Notes of Faith December 14, 2024
NOEL—Ways to Celebrate the Season: Express Your Faith
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.
1 Corinthians 3:6
How can we best celebrate Christmas? Our weekend devotions focus on the word NOEL. The N stands for giving to the needy, the O for open your home. Today, let’s think about the E and learn to express our faith. There’s a recent phrase that’s become popular among Christians—“initiating Gospel conversations.” Whenever you find yourself with someone, even a stranger, look around for anything that will help turn the topic gently toward the Lord. Is the person wearing a cross around her neck? Does the message on his t-shirt lend itself to conversation? Do they have a discouraged look on their face?
Many people—not everyone, so be prepared!—will respond positively to a loving spiritual comment, especially at Christmas. Even a Christmas carol in the coffee shop can help you find a point of connection to discuss Christ. We’re not responsible for the harvest, only for the sowing and watering. Perhaps today the Lord will cause your path to cross with someone needing a word of encouragement, allowing you to initiate a Gospel conversation and express your faith.
If you love Christ, never be ashamed to let others see it and know it. Speak for Him. Witness for Him. Live for Him.
J. C. Ryle
2 Tim 1:3-14
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, 10 but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher. 12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. 13 Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.
Preaching the Word of God today! Do not be ashamed or afraid to speak the truth! Say merry “Christ”mas to those you greet during this holiday season. They may not yet have reason to celebrate the way we do. If God gives opportunity, then speak His name. Declare the Lord God sending His eternal Son into the world to save mankind from their sin! What greater gift could we receive? Let the generations hear, that they might come to faith and declare to the next generation the greatest joy of “Christ”mas! May you be blessed in your celebrations, giving thanks for the provision and love of God every day!
Pastor Dale