"But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself." John 12:32 (NIV) The King James Version reads: "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."
The Apostle John recorded this statement of Jesus as He spoke to His disciples regarding His impending death and the manner in which He would die. He knew that He would die upon a cross, as opposed to being stoned as the religious leaders wanted to do.
This statement has meaning both literally and figuratively. After He was nailed to the cross, they literally lifted Him up upon it, as they raised the cross from flat on the ground to an upright position, and planted the base of the cross into the earth. Today we lift Him up figuratively by praising His name among men, and during our public and private worship sessions. If, and when Christ is lifted up, He will draw men unto Himself. Our job is to lift Him up. After His death on the cross, as the gospel was preached and He was praised, thousands believed and became a part of The Church. That is still occurring today. As we lift up and praise His holy name, He is still drawing men and women to His Church. Lift Him up!
Monday, September 30, 2013
Sunday, September 29, 2013
God Will Never Leave Us Or Forsake Us
"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
The unknown author of the Book of Hebrews wrote to the scattered believers during their time of persecution and told them to be content and happy with that which they have been blessed with. He also told them not to get caught up in the love of money and worldly possessions. That whatever else that they have, they have The Lord God with them, and He will never leave them or forsake them.
We know that it is not money, but the love of money which is the root of all evil. (1 Timothy 6:10) The love of money will cause many to sin and turn from God. Therefore we are advised to be content with that which we have. The Apostle Paul said " I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." (Philippians 4:11) It is better to have a little and have The Lord with us, than to have plenty of riches and not have The Lord in our life. God is omni-present, He is every where all at the same time, (Psalms 139:7-10), so He is always with us. So, regardless of how we may feel, or how bad our situation is, we are never really alone. The Lord God is always with us and He will never leave us. This was His promise to the believers of old, and it is His promise to us today. (Genesis 28:15, Deuteronomy 31:6 and 8, Joshua 1:5, 1 Chronicles 28:20, and Hebrews 13:5)
The unknown author of the Book of Hebrews wrote to the scattered believers during their time of persecution and told them to be content and happy with that which they have been blessed with. He also told them not to get caught up in the love of money and worldly possessions. That whatever else that they have, they have The Lord God with them, and He will never leave them or forsake them.
We know that it is not money, but the love of money which is the root of all evil. (1 Timothy 6:10) The love of money will cause many to sin and turn from God. Therefore we are advised to be content with that which we have. The Apostle Paul said " I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." (Philippians 4:11) It is better to have a little and have The Lord with us, than to have plenty of riches and not have The Lord in our life. God is omni-present, He is every where all at the same time, (Psalms 139:7-10), so He is always with us. So, regardless of how we may feel, or how bad our situation is, we are never really alone. The Lord God is always with us and He will never leave us. This was His promise to the believers of old, and it is His promise to us today. (Genesis 28:15, Deuteronomy 31:6 and 8, Joshua 1:5, 1 Chronicles 28:20, and Hebrews 13:5)
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Be Doers Of The Word Of God
"Do not merely listen to The Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22 (NIV) The King James Versions says: "But be ye doers of The Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
The author, James, the half brother of Jesus, wanted his readers to know that it is not enough to hear The Word of God. One must believe it, internalize it, and put it into practice in their life.
When we know better, then we ought to do better. If we hear The Word of God, and if we understand what it is saying, it should change our behavior. If it goes over our head, or if it goes in one ear and out of the other without making a difference in us, then we may as well not have heard it. Believers are changed by The Word of God, not perfect, but different. We no longer get the same pleasure out of our sin because we know that it is not pleasing to God. We know that we have been changed because some sin no longer appeals to us. However, we have some sins that we struggle with, and pray to God for help with because they are like an addiction. The good news is that the more time that we spend talking to God in prayer, and reading His Holy Word, the less time we spend in sinful activities. So, when we are tempted to sin, we need to pick up our Bible and read it. Then we need to try to live like it says that we should live. Be doers of The Word.
The author, James, the half brother of Jesus, wanted his readers to know that it is not enough to hear The Word of God. One must believe it, internalize it, and put it into practice in their life.
When we know better, then we ought to do better. If we hear The Word of God, and if we understand what it is saying, it should change our behavior. If it goes over our head, or if it goes in one ear and out of the other without making a difference in us, then we may as well not have heard it. Believers are changed by The Word of God, not perfect, but different. We no longer get the same pleasure out of our sin because we know that it is not pleasing to God. We know that we have been changed because some sin no longer appeals to us. However, we have some sins that we struggle with, and pray to God for help with because they are like an addiction. The good news is that the more time that we spend talking to God in prayer, and reading His Holy Word, the less time we spend in sinful activities. So, when we are tempted to sin, we need to pick up our Bible and read it. Then we need to try to live like it says that we should live. Be doers of The Word.
Friday, September 27, 2013
We Hope And Wait For That Which We Do Not Yet Have
"For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." Romans 8:24-25 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul gives the believers in The Church in Rome a brief discourse on hope. He states that hope is essentially faith in Christ and the things that will come to pass. He told them that this hope is the bases of their salvation. Hope is based upon that which they do not have, but they have no doubt that that they will receive.
One of the great principals of Christian belief is hope. Paul's use of the word "hope" here makes it appear to be interchangeable with the word "faith". Bible scholar Matthew Henry says that faith is the promise and hope is the thing that is promised. He says faith is the evidence and hope is the expectation. Either way, faith and hope are inexplicably linked. Paul's statement about hope not being based upon that which is seen, is similar to the definition of faith which is presented by the unknown author in Hebrews. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) We know that without a believing faith it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) Our hope and faith exist and are strong because we know that after we have done the will of God, we will receive our reward from Him. ( Hebrews 10:35-36) Our hope is in The Lord (Psalms 39:7, Psalms 146:5, Jeremiah 17:7, and Lamentations 3:24), and in His mercy (Psalms 33:18), and in that which is to come. (1 Thessalonians 2:19) Christ is coming back for His Church. (John 14:3, John 14:28, and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18) We are just doing our part in kingdom building now while we wait patiently for His return.
The Apostle Paul gives the believers in The Church in Rome a brief discourse on hope. He states that hope is essentially faith in Christ and the things that will come to pass. He told them that this hope is the bases of their salvation. Hope is based upon that which they do not have, but they have no doubt that that they will receive.
One of the great principals of Christian belief is hope. Paul's use of the word "hope" here makes it appear to be interchangeable with the word "faith". Bible scholar Matthew Henry says that faith is the promise and hope is the thing that is promised. He says faith is the evidence and hope is the expectation. Either way, faith and hope are inexplicably linked. Paul's statement about hope not being based upon that which is seen, is similar to the definition of faith which is presented by the unknown author in Hebrews. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) We know that without a believing faith it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) Our hope and faith exist and are strong because we know that after we have done the will of God, we will receive our reward from Him. ( Hebrews 10:35-36) Our hope is in The Lord (Psalms 39:7, Psalms 146:5, Jeremiah 17:7, and Lamentations 3:24), and in His mercy (Psalms 33:18), and in that which is to come. (1 Thessalonians 2:19) Christ is coming back for His Church. (John 14:3, John 14:28, and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18) We are just doing our part in kingdom building now while we wait patiently for His return.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
All Things Will Work Out For Good For Believers
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 (NIV)
In his letter to the believers in Rome, the Apostle Paul told them that The Lord God would work everything out for the benefit of those who loved Him, according to His purpose and plan for their life.
Nothing in this world happens by chance. All things occur according to the permissive will of God, both the good things (James 1:17), and the bad things. (Job 1:9-12) God has a purpose for everything. (Ecclesiastes 3:1) He permits some things to occur as trials or tests of our faith. (1 Peter 1:7) When bad things happen, we should have the attitude of Job and say The Lord has given and The Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of The Lord. (Job 1:21) The Apostle Paul also had the right attitude when he said that he had learned to be content in whatever situation that he is in, good or bad. (Philippians 4:11-12) When thing seem to be going bad, we need to remember that God is still in control. God is omniscient, omnipotent, and omni-present. (Matthew 28:18, 1 John 3:20, and Proverbs 15:3) It has been said that life is a series of storms, we are either in one, just coming out of one, or heading into one. But we know that He controls the storms, literally and figuratively. (Mark 4:39) We should learn to count every storm as joy because it is all part of the will of God. (James 1:2-3) The Lord God will use the storms that we go through for our good. (Romans 8:28) The things that seem to be meant for bad or evil, He can use them for our good. (Genesis 50:20) We will be blessed for persevering and keeping the faith through the storms of life. (James 1:12)
In his letter to the believers in Rome, the Apostle Paul told them that The Lord God would work everything out for the benefit of those who loved Him, according to His purpose and plan for their life.
Nothing in this world happens by chance. All things occur according to the permissive will of God, both the good things (James 1:17), and the bad things. (Job 1:9-12) God has a purpose for everything. (Ecclesiastes 3:1) He permits some things to occur as trials or tests of our faith. (1 Peter 1:7) When bad things happen, we should have the attitude of Job and say The Lord has given and The Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of The Lord. (Job 1:21) The Apostle Paul also had the right attitude when he said that he had learned to be content in whatever situation that he is in, good or bad. (Philippians 4:11-12) When thing seem to be going bad, we need to remember that God is still in control. God is omniscient, omnipotent, and omni-present. (Matthew 28:18, 1 John 3:20, and Proverbs 15:3) It has been said that life is a series of storms, we are either in one, just coming out of one, or heading into one. But we know that He controls the storms, literally and figuratively. (Mark 4:39) We should learn to count every storm as joy because it is all part of the will of God. (James 1:2-3) The Lord God will use the storms that we go through for our good. (Romans 8:28) The things that seem to be meant for bad or evil, He can use them for our good. (Genesis 50:20) We will be blessed for persevering and keeping the faith through the storms of life. (James 1:12)
Guidelines For Christian Behavior
"And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Thessaloniki to encourage them to follow the will of God. He urged them to warn and admonish those who walk disorderly; to encourage those who were timid, cowardly, and fearful; to help the weak bear their burdens and infirmities; and to be patient, tolerant, and forbear all men, both good and evil. They were to do good, and they were not to repay the wrong to those who had wronged them. They were to be positive and count all that happened to them as joy. They were told to pray, to pray often, and to pray about everything, and to give God thanks for everything.
These verses represent what could be considered guidelines for good Christian behavior. They summarize how we ought to act towards one another, and towards the unsaved in the world. We are to help spread The Word of God. (Matthew 28:19-20) The strong among us are the help bear the infirmities of the weak. (Romans 15:1) We are to be kind, patient, and long-suffering with others. (Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 4:2, and Colossians 3:12) We are to let The Lord get the revenge on those who do us wrong. (Romans 12:19) We are to love one another. (John 13:34-35) We are to count everything as joy. (James 1:2-3) We ought to always pray. (Luke 18:1 and 21:36) We are to be thankful to God for all things. (2 Corinthians 9:11)
The Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Thessaloniki to encourage them to follow the will of God. He urged them to warn and admonish those who walk disorderly; to encourage those who were timid, cowardly, and fearful; to help the weak bear their burdens and infirmities; and to be patient, tolerant, and forbear all men, both good and evil. They were to do good, and they were not to repay the wrong to those who had wronged them. They were to be positive and count all that happened to them as joy. They were told to pray, to pray often, and to pray about everything, and to give God thanks for everything.
These verses represent what could be considered guidelines for good Christian behavior. They summarize how we ought to act towards one another, and towards the unsaved in the world. We are to help spread The Word of God. (Matthew 28:19-20) The strong among us are the help bear the infirmities of the weak. (Romans 15:1) We are to be kind, patient, and long-suffering with others. (Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 4:2, and Colossians 3:12) We are to let The Lord get the revenge on those who do us wrong. (Romans 12:19) We are to love one another. (John 13:34-35) We are to count everything as joy. (James 1:2-3) We ought to always pray. (Luke 18:1 and 21:36) We are to be thankful to God for all things. (2 Corinthians 9:11)
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
The Scriptures Give Us Hope And Help
"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of The Scriptures we might have hope." Romans 15:4 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Rome and told them to read The Word of God whenever things were getting them down. He said that The Scriptures were written to teach them, and to encourage them, and to give them hope. He also said that reading God's Word would help them endure whatever they were going through.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Rome and told them to read The Word of God whenever things were getting them down. He said that The Scriptures were written to teach them, and to encourage them, and to give them hope. He also said that reading God's Word would help them endure whatever they were going through.
Reading The Word of God can help us today. The Scriptures offer us a helpful word to address every situation and circumstance which we have to deal with. All Scripture is given by God and it is good for instruction, direction, doctrine, reproof, and correction. (2 Timothy 3:16) God speaks to us and offers us guidance and a word of encouragement through His Holy Word. He speaks to us when we have sinned (Psalms 51:1-15 and 1 John 1:9); when we are feeling overwhelmed (Matthew 11:28); when we are weak (Philippians 4:13); when we feel inadequate (Matthew 19:26); when we are dealing with the death of a loved one (2 Corinthians 5:6-8 and 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18); when we are depressed and despondent (Psalms 30:5); when we are going through tough times (Romans 5:3-4, Romans 8:28, and James 1:2-3); when we have been wronged (Matthew 18:15-17); and many other situations too numerous to mention in this brief discourse. We just need to read The Word of God more than we do. (2 Timothy 2:15)
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