PROCLAIM and PONDER
Luke 2:17, 19
The birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was a beautiful and blessed event! It took place in a humble stable and it drew common shepherds to witness such an occasion. The responses to the birth of Jesus are interesting to consider.
First is the response of the shepherds in verse 17. They had received the message of the birth of Jesus from angels, messengers from heaven. And they went to Bethlehem to see the Christ child. After their visit to the stable, they left to PROCLAIM (spread the Word) about this child. We who have experienced the life-transforming power of Christ in our lives are called to do the same – proclaim Him who died, rose, and is coming again.
Second is the response of Mary, the mother of Jesus, in verse 19. Mary had received a message from the angels as well and knew she was blessed to carry the Messiah. But her response was very different from the shepherds. She chose to PONDER what she had been told and experienced. God had surprised her with a plan for her life far beyond what she had dreamed.
Most of us are trained proclaimers and we ought to continue proclaiming the truth of the One who we celebrate in this season. But it is also a good thing to take time to ponder the person of Jesus Christ, the passages we read about our Savior, and the process God is using in and through us to bring light into the darkness of our world.
Praying for you and yours to have a wonderful Christmas celebration!
Bruce and Robin Pfadenhauer
Open Bible College
Spring classes start January 19th!
Coming January 19-25, 2025, Awakening 2025 is a united time of prayer, fasting, and devotion. With a core value of intimacy with God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, we launched the first annual Awakening. This year, we build on that foundation.
This is a seven-day Awakening call to all Open Bible pastors, leaders, and churches to join us as we dedicate ourselves to prayer and fasting at the start of the year. We believe God will pour out His Spirit, bring revival, empower churches, and multiply disciples.
We know that many of you already prioritize prayer and fasting at the beginning of the year. We ask that you include this global call of Open Bible and partner with others from around the world in prayer and fasting in your own context and setting.
Get ready for Awakening 2025!
CONGRATULATIONS
Pastor Gina Reyna graduated from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, MO on Friday, December 6, 2024, with her Doctor in Ministry degree. Pastor Gina works at the INSTE office and pastors Agape Open Bible Church, a church plant in Urbandale, IA with her husband, Lauro.
Articles
December
7 Essential Requirements for All Good Leaders
Can You Recognize the Enemies of Organizational Health
November
5 Signs You Are a Bounce Back Leader
5 Ways to Overcome Being an Insecure Leader
Grow Your Church or Impact Your Community
October
3 Reasons Why God Doesn’t Give You a Map
10 Reasons Why Parking Lot Church Business Meetings Are Seldom Good
