A Timely Message

December 2013 – Grace & Truth Magazine

A Timely Message

Considering the time of the year, one might expect us to focus on the holiday celebrating the birth of Christ. Certainly the details of His incarnation are of great value and interest to believers as we see many aspects of the preciousness of our Lord Jesus Christ presented. Such things may be found in Matthew 1-2 regarding the miraculous conception, His name and what He is called, and the gifts of the magi. Or we may think of the various declarations and expressions of praise presented in the first two chapters of Luke. Many other related passages also come to mind from which we reap great blessing when we focus on the Lord Jesus Christ. We encourage you to read these portions for your own encouragement and to grow in the grace and knowledge of Him (2 Pet. 3:18).

For this edition, as we come to the close of another year, we have chosen to spend much of our time challenging the saints – ourselves included – to live as we ought. We want to consider God’s thoughts as presented in Malachi, the last words found in the Old Testament. It was a time when things were simply not right among God’s chosen people, Israel – much like the situation found today among those who claim the name of Christ. Although the questions in Malachi were directed at the nation, we can find much profit if we ask them of ourselves. What answer might you give for each issue God raises? How can I improve in my walk with the Lord during the coming weeks and year, while waiting for that day when we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is (1 Jn. 3:2)?

May we be willing to allow the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit to do their work in our lives, whether “for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16 NASB). “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:5-6).

We do not know when we will hear the last words of invitation to unbelievers. It may be today! If you have not put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, the one born for the purpose of bearing your judgment and dying for you, we urge you to make that commitment now – before it is too late.

By Paul Alberts