A
daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and
exhortation.
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
Friday,
December 6,
2019
Main Street, Wellsboro, PA
"Jesus
The Messiah"
Message summary: Jesus the Messiah was not and is not a mere myth who needs to be demythologized.
Listen
to this
message on your audio player.
Daily
prayer: Father, there is much authenticity
available through the annals of history and most
importantly the written Holy Scriptures - that
You sent Your Son, Jesus, to earth in the form
of a babe to be born to a virgin maiden. Your
Son was sent for the major purpose of bearing
the sins of humankind upon Himself as He died in
our place. Those unwilling to receive these
facts based upon the Scriptures will constantly
be searching and find only the ever-evolving
explanations, rationalizations, clarifications,
enlightenment, or whatever the current fad
teaching is during their quest. When we come to
You in faith we accept that which is written in
Scripture and base our lives upon its teaching,
putting to death our old sin nature and rising
to life our spiritual nature. Thank You for this
glorious transformation. Amen.
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
Albert Benjamin Simpson
Dwight Lyman Moody
Clive Stapes Lewis
Frederick Fyvie Bruce
Aiden Wilson Tozer
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Message summary: Jesus the Messiah was not and is not a mere myth who needs to be demythologized.
Listen
to this
message on your audio player."This is the
genealogy of Jesus the Messiah" (Matthew 1:1). "Jacob
the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary
was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah"
(Matthew 1:16). "For we did not follow cleverly
devised stories when we told you about the coming of
our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were
eyewitnesses of His majesty" (2 Peter 1:16).
Usually, at this time of
year as well as Easter, we can count on the secular
press presenting numerous articles questioning the
authenticity of Jesus and the integrity of the Biblical
record. Several years ago "US
News and World Report" presented an article titled "The
Jesus Code – America is rethinking the Messiah – again."
Throughout the centuries many have been on a quest to "reinvent" Jesus, essentially making Him into their own image. You will hear scholarly-sounding phrases such as "demythologizing" or "discovering the historical Jesus." Of course these endeavors begin with the assumption that the Gospels and New Testament record are unreliable.
When I read these articles I am always struck by the designations such as "scholars assert", which tends to lend credence to these faddish theories. Those still seeking and those who may be newer in their faith or ungrounded may find their faith shaken. After all, they are the scholars and who am I? I consider another New Testament verse, "Professing to be wise, they became fools" (Romans 1:22).
The designation "scholar" is interesting and can be so misleading. Indeed there are many who are educated and attain the title "scholar" who do not have faith in Christ. Typically when these secular articles are written they seek out these unbelieving scholars. They are presented as objective but that's far from the truth. It's true not only in theology but in other fields as well.
Throughout the centuries many have been on a quest to "reinvent" Jesus, essentially making Him into their own image. You will hear scholarly-sounding phrases such as "demythologizing" or "discovering the historical Jesus." Of course these endeavors begin with the assumption that the Gospels and New Testament record are unreliable.
When I read these articles I am always struck by the designations such as "scholars assert", which tends to lend credence to these faddish theories. Those still seeking and those who may be newer in their faith or ungrounded may find their faith shaken. After all, they are the scholars and who am I? I consider another New Testament verse, "Professing to be wise, they became fools" (Romans 1:22).
The designation "scholar" is interesting and can be so misleading. Indeed there are many who are educated and attain the title "scholar" who do not have faith in Christ. Typically when these secular articles are written they seek out these unbelieving scholars. They are presented as objective but that's far from the truth. It's true not only in theology but in other fields as well.
But there are also
many scholars who believe the Bible and stay true to
the Faith. Some have kept their faith in
spite of the onslaught of cynicism and unbelief they
faced while attaining a "higher education". And
then there are others who, at one time did not believe,
but eventually examined the evidence and by God's grace
turned in faith to the Lord!
Lee Strobel, a journalist who at one time was an unbelieving skeptic, came to believe in the Christian faith. He wrote the "The Case For" series. His first book (as I recall) was "The Case For Christ" written from the perspective of a skeptic searching for the truth about Jesus Christ. In it he interviews a series of world-renowned scholars who are recognized specialists in their field of study. I'm particularly blessed by the way he asks many of them at the end of the interview how their study had impacted their personal faith and life.
Lee Strobel, a journalist who at one time was an unbelieving skeptic, came to believe in the Christian faith. He wrote the "The Case For" series. His first book (as I recall) was "The Case For Christ" written from the perspective of a skeptic searching for the truth about Jesus Christ. In it he interviews a series of world-renowned scholars who are recognized specialists in their field of study. I'm particularly blessed by the way he asks many of them at the end of the interview how their study had impacted their personal faith and life.
This week we began with
the blank page in our Bibles between the Old and New
Testament and then considered the very first verse in
Matthew's Gospel. Today we use the final verse in
Matthew's genealogy, a portion not often quoted; "Jacob,
the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of who was
born Jesus, who is called the Christ". The
genealogy of Christ, although not among the most
exciting reading in Scripture, places our Lord Jesus
Christ clearly in the historical record. Jesus the
Messiah was not and is not a mere myth who needs to be
demythologized.
I can learn of the historical Jesus in these sacred pages of Holy Scripture and I'm not interested in a reinvention, nor a reinvention of the reinvention, for when we dabble that's what happens. I firmly believe that the Gospels present the truth about Christ and I rest my faith on this teaching rather than the fickle views of the latest "scholarly" musings.
I find great encouragement in the Apostle Peter's straightforward reminder: "We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty" (2 Peter 1:16). Many years ago Brooksyne and I, before we ever came together, chose to follow "Jesus The Messiah" and this day, December 6, 2019 we once again make that declaration! We urge all our readers to do the same.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
I can learn of the historical Jesus in these sacred pages of Holy Scripture and I'm not interested in a reinvention, nor a reinvention of the reinvention, for when we dabble that's what happens. I firmly believe that the Gospels present the truth about Christ and I rest my faith on this teaching rather than the fickle views of the latest "scholarly" musings.
I find great encouragement in the Apostle Peter's straightforward reminder: "We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty" (2 Peter 1:16). Many years ago Brooksyne and I, before we ever came together, chose to follow "Jesus The Messiah" and this day, December 6, 2019 we once again make that declaration! We urge all our readers to do the same.
One day when heaven was
filled with His praises,
One day when sin was as black as could be,
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin—
Dwelt among men, my example is He!
Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever:
One day He's coming—O glorious day!
One day when sin was as black as could be,
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin—
Dwelt among men, my example is He!
Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever:
One day He's coming—O glorious day!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Father, there is much authenticity
available through the annals of history and most
importantly the written Holy Scriptures - that
You sent Your Son, Jesus, to earth in the form
of a babe to be born to a virgin maiden. Your
Son was sent for the major purpose of bearing
the sins of humankind upon Himself as He died in
our place. Those unwilling to receive these
facts based upon the Scriptures will constantly
be searching and find only the ever-evolving
explanations, rationalizations, clarifications,
enlightenment, or whatever the current fad
teaching is during their quest. When we come to
You in faith we accept that which is written in
Scripture and base our lives upon its teaching,
putting to death our old sin nature and rising
to life our spiritual nature. Thank You for this
glorious transformation. Amen.Special
Year-end Financial Appeal
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
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
Jean, a
reader from Maine wrote concerning yesterday's message:
I just wanted to say that L.L. Bean has
changed their "lifetime guarantee" (that
people were abusing - I knew a man who took
good shoes - that had worn well - back for
years and years and kept getting a free pair.)
They still have a great guarantee though.
A one year warranty - but if there is evidence of
inferior quality they will make it right. And they
now require a proof of purchase. People were
buying L.L. Bean clothes at lawn sales and taking
them back!
Ed from
northern, PA provided the answer to our
initial quiz yesterday:
Albert Benjamin Simpson
Dwight Lyman Moody
Clive Stapes Lewis
Frederick Fyvie Bruce
Aiden Wilson Tozer
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Harry S.
Truman - The S. is only an initial, he did not
have a middle name. The initial honors his
grandfathers, Anderson Shipp Truman and
Solomon Young.
Speaking
of Bible scholars and those known by their
initials I recently watched this
thought-provoking video by N.T. Wright. He is a preeminent New Testament
scholar, best known for his works defending
orthodox Christian belief.
His initials stand for Nicholas Thomas. In the
video (5 years old) his concept of the danger of
changing the meaning of words is very
instructive, even more so today given the gender
nonsense flooding our country.
Today's
Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
"Glorious Day
(Living He Loved Me)"
Video
Casting Crowns
Finally
today:
A gas street light in Wellsboro, PA
Wellsboro
is a small hamlet in
northern Pennsylvania.
This Saturday they have
the "Dickens
of a Christmas
Celebration".
That's why I posted the
Main Street Wellsboro
photo as our lead photo
today. (They are real
gas lights.) In our view
Wellsboro is the
prettiest small town in
northern PA. It's really
kind of like Bedford
Falls, the fictional
town in "It's A
Wonderful Life"!
Here's
a description of the
celebration from the
website:
Are
you looking for a
getaway weekend to
rekindle the old
fashioned Christmas
spirit? Then plan to
join us in Wellsboro
on Saturday, December
7th, 2019 for the 36th
annual Dickens of a
Christmas. Wellsboro's
Main Street and the
surrounding side
streets will be closed
to traffic and will
become an early
Victorian marketplace
featuring all types of
delectable wares for
eating and drinking,
as well as delightful
gift items for wearing
or enjoying.
Beginning
at 9:00 a.m., the food
and craft vendors,
strolling musicians and
singers, dancers, and
street corner thespians
will spread up and down
Main Street, extending
on to Waln and Crafton
Street, and a portion of
Central Avenue.
Performers and vendors
will be appropriately
costumed and decorated
to create a Victorian
atmosphere that fits so
well with the Wellsboro
Gas Lights. With the
streets closed to
traffic, you have the
freedom to stroll and
enjoy the festivities.
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.
Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.
Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
© Copyright 2019 Stephen C. & Brooksyne
Weber - All Rights Reserved
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA