Bethlehem & Passover

© 06-08 Born-Again-Christian.info

O little town of Bethlehem

Q: Why was Jesus born in Bethlehem?

A: Now you've made me think! I assume you mean beyond the obvious need to fulfil the Messianic prophecies such as Mic. 5:2. Why was Bethlehem chosen in the prophecies?

It means house of bread, a small town only five miles south of Jerusalem. Rachel was buried there, Ruth and Boaz lived there, and David was also born in Bethlehem.

I'm not sure yet, there must be a lot to it, send us your ideas, but I suggest it is related to being outside Jerusalem, small, and inconsequential. Much as youthful David was at first overlooked when Samuel came to anoint him as the next King. Jesse never even thought to present David to the Prophet! 1 Sam. 16:1-13.

Isn't that the way God still loves to work? He chose you and me as His partners in the Greatest Mission of all.

Update: Further light from Galatians 4:21-31:

Jerusalem represents Mount Sinai and The Law (v.25). Notice how the Holy Spirit uses Hagar and Sarah to contrast The Law with The Promise.

So, to be consistent with the illustration of bondage and promised liberty, Christ could not be born in Jerusalem (enslaved to the Law), but had to be born outside the City in a place of Promise. (David's birthplace.)

He was born under Law, and though, being sinless, not subject to the Law of sin and death, He submitted Himself to the Law for our sakes.

How fitting also, the Manna in the desert was a symbol of the Messiah, the Bread of Heaven (Jn. 6:48-51), who was born in the house of Bread, Bethlehem (Mtt. 2:1).

Eating the Lamb

Q: Why don't Christians observe Passover?

A: Passover was given to the Jews as a symbolic representation of what God was going to do in Christ. The actual Passover Lamb was crucified at Calvary by Jews, and is eaten in the Lord's Supper. So Christians continually observe the real Passover, not the obsolete annual symbol given to the Jews.

It is a snare for Christians to re-create, or partake in, Jewish Old Covenant festivals and practices. That is why the New Covenant was made, and sealed in the Blood of the Lamb of God. Beware of Judaizers. Gal. Chs. 4-5.

God's Mercy

Q: If you have had an abortion in the past, is God forgiving of this act of violence? Tyree

A: Act of violence? Wait! Let's not mince words, it's plain murder.

Of course, God delights in forgiving repentant murderers. He used forgiven murderers to write much of the Bible; Moses, David, Paul, etc.

But, in the Name of the LORD Jesus Christ, I warn everyone reading this, don't ever contemplate Having an abortion.

Dancing with demons

Q: Is it a sin for a Christian couple to go regularly to bars to socialise, have fun, play pool, and dance? Lisa

A: Going to bars in itself is not sin, but what is paramount is the reason you go there. I go into bars, but only when the Lord tells me to, and it is always to lead sinners to Christ. That's the only way I know to have fun in a bar. Swilling back pints stops being 'fun' when you are saved. You get new godly desires and ambitions when Jesus is your Lord.

One night, on a street in an Asian city, I met an Australian couple on their honeymoon. They were Spirit-filled Christians, and asked what I was doing, Street witnessing. I replied. Can we come too? they asked. Newly weds, starting their married life, and their idea of fun was to look for lost souls. They are my kind of people.

So there on the street we prayed and asked the Lord to lead us. What a time we had! He immediately sent us into a brothel, where we witnessed to the girls. Oh how his love melts the hearts of prostitutes. But their pimps were not pleased. They threw us out, so we prayed outside the door, bound the devils, and asked the Lord to close it down. Within weeks it was shut, promptly demolished, and has been a parking lot ever since. And that was 15 years ago.

Be honest and test yourself Lisa. In your year of 'socialising', how many souls in bars have you won to Christ? How many have you shared the Good News with? Have you grown spiritually? Have they seen Christ in you, or have you become more like them?

From your motive, I suspect their bad company is corrupting your good character (1 Co. 15:33). All things are allowed, but not all are good. (1 Co. 6:12)

A white friend of mine has a heart for black Muslims, he seeks them out, plays basketball with them, showers with them, and listens to them. He says, I do everything they do except sin! He preaches Christ, and loves them with His love. He's led literally hundreds of black Muslims to the Saviour like that. They affectionately accuse him of being 'racially prejudiced' because most of his friends are black. Isn't that beautiful?

Lisa, go to Jesus, and ask Him what He wants you to do. He may tell you to stop, or He may say go and proclaim Christ to them, and show them how much real fun it is to walk with Almighty God.