Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Make Christ the King of Your Heart!
Last Sunday was Christ the King Sunday. Is Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior? Is He the King of your heart? Meditating on His Kingship can be a powerful spiritual exercise. Envision Him in all His glory, seated on His heavenly throne, then see Him on the throne of your own heart.
Christ is the King! Philippians 2:5-11 speaks of Jesus Lordship and His kingly status.
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
The name King for the Lord is found in various forms in scripture: King Eternal (1 Timothy 1:17), King of Israel (John 1:49), King of the Jews (Mt. 27:11), King of Kings (1 Tim 6:15; Rev. 19:16), King of the Ages (Book of Revelation 15:3) and Ruler of the Kings of the Earth (Rev. 1:5).
Christ the King Sunday is the last Sunday of the season of Pentecost and of the church year. This day completes the Christian journey through the life of Jesus Christ on earth and in heaven which began with the preparation for the birth of Jesus in Advent. Kings are absolute rulers; they attain power by raising and leading armies into war against other countries. Jesus' war was not against people or against a country, but against sin, death, and the power of the Devil.
By His death, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus won the war against evil. All that Christians are asked to do is to accept that Jesus fought and won the war for their sakes and to recognize Him as King of Kings. On Christ the King Sunday, Christians recognize and worship Christ as king of heaven and earth for all time without challenge and without end. Jesus is truly King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
Christ is the King! Philippians 2:5-11 speaks of Jesus Lordship and His kingly status.
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
The name King for the Lord is found in various forms in scripture: King Eternal (1 Timothy 1:17), King of Israel (John 1:49), King of the Jews (Mt. 27:11), King of Kings (1 Tim 6:15; Rev. 19:16), King of the Ages (Book of Revelation 15:3) and Ruler of the Kings of the Earth (Rev. 1:5).
Christ the King Sunday is the last Sunday of the season of Pentecost and of the church year. This day completes the Christian journey through the life of Jesus Christ on earth and in heaven which began with the preparation for the birth of Jesus in Advent. Kings are absolute rulers; they attain power by raising and leading armies into war against other countries. Jesus' war was not against people or against a country, but against sin, death, and the power of the Devil.
By His death, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus won the war against evil. All that Christians are asked to do is to accept that Jesus fought and won the war for their sakes and to recognize Him as King of Kings. On Christ the King Sunday, Christians recognize and worship Christ as king of heaven and earth for all time without challenge and without end. Jesus is truly King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Good Minds and Pure Hearts for God
Paul wrote to the Philippians that they were to keep their minds full of the good things of Christ. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)
And, to the church in Rome, Paul wrote, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2) Christians see from these passages that when they work at keeping their minds pure, they are open to God's will and teachings in life. God's thoughts do not dwell in the minds of men and women corrupted by the world.
There is a purity of heart that God wants from His people as well. "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God will all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." (Matthew 22:37)
Jesus made everyone's heart, he paid for all hearts, and He will heal Christians hearts, even though it seems that these hearts are often damaged far beyond repair. It is the job of a Christian to keep the heart devoted to Him, and not be tempted to love the things of the world, other people, or even the gifts and talents He gives people much more than the love and devotion they give to Him. Let us bathe ourselves and each other in prayer, so that we may experience anew the pure and ever-refreshing love of Christ.
And, to the church in Rome, Paul wrote, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2) Christians see from these passages that when they work at keeping their minds pure, they are open to God's will and teachings in life. God's thoughts do not dwell in the minds of men and women corrupted by the world.
There is a purity of heart that God wants from His people as well. "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God will all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." (Matthew 22:37)
Jesus made everyone's heart, he paid for all hearts, and He will heal Christians hearts, even though it seems that these hearts are often damaged far beyond repair. It is the job of a Christian to keep the heart devoted to Him, and not be tempted to love the things of the world, other people, or even the gifts and talents He gives people much more than the love and devotion they give to Him. Let us bathe ourselves and each other in prayer, so that we may experience anew the pure and ever-refreshing love of Christ.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Always Pray, and Do Not Give Up!
Worship is important. In corporate worship in church is where God calls us back to be strengthened and renewed. He reminds us that there is no danger, or pain, or poverty, or evil, or death that can conquer us.
Worship is our fortress. God’s Word is our life. Holy Communion is God’s embrace, and salvation and heaven is our constant worship prayer.
And our worship forms a new prayer. It is the prayer that others would come to know the hope and joy, the courage and strength, the life that God gives us in Christ. Others, like family members, friends, and neighbors.
Pray for the people in your lives who need God, who need to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. God is at work, in and through those prayers. Have no doubt. Keep praying for your friends or family members. Pray for your faithfulness and strength in whatever you are facing.
It may seem like nothing much is happening. But, God IS working. And He is working quickly, because the time is short. THIS is what Jesus is teaching us, today. Be persistent in prayer, in these things “always pray, and do not give up.”
Worship is our fortress. God’s Word is our life. Holy Communion is God’s embrace, and salvation and heaven is our constant worship prayer.
And our worship forms a new prayer. It is the prayer that others would come to know the hope and joy, the courage and strength, the life that God gives us in Christ. Others, like family members, friends, and neighbors.
Pray for the people in your lives who need God, who need to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. God is at work, in and through those prayers. Have no doubt. Keep praying for your friends or family members. Pray for your faithfulness and strength in whatever you are facing.
It may seem like nothing much is happening. But, God IS working. And He is working quickly, because the time is short. THIS is what Jesus is teaching us, today. Be persistent in prayer, in these things “always pray, and do not give up.”
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Love is Key To the Christian Life -- How Can You Be a Better Mirror of God's Love to Others?
"This is My commandment, that you LOVE ONE ANOTHER as I have LOVED YOU." John 15:12-14
"And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is LOVE." 1 Corinthians 13:13
Jesus said:
"He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is HE WHO LOVES ME." John 14:21
"If you keep My commandments, you will ABIDE IN MY LOVE just as I have kept My Fathers commandments and ABIDE IN HIS LOVE." John 15:10
The concept of love and obedience going hand in hand is clear. True agape love starts with obedience to Jesus' Word.
The impartiality of agape love
In Acts 10:34 Peter says that 'God shows no partiality'. If you read 1Corinthians 13, you will notice how that agape love is portrayed as being completely impartial or to put it another way, we have to work at not showing favouritism and not allowing decisions to be based on personal bias. This is probably one of the hardest things for us to do as disciples of Jesus.
This 'impartiality' though is based on what God requires of us and this may appear to be biased by those who do not have a knowledge of God's will. We are most assuredly accused of bias and lack of love for our country, when we state our case for objection to military service. This decision though is based on our agape love for Jesus and an impartial desire to serve and obey Him. (See Matthew5:39, 26:52; John 18:36) There are other facets of discipleship that people will not connect with love if they do not know God's will. (See 1 Peter 4:4)
'phileo' is the kind affection
The Greek word 'phileo' refers to a 'kind affection' for others, but does not carry the impartial self sacrifice concept of 'agape'. This is a much easier love to show because it is more than likely generated by personal taste rather than a love for God, and hence can be partial. We have a 'phileo' for our family members and special friends. The true test of course is that if we are, or think we are mistreated by our friends, the need then is for us to show the unbiased agape love.
Love in the Bible means 'a kind affection for' or in the most important sense 'impartial love' which is prepared to sacrifice selfish ambitions for others.
'phileo' in the Greek is the 'kind affection' and is translated: 'love' and 'kiss' in the New Testament. John 11:3,36, 12:25; Luke 24:47, 1Corinthians16.22; Titus 3:15; Revelation3:19, 22:15
'agape' (noun) and 'agapao' (verb) show no partiality and are translated: 'love', 'dear', 'charity', 'feast of charity' and 'beloved' in the New Testament. Matthew 5:43,44,46, 19:19; Colossians 1:13; 1 Corinthians 8:1; Jude v12; Romans 9:25, Ephesians 1:6; Colossians3:12
Love God, Love Others as You Love Yourself! (Mark 12:20-23). Be a Love Ambassador for God! Reflect His Love like a Mirror for Jesus!
"And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is LOVE." 1 Corinthians 13:13
Jesus said:
"He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is HE WHO LOVES ME." John 14:21
"If you keep My commandments, you will ABIDE IN MY LOVE just as I have kept My Fathers commandments and ABIDE IN HIS LOVE." John 15:10
The concept of love and obedience going hand in hand is clear. True agape love starts with obedience to Jesus' Word.
The impartiality of agape love
In Acts 10:34 Peter says that 'God shows no partiality'. If you read 1Corinthians 13, you will notice how that agape love is portrayed as being completely impartial or to put it another way, we have to work at not showing favouritism and not allowing decisions to be based on personal bias. This is probably one of the hardest things for us to do as disciples of Jesus.
This 'impartiality' though is based on what God requires of us and this may appear to be biased by those who do not have a knowledge of God's will. We are most assuredly accused of bias and lack of love for our country, when we state our case for objection to military service. This decision though is based on our agape love for Jesus and an impartial desire to serve and obey Him. (See Matthew5:39, 26:52; John 18:36) There are other facets of discipleship that people will not connect with love if they do not know God's will. (See 1 Peter 4:4)
'phileo' is the kind affection
The Greek word 'phileo' refers to a 'kind affection' for others, but does not carry the impartial self sacrifice concept of 'agape'. This is a much easier love to show because it is more than likely generated by personal taste rather than a love for God, and hence can be partial. We have a 'phileo' for our family members and special friends. The true test of course is that if we are, or think we are mistreated by our friends, the need then is for us to show the unbiased agape love.
Love in the Bible means 'a kind affection for' or in the most important sense 'impartial love' which is prepared to sacrifice selfish ambitions for others.
'phileo' in the Greek is the 'kind affection' and is translated: 'love' and 'kiss' in the New Testament. John 11:3,36, 12:25; Luke 24:47, 1Corinthians16.22; Titus 3:15; Revelation3:19, 22:15
'agape' (noun) and 'agapao' (verb) show no partiality and are translated: 'love', 'dear', 'charity', 'feast of charity' and 'beloved' in the New Testament. Matthew 5:43,44,46, 19:19; Colossians 1:13; 1 Corinthians 8:1; Jude v12; Romans 9:25, Ephesians 1:6; Colossians3:12
Love God, Love Others as You Love Yourself! (Mark 12:20-23). Be a Love Ambassador for God! Reflect His Love like a Mirror for Jesus!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)