From Death to Life: High School Senior

            From Death to Life: High School Senior

Everyone has a story. Whether yours is told to millions or a few, it’s still your story. And it’s important.

My coming to receive Jesus as my Lord and Savior accelerated during my senior year of high school. A young lady in the soprano section of our school choir didn’t talk much, which stood out. Eventually I met her, noticing that she was different, having something I did not have. At the time I didn’t know what that “something” was.

In the spring I met this girl’s family, when I picked her up to drive us to our choir teacher’s house, for a picnic. Her family had a “something” about them that I couldn’t fathom, but found myself liking. 

This girl and her family were Christians. Growing up in a denominational church I knew the term, just not the experience. I attended a church where, outside of singing and the pastor’s 20-minute sermon, the loudest sound was the lady a few rows  behind us unwrapping her candy. 

Two months after the choir picnic our high school graduation was held at Cole Field House, on the campus of the University of Maryland, thus marking the end of my formal education. By now I had become more acquainted with the young lady and her family. Looking back it has occurred to me that this family saw me as a lost young man looking for reality. A one-person mission field.

Searches for reality came in many forms back in 1969, as they do today. Drugs, alcohol, sex-they were all available, but-thankfully-were never participated in. Well, there was a one-half can of stolen beer that, fortunately, I disliked. No regrets to this day about not participating in such activities.

This is part of my story, one of me coming to experience Life. I invite you to join me as I recount portions of the steps taken, which lead from death to Life.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2019-2024

My Christmas Suggestion

Thanksgiving Day has passed. On to Christmas, with festive displays, seasonal smells, and presents given and received. On the surface I see nothing wrong with this. I like this season.

But I do have a problem with those who refuse to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas. Indeed, some intentionally keep Christ out of Christmas, while (literally) banking on profiting from their products and or services finding homes for Christmas. Our homes. All at a price, of course. 

Here’s my Christmas suggestion:

All individuals, companies, and organizations promoting Christmas-related services and/or products must do the following, in order to have a “Christmas Permit.” This permit allows the holder to profit from such services/products during the Christmas season which, for many, starts in August. Some even sooner. Here would be the requirements of the individual and group permit holders:

1. Have a signed statement prominently displayed on their website, windows, and/or vehicles stating their affirmation of Christmas being the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

2. Require all employees and vendors to say “Merry Christmas,” rather than “Happy Holidays.” 

Sound radical or ridiculous? Maybe, but requiring so would force those profiting from Christmas at least do so honestly. Those who choose not to wouldn’t be allowed to sell anything having to do with Christmas. 

Realistic? Perhaps not, but that’s my Christmas suggestion. What’s yours?

What’s something you’d like to see to return this nation more to the real meaning of Christmas?

Copyright © Hubert Gardner Ministries 2019-2024

What's Your Christmas Theology?

Depending on where you are at this moment, it's either Christmas Eve or actually Christmas. It's the day where the birth of Jesus is celebrated by millions around the world. Even those who don't believe in the birth of Jesus rejoice, because of potential income derived from retail sales of everything from food to family pictures, from the functional to the frivolous. Getting something on sale is all the justification some need for purchasing that item that comes with buyer's remorse, sometimes after the bill arrives. But what about all the Christmas music being played? Stores, stations, and sidewalks sound forth songs of the season. Songs which have become Christmas "staples" include: Silent Night,  Away in a Manger, The First Noel, O Little Town of Bethlehem, and O Holy Night-my favorite-to name but a few.

With any song, words are important. Such is certainly the case with each Christmas song, some which date back over 200 years. While I enjoy most Christmas carols, I respectfully disagree with many lyrics which I hear and/or have sung as part of group caroling.

The following are parts of songs which are clearly out of line with the Bible:

Away in a Manger: "No crib for a bed" makes Joseph out to be poor, which he, as a carpenter, certainly wasn't.  Paying yearly taxes made for lots of rooms being used, resulting in Joseph having a stable being used for lodging.  As a carpenter, he made a good living, resulting in him prospering. The hotels of the day were simply booked full.

We Three Kings: Who says there were only three kings? There could have been dozens for all we know. Perhaps the song mentions three due to gold, frankincense, and myrrh (three items) being brought. It's not ours to speculate on how many kings there were, but rather to let our focus be on the birth of Jesus.

What Child is This: The child Jesus isn't the same as baby Jesus. Manger scenes show kings bowing before Jesus, laid in a manger. In truth, the kings found the child Jesus at around two years old. It took them that long to make the journey from the Far East to where Jesus lived. This helps to explain why King Herod ordered all male children, aged two and under, to be killed-not just all male babies.

The First Noel: "was to certain poor shepherds..." Who says the shepherds were poor? This carol also refers to "...a cold winter's night." Jesus wasn't born on December 25th; it's the day set aside to celebrate His birth. In reality Jesus was born when it was warmer.

While I could go on and on, suffice to say that Christmas carols ought not be relied upon for biblical accuracy. Enjoy them, for sure. Go caroling, sing your favorite carols in church and home, and really enjoy celebrating the birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world.

Just base your faith on what the Bible actually says, rather than "Christmas Theology."

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Is God Seasonal?

Ready or not, Christmas is just around the corner. Amidst the overemphasis on material giving, Christmas is a time of year when even non-Christians give thought to God. It's a time when many seek out a local church to (hopefully) find purpose for their lives. Whether perceived or otherwise, for some it begs the question, "Is God seasonal?" Is God more real at Christmas than other times? Does God reveal Himself more during Christmas than, say, in the middle of summer? After all, Christmas must be high up on God's list of favorite times of the year, since it's about the birth of Jesus, God's Son.

The truth be told God sees things differently than we often do. You see, God doesn't change from one season to another (Malachi 3:6). You can count on God being the same on April 15th as on December 25th. Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall God's the same.

God will be as real to you when there's no Christmas tree or giving of presents, as you may perceive Him to be during this special Christmas season. He's not dependent upon lights, cookies, and special church services to make Himself real to anyone who truly wants to know Him.

Perhaps you know someone who needs to know Jesus, the Savior of the world, right now. Christmas is a time when talking about Jesus is easier than other times of the year. Take advantage and share God's timeless love with those God lays upon your heart to do so-without being pushy.

On the other hand, perhaps you're one of those feeling especially lonely at this time, when others seem to be enjoying this season with family , friends, and neighbors. Perhaps you're that lonely neighbor with no one to be with. No doubt about it, that can be a most difficult time-especially if you're single, recently divorced, or widowed.

God knows your situation. He also wants you to have and walk in the joy of having His life in you. Ask God to send someone across your path to help you. Perhaps you can attend a local church service during this Christmas season. As I write this, Christmas is just a week away. It's not too late to allow the God of all seasons, Who never changes, to give you real love, joy, and peace, through believing on the risen Jesus, Whose birth we celebrate on December 25th, Who's the same every other day as well.

We Were There

Among the the books I read growing up were ones entitled We Were There. This series portrayed characters as being part of the actual events being told about. Whether it was the explorers Lewis and Clark, the Boston Tea Party, or the Battle of Gettysburg, the author made it seem like the reader was actually there, as part of the story. In these scenarios, however, the reader wasn't there. No real exploring with Lewis and Clark, taking cover at Gettysburg, or watching tea being dumped in the Boston harbor. God's Word, the Bible, tells us that we were somewhere with Jesus. I know that this seems impossible, silly, or too good to be true, but please continue reading.

In the Book of Galatians, one of Paul's letters written to fellow Christians, we read that, in the eyes of God, we were crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). Both the book of Romans and Colossians tell us that water baptism is symbolic of us being buried with Christ (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12). This isn't a pretty picture, but it gets better-much better.

Ephesians 2:5,6 reveal to us that, when God quickened-made alive-Jesus Christ from the dead, we were quickened with Him. When God raised Christ from the dead, we were raised with Him. Best of all, when Jesus sat down at God's right hand, God made us sit there too.

We were there, with Christ, when He was made alive, raised up, and seated at God's right hand. Jesus did all the suffering, giving us the credit. Everything Jesus did, He did for us.

I don't claim to understand this in full, but have come to believe it; now I'm walking in this eternal truth. God says that we're seated together with Christ, at God's right hand, in heaven. From that exalted position, we're to enforce the devil's defeat here on the earth, as part of the growing number of triumphant believers called the Church. God's Church.

I've begun to walk in these Bible truths. Not like I'm going to, but my walk has begun. As enjoyable as those "virtual" books were as a boy, this is so much better. This is real; this is truth. WE WERE THERE, crucified, buried, made alive, raised, and seated together WITH Christ, in heavenly places, at God's right hand. Better than any fiction; this is real life.

If this is new to you or, even if you're already walking in these truths, feel free to share your questions and/or comments. We can learn from others, including you.

Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs

In just a few days it will be Election Day in the United States. Proof abounds as signs, promoting candidate after candidate, dot the landscape, particularly around voting precincts. Regardless of one's favorite candidate, it's obvious that something's in the process of happening; changes are coming. Playing baseball as a teenager, signs of a different sort were used. Signs were flashed from catcher to pitcher, indicating what pitch should be thrown. At times, a hitter would up at second base.  From there, a smart runner would attempt to figure out what the opposing catcher's signs were. The baserunner would then yell out a warning to his teammate at home plate who, hopefully knowing what pitch was coming, would be better prepared to hit the ball.

As Christians we live in a time where signs are all around us; they're everywhere. Using the Bible as our guide, we are seeing signs pointing to what's coming. Not a political candidate or a pitch, but the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In Matthew 24:3-14, Jesus gives us signs-advance indicators-of how things will be. When? At the time of His return to take believers (those who are looking for His appearing) to Heaven with Him. Some of the signs are wars, rumors of wars, famines, and earthquakes in different places. Those are signs of potential destruction. A good sign is the Gospel (Good News) of Jesus Christ being preached in all the world. With television, satellites, and the internet, we are seeing the reality of this taking place around the world.

Knowing that signs point to a future event, how should Christians respond to the signs just mentioned? Should we live in fear, hoping to be rescued-the sooner the better? Should we, as some have, purposefully take out mortgages and loans and live it up? After all, when Jesus returns, no more bills, right?

Wrong. Yes, Jesus is coming soon. Yes, once He returns for us, no more natural obligations. But here's the truth: no one, including Jesus, knows when He's coming back. He passed on to His disciples everything God told Him. (John 15:15). Jesus also said no man knows the day or the hour of His coming (Matthew 25:13). To even attempt to guess an exact date is unscriptural, dangerous, and, to be blunt, just plain stupid.

But even though we don't know the exact moment Jesus is returning, the signs of the season of His return are unmistakable. Look around; see the rise of terrorism, the increased persecution of Christians around the world.  Schools allowing satanic bible clubs, while working hard to suppress Bible clubs for Christians. At the same time, the Gospel is going forward; people are coming into the Kingdom of God by the thousands. God's Church, the Body of Christ, is acting more and more like Jesus, enforcing satan's defeat on the earth. Miracles, signs, and wonders (Hebrews 2:4) are being wrought around the world, including the United States. Young men and women, including children, are seeing the power of God like never before (for them). Blind eyes and deaf ears are being opened; limbs are being restored. These are signs of good things to come; indicators of something big about to happen. Yes, the times they are a changing.  Clearly, we are in the season of His return.

Yes, signs are everywhere. But are we recognizing them? And, more importantly, what is our response? Personally, I "vote" to let God use me more and more. Like a good pitcher, I purpose to recognize God's signs being given to me. I purpose to do a better job at understanding the season in which we're in, the season of Christ's return, as well as my part in what God is doing through His Church.

What signs are you seeing? How are you choosing to respond to what you're seeing?

Where's Jesus?

A lot of people are curious about Jesus as a person. More and more people are looking for Jesus, each for his/her own reason(s). How would you respond to someone asking you the following question: "Where's Jesus." Or, how about, "How do I find Him?" First of all, Jesus isn't lost.  It's just a matter of knowing where He is, so people searching for Him can know where to look. To find where Jesus is, let's start by eliminating where He is not. Let's start with the Cross, where Jesus died, becoming sin for us. Is He there? No, He's not. The old wooden Cross is nowhere to be found. Not to take away from the significance of the Cross, but Jesus isn't there.

Next, let's stop by the tomb where Jesus was buried and left, following His resurrection from hell. As much as I'm thankful for the Tomb, Jesus isn't there either. No, Jesus isn't at the Cross. He's not anywhere near the Tomb. So, where's Jesus? Just exactly where is Jesus?

According to Scriptures (Ephesians 1:20; Hebrews 10:12) Jesus is now in Heaven, seated at the right hand of God Himself. Yes, Jesus went to the Cross. He went to hell in our place, paid the penalty for sin, was raised from the dead by God, then left the Tomb.

But Jesus isn't on the Earth. To get people to Jesus we need to take them to where He is right now, on His Heavenly Throne, not where He used to be. People looking for Jesus ought to be brought to where He's been for nearly 2,000 years, offering Life to all who call upon His Name. Once someone comes into a saving knowledge of Jesus, just come into His Presence, before His Throne, anytime at all. He's there.

In Heaven, on His Throne-that's where Jesus is. That's where you'll find Him, even at Christmas and on Easter. That's worth knowing.

Never forget where Jesus was; what He did for you. Where Jesus is now, however, is where we are to bring others-and come ourselves.

It's Better Than Religion

My last post dealt with the evils of religion. You can check it out here. In criticizing religion in general there is no mention of any one particular religion. My purpose was-and is-to point out the evils of religion, without forcing anyone to change. God is a gentleman-He won't force anyone to believe what he/she doesn't want to believe. In contrast to religion Christianity is about a relationship-a relationship experienced with the Living God, Who hears and answers prayers. Christianity is about accepting the life, teachings, and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God's Son, Who lived and walked on this earth, 2,000 years ago. It's coming to God on the basis of what Jesus did for you, not what you can do for yourself. It's coming to Him as you are, not what you can offer God. It's for anyone regardless of age, gender, pedigree, or ethnic background. All because God loves you as you are, right now. Yes, you, the person reading this post. God loves you.

Through studying God's written Word, the Bible, we learn more about who God is, why Jesus came to this earth (historical fact), and what God has provided for us to freely enjoy, on the basis of Jesus's death, burial, and resurrection. It's an offer you're free to accept or reject, as an act of your own will. It's Life for those who accept this free gift; no burnings or beheadings for those who don't.

At the same time, Hell is real. Originally made for the devil, it now, sadly, also includes those who have willfully chosen to reject Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives. Not for breaking any or all of the Ten Commandments. For the singular sin of saying "No" to the Life God offers, through His Son, Jesus Christ. I surely don't want anyone to wind up in Hell, with the devil.

Eternity's a long time.

Yes, Hell is real. The most religious place in the universe is Hell. It's full of religious folks, with no relationship with the Living God. They're separated from God for eternity. That's Hell. Fortunately no one is forced to go there. If you've never made Jesus the Lord of your life, pray this simple prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the Name of Jesus, Your Son. I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord; I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead for me. Therefore, according to your Word (Romans 10:9,10) I'm saved. I'm now Your child."

If you prayed this prayer from your heart you're now a Christian, a child of God. That's worth telling other Christians.

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