The Church of Christ with the Elijah Message Blog

Luke 1: 13-17, 76-79

“But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

“And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

As we have been reading the last few days, the Lord has promised his to send his messenger before the second coming of Christ.  In Luke today, we learn who that messenger is.  John the Baptist is that messenger that God promised.  When the angel came to Zacharias, the angel promised that John would be filled with the holy ghost and come with the spirit and power of Elias, which is Greek for Elijah. This means that John will perform the duties of God messenger.

Amos 8:11-12

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.”

When people ask why God has to send his messenger to earth to prepare his church for the coming of Christ, the answer is in the above scripted. There was a time when the true world of God was no where to be found on earth.  That is not true today though.  With the sending of the messenger, God restored the true gospel of Christ on the earth for our salvation. For this I am thankful.

Malachi 4:5-6

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.”

In this verse God promises to send forth Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord, also known as Judgment day.  This time period would also be before Christ’s second coming.  This means that before the second coming and before judgment day, God will send forth a prophet to bring the children of the world back to Christ.  John the Baptist is fulfilling that role today. John is preparing God’s church so that it can be ready for Christ’s return.

Malachi 3:1-4

“Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.”

Through out the Bible God tells us what to look for to prepare for Christ’s second coming.  This verse talks about the messenger of the Lord. Most people would say that John the Baptist fulfilled this prophecy when he came before Jesus did the first time.  They would not be 100% correct.  The does talk about John the Baptist, but it does not refer the the time Christ first walked on this earth.  If you read what the messenger will do, it says he will “purify the sons of Levi” when Christ will come ” suddenly come to his temple.” When John first appeared, he did not cleanse the sons of Levi. The sons of Levi are the ministry of God.  Also Jesus did not suddenly come to his temple.  Since neither one of those things happened, this could be referring to Christ first coming, but the Second.  Today John the Baptist is being sent from God as a messenger.  He brings commandments for God’s church to prepare the way before Christ’s second coming.

Merry Christmas.  I hope you enjoy your Christmas and your celebration of the Birth of Christ.  God bless you and your family.

Chris

Luke 2: 6-7

“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”

When we think about the birth of a kind, we don’t think of the humble beginnings that Christ had.  It just shows how no matter where we come from or what we did, we can love God and serve him.  The birth of Christ is the beginning of our salvation. This birth is why we have the celebration of Christmas.

Luke 2:8-15

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.”

As like most Parents, God could not help but tell people about the birth of Jesus. God sent angles to tell the shepherds about the birth of Christ.  We should do the same thing about our rebirth when we take on Christ as our savior.  We should tell the world how Jesus allowed us to be reborn and sing God’s praise.  As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us remember why he was born in the first place, to save us from our own sins and transgressions.

Psalms 72 2-17

“He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment. The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness. He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor. They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations. He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth. In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust. The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him. For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper. He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy. He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight. And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised. There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth. His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.”

As we read the prophecies in the Old Testament about Jesus and his life,  It is important for us to remember that he came for us.  When God sent Jesus to earth, it was to help the people who needed help.  All people need help, just not the poor and hungry.  I am very thankful that Jesus helps the helpless, because if he did not, who would? As we go though our life, it is important to help those around us, as Jesus did in his life time.

Luke 1:26-33

“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

As we start the last week before Christmas, it is important for us to remember the miracle of life that happened. God sent his Son, Jesus, to save us.  It was his Christmas gift to us so that we could have everlasting life.  With out Jesus being born on the first Christmas, we would have little hope of spending eternity with God.  Now we know that it is possible if we only follow Christ’s teachings.

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Since we have been talking about Love all week, and Christmas is right around the corner, it is important to know how much God loves us. The love that God shows to us is so great, that his son Jesus sacrificed himself for us. That is some strong Love.

Message 57:6

“Fear not man; some hide in their sin and justify themselves in hardness of heart. Yet they say, ‘We love the Lord,’ and know not his Spirit nor his goodness. Man’s mind is continually evil unless he is filled with the Spirit of God.”

As we walk though life, it is important to really have the love of God in us, and not just way “we love the Lord”.  Actions speak louder than words, both on earth and in heaven.

Have you ever noticed that it is the small things in our lives that reminds us that God is still in charge? Remember to thank him everyday for the small things.

Moroni 7:46-48

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of  all, for all things must fail – But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with the.  Wherefore, my beloved brethren pray unto the Father with all the Energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure.”

God’s love that he pours down on us allows us to become more like Christ.  When God’s loves is in us we are able to do things that others just dream about.  We also know that when the end is near, we will be ready to meet Christ when he returns.  This love of God’s will not fail us, it will not go away, it will not turn into evil, it will not deceive us, and it will not lead us astray.  God’s love is pure and holy.  Let’s try to show God’s love today.

Message 92: 5-6

“Where is that great love and the Spirit that mellows the heart, is it still among you? I say unto you, yea, let it do greater work. Qualify to be leaders of men. Do good to all mankind. Love always, hate and bitterness is not your mission.  He that loveth the brethren, loveth God also. The lord will uphold him and make him a blessing.”

God reminds us that love has to be an important part or our work and our walk with him.  We can never love to much, there is always room for improvement.  I hope that we all can find ways for love to push out the hate and bitterness that is in our hearts.  As we love each other, we show our love for God.

1st Corinthians 13:1-13

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.  But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.  When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”

This is one of my favorite chapters in the whole Bible.  It reminds us that no matter what we do we have to have Love in our lives.  We might be man at the world, a co-worker, or a family member, but we still have to love them.  No matter what we do, if we don’t love as we do it, it is wasted.  Love is such a key to Gods kingdom, that you can’t enter heaven without love. Plane and simple, without love we are nothing.

Here are the sermon files for December 13.  Right click to download.

December 13, 2009 Larry Gosier

December 13, 2009 Chris Laws

Message 88: 8

“Let all things be done in order – and comely. If the Spirit mellows and calmeth the soul, it is of God. Serve the Lord in Praise, in Joy and Peace. Pray earnestly and the Master of men will manifest his Power.”

Where God is, God’s peace rains though.  We can tell when things are from God because the peace that comes with it.  There are no doubts, no worries, just peace.  We have to be open to receive this gift, if our hearts are closed to God, we can not feel his power and love.  Seek the Lord and ask for his blessings, they will follow.

2nd Nephi 31: 10-12

“And he saith unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father? And the Father saith: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son. An also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying : He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.”

When we follow God, we have to make sure we have to follow him completely.  We can not come to God half way.  The correct way is though repentance and baptism. Christ was and is our true example.  It is important that when we try to emulate someone in our walk with God, we emulate Christ.  If we come completely to God and follow his Son, we will be blessed and receive all of God gifts.

1 Corinthians 11:1-3

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

After we have been the God’s work for a while, we begin to think that the teachers that the the gospel of the Lord will always tell us the truth.  This is especially true for the first person that we learn it from.  We have to be careful to make sure that as we learn, our teachers are still walking in the way of Christ.  It is very easy to follow a man away from Christ.  As humans we want to be loyal, but we have to remember that loyalty to Christ is more important than loyalty to a person on earth.

Message 64:5

There are those that seek to prophesy in the Lord’s name, and in vain they do speak their own words, for they know not his Spirit nor His Power, for God speaketh not to blaspheme. Fear them not.

As mentioned yesterday, God word will not contradict themselves. If someone who says what they speak is from God, but their worlds are full of blaspheme, it is not from God.  We have to be very careful not follow man, but follow God.