“Tis The Season”, “Happy Holidays” or “Merry Christmas”, Just a few of the phrases and sayings that you will hear this time of year. It’s no secret that at this time of year many will celebrate the birth of Christ. Most good bible students of all backgrounds know that Jesus was not born on December 25^th, The New Testament never records the date of Jesus’ birth, nor does it instruct Christians to observe or commemorate it annually. Matthew and Luke record the birth of Christ to establish His identity as the promised Messiah, not to create a religious observance (Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 2:1–20). Yet, around the world Jesus birthday is celebrated on this day. How should the Christian view this day? We should view this day as most do already. Let it be a day for families to get together and share gifts of love with one another. The Lord knows most families do not have enough time together now.

The sad part about it all is that for some people this is the only time of year they even think about Jesus. Being misled into thinking that his birth was the greatest thing he did for us, when in fact we know as Christians that the greatest thing he did was die on the cross for the sins of mankind, and we remember his death, burial, and resurrection every first day of each week. However, throughout the year, Jesus is ignored by many; but this time of year, everyone must deal with Him! The atheist, Muslim, the Buddhist, and the Jew and yes, the Christian each must decide how to handle this holiday season. And they don’t all handle it the same way.

Why not turn this time of year into an opportunity to ask people: “What are you going to do with Jesus?” You see, He is the one Man who changed the world! Someone has said, “He built a bridge to Heaven with two boards, and three nails.” He has so influenced the world that we measure time from His birth. The fact is: Jesus simply cannot be ignored, this time of year, or any time of year! He is my Lord (Acts 2:36), He is my God (John 20:28), and He is my Savior (Matt.1:21); as a matter of fact, He is everything to me! And I pray that He is your everything, everyday!

If you have been putting Jesus out of your mind and life, why not give Him serious consideration, or for some a reconsideration? If those of us who believe in Christ are wrong, and there truly is no God, we will never know it; we will just pass quietly into non-existence. On the other hand, if those who don’t believe in Christ are wrong, they will lose their soul (John 8:24). That makes it a question worth pursuing! The evidence is overwhelming that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

“Jesus is the reason for the season.”  It’s catchy.  It’s heart-warming.  It’s reassuring.  However, As some have more aptly stated, “Jesus is the reason for every reason.” God is indeed, the reason for this and every other season (Psalm 104). And as such, that we all should be “ready in season and out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2) to teach everybody about Him, His truth, and His Son (Acts 17:2-18:19), so that they too, may truly come to know, celebrate, and worship our great God and thank Him for the gift of His Son who died on the cross for the sins of mankind.

God Bless -Todd   

The familiar hymn “Oh, How I Love Jesus” expresses a devotion that is simple, heartfelt, and biblical. While the song itself is brief, the truth it proclaims reaches to the very heart of Christianity. Loving Jesus is not merely an emotion or a sentiment, it is the defining mark of a faithful disciple. Jesus Himself said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Love for Christ is proven not by words we sing, but by lives that submit to His will.

Our love for Jesus does not begin with us; it begins with what He has done. John wrote, “We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Jesus demonstrated that love by leaving heaven, living among men, and willingly giving Himself on the cross so that sinners could be reconciled to God (John 1:14; Romans 5:8). When we sing that we love Jesus “because He first loved me,” we are confessing gratitude for a sacrifice we could never repay.

The New Testament repeatedly connects love for Jesus with priority and loyalty. Jesus declared, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37). This statement reminds us that loving Christ means placing Him above all else, traditions, schedules, relationships. True love for Jesus will shape how we speak, how we worship, how we treat others, and how we respond to His word (Colossians 3:17).

Loving Jesus also means loving His church. Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her (Ephesians 5:25). Those who love the Head cannot disregard His body. Faithful assembling, sincere worship, and encouragement of fellow saints are natural expressions of love for Christ (Hebrews 10:24–25; Acts 2:42). Our love is not isolated or private, it is lived out among God’s people.

Finally, loving Jesus carries with it the promise of eternal hope. Paul wrote, “Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity” (Ephesians 6:24). This love must be genuine, active, and continuing. As we sing “Oh, how I love Jesus,” may our hearts examine whether our daily walk matches our song. When love for Christ governs our lives, our worship becomes meaningful, our obedience joyful, and our hope secure.

God Bless

The Bible presents a clear contrast between the Old Covenant, given through Moses, and the New Covenant, established by Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant was a system of laws, sacrifices, and rituals designed for the nation of Israel. God gave Israel the Law at Sinai (Exodus 19–20), and it served as their national and religious guide. But Scripture teaches that this covenant was temporary and intended to point forward to something greater. Paul writes, “The law was our tutor to bring us to Christ… but after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor” (Galatians 3:24–25). The Old Covenant revealed sin and showed humanity its need for a perfect Savior (Romans 3:20).

The New Covenant, on the other hand, is built upon Christ’s sacrifice and offers what the Old could never provide, complete and final forgiveness of sins. Under the Old Covenant, animal sacrifices could not truly take away sin (Hebrews 10:4), and the priests themselves were imperfect. But Jesus came as the perfect High Priest, offering His own blood as the once-for-all sacrifice. The Hebrew writer affirms, “He takes away the first that He may establish the second” (Hebrews 10:9). Through the death of Christ, the Old Covenant ended, and the New Covenant began (Colossians 2:14).

There is also a contrast in the scope of the two covenants. The Old Covenant applied only to Israel; no other nation was ever commanded to keep the Law of Moses. Deuteronomy 5:2–3 makes this clear: “The Lord did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with us.” The New Covenant, however, is for all nations. Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19). Under the Old Covenan

t, one entered God’s people by physical birth; under the New Covenant, one enters by the new birth; obedience to the gospel (John 3:5; Acts 2:38–41).

Another difference lies in the nature of the law. The Old Covenant emphasized external commandments, circumcision, dietary laws, feast days, and temple worship. These were “a shadow of things to come” (Colossians 2:17). But the New Covenant emphasizes internal transformation: “I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts” (Hebrews 8:10). Christians serve God not through rituals and shadows, but through the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2) a law of love, faith, grace, and sincere obedience.

Finally, the promises differ. The Old Covenant promised physical blessings in the land of Canaan (Deuteronomy 28). The New Covenant promises spiritual blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3), forgiveness (Hebrews 10:17), and the hope of heaven (1 Peter 1:3–4). The Old was glorious, but the New is far more glorious (2 Corinthians 3:7–11).

In every way, its purpose, its priesthood, its promises, and its power, the New Covenant is superior. Christians today are thankful that through Christ we are no longer under the Old Covenant but live under His perfect law of liberty (James 1:25).

God Bless

A grateful heart is one of the clearest marks of a faithful Christian. God does not call His people to be thankful only when life is comfortable, but to always maintain a spirit of gratitude in every circumstance. Paul commanded, “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This does not mean that everything that happens is good, but that Christians recognize God’s faithfulness and promises even in difficulty. A thankful spirit is rooted in trust; trust that God is loving and always working for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Because of this confidence, the Christian finds blessings even in trials and hope even in sorrow.

The Bible repeatedly reminds believers that gratitude flows not from circumstances but from a heart transformed by Christ. Paul, writing from prison, could still say, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). He then explains the secret: trusting in God’s peace that surpasses understanding and choosing to fix one’s mind on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:6–8). When a Christian cultivates this mindset, thanksgiving becomes the natural response, not the forced one. Even in hardship, Christians remember that God daily loads us with benefits (Psalm 68:19), provides our needs (Matthew 6:25–33), and strengthens us for every trial (Isaiah 41:10).

A thankful Christian understands that every blessing; physical, spiritual, and eternal—comes from God. James writes, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). The greatest of these gifts is salvation through Christ. Paul reminds us that though we were sinners, God gave His Son so we could have eternal life (Romans 5:8). Forgiveness, reconciliation, the hope of heaven, and the indwelling of the Spirit are reasons for daily thanksgiving (Ephesians 1:3; Colossians 1:12–14). No matter what is happening around us, these blessings never change.

Christians are also called to be thankful in their worship. Paul says that we are to sing “with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16). Our prayers must be filled with gratitude, not just requests (Colossians 4:2). The Lord’s Supper itself is a weekly reminder of the greatest act of love ever shown (Matthew 26:27–28). Worship becomes richer and more meaningful when it springs from a heart overflowing with thanksgiving.

Finally, thankfulness is not only something the Christian feels but something he lives. Gratitude shapes attitudes, behavior, and relationships. A thankful spirit destroys bitterness, entitled attitudes, and complaining (Philippians 2:14–15). Instead, it produces humility, kindness, and contentment (1 Timothy 6:6–8). When the world sees a Christian who is grateful in all circumstances good and bad, it becomes a powerful testimony of faith. It shows confidence in God, joy in Christ, and hope beyond this life.

In every moment, in every trial, and in every blessing, may Christians live out the command: “giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20). A thankful heart honors God, strengthens the believer, blesses others, and keeps the Christian focused on the eternal hope found only in Christ.

Be Thankful Always!

God Bless

In every generation, God’s people have faced the challenge of living out a faith that is visible, identifiable, and unmistakably loyal to Christ. The Bible teaches that genuine Christianity is not a hidden belief but a life that can be examined and proven. Jesus declared, “By their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:20), establishing the principle that authentic discipleship creates observable change. If a court were to place our lives under scrutiny, our priorities, our relationships, our worship, our daily habits, would there be enough spiritual “evidence” to clearly identify us as followers of Christ? This question is not hypothetical; it is deeply rooted in the biblical call to live in a way that reflects the nature of our Lord.

True evidence of Christianity begins with obeying the gospel, not merely believing in Christ verbally. Jesus taught, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16), and Peter commanded repentance and baptism “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). The early church did not hide their faith, they were openly added to the Lord’s church (Acts 2:47). This public obedience is the first mark of a disciple. But conversion is only the beginning. Jesus calls His followers to deny self, take up their cross, and follow Him daily (Luke 9:23). A Christian’s life must show steadfast loyalty to Christ’s teachings, even when it is inconvenient, unpopular, or challenging (John 14:15; Matthew 16:24).

After conversion, the Christian is commanded to “walk in the light as He is in the light” (1 John 1:7). This means our moral decisions, our honesty, our speech, and our behavior must reflect God’s character. Would those at work or school testify that we are Christlike in attitude? Paul instructed believers to “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15), meaning our lives must stand in contrast to sin and spiritual darkness. The world should be able to see our purity, our integrity and our refusal to compromise with evil. Evidence of Christianity is not stored in a church building; it is revealed in ordinary daily choices.

One of the clearest proofs of discipleship is Christlike love. Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). This love is not shallow; it is sacrificial, patient, forgiving, and pure (1 Corinthians 13:4–7). In a courtroom of life, would our family members, neighbors, and brethren testify that we demonstrate the kind of love Jesus displayed? Christians are commanded to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2), to encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13), and to be tenderhearted and forgiving (Ephesians 4:32). The world cannot see our faith unless it sees our love in action.

Our priorities are also part of the evidence. Jesus commanded His followers to “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). The early Christians devoted themselves to worship, continuing steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers (Acts 2:42). Faithful, regular worship reveals commitment to God’s will, not as a tradition but as a genuine need of the soul (Hebrews 10:24–25). If our attendance records were examined, our giving observed, our participation in singing and the Lord’s Supper evaluated, would it be clear that we honor God above every earthly obligation? Kingdom-first living is visible, measurable, and distinctive.

A Christian’s faith is tested most clearly in moments of pressure, adversity, and temptation. The apostles in Acts were bold enough to be arrested for preaching Christ (Acts 4:18–20). They obeyed God rather than men (Acts 5:29). Paul suffered imprisonment, beatings, and persecution because he refused to be silent about the gospel (2 Timothy 1:12). While modern Christians may not face the same physical dangers, we must still show courage in standing for truth, defending biblical marriage (Matthew 19:4–6), morality (1 Peter 1:15–16), and the exclusivity of Christ as Savior (John 14:6). If the world examined our choices under pressure, would they find courage or compromise?

The ultimate test of our faith is the fruit produced in our lives. Jesus said, “Every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit” (John 15:2). The fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23) is visible, not invisible. Christianity is proven through growth, service, soul-winning, generosity, and perseverance. A fruitful Christian is clearly identified as belonging to Christ.

Paul wrote, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5, NKJV). This call to self-examination leads us to ask: Would my life supply enough evidence to convict me of being a Christian? Would my love, worship, sacrifice, convictions, and daily conduct stand as proof that Christ truly lives in me? Let us live in such a way that no court, no observer, and no adversary could ever deny our identity as disciples of Jesus. May our lives be so filled with the light of Christ that the evidence is undeniable, before men today and before God in eternity.

God Bless