Years ago, in the 60’s and 70’s, I was part of the Jesus People Movement.  It was during those days that I heard street-wise preachers like Phil in school auditoriums and in public parks.  Hundreds of us teenagers attended. 

We brought our school friends with us and many believed.  And after they believed we took them down to the lake and baptized them right then and there. I baptized my best friend Carl.

Those are times I will never forget.  Phil’s words reminded me once more of God’s goodness and grace towards us, then and now and forever.

And don’t forget! Christmas – the birth of the Messiah King  – was the start of the Kingdom of God on Earth. 

“And Mary will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” the gospel of Matthew 1:21

Regarding the uproar over Phil’s A&E Duck Dynasty comments, know this:  at the heart of the problem of sin is “the persistent refusal to tolerate a sense of sin.” Alvin. Plantinga