There are three things embodied in the title of the Lord -
1. His Ownership, hence "the earth is the Lord's" Psa 24:1 says, "The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."
Because "the earth is the Lord's", all of us are stewards, or caretakers. We are committed to the proper management of this world and its resources, but we are not to become devoted to anything created or act as sole proprietors because they will all pass away (1 John 2:17).
2. His Authority, hence the Lord delivered to the servants the talents which they were responsible to use for Him - Matt 25:20-23 says, "And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. v21 His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. v22 He also that has received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. v23 His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make the ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Jesus is coming back - we know this is true. Does this mean we must drop our jobs in order to serve God? No, it means we are diligently to use our time, talents, and treasures in order to serve God completely in whatever we do. For a few people, this means changing professions. For most of us, it means doing our daily work out of love for God.
3. His Power, hence when the Lord sent forth His servants "the Lord" was "working with them" Mark 16:19-20 says, "So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. v20 And they went forth, and preached the word with signs following. Amen."
Marks Gospel emphasizes Christ's power as well as his servant hood. Jesus' life and teaching turn the world upside down. The world sees power as a way to gain control over others. But Jesus, with all authority and power in heaven and earth, chose to serve others. He held children in his arms, healed the sick, washed the disciples' feet, and died for the sins of the world. Following Jesus means receiving this same power to serve. As believers, we are called to be servants of Christ. As Christ served, we are to serve.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Christ's Faultlessness
Pilate and the believing thief both confessed there was "no fault" in Him, and that He had done "nothing amiss" (Luke 23:14,41). The word "amiss" is rendered "harm" (Acts 28:6), and "unreasonable" (2 Thess 3:2), in the two other places where "atopon" occurs. There was nothing unreasonable in Christ's teaching, there was no harm in His actions, and not anything amiss in His character.
He did no sin - 1 Peter 2:22 says, "Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:"
There are many reasons for why we suffer. Some sufferings is the direct result of our own sin; some happens because of our foolishness; and some is the result of living in a fallen world. Peter is writing about suffering that comes as a result of doing good. Christ never sinned, yet he suffered so that we could be set free. When we follow Christ's example and live for others, we too may suffer. Our goal should be to face suffering as he did - with patience, calmness, and confidence that God is in control of the future.
In Him was no sin - 1 John 3:5 says, "And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin."
Under the Old Testament sacrifice system, a lamb without blemish was offered as a sacrifice for sin. Jesus is "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). Because he lived a perfect life and sacrificed himself for our sins, we can be completely forgiven (2:2). We can look back to his death for us and know we need never suffer eternal death (1 Peter 1:18-20).
He knew no sin - 2 Cor 5:21 says, "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
When we trust in Christ, we make a trade - our sin for his goodness. Our sin was poured into Christ at his crucifixion. His righteousness is poured into us at our conversion. This is what Christians mean by Christ's atonement for sin. In the world, bartering works only when two people exchange goods of relatively equal value. But God offers to trade his righteousness for our sin - something of immeasurable worth for something worthless. How grateful we should be for his goodness to us.
He was holy, harmless, and undefiled, and separate from every vile association - Heb 7:26 says, "For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;"
Many people take Christ's work on the cross for granted. They don't realized how costly it was for Jesus to secure our forgiveness - it cost him his life (1 Peter 1:18-19).
Because Christ died once and for all, he finished all sacrifices. He forgave sins - past, present and future. The Jews did not need to go back to the old system because Christ, the perfect sacrifice, completed the work of redemption. You need not look for another way to have your sins forgiven. Christ was the final sacrifice for you.
The greatest character that ever lived died the most shameful and undeserved death that was ever experienced.
He did no sin - 1 Peter 2:22 says, "Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:"
There are many reasons for why we suffer. Some sufferings is the direct result of our own sin; some happens because of our foolishness; and some is the result of living in a fallen world. Peter is writing about suffering that comes as a result of doing good. Christ never sinned, yet he suffered so that we could be set free. When we follow Christ's example and live for others, we too may suffer. Our goal should be to face suffering as he did - with patience, calmness, and confidence that God is in control of the future.
In Him was no sin - 1 John 3:5 says, "And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin."
Under the Old Testament sacrifice system, a lamb without blemish was offered as a sacrifice for sin. Jesus is "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). Because he lived a perfect life and sacrificed himself for our sins, we can be completely forgiven (2:2). We can look back to his death for us and know we need never suffer eternal death (1 Peter 1:18-20).
He knew no sin - 2 Cor 5:21 says, "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
When we trust in Christ, we make a trade - our sin for his goodness. Our sin was poured into Christ at his crucifixion. His righteousness is poured into us at our conversion. This is what Christians mean by Christ's atonement for sin. In the world, bartering works only when two people exchange goods of relatively equal value. But God offers to trade his righteousness for our sin - something of immeasurable worth for something worthless. How grateful we should be for his goodness to us.
He was holy, harmless, and undefiled, and separate from every vile association - Heb 7:26 says, "For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;"
Many people take Christ's work on the cross for granted. They don't realized how costly it was for Jesus to secure our forgiveness - it cost him his life (1 Peter 1:18-19).
Because Christ died once and for all, he finished all sacrifices. He forgave sins - past, present and future. The Jews did not need to go back to the old system because Christ, the perfect sacrifice, completed the work of redemption. You need not look for another way to have your sins forgiven. Christ was the final sacrifice for you.
The greatest character that ever lived died the most shameful and undeserved death that was ever experienced.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The Man Who Gave His Grave To Jesus
This wealthy and devout Israelite, a member of the Sanhedrin, lived in a city of Jews (Luke 23:51). It is to the provision he made for the body of Christ that Isaiah had reference when he said, "He made His grave with the rich" (Isa 53:9). Of this renowned Joseph we discover:
He was an honorable counselor (Mark 15:43). Because of his adherence to the Law and integrity of life he was a member of the governing body known as the Sanhedrin.
He looked for the kingdom of God. Immersed in Old Testament Scriptures, he anticipated the reign of the promised Messiah.
He was "a good man and just" (Luke 23:50-51). As the Bible never uses words unnecessarily, there must be a distinction between "good" and "just." As a "good man" we have his own internal disposition - what he was in himself. As a "just man" we have his external conduct - what he was towards others. His just dealings were the fruit of the root of his goodness. His was the belief that knew how to behave.
He was a secret disciple (John 19:38). Joseph of Arimathaea was similar to Nicodemus in his respect for our Lord as a man, admiration for Him as a teacher, belief in Him as the Christ, and yet, till now, his lack of confessing Him before men. Dreading the hostility of his colleagues on the Sanhedrin, he kept his faith secret.
He begged the body of Jesus (Matt 27:58). As soon as Jesus was dead, Joseph hastened to Pilate for permission to inter His body. In the past, Joseph had been afraid to speak against the religious leaders who opposed Jesus; now he was bold courageously asking to take Jesus' body from the cross and bury it. The disciples who publicly followed Jesus had fled, but this Jewish leader, who followed Jesus in secret, came forward and did what was right. It was common for friends of the crucified to purchase their bodies, which would otherwise have been cast out as refuse, and give them decent burial (Mark 15:45).
He gave his grave to Christ (Matt 27:59-60). With lingering reverence Joseph paid his last respects to the One he admired, and in the hour of sorrow helped the friends and not the foes of the religious Sufferer. Joseph had a garden close to Calvary, where he had hewn a smoothed and polished tomb in the side of the rock as his own last resting place, in which, aided by Nicodemus, he buried the linen covered and perfumed body of Christ.
He was an honorable counselor (Mark 15:43). Because of his adherence to the Law and integrity of life he was a member of the governing body known as the Sanhedrin.
He looked for the kingdom of God. Immersed in Old Testament Scriptures, he anticipated the reign of the promised Messiah.
He was "a good man and just" (Luke 23:50-51). As the Bible never uses words unnecessarily, there must be a distinction between "good" and "just." As a "good man" we have his own internal disposition - what he was in himself. As a "just man" we have his external conduct - what he was towards others. His just dealings were the fruit of the root of his goodness. His was the belief that knew how to behave.
He was a secret disciple (John 19:38). Joseph of Arimathaea was similar to Nicodemus in his respect for our Lord as a man, admiration for Him as a teacher, belief in Him as the Christ, and yet, till now, his lack of confessing Him before men. Dreading the hostility of his colleagues on the Sanhedrin, he kept his faith secret.
He begged the body of Jesus (Matt 27:58). As soon as Jesus was dead, Joseph hastened to Pilate for permission to inter His body. In the past, Joseph had been afraid to speak against the religious leaders who opposed Jesus; now he was bold courageously asking to take Jesus' body from the cross and bury it. The disciples who publicly followed Jesus had fled, but this Jewish leader, who followed Jesus in secret, came forward and did what was right. It was common for friends of the crucified to purchase their bodies, which would otherwise have been cast out as refuse, and give them decent burial (Mark 15:45).
He gave his grave to Christ (Matt 27:59-60). With lingering reverence Joseph paid his last respects to the One he admired, and in the hour of sorrow helped the friends and not the foes of the religious Sufferer. Joseph had a garden close to Calvary, where he had hewn a smoothed and polished tomb in the side of the rock as his own last resting place, in which, aided by Nicodemus, he buried the linen covered and perfumed body of Christ.
What have you given Jesus?
Saturday, April 10, 2010
My Confession
1. Christ for Me. Salvation - Rom 5:8 says, " But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
While we were yet sinners - these are amazing words. God sent Jesus Christ to die for us, not because we were good enough, but because he loved us so much. Whenever you feel uncertain about God's love for you, remember that he loved you even before you turned to him. If God loved you when you were a rebel, he can surely strengthen you now that you love him in return.
2. Christ in Me. Sanctification - Gal 2:20 says, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
How have I been crucified with Christ? Legally, God looks at me as if I had died with Christ. Because my sins died with him, I am no longer condemned (Col 2:13-15). Rationally, I have become one with Christ, and his experiences are mine. My Christian life began when, in unity with him, I died to my old life (see Rom 6:5-11). In my daily life, I must regularly crucify sinful desires that keep me from following Christ. This too is a kind of dying with him (Luke 9:23-25).
And yet the focus of Christianity is not dying, but living. Because I have been crucified with Christ, I have also been raised with him (Rom 6:5). Legally, I have been reconciled with God (2 Cor 5:19) and am free to grow into Christ's likeness (Rom 8:29). And in my daily life, I have Christ's resurrection power as I continue to fight sin (Eph 1:19-20). Christ lives in me - this is my reason for living and my hope for the future (Col 1:27).
3. Complete in Him. Supply - Col 2:10 says, "And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:"
When we know Jesus Christ, we don't need to seek God by means of other religions, cults, or unbiblical philosophies as the Colossians were doing. Christ alone holds the answers to the true meaning of life, because Christ is life. He is the unique source of knowledge and power for the Christian life. No Christian needs anything else than what he has provided to be saved. We are complete in him.
While we were yet sinners - these are amazing words. God sent Jesus Christ to die for us, not because we were good enough, but because he loved us so much. Whenever you feel uncertain about God's love for you, remember that he loved you even before you turned to him. If God loved you when you were a rebel, he can surely strengthen you now that you love him in return.
2. Christ in Me. Sanctification - Gal 2:20 says, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
How have I been crucified with Christ? Legally, God looks at me as if I had died with Christ. Because my sins died with him, I am no longer condemned (Col 2:13-15). Rationally, I have become one with Christ, and his experiences are mine. My Christian life began when, in unity with him, I died to my old life (see Rom 6:5-11). In my daily life, I must regularly crucify sinful desires that keep me from following Christ. This too is a kind of dying with him (Luke 9:23-25).
And yet the focus of Christianity is not dying, but living. Because I have been crucified with Christ, I have also been raised with him (Rom 6:5). Legally, I have been reconciled with God (2 Cor 5:19) and am free to grow into Christ's likeness (Rom 8:29). And in my daily life, I have Christ's resurrection power as I continue to fight sin (Eph 1:19-20). Christ lives in me - this is my reason for living and my hope for the future (Col 1:27).
3. Complete in Him. Supply - Col 2:10 says, "And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:"
When we know Jesus Christ, we don't need to seek God by means of other religions, cults, or unbiblical philosophies as the Colossians were doing. Christ alone holds the answers to the true meaning of life, because Christ is life. He is the unique source of knowledge and power for the Christian life. No Christian needs anything else than what he has provided to be saved. We are complete in him.
Have you confessed and became complete with Jesus Christ?
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Satan's Many Parts
The Bible shows that Satan can play many parts, and among the principal parts he plays are the following seven:
1. He is the Devil to deceive. Rev 20:10 says, "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."
Satan's power is not eternal - he will meet his doom. He began his evil work in mankind at the beginning (Gen 3:1-6) and continues it today, but he will be destroyed when he is thrown into the lake of fire. Satan was released from the bottomless pit (20:7) but he will never be released from the lake of fire. He will never be a threat to anyone again.
2. He is the adversary (Satan) to accuse. Luke 22:31 says, "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:"
Satan wanted to crush Peter like a grain of wheat. He hoped to find only chaff and blow it away. But Jesus assured Peter that his faith, although it would falter, would not be destroyed. It would be renewed and he would become a powerful leader.
3. He is an angel of light to misrepresent. 2 Cor 11:14 says, "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."
Satan "transformed" means Satan masquerading. In one popular version of the story of Eve's temptation, Satan masqueraded as an angel. Paul may have been thinking of this story, or he could have been referring to Satan's typical devices. In either case, nothing could be more deceitful than Satan, the prince of darkness (Eph 6:12; Col 1:13), disguishing himself as an angel of light. By the same token, when the false teachers claimed to represent Christ, they were lying shamelessly.
Satan and his servants can deceive us by appearing attractive, good and moral. Many unsuspecting people follow smooth-talking, Bible-quoting leaders into cults that alienate them from their families and practice immorality and deceit. Don't be fooled by external appearances. Our impressions alone are not an accurate indicator of who is or isn't a tru follower of Christ; so it helps to ask these questions: 1) Do their teachings confirm scripture (Acts 17:11)? 2) Do the teachers affirm and proclaim that Jesus Christ is God who came into the world as a man to save people from their sins (1 John 4:1-3)? 3) Is their life-style consistent with biblical morality (Matt 12:33-37)?
4. He is an enemy to oppose. Matt 13:28,39 says, "He said unto them, An enemy hath doth this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels."
5. He is the hinderer to deter. 1 Thess 2:18 says, "Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us."
Paul was not using the word "Satan" here symbolically - he knew that Satan is real. Satan is called "the god of this world" (2 Cor 4"4) and "the prince of the power of the air (Eph 2:2). We don't know what exactly hindered Paul from returning to Thessalonica - opposition, illness, travel, complications, or a direct attack by Satan - but Satan worked in some way to keep him away. Many of the difficulities that prevent us from accomplishing God's work can be attributed to Satan (Eph 6:12)
6. He is the god of this age to blind. 2 Cor 4:4 says, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."
The Good News is open and revealed to everyone, except to those who refuse to believe. Satan is "the god of this world." His work is to deceive and he has blinded those who don't beleive in Christ (see 11:14-15 (#3 above). The allure of money, power, and pleasure blinds people to the light of Christ's Gospel. Those who refuse Christ, perferring their own pursuits, have made Satan their God unknowingly.
7. He is the tempter to allure. Luke 4:2 says, "Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. 1 Thess 3:5 says, "For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you and our labour be in vain."
The Devil, who tempted Adam & Eve in the Garden, also tempted Jesus in the wilderness. Satan is a real being, a created but rebellious fallen angel, not a symbol or an idea. He constantly fights against God and those who follow and obey God. Jesus was a prime target for his temptations. Satan succeeded with Adam and Eve and he hoped to succeed with Jesus too.
Satan ("tempter") is the most powerful of the evil spirits. His power can affect both the spiritual world (Eph 2:1-3; 6:10-12) and the physical world (2 Cor 12:7-10). Satan even tempted Jesus. But Jesus defeated Satan when he died on the cross for the sins of the world and rose again to bring new life. At the proper time God will overthrow Satan forever. (Rev 20:7-10)
1. He is the Devil to deceive. Rev 20:10 says, "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."
Satan's power is not eternal - he will meet his doom. He began his evil work in mankind at the beginning (Gen 3:1-6) and continues it today, but he will be destroyed when he is thrown into the lake of fire. Satan was released from the bottomless pit (20:7) but he will never be released from the lake of fire. He will never be a threat to anyone again.
2. He is the adversary (Satan) to accuse. Luke 22:31 says, "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:"
Satan wanted to crush Peter like a grain of wheat. He hoped to find only chaff and blow it away. But Jesus assured Peter that his faith, although it would falter, would not be destroyed. It would be renewed and he would become a powerful leader.
3. He is an angel of light to misrepresent. 2 Cor 11:14 says, "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."
Satan "transformed" means Satan masquerading. In one popular version of the story of Eve's temptation, Satan masqueraded as an angel. Paul may have been thinking of this story, or he could have been referring to Satan's typical devices. In either case, nothing could be more deceitful than Satan, the prince of darkness (Eph 6:12; Col 1:13), disguishing himself as an angel of light. By the same token, when the false teachers claimed to represent Christ, they were lying shamelessly.
Satan and his servants can deceive us by appearing attractive, good and moral. Many unsuspecting people follow smooth-talking, Bible-quoting leaders into cults that alienate them from their families and practice immorality and deceit. Don't be fooled by external appearances. Our impressions alone are not an accurate indicator of who is or isn't a tru follower of Christ; so it helps to ask these questions: 1) Do their teachings confirm scripture (Acts 17:11)? 2) Do the teachers affirm and proclaim that Jesus Christ is God who came into the world as a man to save people from their sins (1 John 4:1-3)? 3) Is their life-style consistent with biblical morality (Matt 12:33-37)?
4. He is an enemy to oppose. Matt 13:28,39 says, "He said unto them, An enemy hath doth this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels."
5. He is the hinderer to deter. 1 Thess 2:18 says, "Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us."
Paul was not using the word "Satan" here symbolically - he knew that Satan is real. Satan is called "the god of this world" (2 Cor 4"4) and "the prince of the power of the air (Eph 2:2). We don't know what exactly hindered Paul from returning to Thessalonica - opposition, illness, travel, complications, or a direct attack by Satan - but Satan worked in some way to keep him away. Many of the difficulities that prevent us from accomplishing God's work can be attributed to Satan (Eph 6:12)
6. He is the god of this age to blind. 2 Cor 4:4 says, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."
The Good News is open and revealed to everyone, except to those who refuse to believe. Satan is "the god of this world." His work is to deceive and he has blinded those who don't beleive in Christ (see 11:14-15 (#3 above). The allure of money, power, and pleasure blinds people to the light of Christ's Gospel. Those who refuse Christ, perferring their own pursuits, have made Satan their God unknowingly.
7. He is the tempter to allure. Luke 4:2 says, "Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. 1 Thess 3:5 says, "For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you and our labour be in vain."
The Devil, who tempted Adam & Eve in the Garden, also tempted Jesus in the wilderness. Satan is a real being, a created but rebellious fallen angel, not a symbol or an idea. He constantly fights against God and those who follow and obey God. Jesus was a prime target for his temptations. Satan succeeded with Adam and Eve and he hoped to succeed with Jesus too.
Satan ("tempter") is the most powerful of the evil spirits. His power can affect both the spiritual world (Eph 2:1-3; 6:10-12) and the physical world (2 Cor 12:7-10). Satan even tempted Jesus. But Jesus defeated Satan when he died on the cross for the sins of the world and rose again to bring new life. At the proper time God will overthrow Satan forever. (Rev 20:7-10)
Are you a follower of Satan or Christ?
Saturday, March 27, 2010
I Am Persuaded
Love's Work - Acts 26:26 says, "For the knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner."
Paul was appealing to the facts - people were still alive who had heard Jesus and seen his miracles; the empty tomb could still be seen; and the Christian message was turning the world upside down (17:6). The history of Jesus' life and the early church are facts that are still open for us to examine. We still will have eye witness accounts of Jesus' life in the Bible as well as historical and archaeological records of the early church to study. Examine the events and facts as verified by many witnesses. Reconfirm your faith with the truth of these accounts.
Love's Tenacity - Rom 8:38 says, " For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,"
"Principalities" and "powers" are unseen forces of evil in the universe. These are Satan and his fallen angels (see Eph 6:12). In Christ we are super-conquerors, and his love will protect us from any such forces.
Love's Preservation - 2 Tim 1:12 says, "For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day."
Paul was in prison, but that did not stop his ministry. He carried it own through others like Timothy. Paul had lost all his material possessions, but he would never lose his faith. He trusted God to use him regardless of his circumstances. If your situation looks bleak, give your concerns to Christ. He will guard your faith and safely guard all you have entrusted to him until the day of his return.
The phrase "keep that which I have committed unto him" has three main interpretations: (1) Paul knew God would guard the souls of those converted through his preaching. (2) he trusted God to guard his own soul until the second coming; or (3) he was confident that, though he was in prison and facing death, God would carry out the Gospel ministry through others such as Timothy. Paul may have expressed his confidence to encourage Timothy, who was discouraged by the problems in Ephesus and fearful of persecution. Even in prison, Paul knew God was still in control.
Paul was appealing to the facts - people were still alive who had heard Jesus and seen his miracles; the empty tomb could still be seen; and the Christian message was turning the world upside down (17:6). The history of Jesus' life and the early church are facts that are still open for us to examine. We still will have eye witness accounts of Jesus' life in the Bible as well as historical and archaeological records of the early church to study. Examine the events and facts as verified by many witnesses. Reconfirm your faith with the truth of these accounts.
Love's Tenacity - Rom 8:38 says, " For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,"
"Principalities" and "powers" are unseen forces of evil in the universe. These are Satan and his fallen angels (see Eph 6:12). In Christ we are super-conquerors, and his love will protect us from any such forces.
Love's Preservation - 2 Tim 1:12 says, "For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day."
Paul was in prison, but that did not stop his ministry. He carried it own through others like Timothy. Paul had lost all his material possessions, but he would never lose his faith. He trusted God to use him regardless of his circumstances. If your situation looks bleak, give your concerns to Christ. He will guard your faith and safely guard all you have entrusted to him until the day of his return.
The phrase "keep that which I have committed unto him" has three main interpretations: (1) Paul knew God would guard the souls of those converted through his preaching. (2) he trusted God to guard his own soul until the second coming; or (3) he was confident that, though he was in prison and facing death, God would carry out the Gospel ministry through others such as Timothy. Paul may have expressed his confidence to encourage Timothy, who was discouraged by the problems in Ephesus and fearful of persecution. Even in prison, Paul knew God was still in control.
Does God have control of your life?
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Gospel's Threefold Message
The Gospel is a threefold message.
1. It is "the Gospel of the grace of God" proclaiming His favour to the undeserving. Acts 20:24 says, "But none of these things move me, niether count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."
We often feel that life is a failure unless were getting a lot out of it, recognition, fun, money, success. But Paul thought life was worth nothing unless he used it for God's work. What he put into life was far more important than what he got out. Which is more important to you - what you get out of life or what you put in it?
Singlemindedness is a quality needed by anyone who wishes to do God's work. Paul was a singleminded person, and the most important goal of his life was to tell others about Christ (Philippians 3:7-13). It is no wonder that Paul was the greatest missionary who ever lived. God is looking for men and women who focus on that one great task God has given them to do.
2. It is the Gospel of power, telling out the good news that God never ask us to do a thing without giving us the power to do it. Rom 1:16 says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first and also to the Greek."
Paul was not ashamed, because his message was the Gospel of Christ, the Good News. It was a message of salvation, it had life changing power, and it was for everyone. When you are tempted to be ashamed, remember what the Good News is all about. If you focus on God and on what God is doing in the world rather than on your inadequacy, your embarrassment will soon disappear.
Why did the message go to the Jews first? They had been God's special people for more than 2,000 years ever since God chose Abraham and promised great blessings to his descendants (Gen 12:1-3). God did not choose them because they deserved to be chosen(Duet 7:7,8; 9:4-6), but because he wanted to show his love and mercy to them, teach them, and prepare them to welcome his Messiah into the world. He chose them , not to play favorites, but so that they would tell the world about his plan of salvation.
For centuries the Jews had been learning about God by obeying his laws, keeping his feasts, and living according to his moral principles. Often they forgot God's promises and requirements; often they had to be disciplined; but still they had a precious heritage of belief in the one true God. Of all the people on earth, the Jews should have been the most ready to welcome the Messiah and to understand his mission and message - and some of them were (see Luke 2:25; 36-38). Of course, the disciplines and the great apostle Paul were faithful Jews who recognized in Jesus God's most precious gift to the human race.
Jews and Christians alike stood against the idolatrous Roman religions, and Roman officials often confused the two groups. This was espesially easy to do since the Christian church in Roman was originally composed of Jewish converts who attended the feast of Pentecost (see Acts 2:1). By the time Paul wrote this letter to the Romans, however, many Gentiles had joined the church. The Jews and the Gentiles needed to know the relationship between Judaism and Christianity.
3. It is a Gospel of glory, declaring a better state of things in the future. 2 Cor 4:4 says, "In whom the god of this world hath blinds the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."
The focus of Paul's preaching was Christ, not himself. When you witness, tell people about what Christ has done, and not about your abilities and accomplishments. People must be introduced to Christ, not to you. And if you hear someone preaching himself or his own ideas rather than Christ, beware - he is a false teacher.
Paul willingly served the Corinthian church even though the people disappointed him. Serving people requires a sacrifice of time and personal desires. Being Christs follower means serving others, even when they do not measure up to our expectations.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
The Man Who Had A SubStitute
Barabbas - The notable prisioner, committed to prison for robbery and murder, but preferred to Christ. (Matt 27:16-26)
Who was Barabbas? Jewish men had names that identified them with their Fathers. Simon Peter, for example, is called Simon Bar-jona (Matt 16:17; also translated "Simon, son of Jonah). Barabbas is never identified by his given name and this name is not much help either - bar-abbas means "son of papa" He could have been anybody's son and that's just the point. (Luke 23:17-19)
Mark 15:7; Matt 27:15-16; John 18:40 tells us that Barabbas was arrested for his part in a rebellion against the Roman government and was an enemy to Rome. As a political insurgent, he was no doubt a hero among some of the Jews. The feircely independent Jews hated to support the despised government and its gods. Most of the Roman authorities who had to settle Jewish disputes hated the Jews in return so the time was ripe for a rebellion.
Matt 27:21 tells us that crowds are frickle. If they loved Jesus on Sunday because they thought he was going to inaugurate his kingdom, they could easily hate him on Friday when his power appeared broken. In the face of the mass uprising against Jesus, his friends were afraid to speak up.
Luke 23:17-19 also tells us Barabbas , son of an unnamed papa, committed a crime. Because Jesus died in his place, this man was set free. We too are sinners and criminals against Gods holy Law. Like Barabbas, we deserve to die. But Jesus has died in our place, for our sins, and we have been set free. We don't have to be important to accept our freedom in Christ. In fact, thanks to Jesus, God adopts us all as his own sons and daughters and gives us the right to call him Abba - "papa" (see Gal 4:4-6)
Barabbas should have died for his crimes but Jesus occupied his cross, along with the two other thieves. What a night Barabbas must have spent before Christ was selected in his place! The thief and murderer had visions of a terrible death. All the torture of crucifixion came up before him. Then as the light of morning looked in through the bars of his prision he hears the march of soldiers coming to take him out to his horrible death.
Can we not imagine how stupefied he must have been when he heard the officer of the guard say, "Barabbas you are free. Another is to die in your stead"? When Barabba came to himself and realized how true the news was, out he went, grateful to the One condemned to die as his substitute. A just and holy Man to die in the place of a thief and murderer? Yes, Barabbas was saved at such a cost. What a picture of divine grace this substitutionary death presents! Thereafter, whenever Barabbas thought of Christ, he could say, "He died for me" just as he died for us all.
Who was Barabbas? Jewish men had names that identified them with their Fathers. Simon Peter, for example, is called Simon Bar-jona (Matt 16:17; also translated "Simon, son of Jonah). Barabbas is never identified by his given name and this name is not much help either - bar-abbas means "son of papa" He could have been anybody's son and that's just the point. (Luke 23:17-19)
Mark 15:7; Matt 27:15-16; John 18:40 tells us that Barabbas was arrested for his part in a rebellion against the Roman government and was an enemy to Rome. As a political insurgent, he was no doubt a hero among some of the Jews. The feircely independent Jews hated to support the despised government and its gods. Most of the Roman authorities who had to settle Jewish disputes hated the Jews in return so the time was ripe for a rebellion.
Matt 27:21 tells us that crowds are frickle. If they loved Jesus on Sunday because they thought he was going to inaugurate his kingdom, they could easily hate him on Friday when his power appeared broken. In the face of the mass uprising against Jesus, his friends were afraid to speak up.
Luke 23:17-19 also tells us Barabbas , son of an unnamed papa, committed a crime. Because Jesus died in his place, this man was set free. We too are sinners and criminals against Gods holy Law. Like Barabbas, we deserve to die. But Jesus has died in our place, for our sins, and we have been set free. We don't have to be important to accept our freedom in Christ. In fact, thanks to Jesus, God adopts us all as his own sons and daughters and gives us the right to call him Abba - "papa" (see Gal 4:4-6)
Barabbas should have died for his crimes but Jesus occupied his cross, along with the two other thieves. What a night Barabbas must have spent before Christ was selected in his place! The thief and murderer had visions of a terrible death. All the torture of crucifixion came up before him. Then as the light of morning looked in through the bars of his prision he hears the march of soldiers coming to take him out to his horrible death.
Can we not imagine how stupefied he must have been when he heard the officer of the guard say, "Barabbas you are free. Another is to die in your stead"? When Barabba came to himself and realized how true the news was, out he went, grateful to the One condemned to die as his substitute. A just and holy Man to die in the place of a thief and murderer? Yes, Barabbas was saved at such a cost. What a picture of divine grace this substitutionary death presents! Thereafter, whenever Barabbas thought of Christ, he could say, "He died for me" just as he died for us all.
Don't let his death be in vain, accept Christ today!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
What The Lord Wishes Us To Do
We generally see in others what is found in ourselves.
1. If we live consistently. 1 Peter 1:22 says, " Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfiegned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:"
Real love involves selfless giving; therefore a self-centered person can't truly love. God's love & forgiveness free you to take your eyes off yourselves and to meet others' needs. Now you can love others by following his example and giving of yoursef sacrificially.
2. Walk humbly. Micah 6:8 says, "He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
People have tried all kinds of ways to please God (6:6-7), but God has made his wishes clear: he wants his people to be fair, just, and merciful, and to walk humbly with him. In your efforts to please God, exaime these areas on a regular basis. Are you fair in your dealings with people? Do you show mercy to those who wrong you? Are you learning humility?
3. Act inidividually - Rom 12:5 says, "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."
Paul uses the concept to the human body to teach how Christians should live and work together. Just as the parts of the body function under the direction of the brain, so Christians are to work together under the command and authority of Jesus Christ. (Eph 4:1-16) In 1 Cor 12:12 Paul compared the body of Christ to a human body. Each part has a specific function that is necessary to the body as a whole. The parts are different for a purpose, and in their differences they must work together. Christians must avoid two common errors: (1) being too proud of their abilitites, or (2) thinking they have nothing to give to the body of believers. Instead of comparing ourselves to one another, we must use our different gifts, together, to spread the Good News of salvation.
4. Love heartily. 1 John 3:23 says, "And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment."
In the Bible, a person's name stands for his character. It represents who he really is. We are to believe not only in Jesus' words, but also in his very person as the Son of God. Moreover, to believe "on the name" means to pattern ur life after Christ's, to become more like him by uniting yourself with him.
5. Work personally. Col 4:12 says, "Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God."
Epaphras found the Colossian church (see 1:7) and his report to Paul in Rome caused Paul to write this letter. Epaphras was a hero of the Colossian church, one of the believers who helped keep the church together in spite of growing troubles. His earnest prayers for the believers show his deep love and concern for them.
6. Help spiritually. Gal 6:1-2 says, "Brethren, if a man be overtaken (trapped) in a fault (sin), ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness (gentleness); considering (watching) thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one anothers burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
No one should ever think he or she is totally independent and doesn't need help from others, and no one should feel excused from the task of helping. The body of Christ - the universal church - functions only when the members work together for the common good. Is there someone near you who needs help in a task of daily living? Is there a Christian brother or sister who needs correction or encouragement? Humbly and gently reach out to that person. Any who feel they are too busy to help others take their work far too seriously.
John 13:34-35 tells us that we are to love others based on Jesus' sacrificial love for us. Such love will not only bring unbelievers to Christ, it will also keep believers strong and united in a world hostile to God. Jesus was a living example of God's love, as we are to be living examles of Jesus' love.
Jesus says that our Christlike love will show we are his disciples. Do people see petty bickering, jealousy, and division in your church? Or do they know you are Jesus' followers by your love for one another.
7. Forgive Christly. Eph 4:32 says, "And be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
This is Christ's law of forgiveness as taught in the Gospels (Matt 6:14-45;18:35; Mark 11:25). We also see it in the Lord's prayer - "forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtor's," God does not forgive us because we forgive others, but out of his great mercy. As we come to understand his mercy, however, we will want to be like him. Having received forgiveness, we will pass it on to others. Those who are unwilling to forgive have not become one with Christ, who was willing to forgive even those who crucified him. (Luke 23:34)
We can cause the Holy Spirit sorrow by the way we love. Paul warns us against bad language, meanness, improper use of anger, quarrels, harsh words and bad attitudes towards others. Instead of acting that way, we should be forgiving, just as God has forgiven us. Are you grieving or pleasing God with your attitudes and actions. Act in love towards your brothers and sisters in Christ, just as God acted in love by sending his Son to die for your sins.
Have you been living, walking, acting, loving, working, helping and forgiving the way God wishes for you do do? God's easy to please and he is waiting on your call!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Christ's Scars
We shall recognize Christ by the scars of Calvary. How much those scars proclaim! They at least reveal a sevenfold colour of grace and love. They proclaim:
1. The satisfaction of atonement for sin: Romans 3:25 says, "Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (sacrifice of atonement) through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;"
God is our "propitiation" or sacrifice of atonement. God is justifiably angry at sinners. They have rebelled against him and cut themselves off from his life-giving power. God declares Christ's death as the appropiate, designated sacrifice for our sin. He stands in our place, having paid the penalty of death for our sin and he completely satisfies Gods demands. His sacrifice brings pardon, deliverence and freedom.
What happened to the people who lived before Christ came and died for sin? If God condemned them, is he being unfair? If he saved them, was Christ's sacrifice unnecessary? Paul shows that God forgave all human sin at the cross of Jesus. Old Testament believers looked forward by faith of Christs coming and were saved, even though they did not know Jesus name or the details of his earthly life. Unlike the Old Testament believers, you know about that God who loved the world so much that he gave his own Son (John 3:16). Have you put your trust in him?
2. The price of emancipating redemption: Eph. 1:7 says, "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;"
To speak of Jesus' blood was an important first-century way of speaking of Christ's death. His death points to two wonderful truths: redemption and forgiveness.
Redemption was the price paid to gain freedom for a slave (Lev. 25:47-54). Through his death, Jesus paid the price to release us from slavery to sin. Forgiveness was granted in Old Testament times one the basis of the shedding of animals' blood (Lev. 17:11). Now we are forgiven on the basis of the shedding of Jesus' blood, because he died and was the perfect and final sacrifice. (See also Rom. 5:9; Eph. 2:13; Heb. 9:22) A slave was "redeemed" when someone paid money to buy him or her freedom. God redeemed us from the tyranny of sin, not with money, but with the precious blood of his own Son. We could not escape from sin on our own; only the life of God's Son could free us.
3. The ground of Divine forgiveness: Col. 1:14 says, "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins;"
In verses 12-14, Paul lists five benefits God secured for us when Christ died on the cross:
(1) He made us fit ("meet") to be part of his Kingdom. If you look in 2 Cor. 5:21 it tells us that when we trust Christ, we make a trade - our sin for his goodness. Our sin was poured into Christ at his crucifixion. His righteousness is poured into us at our conversion. This is what Christians mean by Christ's atonement for sin. In the world bartering works only when two people exchange goods of relatively equal value. But God offers to trade his righteousness for our sin - something of immeasurable worth for something worthless. How grateful we should be for his goodness to us.
(2) he rescued us from Satan's domination and made us his children (see also 2:15)
(3) he brought us into his eternal Kingdom. If you look in Eph. 1:5-6 it tells us that this is another way of saying salvation is God's work and not our own doing. God has adopted us as his own children. Through Jesus' sacrifice, he has brought us into his family and made us heirs along with Jesus (Rom. 8:17). In Roman law, adopted children had the same rights and privileges as natural children. Paul used this term to show how strong our relationship to God is.
(4) he bought our freedom ("redemption") from sin and judgment. Heb. 9:12 tells us that redemption refers to the process of paying the price (ransom) to free a slave. By Christ's death, he freed us from the slavery of sin forever.
(5) he forgave all our sins. Eph. 1:7 also tells us that grace is God's voluntary and loving favor given to those he saves. We can't earn nor do we deserve it. No religious or moral effort can gain it, for it comes only from God's mercy and love. Without his grace, no person can be saved.
4. The assurance of eternal peace: Col. 1:20 says, "And having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven."
Christ's death provided a way for all people to come to God ("to be reconciled"). It removed the sin that keeps us from having a right relationship with our Creator. This does not mean that everyone has been saved, but that the way has been cleared for anyone who will trust Christ to be saved. We can have peace with God and be reconciled to him by accepting Christ.
5. The overthrow of Hell's authority. Heb. 2:14 says, "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;"
Jesus had to become human ("flesh and blood") so he could die and rise again, in order to destroy the devils power over death. (Rom. 6:5-11) Only then could he deliver those who had lived in constant fear of death and free them to live for him. When we belong to God, we need not fear death, for we know that death is only the beginning of eternal life (1Cor. 15).
Christ's death and resurrection free us from the fear of death because death has been defeated. We must all go through the experience of dying, but it is not the end; instead, it is the doorway to a new life. Do some of your loved ones need the freedom from the fear of death that only Christ can give? All who dread death should have the opportunity to know the hope that Christ's victory brings. How can you share this understanding with those close to you?
6. The basis of all blessing for spirit, soul, and body. Heb. 13:12,20 says, "Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate." "Now the God of peace, that, brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,"
God works in Christians to produce the kind of person that would please him and he equips Christians to do the kind of work that would please him. Let God change you, then use you.
7. The harbinger of coming glory. 1 Thess. 4:14 says, "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him."
Because Jesus Christ came back to life, so will all believers. All Christians including those living when he returns, will live with Jesus forever. Therefore, we need not despair when loved ones die or world events take a tragic turn. God will turn our tragedies to triumphs, our poverty to riches, our pain to glory and our defeat to victory. All believers throughout history will stand reunited in God's very presence, safe and secure. We should comfort and reassure one another with this great hope.
Because of Christ's death and resurrection, his followers need never fear death. This frees us to fellowship with him and do his will. This will affect all our activities; work and worship, play and Bible study, quiet times and times caring for others. When you know you need not fear death, you will experience a new vigor in life.
Don't be afraid to close you eyes in death! Accept Christ today!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
What Makes A Christian?
1. The Holy Spirit makes a Christian. John 3:3 says "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdon of God." John 3:5 says "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
Jesus revealed that the only way to be a part of the kingdom was to be born again. The kingdom is personal, not national or ethnic and its entrance requirements are repentance and spiritual rebirth. God's kingdom has already begun in the hearts of believers. It will be fully realized when Jesus returns to judge the world and abolish evil forever (Rev 21,22) Jesus is explaining the importanceof a spiritual rebirth, saying we don't enter the kingdom by living a better life but by being spiritually reborn.
Who is the Holy Spirit? God is three persons in one; the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. God became a man in Jesus so that Jesus could die for our sins. Jesus rose from the dead to offer salvation to all people through spiritual rebirth. When Jesus ascended into heaven, his physical presence left the earth, but he promised to send the Holy Spirit so his spiritual presence would still be among mankind. (Luke 24:49)
2. Faith in Christ unites a Christian to the Father. John 1:12 says "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name"
All who welcome Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives are reborn spiritually, receiving new life from God. Through faith in Christ, this new birth changes us from the inside out, rearranging our attitudes, desires and motives. Being born makes you physically alive and places you in your parents family. Being reborn makes you spiritually alive and puts you in God's family.
3. Holiness of life proves a Christian. 1 Peter 3:16 says "Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accused your good conversation in Christ."
You may not be able to keep people from attacking you, but you can at least stop supplying them ammunition. As long as you do what is right, their accusations will be empty and will only embarass them. Keep your conduct above criticism.
4. Trial confirms a Christian. 1 Peter 1:7 says "That the trail of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:"
All believers face such trials when they let their light shine into the darkness. We must accept trials as part of the refining process that burns away impurities, preparing us to meet Christ. Trials teach us patience (Rom 5:3-4; James 1:2-3) and help us grow to be the kind of people God wants us to be.
As gold is heated, impurities float to the top and can be skimmed off. Steel is tempered or strengthened by heating it in fire. Likewise, our trials, struggles and persecutions strenghten our faith and make us useful to God.
5. Service for Christ helps a Christian. Eph. 4:16 says "From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."
Some Christians fear that any mistake will destroy their witnes for the Lord. They see their own weaknesses and they know that many non-Christians seem to have stronger character than they do. How can they be new and different persons, holy and good? The good news is that Jesus forms us into a body; into a group of individuals who are united in their purpose and in their love for one another and for Christ. If an individual stumbles, the rest of the group is there to pick him up and help him walk with his Lord again. If an individual sins, he can find restoration through the church (Gal 6:1) even as the rest of the body continues to witness to God's truth. As part of Christ body, you will reflect part of Christ's character and do part of his work. As you grow to be more like him, you will be able to better appreciate your brothers and sisters in Christ, without whom you could not adequately represent the Lord.
6.Prayer to Christ strengthens a Christian. John 14:13-14 says "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it."
When Jesus says we can ask for anything, we must remember that our asking must be in his name; that is, according to God's character and will. God will not grant requests contrary to his nature or his will, and we cannot use his name as a magic formula to fulfill our selfish desires. If we are sincerely following God and seeking to do his will, then our requests will be in line with what he wants, and he will grant them.
7. Glory with Christ crowns a Christian. Col 3:4 says "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."
Christ gives us power to help us live now, and he gives us hope for the future; he will return again. For those who want to read it, in the rest of this chapter Paul explains how Christians should act now in order to be prepared for Christ's return.
This fresh start in life is available to all who believe in Christ. Have you asked Christ to make you a new person? If not then why not today?
Jesus revealed that the only way to be a part of the kingdom was to be born again. The kingdom is personal, not national or ethnic and its entrance requirements are repentance and spiritual rebirth. God's kingdom has already begun in the hearts of believers. It will be fully realized when Jesus returns to judge the world and abolish evil forever (Rev 21,22) Jesus is explaining the importanceof a spiritual rebirth, saying we don't enter the kingdom by living a better life but by being spiritually reborn.
Who is the Holy Spirit? God is three persons in one; the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. God became a man in Jesus so that Jesus could die for our sins. Jesus rose from the dead to offer salvation to all people through spiritual rebirth. When Jesus ascended into heaven, his physical presence left the earth, but he promised to send the Holy Spirit so his spiritual presence would still be among mankind. (Luke 24:49)
2. Faith in Christ unites a Christian to the Father. John 1:12 says "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name"
All who welcome Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives are reborn spiritually, receiving new life from God. Through faith in Christ, this new birth changes us from the inside out, rearranging our attitudes, desires and motives. Being born makes you physically alive and places you in your parents family. Being reborn makes you spiritually alive and puts you in God's family.
3. Holiness of life proves a Christian. 1 Peter 3:16 says "Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accused your good conversation in Christ."
You may not be able to keep people from attacking you, but you can at least stop supplying them ammunition. As long as you do what is right, their accusations will be empty and will only embarass them. Keep your conduct above criticism.
4. Trial confirms a Christian. 1 Peter 1:7 says "That the trail of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:"
All believers face such trials when they let their light shine into the darkness. We must accept trials as part of the refining process that burns away impurities, preparing us to meet Christ. Trials teach us patience (Rom 5:3-4; James 1:2-3) and help us grow to be the kind of people God wants us to be.
As gold is heated, impurities float to the top and can be skimmed off. Steel is tempered or strengthened by heating it in fire. Likewise, our trials, struggles and persecutions strenghten our faith and make us useful to God.
5. Service for Christ helps a Christian. Eph. 4:16 says "From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."
Some Christians fear that any mistake will destroy their witnes for the Lord. They see their own weaknesses and they know that many non-Christians seem to have stronger character than they do. How can they be new and different persons, holy and good? The good news is that Jesus forms us into a body; into a group of individuals who are united in their purpose and in their love for one another and for Christ. If an individual stumbles, the rest of the group is there to pick him up and help him walk with his Lord again. If an individual sins, he can find restoration through the church (Gal 6:1) even as the rest of the body continues to witness to God's truth. As part of Christ body, you will reflect part of Christ's character and do part of his work. As you grow to be more like him, you will be able to better appreciate your brothers and sisters in Christ, without whom you could not adequately represent the Lord.
6.Prayer to Christ strengthens a Christian. John 14:13-14 says "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it."
When Jesus says we can ask for anything, we must remember that our asking must be in his name; that is, according to God's character and will. God will not grant requests contrary to his nature or his will, and we cannot use his name as a magic formula to fulfill our selfish desires. If we are sincerely following God and seeking to do his will, then our requests will be in line with what he wants, and he will grant them.
7. Glory with Christ crowns a Christian. Col 3:4 says "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."
Christ gives us power to help us live now, and he gives us hope for the future; he will return again. For those who want to read it, in the rest of this chapter Paul explains how Christians should act now in order to be prepared for Christ's return.
This fresh start in life is available to all who believe in Christ. Have you asked Christ to make you a new person? If not then why not today?
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Religion or Christ?
"Religion is often put on a pedestal and worshipped instead of Christ," so said a well-known Canon of the Church of England. There are many who are content with an outward show of religion and religious observances who know nothing of heartfaith in Christ and Christly action.
1. God's Religion. There is God's description of a true and practical religion, which is to care for the fatherless and widows in their afflictions, and to keep unspotted from the world. (James 1:27)
In the first century, orphans and widows had very little means of economic support. Unless a family member was willing to care for them, they were reduced to begging, selling themselves as slaves or starving. By caring for these powerless people, the church put God's word into practice. When we give with no hope of receiving in return, we show what it means to serve others.
To keep ourselves unpolluted ("unspotted") from the world we need to commit ourselves to Christs ethical and moral system, not the worlds. We are not to adapt to the worlds value system based on money, power and pleasure. True faith means nothing if we are contaminated with such values.
2. An Empty Religion. Then there is the Spirit's description of an empty religion, when he describes a person who seems to be religious and who bridleth not his tongue. (James 1:26)
What you say and what you don't say are both important. Proper speech is not only saying the right words at the right time, but controlling your desire to say what you shouldn't. Examples of wrongly using the tongue include gossiping, putting others down, bragging, manipulating, false teaching, exaggerating, complaining, flattering and lying. Before you speak, ask, "Is what I want to say true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?" (James 3:2-3)
3. Man's Religion. Paul, in looking upon the empty rites of the idolatrous worship at Athens, said, "I perceive that in all things ye are too religious" (Acts 17:22)
Like Paul we must be prepared. The more we know about the Bible, what it means and how to apply it to our lives, the more convincing our words will be. This does not mean we should avoid presenting the Gospel until we feel adequately prepared. We should work with what we know, but always want to know more in order to reach more people and answer their questions and arguments more effectively. Pauls address is a good example of how to communicate the Gospel. When you witness to others, you can use Paul's approach: use examples, establish common ground and then move people toward a decision about Jesus Christ.
There is often a good deal of religion without Christ, but there is always true religion when there is Christ. The secret of practical religion is the potential Christ!
1. God's Religion. There is God's description of a true and practical religion, which is to care for the fatherless and widows in their afflictions, and to keep unspotted from the world. (James 1:27)
In the first century, orphans and widows had very little means of economic support. Unless a family member was willing to care for them, they were reduced to begging, selling themselves as slaves or starving. By caring for these powerless people, the church put God's word into practice. When we give with no hope of receiving in return, we show what it means to serve others.
To keep ourselves unpolluted ("unspotted") from the world we need to commit ourselves to Christs ethical and moral system, not the worlds. We are not to adapt to the worlds value system based on money, power and pleasure. True faith means nothing if we are contaminated with such values.
2. An Empty Religion. Then there is the Spirit's description of an empty religion, when he describes a person who seems to be religious and who bridleth not his tongue. (James 1:26)
What you say and what you don't say are both important. Proper speech is not only saying the right words at the right time, but controlling your desire to say what you shouldn't. Examples of wrongly using the tongue include gossiping, putting others down, bragging, manipulating, false teaching, exaggerating, complaining, flattering and lying. Before you speak, ask, "Is what I want to say true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?" (James 3:2-3)
3. Man's Religion. Paul, in looking upon the empty rites of the idolatrous worship at Athens, said, "I perceive that in all things ye are too religious" (Acts 17:22)
Like Paul we must be prepared. The more we know about the Bible, what it means and how to apply it to our lives, the more convincing our words will be. This does not mean we should avoid presenting the Gospel until we feel adequately prepared. We should work with what we know, but always want to know more in order to reach more people and answer their questions and arguments more effectively. Pauls address is a good example of how to communicate the Gospel. When you witness to others, you can use Paul's approach: use examples, establish common ground and then move people toward a decision about Jesus Christ.
There is often a good deal of religion without Christ, but there is always true religion when there is Christ. The secret of practical religion is the potential Christ!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Two Choices: Accept or Reject
When things are going well, we feel elated. When hardships come, we sink into depression. But true joy transcends these waves of circumstance. Joy comes from a consistent relationship with Jesus Christ. When our lives are intertwined with his, he will help us walk through adversity without sinking into debilitating lows and manage prosperity without moving into deceptive highs. The joy of living with Jesus Christ daily keeps us levelheaded no matter how high or low our circumstances.
We are to love one another as Jesus loved us, and he loved us enough to give his life for us. We may not have to die for someone, but there are other ways to practice sacrificial love: listening, helping, encouraging and giving. Think of someone in particular who needs this kind of love today. Give all the love you can, and then try to give a little more.
Because Jesus Christ is Lord and Master, he should call us slaves, but instead he calls us friends. How comforting and reassuring to be chosen as his friends. Because he is Lord and Master, our obedience should be unqualified and blind, but Jesus asks us to obey him because we love him.
Jesus made the first choice-to love and to die for us, to offer us eternal life. We make the next choice-to accept or reject his offer. Without his choice, we would have no choice.
We are to love one another as Jesus loved us, and he loved us enough to give his life for us. We may not have to die for someone, but there are other ways to practice sacrificial love: listening, helping, encouraging and giving. Think of someone in particular who needs this kind of love today. Give all the love you can, and then try to give a little more.
Because Jesus Christ is Lord and Master, he should call us slaves, but instead he calls us friends. How comforting and reassuring to be chosen as his friends. Because he is Lord and Master, our obedience should be unqualified and blind, but Jesus asks us to obey him because we love him.
Jesus made the first choice-to love and to die for us, to offer us eternal life. We make the next choice-to accept or reject his offer. Without his choice, we would have no choice.
Make the right choice and accept Jesus today!
(John 15:11-16)
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Why Jesus Folded the Napkin
Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection? I never noticed this....
The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes.
The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of tha stony coffin.
Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.
She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, "They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!"
Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple out ran Peter and got there first. He stopped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in.
Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.
Was that important? Absolutely!
Is it really significant? Yes!
In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day.
The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition.
When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it.
The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.
Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table.
The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done'.
But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because................
The folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!'
So people you better be prepared because
The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes.
The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of tha stony coffin.
Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.
She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, "They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!"
Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple out ran Peter and got there first. He stopped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in.
Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.
Was that important? Absolutely!
Is it really significant? Yes!
In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day.
The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition.
When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it.
The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.
Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table.
The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done'.
But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because................
The folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!'
So people you better be prepared because
Jesus is Coming Back!!!
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