Lord, may I be forever reminded of all your miraculous deeds,
It would be better that I forget my own name,
Yes, even all that I've accomplished,
than to forget just one your glorious works!
amen,
Saturday, October 3, 2009
The Cross, Part 6: Substitutionary
"Meanwhile, the leading priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be put to death" [Matt 27:20]
So I'm going to attempt to make somewhat of an analogy here for explaining why it was necessary for Christ to actually die for us, and sorry if I take my usual long & round about way of getting to the point :)
If we begin with the premise that God is holy; completely pure in thought and deed [1 Sam 2:2, 1 John 1:5], which also causes him to be completely set apart from sin [Is 59:2], it becomes clear that it is impossible for Him to do wrong [Ps 145:17]. Because of this, He is the only one qualified to judge between right and wrong since He Himself is not a doer of the things he judges [Job 8:3]. God is also the only one who is even capable of creating any laws for governing the universe since He alone has ultimate rule over all the things He's created. If then the lawgiver Himself is Holy and just, then its implied that "the law itself is holy, and its commands are holy and right and good." [Rom 7:12] God, being both lawgiver and judge of the universe, also has the final say on what the penalty will be for anyone who transgresses his law. So when He says, "the wages of sin is death" [Rom 6:23] then there should be some real concern of having to stand before Him to be judged by every deed "as recorded in the books." [Rev 20:12] No doubt, I'd be in a more than a lot of trouble if God had done nothing to bail me out of such a desperate situation.
It is here that Barabbas provides a great illustration of our spiritual condition. We were all considered to be "a notorious prisoner" against whom countless acts of breaking the law may be rightfully charged. And again, God is Just (much more than the Roman government) and he must uphold His justice because He is holy and not willing to allow sin to go unpunished.
So what does he do??? How is it possible for Holy God to forgive sinful Man???
The Father showed His great love and compassion for our desperate situation by ordering "Barabbas(us) to be released and for Jesus to be put to death." [Matt 27:20] The death of Christ on the cross provided a way for God to carry out His just punishment of sin by sending His one and only Son to recieve the condemnation which we deserved! Chirst's death was substitutionary! It was also much much more, though this alone provides much hope to us who had noooo way of getting to God based on any good works. A sacrifice had to be made.
So I'm going to attempt to make somewhat of an analogy here for explaining why it was necessary for Christ to actually die for us, and sorry if I take my usual long & round about way of getting to the point :)
If we begin with the premise that God is holy; completely pure in thought and deed [1 Sam 2:2, 1 John 1:5], which also causes him to be completely set apart from sin [Is 59:2], it becomes clear that it is impossible for Him to do wrong [Ps 145:17]. Because of this, He is the only one qualified to judge between right and wrong since He Himself is not a doer of the things he judges [Job 8:3]. God is also the only one who is even capable of creating any laws for governing the universe since He alone has ultimate rule over all the things He's created. If then the lawgiver Himself is Holy and just, then its implied that "the law itself is holy, and its commands are holy and right and good." [Rom 7:12] God, being both lawgiver and judge of the universe, also has the final say on what the penalty will be for anyone who transgresses his law. So when He says, "the wages of sin is death" [Rom 6:23] then there should be some real concern of having to stand before Him to be judged by every deed "as recorded in the books." [Rev 20:12] No doubt, I'd be in a more than a lot of trouble if God had done nothing to bail me out of such a desperate situation.
It is here that Barabbas provides a great illustration of our spiritual condition. We were all considered to be "a notorious prisoner" against whom countless acts of breaking the law may be rightfully charged. And again, God is Just (much more than the Roman government) and he must uphold His justice because He is holy and not willing to allow sin to go unpunished.
So what does he do??? How is it possible for Holy God to forgive sinful Man???
The Father showed His great love and compassion for our desperate situation by ordering "Barabbas(us) to be released and for Jesus to be put to death." [Matt 27:20] The death of Christ on the cross provided a way for God to carry out His just punishment of sin by sending His one and only Son to recieve the condemnation which we deserved! Chirst's death was substitutionary! It was also much much more, though this alone provides much hope to us who had noooo way of getting to God based on any good works. A sacrifice had to be made.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Dennis Mays: Bible in a year [09_03_Hosea_7-8_Rebellion in Israel]
Overview:
Chapter 7:
Half-baked Commitment....7:1-10
Halfhearted Confession......7:11-16
Chapter 8:
Halfhearted Kings..............8:1-7
Wholehearted Conquest....8:8-14
Read Passage Online
Visual aids and interesting metaphors abound in the section
you will read today. Hosea describes the nation as a dying man,
a flaming fire, a half-baked cake, a silly dove, a deceitful bow,
a pleasureless vessel, and a forgetful servant.
With such overwhelming evidence there can be only one verdict:
Guilty! For centuries the nation has sown seeds of wickedness;
now it is time to reap the terrible harvest of judgment.
.
.
Try this personal preference survey:
How do you like your eggs cooked?
How do you like your meat cooked (rare, medium, etc.)?
How do you like our favorite beverage served?
Now suppose someone invited you over for breakfast
and served you overcooked (or undercooked) bacon,
runny (or hardboiled) eggs, and lukewarm coffee, tea, or milk.
How would you respond to their “hospitality”?
Would you want to come back for more?
Back in the early days of the nation of Israel,
the people promised to follow God in wholehearted obedience
(Exodus 19:8).
But now as Hosea surveys the scene, the nation resembles
a half-baked cake (7:8). Impure motives, incomplete obedience,
and spiritual indifference characterize the people.
Little wonder God’s heart is grieved over the condition of
His covenant nation.
Think of your Christian life today as a cake,
and the difficult circumstances you are facing as the heat
God is using to prepare you. Where are you tempted to
“hop out of the over” before the transformation is complete?
Why not bake a special (and hopefully, edible) cake today,
or surprise the family by bringing one home tonight.
As you enjoy it together, share with each other areas
in your life that are still “in the oven,”
becoming what He wants them to be.
.
The Sowing and Reaping Principle:
Hosea 8:7 is one of the best-known verses in the book,
and contains a principle found at least two other places in the Bible:
2 Corinthians 9:6 and Galatians 6:7-8. Can you state what it is?
.
=======> ___The_Soulfood Menu___ (real food for your soul)
Break-fast:
study the day's outlined chapters to get the entire bible in your heart
every 365 days.
Lunch:
study the Proverb chapter of each day's date
(31 proverbs for 31days each month)
(ie...on the 3rd day of the month study Proverbs chapter 3).
Dinner:
meditate on 5 Psalms each evening
(5 psalms a nite x 30 days each month=150 Psalms)
(ie......on the 3rd day of each month meditate on Psalm 3,
+30= Psalm 33,
+30= Psalm 63,
+30= Psalm 93,
+30= Psalm 123
~by Dennis Mays
Chapter 7:
Half-baked Commitment....7:1-10
Halfhearted Confession......7:11-16
Chapter 8:
Halfhearted Kings..............8:1-7
Wholehearted Conquest....8:8-14
Read Passage Online
Visual aids and interesting metaphors abound in the section
you will read today. Hosea describes the nation as a dying man,
a flaming fire, a half-baked cake, a silly dove, a deceitful bow,
a pleasureless vessel, and a forgetful servant.
With such overwhelming evidence there can be only one verdict:
Guilty! For centuries the nation has sown seeds of wickedness;
now it is time to reap the terrible harvest of judgment.
.
.
Try this personal preference survey:
How do you like your eggs cooked?
How do you like your meat cooked (rare, medium, etc.)?
How do you like our favorite beverage served?
Now suppose someone invited you over for breakfast
and served you overcooked (or undercooked) bacon,
runny (or hardboiled) eggs, and lukewarm coffee, tea, or milk.
How would you respond to their “hospitality”?
Would you want to come back for more?
Back in the early days of the nation of Israel,
the people promised to follow God in wholehearted obedience
(Exodus 19:8).
But now as Hosea surveys the scene, the nation resembles
a half-baked cake (7:8). Impure motives, incomplete obedience,
and spiritual indifference characterize the people.
Little wonder God’s heart is grieved over the condition of
His covenant nation.
Think of your Christian life today as a cake,
and the difficult circumstances you are facing as the heat
God is using to prepare you. Where are you tempted to
“hop out of the over” before the transformation is complete?
Why not bake a special (and hopefully, edible) cake today,
or surprise the family by bringing one home tonight.
As you enjoy it together, share with each other areas
in your life that are still “in the oven,”
becoming what He wants them to be.
.
The Sowing and Reaping Principle:
Hosea 8:7 is one of the best-known verses in the book,
and contains a principle found at least two other places in the Bible:
2 Corinthians 9:6 and Galatians 6:7-8. Can you state what it is?
.
=======> ___The_Soulfood Menu___ (real food for your soul)
Break-fast:
study the day's outlined chapters to get the entire bible in your heart
every 365 days.
Lunch:
study the Proverb chapter of each day's date
(31 proverbs for 31days each month)
(ie...on the 3rd day of the month study Proverbs chapter 3).
Dinner:
meditate on 5 Psalms each evening
(5 psalms a nite x 30 days each month=150 Psalms)
(ie......on the 3rd day of each month meditate on Psalm 3,
+30= Psalm 33,
+30= Psalm 63,
+30= Psalm 93,
+30= Psalm 123
~by Dennis Mays
The Cross, Part 5: Fruits of Repentance
"And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus 'Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.' And he went out and wept bitterly." Matt 26:27
The difference between Peter's Denial and Judas's betrayal in the next chapter is that the former led to repentance while the latter was merely sorrow over the consequences of sin. Though the outward appearance of these two emotions may be similar, the Bible makes it clear that something rather different is really occurring in the heart. "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."[2 Cor 7:10]
Everyone has a conscience, and sorrow is really the result of violating the law God has placed within the heart [See Rom 2:14,15]. The purpose of our sorrow when we violate our conscience is to produce a turning away from sin in repentance and a turning towards God in faith. And while we may be able to fool one another by giving off the appearance of sadness and remorse over our sin, God knows whether or not the sorrow is genuine. At the moment Peter is found weeping bitterly and in sorrow for denying Christ, there is no real way to outwardly judge whether his heart is really repentant. The only way to assert that true repentance occurred is to evaluate his Life and how he would later, "Bear fruit in keeping with repentance." [Matthew 3:8]. I'm not advocating that works prove a person has repented, but rather that they are an expected by-product of true repentance.
When studying the cross, I suppose it's easy to be filled with sorrow and grief over what Christ suffered, but is this grief alone enough to save us? Even though Judas himself was saddened and filled with remorse over his own sin, he merely internalized the sorrow and acted on it with self-punishment. Ultimately, it's only by the grace of God that Peter too didn't take the same path, and that he instead externalized the sorrow he felt by placing it on the cross where it would be forever crucified with Christ!
The difference between Peter's Denial and Judas's betrayal in the next chapter is that the former led to repentance while the latter was merely sorrow over the consequences of sin. Though the outward appearance of these two emotions may be similar, the Bible makes it clear that something rather different is really occurring in the heart. "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."[2 Cor 7:10]
Everyone has a conscience, and sorrow is really the result of violating the law God has placed within the heart [See Rom 2:14,15]. The purpose of our sorrow when we violate our conscience is to produce a turning away from sin in repentance and a turning towards God in faith. And while we may be able to fool one another by giving off the appearance of sadness and remorse over our sin, God knows whether or not the sorrow is genuine. At the moment Peter is found weeping bitterly and in sorrow for denying Christ, there is no real way to outwardly judge whether his heart is really repentant. The only way to assert that true repentance occurred is to evaluate his Life and how he would later, "Bear fruit in keeping with repentance." [Matthew 3:8]. I'm not advocating that works prove a person has repented, but rather that they are an expected by-product of true repentance.
When studying the cross, I suppose it's easy to be filled with sorrow and grief over what Christ suffered, but is this grief alone enough to save us? Even though Judas himself was saddened and filled with remorse over his own sin, he merely internalized the sorrow and acted on it with self-punishment. Ultimately, it's only by the grace of God that Peter too didn't take the same path, and that he instead externalized the sorrow he felt by placing it on the cross where it would be forever crucified with Christ!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
The Cross, Part 4: Our disgrace
"Then they spit in his face and struck him" [Matt 26:67]
"I gave my back to those who strike,
and my cheek to those who pull out the beard;
I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting." [Is 50:6]
In what appears to be a fist fight that Jesus is clearly losing, God's sovereignty seems to shine so brightly in the backdrop, reducing this to but a minor scuffle when compared to the real battle being fought in the heavens for the souls of men. So as men boxed with God, God boxed with sin. Though it is natural to have seen this abuse and disgrace and to have "esteemed him stricken," Jesus was doing a work so great that we would've cheered him on had we been there and understood that, "he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed." [Is 53] !!!!!
"I gave my back to those who strike,
and my cheek to those who pull out the beard;
I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting." [Is 50:6]
In what appears to be a fist fight that Jesus is clearly losing, God's sovereignty seems to shine so brightly in the backdrop, reducing this to but a minor scuffle when compared to the real battle being fought in the heavens for the souls of men. So as men boxed with God, God boxed with sin. Though it is natural to have seen this abuse and disgrace and to have "esteemed him stricken," Jesus was doing a work so great that we would've cheered him on had we been there and understood that, "he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed." [Is 53] !!!!!
Love
I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. John 15:9
When Jesus asks you to remain in His love, He is asking you to obey Him completely. Not some of the time, not only on those things that you like or that are easy, but in all areas. Now, I know that may seem hard to do, but the good news is that your first step is just to be willing. Be willing to ask for His help. Pray, sing a hymn, sit in quiet, take a walk and talk with the Lord-do anything that illustrates your willingness to the Lord, and do it as often as you can. Your willingness turns into His opportunity to use you for His loving purpose on this earth. It is truly amazing to realize that you were loved by God even before you were born, because God knew you and wanted you from the start. That kind of complete and unconditional love is beautiful and exciting. Thank the Lord for loving you more than life itself.
~By Sherana Harris
When Jesus asks you to remain in His love, He is asking you to obey Him completely. Not some of the time, not only on those things that you like or that are easy, but in all areas. Now, I know that may seem hard to do, but the good news is that your first step is just to be willing. Be willing to ask for His help. Pray, sing a hymn, sit in quiet, take a walk and talk with the Lord-do anything that illustrates your willingness to the Lord, and do it as often as you can. Your willingness turns into His opportunity to use you for His loving purpose on this earth. It is truly amazing to realize that you were loved by God even before you were born, because God knew you and wanted you from the start. That kind of complete and unconditional love is beautiful and exciting. Thank the Lord for loving you more than life itself.
~By Sherana Harris
Friday, August 7, 2009
The Cross, Part 3: Alone
"Then all the disciples left him and fled" [Matt 26:56]
Even after the abundance of love Christ displayed among his followers, a realization of His unpopularity along with fear for their own safety, causes the disciples to "flee from the Lord." "For it is written, I will strike the Shepard, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered."
Among these disciples was Peter himself, who boldly exclaimed, "I will never fall away." Yet, the love of God is fully expressed, for we all(like the disciples) "left him and fled" in our hears with sinful desires and still the Lord was gracious and loving enough to pursue us as we fled. "All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;" So there is no use in supposing that there was some sort of innate goodness within the hearts of men that motivated Christ to be dragged away by His betrayers. It was not for any good works that we'd done, but instead because we were incapable of doing anything good at all, that He is willfully led away "like a lamb that is led to the slaughter." And standing all alone without any companion or fellow worker to aid him in this great act of redemption, "his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him."
"Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded." "For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly." The betrayed is crucified for the betrayer, the one who remained faithful died for we who "left him and fled." How is this not the greatest act of love and the most amazing display of grace?
"For one will scarcely die for a righteous person - though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die - but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Soli Deo Gloria!
Even after the abundance of love Christ displayed among his followers, a realization of His unpopularity along with fear for their own safety, causes the disciples to "flee from the Lord." "For it is written, I will strike the Shepard, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered."
Among these disciples was Peter himself, who boldly exclaimed, "I will never fall away." Yet, the love of God is fully expressed, for we all(like the disciples) "left him and fled" in our hears with sinful desires and still the Lord was gracious and loving enough to pursue us as we fled. "All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;" So there is no use in supposing that there was some sort of innate goodness within the hearts of men that motivated Christ to be dragged away by His betrayers. It was not for any good works that we'd done, but instead because we were incapable of doing anything good at all, that He is willfully led away "like a lamb that is led to the slaughter." And standing all alone without any companion or fellow worker to aid him in this great act of redemption, "his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him."
"Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded." "For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly." The betrayed is crucified for the betrayer, the one who remained faithful died for we who "left him and fled." How is this not the greatest act of love and the most amazing display of grace?
"For one will scarcely die for a righteous person - though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die - but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Soli Deo Gloria!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
The Cross, Part 2: Not as I will
"Nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will" [Matt 26:39]
Although it seems possible for the will of Jesus to be contrary to the Father's, there was never a moment in which Jesus actually acted upon any impulse that wasn't aligned with the Father's gracious plan of salvation. "For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me." And in this setting aside of ones own will, we see yet another instance in which Christ was, "tempted as we are, yet without sin." Since most of us will never even be tempted to such a great magnitude, because usually "In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood," it is comforting to know that Christ was not only "tempted as we are" but in a far greater way, and yet was sustained by the same Spirit that is now being poured out freely upon those who believe! It may very well be that this was the greatest temptation of all for our Lord. To give up his will, his desires, and even his very life for the sake of the Father's will and desires - even for the sake of our own lives was Christ our Lord crucified!
Although it seems possible for the will of Jesus to be contrary to the Father's, there was never a moment in which Jesus actually acted upon any impulse that wasn't aligned with the Father's gracious plan of salvation. "For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me." And in this setting aside of ones own will, we see yet another instance in which Christ was, "tempted as we are, yet without sin." Since most of us will never even be tempted to such a great magnitude, because usually "In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood," it is comforting to know that Christ was not only "tempted as we are" but in a far greater way, and yet was sustained by the same Spirit that is now being poured out freely upon those who believe! It may very well be that this was the greatest temptation of all for our Lord. To give up his will, his desires, and even his very life for the sake of the Father's will and desires - even for the sake of our own lives was Christ our Lord crucified!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
The Cross, Part 1: Grief
"My soul is very sorrowful, even unto death" [Matt 26:38]
And it is here in the garden, that the reality of the cross and all that it would cost our Lord, begins to weigh heavily upon his soul; Seemingly to the point that it becomes impossible to bear. "Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I have come to this hour." "For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world - to bear witness to the truth."
If then the Father were to save the Son from "this hour," then Jesus would not be able to bear witness to the truth that the "Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life." And yet it was for this very truth that Christ was born into this world; to atone for the sins of man and "raise him up at the last day." Therefore, to be saved from this hour is impossible, because it would make God a liar. The cup of suffering had to be drank by Christ himself before anyone else, as he is "the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." It would later pass to the disciples; "You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with." And for the cross, there have been countless men and women who endured the same sorrow "even unto death." Yet, their is much in this seemingly gloomy passage in which to find joy, for "if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." Indeed, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." [Phil 3:10-12, Rom 8:17] Therefore, the Lord's grief expressed at the cross is both a weight and a glorious crown to the believer.
And it is here in the garden, that the reality of the cross and all that it would cost our Lord, begins to weigh heavily upon his soul; Seemingly to the point that it becomes impossible to bear. "Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I have come to this hour." "For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world - to bear witness to the truth."
If then the Father were to save the Son from "this hour," then Jesus would not be able to bear witness to the truth that the "Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life." And yet it was for this very truth that Christ was born into this world; to atone for the sins of man and "raise him up at the last day." Therefore, to be saved from this hour is impossible, because it would make God a liar. The cup of suffering had to be drank by Christ himself before anyone else, as he is "the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." It would later pass to the disciples; "You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with." And for the cross, there have been countless men and women who endured the same sorrow "even unto death." Yet, their is much in this seemingly gloomy passage in which to find joy, for "if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." Indeed, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." [Phil 3:10-12, Rom 8:17] Therefore, the Lord's grief expressed at the cross is both a weight and a glorious crown to the believer.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Are we keeping the Sabbath day Holy???
Perhaps the best verse to satisfy the case that we are no longer required to keep the sabbath in the same manner of the Israelites is found in Colossians 2:16:
"Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ."
Furthermore, I think we should be careful about taking just parts of the law and elevating them above the others, as written in James 2:10:
"For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it."
Which is why it's surprising that someone will say we must keep the sabbath, and yet ignore some of it's requirements such as the duty to put someone to death if they decide to do any work on that day:
"For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a Sabbath of rest to the LORD. Whoever does any work on it must be put to death." [Ex 35:2]
So if you insist on keeping the Sabbath you cannot just keep one part which says it's a day of rest and throw away the rest of the requirement. You will still have broken the Sabbath if you do not carry out all of it's rules and regulations. Nevertheless, because of Colossians 2:16 we see that the observance of a Sabbath day has been done away with along with the restrictions to eat certain foods that God once called unclean.
"Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." [Acts 10:15]
Are we then free of all law keeping and of obeying God's requirements in the Old Testament? Nope, but rather we fulfill them in Christ who is Lord of the Sabbath and desires us to offer our "bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship."
But what did Christ say concerning this matter?
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Many in this city
"One night the Lod spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, "Don't be afraid! Speak out! Don't be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me." [Acts 18:8]
Just a thought, but would your willingness to share the gospel change if God told you that "many people in this city belong to me?" Meaning, they're people very close to you that are lost this very moment whom God has chosen, but since they have yet to hear the gospel, to repent, and to believe in Jesus Christ, they are still living under Satan's rulership, oppressed by sin and all the guilt that comes along with it. God chooses people in the most unlikely places. Corinth was definitely one during Paul's day, but what about your city, or even work? God's work of redemption will continue until Christ returns, so let us "go and make disciples of all nations," because "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few."
*[Matt 28, Matt 9]
Just a thought, but would your willingness to share the gospel change if God told you that "many people in this city belong to me?" Meaning, they're people very close to you that are lost this very moment whom God has chosen, but since they have yet to hear the gospel, to repent, and to believe in Jesus Christ, they are still living under Satan's rulership, oppressed by sin and all the guilt that comes along with it. God chooses people in the most unlikely places. Corinth was definitely one during Paul's day, but what about your city, or even work? God's work of redemption will continue until Christ returns, so let us "go and make disciples of all nations," because "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few."
*[Matt 28, Matt 9]
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Praise Him!!! [By Sherana Harris]
Praise flows from our friendship with God. People who praise God on a regular basis do so because they have found the Lord to be altogether lovely and can't stop thinking of Him and talking about Him. Praise is a conscious choice. Praise is an act of your own will. When you offer God true praise, you make a conscious decision to commend, approve and glorify Him. Praise therefore, is not based on your emotions or feelings.
Praise is a willing sacrifice. Praise becomes a sacrifice when you offer your praise to God just because He deserves and asks you to do it. You may not feel like praising Him, and in truth it may be quite difficult for you to look beyond the dificulties or problems in your life. Yet when you choose to open your lips in glory to God and speak forth your adoration, gratitude and thanksgiving to God, not only do you feel better but you please Him.
What did Job do? In all that he had been through he worshipped God. And praise is an expression of Faith wothout works is dead (James 2:17). God sees your faith (invisible) but man sees your works (visible). Therefore, praise that is in the heart but not expressed is dead. Faith is the highest praise, and praise is the highest form of faith.
Praise is a willing sacrifice. Praise becomes a sacrifice when you offer your praise to God just because He deserves and asks you to do it. You may not feel like praising Him, and in truth it may be quite difficult for you to look beyond the dificulties or problems in your life. Yet when you choose to open your lips in glory to God and speak forth your adoration, gratitude and thanksgiving to God, not only do you feel better but you please Him.
What did Job do? In all that he had been through he worshipped God. And praise is an expression of Faith wothout works is dead (James 2:17). God sees your faith (invisible) but man sees your works (visible). Therefore, praise that is in the heart but not expressed is dead. Faith is the highest praise, and praise is the highest form of faith.
Monday, July 6, 2009
meters and miles [By Tommie McAfee]
How fast should I run? How long is the race? Should I hold back zeal for the things of God in fear that I will eventually tire, lose interest, fall away, and make it all seem like a "religious phase"?
We assume that we have a set amount of years ahead of us until it's time to be serious about prayer, reading scripture, and loving our neighbor as ourselves and God with all of our heart, mind, and soul. "...yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring."* Which says to me that it is silly/boastful to try and pace my own spiritual growth when I have no idea how long I'll run this race before encountering the finish line. Some have been chosen to run marathons, and others are taken away after a single lap. Not to suggest that we frantically sprint through life, aimlessly directing our passions at every person and ministry that commands our attention, for "It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way,"* but rather that we trust God to pace us, and to pray as David concerning this matter, "Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life."* And in this way to effectively "run in such a way as to get the prize,"* no matter how long the distance.
Perhaps the question isn't, "How fast should I run?" but rather, "what is it that God wants me to do?" Then, instead of worrying that I'm trying to sprint a marathon, I can trust that God will sustain me to carry out whatever His will is for my life.
We assume that we have a set amount of years ahead of us until it's time to be serious about prayer, reading scripture, and loving our neighbor as ourselves and God with all of our heart, mind, and soul. "...yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring."* Which says to me that it is silly/boastful to try and pace my own spiritual growth when I have no idea how long I'll run this race before encountering the finish line. Some have been chosen to run marathons, and others are taken away after a single lap. Not to suggest that we frantically sprint through life, aimlessly directing our passions at every person and ministry that commands our attention, for "It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way,"* but rather that we trust God to pace us, and to pray as David concerning this matter, "Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life."* And in this way to effectively "run in such a way as to get the prize,"* no matter how long the distance.
Perhaps the question isn't, "How fast should I run?" but rather, "what is it that God wants me to do?" Then, instead of worrying that I'm trying to sprint a marathon, I can trust that God will sustain me to carry out whatever His will is for my life.
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
[James 4:13-16, Prov19:2, Ps 39:4, Phil 1:6]
[James 4:13-16, Prov19:2, Ps 39:4, Phil 1:6]
Friday, June 19, 2009
Wanting what I need....
Above everything the human soul can possible desire and want, LORD I pray that you will give us what we need and the grace to accept it. Though I would be pleased with a life of safety and comfort, I'd rather be conformed to the Image of Your Son, so that this faith, though tested by the fires of disappointment, despair, and discipline, will prove to be "of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire." I suppose it is risky to talk like this, with words that give rise to alarming opposition within, arousing an enemy who is ready at a moments notice to point out my flaws, past sins, and shortcomings, reminding me of all the dangers involved in stepping out of a boat of passiveness into the raging waters of love and true service. Indeed, it isn't safe at all to follow You: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it." So again I pray that you will give us what we need, the grace to accept it, and unfailing love so that we may reflect it.
~Written By Tommie McAfee
~Written By Tommie McAfee
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Courage
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me." John 14:1
Fear doesn't come from God. Instead, God provides a never-fail, Spirit-inspired-three-fold antidote to fear. First, He gives you power-power to overcome feelings of anxiety and timidity that would prevent you from doing what God would have you to do. Second, He gives you love-love that serves others without regard to what disapproving things others may say about you or your motives. Third, He gives you a sound mind-intelligence, self-discipline, and well-grounded in God's will and purpose for your life.
The next time you lack confidence in yourself as God's chosen servant, when fear threatens to defeat you, take courage. Think about God's power: you've got it, so use it. Remember His love: you've got it, so share it. Consider the sound mind, the spiritual intelligence, the self discipline He provides for you: you've got it, so go about your day in Spirit-filled courage!
Fear doesn't come from God. Instead, God provides a never-fail, Spirit-inspired-three-fold antidote to fear. First, He gives you power-power to overcome feelings of anxiety and timidity that would prevent you from doing what God would have you to do. Second, He gives you love-love that serves others without regard to what disapproving things others may say about you or your motives. Third, He gives you a sound mind-intelligence, self-discipline, and well-grounded in God's will and purpose for your life.
The next time you lack confidence in yourself as God's chosen servant, when fear threatens to defeat you, take courage. Think about God's power: you've got it, so use it. Remember His love: you've got it, so share it. Consider the sound mind, the spiritual intelligence, the self discipline He provides for you: you've got it, so go about your day in Spirit-filled courage!
-Written by Sherana Harris
Thursday, June 11, 2009
How much did it cost???
"As the cross of Calvary, with its infinite sacrifice for the sins of men, was revealed, they saw that nothing but the merits of Christ could suffice to atone for their transgressions; this alone could reconcile man to God." -The Great Controversy
The phrase 'infinite sacrifice' used here is probably the most fitting way to describe the value of Christ's death from a human perspective. Who will ever know just how much was weighed upon the very Son of God as He breathed His last breath and uttered, "It is finished."? To be certain, we know that He was "crushed for our iniquities," but I don't think we could ever fathom how many iniquities are being accounted for (past/present/future) at this one moment of atonement. "...this alone could reconcile man to God." Why? Because, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," causing man to be infinitely distant from a perfect and holy God. It's not like a math equation where the distance is correlated to the number of sins. The only choices are (a) close to God, or (b) infinitely far. Thankfully, the death of Christ brings about reconciliation, which is essentially the removal of an infinitely wide barrier between two alienated parties. There aren't enough good works, heroic acts, or vows of piety that can bridge this gap. Only, "the cross of Calvary, with its infinite sacrifice for the sins of men" is sufficient.
solo deo gloria!
-Orignially Posted by Tommie McAfee at PBC Life
The phrase 'infinite sacrifice' used here is probably the most fitting way to describe the value of Christ's death from a human perspective. Who will ever know just how much was weighed upon the very Son of God as He breathed His last breath and uttered, "It is finished."? To be certain, we know that He was "crushed for our iniquities," but I don't think we could ever fathom how many iniquities are being accounted for (past/present/future) at this one moment of atonement. "...this alone could reconcile man to God." Why? Because, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," causing man to be infinitely distant from a perfect and holy God. It's not like a math equation where the distance is correlated to the number of sins. The only choices are (a) close to God, or (b) infinitely far. Thankfully, the death of Christ brings about reconciliation, which is essentially the removal of an infinitely wide barrier between two alienated parties. There aren't enough good works, heroic acts, or vows of piety that can bridge this gap. Only, "the cross of Calvary, with its infinite sacrifice for the sins of men" is sufficient.
solo deo gloria!
-Orignially Posted by Tommie McAfee at PBC Life
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Wisdom goes a long way
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13-18
Have you ever known someone who claimed to be wise but who ended up making a fool of themselves? True wisdom can be only be measured by that person character. Just as we identify a tree by the type fruit it produces, you can also evaluate your wisdom by the way you act. Foolishness leads to disorder, but wisdom leads to peace and goodness. Are you u ever temped to escalate conflict, pass on gossip or fan the fire of discord? Careful winsome, speech and wide loving words are the seeds of peace and God loves peacemakers. With bitter jealousy and selfish ambition are inspired by the devil, and it is easy for us to be drawn into wrong desires by the pressures of our society and sometimes even the by our closest acquaintances. Sometime comment like “Assert yourself,” “Do what you wanna do,” or even “Set your goals and/or standers high,” We as Christians can easily be drawn into greed and destructive competitiveness. Seeking God’s wisdom will delivers us from the need to compare ourselves to others and to what they have. So on today I encourage you to seek God’s wisdom and remember there is only one you and God made us all individually special. No one is the same in any way, and try to appreciate everyone that crosses your path in this life and their differences.
-Originally posted by Sarelle Nelson at PBC Life
Have you ever known someone who claimed to be wise but who ended up making a fool of themselves? True wisdom can be only be measured by that person character. Just as we identify a tree by the type fruit it produces, you can also evaluate your wisdom by the way you act. Foolishness leads to disorder, but wisdom leads to peace and goodness. Are you u ever temped to escalate conflict, pass on gossip or fan the fire of discord? Careful winsome, speech and wide loving words are the seeds of peace and God loves peacemakers. With bitter jealousy and selfish ambition are inspired by the devil, and it is easy for us to be drawn into wrong desires by the pressures of our society and sometimes even the by our closest acquaintances. Sometime comment like “Assert yourself,” “Do what you wanna do,” or even “Set your goals and/or standers high,” We as Christians can easily be drawn into greed and destructive competitiveness. Seeking God’s wisdom will delivers us from the need to compare ourselves to others and to what they have. So on today I encourage you to seek God’s wisdom and remember there is only one you and God made us all individually special. No one is the same in any way, and try to appreciate everyone that crosses your path in this life and their differences.
-Originally posted by Sarelle Nelson at PBC Life
Don't give up!!!
"The spirit of God has made me and breath of the Almighty has given me life." (Job 33:4)
He's the reason we move, breathe, feel, taste, touch, smell, and live. But he NEVER quits on us. When we turn our back on Him, when we go another way, God never leaves us or forsakes us. Why? Because He loves us! So the next time you are thinking about giving up, remember, God has never quit on you-don't quit on Him. (SMILE) Have a blessed day!
-Originally Posted By Sherana Harris at PBC Life
He's the reason we move, breathe, feel, taste, touch, smell, and live. But he NEVER quits on us. When we turn our back on Him, when we go another way, God never leaves us or forsakes us. Why? Because He loves us! So the next time you are thinking about giving up, remember, God has never quit on you-don't quit on Him. (SMILE) Have a blessed day!
-Originally Posted By Sherana Harris at PBC Life
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Great is His Fatihfulness
Have you ever sat and thought about the Faithfulness of our God. His faithfulness is only disclosed to those who know Him. What a privilege it is to know that our sins have been completely forgiven and forgotten. His faithfulness is proven over and over again with each trial and tribulation we face. It seems like our Lord designs our lives to understand our unfaithfulness and His faithfulness so that we might worship Him fully. The best thing in the world is to be satisfied in Christ and not in myself. Worship is inevitable. To God be all the glory.
-Originally posted by E'bow Akwei Morgan at PBC Life
-Originally posted by E'bow Akwei Morgan at PBC Life
The Death of a thousand deaths
Something from tha journal....
"Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world's interest in me has also died." [Gal 6:14b]
And on this cross I hang, dead to my sinful desires, but alive to God by grace through faith in Christ alone. Because of what the LORD has done, I have died a single Death, and this one Death - namely the one shared in Christ - has brought about a thousand deaths to the desires of this world. Therefore, I strive to take every idle thought, lustful desire, and selfish pursuit (which belongs to my old self) captive, & to crucify it with Christ. For, "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there." [Gal 5:24]
-Originally posted by Tommie McAfee at PBC Life
"Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world's interest in me has also died." [Gal 6:14b]
And on this cross I hang, dead to my sinful desires, but alive to God by grace through faith in Christ alone. Because of what the LORD has done, I have died a single Death, and this one Death - namely the one shared in Christ - has brought about a thousand deaths to the desires of this world. Therefore, I strive to take every idle thought, lustful desire, and selfish pursuit (which belongs to my old self) captive, & to crucify it with Christ. For, "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there." [Gal 5:24]
-Originally posted by Tommie McAfee at PBC Life
His love endures forever
1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Paul wrote that love endures forever. Corinth being morally currupt and the real meaning love had became a mixed up term. Today people are still very confused about love. Love is the greatest of all human qualities and a attribute of God himself (1 john 4:8). Love involves unsefish service to other. Faith is the foundation, confidence and content of God's message; hope is the attitude of optimism and focus; love is the action. When your faith and your hope is in line you become free to love completely because you understand how God loves.
Q: Does your faith fully express itself in loving other?
Q: Do you think this kind of love for others is obtainable?
-Original Post by Sarelle Nelson at PBC Life
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Paul wrote that love endures forever. Corinth being morally currupt and the real meaning love had became a mixed up term. Today people are still very confused about love. Love is the greatest of all human qualities and a attribute of God himself (1 john 4:8). Love involves unsefish service to other. Faith is the foundation, confidence and content of God's message; hope is the attitude of optimism and focus; love is the action. When your faith and your hope is in line you become free to love completely because you understand how God loves.
Q: Does your faith fully express itself in loving other?
Q: Do you think this kind of love for others is obtainable?
-Original Post by Sarelle Nelson at PBC Life
Grace
It has been said there are only two religions in the world: those that require you to earn God's grace and the one that invites you to enjoy God's grace.
The idea of earning our way to heaven appeals to the human mind. We're taught to work for what we want, and after all, nothing in life comes free! The problem, however, is this: how hard do we need to work? How do we know when we've done enough? Life itself becomes a constant source of doubt, fear, and anxiety. That's why God simply says, "Forget trying to earn my love, because you can't. I'm giving it to you, free and clear!"
God's unlimited and unconditional love-His grace-comes to you through your faith in Jesus Christ and His work. Jesus' ministry on earth shows you God's care and compassion for you as you struggle with the everyday realities of life. His death on the cross shows you God's judgment on sin, and His resurrection from the grave shows you God's acceptance of Jesus' life for yours. No, this doesn't make any sense to the human mind, because it doesn't come from the human mind-it comes from God's, a God of unfathomable, undeserved grace.
God invites you to enjoy-yes, to delight in-living in His grace, because you have it. Salvation is yours, heaven is yours, eternal life is yours-yours free and clear.
-Original Post By Sherana Harris at PBC Life
The idea of earning our way to heaven appeals to the human mind. We're taught to work for what we want, and after all, nothing in life comes free! The problem, however, is this: how hard do we need to work? How do we know when we've done enough? Life itself becomes a constant source of doubt, fear, and anxiety. That's why God simply says, "Forget trying to earn my love, because you can't. I'm giving it to you, free and clear!"
God's unlimited and unconditional love-His grace-comes to you through your faith in Jesus Christ and His work. Jesus' ministry on earth shows you God's care and compassion for you as you struggle with the everyday realities of life. His death on the cross shows you God's judgment on sin, and His resurrection from the grave shows you God's acceptance of Jesus' life for yours. No, this doesn't make any sense to the human mind, because it doesn't come from the human mind-it comes from God's, a God of unfathomable, undeserved grace.
God invites you to enjoy-yes, to delight in-living in His grace, because you have it. Salvation is yours, heaven is yours, eternal life is yours-yours free and clear.
-Original Post By Sherana Harris at PBC Life
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