2 TIMOTHY 1:10
"Now God has made everything plain to us by the appearing of Jesus Christ our Savior , who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel."
There is so much truth in this short scripture. What would our world be like if God had not made the "Good News" plain by the appearing, death and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ?No answer to the messages of the prophets that foretold God's plan to bring the Lord in the flesh. It is not mere words that they uttered but the truth revealed plainly. The plan concealed in the old testament would never have been revealed and verified by the birth of our Lord Jesus. There would be no new testament, no Savior, no life and immortality.
When Jesus appeared and lived among us we benefited with the Gospels of His disciples. What if we had no new testament to edify and explain God's plan for our lives and eternal souls? It is natural for men to want physical proof to believe in something. When the Word became flesh and dwelt among us so that we could see, touch and hear Him, that was the Living Proof. Jesus many miracles were observed and written about and the "Good News" was shared with the world. We rely on this truth even today, and this is why the Gospel is plain to believers now!
It was God's purpose and grace that was made known and fully disclosed to us by the appearing of Jesus Christ. He annulled death and made it of no effect to us by His Resurrection. Jesus brought new life, immortality and immunity from death through His life and His Gospel. What a wonderful plan to let us know and understand and believe- THE PLAIN TRUTH-GOOD NEWS!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
THE CONTENTMENT OF GOD
1 TIMOTHY 6:6-7
"True Godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all we brought nothing with us when we came into this world, and we can not take anything with us when we leave it."
Are you content with what you have now, or do you always want more? Is winning the lottery the answer to all your dreams and aspirations? Does money and wealth take up a large part of your time every day? If you desire great and abundant gain, make up your mind whose economy you should pursue, man's or God's.
Godliness accompanied with contentment is the only true great and abundant wealth or gain. This kind of contentment gives us a sense of inward sufficiency. If you want immense internal profit and true gain, love and respect the Lord. He is the true treasure that we can find. The Lord's economy is eternal and your treasure will be laid up with Him in heaven. Godliness actually is the means to great gain when accompanied by personal contentment.
What did you have at birth? You had only your eternal soul and your earthly body. What will you take with you at death? Only your eternal soul will survive this time on earth and you can take nothing physical with you at death. Your relationship with the Lord will determine your contentment while here on earth and it will also determine your eternity with the Lord. Pray that your contentment grows into Godliness and that you obtain the true wealth of a relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the only way you will find THE CONTENTMENT OF GOD.
"True Godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all we brought nothing with us when we came into this world, and we can not take anything with us when we leave it."
Are you content with what you have now, or do you always want more? Is winning the lottery the answer to all your dreams and aspirations? Does money and wealth take up a large part of your time every day? If you desire great and abundant gain, make up your mind whose economy you should pursue, man's or God's.
Godliness accompanied with contentment is the only true great and abundant wealth or gain. This kind of contentment gives us a sense of inward sufficiency. If you want immense internal profit and true gain, love and respect the Lord. He is the true treasure that we can find. The Lord's economy is eternal and your treasure will be laid up with Him in heaven. Godliness actually is the means to great gain when accompanied by personal contentment.
What did you have at birth? You had only your eternal soul and your earthly body. What will you take with you at death? Only your eternal soul will survive this time on earth and you can take nothing physical with you at death. Your relationship with the Lord will determine your contentment while here on earth and it will also determine your eternity with the Lord. Pray that your contentment grows into Godliness and that you obtain the true wealth of a relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the only way you will find THE CONTENTMENT OF GOD.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
SOME SINS AND GOOD DEEDS ARE NOT OBVIOUS
1 TIMOTHY 5:24-25
"Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgement. There are others whose sin will not be revealed until later. In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. The good deeds done in secret will someday come to light."
Some sins are obvious. The conclusion in this scripture is that sins will lead to judgement, unless confessed to Jesus Christ and forgiven. The scripture also tells us about secret sins that are known only to God. These sins will be revealed and then the judgement. Remember however, if we are faithful to confess our sins, Jesus is faithful to forgive us and show us His mercy. Everything done in the dark, will be seen in the light and what has been whispered will be shouted out at the time of judgement. Are you ready?
Some good deeds you have done are obvious and conspicuous. These good deeds can not be concealed. There are other good deeds done in secret, where your left hand does not know what your right hand has done. These good deeds are not hidden from God and will be rewarded at the time of judgement. This type of good deed will build up your treasure in Heaven. They are not done in a void and they will return to you.
So what is it that we should learn from Timothy and the Lord? There will be no hidden sin and all sin must be confessed to Jesus. The Lord is faithful to forgive us of our sin and show us mercy. All sins will be revealed at the judgement and we need to be saved from our sin. All good deeds will come to light at the time of judgement and even the hidden things that we do will be acknowledged by the Lord. This is a way of building up treasures in Heaven and we should be encouraged to do good deeds that are obvious and also in private or hidden from others! We know that SOME SINS AND GOOD DEEDS ARE NOT OBVIOUS!
"Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgement. There are others whose sin will not be revealed until later. In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. The good deeds done in secret will someday come to light."
Some sins are obvious. The conclusion in this scripture is that sins will lead to judgement, unless confessed to Jesus Christ and forgiven. The scripture also tells us about secret sins that are known only to God. These sins will be revealed and then the judgement. Remember however, if we are faithful to confess our sins, Jesus is faithful to forgive us and show us His mercy. Everything done in the dark, will be seen in the light and what has been whispered will be shouted out at the time of judgement. Are you ready?
Some good deeds you have done are obvious and conspicuous. These good deeds can not be concealed. There are other good deeds done in secret, where your left hand does not know what your right hand has done. These good deeds are not hidden from God and will be rewarded at the time of judgement. This type of good deed will build up your treasure in Heaven. They are not done in a void and they will return to you.
So what is it that we should learn from Timothy and the Lord? There will be no hidden sin and all sin must be confessed to Jesus. The Lord is faithful to forgive us of our sin and show us mercy. All sins will be revealed at the judgement and we need to be saved from our sin. All good deeds will come to light at the time of judgement and even the hidden things that we do will be acknowledged by the Lord. This is a way of building up treasures in Heaven and we should be encouraged to do good deeds that are obvious and also in private or hidden from others! We know that SOME SINS AND GOOD DEEDS ARE NOT OBVIOUS!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
SPIRITUAL TRAINING
1 TIMOTHY 4:8
"Physical training is good, but training for Godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and the life to come."
Do you work out every day? Are you involved in some kind of physical training program that requires your time and effort on a regular basis? Are you attempting to keep your body young and beautiful? How much time do you spend each day training for Godliness? Are you putting forward the same effort for spiritual training that you do for physical training?
Physical training has value to this earthly body, but only for the small amount of time you are here on earth. Spiritual training for Godliness is even more useful and of greater value to you and will effect you eternally. Spiritual training holds promise for this life as well as eternally. Your earthly body will terminate no matter what physical training you do, or how hard you try to preserve it. Your heavenly body is eternal and all your spiritual training will not be lost and will be profitable to you for the future. Where do you think we should spend our time?
Think of reading scripture as a workout to improve your Godliness. Think of attending church and hearing sermons as mind and spirit building. Learn what God's laws and prophets tell us and learn to grow as a child of God. God's word is our daily bread and nourishes our spirit. The more of this you eat the greater your sustenance and the more healthy you will be spiritually.
Where should you spend part of your day, that will lead to the greatest reward? SPIRITUAL TRAINING JUST DO IT!
"Physical training is good, but training for Godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and the life to come."
Do you work out every day? Are you involved in some kind of physical training program that requires your time and effort on a regular basis? Are you attempting to keep your body young and beautiful? How much time do you spend each day training for Godliness? Are you putting forward the same effort for spiritual training that you do for physical training?
Physical training has value to this earthly body, but only for the small amount of time you are here on earth. Spiritual training for Godliness is even more useful and of greater value to you and will effect you eternally. Spiritual training holds promise for this life as well as eternally. Your earthly body will terminate no matter what physical training you do, or how hard you try to preserve it. Your heavenly body is eternal and all your spiritual training will not be lost and will be profitable to you for the future. Where do you think we should spend our time?
Think of reading scripture as a workout to improve your Godliness. Think of attending church and hearing sermons as mind and spirit building. Learn what God's laws and prophets tell us and learn to grow as a child of God. God's word is our daily bread and nourishes our spirit. The more of this you eat the greater your sustenance and the more healthy you will be spiritually.
Where should you spend part of your day, that will lead to the greatest reward? SPIRITUAL TRAINING JUST DO IT!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
LOVE YOUR ENEMIES!
PROVERBS 25:21-22
"If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you."
Who is your enemy? Is anyone threatening you, your family, country or religion? What should you do? The man of flesh wants revenge or to hurt their enemy. Jesus tells us that The right answer is to LOVE YOUR ENEMIES. People have been using the tit for tat mentality for centuries. Where has it gotten anyone? Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. So anyone involved in these struggles with an enemy is acting in his flesh and the result is insane. The correct solution to the problem of an enemy is God's way.
Jesus tells us to love our enemies, bless them that curse you and do good to them that hate you. We are to pray for our enemies that despitefully use us and persecute us. In Romans the Lord tells us not to be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good! In Proverbs the idea is forwarded that if your enemy has a need, such as food or water, or anything needed to sustain life, that we break the vicious cycle of hatred and fear by returning good or love for evil or hatred. The idea being that it is difficult or impossible for them to be your enemy if you give love and friendship. If your enemy showed you comfort and support, goodness and kindness, how would that effect you.
Put this truth to the test and see if the Lord will reward you! Take someone you think of as an enemy and apply the proverb. Give them something you know that they need. If you are having a problem with a father, mother, sister or brother, demonstrate love to them rather than hatred. Overcome evil with good. If you believe Christ you only have one option and it is not to do the same old insane things as in the past. LOVE YOUR ENEMIES!
"If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you."
Who is your enemy? Is anyone threatening you, your family, country or religion? What should you do? The man of flesh wants revenge or to hurt their enemy. Jesus tells us that The right answer is to LOVE YOUR ENEMIES. People have been using the tit for tat mentality for centuries. Where has it gotten anyone? Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. So anyone involved in these struggles with an enemy is acting in his flesh and the result is insane. The correct solution to the problem of an enemy is God's way.
Jesus tells us to love our enemies, bless them that curse you and do good to them that hate you. We are to pray for our enemies that despitefully use us and persecute us. In Romans the Lord tells us not to be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good! In Proverbs the idea is forwarded that if your enemy has a need, such as food or water, or anything needed to sustain life, that we break the vicious cycle of hatred and fear by returning good or love for evil or hatred. The idea being that it is difficult or impossible for them to be your enemy if you give love and friendship. If your enemy showed you comfort and support, goodness and kindness, how would that effect you.
Put this truth to the test and see if the Lord will reward you! Take someone you think of as an enemy and apply the proverb. Give them something you know that they need. If you are having a problem with a father, mother, sister or brother, demonstrate love to them rather than hatred. Overcome evil with good. If you believe Christ you only have one option and it is not to do the same old insane things as in the past. LOVE YOUR ENEMIES!
Monday, May 12, 2008
ONE GOD FOR EVERYONE
TIMOTHY 2:5
"There is only one God and mediator who can reconcile God and humanity, the man Jesus Christ."
We worship and serve a God who wishes that all men would be saved. This God of ours is open to all men and not just a select group. God wants everyone to perceive, recognize, discern and know precisely and correctly the divine truth. There is only one true God and only one mediator between God and man. That mediator is Jesus Christ. Jesus gave Himself as a ransom for all people, a fact that was attested to at the right and proper time. Did you get the message?
Throughout history men have worshiped the sun, moon, stars and planets in the heavens. They have worshiped idols, monkeys, and all kind of animals. They have worshiped many dead men who espoused ideas of philosophies of many kinds. It would appear there is no end or limit to what men are willing to worship. If you worship any other God than Jesus Christ then you are worshiping something that is dead and inanimate and is not, nor ever can be the only true God.
We tell you this truth, that was given at the right time, because it is pleasing to our Lord and Saviour. We offer intercessory prayers and petitions on behalf of all men to be obedient. There is only one God who can save you, Jesus Christ. He is not for one race, or country, or family of men. You can speak openly and any where to Jesus. He is the only God who can hear you and see you and will listen to your prayer. The truth is that there is ONE GOD FOR EVERYONE! If you have not asked Jesus into your heart, now is the accepted time!
"There is only one God and mediator who can reconcile God and humanity, the man Jesus Christ."
We worship and serve a God who wishes that all men would be saved. This God of ours is open to all men and not just a select group. God wants everyone to perceive, recognize, discern and know precisely and correctly the divine truth. There is only one true God and only one mediator between God and man. That mediator is Jesus Christ. Jesus gave Himself as a ransom for all people, a fact that was attested to at the right and proper time. Did you get the message?
Throughout history men have worshiped the sun, moon, stars and planets in the heavens. They have worshiped idols, monkeys, and all kind of animals. They have worshiped many dead men who espoused ideas of philosophies of many kinds. It would appear there is no end or limit to what men are willing to worship. If you worship any other God than Jesus Christ then you are worshiping something that is dead and inanimate and is not, nor ever can be the only true God.
We tell you this truth, that was given at the right time, because it is pleasing to our Lord and Saviour. We offer intercessory prayers and petitions on behalf of all men to be obedient. There is only one God who can save you, Jesus Christ. He is not for one race, or country, or family of men. You can speak openly and any where to Jesus. He is the only God who can hear you and see you and will listen to your prayer. The truth is that there is ONE GOD FOR EVERYONE! If you have not asked Jesus into your heart, now is the accepted time!
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