This is the “chief of sinners,” Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society International, with the Gospel Light Minute X Podcast #365 titled, “How to Get Your Life Changed Today.” I’m here to remind you of what the Bible says, that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” like you and me.
…with a phone call in the middle of the night, a letter, a fall, an accident, or a sudden “chance” meeting. You can be comfortable in your lifestyle, whatever it may be, one minute and the very next minute your whole life can be changed forever, for the better or the worse.
You can be poor and struggling one minute and win a million dollars in a contest the next minute. Wouldn’t THAT be a nice change! Or you could just be going about your every day routine at home or work one minute and drop dead of a heart attack or a massive stroke the next minute. Now THAT would really be a change!
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
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Warren Wiersbe said, “The birth of Jesus drew the angels from heaven. How amazed the angels must have been when they saw the Creator born as a creature, the Word coming as a speechless baby. The best commentary on this is 2 Corinthians 8:9, and the best response from our hearts is wonder and worship. “Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh”. The first announcement of the Messiah’s birth was given by an angel to some anonymous shepherds. Why shepherds? Why not to priests or scribes? By visiting the shepherds, the angel revealed the grace of God toward mankind. Shepherds were really outcasts in Israel. Their work not only made them ceremonially unclean, but it kept them away from the temple for weeks at a time so that they could not be made clean. God does not call the rich and mighty; He calls the poor and the lowly. The Messiah came to be both the Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God sacrificed for the sins of the world. Perhaps these shepherds were caring for the flocks that would provide sacrifices for the temple services. It was fitting that the good news about God’s Shepherd and Lamb be given first to humble shepherds. Shepherds are not easily fooled. They are practical men of the world who have little to do with fantasy. If they said that they saw angels and went and found the Messiah, then you could believe them. God selected hardworking men to be the first witnesses that His Son had come into the world. First, one angel appeared and gave the glad announcement; and then a chorus of angels joined him and gave an anthem of praise. For the first time in centuries, the glory of God returned to earth. If brave shepherds were afraid at what they saw and heard, then you can be sure it was real! “Fear not!” is one of the key themes of the Christmas story. Literally the angel said, “I announce to you good news, a great joy which shall be to all the people.” He used the word which means “to preach the Good News,” a word Luke uses often in both his Gospel and in the Book of Acts. We see here Luke’s emphasis on a worldwide Gospel: the Good News is for everybody, not just the Jews. What was the Good News? Not that God had sent a soldier or a judge or a reformer, but that He had sent a Saviour to meet man’s greatest need. It was a message of peace to a world that had known much war. The famous “Pax Romana” (Roman Peace) had been in effect since 27 B.C. but the absence of war doesn’t guarantee the presence of peace.,The Stoic philosopher Epictetus said, “While the emperor may give peace from war on land and sea, he is unable to give peace from passion, grief, and envy. He cannot give peace of heart for which man yearns more than even for outward peace.” The Jewish word shalom (peace) means much more than a truce in the battles of life. It means well-being, health, prosperity, security, soundness, and completeness. It has to do more with character than circumstances. Life was difficult at that time just as it is today. Taxes were high, unemployment was high, morals were slipping lower, and the military state was in control. Roman law, Greek philosophy, and even Jewish religion could not meet the needs of men’s hearts. Then, God sent His Son! The angels praised God at Creation, and now they praised Him at the beginning of the new creation. The whole purpose of the plan of salvation is “glory to God”. God’s glory had dwelt in the tabernacle and in the temple, but had departed because of the nation’s sin. Now God’s glory was returning to earth in the person of His Son. That lowly manger was a holy of holies because Jesus was there!”
According to Pew Research, 90% of Americans celebrate Christmas every year, however, fewer say that their observance is tied to religious belief. Only 46% of Americans say faith is the driving factor behind their observance of Christmas. On top of that, only 57% of all Americans believe four key elements of the Christmas story:
– That Jesus was born to a virgin
– That Jesus was laid in a manger
– That wise men, guided by a star, brought Jesus gifts
– That an angel announced the Birth of Jesus to shepherds
For years now, Christmas has been marred by a focus on shopping, gift giving, parties, decorating, feasting, and family gatherings. While all of these things are good in their place, none of them are what Christmas is about, and as these trends continue, young people and the growing non-religious segment in our country risk never knowing the true meaning of Christmas. Like Charlie Brown in the famous animated Christmas classic, many may soon be asking, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”
Thankfully for Charlie Brown, he had his best friend Linus, quiet and insecure but portrayed as having the most wisdom among his friends, who not only knew what Christmas was all about, but quoted the passage we just read, without embellishment, on national television. Even then, way back in 1965, Peanuts creator Charles Schulz had to insist, against the wishes of CBS and his animator Bill Melendez, that the passage be included as the “meaning of Christmas.” Bill told Charles, “This is religion. It just doesn’t go in a cartoon.” Charles replied, “Bill, if we don’t do it, who will?”
The result is that little Linus has gone on to preach the Gospel and share the true message of Christmas every year since 1965. If you are confused about the true meaning of Christmas, you need only to pay attention to the angels’ message in Luke 2: “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
Christmas is about the Gift that God sent to man — a Gift that came at enormous cost to Himself. Christmas is about God extending to man the opportunity to be delivered from the dark night of sin and separation from Himself through Salvation supplied by His Son, Jesus Christ. Christmas is about great joy being delivered to all people — not like the temporary joy that comes from a holiday party — but a joy that shines in our lives like a star in the night sky. Without Jesus, Christmas is meaningless. You can take away the parties, the gifts, the decorations, the feasting, the shopping, and the gathering — as long as you have Christ, you have Christmas.
But Jesus is not just for a once-a-year holiday; He is for your entire life and your eternity. Without Him, Christmas day, nor any other day matters. And it is tragic to die without realizing this. As someone once said, “At the end of the day only one thing matters, and that’s Jesus, just Jesus, and nothing else.” Jesus matters because He alone can save you from eternal death, punishment in Hell, and permanent separation from a God who loved you so much that He sent His Son to die in your place. Don’t throw away this opportunity to accept the free gift that God sent on that first Christmas long ago. Here is how you can trust Jesus Christ as your Savior today.
First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”
Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”
Third, accept the fact that you are on the road to hell. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:28: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Also, the Bible states in Revelation 21:8: “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
Now that is bad news, but here’s the good news. Jesus Christ said in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Just believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead by the power of God for you so that you can live eternally with Him. Pray and ask Him to come into your heart today, and He will.
Romans 10:9 & 13 says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved… For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
If you believe that Jesus Christ died on the Cross for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead, and you want to trust Him for your Salvation today, please pray with me this simple prayer: Holy Father God, I realize that I am a sinner and that I have done some bad things in my life. I am sorry for my sins, and today I choose to turn from my sins. For Jesus Christ sake, please forgive me of my sins. I believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died for me, was buried, and rose again. I trust Jesus Christ as my Savior and I choose to follow Him as Lord from this day forward. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and save my soul and change my life today. Amen.
If you believed in your heart that Jesus Christ died on the Cross, was buried, and rose again, allow me to say, congratulations on doing the most important thing in life and that is accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour! For more information to help you grow in your newfound faith in Christ, go to Gospel Light Society.com and read “What To Do After You Enter Through the Door”. Jesus Christ said in John 10:9, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”
If you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior today, please email me at dw3@gospellightsociety.com and let us know. There is some free material that we want to send you. If you have a prayer request, please e-mail that to us as well, and we will pray for you until you tell us to stop.
God loves you. We love you. And may God bless you.
Daniel Whyte III has spoken in meetings across the United States and in over twenty-five foreign countries. He is the author of over forty books including the Essence Magazine, Dallas Morning News, and Amazon.com national bestseller, Letters to Young Black Men. He is also the president of Gospel Light Society International, a worldwide evangelistic ministry that reaches thousands with the Gospel each week, as well as president of Torch Ministries International, a Christian literature ministry.
He is heard by thousands each week on his radio broadcasts/podcasts, which include: The Prayer Motivator Devotional, The Prayer Motivator Minute, as well as Gospel Light Minute X, the Gospel Light Minute, the Sunday Evening Evangelistic Message, the Prophet Daniel’s Report, the Second Coming Watch Update and the Soul-Winning Motivator, among others.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Bethany Divinity College, a Bachelor’s degree in Religion from Texas Wesleyan University, a Master’s degree in Religion, a Master of Divinity degree, and a Master of Theology degree from Liberty University’s Rawlings School of Divinity (formerly Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary). He is currently a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry degree.
He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica since 1987. God has blessed their union with seven children.
30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
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Today, I am continuing the daily Just Jesus Evangelistic Campaign sermon series, which is aimed at sharing the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ with unbelievers and reminding Christians, in this important election year, to keep the main thing the main thing — and that is reaching unbelievers with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and praying for their salvation, for the problem in America is not only disobedient presidents, politicians, and people, but disobedient pastors, preachers, and parishioners who have refused to obey the Lord’s Great Commission which is to, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” and who have refused to obey God’s repeated commands to “pray without ceasing” for unbelievers, believers, and political leaders. Yes, you should pray for the right candidate to win; yes, you should vote for the candidate that the Lord gives you peace about voting for. But, don’t get caught up in it like the world does. Nothing much is going to change until people get saved and get their hearts right with the Lord.
This campaign is inspired by the following three verses: 1 Corinthians 2:2 which says, “For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” Acts 5:42 which says, “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” And 2 Timothy 2:4 which says, “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”
This series is not for Christians necessarily. However, I do hope you are one of those saints who still loves to hear the “Old, old story of Jesus and His love” — As another hymn says, “For those who know it best Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.” This series is primarily for unbelievers, so they can hear and understand the Gospel and be saved from sin and the punishment of sin which is hell. This is message number 360.
Frederick Buechner said, “For millions of people, the birth of Jesus made possible not just a new way of understanding life but a new way of living it. It is a truth that, for twenty centuries, there have been untold numbers of men and women who, in untold numbers of ways, have been so grasped by the Child who was born, so caught up in the message He taught and the life He lived, that they have found themselves profoundly changed by their relationship with Him.”
In the last Bond film, Spectre, there’s a scene where James Bond calls Moneypenny and asks her to look up information on a person whom everyone believes is dead. Bond says, “Check his files before and after his death.” Moneypenny responds incredulously, “After his death, what are you talking about?” And Bond says, “Just do it.” Of course, it seems odd to look for information on a person after they have died. But in order to get the full story on Jesus Christ, we must look at the records before and after His death. And that is what John provides us in his Gospel.
As we learned in our last message, John wrote his Gospel with a purpose. In his account of all of Jesus’ words and deeds, his purpose was to convince his readers to believe. Believe, as we learned, means to “commit one’s trust unto” someone. Why should a person believe in Jesus Christ? What happens when a person believes in Jesus Christ? John says, “that believing ye might have life through his name.” Believing in Christ results in Life.
John wrote his Gospel so that we might begin a relationship with the living Savior — the operative word being “living.” Historians try to collect and record everything they possibly can about dead individuals. They aim to create as complete a record as possible. But that is not what John does. As he stated, there were “many things” that he did not write about. Instead, he tells us enough about Christ to introduce us to Him. He wants us to begin a personal relationship with the living Christ, and in so doing, we will get to know Him better. We will not need books to tell us everything about Him because we will know Him ourselves.
This personal relationship with Christ results in “life.” Life is an important word in the Gospel of John; he uses it at least 36 times. If we gain life through Jesus Christ, it implies that we are dead without Christ. Modern psychology teaches that people are sick, mentally ill, or imbalanced, and that they can be healed with the right counseling, teaching, practices, or lifestyle changes. But, the Bible teaches that man in his natural state is an animated corpse, one of the “walking dead.” And only Christ can make him alive.
That is what John means when he says we gain life “through his name.” The name of Jesus encompasses His entire person — all that He is and all that He wants us to be. We cannot find true, eternal life outside of Christ. What does this “life” entail? Dr. Warren Wiersbe stated, “Eternal life is not ‘endless time,’ for even lost people are going to live forever in hell. ‘Eternal life’ means the very life of God experienced today. It is a quality of life, not a quantity of time. It is the spiritual experience of ‘heaven on earth’ today. The Christian does not have to die to have this eternal life; he possesses it in Christ today.”
Certainly, you desire this kind of life. John invites all people to come out of the cold, dark world and into the warmth, brightness, and light of Christ. Are you concerned about your sins? They have been taken care of on the cross. Are you worried or afraid? Christ gives peace. Are you looking for direction in life? Christ gives purpose? Are you weak, downtrodden, depressed? Christ gives power to overcome all things in Him.
One of the verses frequently quoted around Christmastime each year is from Isaiah. He said, “The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.” The light is not a thing, but a person. Jesus Christ, the One whose birth we commemorate at Christmas, stated, “I am the Light of the world.” The Bible states, “In him is life, and that life is the light of men.”
Earlier in his Gospel, John said, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ right now and you can have eternal, abundant life today.
Charles Wesley wrote:
Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us; let us find new life in Thee.
Born Thy people to deliver, born a child, and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone;
by Thine own sufficient merit, raise us to Thy glorious throne.
Believe in Jesus Christ today and let Him free you from your sins and fears; let him give you eternal life. Here is how:
First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”
Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”
Third, accept the fact that you are on the road to hell. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:28: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Also, the Bible states in Revelation 21:8: “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
Now that is bad news, but here’s the good news. Jesus Christ said in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Just believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead by the power of God for you so that you can live eternally with Him. Pray and ask Him to come into your heart today, and He will.
Romans 10:9 & 13 says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved… For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
If you believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead, and you want to trust Him for your salvation today, please pray with me this simple prayer: Holy Father God, I realize that I am a sinner and that I have done some bad things in my life. I am sorry for my sins, and today I choose to turn from my sins. For Jesus Christ sake, please forgive me of my sins. I believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died for me, was buried, and rose again. I trust Jesus Christ as my Savior and I choose to follow Him as Lord from this day forward. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and save my soul and change my life today. Amen.
If you believed in your heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross, was buried, and rose again, allow me to say, congratulations on doing the most important thing in life and that is accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour! For more information to help you grow in your newfound faith in Christ, go to Gospel Light Society.com and read “What To Do After You Enter Through the Door”. Jesus Christ said in John 10:9, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”
If you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior today, please email me at dw3@gospellightsociety.com and let us know. There is some free material that we want to send you. If you have a prayer request, please e-mail that to us as well, and we will pray for you until you tell us to stop.
God loves you. We love you. And may God bless you.
Another Christmas celebration has come and gone. While many were reminded of the birth of Christ through the numerous displays of nativity scenes throughout this season, we sometimes forget that Jesus’ birth is just the beginning of a much larger story. So, as millions of people try to squeeze in some last minute shopping to take advantage of holiday season deals, and others make plans for the New Year, let’s pause to explore what happened after Christmas.
The child born on the first Christmas hundreds of years ago was Jesus. He is God’s Son who was sent to Earth in order to save the human race from sin and the punishment of sin. From his infancy, to his teenage years, and on into adulthood, Jesus never sinned. He grew up around sin and among sinful people like us, yet he never sinned. This was important because of what he was born to do.
Jesus was born to die for the sins of the human race. He was a sacrifice, and his Father, God, required that the sacrifice be perfect. If Jesus didn’t die and suffer in our place, each and every one of us would have to die and suffer in hell for eternity. Continue reading “GLMX #266: After Christmas”→
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
3 Gifts God Gave Through Jesus Christ
Whenever we think of Christmas, we think about the gift God gave us — the Lord Jesus Christ. But what we often don’t think of are the many gifts that we are given through the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. This expression might be a little too glib, but He is truly a Gift that keeps on giving. Continue reading “3 Gifts God Gave to Us Through Jesus Christ”→
This past week, the world celebrated the Christmas holiday. As part of the festivities, millions of people gave and received Christmas gifts. As has become customary, many of those who received gifts showed up at a store on the day after Christmas to return their gift in exchange for something else that they really wanted.
Those who liked the gifts they received will still have to deal with maintaining those gifts in order to keep them in good condition. However, eventually, a shiny new gift will one day become worn out and not so shiny or new.
What if I told you that there is a gift that you can receive that you would never consider wanting to return? What if I told you that there is a gift that you can receive that would not just make you excited and happy for a few moments, but would give you permanent peace and joy as you go through this life? What if I told you that there is a gift that you can receive that will be of more benefit and blessing to your life as you enter the New Year than anything you could possibly imagine? What if I told you that this is a gift that will never grow old, that will never decay, and that will never fall into disrepair or disuse? And, perhaps best of all, what if I told you that this gift is absolutely free and that it is being offered to you right now? Continue reading “GLMX #229: A Gift You Will Never Want to Return”→
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
The Arrival of the Lamb
Many names and titles are used to describe Jesus Christ throughout the Christmas season. he is our Lord, our Savior, our King. He is Immanuel, God With Us. In the traditional Christmas hymns, He is the newborn King, the everlasting Lord, the everlasting light, the incarnate Deity, the holy child of Bethlehem, and the offspring of the Virgin’s womb. What beautiful names; what beautiful titles. But, perhaps, the description of most consequence to us as sinful, humans is found in the hymn, “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing.” The hymn says:
Mild He lays His glory by born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth born to give them second birth.
These few words give us not another name for Jesus, but a description of the effect of His actions on Earth. He laid aside His own rights and came to this earth to die for our sins, that those who trust in Him might not die in their sins, and have eternal life. He was born that we might be born again. As John the Baptist famously put it, He is the “lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world.” Continue reading “The Arrival of the Lamb”→
During this time of year, the thoughts of many people turn toward the matter of gift-giving and receiving. Collectively, we spend a good deal of money and time going from store to store to get the “perfect” gift for people we love or people we simply want to impress.
However, God gave the entire world the greatest gift it would ever receive when He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world in the form of a baby in a manger. Many people at that time — and many people today — overlooked the utter importance of this wonderful gift. This gift, which arrived in the humble town of Bethlehem and was born to two ordinary Jews, was the means by which God intended to deliver the world from the pain, suffering, and death that came about because of sin.
Jesus Christ began His career as a humble preacher, and He only preached for three years, but His words and actions echo down to us today because they have earth-shaking significance. He is the Saviour of the world who died to deliver us from our sins and the punishment of sin. Millions have decided to believe in Him so that they can escape the eternal punishment of sin which is Hell and have an eternal Home in Heaven.
So, while you are thinking about what gifts you can give or what gifts you may receive, allow me to share with you what some of the world’s most noted individuals have said about Jesus Christ — the gift God gave to the world. As you listen, I encourage you to consider giving your life to Jesus Christ, for that will indeed be the greatest you can give to Him.
Historian Kenneth Scott Latourette said, “As the centuries pass, the evidence is accumulating that, measured by His effect on history, Jesus is the most influential life ever lived on this planet.”
Scientist, educator, and inventor, George Washington Carver, said, “The Lord has guided me, and without my Saviour, I am nothing.”
Historian, Philip Schaff, said, “Jesus of Nazareth, without money and arms, conquered more millions than Alexander the Great, Caesar, Mohammed, and Napoleon; without science and learning, He shed more light on things human and divine than all philosophers and scholars combined; without the eloquence of school, He spoke such words of life as were never spoken before or since, and produced effects which lie beyond the reach of orator or poet; without writing a single line, He set more pens in motion, and furnished themes for more sermons, orations, discussions, learned volumes, works of art, and songs of praise than the whole army of great men of ancient and modern times.”
Margaret Thatcher, former prime minister of Great Britain, said, “That Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, when faced with His terrible choice and lonely vigil, chose to lay down His life that our sins may be forgiven. I remember very well a sermon on Armistice Sunday when our preacher said: ‘No one took away the life of Jesus, He chose to lay it down.’”
India’s greatest citizen and political leader, Mahatma Gandhi, said, “Jesus Christ, who was completely innocent offered Himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including His enemies, and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act.”
Bono, lead singer for the rock band U2, said, “When people say ‘Good teacher,’ ‘Prophet,’ ‘Really nice guy,’ — this is not how Jesus thought of himself. You’re left with a challenge, which is either Jesus was who he said he was or a complete and utter nut case. I believe that Jesus was the Son of God… When you align yourself with God’s purpose as described in the Scriptures, something special happens to your life.”
French emperor and military leader, Napoleon Bonaparte, said, “I know men; and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between Him and every person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded His empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for him.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the main leader of the Civil Rights Movement in America, said, “By opening our lives to God in Christ, we become new creatures. This experience, which Jesus spoke of as the new birth, is essential if we are to be transformed nonconformists . . . Only through an inner spiritual transformation do we gain the strength to fight vigorously the evils of the world in a humble and loving spirit.”
Entertainer and musician, Billy Ray Cyrus, said, “A lot of people think Christianity is about always being perfect. It’s actually the opposite of that. It’s realizing that we’re all humans, and that’s why God sent his Son to this earth—to save people.”
Scottish novelist, Robert Louis Stevenson, said, “When Christ came into my life, I came about like a well-handled ship.”
Actress Angela Bassett said, “When you realize that every breath is a gift from God. When you realize how small you are, but how much He loved you. That He, Jesus, would die, the son of God himself on earth, then you just weep.”
The 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan, said, “No matter where we live, we have a promise that can make all the difference — a promise from Jesus to soothe our sorrows, heal our hearts, and drive away our fears. He promised there will never be a dark night that does not end… And by dying for us, Jesus showed how far our love should be ready to go: all the way.” Reagan also wrote, “This uneducated, property-less young man has, for 2,000 years, had a greater effect on the world than all the rulers, kings, emperors; all the conquerors, generals and admirals, all the scholars, scientists and philosophers who have ever lived—all of them put together. How do we explain that—unless He really was what He said He was?”
Historian H.G. Wells said, “I am a historian, I am not a believer, but I must confess as a historian that this penniless Preacher from Nazareth is irrevocably the very center of history. Jesus Christ is easily the most dominant figure in all history.”
Major League Baseball player, Adrian Gonzalez, said, “[Christ has given me] a different perspective in life – in my marriage, in my attitude on the field, and in everything else, including [trying to be] the best husband to my wife as possible and striving to be the best person I can be… I have success in baseball, but I know that is because of the Lord. I know my preparing and my hard work definitely play a part, but it would not be done without Christ.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin said, “Why did Christ come into the world? To liberate people from sickness, troubles, from death. In its essence, Christmas is a holiday of hope.”
Philosopher and physicist, Blaise Pascal, said, “Without Jesus Christ man must be in vice and misery; with Jesus Christ man is free from vice and misery; in Him is all our virtue and all our happiness. Apart from Him there is but vice, misery, darkness, death, despair.”
Basketball great, Julius Erving, said, “After searching for the meaning of life for over ten years, I found the meaning in Jesus Christ. When I gave my life to Jesus Christ, I began to understand my true purpose for being here. It’s not to go through life and experience as many things as you possibly can and then turn to dust and be no more. The purpose of life is to be found through having Christ in your life, and understanding what His plan is, and following that plan.”
President Theodore Roosevelt said, “(My) great joy and glory that, in occupying an exalted position in the nation, I am enabled, to preach the practical moralities of The Bible to my fellow-countrymen and to hold up Christ as the hope and Savior of the world.”
Nobel prize-winning physicist, Albert Einstein, said, “As a child I received instruction both in the Bible and in the Talmud. I am a Jew, but I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene. No one can read the Gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus. His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such life.”
NFL quarterback, Sam Bradford, said, “I really don’t see a reason why you wouldn’t want to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. I mean, not only was He the greatest human being to ever walk the earth, He’s everything that I want to strive for. He’s everything that anyone should ever want to strive for. Everyone who’s on this earth was blessed because of Him. To come into this world and to deny Him the opportunity to have a relationship with you, is almost a slap in the face to Him.”
English writer and media personality, Malcolm Muggeridge, said, “Christ is the only answer to an insane world. They will not understand that the trouble with the western world civilization is not economics, but more—good and evil! They are thinking they can make things work by policies, inventions, but man will never live on this planet without God!”
R&B singer, songwriter, and producer, Smokey Robinson, said, “I know the strength that Christ gives me. I know what He did for me. I know that He is my way out and my way in. He’s my way out of all this havoc and my way into paradise. He suffered for me and for everybody. It’s so simple. God loves us so much. He said, “I’ll tell you what. I’m going to make it real simple for you. I’m going to send my Son, Jesus Christ. He’s going to take on all your iniquities and all your sins. He’s gonna die in your place so you can have everlasting life. All you’ve got to do is accept Him as your Saviour.”
Professor, and author, Wayne Grudem, said, “It is by far the most amazing miracle in the whole Bible – far more amazing than the resurrection and more amazing than the creation of the universe. The fact that the infinite, omnipotent, eternal Son of God could become man and join Himself to a human nature forever, so that infinite God became one person with finite man, will remain for eternity the most profound miracle and the most profound mystery in all the universe.”
New York Times bestselling author, John Grisham, said, “I came under conviction when I was in the third grade, and I talked with my mother. I told her, ‘I don’t understand this, but I need to talk to you.’ We talked, and she led me to Jesus. The following Sunday I made a public confirmation of my faith [in Jesus Christ]. In one sense, it was not terribly eventful for an eight-year-old, but it was the most important event in my life.”
Chinese political and military leader, Chiang Kai Shek, said, “How I wish that all people would read the Bible, worship and believe in the One and Only True God! The Bible which is God’s living, inspired and true Word teaches us about the triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Bible also declares that we can attain righteousness by our faith in His Son Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself through His death on the cross, and shed His blood as an offering for sin. God’s righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ exalts a nation. That has been proven historically. Christ is freedom’s rock. His love covers a multitude of sins. Everyone who believes on Him shall receive eternal life!”
Super Bowl winning Coach Football coach Tom Landry said, “This is really the most important factor in my life, my faith in Jesus Christ. When you accept Christ, He becomes first in your life. It’s this priority that gives me peace.”
Irish playwright, George Bernard Shaw, said, “I am no more of a Christian than Pilate was, or you are, gentle hearer; and yet, like Pilate, I greatly prefer Jesus of Nazareth to Amos or Caiaphas; and I am ready to admit that I see no way out of the world’s misery but the way which would have been found by His will.”
Dear friend, do you know this person named Jesus Christ? No gift you have received or ever will receive can compare to the gift God has made available to you through His Son. And the greatest gift you can give is your life to Jesus Christ by accepting Him as your Savior and receiving salvation from your sins and the punishment of sin which is hell as many of those I just quoted and millions of others have done.
This Christmas season, allow me to show you how you can receive the greatest gift ever given – which the Bible refers to as an “unspeakable gift” – salvation through Jesus Christ and then how you can give the greatest gift you can give to Jesus Christ which is your life.
1. Accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 7:20: “For there is not a just man upon earth that doeth good, and sinneth not.” Romans 3:23 reads: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” In fact, I am the chief of sinners, so don’t think that you’re alone.
2. Accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”
3. Accept the fact that you are on the road to hell. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:28: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” The Bible says in Revelation 21:8: “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
4. Accept the fact that you cannot do anything to save yourself! The Bible states in Ephesians 2: 8, 9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
5. Accept the fact that God loves you more than you love yourself, and that He wants to save you from hell. Jesus Christ said in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
6. With these facts in mind, please repent of your sins, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and pray and ask Him to come into your heart and save you this very moment. The Bible states in the book of Romans 10:9, 13: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Dear friend, if you are willing to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, please pray with me this simple prayer: Heavenly Father, I realize that I am a sinner and that I have done some bad things in my life. For Jesus Christ sake, please forgive me of my sins. I now believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died for me, was buried, and rose again. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and save my soul and change my life today. Amen.
If you believed in your heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross, was buried, and rose again, allow me to say, congratulations on doing the most important thing in life and that is accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour! For more information to help you grow in your newfound faith in Christ, go to Gospel Light Society.com and read “What To Do After You Enter Through the Door“. Jesus Christ said in John 10:9, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”
God loves you! We love you! May God bless you! And Merry Christmas!
During the Christmas season, there is so much going on that it is easy for many people to lose sight of the real reason for the holiday. There is the so-called “war on Christmas”, the pressure of trying to pick the right present to give to a hard-to-please family member, the preparation to receive family members coming over for the holiday, or last-minute traveling to get to a certain destination. It has gotten so bad, that last year, when Christmas fell on a Sunday, some churches raised the question of whether or not they should even have services.
The glamour and false glory of commercialism abounds during this time of the year, and so many people get caught up in the distractions rather than in the reason for the season. It is disappointing to see so many folks miss the meaning behind this holiday.
In its very essence, Christmas is a holiday that brings with it a message of salvation and deliverance for all people. We must remember that the first people who received this message were not middle class citizens who had extra spending money and time to shop for presents to give to each other. Rather, they were poor shepherds spending the night outdoors watching over their sheep. They were an old husband and wife — John and Elizabeth — who didn’t have any children. They were a young woman named Mary and a young man named Joseph; Mary risked being ostracized, ridiculed, and publicly humiliated and Joseph’s life was turned upside down when he found out that the girl he was about to marry was already pregnant.
The Jewish people of first century Palestine lived under the rule of an occupational Roman government. Mary likely grew up somewhere near the city of Nazareth. From the writings of the Jewish historian Josephus, we learn that Nazareth was no more than a small peasant village of 200 to 300 people. Ninety-five percent of the people living in Palestine at that time were somewhere between the middle class and the bottom, and they were overtaxed, not only by the Romans, but by Jewish tax collectors who were infamous for their extortionary practices. Dr. George Shillington, a former biblical and theological professor who has written several books on the New Testament, states that it is unlikely that Mary could even read or write.
Joseph was not very well-off either. We know that his family was from Bethlehem and that he was a carpenter. According to Easton’s Bible Dictionary, a carpenter “only held a very humble position, and secured a very moderate income.” John Broadus writes in his commentary that Joseph was mostly engaged in the making of plows and yokes for farmers because the society in which he lived was heavily dependent on farming for sustenance and income.
So, Jesus Christ came at a time when the people of Palestine were looking for deliverance and salvation. They wanted deliverance from an oppressive government. They wanted deliverance from a religious system which treated them as outcasts and people to be looked down upon. They wanted deliverance from poverty and a life of difficulty. They were looking for a hero. They were looking for a Saviour. They were looking for a Deliverer.
Today, I want to share with you the true message of Christmas — for it is a message of deliverance and salvation, not only for the people of the first century Roman world, but for each and every one of us today. This message is embodied in the words of the angel to Joseph which we just read. This is the true message of Christmas.
+ Plus, listen to The Georgia Mass Choir as they sing “Joy To The World” and Rebecca St. James singing “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing”
For many of us, Christmas is one of our favorite times of the year. It is nice to get a break from our normal routines and to spend time with our family and friends. Many families have special Christmas customs and traditions, involving decorations, meals, songs, and the exchanging of gifts with loved ones. All of these things are very nice, but is this the true meaning of Christmas?
It seems that every year the stores put up their Christmas displays earlier and earlier, and that each year there is increasing pressure to buy more and more expensive gifts. There also seems to be a competition to see who can put up the largest and most elaborate display of decorations. With all of these things, it is very easy to lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas.
But as we strip away the layers of glitter, commercialism, and tradition that surround the celebration of Christmas, the holiday’s true meaning becomes easier to see. Here we can see a star that reminds us of the star that the wise men followed two thousand years ago while seeking the newborn King. Who is this King? As the angels said to the shepherds in Luke 2:11, “Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord”. Christmas is the day that we celebrate the birth of the Christ—Jesus the Son of God.
+ Plus, listen to Keith & Kristyn Getty singing “What Child is This?”
The Gospel Light Minute X 