JEWELS FOR THE SOUL

historical account of the gospel

The name “Theophilus” literally means “loved by God”, but it carries the idea of “friend of God”. Which leads to the belief that “Theophilus” is a generic title that applies to all Christians. However, from the context of Luke and Acts, it seems clear that Luke is writing to a specific individual, even though his message is also intended for all Christians in all centuries. As it is not noted specifically in the Bible who this person Luke were writing to, it seems most likely that Theophilus was a high-ranking or influential Gentile for whom Luke wanted to provide a detailed, historical account of Christ and the spread of the gospel throughout the Roman Empire. Luke wrote an historical account of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and detailed the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. His intention was to give Theophilus certainty that the “things he had been taught” were indeed true and trustworthy.

Jesus is born in Bethlehem

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. So, all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days was completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the Inn. Luke 2:1-7

angelic announcement of Jesus birth

Now there was in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid,” for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: You will find the Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger”. Luke 2:8-12

The angels were so filed with joy about the birth of “Jesus” until there was a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying:

“GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST, AND ON EARTH PEACE, GOODWILL TOWARD MEN!” Luke 2:14

Jewels of Nugget

PRAISES

The angels praise God. The Shepherds praise God. The creation praise God. God created man from the dirt of the ground and blew into his nostril the breath-of-life, and man became a living being. Man has the spirit of the living God in Him, don’t grieve the Holy Spirit. God is to be continually praised “PRAISE the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, Praise the name of the Lord! (Psalms 113:1) “Let us bow down IN worship and praise”! (jon)

shepherds visit with the Baby Jesus

So, it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the good things they had heard and seen, as it was told them. (Luke 2:15-17; v.20)

Jesus presented at the temple in Jerusalem

And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses was completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. And to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord. “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons”. (Luke 2:21-22; v24)

Simeon’s adoration and prophecy

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. (Luke 2:25-26)

Prophecy

JOHN

John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire”. (Luke 3:16)

So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: (Luke 2:27-28)

“Lord, now You are letting your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all people, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel”. ((Luke 2:29-32)

And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, behold, this child is destined for the rising and fall of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against; “(yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed”. (Luke 2:33-35)

Jesus became our savior

Jesus came all the way from heaven to be your savior. God sent His only Son to earth to save many from their sin. He came to save mankind. Like in most superhero movies, the hero must intervene in a dangerous situation to rescue a powerless victim. After all is done the superhero will hear the victim exclaim “you’re my hero” In this moment, the grateful person is acknowledging that the hero has, potentially with great sacrifice, rescued him or her from mortal danger. Jesus is our savor, He is our hero, who saved you and I from the enemy who had separated us from God, with His own blood He purchased our sin, and made us righteous with God again. So, Christians mean much the same thing when they refer to Jesus as their hero, but in a deep spirit fill way. Jesus rescued people from sin and eternal separation from God. (Psalms 33:20) “Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.” Christians refer to Jesus as the savior, but on a much grander scale. In the Bible we read how “God saves His people”. In the Old Testament, God is referred to as the God who rescues His people from all kinds of danger. (1 Chronicles 16:35)

Jesus was born to be the Savior of the world. To understand Jesus’ role as Savior, we must understand our own desperate situation. Humans have sinned against God, rebelling, and voluntarily separating themselves from the God of life (Romans 3:23). Sin produces death, and so everything in our World is now dying (Roman 6:23). Because God is holy, He will punish sin, leading to eternal separation from Him (Matthew 10:28). Without Jesus, humans are helplessly enslaved by sin and cannot ever achieve holiness on their own (Romans 3:9-20). We were born on a one-way track to hell, rightly condemned for our sin (Ephesians 2:1-3).

Jesus Was Born to save the world from a one-way track to hell, to the person who trust in Him, Jesus Christ become their Savior.

This Christmas go and tell it all over the world that “Jesus Christ is Born”. Jesus is born a Savior to all who believe and trust.

“And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

Jewels of Nugget / Jewels for the Soul Blog December 23,2021 Praise the Lord!!!

Merry Christmas!