The angel said to Mary, “Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The name “Jesus” means Savior. That is what Jesus truly is. Man is lost in sin and needs a Savior, Jesus. What do the scriptures tell us about the name of Jesus?
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The anticipation of his speech had been building for quite a few days. Only a select group would be allowed to hear his words in person. Security was very tight. The room was draped in dark blue curtains. A simple podium was ready for his use. His speech would be a little over thirteen minutes. There would not be an opportunity for anyone to ask follow-up questions. What would this man say? What would his demeanor be? This is not the speech of a politician or world leader. Whether you know anything about golf or not, you’ve probably heard of Tiger Woods. His rise in the sport of golf was spectacular. Some would say that Tiger Woods is golf and that golf is Tiger Woods. His speech has been criticized by some as fake, while others point out how genuine he was. Tiger has suffered in many ways for his sin. Tiger has had many people counseling him what he should say in this speech and what he should do. I wasn’t asked, but here is my advice for Tiger.
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As the servants are rewarded (Matt. 25:19-23) they are told to “enter into the joy of the Lord.” This joy will be experienced in heaven. What great joy to live with God eternally! That joy will be experienced by those that have genuine joy here.
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Recently while waiting to make a visit at the hospital a family was observed outside a door with sad faces. Their mother had lost a battle with cancer. The funeral home had been called and their representative arrived to remove the body. He came with the gurney and waited outside the door. While waiting a young lady passed with a balloon. It was a birthday balloon. She came to celebrate the bringing in of a new life into the world. In that hallway life and death passed each other. Statistics tell us that every 8 seconds a baby is born and every 11 seconds a death occurs. The beginning of life and its end are facts of life. We see each happening often.
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On any given Sunday I stand in the pulpit to preach the gospel to an assembly of people. My vantage point gives me the ability to watch things that others may never see.

I saw a couple holding hands while all were singing. What a joy to see a husband and wife together for worship. It surely is a delight as God beholds a family gathered together to worship Him (John 4:23; Psalm 127:1). It is thrilling to see a family filling up an entire pew. Families come to worship because they love God and also love one another (Ephesians 5:23-25). This preacher is thankful for all our godly families.
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