Author Archives: Royce

Dec 24 2009

Christmas, The Virgin Birth of Jesus


We have many details in the Bible about the blessed event of Jesus’ birth, many, hundreds of years old. And the details matter. For you see, if we can’t believe the record of Jesus humble birth given in Scripture the whole idea of Christianity falls like a house of cards.

One detail that stands out among the rest is that he was born of a virgin. His mother conceived, carried and delivered a baby and had never had sexual relations with a man. The Holy Spirit of God fertilized an egg in this chosen girl, Mary, and she delivered the Son of God.

He was and is “The Son of God” in the most literal sense it can be stated. He had no human father. As we would say it in today’s vernacular “His birth father was God”. It is this miraculous conception that makes Jesus unique among all humans. Why is it important?

When Adam made the willing choice to disobey God, his rebellion not only put him at odds with God but the whole human race. The final judgment for sin is death. Adams transgression ushered in both physical and spiritual death and every decedent of Adam bears the curse of sin.

“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned…” (Romans 5:12)

Jesus, with no human father, broke the curse of sin and now the good news follows the above passage saying:

“For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.” (Romans 5:19)

Jesus is referred to as the “new Adam”, the representative of those who would be born again, freed from the curse of sin (death) because of his perfect obedience.

Had Jesus had a human father he would have been no more than his peers growing up in Nazareth, and in spite of his best efforts he would have transgressed God’s law, on purpose, as we all do. But, he did not have a human father, his father is God and he alone is sinless, always obedient to God’s demands, and became the perfect, spotless, unblemished, sacrificial lamb who would give himself as payment for the sins of the world.

It is this unique man, Christ Jesus our Lord who alone could say “I am the Resurrection and the Life”. The babe of Bethlehem is now the one who sits at the right hand of the Father, his work done. Sin, death, hell, and the grave are defeated by the once for all time, once for all people offering, of Jesus. His blood is sufficient to make the most wicked pure and to stay the wrath of God against sin.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Let us never forget he was born to die. Without his death, burial, and resurrection his birth would be meaningless. But God in his providential wisdom made all the pieces fit. Prophecy fulfilled, God’s demand for perfect righteousness fully met, the fury of his wrath against sin fully executed, all culminating in the redemptive work of the babe of Bethlehem.

It is because of this God-man, Jesus Christ our Lord who is called “God with us”, we can confidently proclaim to every listening ear “Merry Christmas” a Saviour was born!

May the joy born of faith in the Christ fill your hearts and overflow into the lives of those you love in these days of family gatherings and celebration of God’s love gift to humanity.

Royce

Dec 22 2009

A Favorite Church of Christ Word, “Sound”


Being the curious sort, I often read the classifieds in the Christian Chronicle, a wonderful news paper filled with news of interest to church of Christ people. Each issue will have ads where local churches are trying to hire preachers. It is not uncommon for the job requirements to include that the candidate be married, that he has graduated from a “brotherhood school”, or has earned a four-year degree.

One of the most interesting requirements is that he be “sound”. What does that mean? “Sound” is one of those words with many, many meanings but in the context of describing a preacher one or more of the word’s use as an adjective would apply. Which of these do you suppose churches intend when they advertise they want a “sound” man?

1. free from injury, damage, defect, disease, etc.; in good condition; healthy; robust: a sound heart; a sound mind.2. financially strong, secure, or reliable: a sound business; sound investments.

3. competent, sensible, or valid: sound judgment.

4. having no defect as to truth, justice, wisdom, or reason: sound advice.

5. of substantial or enduring character: sound moral values.

6. following in a systematic pattern without any apparent defect in logic: sound reasoning.

7. uninterrupted and untroubled; deep: sound sleep.

8. vigorous, thorough, or severe: a sound thrashing.

9. free from moral defect or weakness; upright, honest, or good; honorable; loyal.

10. having no legal defect: a sound title to property.

11. theologically correct or orthodox, as doctrines or a theologian.

Several of these could apply but number 11 likely comes closest to what is intended. Or does it?

I think that rather than using the word as an adjective, many of our folks use the word “sound”, when referring to a preacher, as a noun.

The primary criteria is not that he teaches “sound” doctrine. The wish is that he holds forth the traditions that the traditional churches of Christ hold dear.

An example of the subtle difference would be the subject of a capella singing. Does this church want a man who will open the Scriptures and teach what it says, and only what it says on the subject? Or, do they want a man who will perpetuate a myth?

I must ask myself the question, am I a “sound” man? Do I love truth? Do I pursue it? Do I settle for less than the truth? And, much more important than if I have the truth, does the truth have me?

Is my life controlled by the words of Scripture or do I use Scripture to my own ends? Do I pick and choose verses, sometimes out of context, to prop up my pet doctrine? I hope not. I pray that I don’t.

I hope that when we in the churches of Christ use the word “sound” in relation to a preacher or teacher we will sincerely want him to be devoted to the Lordship of Jesus and a sincere seeker of the truth of Scripture, even if it goes against what we hold dear.

I want that kind of “sound” man behind the sacred desk on Sunday.

Royce

Dec 22 2009

Health Care Reform, Run for Your Life!


Liberals don’t make good doctors. Their prescription for health care reform is not a cure!

Doctors will be paid 20% less for procedures done under Medicare (beginning in 2014). Then they will have no increase for the next 10 years by law. Result? There will be a shortage of doctors.
Who wants to go to med school, pile up an enormous debt in student loans and know you will not earn much money? Some doctors might opt out making the demand for the fewer doctors higher resulting in long waiting lists, and or rationing of care.

Insurance companies will fail. They cannot charge enough premiums to cover the costs of operating without the ability to manage risk. (pre-existing conditions covered). And, the Democrats are going to see that making a profit as an insurance company does not happen. (Liberals hate profit and the free enterprise system) Some will argue this is not true. Explain the all out assault against business by the Democrats for the last two decades.

If you think you will not pay more over all you are delusional. Talk about voodoo economics, this administration is king of the bait and switch. Tanning salons are only the first small business to suffer because of the back room payoffs made by Reid and approved by Obama. The country is already broke, this puts us on a path to irreversible doom economically in the next 15 years or so.

The problem with the “Robin Hood” mentality of the Democrats is that the number of people earing lots of money are going to shrink drastically so Robin Hood will have fewer rich folks to rob, so of necessity he will have to come rob you. Tax, tax, tax, spend, spend, spend….This is the sum total of the Democrat agenda.

Thanks heavens there will be elections in 2010 and 2012!

Royce

Dec 21 2009

Wonderland of Lights & Family


Last Friday afternoon our children and grand children joined us in Marshall, Texas for a weekend of sharing meals, laughter, and the sights and sounds of the “Wonderland of Lights” in downtown Marshall.

The citizens of Marshall are to be commended for the great job they do in preparing the city with tens of thousands of lights, for the chance for kids to slide down a snow covered incline in a tube, for ice skating on the square by the Harrison County Court House, and the smiling, friendly Texans everywhere greeting visitors from far and near.

One of the highlights of our trip was eating at Neely’s. For over 80 years they have been serving up the “Brown Pig Sandwich” and I can say first hand, it was scrumptious! The “Brown Pig” is a Carolina style chopped BBQ sandwich with a bit of lettuce, BBQ sauce,  and mayonnaise. Everyone who tried it love it. Neely’s is a Marshall landmark. Next time you’re there stop by and you will be glad you did.

I enjoyed seeing the wares of many interesting shops, a great art gallery, and did I mention good food? Our whole crew ate our Friday night meal at the Jalapeño Tree Mexican Restaurant on Hwy 59. Carol and I have been Jalapeño Tree fans for sometime now. Their place on Eastman Rd in Longview has become a regular stop on our many trips to the DFW area. They only serve up the absolute best Mexican food on planet earth! I promise!

On Saturday night we drove out Hwy 31 to a Presbyterian church and experienced “The Walk to Bethlehem”. As we waiting for our group to take the tour we were treated to wonderful hospitality. Friendly folks offered cookies of all sorts, coffee, hot coco,  and my favorite, hot apple cider.

Soon it was our turn and a lady led us with a lantern down a steep trail dotted with candles in paper bags outlining the sides of the path. One after another we came to stations where someone would read a portion of the Christmas story from the Bible (holding a scroll) and we would see an angel in the edge of the woods, Mary and Joseph, wise men, and shepherds with real sheep. The winter cold was forgotten as all of us listened intently to the story of God coming to us and being “God with us” and for us. Even the children didn’t miss a word. Then at the end there was a petting zoo where the children could touch and pet donkeys, cows, sheep, etc. The church folks were awesome hosts and their hard work to give such a gift to the community is much appreciated.

This fun packed weekend was the perfect way for us to share Christmas with our kids and grand kids. The little ones enjoyed the indoor pool, computers, and cookies that never ran out at the hotel. The staff at the Farimont there right off I-20 were perfect hosts and we are thankful for them.

I am so very thankful for my family. My wife is a devoted mom and grand mother and the best wife a man could have. She is a leader of women, great singer, speaker, and all around wonderful Christian lady. Our children and their spouses are all committed believers and are training our six grand children to love and obey the Lord Jesus.

Below is a sample of the fun we experienced together.