of heaven and earth has spoken and made known His way to the human race in Jesus His Son. Are you faithfully paying attention to the incarnate Word? Listen to our message on your audio player. "In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son" (Hebrews 1:2). Today we have many different styles of churches and preachers. Many years ago we recall passing a small church along Rt. 30 in York County that had this statement on their church sign, "Worship The Way God Intended It". We took this to mean that was what they thought about their style of worship, which struck us as being rather proud and presumptuous. Now we don't believe there's anything wrong with having a certain preference in regard to matters like music and preaching style. We certainly have ours but we seek to distinguish between preferences and convictions. Our convictions primarily have more to do with the content, not style or delivery. "In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways." The writer of Hebrews is looking back over the long span of human history since God first began His redemptive mission right after the Fall. Through the ages "God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets". A prophet is a person who speaks God’s truth to others. More than 133 named prophets are mentioned in the Bible, including 16 women. "At many
times" - The
first named prophet in
the Bible is Abraham.
In Genesis 20:7 God
spoke to Abimelech in
a dream, saying, "Now
then, return
[Abraham’s] wife,
for he is a prophet,
so that he will pray
for you, and you
will live." That
was about 2000 BC. The
final OT prophet was
Malachi at about 400
BC. However we believe
God used unnamed
prophets before
Abraham and after
Malachi. He certainly
spoke "at many
times".
"And in various ways" - What a wide variety we see in the personality and style of Biblical prophets. Some of them were really eccentric! "But in
these last days He has
spoken to us by His
Son." This is an
interesting clause to
compare and study in
various translations
(see here).
"These last
days" speak of the
time when Hebrews was
written. We wonder if
the Biblical writers
even imagined that some
2000 years would pass
till we get to our
present age!
"Spoken" in context speaks of a past completed action. In other words, in reference to God speaking by the prophets and also "by His Son", the aorist tense indicates that God has finished speaking in both cases. Greek linguist A.T. Robertson points out the first aorist indicative here indicates that God "did speak in a final and full revelation". Our way of reckoning years is based on Christ's first coming B.C. (before Christ) and A.D. (which stands for the Latin phrase anno domini, which means "in the year of our Lord.") But another consideration is that the Incarnate Word divides human history in this way; everything before pointed toward the incarnate Word and everything since points back to the incarnate Word. God has spoken to us by His son, the Incarnate Word. Today in all the hustle and bustle of life with all the beeps, notifications and distractions, consider and rejoice that the Almighty Maker of heaven and earth has spoken and made known His way to the human race in Jesus His Son. Are you faithfully paying attention to the incarnate Word? Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber We want to thank all who
have financially supported our
ministry this past year (and some for
many years!). We realize there are many
fine ministries and causes requesting
support at this time but if the Lord
would lead you we surely need and
appreciate the financial support from
our readers and listeners. Like
many ministries, we typically see a
spike in giving at the end of the year
for which we are most thankful.
Our ministry labor is comprised of approximately half our time to Daily Encouragement and the other half to our chaplaincy ministry to companies for which we receive compensation. Each of these ministries essentially is the same as a part-time job (20+ hours weekly) for each of us. Our goal for many years is that each would provide half of our ministry expenses and income. If you would consider making a donation to our ministry see here for more information. To donate directly online here. This will open to a page that designates the offering to: WEBER,STEPHEN CHAP, Specialized Chaplaincy Ministry ID: 700001-237376 Please Note: We also provide this easy option due to the convenience, for international supporters, and for those who may not be concerned regarding receiving an official tax deductible receipt. Click here to send an offering using PayPal. This will open to a page that states "Brooksyne Weber" Thank you Stephen
& Brooksyne
Today's
Suggested
Music and Supplemental Resources
"O Come, O Come
Emmanuel" Video
Phil Wickham
Online commentary
of Hebrews 1:2
What is the
meaning of BC and AD (B.C. and
A.D.)? (from
gotquestions.org)
* Today's prayer adapted from "God Hath Spoken By His Prophets" by G.W. Briggs (1952) God has spoken by
His prophets
Spoken His unchanging word Each from age to age proclaiming God The One the righteous Lord In the world's despair and turmoil One firm anchor holds us fast God is King His throne eternal God the first and God the last God has spoken by Christ Jesus Christ the everlasting Son Brightness of the Father's glory With the Father ever one Spoken by the Word incarnate God of God ere time was born Light of Light to earth descending Christ as God in human form God is speaking by His Spirit Speaking to our hearts again In the ageless word Expounding God's own message now as then Through the rise and fall of nations One sure faith yet standing fast God abides His word unchanging God the first and God the last (can be sung to the tune of "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee" Resources
for
Christmas Celebrations
(We
will leave these resources
posted below our daily
messages through Christmas
Day)
Each year we share several online resources that we have used over the years and that may be a blessing to families and churches during this Christmas season. "In Remembrance of Me" pdf This is a passion-filled Scripture reading for two adults. For many years Brooksyne and I have used this reading with great receptivity during Christmas Eve services. We suggest, if possible, a musical background as the message is read. It is also a great lead-in to a Communion service. It should be thoroughly practiced and read with great feeling. It is suitable for a church or family gathering "When Christ Was Born" pdf This is an adaptation to the tune of "How Great Thou Art". It's a great song to sing as a congregation since most are familiar with and love the tune. Responsive Christmas Scripture readings for church or family: John 1:1-18 pdf "O Come Let Us Adore Him" pdf My First Christmas In Heaven This is a blessed reminder for all who lost a loved one this year. This is the poem that Brooksyne read and wrote about in this message. Christmas Knowledge Test "Christmas in Heaven"
Video
Scotty
McCreery Probably a bit
syrupy for some but a source of
comfort for those who have lost a
loved one this past year. I heard
this song on Saturday on the
Gospel greats with Paul Heil.
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