1 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocabulary#Native-_and_foreign-language_vocabulary_size , 2 http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/words/how-many-words-are-there-in-the-english-language , 3 http://www.merriam-webster.com/ dictionary/fulsome , 4 Phil. 2:7-8, 5 Matthew 1:21, 6 John 3:16, 1 John 5:11, 7 Romans 5:10, 8 John 1:16, 9 Luke 18:9-14, Matthew 19:16, 10 Matthew 19:17, 11 Ephesians 2:8-9, 12 Romans 5:17 1 characterized by abundance: copious; generous in amount, extent, or spirit Jesus is the most loving, powerful, wise, and holy being in the Universe. He emptied and humbled Himself 4 and became one of us. He came to save us from our sins 5 and give us His life. 6 The fact that the God of the universe sacrificed Himself for us while we were still enemies shows the extravagant extent of His love and grace. 7 The Apostle John says it beautifully when he declares, “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” 8 2 exceeding the bounds of good taste : overdone Jesus wasn’t born in a palace. He didn’t live like royalty. He touched the untouchable. He ate with social outcastes. He loved extravagantly. He gave generously. He forgave freely. He exceeded the cultural “bounds of good taste” of His day (although I am sure if you talked to the people He set free, they would not say His love was “overdone.”) 3 aesthetically, morally, or generally offensive A common belief in today’s world is if a person does good, he/she is good. Apparently this misconception was also popular in Jesus’ day. 9 Jesus strongly countered this lie when He said, “There is only One who is good.” 10 Of course He was referring to Himself. We can never do enough good things to become good and thereby earn the “Good One’s” acceptance. 11 Fortunately, He gives His goodness to all who believe in and receive Him. 12 For those who insist their goodness be based on their own self effort, Jesus’ teachings were (and continue to be) offensive. Words intrigue me. Their nuanced meanings and the history of their usage are fascinating. The average individual has a grasp of 10,000 to 17,000 words, and experts guess there are close to 250,000 words in our language. 1, 2 If Merriam Webster continues to send me their “Word of the Day” emails, I need only 638 more years to fill out my vocabulary. Recently, I received the word “fulsome” in my inbox. 3 As I read its definitions, I began to think of Christ’s incarnation. Some thoughts on the connection are below... update Brezina CHRISTMAS 2015 www.ChristianFamiliesToday.org
1characterized by abundance: copious; generous in amount, extent, or spirit
Jesus is the most loving, powerful, wise, and holy being in the Universe. He emptied and humbled Himself 4 and became one of us. He came to save us from our sins5 and give us His life.6 The fact that the God of the universe sacrificed Himself for us while we were still enemies shows the extravagant extent of His love and grace.7 The Apostle John says it beautifully when he declares, “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”8
2 exceeding the bounds of good taste : overdone
Jesus wasn’t born in a palace. He didn’t live like royalty. He touched the untouchable. He ate with social outcastes. He loved extravagantly. He gave generously. He forgave freely. He exceeded the cultural “bounds of good taste” of His day (although I am sure if you talked to the people He set free, they would not say His love was “overdone.”)
3 aesthetically, morally, or generally offensive
A common belief in today’s world is if a person does good, he/she is good. Apparently this misconception was also popular in Jesus’ day.9 Jesus strongly countered this lie when He said, “There is only One who is good.”10 Of course He was referring to Himself. We can never do enough good things to become good and thereby earn the “Good One’s” acceptance.11 Fortunately, He gives His goodness to all who believe in and receive Him.12 For those who insist their goodness be based on their own self effort, Jesus’ teachings were (and continue to be) offensive.
Words intrigue me. Their nuanced meanings and the history of their usage are fascinating. The average individual has a grasp of 10,000 to 17,000 words, and experts guess there are close to 250,000 words in our language.1, 2
If Merriam Webster continues to send me their
“Word of the Day” emails, I need only 638 more years to fill out my vocabulary. J
Recently, I received the word “fulsome” in my inbox.3 As I read its definitions, I began to think of Christ’s incarnation. Some thoughts on the connection are below...
† Christian Families Today † 174 Ashley Park Boulevard - Suite 1, Newnan, GA 30263 † www.ChristianFamiliesToday.org †
For your prayerful consideration...
Why we give...Ministry partners share why they invest in our work...
When we entered full time vocational ministry 11 years ago, the Lord made two things clear to us.
1) He was leading us to embark on this venture.2) He was going to be our Provider.
So far this year, we have counted 98 specific ways that He has provided for us. Many of you have been part of those 98 ways, and we are deeply grateful.
As 2015 comes to a close, would you prayerfully consider making a year-end investment in God’s work through us and/or
partnering with us by making monthly, quarterly or semi-annual investments in 2016? Below you will see the “what” and “how” of the counseling work we are doing.
If the Lord leads you to give a gift, you can mail a check payable to CFT or you can click the “Donate” tab on our website at www.cftministry.org. CFT is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, and your donations are tax deductible.
We appreciate your friendship, and pray you and yours experience Christ in an intimate way this Christmas.
Beau and Patti
Wha
t?
Couples, teens and children are struggling today. Many of us have friends and family who are dealing with issues such as marital conflict, anger, communication problems, divorce, grief, abuse, parenting conflicts, depression, anxiety, and addiction.
Many professionals strive to help people cope with and change these problems and emotional states. CFT is distinct in that we guide people into understanding the root of their problems so that they understand how they were designed to function, why they are struggling and how they can experience the fullness of Christ’s life and peace in the midst of their struggles.
Ho
w?
At CFT, we counsel on a donation basis. No one is turned away if they can not donate. This approach is unique in the counseling world and gives us the privilege of ministering to all who desire help.
Many people who are relationally struggling are also financially struggling. While we encourage each counselee to donate towards their counseling (and most donate something), many can’t give near the amount needed to cover the cost of the help we give.
In order to minister to these precious saints, we raise support from those who desire to help them (which is why we are inviting you to prayerfully consider giving). This Biblical model is just one of the many ways God shows His love to those who are hurting. Would you ask Him if He desires you to join us in ministering to them?
My life has been forever changed! The tools and truths
I have learned during the last
year in ADT I and II have
been eye opening, and I love
to share them with others so
they can experience the
same freedom I now have!
Thank you!!
Testimony
“We want to nurture and support Biblical marriage and families. We believe the foundation for a godly
marriage and family is a right understanding of the Truth of who we are in Christ. At times, we need to seek
out counsel to point us to this Truth and we believe Patti & Beau Brezina are uniquely gifted and fully
equipped to provide this Biblical counsel. We thank God we can partner with them in this!”
