The belief test: “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God” (1 John 5:1a). So ask yourself: do I trust in Jesus Christ for salvation?

The obedience test: “If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:6-7). So ask yourself: does my life show a pattern of habitual, unrepentant sin, or of repenting of sin and striving to walk in the light?

The love test: “Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him” (1 John 3:14b-15). So ask yourself: do I love other Christians in concrete ways that show the reality of my faith?

The perseverance test: “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us” (1 John 2:19). Those who do not persevere in the faith prove that their faith was false in the first place. So ask yourself: am I continuing in the faith despite struggles and opposition?

One more principle: even Christians are prone to self-deceit. Therefore, work through these questions with the members of your church who best know and love you (see Prov. 11:14; 15:22). Of course, that’s hard to do if you haven’t let people into your life in the first place.

(Much of this material has been adapted from Thabiti Anyabwile’s What is a Healthy Church Member, 50-54)

**This post is copied from www.9Marks.org under the tab "Answers for Church Members." (http://www.9marks.org/answers/how-can-i-know-if-i’ve-been-genuinely-converted)

1. Lead your family spiritually. (Deut. 6.4-8; 20-25) Many times parents lean on pastors or other spiritual mentors to teach their children what it means to follow God. They think it's someone else's responsibility or that, because we are the "professionals," we can "fix" them. But you are the parent; it is your responsibility to set the spiritual tone in your house. Teach them the Word of God. Pray for them and in front of them. Repent in front of your children (and to your children when they are the ones you've sinned against). Between the media and celebrities today, spiritual mentors and humility are seriously lacking. Be a godly example for your kids in both words and actions. You can do this by placing value on spiritual moments - your kids notice this! We make time for school, sports, work, and all other important activities in our lives. If spirituality and church is always placed on the back burner, your children will notice and also treat it accordingly.

2. Know what's going on in your kids' lives. (Contrast David's lack of knowledge of his kids' lives in 2 Samuel 12 with Moses's mother following his life in Exodus 2.) It amazes me how little parents know about their kids' personal lives. Does your kid have a Twitter or Facebook? Do you know what they are saying or the pictures they are putting on the web? Do you/they realize that whatever they put there is available to the whole world? Does your kid have a boyfriend or girlfriend? Who are they hanging out with and what are they doing? It seems simple, but these are questions parents are not asking.

3. Do not exasperate your children. (Ephesians 6.4, Colossians 3.1) Parenting is tough, but growing up is tough, too. Part of the task of a parent is to ride the ups and downs of life with their children. Sometimes they are frustrating, but stay patient and kind. It will help your children become kind and patient people.

Brandon Weir  |  Student Pastor

I’ve come to a conclusion: maybe success is not dangerous, but rather it’s our definition of success. Our world tells you success is built on income, happiness, busyness, etc. Jesus tells us success is built around a relationship with God, a love for Him, and a love for our neighbors (Matt 22.37-40). Jesus tells us all of the Law and Prophets hang on this principle. Jesus says the mindset we should have is of a servant. We should create disciples. Last week at the conference, Craig Groeschel defined success as how well we “unleash single-minded, Christ centered, biblically anchored, world changers.” If these truths are ingrained in our mindset, then success looks very different.

Would you consider yourself successful?

Brandon Weir  |  Student Pastor

Hebrews 13.5 is one of those great promises, “be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” This verse has been at the bottom of much comfort to God’s people when they can’t see his hand in action. And there is much comfort - even joy - to be had in knowing and believing that God will never leave us. But what drives God to make such a promise? What’s behind this promise ensuring that God will come through? As fickle and emotionally unstable (we all are on some level) people so susceptible to doubt and suspicion, how can we be sure that God will not change his mind? After all, he’s God - he can do whatever he wants! Couple that with our American, independent, pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps mentality, and you’ve got the perfect recipe to question or doubt whether God will keep his promise.

The answer is found in 1 Samuel 12.22 - perhaps one of the tidal waves of hope we can have in the grounds of our salvation. It doesn’t simply make the same promise as Hebrews 13.5, but goes one step further and tells us why. “For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself.” (1 Sam. 12.22)

Why will God keep his promise and never leave us or forsake us? Because of himself. Because of his faithfulness. And because of his own pleasure. Deuteronomy 7.6 tells us that God chose his people to be his “treasured possession” - in other words, he has pleasure in his people. He treasures us and saves us! But not because of anything that depends on us. Not because we’re good or keep all the rules or have earned anything. He will not forsake his people “for his great name’s sake.” At the risk of his own name and fame, he will not forsake his people. Why? “Because it pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself.”

And this is the wave of hope for our salvation! That God will keep his promise because it pleased him to make us a people for himself. He will never leave us because he has pleasure in keeping his promise, and God does whatever he pleases (Ps. 115.3, 135.6)

Steve Adler  |  Discipleship Pastor

I strongly recommend this book for a couple of reasons. The first, and maybe the most exciting reason, is that the book is short! Weighing in at about 100 pages, this non-intimidating book is an easy read - something many people could knock out in an hour or less.

Second, this book was written by someone who is extremely passionate about worship. Matt Redman authored and recorded the songs “The Heart of Worship,” “Better is One Day,” and many more popular songs that are being sung in churches around the world. He is an experienced worship leader whose deepest desire is to see believers return to true worship of the living God. This book is his heart’s cry.

Finally, any believer who has a desire to go deeper in their relationship with Jesus will walk away changed after reading The Unquenchable Worshipper. In fact, every chapter uses the words of Jesus, the Psalms, or other passages and experiences in the Bible in order to call the reader to become a specific kind of worshipper (an unstoppable worshipper, undignified worshipper, undone worshipper, etc).

So set aside an hour or so to read this short, yet powerful, book about coming back to the heart of worship. I pray that this book encourages and challenges you - as it has me - to pursue the heart of God in a new and passionate way.

Jonathan Hunt  |  Worship Pastor

As they moved into the garden, Jesus prayed perhaps more earnestly than anyone has ever prayed. “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matt. 26.39) What was “the cup?” It was the reason for which Jesus came. It was his destiny. And as it approached, the agony and stress caused hematidrosis, a rare mixing of sweat and blood. As his accuser finally came near and Jesus was arrested, it set in motion a chain of events that became (although it had always been) the most pivotal event in all eternity.

On Friday, the day before the Sabbath, the second person of the triune God - the Son - was beaten, mocked, and killed in the most excruciating and humiliating way - crucifixion. And this is what we remember on Good Friday. The death of the Son of God.

So why call it “good?” Consider a few reasons. In the death of Christ:

• We see God’s love for us (Eph. 5.2)
• We have forgiveness for our sins (Matt. 26.28)
• He took the wrath we deserved (Gal. 3.13)
• He makes us holy and blameless before God (Heb. 10.14)
• He liberates us from sin and the fear of death (Heb. 2.14-15)
• We can be passionate about good works (Titus 2.14)

But all these are empty if he was not resurrected on the first day of the week. And that may be the best reason to call this Friday good - because it means Sunday is right around the corner. The tomb is empty and Jesus is alive! He certainly died on that Friday, but he is alive today. Death was not the end. It was a beginning, of sorts. And let’s pray that there is life and a new beginning this weekend for all who encounter the cross of Jesus.

Steve Adler  |  Discipleship Pastor

King’s Cross is a journey through the book of Mark. Keller wants us to understand how Jesus’s life helps us make sense of our own lives. “The whole story of the world--and of how we fit into it--is most clearly understood through a careful, direct look at the story of Jesus,” Keller says. At this point in my life, it means everything to me to understand my life through the lens of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Using the book of Mark, Keller focuses on the identity of Jesus as King and the purpose of Jesus’s death on the cross. While reading King’s Cross, the gospel of Mark came alive to me in a way it never had before and ultimately the life of Jesus became more real to me. The strength of Keller’s theology makes the book challenging and (as a pastor) his depth of insight makes it engaging. It is a book that is written for all Christians, no matter how long they have been following God.

Maybe it’s because I’ve built my life around a Book. Or because God wants us to glorify Him with our minds, too. Or maybe because I’m just weird.

But whatever my reason, there’s something about reading and learning and devouring books that seems right for Christians - and especially pastors. God has preserved His words in the form of a book. Therefore, pastors are vocationally readers. They go to meetings to plan and strategize, they visit with people, they counsel people spiritually, and they cast vision and make budgets - but none of that matters if they are not devoted to the ministry of the Word (Acts 6.1-7). The church spreads by proclamation of the Word, the gospel message that Jesus Christ saves sinners. Pastors (and Christians) are better served when they are readers, reading the Bible to hear from the Lord, but also seeking wisdom by reading commentary and books written by the godly who’ve gone before us.

So which books have made a great impact on the lives of the pastors at The Fellowship? Over the next couple of weeks we’ll answer that question and I’ll start this way, “If you only read one book this year, read The Cross Centered Life by CJ Mahaney.”

This book is all about the gospel and its importance in our day-to-day everything we do. So often we slip into this mentality where the gospel is just something that unbelievers need to hear to be saved. And no one does it on purpose. Do’s and don’ts and lots of other things lull us into thinking that the gospel belongs in a tract for the lost, but it really doesn’t have anything to offer us after we get saved. Mahaney argues just the contrary - that the gospel is in every way for the believer after their conversion, and that daily reminding ourselves of the cross can transform our lives one day at a time. He writes about why we need to be reminded of the gospel daily, but he doesn’t leave us hanging. He also devotes time at the end of the book to how we can do it - simple ways to put into practice the cross centered life.

Weighing in at only 96 pages, this short book can be read in one sitting. I know - I’ve done it. But that was the second time I read it. When I put this book down after the first time, I immediately knew it was one that I would come back to regularly. And I encourage you to read it, too. After all, we can never have too much exposure to the gospel of Jesus!

Steve Adler  |  Discipleship Pastor

*You can purchase this book at a discounted price of only $7 at the Resource Center in the foyer.

Why not stay with the New International Version?

Switching translations for preaching can be a big deal, and you might be wondering, “What’s wrong with the NIV I've used for years?” The answer is, “Nothing.” The 1984 NIV has been a great translation. It’s the most popular and most widely used translation in the world. In Bible sales (per unit and total dollars), the 1984 NIV has dominated all other translations for a long time.

However, recently the New International Version’s publisher, Zondervan, announced that their new 2011 edition would soon replace the 1984 edition. The 2011 NIV is in print and as stores sell the last of the 1984 editions in stock, they are being replaced with the 2011. This change prompted the leadership at The Fellowship to consider switching translations since the 1984 NIV will no longer be available and the 2011 has been so highly criticized.[1] So what’s the big deal with the new 2011 edition?

About ten years ago the TNIV came out, then was revised in 2005. The “Today’s New International Version” was met with such controversy regarding its “gender-neutral translation philosophy” that it is out of print today. Despite the less-than-favorable response the TNIV got, the translation of the 2011 NIV is based on the TNIV. The result was a new NIV that is 39% different from the 1984 NIV you are using right now (12,166 verses out of 31,101 have been changed). Words and phrases that were changed include “father” to “parent”, “man” to “person”, “he” and “him” to “they” and “them”, and “forefather” to “ancestor”. Is it a big deal? Not in every case - but in most cases, the Hebrew or Greek words being translated are indeed masculine (he, him, father, etc), not neutral (they, them, parent, etc). So from a translation standpoint, the message may be essentially the same, but the words are inaccurate.

Following the release of the TNIV New Testament in 2002, Vern Poythress and Wayne Grudem evaluated it and cataloged over 900 translation inaccuracies. Vern Poythress is Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Westminster Theological Seminary and Editor of the Westminster Theological Journal. And Wayne Grudem serves as Research Professor in Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary and is the former President of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. Grudem followed up in 2005 with almost 3,000 more inaccuracies in the TNIV Old Testament. Altogether the TNIV logged 3,686 inaccuracies. About 25% of these have been corrected for the 2011 NIV, but not that’s still not enough to earn it a recommendation from the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood as a “sufficiently reliable English translation.”[2]

Therefore due to the literal inaccuracies and controversy of the 2011 NIV, and the inability of new believers and members to find a 1984 NIV to follow along with, we have decided to switch to a different translation - the English Standard Version.

Why switch to the English Standard Version?

First published in 2001, the English Standard Version was the result of a collaboration of over 100 of the world’s leading evangelical scholars and pastors. Rapidly gaining wide acceptance due to its blend of trusted scholarship and readability, the ESV has become the fastest-growing English Bible in the world.

The ESV is “essentially literal” (or “word-for-word”), which means the translators sought to keep the precise wording of the original text as much as possible, as well as capture the personal style of each biblical author. Keeping the exact word order in every instance is impossible, since grammar, syntax, and idiom differ from language to language. Taking these differences into account though, the translators have produced a Bible that strives for “word-for-word” correspondence, but is also highly readable and fluid in English.[3]

For preaching, the ESV is more transparent than many other translations, and its commitment to the original text leaves interpretive ambiguities for the pastor to interpret. For example, 2 Corinthians 5:14 in the Greek is “agapē tou Christou” which literally means “the love of Christ.” Interpretively “the love of Christ” could mean “the love Christ has for us” or “the love we have for Christ” or both even. By staying committed to a literal translation, the ESV renders this phrase “the love of Christ” and lets the pastor (or reader) interpret, while the NIV for example, translates it “Christ’s love.” This may be the correct interpretation, but the ESV lets the reader decide. Similarly in 1 John, “agapē tou theou” means “the love of God.” The phrase appears in 1 John 2:5, 4:9, and 5:3. The ESV consistently stays with the literal “the love of God,” while many other translations have interpreted it “God’s love” or “love for God.” While one of these may be correct, in the ESV the pastor or reader has the freedom to decide.[4]

In short, the English Standard Version is a solid literal translation that is easy to read, and comes with none of the gender-inclusive controversy that the 2011 NIV has experienced. As a translation rapidly growing in popularity and endorsement, we have decided to preach from, and encourage personal use of the English Standard Version at The Fellowship. To find out more about the English Standard Version, visit www.esv.org.

Steve Adler  |  Discipleship Pastor

Sources

[1] Prominent leaders and conventions endorse critical resolution of 2011 NIV: http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=35663

[2] An evaluation of gender-neutral language in the 2011 NIV by The Council on Biblical Manhood & Womanhood: http://www.cbmw.org/Resources/Articles/An-Evaluation-of-Gender-Language-in-the

[3] About the ESV's translation philosophy and manuscripts used in translation: http://www.esv.org/esv/translation/about/

[4] Interpretive transparency for preaching from the ESV: http://static.crossway.org/excerpt/why-our-church-switched-to-the-esv/why-our-church-switched-to-the-esv.pdf (page 11)

As adults we all want something, but do we want a fulfilling, personal relationship with Jesus Christ? I think we all do, and sometimes we don’t even know it. It’s that feeling, that longing, almost an urgency that we can’t name. We’ve heard other people talk about their relationship with Jesus and how amazing, rewarding, or fulfilling it is. And we say to ourselves… I want that. Maybe you have a personal relationship with Him, but it is erratic. It is stop-and-go, kind of tortoise and hare, or you started out with a big shovel digging into Christ, but only got a few inches deep. We’ve read the promises in God’s Word. We make a commitment again and again to apply them in our lives. Then for whatever reason, we stop short of seeing it through. Why? Fear? Is it the unknown? Is it too hard?

Maybe we are like children in the candy aisle. We want too much or we want it all. We don’t know what to choose, so we choose nothing. We go home empty handed. But when our desire is for God, He is ready and willing to give us what we want. He won’t cut our “wanters” out. He will fill them up. Our God is a God of abundance and He goes above and beyond. The promises in his Word tell us so.  (Philippians 4:19, 1 Peter 1:8, Ephesians 1:7-8)

Inspired by the "Hungry" series, Tori Mitteness submitted this guest blog. She blogs (lots of great food ideas) at Taste and See.

Saint John’s Revelation is a hard letter to interpret. With all its bowls and trumpets and dragons, what are we to make of this book? It’s the last book of the New Testament canon and Jesus’s last message to His church. It can be very intimidating - but obviously it has use and value so we can’t neglect it in our study of the Scripture.

Without recommending one approach over the others, I’d like to offer five different approaches to interpreting Revelation. Maybe these five different “lenses” will help you see it as a layered and intricate book, but not a scary or intimidating one. Then you can read it and decide for yourself!

1. Preterist - The word “preterism” comes from the Latin for “past.” This approach interprets Revelation in the light of events that occurred in the past - most likely events that took place before the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD, or possibly events in the first few centuries before the destruction of the Roman Empire in the 400’s. In this approach, Revelation 1.1 tells us that the events will happen imminently, and have now since passed. Only chapters 21-22 (vision of new heaven and new earth) prophecy events to take place in the future.

2. Futurist - As the name implies, this approach takes the opposite stance from the Preterist. This approach interprets everything after chapter 3 to be events yet to take place. For the futurist, Revelation is a vision of events that will happen soon before Christ’s return and the end of the world.

3. Historicist - A bit of a mashup of the first two, this approach sees Revelation as symbolic of events that take place between the two advents of Christ. Revelation’s series of events began at Christ’s first coming, and stretch across the entire period of time until He returns. In this approach, the events correspond to actual events or people in God’s New Testament history of redemption.

4. Idealist - Reluctant to identify anything in Revelation with particular events or people, this approach is perhaps the most different. To the Idealist, John’s visions are symbolic of the all the struggles the church faces between Christ’s first and second comings. This approach allows the letter to have its impact on Christians struggling under political and religious persecution in the first century, but also holds that the visions describe circumstances the universal church will deal with until Jesus returns.

5. Eclectic - This last method is an incorporation of the strengths of the other four approaches. Acknowledging Revelation may be written about specific past and future events, but allowing that the interpretation of some events may apply to the church in all circumstances, this approach seems the easiest and most logical to take - however, the interpreter ends up being able to ascribe many different meanings to the same vision.

At the end of the day, one thing is for certain - Jesus wins! And if you don't get anything else out of this letter, be encouraged that victory belongs to God. The church is triumphant, and one day God will make everything perfect and new again. “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev. 22.20)

Steve Adler  |  Discipleship Pastor

Read Proverbs 31.10-31

Though most of the Proverbs were written (or recorded as spoken) by Solomon, no author is named for this acrostic that ends the Proverbs. Written in a similar format to Psalm 119, each verse begins with the successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

"Excellence" is the theme. Verse 10 begins, "An excellent wife who can find?" and the poem begins to wrap up in verse 29, "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." By starting and ending the description with "excellence," the author creates a framework for all the virtues to fit and blend into. In other words, her excellence comes from her having (or being) "the whole package!"

As the author describes the perfect (model for a) woman, he fairly consistently alternates between her virtue within her own household and her involvement in economic matters. In verses 11-13, 15, 17, 19, 21-22, 25, and 27, she is extolled for how she manages her house and her family. She has her husband's trust and is good to him, she works hard, fixes dinner, dresses everyone warm when its cold outside, has a good sense of humor, and isn't lazy. Then in verses 14, 16, 18, 20, and 24, she is praised for her wisdom and financial savvy. She is wise financially, she's a good steward, she is entrepreneurial and works hard for financial reward, but she's not greedy - she helps the poor and needy.

All of which lead the author to conclude in verses 28-31 that her children see her effort and her husband also, and it inspires praise from them. A woman who "fears the LORD" is worthy of praise - her godliness outweighs her charm, beauty, and all of these other qualities. This model is presented in the light of her fear of the LORD. And that's the key - this is a model.

Something for all women to aspire to.

And something for all men to look for.

Steve Adler  |  Discipleship Pastor

So what do we do? How should Christians respond? Navigating the holidays, with all of Santa’s myth and folklore, popularity and mystery, can be tricky for a people who know the real meaning of Christmas - which is Immanuel, “God with us.” Ultimately, there are three ways to deal with Santa: we can wholesale reject him, we can unquestioningly accept him, or we can intentionally (and carefully) incorporate him into a bigger picture - namely, the celebration of the incarnation and gracious giving.

WHOLESALE REJECTION
This approach often demonizes Santa and turns him into a villain, a commercial fairy tale meant to encourage indulgence and greed. You’ll hear “Santa” is an anagram for “Satan,” and things like that. But the truth is, while there may be some things about Santa you want to reject in your family traditions, there may also be elements of Santa you want to keep around.

UNQUESTIONING ACCEPTANCE
On the other end of the spectrum is the approach that can’t get enough Santa. Every myth, every tradition played out to its fullest - in blind embrace, this approach focuses entirely on toys and flying reindeer and elves, the whole story. However, as you think through Christmas traditions in your family, there may actually be some things that need to be rejected.

I think the truth is, most people live somewhere in between these extremes. Obviously, there are varying degrees of each of these approaches. And there are good things to be noted in each, as well as bad. So the last option might be the most responsible.

INTENTIONAL INCORPORATION
This mixing of the first two approaches takes the good, leaves the bad, and uses Santa to serve another purpose - telling the real Christmas story. Historically, Santa’s legend evolved from Saint Nicholas, a Christian bishop known for generously helping the poor and children. Also, there are creative ways to let children flex their imaginations without being irresponsible or flippant. Mixing Santa into the Christmas tradition while still primarily celebrating the Advent story is possible - it just takes more work, more intentionality!

There are lots of great resources out there to expound the good and bad in each of these approaches, but the important thing to remember is that as Christians we are called to glorify God in everything we do, whether that’s eating or drinking (or celebrating Christmas) or whatever we do (1 Cor. 10.31).

Steve Adler  |  Discipleship Pastor

Now imagine a game of Telephone that lasts sixteen hundred years and spans several continents. The story starts out about a Christian bishop named Nicholas who lives out Christ’s command to “sell what you have and give to the poor” by spending his inheritance helping the needy. The story ends up about a chubby, old man (that never ages) who lives at the North Pole making toys alongside an army of elves - toys that will be delivered (with the help of flying reindeer) all over the world in one night by entering and exiting homes through chimneys.

Now that’s a game of Telephone!

So when and how did the story of Saint Nicholas change so much? Obviously it evolved little by little, with subtle cultural changes being made all the time. But there are a few major turning points worth noting as we unwrap Santa - events that changed the story or the expectations. Interestingly, the biggest changes have come only in the last 200 years or so. Here is a (very) brief timeline of Santa Claus’s evolution:

343 - Soon after Bishop Nicholas’s death, the Eastern Church began to celebrate his life and remember his inspiring witness.

Late 900’s - Prince Vladimir I introduced Russia to Saint Nicholas and Christianity, and even today Nicholas is one of Russia’s most beloved saints.

1100’s - Poor children began receiving gifts and candy from French nuns on December 6th (St. Nicholas Day), but it was still about helping the needy in honor of Nicholas and ultimately, Christ.

For hundreds of years little of his story changed. And in celebrating St. Nicholas Day, it involved not much more than a feast and gifts given to needy children. Nicholas has remained a favorite saint all over Europe. Even today you’ll find him commemorated in Russian, Italian, French, Dutch, English, and Belgian churches.

1809 - The biggest change yet came when Washington Irving wrote the imaginative satire Knickerbocker’s History of New York. Saint Nicholas was described as a member of the Dutch bourgeoisie (wealthy middle class), an elvish figure with a clay pipe who brings gifts down chimneys.

1821 - Even bigger changes came from an anonymous poem with illustrations called The Children’s Friend. In this poem “Sante Claus” arrives from the North on Christmas Eve (not December 6th) to reward good children with safe gifts such as balls, dolls, or books so children can learn. Arriving in a sleigh pulled by a flying reindeer, he also punishes bad children by leaving them black rods to be disciplined with (something like switches).

1823 - The Americanization of Saint Nicholas took a giant leap forward with a poem we’ve all heard, A Visit From Saint Nicholas - better known as ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. This poem forms the basis of much of what we think about Santa’s look and about his Christmas Eve activity, and became a defining holiday classic in America.

1864-1886 - Political cartoonist Thomas Nast gave us a picture of Santa’s look during a series of annual drawings based on these earlier poems. He drew a round Santa with a long beard, red suit, and pipe. This was also the time when “Saint Nicholas” phonetically changed to “Santa Claus.”

1931 - By the late 1920’s a thoroughly American Santa had evolved - no longer an elvish figure, he was now a full-sized, aged man wearing red and white fur. Norman Rockwell and other popular artists solidified this picture of Santa. Then in 1931, Haddon Sundblom was commissioned by Coca-Cola to draw Santa for Coke’s “Thirst Knows No Season” campaign. He drew Coke’s Christmas advertisements for thirty-five years, implanting Santa firmly into contemporary commercial culture. Coke’s Santa became an icon for consumers at Christmastime and the Santa we most recognize today.

So what should Christians do with Santa? He started out strong, a Christian bishop, protector of children, a symbol of beneficence. But he’s become the icon for commercialism and indulgence during the holidays. We’ve heard his beginning and how he evolved, but now what? Next time, we’ll put Santa in perspective and consider how Christians might respond to him.

Steve Adler  |  Discipleship Pastor

Getting to the root of questions like “Who is Santa” and “Was he a real person” lead us back in time to the village of Patara, on the southern coast of modern-day Turkey. Nicholas was born around 270 AD to wealthy, yet devoutly Christian parents who taught him to revere and obey the teachings of Jesus. While still young, Nicholas lost his parents to an epidemic and received his inheritance - an inheritance that he spent living out Jesus’s command to “sell what you have and give to the poor” (Matt. 19.21).

Nicholas was appointed Bishop of Myra (also located in modern-day Turkey), and his reputation for being generous spread. He became known for his concern and generosity toward the needy, and also for his love of children. Then under Diocletian, one of the most ruthless of the Roman emperors, Nicholas was exiled and imprisoned for his faith. However, after his release he attended the Council of Nicaea in 325, where he vehemently argued for the doctrine of the Trinity. Almost twenty years later in 343 AD, Bishop Nicholas died. Now the day of his death, December 6th, is celebrated around the world as St. Nicholas Day - a day of remembering the generous saint by giving gifts and feasting.

There are many extraordinary stories of the bishop helping the needy, including one about a poor father of three daughters who had no dowry (payment for marriage) to offer potential husbands. With nothing to offer, the daughters would likely be sold into slavery. But three different times a bag of gold appeared at the home. Tossed through the window, legend has the bags of gold landing in shoes set before the fire to dry. And unknowingly today, we still practice a custom born out of this legend - hanging stockings on the fireplace for Saint Nicholas to fill.

As you start to see some connections emerging between Santa and Saint Nicholas, the questions begin to evolve; if Santa’s roots are in a fourth-century Christian saint, how did we move from Saint Nicholas to the jolly, red-suited, white-bearded man we call Santa today? To that we’ll turn next time…. Until then, Happy St. Nicholas Day!

Steve Adler  |  Discipleship Pastor

Next Step:

St. Nicholas Day is celebrated all over the world in different ways - in many places, its the primary gift-giving day, not Christmas. Parents, don’t waste this opportunity to start a new tradition in your family. Tell your children about the real Saint Nicholas. Let his example help you teach about Jesus’s commands to care for the poor and needy. Be creative! It doesn’t have to replace Christmas, but do something special to remember Nicholas and his generosity. (Parents, its also a great way to remind ourselves a few things about the Christmas season and the Christian message of hope, sacrifice, and generosity.)

But then, who is Santa? And where did he come from? If you saw any Black Friday spending reports, you might think he’s the real reason for the season. So who is this jolly, bearded, red-suited man who keeps a list and checks it twice? Why does he reward the nice children with gifts? Was he a real person? Why does he travel by flying reindeer?

For Christians (especially parents with small kids), Santa can sometimes be downright hard to deal with. Should we participate in "Santa" traditions? Are we lying to our kids if we do? Are we robbing or depriving them of some opportunity to flex their imaginations if we don’t? Are we promoting consumerism and indulgence if we do? Will they resent us or think they missed out if we don’t? A reasonable case could be made either way - and for Christians, who should be intentional about the traditions in their homes, it can be hard to know exactly what to do with Santa.

On Sunday mornings we’re “Unwrapping Jesus.” And here at the blog over the next couple of weeks, we’re “Unwrapping Santa.” We’ll take a look at Santa Claus, try to answer a few of our questions, and hopefully you’ll walk away with your soul fed and your mind more informed about this “polar”-izing symbol of Christmas….

Steve Adler  |  Discipleship Pastor

“I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you  in Christ Jesus,” 1 Corinthians 1.4

“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,” Ephesians 1.16

“I thank God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,” Philippians 1.3-4

“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,” Colossians 1.3

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers,” 1 Thessalonians 1.2

“We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.” 2 Thessalonians 1.3

“I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service,” 1 Timothy 1.12

“I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.” 2 Timothy 1.3

“I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints,” Philemon 4

You don’t have to read far in the Apostle Paul’s letters before you get to thanksgiving. Of all his epistles only 2 Corinthians, Galatians, and Titus lack an address of thanks in the first chapter. But what made Paul so thankful? This was a man that had been shipwrecked, beaten, stoned, robbed, hated by both Jews and Gentiles, hungry, cold - and some of his letters were even written while in prison! (2 Cor. 11.23-29)

So what did the apostle have to be so thankful for? Paul remembered something that we so easily forget.

The gospel.

Not blessing, not money, not health, not success, not results, not comfort, not good works. The gospel. The gospel is an announcement - a proclamation of something thats already taken place. The gospel is not something we can be to other people. The gospel is not something to be lived out. The gospel is not simply what you believe to get into Heaven.

The gospel is more than that. The gospel is something thats already been done. Its good news, not good advice. Jesus died for us. He set us free from sin and death, and made us alive to obedience and joy! When we were unable to save ourselves, Someone else saved us and made us co-heirs with Himself to all the riches of God.

Paul remembered this, and in his letter to the church at Colossae (written while imprisoned) he encouraged them to remember it too. He says, “as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” (Col. 2.6-7) Evoking imagery of trees and building - things that need strong foundations - Paul exhorts them to not forget the foundation. And the result?

Abounding in thanksgiving.

Christians should overflow with thanksgiving. When we forget about Jesus, we forget to be thankful.

This holiday, remember the foundation of your faith - Christ Jesus the Lord. Just as you received him, so walk in him. You received him humbly and without any doing of your own. Walk in him the same way - humbly and thankfully.

Steve Adler  |  Discipleship Pastor

The United States Marine Corps was formed by Captain Samuel Nicholas by a resolution of the Second Continental Congress, on November 10, 1775, and today’s date is celebrated as the birthday of the Marines. For the past 236 years, the Marines have stood ready to fight for our country. Honor, courage, and commitment are their tenets. Amphibious assault, air-ground, expeditionary - they do it all - and do it as the smallest of the armed forces under the Department of Defense. As of June, 2011, there were less than 150,000 active duty Marines. As a branch of the armed forces in America, they symbolize protection from tyranny, freedom for the oppressed, and courage in the face of adversity. The Marine Corps slogan is “semper fidelis,” which is Latin for “always faithful.” But there is another birthday today that produced for us a man who pointed to the One who really is Always Faithful.

Martin Luther was also born on this day in 1483. His father, a miner, wanted more for his son, and enrolled Martin in school to become a lawyer. But in a moment of desperation, Martin made a vow to God that he would become a monk if his life was spared. So entering an Augustinian monastery, Martin Luther was put on a path that ultimately would revolutionize the Christian faith and the history of Europe and the Catholic Church.

As time went on, Luther became increasingly convinced of the abuses of the Church and the Pope. That, coupled with his own wrestling with assurance of salvation, led him back to the doctrine of justification by grace through faith as he studied through the book of Romans. With his famous 95 Theses posted to the Castle Church door, Luther’s honor, courage, and commitment to stand up to the Pope and the Catholic Church ignited the Protestant Reformation - a period of the Church’s history summarized by latin phrases as well. Known as the “Five Solas,” they are “Solus Christus,” “Sola Gratia,” “Sola Fide,” “Soli Deo Gloria,” and “Sola Scriptura.” In that order they mean, “Christ Alone,” “Grace Alone,” “Faith Alone,” “The Glory of God Alone,” and “Scripture Alone.”

While Luther was fighting a different kind of oppression and abuse than the Marines, they both stood/stand for freedom - one national and the other religious. Today, be proud of your country and those who’ve served. Thank the Lord that He, in His grace, has placed you under the protection of a strong armed force.

But also be thankful that He’s had men and women throughout the ages (like Martin Luther) willing to fight for truth in Scripture, willing to stand up to tyranny and abuse, and seek the Lord for reform and freedom in the Church.

Steve Adler  |  Discipleship Pastor

How easily do we forget that He is coming back? Do we pray for His return? Do we pray for our Lord to come? Maranatha helped keep that hope at the forefront of Christians’s minds in the early days of the church. Remembering to pray for Jesus to return quickly escapes us often. Next week our Student Ministry is doing something unlike it has ever done, and this thing is not commonplace among young people in our world today. We are having a Maranatha Week. We have asked the students to fast from something that will allow them to spend a greater amount of time with God (Facebook, texting, XBOX, etc.). The idea is to remove some sort of distraction and spend more time seeking the face of God. Along with this, we are asking Jesus to come and to invade our lives. The students have responded with great maturity and excitement in choosing something that will be difficult to give up and will cause them to rely on God.

You should be proud of our students. You should hear their prayers as they cry out for Jesus to move in their lives and those surrounding them. There’s a pretty good chance if you have a student in our ministry, then you have been prayed for on a Wednesday night. Asking God to do big things in your life or to grow more deeply in Him requires persistence, desire, and being radical. Giving up something you love for a week is a small step towards learning that this life isn’t all there is, but at least its a step. Join us in prayer as the students embark on a spiritual journey over the next week, a journey we hope will help teach them how to be firmly rooted in Christ and how to desire that He be greater in their lives.

Maranatha!

Brandon Weir   |  Student Pastor

That day Martin Luther fulfilled Jon Hus's prophecy from a hundred years earlier. In 1415, on the night before he was burned at the stake for preaching against the Catholic Church's abuses, Hus wrote, "Today, you are burning a goose ["Hus" means "goose" in Czech]; however, a hundred years from now, you will be able to hear a swan sing, you will not burn it, you will have to listen to him." And listen to him they did. They still listen. If you travel all over Germany even today, there are swan statues that symbolize Martin Luther and his influence. 

In Luther's day, the only hope for reduced time in Purgatory for members of the Church came in the form of Indulgences; these merits were based on the sinless life and perfect works of Jesus and Mary, His mother. According to the Catholic Church, their merits were "stored up" in heaven, where they could be dispersed by the Pope - for a price.  And many of Luther's theses were aimed directly at the sale of Indulgences. Consider his words in thesis 27, "There is no divine authority for preaching that the soul flies out of the purgatory immediately as the money clinks in the bottom of the chest."

Luther had spent months preaching against the sale of Indulgences, and compiling his theses. So on the evening before Nov. 1 (All Saints Day), he posted his 95 Theses where they would be read and discussed by other Augustinian monks - on the door of the church. On All Saints Day, the Indulgence business would be booming as people came from all over to pay to see relics (items the Catholic Church collected and charged people to see) such as a veil sprinkled with the blood of Christ, a twig of Moses' burning bush, or a piece of bread from the last supper.

As news of Luther's "attack" spread, a new era in the church's history dawned. The Word began to be translated into common languages. There was a return to Scripture as the Authority - not the Pope. "Sola Scriptura" (Scripture Alone) became the battlecry of The Reformation. These "protesters" and their movement, Protestantism, gained steam and began refocusing the good news about Jesus on grace and faith and God's sovereign plan for the ages. Martin Luther taught that Christ is our righteousness. That we are justified by grace alone, through faith alone - not through the Catholic Church and her Indulgences. And Luther's motivation, I believe, is summed up in thesis 62, "The true treasure of the church is the Holy gospel of the glory and the grace of God."

October 31 is indeed a day to celebrate! But it has nothing to do with pagan rituals or pumpkins or costumes. On this day just under 500 years ago, one man took a stand against the entire Catholic Church because he believed the authority and truth of the Bible. And it ignited a movement that we are proud to be part of still today. So what are you celebrating this October 31?

Don't let Reformation Day go by unnoticed. As you celebrate today, use this date as a teaching moment in your family. Take a moment to thank God for His saints and their convictions. And finally, thank God for their boldness and ask Him to give us that same spirit of unrest when we see abuse. Soli Deo Gloria! (The Glory of God Alone)

Steve Adler  |  Discipleship Pastor

In Philippians 1:19-26, the Apostle Paul talks about his life in a reckless way. Listen to how little he tries to protect an “image” in front of the church he leads from a distance. He seems to have no care of whether his life was to end that very day. “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know.” (Phil. 1:21-22) Paul could not decide whether it was better to live and labor for Christ or to die and be with Him. He saw the benefits in both. Paul’s deep devotion to Christ came from the Damascus Road. Jesus knew Paul (Saul at that time) by name. Jesus knew Paul. Paul’s devotion came from his relationship with Christ. It’s amazing to see how people live their lives when Jesus is their best friend.

Paul’s statement amazes me for a number of reasons, but most of all because of Paul’s devotion to Christ above himself. Many times I will do anything to protect my life and my image. I know that I am not alone in this desire to protect myself, but I long to love the Lord as Paul did. God is calling all of us to be reckless with our lives, but this does not mean we are all called to stop caring about our lives today. Often we think if we are not living out the Bible fully today then we are failures at Christianity. Paul had been growing in his faith for a while to come to that point. Be reckless for Christ in small ways: give away money to a needy cause, fast from something for a week, tell a coworker or a friend about Jesus, spend thirty minutes with God instead of in front of the TV. There are many ways we can be reckless for Jesus right where we are. Watch as God starts with the small things and grows you into a person deeply devoted to Christ, as Paul was. As you begin to grow, watch as it affects the people around you. Let’s become a reckless church for Christ.

Brandon Weir  |  Student Pastor

Paul's letter to the Romans can be divided into two main parts - the first is basically descriptive (chapters 1-11), while the second part (chapters 12-16) is mostly prescriptive.

Briefly, descriptive texts describe something that happened. So we derive a lot of what we know about God, and about the life of righteousness, by reading these descriptive texts that tell us what happened. For example, we know that God is triune because of what is described at Jesus' baptism. In Matthew 3.16-17, as Jesus (the Son) was baptized, a dove (the Spirit) descended to rest on him, and a voice (the Father) said, "This is my Son, in whom I am well pleased." All three Persons of God are visible in this text, and as Matthew describes the event, we infer that God is three-in-one.

Prescriptive texts are those that prescribe actions, so we learn what to do and what not to do by simply being told. For example, we know not to steal because God spoke into the Law, "You shall not steal" (Ex. 20.15). And on the other hand, we should put God's words into practice, because we have been commanded in James 1.22, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only...."

Now, Romans is (for the most part) descriptive from chapters 1-11. Paul describes God's revelation of Himself and His righteousness (1-8), and Israel's part in that revelation (9-11). Chapters 12-16 are mostly prescriptive, and give us practical implications of, and instructions for, applying the righteousness of God. These verses (Rom. 12.1-2) are at the intersection of these two main parts of the book of Romans.

"I appeal to you therefore..."

"Therefore" refers back to chapters 1-11. Since Paul is gearing up to tell us (prescribe) in chapters 12-16 how to live as a follower of Jesus, he leans on everything about God he has described in chapters 1-11. In other words, our obedience to his instructions in the second part of the letter, should come about because of everything that happened in the first part.

"brothers, by the mercies of God,... "

"By the mercies of God" also points back to chapters 1-11, where God is shown to save freely and out of His mercy, not owing to anything in us.

"to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

This is Old Testament talk. Paul uses language and imagery from Israel's past sacrificial system to illustrate that our bodies, indeed our whole lives, should be devoted and "sacrificed" to God (Heb. 13.15-16) - in the same way that, before Jesus, animals were sacrificed as an acceptable act of worship to God (see Lev. 1-7).

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,..."

How are our minds transformed? By hiding the word of God in our hearts (Ps 119.11), and letting it reshape who we are.

"that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

This phrase "that by testing you may discern" is translated from the Greek "dokimazo." It gives the sense of finding out if something is valuable by putting it to use. As our minds are transformed and as we are tested, we learn the value and greatness of the will of God. And the will of God is good. It is acceptable. And it is perfect!

Steve Adler  |  Discipleship Pastor

It is obvious that the disciples were followers of Christ and that they believed in the truths Jesus taught -they believed it so much that they followed him in death. Being a disciple is not easily defined and whole books have been written on the subject. However, there is one aspect of being a disciple that is often overlooked.

The Greek word for disciple is mathetes, which literally means “a learner.” To be a follower of Christ means to be a learner. We see this in the disciples as they followed Jesus around for three years soaking up His teaching. Learning for the disciples meant listening, but it also meant doing. Jesus teaches his disciples by having them do what he teaches them. (Luke 9 and 10)

We live in an age where learning about Christ is more possible than ever before. A trip to the local Christian bookstore gives us a plethora of options to learn about Christ. The Fellowship’s foyer is filled with books for further study. We have commentaries and sermons more readily available to us than any other people in history. The question is, Are we are using those options to learn, to be true disciples?

Are we learning by putting our faith into practice? God wants us to be humble, approachable, and teachable. We should learn from the people around us and view discipleship as a healthy process. God’s been teaching me about what it means to be a disciple and that when we stop learning, we stop being true disciples.

Brandon Weir  |  Student Pastor

What if your power allowed you to get anywhere without a map or GPS system? What if you could pick a perfect cantaloupe every time? What if you could wash your car with your mind? Mow your lawn with a sneeze? What if you could read anyone’s handwriting (a child’s, your doctor, etc.)? Actually, God’s gifts are better than imaginary gifts of superheroes. We have the strength of joy on our side, and its unshakeable, indestructible, and invincible. Joy is just one of the many gifts that God gives to his people. And that joy makes us…strong? Of all the words you could use to describe the joy of the Lord, would “strong” be on your list? As believers, we already know that God is the source of our inner strength. He’s even called by that name – my Strength – in scripture. Here is what God’s Word has to say about the strength of joy.

O my Strength, I sing praise to you. Psalm 59:17

This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. Psalm 28:7

I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior, He is my strength. Habakkuk 3:18

According to Isaiah 60:5, God’s glory will make your heart throb and swell with joy. In Psalm 21:1, David wrote of rejoicing in the Lord’s strength and the joy of the victories given to him.

How can the joy of the Lord be our strength? Think of joy as God’s form of Wheaties. It keeps us going. It gives us wings. It supports our steps. It strengthens our resolve. It steadies our nerves. It steels up our spine. It lightens our load. It brightens our outlook. It lifts our hearts. 

Joy isn’t always just a byproduct of God’s blessings. Joy is a source of strength in our lives, and Jesus gave it intentionally. Here’s what He said in John 17:13, “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.”

Joy in the believer’s life is in direct proportion to your walk with the Lord. Joy is a fruit of a Spirit-led life (Galatians 5:22). It is not something you can create by your own efforts. Do you like Ranch dressing? Ketchup? Butter? All of these condiments make things taste better. Who knows, you may consider one a food group. But whether you are a dipper, a dunker, or a drencher, your food is tastier with the addition. In our lives, everything we have from the Lord is made even better by the presence of joy. Ask the Lord to teach your heart to rejoice in His many blessings. Ask Him to add joy to your life of faith so that your faith is made stronger. Then the joy of the Lord can be your strength.

Tori Mitteness  |  Womens Ministry Lead Team

The Bible is an interesting book in many regards. It is a great book of history - much of it confirmed over and over again by modern archaeology and science. Over 23,000 times, historical and archaeological findings have confirmed stories in the Bible. No other ancient book can boast such a record of accuracy.

It is a phenomenal piece of literature, full of wisdom and stories - and they all have a striking unity. Indeed they all fit together to make up one story, the "great story" that flows from cover-to-cover in the Bible: Creation, Fall, Redemption. A story that, until Jesus, always points forward to Him. Then after Jesus, always points back at Him.

The Bible is an instructional book as well. It truly tells us how to live our "best life now." And it looks entirely different than how some of America's most "successful" pastors describe it. But it also tells us that our best life is not happening now - our best life begins when this one ends. The apostle Paul says it this way, "to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Phil. 1.21).

And maybe most importantly, the Bible is a book of theology - revealed to us by God in order to teach us about Him. To teach us about us. And to teach us about the Man Jesus Christ, who is the Great Mediator between a holy God and sinful men.

In it's original texts, the Bible is inerrant and infallible. It will stand forever, and it is objective truth. The Bible is the source, and an inexhaustible fountain, of all wisdom. And though our modern translations and editions are not free from error, we can rest assured that the Holy Spirit, the invisible Author, will lead us into truth and unlock the meaning of the scriptures when rightly studied and treasured.

Steve Adler  |  Discipleship Pastor