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Sunday morning at the Paprihaven First Christian Church,* Tracy sits between her two best friends and listens carefully to the message from Pastor Mulholland.
"...and the work that Christ Jesus accomplished was a work to bring peace to those who will repent and believe in Him.
Look again at Isaiah 9: 'For every boot of the booted warrior in the battle tumult, And cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire.**' What good is the metal studded boot, designed for war, when the war is over? What good is the blood soaked cloak when the conflict is finished? Nothing. Only fuel for the fire.
Do you see what type of peace God is offering you in salvation? This is not a peace that is dependent on your circumstances. You'll continue to have good and bad circumstances in your life. No, this is a far more profound peace.
This is that unique peace that occurs after a war has ended. There are those in this congregation this morning that have been in war. If you talk with people from countries upon whose soil the war was waged, they will tell you. That terrible state of existence where each day could be your last. Where no laws will stop the next missile from finding you or your loved ones. Where the upheaval had destroyed all safeguards of law, the economy, and the social structure. Each day is a nightmare that you wake up to, not from.
And then, that blessed day when the war is over and the enemy has been completely, irrevocably vanquished. Knowing that you need never fear your destruction again.
Do you see? Our war was with God. We are the enemy who raised our fists in rebellion of sin against Him. He is the righteous ruler against whom we have transgressed. He is the just judge who must bring the due punishment for our sin.
To live in this lost state is, every day, seeing your destruction draw closer. We are all appointed to die and stand before Him in judgment.*** That judgment is sure and it frightens us.
Our lives are frustrating because we're trying to find joy, peace, and love in the things of this life and this world, but they don't last.
Then God calls you. It's simple. You know you've sinned against Him. He calls you to surrender. Lay down your arms. Fall before Him and plead mercy. He is rich in mercy. He will save you and then...
...then the peace. The war is over. Salvation in Christ Jesus results in all of your sins, past, present, and future, forgiven. You now have zero condemnation before God.****
Because, 'Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called:
Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.'
For everyone here who has received that peace through that amazing salvation, give thanks to Him. If you have not, or you are not sure, simply seek Him. Seek God to save you through the work of Christ Jesus. God promises in Deuteronomy and Jeremiah that if you seek Him you will find Him, if you seek for Him with all your heart.
May God have mercy on us in the hearing of His life giving Word. Let's pray together."
═════════════════════════════════════
A year of the shows and performers of the Bijou Planks Theater.
We celebrate seven days of Christmas 2024! Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. God come to save His people. Without Christmas, without the Incarnation of the virgin birth, the work of Christ would not have begun and we would have no hope.
Born in lowly, despised conditions, lived a life of poverty and struggle, brutally executed on a cross. This is not how we would have written the story of our Redeemer, but that's because we always fatally miss the reality of the vast difference between our sin and God's holiness. We think we're 'not that bad' and thus we fail to recognize the distance that must be bridged and thus the harsh magnificence of the required exchange.
Jesus was born to die that we may live. If you have not, seek God and beg His mercy today.
"But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’" Luke 18:13
* Find it on the Map of Paprihaven!
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/20400598379/
** Isaiah 9:5
*** Hebrews 9:27
**** Romans 8:1
Previous Days of Christmas in Paprihaven!
2015:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/23948665385/
2016:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/31758314131/
2017:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/25422525608/
2018:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/46417954911/
2019:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/49256347028/
2020:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/50746497683/
2021:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/51767062359/
2022:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/52579807754/
2023:
Tracy, Briar, and Buckley are enjoying a walk. Part of a larger group of friends, these three are inseparable.
Buckley: Oh, this is great weather!
Tracy: Loving it! Blue sky, cool but not cold.
Briar: And all the crunchy leaves! We shoulda brought a Frisbee!
Tracy: Well, I think I'm enjoying the leisurely stroll more than running around after your crazy Frisbee throws.
Briar: HAHA! Shut up!
Buckley: If there is any body of water larger than a puddle anywhere, even behind us, you're going to throw whatever we're throwing into it, Briar!
Tracy: HAHA!
Briar: I can't help it if I have super awesome throwing ability.
As they continue and the banter meanders amidst a variety of light topics, the easy laughter persists. Such a happy moment. In a fallen world, that doesn't just happen. It is the grace of God. A particular peace and joy that is part of knowing him.
With Christmas approaching, Tracy's mind again goes to the Isaiah prophecy of Jesus' birth and the wonderful result.
"You have enlarged the nation and increased its joy. The people have rejoiced before You as they rejoice at harvest time and as they rejoice when dividing spoils." *
It not a peace that would be understood outside of Christ.** It is a peace that is independent of the situation. *** It is a joy that transcends whether the circumstances are good or bad. ****
Buckley: Isn't this great?
Tracy: It truly is. It's abundantly great.*****
═════════════════════════════════════
A year of the shows and performers of the Bijou Planks Theater.
We celebrate seven days of Christmas 2024! Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. God come to save His people. Without Christmas, without the Incarnation of the virgin birth, the work of Christ would not have begun and we would have no hope.
Born in lowly, despised conditions, lived a life of poverty and struggle, brutally executed on a cross. This is not how we would have written the story of our Redeemer, but that's because we always fatally miss the reality of the vast difference between our sin and God's holiness. We think we're 'not that bad' and thus we fail to recognize the distance that must be bridged and thus the harsh magnificence of the required exchange.
Jesus was born to die that we may live. If you have not, seek God and beg His mercy today.
"But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’" Luke 18:13
* Isaiah 9:3
** John 14:27
*** Philippians 4:7
**** 1 Peter 1:8-9
***** John 10:10
Previous Days of Christmas in Paprihaven!
2015:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/23948696745/
2016:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/31484802250/
2017:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/27514072889/
2018:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/45675378304/
2019:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/49246341947/
2020:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/50739302508/
2021:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/51760536880/
2022:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/52575922708/
2023:
Early morning, Christmas Day. Tracy has had wonderful fellowship with God, in His Word, in prayer. She enjoys the warmth of the coffee cup in her hand and watches Biff trot over for a head scratch.
"Lot's of stuff to clean up, Biffster. The girls will be over in a bit to help so what say you and I just sit, relax, and enjoy."
Christmas is the celebration of God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, taking our form. She thought again on the text from 1 Timothy 1:15 this morning. Why did He come? "It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all."
She had then read Charles Spurgeon's commentary: "Jesus Christ came to save sinners of all sorts. So long as you can come under the general description “sinners,” it matters not what shape your sin has taken.
All men have alike sinned, and yet all have not sinned in the same way. They have all wandered the downward road, and yet each one has gone a different way from all the rest.
Christ Jesus came into the world to save respectable sinners and disreputable sinners. He came into the world to save proud sinners and despairing sinners. He came into the world to save drunkards, thieves, liars, whoremongers, adulterers, murderers, and such like.
Whatever sort of sin there is, this word is wonderfully comprehensive and sweeping: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners."
"Amen," Tracy breathed. "He saved even me."
She thought further on Spurgeon's commentary, "At this season, the world is engaged in congratulating itself and in expressing its complimentary wishes for the good of its citizens; let me suggest extra and more solid work for Christians.
As we think today of the birth of the Savior, let us aspire after a fresh birth of the Savior in our hearts; that as he is already “formed in us the hope of glory,” we may be “renewed in the spirit of our minds;” that we may go again to the Bethlehem of our spiritual nativity and do our first works, enjoy our first loves, and feast with Jesus as we did in the holy, happy, heavenly days of our espousals."
Paprihaven wishes you and yours a most blessed Christmas!
═════════════════════════════════════
A year of the shows and performers of the Bijou Planks Theater.
We celebrate seven days of Christmas 2024! Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. God come to save His people. Without Christmas, without the Incarnation of the virgin birth, the work of Christ would not have begun and we would have no hope.
Born in lowly, despised conditions, lived a life of poverty and struggle, brutally executed on a cross. This is not how we would have written the story of our Redeemer, but that's because we always fatally miss the reality of the vast difference between our sin and God's holiness. We think we're 'not that bad' and thus we fail to recognize the distance that must be bridged and thus the harsh magnificence of the required exchange.
Jesus was born to die that we may live. If you have not, seek God and beg His mercy today.
"But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’" Luke 18:13
Previous Days of Christmas in Paprihaven!
2015:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/23948604605/
2016:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/31882163195/
2017:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/39290040911/
2018:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/45738141964/
2019:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/49274159896/
2020:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/50758626163/
2021:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/51773859576/
2022:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/52585343921/
2023:
I'm inspired by failure. The process of defeat—picking yourself back up again is the hardest thing in the world. -
Lolo Jones, Gold medal winning Olympian
Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim. - Nora Ephron, (1941-2012) writer, director, and journalist
The only way for a woman, as for a man, to find herself, to know herself as a person, is by creative work of her own. There is no other way. - Betty Friedan,
(1921-2006) writer and activist
Thank you for your kind visit. Have a wonderful and beautiful day! xo💜💜
Exhale. Breathe in. Deep and easy. To drift back into sleep? It would be so easy. The sun is up and bathing the room.
Thursday, December 19th. The first day of Christmas vacation.
Tracy Parks does not need to go back to the bank until the 26th.
Tracy rarely has opportunities like this so, indeed, to return to slumber would be easy. And, really, she only has a few things she needs to do today. But, she's already slept far longer than her usual 6 AM alarm and Tracy dislikes the notion of doing nothing when she could be doing something.
Okay, so the plan is to get up and do something. But, first one must decide what that something will be and, while deciding, this bed is so comfy. And, the sunlight so soothing.
Tracy needs to pick up some more groceries and items for the Christmas Eve party. It's at her house this year. That will... be... will be... be...
... Hm! Drifted back to sleep for a moment? Several moments? What was it? Ah, yes, the Christmas Eve party. It promises to be a wonderful time with friends celebrating God becoming one of us to save us.
That sunlight... warm on her shoulder. What was the Bible passage? "“The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great Light, and those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, upon them a Light dawned.” *
That terrible darkness of separation from God. All have sinned and fallen short of the perfect standard of glory He requires.** Perfection, once lost, cannot be regained. But God stepped forth on our behalf. A great light indeed. God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ entering His own creation.
Tracy remembers the next words, " From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” *"
Tracy breathes a prayer of thanks, one in a long line of many, to God for saving her. Yes, she'll need to make sure that the Lord Jesus is the focus of the celebration. She can... she... can...
Hm! Drifted again. Okay, better get up.
═════════════════════════════════════
A year of the shows and performers of the Bijou Planks Theater.
We celebrate seven days of Christmas 2024! Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. God come to save His people. Without Christmas, without the Incarnation of the virgin birth, the work of Christ would not have begun and we would have no hope.
Born in lowly, despised conditions, lived a life of poverty and struggle, brutally executed on a cross. This is not how we would have written the story of our Redeemer, but that's because we always fatally miss the reality of the vast difference between our sin and God's holiness. We think we're 'not that bad' and thus we fail to recognize the distance that must be bridged and thus the harsh magnificence of the required exchange.
Jesus was born to die that we may live. If you have not, seek God and beg His mercy today.
"But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’" Luke 18:13
* Matthew 4:16-17
** Romans 3:23
Previous Days of Christmas in Paprihaven:
2015:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/23948713355/
2016:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/31818469406/
2017:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/39262019472/
2018:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/45663605854/
2019:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/49242766596/
2020:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/50736652896/
2021:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/51756490122/
2022:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/52573239772/
2023:
Monday at Tracy Parks' home and the girls are frantically trying to get everything set for the Christmas Eve party tomorrow... and having mixed results.
"URF!"
"I... I can't reach that... lift it higher..."
"What am I, Gooliope?"*
"Wait, who turned on the lights? They're getting hot to hold!"
"I turned them on!"
"WHY??"
"You said the whole string of lights was heavy so I turned them on to make them lighter!"
"..."
"..."
"BRIAR!!"
"Okay, everyone calm down! We're prepping to celebrate the birth of our Savior, so stop fussing. Jesus thoughts!"
KLUNK!
"GAH! The chair fell out from under me! HAAALLLP!"
Tracy sighs, but smiles. God has blessed her with such good friends that minor catastrophes like this just make it all the more fun. The decorations will eventually get in place. More friends will come tomorrow, and the Lord Jesus will be celebrated.
"Hey, guys, listen up! 'But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”**'
"Oh, cool, that's the Charlie Brown Christmas Special!"
"That's Luke 2, you doof!"
"HAHAHA!"
"Maybe we should pray before continuing. So, you know, Briar doesn't fall and the house doesn't burn down."
"Do we need to hold hands?"
"No! Everyone, PUHLEEZ, stay where you are. Now, Tracy, pray for us."
"Thank you, Buckley. Lord God, we thank you for this wonderful time together. We ask that you bless our efforts so that the celebration tomorrow is happy and, most of all, glorifying to you. And Father, we thank you for-"
"...kinda holding on here..."
"-and thank you Father, and don't let Briar fall, amen!"
"AMEN!"
═════════════════════════════════════
A year of the shows and performers of the Bijou Planks Theater.
We celebrate seven days of Christmas 2024! Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. God come to save His people. Without Christmas, without the Incarnation of the virgin birth, the work of Christ would not have begun and we would have no hope.
Born in lowly, despised conditions, lived a life of poverty and struggle, brutally executed on a cross. This is not how we would have written the story of our Redeemer, but that's because we always fatally miss the reality of the vast difference between our sin and God's holiness. We think we're 'not that bad' and thus we fail to recognize the distance that must be bridged and thus the harsh magnificence of the required exchange.
Jesus was born to die that we may live. If you have not, seek God and beg His mercy today.
"But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’" Luke 18:13
* Gooliope could easily reach!
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/54105720974/
** Luke 2:10-14
Previous Days of Christmas in Paprihaven!
2015:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/23840383982/
2016:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/31040290854/
2017:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/39290040911/
2018:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/44620395470/
2019:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/49264205896/
2020:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/50751589267/
2021:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/51770378719
2022:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/52582193169/
2023:
At the Grotto in Turtle Crossing Park in Paprihaven, it is the annual Christmas in the Park! Pastor Charles Calvin is preaching about the greatest gift of all, seen in John 3:16.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
So, beloved, we have seen the love of God expressed in His supreme sacrifice to save His enemies, this free gift of salvation received through belief in the Savior Himself, the Lord, Christ Jesus.
What does this mean for us? It means everything. What is this life but, as the Scripture says, a vapor? However old you are today, my friend, it doesn't seem like it took you very long to get there, does it? Yesterday you were born, today you are, and tomorrow you rattle out your last breath and step into eternity.
It is this eternity that our verse now warns us of. A never ending existence. Now that God has created you, you will never cease to exist. And that, dear soul, is either the best possible news or the very worst, all dependent on your relationship to Christ Jesus.
Our verse tells us, "that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." Death, or life. 'For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.'*
Let us consider death first. Let us consider the bad news so that we might better appreciate the good news. We see the word, 'perish'.
It means to be cut off, completely, with finality. We are born into sin, alienated from God in our wickedness. But God Himself provides the way of salvation. He so loves the world that He gives His only Son. The Son, in that same infinite love, willingly comes to pay our price, to do the work for us.
For us, there is only to repent and believe. If we do not, we perish. That is, our alienation from God becomes final and absolute. While here, in a lost state apart from God, He still gives us His kindness. Does our Lord Himself not say that He causes the sun to shine on the just and the unjust.**
Ah, friends, this is the most hated doctrine of the Bible. That we are evil, and deserving of His wrath.
We try to convince ourselves that we are good but our self-righteousnesses are filthy rags to the perfect God of all glory, who is light and in Him is no darkness at all.*** We, in contrast are darkness, with no light in us at all.****
Do you see the gap between us and God? Do you see why it is He who must bridge it? And so He does with the work of the Lord Jesus.
If you have not yet done so, I want you to see the urgency of this repentance and belief. For, when our verse reads perish it is speaking of that terrible finality.
Here, though you live against Him, you still experience His grace, His mercy, His kindness. To perish means all of that will be gone. All that will be left for you is His wrath. An eternity of His wrath with never another relief of His mercy.
Consider that friends. Though horrible to think on, it is what is coming. To think on this and come to fear God is the beginning of wisdom. *****
God warns us that 'The wages of sin is death.' Wages, dear soul. It is an accruing wrath. The longer you life without Christ, the more sin is thrown to your account and to die in that state... well, the longer you live without Him, the worse your judgment will be.
Is this hard to hear for some of you? Understand, I would show a sin towards God and a lack of love towards you if I did not warn you just as our verse does.
To perish in our sin is to enter eternity in a state of suffering that is beyond our imaging. And this is just. It is what we deserve for our transgressions against this perfect God.
But God is not only just, He is also merciful! He is gracious! That is what I want you to see!
'For the wages of sin is death Yes, that terrible truth is what we have just seen. But that points us to the rescue! but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
•───────────︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵────────────•
A year of the shows and performers of the Bijou Planks Theater.
* Romans 6:23
** Matthew 5:45
*** 1 John 1:5
**** Romans 3:10-12
***** Proverbs 9:10
Previous Days of Christmas in Paprihaven!
2015:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/23840383982/
2016:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/31040290854/
2017:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/39290040911/
2018:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/44620395470/
2019:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/49264205896/
2020:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/50751589267/
2021:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/51770378719
2023:
At the Grotto in Turtle Crossing Park in Paprihaven, it is the annual Christmas in the Park! Pastor Charles Calvin is preaching about the greatest gift of all, seen in John 3:16.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
I trust you have seen that this is not only the greatest Christmas gift, but this is what Christmas is about. Christmas is about Christ. The gift of God from God to save us. The gift of Christ Jesus that He would bear our sin in our place to save us. Our wound is healed by the wounded healer. No greater love could ever be shown, no greater gift could ever be given.
Please join me in prayer. Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son. Lord Jesus, we thank You for loving us to do this work of salvation for us. Spirit, we thank you for the spiritual life and guidance we receive. Amen.
🎵 Unto us, from on high
Reaching down into the deepest night
To the world, hope has come
In the dark, the Light of Life has dawned 🎶
🎵 What a mystery, oh, what love
Oh, how can it be that heaven has come to us? 🎶
🎵 Unto us, meek and mild
God eternal born a helpless child
Set aside heaven's throne
Veiled in weakness, came unto His own 🎶
🎵 What a mystery, oh, what love
Oh, how can it be that heaven has come?
What a mystery, oh, what love
Oh, how can it be that heaven has come to us? 🎶
🎵 Unto us, grace has come
Here to seek and bring the sinner home
Lived to die, rose to reign
Son of Man, the Lamb for sinners slain 🎶
🎵And what a mystery, oh, what love
Oh, how can it be that heaven has come?
What a mystery, oh, what love
And oh, how can it be that heaven has come to us? 🎶
🎵 Heaven has come to us
Heaven has come to us 🎶
Merry CHRISTmas from Paprihaven to you!
He remains the reason for the season.
•───────────︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵────────────•
A year of the shows and performers of the Bijou Planks Theater.
"Heaven Has Come to Us" - 2020, Sovereign Grace Music
Previous Days of Christmas in Paprihaven!
2015:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/23948604605/
2016:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/31882163195/
2017:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/39290040911/
2018:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/45738141964/
2019:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/49274159896/
2020:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/50758626163/
2021:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/51773859576/
2022:
At the Grotto in Turtle Crossing Park in Paprihaven, it is the annual Christmas in the Park! Pastor Charles Calvin is preaching about the greatest gift of all, seen in John 3:16.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
We just considered what it means to 'perish' dear friends, in order that we may better lay hold on the promise! It is that contrast that illuminates the difference. The brightness of the stars are best seen against the blackness of night. In the terrible knowledge that to perish in God's judgment is to exist forever in the torments of His wrath, let us see then with brilliant, beautiful clarity the promise of 'eternal life'!
Let our blessed text sink in, 'whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.' Eternal life is graciously offered to you! Let us understand this life our Lord speaks of. Does not our Lord say, 'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.'*
The promises of joy, peace, or love from things other than God are deceptive. A world with its systems opposed to God, spiritual warfare, and your own flesh desiring things that are sinful.** You will find no lasting satisfaction there, but a life of continued frustrations. What a difference salvation in Christ makes! I need not convince those of you who already know Him of that. For those of you who have not surrendered to Him, won't you? Life more abundantly! Peace. Contentment. I shall not try to explain it because it must be experienced. Human words cannot frame the joy of knowing Him.***
The life that Jesus offers is not only abundant, but eternal! The life He gives is abundant without end! It is a wellspring of joy, peace, and love that is renewed every day!**** Let our Lord Himself explain, '25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”'*****
Our Savior declares that He is the resurrection and the life! Not a life. Not one life among many. Not even the preeminent life among many. But the life. Christ Jesus is the only source of life because He is the author. And so, 'he who believes in Me will live even if he dies' Through the work of the Lord Jesus we receive spiritual life.****** We do not have spiritual life apart from the new birth in Christ because we are spiritually dead.******* And so, 'he who believes in Me will live even if he dies' Your physical body will eventually die with or without your soul being saved. But with the life that Christ gives you, after your body has expired, your soul will continue on in vibrant life in the direct presence of your Creator.
Jesus also declares, 'and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.' Because that spiritual life He gives you is eternal! Is that not what our key text tells us? 'For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.'
God could not make salvation any more simple, or any more clear for us, dear friends so we see that the Lord's final question to you is the simplest of questions, Do you believe this?
Do you believe this? Faith is the only way to receive salvation. I have explained this blessed text as best I can. I know I can take this to your ears and no further. It is God who must change your heart. It is God who must grant this belief.********
•───────────︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵────────────•
A year of the shows and performers of the Bijou Planks Theater.
* John 10:10
** Ephesians 2:2-3
*** 1 Peter 1:8-9
**** John 4:10-14
***** John 11:25-26
****** John 3:5-7
******* Ephesians 2:1
******** Ephesians 2:8-9
Previous Days of Christmas in Paprihaven!
2015:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/23840372982/
2016:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/31734213812/
2017:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/39290040911/
2018:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/45728577024/
2019:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/49269486048/
2020:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/50755579641/
2021:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/51772449733/
2022:
At the Grotto in Turtle Crossing Park in Paprihaven, it is the annual Christmas in the Park! Pastor Charles Calvin is preaching about the greatest gift of all, seen in John 3:16.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
What have we seen, my friends? 'For God...' We have seen that it is God Himself working our salvation. God Himself coming to our rescue.
Why? 'So loved the world...' His great, infinite, perfect love for His very enemies!
How? 'He gave His only begotten Son...' The Father gives the Son! The Son comes in love to pay the price of His enemies so that they will be transformed into His beloved. Christ Jesus came to save!
Who is this for? The text tells us, 'whoever believes in Him'. Who will be saved? We see first the action, belief, and then the object, Christ.
Note the 'whoever'! As we saw when discussing God's love, the ground at the foot of the cross is level. Salvation is freely available to all who will believe in Christ, with no other criteria. If you are poor and believe, you will be saved. If you are rich and believe, you will be saved. If you have lived the most evil of lives and believe, you will be saved.
And, importantly, if you have lived a moral life, you must still believe, for you life is not nearly as moral as you tell yourself. Do not let self-righteousness delude you and doom you.
Dear flock, know that repentance and belief are the two sides of the same coin of salvation! Did not our Savior say, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.'*
To repent is to turn away from your life because God has made it known to you that your life is being lived against Him.** When you repent, when you turn away from your life you turn towards...? Him! Christ! You turn to Him in belief, in absolute trust, that Jesus, and Jesus alone can provide what you need!***
What is it that you need? You need justification. You have sinned against God and realize, precious soul, your sins must be paid for.**** So you turn to Jesus in belief that His work on the cross was for you! That your name was on His lips and heart, that is was your sin He bore in your place.
What else do you need? You need righteousness. We have none of our own. And no one can stand before God without righteousness. So you turn to Christ Jesus in belief that His perfect, sinless life was lived for you! That is the transaction of salvation. You give Jesus your life of sin, and He bears it in your place on the cross. In return, He gives you His life of perfect righteousness, and you stand in judgment wearing His righteousness.*****
And finally, my friend, you need life. We are born spiritually dead.****** So we turn to Jesus in belief that His victorious resurrection from the grave is the evidence that He is the authority over all life, and life is His to give!*******
Have you exercised this belief? Know that the Bible speaks of a particular belief. A belief that transforms.
If you are on an airplane, and you see the parachute, and you believe with firm assurance that the parachute is able to save you, but you never actually put the parachute on, your belief, though sincere, will only end in your death.
You must put the parachute on to be saved! You must put on Christ! Do not simply acknowledge Him and observe Him. Repent, turn to Him in this belief! Ask God to show you how!
•───────────︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵────────────•
A year of the shows and performers of the Bijou Planks Theater.
* Mark 1:15
** Luke 9:23-25
*** John 14:6
**** Nahum 1:3
***** Philippians 3:9, Romans 3:21-26
****** Ephesians 2:1,4-5
******* John 11:25-26
******** John 8:31-32
Previous Days of Christmas in Paprihaven!
2015:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/23948665385/
2016:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/31758314131/
2017:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/25422525608/
2018:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/46417954911/
2019:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/49256347028/
2020:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/50746497683/
2021:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/51767062359/
2022:
At the Grotto in Turtle Crossing Park in Paprihaven, it is the annual Christmas in the Park! Pastor Charles Calvin is preaching about the greatest gift of all, seen in John 3:16.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
Ah, precious flock, are you discerning the beauty and glory of this verse applied to the Christmas story? We have seen that this is all a work of God Himself. We have seen that it is a work of His love and what that means for us, and what it tells us about Him.
Now, let us see the extent of His love! Let us ponder the infinite magnitude of His grace and mercy! For, in this love, what did God give us? Himself!
For those of you have tasted the goodness of His salvation, remember this! For those who have not yet repented and believed, consider this! What is the greatest thing God gives you in salvation?
Do not say, 'eternal life', for though that is true, it is but the result of the true giving. Do not say 'forgiveness', for though that is a blessed fact, it again is a result. Eternal life, forgiveness, joy, peace, love, are all the results of God giving you Himself!
God brings you into a personal relationship with Himself, He brings you into His presence in fellowship by giving you Himself.
God the Father gives God the Son. Are they the same? We know He tells us in His own holy Word that they are not. One God, in three distinct persons. The Father. The Son. The Holy Spirit. One God! And because He is perfect in His infinity, none lacks any that the other has.
Do you ask me to explain this? I freely confess I cannot! It is beyond my small mind but I accept it on faith as presented in the Scripture. All three in a perfect oneness, an undiluted unison.
And so, what a price God pays! For the Father to give the Son, not as an example, not as helper, but as a sacrifice. That the Father and Son in perfect unity for all of eternity without beginning or end would, for one time, suffer an interruption in their countenance.
Such that the Son would cry out, 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?'* And yet the Son, the Lord, Christ Jesus, knew this was why He came. Did He not explain this to Pilate?** Do we not see that very truth stated, 'This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them.'***
The Father gave the Son! The Son came willingly!**** For our salvation. So, if you are saved, what does this say about your value as a Christian?
Well, we typically measure the value of something by the price paid to have it. What price does God pay to transform a wicked sinner into a righteous child? What price to bring you from darkness into light? Himself.
He pays an infinite price to save the lost soul to Himself.***** That tells you the value of a saved soul. Christians are infinitely valuable to God. How do we receive this priceless gift?
Our text tells us, 'that whoever believes in Him'
•───────────︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵────────────•
A year of the shows and performers of the Bijou Planks Theater.
* Matthew 27:46
** John 18:37
*** 1 Timothy 1:15
**** John 10:17-18
***** 1 Peter 2:24-25
Previous Days of Christmas in Paprihaven!
2015:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/23653029120/
2016:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/31484893530/
2017:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/39290257241/
2018:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/44592748250/
2019:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/49254147916/
2020:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/50743084058/
2021:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/51762441561/
2022:
Saturday night at Tracy Parks' house, and the trio have finished their Bible study for tomorrow's Sunday School lesson with Audrey.* Before soda, a movie, more friends over, and the inevitable pizza rolls, some final discussion is taking place.
Briar: Gah! I've got to understand this. If there's anything I don't know, then for sure Miss Audrey is going to call on me and ask me that one thing!"
Tracy: So, the Micah prophecy, "“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.” *"
Briar: Right! So Jesus is prophesied to be born in Bethlehem.
Tracy: Prophesied over 700 years before the event.
Briar: Right. So, Caesar Augustus comes on the scene and...?
Buckley: He issued the decree for the tax census! "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. *"
Tracy: This is what caused Joseph to take Mary with him all the way from Nazareth to Bethlehem. The would never have gone otherwise. Mary was about to give birth, it was winter, Bethlehem was 70 miles uphill.
Briar: Right... Sooo...
Buckley: So, God's in charge!
Briar: Because... that's what I'm missing. I mean, I know, God is God. He's not running for God, He's already got the job. He's in charge. But the connection here...
Tracy: Okay, that's why we looked at Daniel 2:21: “It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding.” So Augustus is the Caesar because God raised him to that position.
And, then Isaiah 40:23-24: "He it is who reduces rulers to nothing, Who makes the judges of the earth meaningless. Scarcely have they been planted, Scarcely have they been sown, Scarcely has their stock taken root in the earth, But He merely blows on them, and they wither, And the storm carries them away like stubble.” So, Augustus has no power but what God allows Him, and God will remove that at His discretion. Augustus will fulfill God's will.
Buckley: GAH! You've memorized all these verses!
Tracy: You could too. Study more. Anyway, then, Proverbs 21:1: "The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.” So, God raises Augustus for His purpose and uses him for His purpose.
God has promised that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem. Mary was pregnant in Nazareth. So God moves Caesar Augustus like pawn on a chessboard, causing a decree to be passed, causing Mary and Joseph to go to Bethlehem in spite of harsh conditions, causing the Micah prophecy to be fulfilled. So, when Miss Audrey asks how Caesar, a pagan emperor, served God, I think this is what she's looking for.
Briar: Okay. I think I got it. But why did that make Augustus an Epic Caesar?
Buckley: Oooohh, I have no idea what you're talking about. Let's heat up piiiizzaaa roooollls!
Briar: Tracy just said it! God makes epic kings, or something like that! The Daniel verse.
Tracy: Epoch. Not 'epic.'
Buckley: AHAHA!!
Briar: The difference being...? Gosh, I'm sorry for being so dumb!
Tracy: You're not dumb, it's fine. Buckley's just being Buckley. An epoch is a period of time that's known for something in particular. God establishes those times. Here it is the fullness of time, the perfect time in which Christ came into the world, which is talked about in Galatians 4:4.
Briar: So Augustus is not epic! He was at the right time because God established all that. Woo-hoo! I think I got it!
Tracy: Augustus was also a very impressive Caesar, but, right, you got it! Okay, call the others and get ready for movie time?
Buckley: PEE-ZAH-ROW-HULLLS!!
═════════════════════════════════════
A year of the shows and performers of the Bijou Planks Theater.
We celebrate seven days of Christmas 2024! Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. God come to save His people. Without Christmas, without the Incarnation of the virgin birth, the work of Christ would not have begun and we would have no hope.
Born in lowly, despised conditions, lived a life of poverty and struggle, brutally executed on a cross. This is not how we would have written the story of our Redeemer, but that's because we always fatally miss the reality of the vast difference between our sin and God's holiness. We think we're 'not that bad' and thus we fail to recognize the distance that must be bridged and thus the harsh magnificence of the required exchange.
Jesus was born to die that we may live. If you have not, seek God and beg His mercy today.
"But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’" Luke 18:13
* Audrey has been seen leading the ladies Bible study since way back in 2015!
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/21059005784/
** Micah 5:2
*** Luke 2:1
Previous Days of Christmas in Paprihaven!
2015:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/23653029120/
2016:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/31484893530/
2017:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/39290257241/
2018:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/44592748250/
2019:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/49254147916/
2020:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/50743084058/
2021:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/51762441561/
2022:
www.flickr.com/photos/paprihaven/52577462151/
2023:
A young and emerging wild berry fruit imposed upon its' star. Not sure if these are blackberry or raspberry, or even black raspberry, but I'm sure they'll be delicious!
{Lightbox - It's the onlyway! - Tickle your L key to see}
Thank you for stopping by, looking and commenting. I will wade into your 'stream as well.
The Torrox area is among the few places in Europe with anear perfect climate. Its surrounded by mountains that shield it from strong and cold winds and it boasts an average temperature of 18 degrees all year around.Initially, accessing the area was quite difficult but since they opened the new coastal highway (N340), the time it takes to arrive at Torrox from Malaga Airport has since been cut down to roughly 40 minutes.Once you take exit 285 off the coastal way, you can follow the road signs as they will take you all the way to the Costa. The area benefits from great hotels and accommodation for holidaymakers. Alternatively, you can choose to take the route that takes you up to Pueblo where you can enjoy a beautiful traditional Andalusian village.The two areas are four kilometres apart and what makes them a huge attraction to tourists is the presence of old and traditional Spanish life as well as a ton of other facilities that any tourist can enjoy.Torrox PuebloTorrox Pueblo shares Arabic roots, as do most of the areas in this larger region. This means the place consists of miles of winding streets sandwiched between whitewashed houses.Whats pretty impressive about this small town is that its quiet and calm and it continues to hold tightly to its old character. Even with huge numbers of tourists flocking to the area, there hasnt been asignificant change in its character and way of life.Its only recently that there has been a huge influx of locals and foreigners alike who look to buy property here, thanks to its beauty and closeness to the coasts.Things to SeeTorrox Pueblo isnt as versatile as some of its neighbouring towns but the little it has is what might just make you like it. Some of the places to check out include:Iglesia de la Encarnacion and Iglesia de San Roque ( Both 16thC churches)Ermita de Nuestra Seora de las Nieves ( An ancient church)Custom House & Mint (18thC building)Casa de la Cultura( 19thC building)The main town square is beautiful and very relaxing. Bordered with very nice and inexpensive bars and restaurants. Sitting outside enjoying a meal and drink is an absolute pleasure. Dont miss it.Festivals and EventsPueblo usually hosts festivals all year round. At least each month has its own special festival. For instance, theres the February Carnival celebrations, the Cruces de Mayo that takes place in May, the Son Roque festivities in October, Fiesta de migas in December, just to name a few. Torrox CostaUnlike its neighbouring towns, Torrox Costa is less of a traditional town and more of a town muscling its way into elements of modernity. It boasts of a number of high rise apartment blocks and a good portion of these apartments belong to foreigners, mostly German and Spanish nationals. Its coastline stretches three kilometres.Strangely, until mid-2003, this place had no hotel. And to date, a huge portion of its lands and spaces remain unsold reason being it isnt very well advertise, compared to most holiday destinations. In fact, word of mouth recommendations remains the onlyway it is promoted.The good side of this is that those months when Tourism isnt at its peak, the town is mostly calm and peaceful. At the heart of Torrox Costa is the Paseo Maritimo, a promenade where you can enjoy easy and breathtaking walks while exploring the town. It begins at El Faro and stretches along the Playa Ferrara Beachs length. And besides the apartments, there are also shops, restaurants and bars along the promenade.The food is good, prices are inexpensive, and the view to the sea, along the beach and the hills in the distance is priceless.The east side of El Faro isnt as developed as its counterparts. This is where you will find El Penoncillo Beach. Much less built up, plenty of inexpensive Chiringitos, or beach bars, where you can eat and drink right on the beach.You will enjoy the fact that in this side of Torrox Costa, the beaches are a very rugged and natural. If you are driving, you can pull off the road and just park on the beach.BeachesPlay Ferrara is Torrox Costas main beach. But there are a couple of others such as Playa Las Lindas and Penonchilo.Food and DrinkingTorrox Costa has a good supply of cafes, restaurants and bars. Most of them sit on Paseo Maritimo and on the sides of the streets that lead to the beach. You can as well find a few eateries around Plaza Constitution, which is the towns main square.Things to SeeEven though its largely a beach resort, a walk along the Paseo Maritimo will expose you historical monuments such as those left behind by the Romans who once inhabited this place mostly in the 17thand 18thC. For better viewing of these remains, you can walk over to the Balcon Mirador de la Punta de Torrox.Things to DoThe majority of fun activities you can try while here are beach-centered. During summer, you can go ahead and hire some jet-skis, kayaks, pedaloes, not to mention the obvious activities such as swimming and snorkelling. Some beaches such as Playa Ferrara have Volley ball courts. If you play golf, you can visit the nearby Baviera Golf.ShoppingIf you are here to shop, be sure to take a walk along the Paseo Maritimo promenade because thats where most of the shops are situated. Theres a huge selection of shops and in addition to that, you can get to visit some of the available supermarkets. Make sure not to miss the weekly street market that takes place every Monday.https://youtu.be/Ztc0gnzQBbAVisit ushttp://www.nerjatorroxholidayrentals.com/
