Tag Christ

Following the Stars

Allen Frederick 3 Comments

Those who are wise will shine like the bright expanse ?of the heavens?, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3

Following the Star

The Wise Men followed a star to the place where Jesus was. For they saw his sign and came to worship Him. They brought with them gifts fit for a king. We consider these star-gazers as wise men because they sought out Jesus Christ. Daniel tell us that the truly wise will be like that star which leads others to Christ.

Many people try to be stars in the world of entertainment, only to find their stardom temporary. With the advent of the Internet and social media almost anyone can become an overnight sensation. YouTube has launched many an unknown into super stardom when a video goes viral.

Reality TV is another avenue that turns ordinary citizens into media stars. Their exposure on these programs (some exposing more than others) cause them instant fame and recognition. These stars however soon become dim and fade from view.

Contrast these temporary examples stardom with the stardom spoken of by Daniel.

God tells us how we can be eternal “stars”-by being wise and leading many to God’s righteousness.

A wise man not only seeks Christ but leads others to him as well. We are called to be LIGHTS in a dark world. We are to be the stars that others can use to navigate their way through life. We should be the light that shines on the place where Jesus can be found.

Are you a star in God’s Kingdom or are you seeking temporary stardom in an earthly kingdom? Will you be the star that leads wise men, women and children to Christ or should we look for another?

If we share our Lord with others, we can be true stars-radiantly beautiful in God’s sight!

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No El: A Christmas Message

Allen Frederick 2 Comments

image001A View from the Nest
Random Ramblings from the Resident Raptor
Insight from the Journey across the Sky

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:8-14 (ESV)

Hear ye! Hear ye! Have you heard the good news? Today in the city of David a Savior was born who is Christ the Lord!

Birth announcements do not usually cause visits from heaven nor bring an angel choir and a brand new star. Wise men from the east traveled many miles to pay homage to this new-born King. Relatives might make a trip across the country to see a new-born but to bring gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. I would think not.

The angels sang Joy to the world! They proclaimed good news to all men! He shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace! What a birth announcement! What a proclamation!

My birth announcement amounted to a small space in the local newspaper. No fanfare or celestial beings in attendance to announce my arrival and certainly no bright new star shining overhead. No one came from afar to witness my birth nor were any kings or governors quaking at the thought of a new king being born. Other than a three-day blizzard my arrival onto this planet was less than spectacular.

For most people, their entrance into the world is usually without much fanfare or production. I performed a Google search to see if I could find any famous person’s birth announcements and found none. I guess the lack of those is due primarily to the birth of most infants is not considered extraordinary. To be famous one has to do something in this life to be worthy of such acclaim. Merely being born would not need a royal announcement of heavenly proportions.

On this night angels were dispatched to Mary, Joseph and lowly shepherds, to proclaim the birthday of a King. The angels foretold of the greatness of this child. All of heaven was dispatched to make this special delivery. This was no ordinary birthday. This was no ordinary child. This was not just another birth.

Continue reading “No El: A Christmas Message” →

There is More to Christmas than Santa Claus

Allen Frederick 7 Comments

Christmas in the post-War United States

Image via Wikipedia

In the United Kingdom, which tends to be a barometer of coming religious trends in America, only 4% of adults in the emerging generation of adult leaders (ages 25 to 34) believe the most important part of Christmas is its religious meaning.

Let us not forget why we are celebrating. “Born unto you this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

Without Christ there is no “Christ”mas. Without the light of the world, we would all be living in darkness. Without the Prince of Peace there will be no peace on earth. Without the Hope of the Nations, there remains hopelessness. Without tidings of great joy, all we would have is sorrow.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14 (KJV)

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April Edition of Pop Goes the Gospel

Allen Frederick 3 Comments

'Pop Goes the Gospel'

Welcome to the April 2010 edition of Pop Goes the Gospel blog Carnival. This I am happy to introduce a couple new contributors. I am amazed at the quality of articles I get each month and I would like to give credit to the fine bloggers who make this carnival one worth reading each month.

I decided that this month I was going to take the advice of our feature poster and keep SILENT and allow the posts to SPEAK for themselves, so without any further blather from me on with the Carnival.

Feature Article

Aaron Travis presents the sound of silence posted at themuse(ic)ian. Aaron must have been reading my journal because his article this month mirrors thoughts and musings I had on the very same subject. Taking time to listen to the sound of silence. Aaron makes the case for the importance of silence in our noise filled world. Now take time and be quiet as you read this month’s feature post.

In Bible Study

Jim Edwards presents A Godly Principle: Would You Buy This Barrel of Apple Juice? posted at EverydayChristianFamily.com, Jim presents and interesting illustration which vividly portrays his point, that God is pure and therefore we as His children should honor Him by giving our best to the Lord and not that which is tainted or polluted. Good post Jim!

Jeff presents The Spirit World: Introduction posted at ReturningKing.com, Jeff brings another theological gem to this month’s edition. This time Jeff tackles Heaven and Hell and other places in-between. Yes you heard me right. Now quick rush on over to Jeff’s blog and read it for yourself. You will certainly learn something by spending some time with ReturningKing.com.

BWL presents 3 Things Moses Teaches Us About Money posted at Christian Personal Finance, This week the Christian Church celebrates the Resurrection of our Lord the culmination of the Season of Lent. While at the same time our Jewish brethren celebrate Passover. What a perfect time to reflect on Moses and the lessons we can learn from his leadership.

In Culture

Andrew Hawkes presents hawkes – hfl – What’s Important? – What’s Important? posted at hawkes – hfl, Excellent question. It all depends on your perspective. The perspective gained from this 22 yr old missionary to Haiti may just make you pause long enough to thank God for what is important in your life. Thank you Andrew and welcome to the carnival. THIS IS A MUST READ BY EVERYONE!

In Life

NCSue presents A lesson from a skunk? posted at IN HIM WE LIVE AND MOVE AND HAVE OUR BEING. What happens when a skunk stops for a peanut butter snack and gets his head stuck in the jar? Well head on over to NCSue’s blog and find out. This one will make you smile and think. I promise no animals where hurt in the posting of this article.

In Church Life

Trent Cotton presents Confessions of a Converted Catholic: Justification posted at Christian Men-Christian Warriors, Trent presents biblical insights from a reformed Catholic‘s perspective. This modern day Martin Luther is penning some theses of his own. Whether you are Catholic or not see what you think of this post on Biblical Justification.

Joe Plemon presents Declare Who You REALLY Are: A Winner posted at Personal Finance By The Book, Joe Plemon a first time contributor to this carnival challenges us to confess who we are in Christ rather than who we used to be before Christ. AD versus BC. If you are a child of God then you have been made new, old things passed away and everything was made new. Imagine if the butterfly kept thinking of himself as he used to be… a worm. Not too many worms I know can fly so beautifully as a butterfly can. Great post Joe and I hope you continue to contribute to this carnival. Thanks!

In Family

Siobhan McGirr presents Even Super Moms Need God’s Help posted at A Christian Mommy. There are many things we can learn as adults if we listen to the words of a child. This Super Mom learned a lesson we all should heed. Well done Siobhan and welcome to “Pop Goes the Gospel“.

In Politics

Allen Scott presents Hillary to Israel: Don’t Count on Me! posted at Journey Across the Sky, saying, “Robert wrote an very insightful article concerning the Israeli and American relationship and the dependency upon Governments for defense and protection. Today’s world SCREAMS for someone or something to come and stop all the madness. The trouble is if we look to MAN for our help then we end up with the mess we currently have and open the door for the eventuality of inaugurating the ANTI-CHRIST. Take heed and learn a lesson from Israel.”

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of Pop Goes the Gospel using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

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Pop Goes the Gospel- June 2009 Edition

Allen Frederick 6 Comments

'Pop Goes the Gospel'

'Pop Goes the Gospel'

Welcome to the June 2009 edition of “Pop Goes the Gospel.” I am a day late getting this up on the net because I was away this weekend. It was nice to be away and not having to think about my “TO DO” list but like all vacations they come to an end and the “TO DO” list has become a “DID NOT DO” list. So the first on my “DID NOT DO” list was to post the latest edition of “Pop Goes the Gospel” so here it is. Enjoy!

Feature Post

This month’s feature blog post was submitted by Robert Minto. Robert has submitted in the past and as usual has great things to say. His article is well written and contains plenty to makes us pause and reflect.

Robert Minto presents Identity & “The Good Shepherd” posted at The Veil Away, Robert relates the Film “The Good Shepherd” with our identity in Christ. What does our identity say about us? Does keeping our identity a secret bring with it consequences? I choice this post to feature this month because it was well written and addressed an important question. Who are you, really? Nice job Robert and congratulations on being chosen this month’s feature blogger.

In Media

Justin Allison presents Influence of the local church posted at Old Testament Ecology.Justin asked and answered the question: “What impact does the Gospel have in people’s lives in comparison to the impact media, the government, the workforce, or life in general have?” His conclusion: “To sum up, the local church which I am a part of has much more influence in my life than taxes, government, or media.” Read the rest of the story to find out how he arrived at this conclusion.

In Church Life

Fiona Veitch Smith presents The Cyber Church posted at Fiona Veitch Smith, Fiona makes a compelling case for “cyber-church meeting places. Her rationale would seem to flow that with the ever increasing use of the Internet for everyday activities shouldn’t church attendances be considered along with shopping and information gathering? Is the cyber community disconnected from real life? Read this post and decide for yourself. Comments are always welcomed. Let the poster know you were there.

andriel presents The Basis for Salvation: Man is Sinful posted at ReturningKing.com, Andriel a regular contributor to this blog carnival is never shy about tackling hot button issues and once again he tackles a biggie; sin. Read his post on this touchy subject and see for yourself.

In Culture

Aaron M. G. Zimmerman presents Mockingbird: U2: Seekers to Saints to Sinners to Saved (by Grace)–Part 1 posted at Mockingbird, saying, “This is the first of a four part series on U2’s interaction with evangelical Christianity. It tracks them from their early fervent piety, to their struggle to reconcile their faith with the demands of legalistic Christians, to their prodigal years, and finall to their recent re-discovery of grace as the beating heart of the Gospel. It comes from the Mockingbird blog, a site whose constant purpose is to find connections between pop culture and the Gospel of God’s one-way love for sinners. The blog does this with humor, a bit of irony, and a ton of grace.”

Keith Tusing presents How to Partner with Parents and Protect Kids in Our Culture posted at CM Buzz.Keith offers a basic how-to for a churche’s ministry to children. He cites the need for a church’s cultural input into a child’s life. He suggests the need for more “voices speaking truth and wisdom” in a child’s life considering they are immersed in a sea of cultural corruption daily.

Kiesha presents Don’t Let Your Fears Talk You Out of Success posted at Highly Favored.Kiesha shares some personal stories of missed opportunities in an attempt to encourage everyone to not let opportunities pass you by because you are too afraid to act upon them. Take a chance and let God make up for your inabilities with His ability. This is a good read.

In Education

Shannon Christman presents The Christian College Porn Star: How Should Christian Schools Handle Students’ Sin? posted at The Minority Thinker, Shannon asks a tough question, and I believe she did not mean for it to be rhetorical so she welcomes other’s input on the subject. What should a Christian do when he/she sees a brother/sister in Christ overcome in a sin? The bible says Brothers and sisters, if a person gets trapped by wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should help that person turn away from doing wrong. Do it in a gentle way. At the same time watch yourself so that you also are not tempted. Gal 6:1 (GW)  What say you? Take some time to answer Shannon’s question. Spark some dialog.

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of Pop Goes the Gospel using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

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