Living in light of eternity

In Luke chapter 2 we have the awe-inspiring appearance of an angel to announce the birth of the Messiah. I'm sure you are familiar with this magnificent passage: 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  So, when this magnificent angel appears, the shepherds are terribly frightened.   Once he calms their fears, he shares what is the greatest news the heavens have ever announced to this fallen world. The sinners in this world need a Savior, and now they have one. This is extremely good news.   It is a joyous gospel for all people.     After this wo...

Throughout the writings of the Apostle Paul, we frequently find a recurring phrase, "the mystery of Christ".  To the Old Testament saint, much was shrouded in mystery. Since the coming of Christ we have much for which to be thankful.  There are several wondrous new realities for us to appreciate. So, let's explore what Paul has to say about this wondrous mystery… For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace which was given to me for you; that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery , as I wrote before in brief. By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in...