Book samples The Curious Sign | Page 48

CS-2016-txt-ART.indd 46 46 THE CURIOUS SIGN OF THE MANGER Review copy only—not for distribution. Jesus does not save us simply by being born. This particular part of God’s salvation plan is just the beginning. Yet to come are the thirty-three years of his life and ministry. The child grows into a boy, and the boy into a man. He lives, and he preaches and teaches the Good News that now is the time to turn away from our rebellion against God and take the step into his kingdom as beloved sons and daughters. In essence: “TURN AROUND. YOU ARE GOING THE WRONG WAY.” The Bible tells us that people are drawn from every part of the nation in which Jesus lived, and they commit themselves to him as their Lord and Saviour. They believe that he is, in truth, the promised Christ and Lord. But as he preaches and teaches about the kingdom of his Father in heaven, others are stirred up to anger and violence against him. You see, he challenges their comfort. He challenges their authority. He challenges the things they teach about God and the way that they present themselves as being on the inside track to God’s blessing. Eventually, it is these people who will 12/09/2016 1:02 PM