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Get reacquainted with Jesus

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  • Originally published November 12, 2009 at midnight, updated November 13, 2009 at 3:55 p.m.

As we get closer to Christmas, it is good for us to get reacquainted with Jesus.

He was born for one purpose, "For I have come from heaven not to do my own will but the will of Him who sent me." (John 6:38)

Jesus made a big point in His ministry to always place the Father and His will first.

How many of us do the same? I don't ask this question to strike guilt into our hearts, but to get us thinking about our daily focus.

Jesus tells us how to do what He was doing ... being obedient to the revealed will of the Father day by day.

James tells us, "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." - Working out our faith brings glory to God. Good works . those works that bring God glory . are evidence of our faith.

In John 15, Jesus tells us that He appointed us to do the same . to be fruitful . the command from the garden . for God's glory. Not to win God's favor or approval ... we already have that, but to do the things that God prescribes so that we will glorify Him and enjoy Him and our relationship with Him will grow.

And the result is love, friendship and a prayer life that confirms that relationship and enables us to continue to grow which is His will as well. He never wants us sitting still.

So with this in mind, let me give you a Bible-study method that may help you to keep God in focus. Here are three questions that will help you study, understand and apply the Scriptures so that you can receive the blessings of knowing God's will and then being able to do it. They are as follows:

1. What does this text teach us about God?

2. What does the text teach us about Christ?

3. What is God teaching us that we might help others understand the truth?

These questions then become the grid from which we understand all Scripture. This is God's story, and when we understand it within the context of His intention, He will be glorified. We were created first and foremost to glorify Him.

Christmas is about glorifying God the Father.

Easter is about glorifying God the Father. God the Son came to earth, was born in a cut-out cave for animals, died on a criminal's cross, He ascended to heaven and sent God the Holy Spirit to be with us, that we also would glorify God. He provided it all because we couldn't do it on our own.

Christmas reminds us of all that is good. It is Christ's coming to glorify His Father . His birth, death and resurrection ... that gives good its definition.

Looking closer at Jesus as you prepare for this coming season will enable you to do the Father's will . bringing Him glory .which is what you were created to do. Oh, also a reason to be thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas.

Mike Singenstreu is pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church.


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