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What's So Special About Christmas?

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When man landed on the moon, that was big news. It was almost as if the whole world stopped to watch Neil Armstrong’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. But it is nothing compared to the news that God landed on the earth. Jesus Christ is God, and his birth is when God came to Earth. The Relevance of Christmas: God Came to Earth Jesus “always had the nature of God ...” (Philippians 2:6 TEV) Jesus was God, and he came to live among us for a while (John 1). That is the relevance of Christmas. Jesus didn't start in the stable. He existed even before Creation. The preeminence of Christ is explained in Colossians, where we are told he is the exact likeness of the unseen God, he existed before anything else, and, in truth, he is the Creator who made everything in Heaven and on Earth (Colossians 1:15-16). We may have a hard time relating to a vague being in the sky, but Jesus is God in the flesh. The Bible says if you've seen Jesus, you've seen God (John 1). If Jesus really is God and God came to Earth, then Christmas is the most relevant event of history. The Reality of Christmas: God Became Man The reality of Christmas was that Jesus Christ was a real man, flesh and blood, bones and hair. He was a real person — not a myth, not a fable, not a nice story. The Bible says Jesus “of his own free will he gave up all he had, and took the nature of a servant. He became like a human being and appeared in human likeness” (Philippians 2:7 TEV). Why would Jesus come as a human being? Consider this: If God had wanted to communicate with dogs, he would have become a dog. If he wanted to communicate with birds, he would have become a bird. But God wanted to communicate with people, so he became a person. How is Jesus like us?

He was born like us. He gave up all he had and came into the world like billions of other babies. Yet, the whole history of the world rested in that one fragile infant. There was no flashy entrance that could be seen by everyone in the world. Jesus came in the middle of the night in a stable in Bethlehem. Jesus was God in human form, born like us (Luke 2:5-7).
He grew like us. Jesus grew and developed and had growth spurts (Luke 2:52). Can you imagine what it would have been like to be in school with Jesus? You would know that he was a little bit different, but would you believe that he was God? He did not parade the fact that he was God. He was a human being and grew like us. He looked every inch a Jew from Palestine. He was a real man who worked as a carpenter — that's the reality of Christmas.
He was tempted like us. The Bible says Jesus was tempted, just like us, yet he was without sin (Hebrews 4:14-16). Jesus experienced the same pressures that you and I do, the same temptations and desires, but he never gave into them. This is important because it means Jesus can relate to you when you're struggling with temptations.
He suffered like us. Jesus felt pain and disappointment. He became tired and lonely. He grieved, he cried, he was human. In Gethsemane Jesus said, “The sorrow in my heart is so great that it almost crushes me” (Matthew 26:38 TEV). Jesus knew what it was like to feel pain and to be under pressure. Jesus became what we are, so we can become what he is. That is the reality of Christmas.

The Reason for Christmas: Jesus Came to Die Jesus didn't stay in the manger. He went to a cross and voluntarily laid down his life for us. The Bible says, “He was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to death—his death on the cross” (Philippians 2:8 TEV). Nobody put him there without his permission. Why did he allow himself to go to the cross? The Bible says he did it for two reasons:

To demonstrate God's love: The Bible says, “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8 NLT, second edition). His motivation was love. If you want to know how much God loves you, look at the cross. Jesus said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13 NLT, second edition). The Bible says that Jesus gave his life for us when we rejected him, before we even knew him, before we were even born.
To pay for our sins: When you break a law, you have to pay a penalty. When you break man's laws, you pay man's penalties. When you break God's laws, you pay God's penalties. The Bible tells us that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life: “Christ himself carried our sins in his body to the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness. It is by his wounds that you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24 TEV). What Jesus did over 2,000 years ago can make a difference in our lives right now. We can be completely forgiven for everything we’ve ever done wrong or will ever do wrong. That's the reason for Christmas.

The angels said, “This very day in David's town your Savior was born—Christ the Lord!” (Luke 2:11 TEV) Jesus came to be the Savior of the world. If you didn't need a Savior, God wouldn't have wasted all the effort to send one. The very fact that Jesus Christ did come to Earth, gave up all the glory of Heaven, became a human being, was born as a little baby, grew up to be a man with pressures and temptations like our own, and then died on a cross and was raised from the dead means you definitely need what God has to offer. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have wasted all that energy. Salvation through Jesus means freedom — freedom from guilt, worry, fear, purposelessness in life. You are free to live the way God meant for you to live, and you can rest in the freedom of knowing Jesus has given you eternal life. So the Cross of Christ is not the end of baby Jesus in the manger. He is alive, and he came on a mission to bring you home to the Father. That's the reason for Christmas. The Result of Christmas: Jesus Is Lord The Bible says that because Jesus was willing to walk in humility, “God raised him to the highest place above and gave him the name that is greater than any other name. And so, in honor of the name of Jesus all beings in heaven, on earth, and in the world below will fall on their knees, and all will openly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11 TEV). But God already knew Jesus would succeed at his mission because, when he was born, the angels proclaimed him Lord: “This very day in David's town your Savior was born—Christ the Lord!” (Luke 2:11 TEV) What does it mean to be a Christian, to be a believer, to be saved? It means to say, “Jesus is my Lord. I acknowledge the fact that he is God, I believe that he has everything under control, and I commit everything I have to him.” What does it mean to say, “Jesus is Lord”? a) I acknowledge that Jesus really is God. He's more than a man or a prophet. He is the Lord over my life, meaning I will do what he tells me to do — it is a test of my commitment to him. b) I believe that Jesus has everything under control. To say “Jesus is Lord” is a statement of comfort and encouragement. Even if everything looks bleak, Jesus is Lord, and I know he's got everything under control. I may not see the pattern or exactly what is happening, but Jesus is Lord, and I recognize the truth that he has everything under control. Nothing escapes his care or concern because he is Lord. To say “Jesus is Lord” is to say that I don't know what the New Year holds, but I know who holds the future. c) I commit all of my life to Jesus. He has the right to determine what's right in my life and to direct me. I seek to live according to his plans. The Bible says one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. It will happen. All of the arrogance in this world that puts itself up against Christ and all the arguments that deny Jesus is Lord will fall by the wayside, and every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. That is the result of Christmas: Jesus is Lord. We need to rediscover this phrase that has been used for centuries as the test of a believer: JESUS IS LORD. It’s what it means to be a believer: “If you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from death, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9 TEV). You may think evil is winning, but Jesus is Lord. You may think you can’t go on because circumstances are piled up against you, but Jesus is Lord. You may think your problems are too big for anyone to handle, but Jesus is Lord. When you’re discouraged, say, “Jesus is Lord.” When you're tired, when you’re worried, when you’re afraid, when you’re lonely say, “Jesus is Lord.” Say it when you're grieving and you don't understand why someone you love just died. Say it when you don't think you can go another mile. Say it this Christmas and make it the theme of your life: Jesus is Lord. photo by Marian Trinidad via CreationSwap.

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The Lies Your People Believe—and How to Counter Them

Pastor, every week when you stand before your congregation, you’re not just preaching to believers—you’re preaching into a world filled with competing worldviews. People bring those views into your church every Sunday. They shape how your members see relationships, success, money, purpose, and even God.Worldview matters. It’s not just academic or philosophical. People live their lives based on their worldview—whether they realize it or not. If you want to see transformation in your people, you must help them change how they view the world. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (NIV).Here are six of the most common worldviews that are shaping the people in your pews—and how God’s Word responds to each one.1. The one with the most toys wins.This is materialism. It’s the belief that life is about acquiring more. More stuff. More money. More success.But Jesus said, "Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions" (Luke 12:15 NIV). Real life isn’t about what you own—it’s about who owns you. The greatest things in life aren’t things.2. I’ve got to think of myself first.This is the worldview of individualism. It’s the mindset behind many cultural slogans: “Have it your way.” “Obey your thirst.” “You deserve it.”It’s a self-centered life that destroys marriages, divides churches, and corrodes communities.Jesus taught the opposite: "If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it" (Matthew 16:25 NLT).True life comes from giving yourself away—to God and to others.3. Do what feels good.This is hedonism—the belief that the goal of life is to feel good, be comfortable, and have fun.But Scripture is clear. The Message paraphrase says: "Are you addicted to thrills? What an empty life! The pursuit of pleasure is never satisfied" (Proverbs 21:17).Chasing pleasure doesn’t satisfy. It leaves people empty. God created us for more than comfort—he created us for a calling.4. Whatever works for you.This is pragmatism. In today’s world, the only “wrong” seems to be telling someone else they’re wrong. Truth becomes subjective. People say, “If it works for you, that’s fine.”But the Bible warns us: "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death" (Proverbs 14:12 NIV).Truth isn’t whatever works. It’s what God says is right.5. God doesn’t exist.This is naturalism, or atheism. It claims that life is an accident, that there is no Creator and no ultimate purpose.But Paul writes: "Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God" (Romans 1:20 NLT).Creation points to a Creator. If there’s no God, life has no meaning. But God made you—and everyone you preach to—for a purpose.6. You are your own god.This is humanism—a worldview that says we are in control of our own destiny. It’s behind the belief that we’re the masters of our fate and the captains of our souls.But Romans 1:25 says, "They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator" (NIV).Every human being is wired to worship. If we don’t worship God, we’ll worship something else—even ourselves.A Biblical WorldviewAll of these worldviews have consequences. And most people don’t even realize how deeply influenced they are by them.There’s only one worldview that leads to the life God has planned for you: a biblical worldview. The biblical worldview says: God created us for his purposes. We are not our own. We exist for his glory.Pastor, if you want to change people’s lives, help them change their worldview first. When their minds are renewed, their hearts will follow.

Take a Day Off: Why Pastors Need a Weekly Sabbath

Pastor, when was the last time you took a full day off? Not a conference. Not a ministry retreat. Not a family vacation that turned into an emergency counseling session. A real day off.You spend your week meeting the needs of others. It’s easy to put your own needs—and your family’s needs—last. But God commands something different. He calls you to rest. There are lots of reasons you need a weekly Sabbath. Here are just a few:1. God Commands ItGod has more to say about taking a day off than about murder or adultery. The fourth commandment is the longest of the Ten Commandments, and it's the only one many pastors routinely ignore.“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you” (Exodus 20:8–10 NLT).God was serious about this. And he backed it up with his own example: "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work" (Genesis 2:2 NIV). Was God tired? Of course not. He doesn’t get tired. But he was modeling a principle.2. You Were Made for ItJesus said, "The Sabbath was made to benefit man, and not man to benefit the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27 TLB). You weren’t made to run nonstop. Your body, mind, and soul need regular rest and replenishment.If you don’t schedule a Sabbath, your stress and exhaustion will schedule one for you.Every seven days, you need to recharge physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The Sabbath is God’s gift to help you avoid burnout in a stress-filled calling.3. It Doesn’t Have to Be SundayYou might be thinking, "Rick, I’m a pastor. Sundays are not exactly restful!"That’s okay. Your Sabbath doesn’t have to be Sunday. But it does need to be one day every week—a day that is different from the others. Set it apart. Rest, refocus, and reconnect with God and your family."It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night . . . for God gives rest to his loved ones" (Psalm 127:2 NLT).4. You’re Not That ImportantWhen you refuse to take a Sabbath, you’re sending a message: "I’m too important to rest. Everything depends on me."Pastor, you need to resign as general manager of the universe. It will keep spinning without you.The truth is, workaholism in ministry is often driven by pride, guilt, or insecurity. You think ministry won’t happen without you. But it will—and it might even be healthier.5. Your Family Needs ItYour family needs more than your sermons. They need your time. They need your laughter. They need your attention when you’re not distracted by the next thing on your to-do list.For years, Monday was my day off. Monday night was family night. We didn’t do anything elaborate—we just enjoyed each other. That weekly rhythm shaped our family.You don’t just teach your kids values; you model them. And one of the most important lessons you can model is this: God designed us to rest.Take the First Step This WeekYou don’t need a sabbatical or a two-week vacation. You need a Sabbath. One day. Every week.Start this week. Protect that day. Don’t let anything steal it. It may be the most important ministry decision you make.

The Pastor’s Guide to Difficult Personalities

By Rick WarrenMinistry would be easy if it weren’t for the people!But as every pastor knows, one of the greatest challenges in ministry is dealing with difficult people. They come in all shapes and sizes, but they have one thing in common: They drain your energy, distract your focus, and derail your momentum.Jesus had to deal with difficult people throughout his ministry. And if you’re going to follow his example, you need to learn how to deal with them too.Here are four practical strategies Jesus modeled for handling difficult people.1. Realize You Can’t Please Everyone"By myself I can do nothing. . . . I seek not to please myself but him who sent me" (John 5:30 NIV).Even God doesn’t please everyone. One person prays for rain, another for sunshine. You’re not God—and you’re not called to be a people-pleaser. Your job is to please the Lord.If you let other people’s demands drive your decisions, you’ll burn out fast. Instead, stay focused on God’s calling for your life and ministry.2. Refuse to Play Their Game"But Jesus knew their evil motives. 'You hypocrites!' he said. 'Why are you trying to trap me?'" (Matthew 22:18 NLT).Difficult people often try to manipulate you with guilt, fear, or anger. But Jesus never fell for their traps. He responded with wisdom, truth, and clarity.You don’t have to meet every expectation. You can say no. And when correction is needed, speak the truth in love. Some people aren’t interested in solutions—they just want to argue. Don’t get caught in their game.3. Don’t Retaliate"You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury. . . . But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also" (Matthew 5:38-39 NLT).Retaliation gives up control. When you strike back, you’re no longer responding—you’re reacting. And that means you’re letting someone else set the tone for your life.Instead, take the high road. Respond with humility, patience, and grace. That doesn’t mean you never set boundaries—it means you do it with the right spirit.4. Pray for Them"But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!" (Matthew 5:44 NLT).Prayer is the game-changer. You can’t change a troublemaker by ignoring them, retaliating, or giving in. But when you team up love and prayer, you create space for God to work a miracle. That’s what Jesus did—and it’s what he calls you to do too.Difficult People Come in Many FormsYou’ve likely encountered these personalities in your church:The Sherman Tank – Runs over anyone who disagreesThe Megaphone – Dominates every conversationThe Bubble Buster – Deflates every new ideaThe Volcano – Explodes with angerThe Crybaby – Constantly complains and poutsThe Nitpicker – Obsesses over minor flawsThe Space Cadet – Lives in a different realityYou may not be able to avoid these personalities, but you can learn to respond with wisdom, grace, and strength.Make this your goal: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18 NIV).You won’t always get it right. But as you grow in these Christ-like responses, you’ll free up energy for what really matters: shepherding the flock God has entrusted to you.

Five Ways to Lead Your Church Toward Unity

By Rick WarrenPastor, few things weigh heavier on your heart than seeing conflict among your people. Nothing breaks a shepherd's heart like watching the sheep squabble. Unity isn't just a nice bonus for your church; it's essential. In fact, Jesus taught that your church's witness depends on it. God can work through many weaknesses in your church, but he won't work through disunity.As you shepherd your people toward unity, here are five principles to guide you:1. Maintain an attitude of acceptance.Don’t major in minors. Not every issue requires total agreement. Some disagreements are simply over disputable matters. Paul addresses this in Romans 14:1-23, using the example of disagreement over dietary guidelines to remind believers not to let minor differences divide them. Instead, maintain an attitude of acceptance.Isn't it a blessing that God made us different? He loves variety! When conflict arises, your first task is to discern whether it's over essentials or non-essentials. If it's essential, address it biblically. But if it's not, lead your people to accept one another's differences.2. Focus on your common mission.Nothing unites a church more than a shared purpose. That’s why at Saddleback we always insisted that every new member go through our membership class. There, we clearly lay out the church’s purpose and direction.Your church isn’t the only church in town, and that’s okay. Other Bible-believing churches may do things differently. Make sure people know what your church is about before they join. Clarity upfront can prevent division later.3. Control your tongue.Pastor, when gossip shows up, you need to shut it down immediately—and train your leaders to do the same. Gossip is sin. When you listen to it, you become complicit. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Don’t say anything that would hurt ⸤another person⸥. Instead, speak only what is good so that you can give help wherever it is needed. That way, what you say will help those who hear you” (GW).What is gossip? It's when you share a problem or criticism with someone who is neither part of the problem nor part of the solution. If they're not involved, leave it alone. Preach on this often and remind your leadership regularly. It's that important.4. Teach your church to support church leadership.Hebrews 13:17 says, “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you” (NIV).That verse should humble every pastor. One day, you will stand before God and give an account of how you shepherded his people. That reality drives us to our knees, praying for wisdom and guidance.With that accountability comes authority. Without authority, you can't be held responsible. God gives pastors authority to lead his church. Teaching your church the biblical basis for leadership authority isn’t about propping yourself up—it’s about protecting the unity that God cherishes.5. Practice God's method of conflict resolution.Jesus outlines the process for handling conflict in Matthew 18: “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along. . . . If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector” (Matthew 18:15-17 NIV).When someone brings you a complaint about another person, your first question should be: Have you talked to them directly? That’s where biblical conflict resolution begins.If they refuse to listen, involve one or two others. If they still won't listen, bring it before the church. And if there's still no repentance, treat them as you would an unbeliever—with love, but with clear boundaries about church membership.Jesus said that unity is a powerful witness to the world. It's not natural for people from different backgrounds to come together as one family. But when churches work together to fulfill God's mission, people notice. Unity attracts.My prayer is that your church will experience the kind of unity that honors God and draws people to the cross.

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