REVIVAL TALK

On Monday, July 23, 2013, the world’s eyes were on Saint Mary’s Hospital in London, England.   They were awaiting the arrival of a new royal baby.   The baby was the first child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge; third in royal succession to the throne of England. This baby, Prince George Alexander, Louise, is destined to serve as the future king of England.   He is born into wealth and privilege.   This baby will have the very best of care.   No doubt he will have nurses and nannies to oversee his care.   He will have tutors, go to exclusive schools, and receive training in the traditions of what it means to be of royal descent.   We have learned from news reports that this baby would be third in royal succession to the throne of England.   Why all the attention of news media and outlets from around the world?   Why the pomp and circumstance?   Perhaps it is a fascination with the monarchy and the trappings of royalty.   The vast majority of us were not born to royalty.   W

  1 John 3:8b – “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” John the beloved Apostle writes in his first letter to the New Testament church that the Son of God was manifested that He might destroy the works of the devil.   What are the works of the devil?   What is it that the Lord Jesus Christ came to destroy? We must examine the Scriptures to understand the works of the devil. II Corinthians 2:11 says, “lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.” In our studies, we learn how our enemy operates on earth, and in the lives of individuals. He opposes God’s purposes on Earth and devises schemes to prevent God’s people from entering into those purposes. In John10:10 we learn he is the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Revelation 12:10 reveals him as “the accuser of the brethren.”   I Peter 5:8 says, “your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Galatians 4:4-5 - " But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,  to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons." The Christmas season is one that celebrates the birth of a Savior.    It records the birth of the long-promised Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Sadly, in our society, this season has become very secular. It is a holiday filled with all kinds of holiday sales, bargains, pageants, and programs.   There are holiday movies; classic television shows that date back to our childhood.    This season is characterized by busyness and hurrying around to find that last-minute gift for the ones we love. This is also a season for the family.    Many will travel great distances to be with family and friends that they only see a couple of times of the year.    It is also a time for worship.    We will gather together to worship and remember the birth of mankind’s Savior. This is a wo