From One Degree to Another

Phil Auxier's Blog

Connect

Fight Greed this Christmas

by

Pretty good post over on GirlTalk about 10 Ideas to Help Children Fight Greed at Christmastime.  What’s the big deal?  Well, greed is something that is easily stoked, especially at a time when we ask (and are asked) “What do you want (for Christmas)?”  So, these are helpful tips:

1) Be intentional.
2) Talk a lot.
3) Make Christmas memories.
4) Make Christmas giving lists.
5) Read Christmas giving stories.
6) Give to people in need.
7) Give the gift of experience.
8) Minimize temptation.
9) Develop a gift opening strategy.
10) Cultivate Christ-like character.

I commend the entire article and hope it helps you serve your children and their hearts this holiday season.

The Gospel and Transforming of Marriage

by

I was reminded recently of a post over at Desiring God on Nine Ways The Gospel Transforms Marriage.  I thought remembering these would prove helpful as we think of the Father sending His Son to be the Savior of the world.  So, these 9 ways (drawn from Gary and Betsy Ricucci’s Love That Lasts) could be thought of 9 ways the true meaning of Christmas transforms marriage.  After all, Jesus is called Jesus because He would save His people from their sin (Matthew 1:21).  Here are 9 ways the Gospel directly affects marriage:

1) Because of the gospel, Christians have become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). Therefore, in our marriage, our past does not define us, confine us, or determine our future.
2) Because of the gospel, we are forgiven (Ephesians 1:7). Therefore we can live free of all guilt and condemnation for every sin, and we can trust that God, in his mercy, will be gracious to us. 
3) Because of the gospel we can forgive, just as Christ forgave us (Ephesians 4:32). Nothing done against us compares to our sin against God. Therefore all offenses, hostility, and bitterness between Christians can be completely forgiven and removed. 
4) Because of the gospel, we are accepted by God (Romans 15:7). Therefore we are not dependent on a spouse for who we are or what we need. 
5) Because of the gospel, sin’s ruling power over us is broken (Romans 6:6, 14). Therefore we can truly obey all that God calls us to do in our marriage, regardless of any circumstance or situation. 
6) Because of the gospel, we have access to God through Christ (Hebrews 4:14-16). Therefore we can at any time take any need in our marriage to the One who can do all things. 
7) Because of the gospel, we have hope (Romans 5:1-4). Therefore we can endure any marital difficulty, hardship, or suffering, with the assurance that God is working all to our greatest good (Romans 8:28). 
8) Because of the gospel, Christ dwells in us by his Holy Spirit (Galatians 3:13-14). Therefore we are confident that God is always with us and is always at work in our marriage, even when progress is imperceptible (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). 
9) Because of the gospel, we have power to fight and overcome remaining sin, which continues to dwell and war within us (Romans 7:19-21, 24-25; Galatians 5:16-17). This indwelling enemy represents the essence of what is called the doctrine of sin.

Today, then, as you marvel at the birth of your Savior, consider what He did to decisively do something about marriage.

Weekend Preview – Christmas in 1 John

by

This coming Sunday, 12/20/15, I’m hoping to do have a fun journey into some themes related to Christmas in the book of 1 John, which we’re currently working through as a church.

Here’s a graphic on one verse that has especially captured my attention:

This isn’t the first time I’ve done this.  I did a series called Christmas in Hebrews.  I’ve also done a sermon on Christmas in the Book of the Revelation.  So, take time to week and browse through the book of 1 John and see what Christmas themes you can find and let’s compare notes on Sunday.

Weekend Recap – Christmas Bursts Expectations

by

My 12/13/15AM devotional from the end of the children’s Christmas program was entitled Christmas Bursts Expectations from 1 Samuel 16:1-13.  I tried to make some connections between Samuel going to find a king in Bethlehem, who ended up being a shepherd out in the field, keeping watch over his flock to the King that was born in Bethlehem and announced to shepherds in Luke 2.  It’s truly amazing to watch God burst our expectations of how we would fix a broken world.  And, He does it in a way that is not only effective but lasting.  So, I hope this thought is encouraging to you.

Gospel Friday – His Name Is Jesus…

by

What encouragement was Joseph given from the angel about this baby in Mary’s womb:

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

Today, then rest in this amazing news that God sent a rescuer for you.

Weekend Preview – Advent on the Brain

by

This coming Lord’s Day, 12/13/15, will be a full day at Crestview with our Children’s Christmas Program, Annual Member’s Meeting and Small Groups.  I thought I’d post this photo:

Seriously, I think we’ll be blessed as our children help focus us on what Christ as has done in coming to earth to save sinners like us.  I hope you come ready to enjoy Him together with others.  After all, the Father has sent His Son as the Savior of the world, and this calls for our praise.  

Weekend Recap – 12/6/15

by

My 12/6/15AM sermon, Abiding: Him and Us from 1 John 4:13-16, sought to expose one thing from the text: how do we know that we abide in God and He abides in us.  And, the answer is pretty simple: God.  Yes, God’s given us His Spirit, which allows us to confess His Son and this is all an overflow of His love.  So, if you’re weary from burning your wheels to impress God, abide in Him.  Be freed from all the burden and rest in what He’s done to give His people assurance.  I hope it blesses you.

Some Advent Resources

by

There are many (free) advent resources that are helpful.  Here are some resources I enjoy…

Good News of Great Joy (an Advent devotional by John Piper)

The Village Church’s Advent Guide for 2015

On the musical front (not necessarily free):

Behold the Lamb of God

Prepare Him Room

As well as anything by Folk Angel

My Favorite Christmas Cookie? Chocolate Crinkle

My Favorite Christmas Blend?  While Starbucks is great, I like Roasterie’s Holiday Blend best

What else?  Ever read A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote?

How about Luke 2:1-20? or Matthew 1:18-25?

Have a great celebration of Advent this month!

Being A Godly Husband During Advent

by

Traditionally, we (men) view the Christmas season as a time for our wives to shine.  So, we leave the tree trimming, baking, holiday decor and family environs to our wives to accomplish.  After all, fluffy trees and baking may not be strong suits for us.  But, what if we viewed this through a different lens?  There are countless opportunities during the holidays to model what loving, sacrificial leadership looks like in our homes.  It can be a special time to die to our selfish desires and serve those we claim to love supremely.

So, here’s a list of 10 things that I’d challenge you with to stretch you that may very well have a profound impact on your family…

1) Ask your wife what you can do to help her in the kitchen.
2) Initiate a family game night with your family.
3) If your family is setting up the tree, make this an exciting time by drawing out stories and memories that come with ornaments.
4) Explain to your children what a joy it is for you to celebrate the holiday season with them.
5) Prioritize moments where your family will be able to worship with other believers during Advent.
6) Plan a surprise date night for your wife and take time to drive around town and look at Christmas lights, just the two of you.
7) Surprise your children by picking them up from school to do a fun holiday activity together.
8) Take steps for your family to serve others in some way.
9) Plan a family movie night and don’t hold anything back.
10) Draw your wife and kids close and read them the Christmas story from Matthew 1 and Luke 2.

What other ways can you think of that might serve your wife and kids?  Wives, what impact would this have on your home?

I hope this Advent season brings the joy of Christ radiating through godly husbands.