COLOSSIANS 1:15
"Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation."
Seeing is believing. That saying is repeated over and over among us. What you see is what you get. This is another way of grasping the idea that reality is available to our senses and you get no more than you can sense. Since time began man has tried to grasp hold of and sense God. In fact using our normal senses to quantify God, He was and remains invisible. Man has tried to make idols or objects of God that they could sense, but they are not God. It is a dilemma for the human mind to visualize something that is invisible. What was God's answer to the prayers of man to be able to sense or visualize God?
Jesus Christ came in the flesh as a man and God. He was visible to those around Him. He could be heard or smelled and even touched by others. Christ was the visible image of the invisible God. Seeing was believing. Many saw His miracles. Many heard His voice and message. Many touched Him and were changed. For that moment in time man was able to sense God in the form of Jesus Christ and SEEING IS BELIEVING. Not everyone was able to conclude that Jesus Christ was the Lord God, for they could only use their limited senses and mind. Even at this time it is hard for us to know that Jesus existed before anything and in fact He is the Lord God!
Jesus Christ is the exact likeness of our unseen God. Man was made in God's image, we are told, and although it is in a different dimension, conceptually we are told that Jesus was the visible image of the invisible God. Jesus was the first born of all creation. So to all those who do not believe in God, listen to the words of those that were His contemporaries. The saw Him and His miracles. They heard Him and they told His Good News to the entire world, even to this time. The touched Him and were touched by Him. They sensed that He was the Son of God and they saw Him ascend into Heavenly places. Because of their words we can know what they knew. Seeing was believing to them. What they saw was what they got. The invisible became visible. That is the one truth for today.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
WHO KILLED JESUS?
JOHN 10:18
"No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also take it up again."
We hear many accusations about who it was that killed Jesus. Was it the Romans and there Governor? Was it the Jews who turned Jesus over to the Romans? Was it the devil or some of his disciples? In fact the one truth for today is that no one can take the life of Jesus Christ the Lord God. Many tales are told about how the Jewish religion is responsible for the death of Christ. This is just not true and anyone who tries to blame anyone for being responsible for the death of Jesus is completely wrong. Jesus sacrificed His life voluntarily and only He had the responsibility for laying His life down and then taking it up again.
The next question that comes up is whether God is dead? If Jesus died on the cross and was placed in the tomb did He remain dead? Once again the truth for today contains the answer to that question. Jesus had the authority to lay His life down when He wanted to and also to take it up again. In fact Jesus is risen and alive and seated on His throne in Heaven. So to recap, no one could have, nor did, kill Jesus Christ and He is not dead, but he overcame death and He has risen from the grave and is alive eternally.
No one can take the life of Jesus. Only Jesus was authorized to and had the power to lay His life down. Only Jesus had the authority and power to raise His life up again. Jesus received this charge and power from His Father. So when someone tries to tell you that Jesus is dead or who it was that killed Him, you should be able to answer them with this truth. He is alive and He is still Jesus Christ the Lord God. Our sins, and that includes every living person made it necessary for the Lord to Sacrifice Himself for our sins, but, He did it because He loves us and wants to save us from certain death.
"No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also take it up again."
We hear many accusations about who it was that killed Jesus. Was it the Romans and there Governor? Was it the Jews who turned Jesus over to the Romans? Was it the devil or some of his disciples? In fact the one truth for today is that no one can take the life of Jesus Christ the Lord God. Many tales are told about how the Jewish religion is responsible for the death of Christ. This is just not true and anyone who tries to blame anyone for being responsible for the death of Jesus is completely wrong. Jesus sacrificed His life voluntarily and only He had the responsibility for laying His life down and then taking it up again.
The next question that comes up is whether God is dead? If Jesus died on the cross and was placed in the tomb did He remain dead? Once again the truth for today contains the answer to that question. Jesus had the authority to lay His life down when He wanted to and also to take it up again. In fact Jesus is risen and alive and seated on His throne in Heaven. So to recap, no one could have, nor did, kill Jesus Christ and He is not dead, but he overcame death and He has risen from the grave and is alive eternally.
No one can take the life of Jesus. Only Jesus was authorized to and had the power to lay His life down. Only Jesus had the authority and power to raise His life up again. Jesus received this charge and power from His Father. So when someone tries to tell you that Jesus is dead or who it was that killed Him, you should be able to answer them with this truth. He is alive and He is still Jesus Christ the Lord God. Our sins, and that includes every living person made it necessary for the Lord to Sacrifice Himself for our sins, but, He did it because He loves us and wants to save us from certain death.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
ARE YOU A BRIGHT LIGHT?
PHILIPPIANS 2:15
"Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like BRIGHT LIGHTS in a world full of crooked and perverse people."
If you find yourself in the dark there is nothing more comforting than a bright light that shines to show the way. On the dark seas a beacon of light brings hope and comfort that safe shores are ahead. There is something beautiful and consoling to the heart and mind when we look up into the sky and sea the stars shining and twinkling and giving us light and positioning. These are examples of what children of God are to like to this crooked and perverse world. By definition children of God live clean and innocent lives. They are examples to others in the world of how they should live and be. ARE YOU A BRIGHT LIGHT?
If you can show that your life is blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, then you are examples of children of God. If you are without blemish, faultless and unbreakable in the midst of this wicked and perverse world you are a shining light and hope. This is a wicked, perverted and crooked generation of people. They are for the most part perverted and perverse. They prefer the dark rather than the light and there is no end to their depravity. What a contrast in a dark atmosphere is the presence of even one light. Remember we are to be the light, just as Jesus Christ is the Light.
The truth is that without true believer's and follower's of Jesus Christ in this world it would be plunged into total darkness. Our beams of light combine to hold up the oppression of the devil and prevent him from succeeding in bringing total darkness to humanity. We receive our power and light from God and act as His instruments in bringing light to the world. The darkness hates the light and non believer's hate believer's because they show them for what they are and what they desire. Be prepared and shine. ARE YOU A BRIGHT LIGHT?
"Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like BRIGHT LIGHTS in a world full of crooked and perverse people."
If you find yourself in the dark there is nothing more comforting than a bright light that shines to show the way. On the dark seas a beacon of light brings hope and comfort that safe shores are ahead. There is something beautiful and consoling to the heart and mind when we look up into the sky and sea the stars shining and twinkling and giving us light and positioning. These are examples of what children of God are to like to this crooked and perverse world. By definition children of God live clean and innocent lives. They are examples to others in the world of how they should live and be. ARE YOU A BRIGHT LIGHT?
If you can show that your life is blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, then you are examples of children of God. If you are without blemish, faultless and unbreakable in the midst of this wicked and perverse world you are a shining light and hope. This is a wicked, perverted and crooked generation of people. They are for the most part perverted and perverse. They prefer the dark rather than the light and there is no end to their depravity. What a contrast in a dark atmosphere is the presence of even one light. Remember we are to be the light, just as Jesus Christ is the Light.
The truth is that without true believer's and follower's of Jesus Christ in this world it would be plunged into total darkness. Our beams of light combine to hold up the oppression of the devil and prevent him from succeeding in bringing total darkness to humanity. We receive our power and light from God and act as His instruments in bringing light to the world. The darkness hates the light and non believer's hate believer's because they show them for what they are and what they desire. Be prepared and shine. ARE YOU A BRIGHT LIGHT?
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
CITIZENS OF HEAVEN!
PHILIPPIANS 1:27
"Above all, you must live as CITIZENS OF HEAVEN, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ."
May I see your passport please? What is your home country? Where is it that you consider yourself a citizen? Many of us are proud to be a citizen of the United States of America and we act accordingly. Some of us remember that we are merely pilgrims that are passing through this time and space and that we have a different home that we long for. We may take a designation as a citizen of a country here on earth, but heaven is our home and our destination. We are just passing through, for we are really CITIZENS OF HEAVEN!
The truth for today is that as citizens of whatever country here on earth, we must conduct ourselves in such a way that our life will be worthy of the Good News of Jesus Christ and His Gospel. The Lord wants us to stand firm in a united spirit and purpose, striving to stand together with one voice and mind in our faith, so that others will know of our true citizenship. Our conversations must be ones that are becoming to the gospel of Christ. The Lord wants to hear of our striving together, in one faith.
May I see your passport? The Holy Spirit is your heavenly passport. What is your home country? Heaven is your true and real home and you are a citizen of His kingdom. Where do you consider yourself a citizen? So many are caught up in this life that they fail to look up where there redemption will come from. We tend to cling to the things of this life and fail to realize that we bring nothing in and will bring nothing out. We indeed will have a new life in a new kingdom and that will not be temporary but everlasting and without blemishes. You may have a temporary passport to your temporary country but you are really CITIZENS OF HEAVEN!
"Above all, you must live as CITIZENS OF HEAVEN, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ."
May I see your passport please? What is your home country? Where is it that you consider yourself a citizen? Many of us are proud to be a citizen of the United States of America and we act accordingly. Some of us remember that we are merely pilgrims that are passing through this time and space and that we have a different home that we long for. We may take a designation as a citizen of a country here on earth, but heaven is our home and our destination. We are just passing through, for we are really CITIZENS OF HEAVEN!
The truth for today is that as citizens of whatever country here on earth, we must conduct ourselves in such a way that our life will be worthy of the Good News of Jesus Christ and His Gospel. The Lord wants us to stand firm in a united spirit and purpose, striving to stand together with one voice and mind in our faith, so that others will know of our true citizenship. Our conversations must be ones that are becoming to the gospel of Christ. The Lord wants to hear of our striving together, in one faith.
May I see your passport? The Holy Spirit is your heavenly passport. What is your home country? Heaven is your true and real home and you are a citizen of His kingdom. Where do you consider yourself a citizen? So many are caught up in this life that they fail to look up where there redemption will come from. We tend to cling to the things of this life and fail to realize that we bring nothing in and will bring nothing out. We indeed will have a new life in a new kingdom and that will not be temporary but everlasting and without blemishes. You may have a temporary passport to your temporary country but you are really CITIZENS OF HEAVEN!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
GIVE ME THE RIGHT WORDS!
EPHESIANS 6:19
"Pray for me. Ask God to GIVE ME THE RIGHT WORDS so I can boldly explain God's mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike."
Have you ever been frustrated about your ability to explain God's Good News? It is such a simple concept, that becomes so complicated when we attempt to impart it to others. Believers have such a heart for others that do not share in God's salvation and mercy. We fear for all those who do not know God or fear Him. God has the power over life and death and eternal life, We want our family and friends and those we care about to share in His Glory. What would heaven be like if we could not spend eternity together? The stakes are high and our ability to spread the gospel is of paramount importance.
We all need to pray that we can have the freedom to open our mouths and utter and proclaim the gospel. We have Good News to share and God has shown us His mystery that was from the beginning, that would save all men who believe on His name. The truth for today commands that we pray that we can open our mouth boldly and make known the mystery of the gospel! We need to promise that we will be fearless in telling the gospel message. Even though we may be intimidated and frightened at times we must call on the Holy Spirit to give us a voice and know in our heart that God is in control of our carrying out His commission.
Are you ready to give to others the right words to explain the mysterious plan of God? Have you prepared to give to others the Good News? If you feel you are not prepared and you are not able to be bold and fearless, then you need to get to work and get to praying that God will give you the right words at the right time. You need to do this now, for the time for salvation is now and you may be used as an instrument to save a dying soul. For those of you who are not prepared, stop right now and pray to God that He will GIVE YOU THE RIGHT WORDS!
"Pray for me. Ask God to GIVE ME THE RIGHT WORDS so I can boldly explain God's mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike."
Have you ever been frustrated about your ability to explain God's Good News? It is such a simple concept, that becomes so complicated when we attempt to impart it to others. Believers have such a heart for others that do not share in God's salvation and mercy. We fear for all those who do not know God or fear Him. God has the power over life and death and eternal life, We want our family and friends and those we care about to share in His Glory. What would heaven be like if we could not spend eternity together? The stakes are high and our ability to spread the gospel is of paramount importance.
We all need to pray that we can have the freedom to open our mouths and utter and proclaim the gospel. We have Good News to share and God has shown us His mystery that was from the beginning, that would save all men who believe on His name. The truth for today commands that we pray that we can open our mouth boldly and make known the mystery of the gospel! We need to promise that we will be fearless in telling the gospel message. Even though we may be intimidated and frightened at times we must call on the Holy Spirit to give us a voice and know in our heart that God is in control of our carrying out His commission.
Are you ready to give to others the right words to explain the mysterious plan of God? Have you prepared to give to others the Good News? If you feel you are not prepared and you are not able to be bold and fearless, then you need to get to work and get to praying that God will give you the right words at the right time. You need to do this now, for the time for salvation is now and you may be used as an instrument to save a dying soul. For those of you who are not prepared, stop right now and pray to God that He will GIVE YOU THE RIGHT WORDS!
Monday, September 29, 2008
BE PERSISTENT
EPHESIANS 6:18
"Pray in the spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and BE PERSISTENT in your prayers for all believers everywhere."
How often do you pray? Seems like a simple question, but maybe it is better not to answer without thinking about it. Some prayers are very formal and in a formal setting. On your knees at church would be an example. Some prayers are in a group setting, with family or friends. Here we are talking about how you should pray and when. First of all the one truth today is that we are expected to pray in the spirit, at all times and on every occasion. Do you pray at all times for everything? Many of us have lapsed into a habit of going ahead and doing things without the advance recommendation of praying. I think it is safe to say that most people do not pray for every occasion in their life. I think it is also safe to say that we do not pray for all believers everywhere with the persistence that is required in this verse.
We must learn to pray at all times, on every occasion, and in every season. Urging the Holy Spirit to hear our prayers and answer them. Our view or vision in doing this is to be alert and pray with a strong purpose and perseverance for all the saints. Like every other habit that we learn, it is repetition that will build a muscle of such strength that we will have no option but to pray before we think or do anything. That is what the Lord is trying to teach us in this verse. We must do this without hesitation and as a reflex in our way of living.
Be persistent and determined in your prayer life. Ask God for His blessing and leading in all that you do and remember to always end your prayers with the acknowledgement that it will be "God willing". We do not know what a day may bring forth and we certainly do not have the mind of God. Never be presumptuous about what is God's plan for you or your life. Gods mind is above our mind and we may not know why certain prayers are answered while others are not but one thing we know for sure, God has a perfect plan for our life and the world. Keep on praying for and about everything and remember that God asks that we BE PERSISTENT!
"Pray in the spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and BE PERSISTENT in your prayers for all believers everywhere."
How often do you pray? Seems like a simple question, but maybe it is better not to answer without thinking about it. Some prayers are very formal and in a formal setting. On your knees at church would be an example. Some prayers are in a group setting, with family or friends. Here we are talking about how you should pray and when. First of all the one truth today is that we are expected to pray in the spirit, at all times and on every occasion. Do you pray at all times for everything? Many of us have lapsed into a habit of going ahead and doing things without the advance recommendation of praying. I think it is safe to say that most people do not pray for every occasion in their life. I think it is also safe to say that we do not pray for all believers everywhere with the persistence that is required in this verse.
We must learn to pray at all times, on every occasion, and in every season. Urging the Holy Spirit to hear our prayers and answer them. Our view or vision in doing this is to be alert and pray with a strong purpose and perseverance for all the saints. Like every other habit that we learn, it is repetition that will build a muscle of such strength that we will have no option but to pray before we think or do anything. That is what the Lord is trying to teach us in this verse. We must do this without hesitation and as a reflex in our way of living.
Be persistent and determined in your prayer life. Ask God for His blessing and leading in all that you do and remember to always end your prayers with the acknowledgement that it will be "God willing". We do not know what a day may bring forth and we certainly do not have the mind of God. Never be presumptuous about what is God's plan for you or your life. Gods mind is above our mind and we may not know why certain prayers are answered while others are not but one thing we know for sure, God has a perfect plan for our life and the world. Keep on praying for and about everything and remember that God asks that we BE PERSISTENT!
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