Evangelism

Happy Incarnation Day – The Christmas Story

Faithful Christians would do well to always think of Christmas as Incarnation Day.

It is the day we celebrate the fact that Jesus, the Word, became flesh and dwelt among us. To be absolutely correct, it actually happened some nine months earlier in the miracle in the womb of a humble Jewish girl.

The Christmas miracle is God becoming man in the eternal and beloved Son of God, spoken of through the prophets and the Apostles. But it is told most dramatically in John 1:1-14.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:1-5 ESV).

And then in verse 14, we read something very profound:

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

The Word became flesh.

… And dwelt among us.

That is what Christmas is really all about.

Heaven touches earth most dramatically here. The begotten Son becomes one of us, a human, in what theologians call the Incarnation, the most profound truth in all reality.

C.S. Lewis called it the “grand miracle” explaining, “…[I]t was the central event in the history of the earth – the very thing that the whole story has been about.”

It is the very center of the Christian story, of reality, for without it, nothing else is possible. The Slovenian composer, Jacobus Gallus, so beautifully explains the nature of this world-changing event:

A wondrous mystery has been proclaimed today; all natures are renewed:
God has become human: He remained what he was, and what he was not, he became, suffering neither confusion nor division.

No other religion or philosophy brings the human and the divine together like this. Only Christianity does this … and so intimately. It is the Incarnation that makes our salvation and freedom possible, breaking down the divide between the Spirit and the Flesh, bringing these two wonders together in the Person of Christ.

It is important for all believers to know the Incarnation does away forever with the first heresy to invade the Church, that of gnosticism – which held that the spirit was real and desirable while the flesh was illusory and to be shunned. The Incarnation obliterates such a view and brings all of reality – the spiritual and the physical – together in absolute harmony. Thus, there is no sacred and secular divide, no flesh/spirit dichotomy in Christianity.

The baby in the Christmas manger, and prior to this, in the womb of Mary, is Christ, the sovereign Lord of all creation and reality, fully God and fully man. Christmas proclaims this truth.

We cannot ignore that this Grand Miracle happened; God has placed it before each of us to decide for ourselves whether we will believe it actually did, and if so, what we will do with that knowledge. That is the Gospel decision that each of us must make … and it changes everything.

Nor can we ignore how the Grand Miracle happened, for the how is just as important as the what. The way God did it cannot be separated from the doing; it all goes together.

The Word left His heavenly place where He dwelt in the bosom of His Father (John 1:18), and while remaining fully God – as the second Person of the Trinity – He became fully man, fully flesh and lived among us.

God was first incarnated, not in the Christmas manger, but in the fleshy womb of a woman: humble Mary. This is a profound statement about the significance of the feminine and it is central to Christianity. Jesus entered the world in the flesh through the     birth pangs in that most feminine part of one blessed woman.

Jesus, the God-Man, was born into a family.

And He remained in that family all of His life. The Lord of the Universe, upon that terrible cross of our salvation, asked His beloved disciple John to undertake the care of His dear mother until her last day.

Jesus was a family man from His first day in the womb until the cross.

The incarnation of the Word of God into real human flesh is indeed the Grand Miracle. None of the other miracles Jesus performed, including the resurrection, are possible without this one. And it all happened in the context of a real, fleshly family.

That is what Christmas is really about.

Additional Resources on the Total Lordship of Christ

How Big is Your View of the Gospel?

The Cultural Paradox of Following Jesus Christ

The Church’s Lane is the Whole Cosmos

Appreciating the Full Scope of the Lordship of Christ – and the Gospel Itself

As Secularists Prep for the Apocalypse, Christians Must Have Strong Kingdom Theology

In Our Troubled World, Take Heart and Remember That Christ is King

Image credit: Wikipedia

Why a Theology of Free Speech is Essential

Most people clearly understand free speech as an essential human virtue and fundamental American constitutional right. But far fewer appreciate its theological importance.

That oversight can now be corrected, thanks to a new academic article co-published by Andrew T. Walker, Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Public Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Kristen Waggoner, CEO, president, and chief counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom. These two are perfect to address this issue, one as a professor of ethics and the other, a lawyer toiling in the vineyard of protecting the free speech of Christians.

Their important essay, “The Unchained Word: A Public Theology of Free Speech” appeared this week in the on-line theological journal Themelios, published by the good folks at The Gospel Coalition. These important Christian leaders state from the outset their work is a response to “mounting threats of censorship across Western societies.”

This is indeed a very real threat, as the Daily Citizen has documented here, here, here, here and here. Walker and Waggoner explain, “We argue that freedom of speech is not merely a political concession of liberal democracies, but arises from humanity’s nature as rational agents made in the image of God, created to be seekers and speakers of truth.”

They wisely argue, “After examining the biblical purposes of speech, the limits of civil government’s authority, and the moral logic of human rights, we contend that a Christian account of free speech requires a dual affirmation: positively, that individuals have a duty to speak truthfully; and negatively, that governments bear a heavy burden of proof before restricting expression.” More specifically, “While not absolute, free speech must enjoy a presumption of liberty if societies are to order themselves toward truth and resist the perennial temptation of tyranny.”

While detailing many egregious threats to free-speech by government and media itself, Walker and Waggoner address the theological importance of free speech. They remind their readers that while “Christian reflection on free speech as such has been admittedly thin … Christianity offers a rich foundation for grounding a modern concept of free speech.”

They are correct.

Let us look at creation itself. God created all that exists through His speech. God spoke, and it was. Therefore, speech is both divine and creative. It has profound power. Thus, humans uniquely have speech as God’s unique imagers in creation. But our ability to speak has purpose and moral value – as well as, conversely, the ability to deceive. These authors hold, “Human beings, as rational agents made in God’s image, are made to be truth-seekers and truth-speakers.” They add, “These dual realities of man’s nature and purpose ground a Christian theology of free speech.”

This important article, in addressing a robust theology of free speech, is an essential contribution to gaining a fuller theology of culture and public life, something all believers must possess. Afterall, God created each of us to fulfill the cultural mandate of Genesis 1:28 of living in, participating in and helping create a world of culture that honors God and His good design for humans and His creation.

It is worth reading as a family and sharing with your friends and pastoral leadership at your local church.

Related articles and resources:

How Big is Your View of the Gospel?

In Our Troubled World, Take Heart and Remember That Christ is King

Made in God’s Image

The Church’s Lane is the Whole Cosmos

How Reasserting The ‘Imago Dei’ Can Transform Our Culture

The Saints Triumphant: The Best Awaits

The tradition of All Saints’ Day is believed to date to the eighth or ninth century. While first focused on remembering the martyrs of the early Church, it was expanded to recognize those individuals specially set apart by Rome.

In many Protestant traditions, it’s seen as an opportunity to remember any believer who has preceded us in death.

Of course, Halloween (or All Hallows’ Eve), a day which elicits strong and varied opinions from Christians, has its own origins in name and tradition from this annual sacred observance.

It can be a meaningful and wonderful tradition to remember and give thanks for the Christian saints of yesterday. That’s because we all need heroes – individuals to study, read about, and emulate. We don’t pray to them, but Scripture is very clear that we’re metaphorically encircled by them.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2).

When my father was dying, a chaplain who visited him likened his final days to an Olympic runner entering the stadium for the last mile of a marathon. He encouraged my dad to envision the saints in the stands cheering him on to the finish line. The older we get and the more we invest in our faith, the greater and louder the crowd.

Since nobody is born a Christian, every believer is likely to trace their faith journey back to someone or several people who introduced them to the Lord and helped nurture their young faith. All Saints’ Day is an ideal time to reflect and give thanks for these individuals.

This special day is also an opportunity to gain some perspective. While some people are balancing and battling more difficult circumstances than others, everyone faces their share of challenges. I think that’s what William How, author of the poignant hymn, “For All the Saints,” was alluding to when he wrote:

O blest communion, fellowship divine!

We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;

Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

However difficult the day, better and more glorious ones are coming. The struggle is real, but it is temporary.

If we’re fortunate enough, we lose loved ones in old age. But it’s still difficult to see a once vibrant parent slowly fade. You want to remember them at their peak, but time and age can take a toll. Once again, How’s lyrics reinforce the idea that the saints above bear no resemblance to the weakened ones below:

And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,

steals on the ear the distant triumph song,

and hearts are brave again, and arms are strong,

Alleluia, Alleluia!

Saints in Heaven are once more renewed and robust. The once emaciated saint with cancer will be stronger than ever before. The saint who now walks with a limp will leap with joy and ease.

C.S. Lewis observed in Mere Christianity, “How monotonously alike all the great tyrants and conquerors have been. How gloriously different are the saints.”

All Saints’ Day reminds us that a Heaven full of saints is very different – and something very wonderful for us to look forward to with great wonderment and anticipation.

But then there breaks a still more glorious day;

The saints triumphant rise in bright array;

The King of Glory passes on His way.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

And Amen!

Charlie Kirk’s Generosity Sowed Seeds for Future Generations

If the name Brilyn Hollyhand sounds familiar, it’s likely because you’ve heard or seen him this past month on radio and television discussing the legacy of his friend, the late Turning Point USA founder, Charlie Kirk.

At 19 years old, the Alabama native has been described as someone cut from the same cloth as the youthful and engaging slain apologist and political commentator – and even a possible successor, at least in style and passion.

Growing up in Tuscaloosa, Hollyhand began publishing a political newsletter when he was just 11 years old. That led to the launch of a YouTube channel when he was 12. He began interviewing political movers and shakers – including then Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and Senator Ted Cruz of Texas.

When Hollyhand learned that Charlie Kirk was coming to Tuscaloosa for an event in 2018, he requested 10 minutes to interview him.

“I’ll give you 30 minutes,” Kirk responded to the youngster. A friendship was born.

Between then and Kirk’s assassination on September 10 in Utah, the two regularly exchanged texts and emails. Hollyhand has even described Charlie as “one of his closest friends in politics.”

In the aftermath of the horrific tragedy at Utah Valley University, Hollyhand has visited colleges calling for a return of civil political discourse.

Dubbing his efforts the “One Conversation at a Time” tour, the conservative Gen Zer was blunt while speaking to students at Clemson University.

“When our generation gets frustrated with politics, what do we do?” Hollyhand asked. “We shoot somebody or scream at somebody. We don’t know how to have a civil discourse.”

Teaching and preaching restraint and self-discipline, Hollyhand advocates for taking personal responsibility and countering the emotional escalation with a humble and controlled posture.

“Every single one of you have the opportunity to turn down the temperature,” he reminded students.

In a recent New York Times profile, Hollyhand was accused of unfairly leveraging his friendship with Charlie Kirk.

“There’s no way that I could have done this on my own,” he said. “The Lord opened these doors.”

A devout Christian, Hollyhand was wearing a “Jesus Saves” T-shirt while talking with students at Clemson. Unashamed and unapologetic, the teen has said that he’s a Christian first and a conservative second.

“Politics is temporary,” he recently posted. “Faith is eternal. Give your life to Jesus and trust Him. The best decision you’ll ever make!”

The growing influence and increasing reach of young voices like Brilyn Hollyhand should encourage those who have been praying and hoping for a younger generation to succeed those who have been engaging culture for decades.

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity,” wrote the Apostle Paul to Timothy (1 Tim. 4:12).

Charlie Kirk’s tragic death has devastated not only his immediate family, but also a movement hungry for youthful leadership.

Yet, the Lord has made it clear that He gives and takes away (Job 1:21) and what man intends for evil, He uses for good (Gen. 50:20). The coming years will demonstrate that the slain communicator and evangelist’s work and influence not only served the immediate moment but also sowed seeds that will produce fruit in the future.

Image credit: Brilyn Hollyhand.

The ‘Bible’ Children Should Not Read

Over two million students participated in Focus on the Family’s “Bring Your Bible to School Day” earlier this month, a robust display of evangelical fervor which should encourage anyone concerned about the rising generation.

As organizers, we didn’t suggest what type of Bible to bring – and for good reason. According to latest reports, over 100 million Bibles were sold around the world last year. Between 10 to 14 million were purchased here in the United States. At last check, there are just over 250 different translations. The King James Version (KJV) remains the most popular overall (55%), followed by the New International Version (NIV). Focus on the Family generally cites the English Standard Version (ESV) thanks to its “essentially literal” approach.

In recent days, several outlets have been reporting on yet another version, for children.

It’s called “The Just Love Story Bible,” aimed at children between the ages of four and ten. Yet it’s not a complete bible, as it contains 52 stories written by Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis and Rev. Dr. Shannon Daley-Harris.

In promoting it, the publisher declares, ‘The big message of the Bible is that God loves us and created us to love God and each other, to do justice, and to love kindness.”

It would seem the writers are referencing Micah 6:8. “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

The book is hailed as “A groundbreaking, justice-oriented storybook Bible for children and families.”

The publisher also made it clear that the biblical characters are depicted “in various shades of brown.”

Dr. Lewis told Religion News Service, “The biblical characters mostly look Black and Brown and caramel … now White children, I imagine, looking in this Bible and seeing brown people and thinking to themselves, ‘Oh, brown people belong to God, too.'”

Do most caucasian children not already assume that all individuals of various races were also created by God?

Only the motives of the authors appear broader and far more dangerous than merely trumpeting diversity. They also want to sow seeds of doubt in children’s minds that the events depicted in the Bible are literally true, including the Resurrection.

“For me, it matters more that children know that love never dies, so that’s where I landed,” stated Dr. Lewis. “It’s OK to actually tell kids from the get-go: Some of these stories are about true people and things that really happened, and some of them are made-up stories, but they’re in there because they can still teach us true things about God.”

Questioning the accuracy and authority of the Bible is hardly a new exercise, but so blatantly and openly selling such a heretical interpretation of God’s Word to children undermines God’s sacred Word in a particularly dangerous and destructive way.

In this corrupted telling, Jesus is portrayed as being a feminist.

“When Shannon and I say we don’t want children to learn something they have to unlearn, we don’t want them to learn patriarchy from this story Bible,” said Dr. Lewis.

So what do the authors want children to learn?

For claiming to be so open-minded, it’s ironic that the authors aren’t open to children believing what the Scriptures have proclaimed for thousands of years. Instead, they want them to see the Bible as a collection of stories that promote their theologically radical and heretical views. It’s only inspired in their minds to the degree they agree with whatever they’ve deemed acceptable and tolerable.

How this book sells remains an open question, but parents shouldn’t be fooled into thinking that simply because it’s marketed as a “bible” it’s healthy and harmless reading.

This is one “bible” that should be filed under fiction.

Image credit: Beaming Books.