-Trinity.
The word “Trinity” is a term used to express the Unity of 3 persons as 1 God. This is a word not found in Scripture, but the doctrine is certainly there. This word was first coined by Tertullian, an early church father and theologian in the 2nd Century. It expresses in one word the Doctrine of 3 persons as 1 God as it is presented in the Bible. While others claim to be following “apostolic doctrine,” actually the Trinity was the doctrine of the early church; the doctrine of Jesus himself; even the doctrine of the Old Testament! 1) There is One God- one Divine Nature. 2) There are 3 Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 3) These 3 are 1 God; one in nature; one in essence; one in majesty; one in purpose; One God. Some ask how 3 can be referred to as 1? Well, how can 2 be referred to as one: Man, Wife=One Flesh? How can 2 distinct dreams of Pharaoh (one about cows; one about corn) be referred to as “one?” Joseph said by the inspiration of God that the dreams were One! The word “one” as it is used in these instances is a word of compound unity. The man and woman do not become one person; they become one marriage with one purpose. The dreams of Joseph were not one singular dream but two dreams with the exact same meaning; therefore one. Our God is not “one” person, but one Mighty God in three persons. This is proved by the Bible in the: - Creation In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth; Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters; Let US make man in OUR image. Who was there with the Father when he said Let US? The Son of God was there; for John said that In the beginning was the Word; the Word was With God (with the Father) and the Word was God; (was Deity just like the father); the same was in the beginning with God; All things were made by him and without him was not anything made that was made. The Trinity was present and powerfully working in the Creation. - Conception of Jesus Christ. In Lk1:26 the Father sent a message to Mary by Gabriel. Lk 1:35 “the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee; power of the highest shall overshadow thee.” Lk 1: 35- “the holy thing born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” Father planned it and proclaimed it; Holy Ghost performed it; The Son became Jesus in Mary’s womb. - Baptism of Jesus; Jesus was physically in the water; the Father spoke audibly from heaven; the Holy Ghost descended visibly in the shape of a dove. - Great Commission- Jesus said in Mt. 28:19 Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father; and of the Son; and of the Holy Ghost. - Benediction of Paul in 2 Cor. 13:14- The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ; and the Love of God; and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Trinity! A word not in the Bible, but a Great word. II. Rapture! The word “rapture” is a term used to describe the catching away of all believers to be with the Lord. Some refuse to use this word since it is not in the Bible; BUT the truth of it is there! The doctrine of it is there! The word simply means to “seize or snatch or catch up.” Paul said in 1 Thess. 4:16,17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. We will be “caught up!” That’s why the word Rapture became associated with the coming of the Lord For his saints. The word “rapture” is not in the Bible but the doctrine is and it is our Blessed Hope! III. Christmas! No the word Christmas is not in the Bible but the EVENT is there! There is some question as to the exact day and date Jesus was born. Some say it was Jan 6, some say April 20, some say May 20. Does it really matter? No, it doesn’t really matter What the date was; what really matters is that there is A DAY already set aside and designated to Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ so who cares what day or date it is? I know some hold their nose in the air and claim that “Christmas” is a pagan holiday but I beg to differ. Christmas or any other day for that matter Can be a pagan holiday, but Christmas the way I celebrate it is Not a Pagan Holiday, it is a Holy Day! This day celebrates the greatest Miracle ever Performed! God’s Son, the Second Person of the Trinity who existed as God with the Father and the Holy Ghost from eternity past was conceived in the womb of Mary! The Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omniscient, Almighty, Christ became a human being! He was born as a baby boy in the town of Bethlehem and was placed in a manger for his crib. Gal. 4:4- In the fulness of time God sent forth his Son, made of a woman and made under the law to redeem them that were under the law. Phil. 2:6,7 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: Heb. 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. How can anyone NOT celebrate Christmas? Especially when you KNOW Jesus Christ as your own personal Savior? Christmas a Pagan holiday? You must be kidding? Now if its only about Santa Claus, Reindeer and Elves, then it might be a pagan holiday, but when its about JESUS, it is truly a Holy Day. No doubt you’ve read the story of the Grinch who stole Christmas? The Grinch hated the celebration; hated the people’s trees and decorations and presents and feasts and especially their singing of carols. He decided to steal Christmas so he stole the trees, decorations, presents, and food; AND Guess what he heard the next morning? The people were still singing! Why? Because Christmas is not just about trees, decorations, food, presents or even Family! It’s not just about time off of work or school. It’s the Birthday of Jesus Christ, God’s Son who came to be the Savior of the World. While you enjoy all the festivities that go along with the Christmas season, don’t forget what it’s really all about. The old saying is right: Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Merry Christmas!
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Bro. Dwain GaliherPastor of JHPC Archives
February 2025
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