Jacob P. Abshire

Think big. Think galaxy big. The observable universe is reported to have an estimated 200 billion galaxies or more. If our galaxy is anything like them, then they each have nearly 100 billion solar systems inside. Our system comprises of eight unique planets that orbit around one large star, the sun. Each of these systems, big and small, are held together by an attractive force called gravity. Now, think bigger. Think God big. "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through him and for him" (Col. 1:15-16). He made all that stuff, as well as the stuff we haven't ventured out far enough to find yet. He made it all. And, since it was made by Him and for Him, He has a vested interested in it all. So He keeps it alive. He keeps it moving. "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together" (Col. 1:17). Finally, think small. Think church small. It might not sound like a worthwhile idea, but there is a spiritual gravity at work in your community. God says that the church is "joined and held together" by the power of God for the purpose of God's perfecting work (Eph. 4:16). As the sun, a galactic center, pulls stars and planets inward to maintain perfect order and rotation, so the Son pulls you and others inward to maintain a perfect order and function. Where are you in God's cosmic system? Are you perfectly orbiting the Lord contributing to His cosmic infinite purpose? Or do you spend all of your energies trying to defy the attractive force of God's gravity? Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:15-16)

The air is getting colder. The days are getting shorter. Fall is here and Christmas is coming. The stores have already prepared their windows, the neighborhoods are decorated with wreaths and lights, and the kids are excited. Everything about this time is grand. Andy Williams was right: it is the most wonderful time of the year. From the Christian's perspective, this time is particularly special because we celebrate the coming of our Lord, Jesus. Beyond the Santa exploits and arguments over nativity displays in public, there is a culminating atmosphere that directs all of our senses toward Christ. It has become easier each year to forget what the season is all about. There's the hustle in buying, the traffic in the streets, and that irritated lady who mouths off to the store clerk when they run out of Elmos. So many things can distract us from-pardon the clich -the reason for the season. If we can prepare ourselves ahead, this time of the year can be wonderfully useful to our families. We have to be intentional. We have to take advantage of the sights, sounds, and smells, and use them to stir our affections toward heaven. This short study guide is aimed at doing just that. It focuses on two different stories about two different people from two different cities who respond two different ways to one similar message-salvation is coming. The lessons are designed for both individual and group dynamics. The stories recount those described in the first chapter of Luke and should be suitable for young and old audiences. In fact, the first publishing of this guide was utilized in family settings. To accompany the guides, there are devotional writings to help prepare the leader and provide further reflections for students.

The Bible uses the word "heart" to describe the inner you-the critical part of your existence, the part that lives forever. It is where your intellect and will shake hands, make friends and make moves. It is the part of you that is you. It the seat of your soul. And, it is exactly what we are discussing in this series. The "throne" is used metaphorically to refer to your heart. And, pressing the metaphor further, we will bring in some elements of medieval war that serves as illustrations of our fight against sin, the sufferings we endure, the weapons of war, and the people who support and hold us up in battle.Each chapter, including the introduction and closing, tells as complete story with you as the main actor. For this reason, it is best for you to read each in order. The introduction will set the stage for the story. The lessons carry you along the story plot-by-plot. And finally, the story comes to an end with a summary in the closing chapter.So journey through the story of the War and the Great Throne. Get caught up in the story and most importantly, let the King, who has established His throne in the heavens and rules over all, search your heart and help you wage your war against the enemy of your soul.

Have you ever asked God why you face so many hardships? Charles Spurgeon once said, "I have learned to kiss the wave that strikes me against the Rock of Ages." He, like many others, discovered what riches lie in the bed of troubles. For the Christian, the relentless surges smash us against the God of salvation where He is glorified and we are purified. So "count it all joy," says James. The rushing winds and merciless waters of difficulties, agitations, suffering, stress, strife, and guilt are all thrusting you toward Christ. A collision is inevitable. Do your troubles reveal faith that can save? In the Bible, James progresses through a series of troubles like the ones you face and ones you may not even know you face. He calls them trials. When our sinful lives collide against the holiness of God and our pride is smashed to pieces, we find the foremost gift of God as deposited in us by Christ. In our wreckage, we can learn to appreciate our troubles for what they are-divinely purposed trials that reveal and mature our belief in Christ. In this book, we will follow along with James and see what we can uncover about the foremost gift of God: Faith. Find out why trials are our greatest gifts... This book explores 18 characteristics of faith in order to help you mature as a Christ follower. But before you can begin your journey, you must be ready and willing to let the waves wreck you again and again.