We’re exploring the topic “Knowing and Enjoying God,” complying with the Scriptural challenges listed in 2 Peter 1:2-4; Proverbs 9:10; Hosea 6:6,3; Jeremiah 9:23-24 and 1 Timothy 6:21, passages that we’ve written out in previous posts.
Summarizing these passages, God is saying to you and me, “I want you to know me. As you know me better, I’ll give you everything you need for living a truly good life, I’ll give you understanding that is supernatural and will even give you my own character. So, if you’re going to boast, boast about understanding and knowing me, then you will not have missed the most important thing in life – knowing Me.”
Our pursuit of knowing and enjoying God takes a different route now. John, chapter 14, speaks of Christ and God being one. If you know Christ, you know God. Consequently, let’s investigate what Christ says about Himself so that we can more clearly see the Father, knowing and enjoying Him better.
Consider the fourteenth chapter of John with me. John 14:1 Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. Jesus speaking here predicts adversity. The antidote is trust in God. Trust in Christ.
John 14: 2-4 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” Hope and security that Christ offers – a permanent home with the Father.
Thomas’s vulnerability and honesty are observed in verse 5. No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
Jesus responds to Thomas’s question in verse 6 . Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. That is certainly not a politically correct statement for our day. It is more acceptable to be all inclusive, “all roads lead to God.”
Even some theologians believe there is more than one way to God, but Jesus makes it clear that He is THE way to come to the Father. Let’s verify this bold statement of Christ with supporting scriptures.
Acts 4:11-12 For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
Hebrews 9:15, 24 That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant. For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in heaven. He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf.
John 3:36 And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.”
John 10:9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures
John 13:20 I tell you the truth, anyone who welcomes my messenger is welcoming me, and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Father who sent me.”
Other supporting passages of Jesus being the way to God are: 1 John 2:1; John 5:24 John 6:40 Hebrews 10:19-20; John 11:25
One possible exception to “Christ being the only way” is observed in Romans 1:20 and 2:15 which indicates that God has placed an awareness of Himself in nature and in people’s hearts, “so that they are without excuse.” This writing is not to hammer out meanings of these two verses; however, taken in context with the “Jesus the only way” passages, coming to God through nature pales in significance to Jesus saying “I am the way.”
In tomorrows post we’ll begin with John 14:7 . If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
God's Presence
In our quest for knowing and enjoying God, we’re reminded that it is Him we are to seek, not what He can do for us. Granted, as we know God more intimately, security, peace of mind, significance and feeling loved are by-products. Blessings of knowing God more personally. But it is Him for which we are to search.
The Bible does say we are to “ask and it shall be given unto you.” But in our natural tendency to be selfish and selfcentered, we do not always ask for what is best for us. One of the cool blessings of walking more closely with Abba Papa is that we ask less and less for things because we understand more clearly that “You earthly fathers being evil love to give good gifts to your children, how much more your Heavenly Father wants to give to you.” (Matthew 7:11). Matthew 6:8 says “Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.” Asking for things becomes more of a “just want to hang out with you Father. Just want to be in your presence. Just want to be available to do or be whatever is in your plan.
In our maturation process, we understand more undoubtedly His love for us. His sovereign power is protecting us and “causing all things to work out for our good, the good of others and for His glory.” Because we know that “everything is needful that God sends and nothing is needful that God withholds.”
“God is who He says He is.
And God can do what He says He can do.
And I am who God says I am.
And I can do all things through Christ.
And God’s Word is alive and active in me.”
The question we all have to answer is: Am I totally surrendered to Him, my time, my talents, my total being, so that He can do whatever He wants to with me?
Friday, April 24, 2009
God's Wrath
The last attribute of God we’ll examine in our quest for knowing and enjoying God more deeply is His Wrath. This will be quite contrary to the teaching about God now. He is personified as a God of love - period! And, I’m just beginning to experience His love at a depth I’ve not known previously, for which I am so grateful. However, I believe it is important to have a healthy fear of God also.
Look with me at some Scriptural references to God’s wrath. Nahum 1:2-3 The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath.The LORD takes vengeance on his foes and maintains his wrath against his enemies. The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.
Genesis 6:13 So God said to Noah, "I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth.
Judges 3:12 Once again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, and because they did this evil the LORD gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel.
God’s wrath is not only seen with nations but also with individuals.
Luke 3:9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."
Ananias and Sapphira would be examples of this. ACTS chapter 5 relates how God took their lives because of deceit.
The ultimate wrath of God describes eternal punishment for the unsaved found in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9.... This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power.
I don’t want to leave the study of God’s attributes on the “wrath note.” My favorate passage to memorize is Romans 8:31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
What a tremendous security we have as we walk intimately with God.
Look with me at some Scriptural references to God’s wrath. Nahum 1:2-3 The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath.The LORD takes vengeance on his foes and maintains his wrath against his enemies. The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.
Genesis 6:13 So God said to Noah, "I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth.
Judges 3:12 Once again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, and because they did this evil the LORD gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel.
God’s wrath is not only seen with nations but also with individuals.
Luke 3:9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."
Ananias and Sapphira would be examples of this. ACTS chapter 5 relates how God took their lives because of deceit.
The ultimate wrath of God describes eternal punishment for the unsaved found in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9.... This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power.
I don’t want to leave the study of God’s attributes on the “wrath note.” My favorate passage to memorize is Romans 8:31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
What a tremendous security we have as we walk intimately with God.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Voice of God
In our quest for knowing and enjoying God more intimately, we must fine tune our ear to hear Him speak. God speaks to us through different avenues - other people, impressions of the mind, circumstances, books we read and other less common ways. Obviously the greatest way He communicates with us is through His WORD.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
He speaks in VISIONS AND DREAMS:
Acts 1:5,7 "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. Then I heard a voice telling me, 'Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.'
There is a SOUND OF THE LORD.
Genesis 3:8-9 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?"
A TRUMPET:
Exodus 19:19 and the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder. Then Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.
FIRE:
Deuteronomy 4:33 Has any other people heard the voice of God speaking out of fire, as you have, and lived?
As ANGEL'S WINGS:
Ezekial 10:5 The sound of the wings of the cherubim could be heard as far away as the outer court, like the voice of God Almighty when he speaks.
As the ROAR OF RUSHING WATERS:
Ezekial 43:2 and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of rushing waters, and the land was radiant with his glory.
As THUNDER:
John 12:29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
A BURNING BUSH:
Acts 7:30-32 "After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to look more closely, he heard the Lord's voice: 'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.' Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look.
What I take home from this study is: as much as I look forward to communication with my children, God must feel the same with us (or more so.) The question: am I listening, or is life so busy that "Be still and know that I am God" is not active in this house?
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
He speaks in VISIONS AND DREAMS:
Acts 1:5,7 "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. Then I heard a voice telling me, 'Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.'
There is a SOUND OF THE LORD.
Genesis 3:8-9 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?"
A TRUMPET:
Exodus 19:19 and the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder. Then Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.
FIRE:
Deuteronomy 4:33 Has any other people heard the voice of God speaking out of fire, as you have, and lived?
As ANGEL'S WINGS:
Ezekial 10:5 The sound of the wings of the cherubim could be heard as far away as the outer court, like the voice of God Almighty when he speaks.
As the ROAR OF RUSHING WATERS:
Ezekial 43:2 and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of rushing waters, and the land was radiant with his glory.
As THUNDER:
John 12:29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
A BURNING BUSH:
Acts 7:30-32 "After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to look more closely, he heard the Lord's voice: 'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.' Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look.
What I take home from this study is: as much as I look forward to communication with my children, God must feel the same with us (or more so.) The question: am I listening, or is life so busy that "Be still and know that I am God" is not active in this house?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Prayer for Prodigals
My friend with the prayer ministry for prodigal children writes again about God's attributes pertaining to our children. El Roi. God SEES.
Sometimes we wonder where God is. Is He off taking care of wars in the Middle East, or earthquakes in China or floods in Bangladesh? Does He even see me—or this one I love and pray for?
That’s how Hagar must have felt. A slave to Sarai, now pregnant with Abram’s child, she is resented by Sarai. So she flees to the desert, where an angel of the Lord tells her to return to Sarai and assures her that she will have a son who will be the father of multitudes.Hagar responds: "You are the God who sees me,,,,I have now seen the One who sees me."And that same God, though He has all the cares of the world, cares for us.
He is El Roi, the God who sees. He sees our heart for our prodigals, the pain they cause us, the despair that overwhelms us, the fear that grips us.And He sees our loved ones. He knows where they are, what they are doing, the pain they feel—and the future He has for them. Though they are out of our sight, they are never out of His sight!
HE HEARS. Our willingness to pray assumes that someone is listening. But sometimes we wonder. Our prayers seem to “hit the ceiling.” We beg, beseech, cajole, bargain, and yet too often we feel like we have not been heard. We don’t see the answers we desire. But our God is a God who hears us!In Psalm 34:17 we learn of Yahweh shmo: “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”
We can be assured that, as we cry out to God for our loved ones, He hears. But there is more. John tells us that our God is Ako uO. He is listening and He is hearing: ‘This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” (1 John 5:14,15)
Literally, this means that God is hearing us—it is present tense. He is always in midst of hearing our prayers.Is it God’s desire that these prodigals come to Him? We know that it is. So we can come to Him with confidence that He hears our petitions, our cries. He longs for fellowship with these dear ones more than we do. And He is, in His perfect ways and times, lovingly drawing them to Himself.We are so blessed.
Our God sees us and our loved ones—He sees it all. And He listens for our voices. We can be assured that His eyes are on us and His ears are listening.
Sometimes we wonder where God is. Is He off taking care of wars in the Middle East, or earthquakes in China or floods in Bangladesh? Does He even see me—or this one I love and pray for?
That’s how Hagar must have felt. A slave to Sarai, now pregnant with Abram’s child, she is resented by Sarai. So she flees to the desert, where an angel of the Lord tells her to return to Sarai and assures her that she will have a son who will be the father of multitudes.Hagar responds: "You are the God who sees me,,,,I have now seen the One who sees me."And that same God, though He has all the cares of the world, cares for us.
He is El Roi, the God who sees. He sees our heart for our prodigals, the pain they cause us, the despair that overwhelms us, the fear that grips us.And He sees our loved ones. He knows where they are, what they are doing, the pain they feel—and the future He has for them. Though they are out of our sight, they are never out of His sight!
HE HEARS. Our willingness to pray assumes that someone is listening. But sometimes we wonder. Our prayers seem to “hit the ceiling.” We beg, beseech, cajole, bargain, and yet too often we feel like we have not been heard. We don’t see the answers we desire. But our God is a God who hears us!In Psalm 34:17 we learn of Yahweh shmo: “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”
We can be assured that, as we cry out to God for our loved ones, He hears. But there is more. John tells us that our God is Ako uO. He is listening and He is hearing: ‘This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” (1 John 5:14,15)
Literally, this means that God is hearing us—it is present tense. He is always in midst of hearing our prayers.Is it God’s desire that these prodigals come to Him? We know that it is. So we can come to Him with confidence that He hears our petitions, our cries. He longs for fellowship with these dear ones more than we do. And He is, in His perfect ways and times, lovingly drawing them to Himself.We are so blessed.
Our God sees us and our loved ones—He sees it all. And He listens for our voices. We can be assured that His eyes are on us and His ears are listening.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Attributes of God 6
Dominick Scoleri
Continuing our quest for knowing and enjoying God, we glance at these attributes of God:
Providence -
Romans 8:28 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.
Righteous - He does everything right - without fail.
Psalms 145:17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.
Sovereignty - The all-knowing, all-powerful, utterly free God of the universe rules His creation. A.W.Tozer describes God's sovereignty in this manner:
"Were there even one datum of knowledge, however small, unknown to God, His rule would break down at that point. To be Lord over all the creation, He must possess all knowledge. And were God lacking one infinitesimal modicum of power, that lack would end His reign and undo His kingdom; that one stray atom of power would belong to someone else and God would be a limited ruler and hence not sovereign.
"Furthermore, His sovereignty requires that He be absolutely free, which means simply that He must be free to do whatever He wills to do anywhere at any time to carry out His eternal purpose in every single detail without interference. Were He less than free He must be less than sovereign.
"To understand this with the human mind is impossible. No mortal experience prepares us for this kind of comprehension. Theologians throughout the centuries have endeavored to explain God's sovereignty resulting in diverse interpretations. Possibly the simplist is the best: God has allowed evil, pain and death. God allows man to exercise choice. But through it all, He is in control."
Truthfulness - God will never lie to me. So, when Scripture indicates a promise from Him, I should rejoice just as much as if I had received the fulfillment of that promise.
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life.
Titus 1:2 a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time.
Romans 8:28 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.
Righteous - He does everything right - without fail.
Psalms 145:17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.
Sovereignty - The all-knowing, all-powerful, utterly free God of the universe rules His creation. A.W.Tozer describes God's sovereignty in this manner:
"Were there even one datum of knowledge, however small, unknown to God, His rule would break down at that point. To be Lord over all the creation, He must possess all knowledge. And were God lacking one infinitesimal modicum of power, that lack would end His reign and undo His kingdom; that one stray atom of power would belong to someone else and God would be a limited ruler and hence not sovereign.
"Furthermore, His sovereignty requires that He be absolutely free, which means simply that He must be free to do whatever He wills to do anywhere at any time to carry out His eternal purpose in every single detail without interference. Were He less than free He must be less than sovereign.
"To understand this with the human mind is impossible. No mortal experience prepares us for this kind of comprehension. Theologians throughout the centuries have endeavored to explain God's sovereignty resulting in diverse interpretations. Possibly the simplist is the best: God has allowed evil, pain and death. God allows man to exercise choice. But through it all, He is in control."
Truthfulness - God will never lie to me. So, when Scripture indicates a promise from Him, I should rejoice just as much as if I had received the fulfillment of that promise.
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life.
Titus 1:2 a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time.
May these brief words and Scripture enhance our appetite for knowing and enjoying God.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Attributes of God 5
.JPG)
Looking again at God's attributes to help us know and enjoy Him better, we begin with His core being, Love. Whether I deserve it or not, His love is always consistent for me. 1 John 4:16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.
Omnipotent - There is no limit to God's authority, ability and power.
Psalms 147:5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.
Omnipresent - My God is everywhere and sees everything, yet his eye never leaves me.
Psalms 139:7-10 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
Omniscient - God knows everything.
John 21:17 "Lord, you know all things;"
Patience -
Romans 15:5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus,
Peace -
Romans 15:33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.
2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Power-
Jeremiah 32:17 "Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.
Ephesians 1:19-20 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.
Omnipotent - There is no limit to God's authority, ability and power.
Psalms 147:5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.
Omnipresent - My God is everywhere and sees everything, yet his eye never leaves me.
Psalms 139:7-10 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
Omniscient - God knows everything.
John 21:17 "Lord, you know all things;"
Patience -
Romans 15:5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus,
Peace -
Romans 15:33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.
2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Power-
Jeremiah 32:17 "Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.
Ephesians 1:19-20 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
Reminder: God challenges us in Hosea 6:6 - I don't want your sacrifices, I want your love. I don't want your burnt offerings, I just want you to know Me.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Attributes of God 4
A friend of mine has organized a national prayer ministry of parents for their prodigal children. I think her perspective adds to our quest for knowing and enjoying God series. She recommends parents to pray the names of God for their prodigals and claim the promises those names represent. Two names to look at are El Elyon and El Shaddai.
She states, “When we watch the too-often out-of-control behavior of our prodigal loved ones, that is also how we feel: Out of control. We can’t help them, we can’t stop them, we can’t change them. We can’t control them. It is good when we recognize this, for then we will turn to El Elyon, the Most High God.“The literal meaning is “God is the high one.” Synonyms would be sovereign and ruler.
"In other words, He is in control. This name of God appears throughout the Old Testament, but most often in the book or Daniel. Here we read the story of Nebuchadnezzar, the mighty ruler of the Babylonian empire. Though he acknowledged the power of Daniel’s God, he still believed he wa s in control. Thus God’s word to him: “You will be driven away from people and will live with wild animals…Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men…”“And that is what happened. After seven years of living as an animal, the King looked to heaven and was restored. He said, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just…”
“Accompanying this out of control feeling is the overwhelming sense that we are powerless. All the restrictions and incentives, all the penalties and rewards, all the carrots and consequences—with many of our prodigals nothing works. We have no power, no means, it seems, to influence their choices. “But we do have El Shaddai, God Almighty. We first learn about El Shaddai in Genesis 17:1,2: When Abram was 99 years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; walk! before me and be blameless. I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers."
“We find this name of God used 48 times, most often in the ongoing conversation between Job and his friends. Job said: “But I desire to speak to the Almighty and to argue my case with God” (Job 13:3). Of course, when he got the chance, he quickly discovered that God really is the Almighty—all powerful and all sufficient.“For those of us who feel out of control and powerless with our prodigals, these strong names of God are foundational. “First they are essential for us. Even in the most desperate days, we have the assurance that our God is in control and He is able to do whatever is needed. Nothing is impossible for Him. And second, we can pray for our loved ones in the name of El Elyon and El Shaddai. We can entrust them to this Most High, All Powerful God of the universe. Nothing is too difficult f or Him."
She states, “When we watch the too-often out-of-control behavior of our prodigal loved ones, that is also how we feel: Out of control. We can’t help them, we can’t stop them, we can’t change them. We can’t control them. It is good when we recognize this, for then we will turn to El Elyon, the Most High God.“The literal meaning is “God is the high one.” Synonyms would be sovereign and ruler.
"In other words, He is in control. This name of God appears throughout the Old Testament, but most often in the book or Daniel. Here we read the story of Nebuchadnezzar, the mighty ruler of the Babylonian empire. Though he acknowledged the power of Daniel’s God, he still believed he wa s in control. Thus God’s word to him: “You will be driven away from people and will live with wild animals…Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men…”“And that is what happened. After seven years of living as an animal, the King looked to heaven and was restored. He said, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just…”
“Accompanying this out of control feeling is the overwhelming sense that we are powerless. All the restrictions and incentives, all the penalties and rewards, all the carrots and consequences—with many of our prodigals nothing works. We have no power, no means, it seems, to influence their choices. “But we do have El Shaddai, God Almighty. We first learn about El Shaddai in Genesis 17:1,2: When Abram was 99 years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; walk! before me and be blameless. I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers."
“We find this name of God used 48 times, most often in the ongoing conversation between Job and his friends. Job said: “But I desire to speak to the Almighty and to argue my case with God” (Job 13:3). Of course, when he got the chance, he quickly discovered that God really is the Almighty—all powerful and all sufficient.“For those of us who feel out of control and powerless with our prodigals, these strong names of God are foundational. “First they are essential for us. Even in the most desperate days, we have the assurance that our God is in control and He is able to do whatever is needed. Nothing is impossible for Him. And second, we can pray for our loved ones in the name of El Elyon and El Shaddai. We can entrust them to this Most High, All Powerful God of the universe. Nothing is too difficult f or Him."
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Attributes of God 3
Because we handle life and it’s challenges in direct proportion to our view of God, we’re looking at His attributes to better know and enjoy Him.
Immutable - He will never change from being a great God.
James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Malachi 3:6 "I the LORD do not change.
Incomparability - "There is no one like Him in the universe. When you're working with people, whatever the context, you realize they are never 100% faithful and good and loving and neither are you. It encourages me to know that while we don't come close to reflecting all His attributes, He embodies them. His vastness never ceases to amaze me." Fred Hitchcock, Little Rock, Arkansas
Job 41:33 Nothing on earth is his equal...
Judgement (Justice) - Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. Romans 2:6 God "will give to each person according to what he has done."
1 Peter 1:17 Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.
Knowledge - 1 Corinthians 1:25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
Acts 2:23 This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Angel Power
I don’t usually write on weekends, but in my time with God this morning, I read something in the book Sparkling Gems from the Greek by Rick Renner that blew my mind. So wanted to share it with you.Christ in the pre-crucifixion stage says to Peter, the errant sword marksman, “Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for twelve legions of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly?” Mathew 26:53
What is a legion? It is a military word denoting at least 6000 soldiers. Twelve legions would be at least 72,000 angel warriors. Do you remember Isaiah 37:36 that depicts the power of one angel? A single angel killed 185,000 men in one night. So, how much combined strength would twelve legions have?
Follow the math with me. 185,000 (men who were killed by a single angel) times 72,000 angels equals 13,320,000,000 (that is, thirteen billion, three hundred million men) – which is more than twice the number of people liivng on the earth right now!
Jesus didn’t need Peer’s little sword that night. Had He chosen to do so, Jesus could have summoned 72,000 overwhelmingly powerful angels to obliterate the Roman soldiers and tempel police who had come to arrest him. He didn’t because He knew it was time for Him to lay down His life for the sin of the human race.
Peter’s actions were a perfect example of how the flesh tries in vain to solve its own problems but cannot. As you and I face our own challenges in life, we need to keep in mind that Jesus has the power to fix any problem we’ll ever come across. Before we jump in and make thingss worse by taking matters into our own hands, remember the story of Peter! Be reminded that Jesus can handle the problem without our intervention. We first pray and ask the Lord what we are to do. Then, follow His instructions and watch His supernatural power swing into action to solve the dilemna faced.
Friday is over. Sunday is coming! "Christ is risen. He is risen indeed!"
Friday, April 10, 2009
God's Attributes - 2
Our granddaughter, 
Kaylee
Next attribute of God is Goodness - Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. A common greeting goes, “God is good,” to which the person being greeted replies with, “all the time.” Not everything that happens to us, or that we do, is good. But God in His goodness promises to work everything to our good according to Romans 8:28. Some of my men at the Lighthouse Mission have a difficult time forgiving themselves for how they've hurt those close to them with their addiction. "Burwick," they say, "how can ruining my family with my meth addiction be good?" To which I reply, 'It isn't good, but God is extremely creative in working that evil to your good if you yield your life to HIm." Stories abound!
Grace and mercy come next. "Obviously God's primary demonstration of mercy is in sending us Christ, but I've especially experienced His mercy after becoming a Christian. I have a tendency toward legalism, so quiet times and other things a Christian "ought" to be doing are a potential source of guilt for me. God's mercy relieves me from self-guilt if I feel like I haven't been having quiet times regularly enough. I know He's still there, ready to listen at any moment. He's always been good to remind me that He loves me and hasn't forgotten me, even if I think I've forgotten Him." Mary Beth Berry, Indianapolis,Ind.
1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hope – Some situations in life seem hopeless. Parkinson’s is for me a slow deterioration, quite steady with some days better than others. If I look at my state now as compared to last year, there is not a lot of hope for positive change. The person living in a miserable marriage where he or she is doing their best to love the other, returned only by rebuffs - hopeless. Our circumstances may be hopeless, but if we’re walking with God we have the source of hope in mind, best described in Romans 15:13. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Where is our focus – on our situation (which may be hopeless) or on The Source of Hope who according to Matthew 7:11 loves to give good gifts to His children.
KayleeA way to know and enjoy God is to know His attributes. From yesterday’s attributes of comfort, eternal life and faithfulness, we look today at:
Glory -
Isaiah 6:3 And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." Especially observed in various facets of nature, from thunder and lightening storm to the wonder of a new born.
Isaiah 6:3 And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." Especially observed in various facets of nature, from thunder and lightening storm to the wonder of a new born.
Next attribute of God is Goodness - Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. A common greeting goes, “God is good,” to which the person being greeted replies with, “all the time.” Not everything that happens to us, or that we do, is good. But God in His goodness promises to work everything to our good according to Romans 8:28. Some of my men at the Lighthouse Mission have a difficult time forgiving themselves for how they've hurt those close to them with their addiction. "Burwick," they say, "how can ruining my family with my meth addiction be good?" To which I reply, 'It isn't good, but God is extremely creative in working that evil to your good if you yield your life to HIm." Stories abound!
Grace and mercy come next. "Obviously God's primary demonstration of mercy is in sending us Christ, but I've especially experienced His mercy after becoming a Christian. I have a tendency toward legalism, so quiet times and other things a Christian "ought" to be doing are a potential source of guilt for me. God's mercy relieves me from self-guilt if I feel like I haven't been having quiet times regularly enough. I know He's still there, ready to listen at any moment. He's always been good to remind me that He loves me and hasn't forgotten me, even if I think I've forgotten Him." Mary Beth Berry, Indianapolis,Ind.
1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hope – Some situations in life seem hopeless. Parkinson’s is for me a slow deterioration, quite steady with some days better than others. If I look at my state now as compared to last year, there is not a lot of hope for positive change. The person living in a miserable marriage where he or she is doing their best to love the other, returned only by rebuffs - hopeless. Our circumstances may be hopeless, but if we’re walking with God we have the source of hope in mind, best described in Romans 15:13. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Where is our focus – on our situation (which may be hopeless) or on The Source of Hope who according to Matthew 7:11 loves to give good gifts to His children.
More on Monday
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Attributes of God
There are divergent and numerous opinions about what it means to be created in the image of God. One view is to focus on specific attributes of God. An attribute of God is defined as whatever truth God has revealed about Himself, the sum of which compose Him. In alphabetical order we’ll look at some of His attributes, not only to view God but to ask ourselves how we’re doing allowing Him to build that particular attribute in me (us).
The first is Comfort. 2 Corinthains 1:3-5 (Message) All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.
Questions: 1. am I resisting the adversity I’m experiencing or am I, from a yielded spirit, allowing God to comfort me. 2. How am I doing being sensitive to others when they need comfort?
The next attribute of God: Eternal. Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God. And because we are His children (John 1:12) we share in His Eternal Life. John 10:28 (Amp) And I give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it or perish throughout the ages. [To all eternity they shall never by any means be destroyed.] And no one is able to snatch them out of My hand. As a child of God, my body will die, but it is just a "space suit" covering the real me. I'll live for ever with God.
Another attribute of God is Faithfulness - 1 Corinthians 1:9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. Psalms 37:28 For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off; 2 Timothy 2:13 if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself. How frequently we can look back at a very troublesome situation that at the time seemed impossible, but God! God came through as our faithful and personal Abba Papa.
I recall a time when my first wife, Ann, and I were going through a tumultuous time and said to each other, “If we could just get to Dr. Brandt for counseling, we’ll be okay. But who knows what part of the world that world-traveler is currently in?” From Spokane we placed a call to his office in Michigan. Found out that he was in Seattle – just a quick trip for us. Met him in the Seattle airport, counseled for two hours plus and we were off and running for the healing necessary. God is faithful. Praise His name.
Question: Am I faithful to obey Him? To spend time with Him each day, getting to know and enjoy HIm?
More attributes tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Fellowship with Abba Papa
Jeremiah 9:24 but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD.John 17:3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
Scripture indicates that Jesus arose early and went to an isolated place to commune with the Father. Reflecting on the theme “Knowing and Enjoying God,” I wonder if we ever think that if Jesus needed or was benefited by early morning communion with the Father – how much more do I. Do you?
Psalm 143:8 reminds us, "Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul." How much better the day goes when we’ve risen early praying, meditating, studying, possibly memorizing Scripture, maybe some praise music, and something I’m trying to learn – just hanging out with Abba Papa.. It is so healthy in all realms to embark on this early morning venture, modeled to us by Christ.
And not only Christ. Other characters in the Bible were noted for getting up early to converse with God. Some of them shown are Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, Nehemiah and Job, to name a few. That intimate time with God reminds us that He is always concerned about us no matter the depth of adversity we may be experiencing. We reaffirm out love and surrender to Abba Papa. We at times question Him, allowing our human emotions to surface. Anger. Fear. Worry. At times we wonder if He is listening or if he even cares. He encourages us to be authentic with Him. Repentance follows, producing freedom. These early morning interchanges with our Heavenly Father are a key exercise in “Knowing and Enjoying God.”
However, before getting too rigid about early in the morning being “holy hour,” we view Jesus praying at another time. Luke 6:12 records it.One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God
Whether it is morning or evening, communion with the Father places us in a position to hear Him speak to us.
Psalm 16:11 wraps up our topic neatly: You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever
The chief end of man, is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
In Christ - the Mystery
I'm still basking in the glow of my 70th birthday party, grateful that two of my children could join Theresa and me.
What is our greatest need? (Love) Where do we tend to look for that need to be met? (all the wrong places). - marrieds with each other; single parents with their children; committed single Christians tend to look to God, until they begin dating. Women tend more than men to need security which is found in relationships. For men, it is significance found in performing, conquering.
How would most people finish this sentence: “I just want to be.... (happy). Where does true happiness and joy come from: (Psa 16:11 NIV) You have made known to me the path of life; (you) will fill me with joy (in your presence), with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Oh, there is much happiness in life without God, but it is usually circumstantial.
Love from God. Significance from God. Joy and happiness from God. Thus- sights on heaven, seated with him in heavenly places.
Ephesians chapters 1-3 describes our position and our possessions in Christ, (our real identity). then chapter 4:1 says “now live and act in a way worthy of those who have been chosen for such wonderful blessings as these.” Think like who you really are. Act like who you really are. King James version says: Now because of these things, walk ye in them. Taking our identity and putting it into shoeleather.
This is our position in Christ. It begins with an awareness of what Christ has done and where we are in Him but it also involves a daily walk: Luke 9:23 emphasizes this: Jesus speaking: “Anyone who wants to follow me must put aside his own desires and conveniences and carry his cross with him every day and keep close to me.”
We can all say “Yes, I’ve been wounded: sexual abuse, unfaithful spouse, abusive relationships, rejection. But that doesn’t need to contaminate who I am. I am now a child of God, I’m in Christ, Christ in me healing me, forgiving that abusive person through me, loving that person through me. For the Christian it is not self esteem, but Christ in me esteem. My security and significance is in Him. It is no longer just I but Christ who lives in me. Christ living through my temperament, my personality, my life experience, my pain, my joy.
Considering the possible “so heavenly minded, no earthly good” reaction to Colossians 3:1 and Ephesians 2:6, “Since you became alive again, so to speak, when Christ arose from the dead, now set your sights on the rich treasures and joys of heaven where he sits beside God in the place of honor and power… And (God) lifted us up from the grave into glory along with Christ, where we sit with him in the heavenly realms - all because of what Christ Jesus did,” I studied a number of commentaries.
Contrasting them all, the meaning is somewhat obscure. Let me take a stab at what I think those two passages mean.
What is our greatest need? (Love) Where do we tend to look for that need to be met? (all the wrong places). - marrieds with each other; single parents with their children; committed single Christians tend to look to God, until they begin dating. Women tend more than men to need security which is found in relationships. For men, it is significance found in performing, conquering.
Nothing wrong with these pursuits unless they become idolatry (worshipping something other than God). It is wonderful to have our needs for love, security and significance met through some earthly source. However, God wants to be the source of our need fulfillment. (Philippians 4 tells us “My God shall supply all my needs.” He certainly met my needs after my wife died. In sensing His presence, He became as a wife to me. Then He provided miraculously for me in the gift of Theresa.
How would most people finish this sentence: “I just want to be.... (happy). Where does true happiness and joy come from: (Psa 16:11 NIV) You have made known to me the path of life; (you) will fill me with joy (in your presence), with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Oh, there is much happiness in life without God, but it is usually circumstantial.
Love from God. Significance from God. Joy and happiness from God. Thus- sights on heaven, seated with him in heavenly places.
Romans 12 tells us that we need each other, but the ultimate source for our needs to be met is our loving Heavenly Father. You earthly fathers being evil love to give good gifts to your children, how much more does you Father in heaven desire to give good gifts to you. Matthew 7:11
Ephesians chapters 1-3 describes our position and our possessions in Christ, (our real identity). then chapter 4:1 says “now live and act in a way worthy of those who have been chosen for such wonderful blessings as these.” Think like who you really are. Act like who you really are. King James version says: Now because of these things, walk ye in them. Taking our identity and putting it into shoeleather.
This is our position in Christ. It begins with an awareness of what Christ has done and where we are in Him but it also involves a daily walk: Luke 9:23 emphasizes this: Jesus speaking: “Anyone who wants to follow me must put aside his own desires and conveniences and carry his cross with him every day and keep close to me.”
We can all say “Yes, I’ve been wounded: sexual abuse, unfaithful spouse, abusive relationships, rejection. But that doesn’t need to contaminate who I am. I am now a child of God, I’m in Christ, Christ in me healing me, forgiving that abusive person through me, loving that person through me. For the Christian it is not self esteem, but Christ in me esteem. My security and significance is in Him. It is no longer just I but Christ who lives in me. Christ living through my temperament, my personality, my life experience, my pain, my joy.
May we, may I, be so permeated with the life of Christ, that we, that I, may be called like Francis of Assissi, “the Christ of Umbria.” The Christ of Nampa. I am now able to live a life of victory over pain, over abuse, over rejection, over sin because I have been made alive by the resurrection life Christ has imparted to me. By His grace, I am a saint - who can sin. As a man thinks, so is he.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Our Real Identity - In Christ
Another North Dakota snow picture. I delivered newspapers as a kid in that fine state!!!
In our last post we initiated the mysterious thoughts of being an "image-bearer of the Creator" and being “in Christ.” Lets see if we can understand the mystery more clearly.
I’m a part of my dad who is a part of his dad. If my grandfather had died before my dad was born, I wouldn’t be. I’m of the loins of my father, of his. All the way back to Adam.
Romans 5:12 tells us: When Adam sinned, sin entered the entire human race. His sin spread death throughout all the world, so everything began to grow old and die, for all sinned.
Results of being in Adam: Born with a sin nature – the propensity to go one’s own way rather than God’s.
Romans 3:23 all have sinned; Romans 6:23 wages of sin is death; the ultimate results described as hell. Luke 16:23-4 describes hell as a place of flaming torment.
But there is an option: Scripture tells us that God is not willing that any should perish. God woos man to Himself and John 1:12 says To as many as received Christ, to those He gives the right to be children of God. And as children of God, the book of Ephesians reminds us over and over that we are in Christ and Christ in us. Christian means Christ in one. (Christ in me, I in Christ). A decision is made, to turn from self-directed living to God directed.
Because of this decision, we have eternal life (John 3:16 ... so that anyone who believes in Him (Christ) shall not perish but have eternal life. Eternal - without beginning or end. Out of the line of Adam into the line of Christ. Without end, without beginning. Romans 6:5 describes this eternal life in Christ. “For you have become a part of him and so you died with him, so to speak, when he died, and now you share his new life and shall rise as he did.”
As reborn Christians, we are in the loins of Christ - dying with him, living with him. Scripture describes this phenomenen:
Galatians 2:20 - I am crucified with Christ, Yet I live, not I but Christ lives in me. Romans 6:4 Your old sin-loving nature was buried with him by baptism when he died, and when God the Father, with glorious power, brought him back to life again, you were given his wonderful new life to enjoy.
Colossians 3:1 Since you became alive again, so to speak, when Christ arose from the dead, now set your sights on the rich treasures and joys of heaven where he sits beside God in the place of honor and power.
Ephesians 2:6 And (God) lifted us up from the grave into glory along with Christ, where we sit with him in the heavenly realms - all because of what Christ Jesus did.
These last two verses sound like the person who is so heavenly minded he is no earthly good... sights on heaven - sit with him in the heavenly realms? What does this mean? Let’s examine that in our next post.
In our last post we initiated the mysterious thoughts of being an "image-bearer of the Creator" and being “in Christ.” Lets see if we can understand the mystery more clearly.
I’m a part of my dad who is a part of his dad. If my grandfather had died before my dad was born, I wouldn’t be. I’m of the loins of my father, of his. All the way back to Adam.
Romans 5:12 tells us: When Adam sinned, sin entered the entire human race. His sin spread death throughout all the world, so everything began to grow old and die, for all sinned.
Results of being in Adam: Born with a sin nature – the propensity to go one’s own way rather than God’s.
Romans 3:23 all have sinned; Romans 6:23 wages of sin is death; the ultimate results described as hell. Luke 16:23-4 describes hell as a place of flaming torment.
But there is an option: Scripture tells us that God is not willing that any should perish. God woos man to Himself and John 1:12 says To as many as received Christ, to those He gives the right to be children of God. And as children of God, the book of Ephesians reminds us over and over that we are in Christ and Christ in us. Christian means Christ in one. (Christ in me, I in Christ). A decision is made, to turn from self-directed living to God directed.
Because of this decision, we have eternal life (John 3:16 ... so that anyone who believes in Him (Christ) shall not perish but have eternal life. Eternal - without beginning or end. Out of the line of Adam into the line of Christ. Without end, without beginning. Romans 6:5 describes this eternal life in Christ. “For you have become a part of him and so you died with him, so to speak, when he died, and now you share his new life and shall rise as he did.”
As reborn Christians, we are in the loins of Christ - dying with him, living with him. Scripture describes this phenomenen:
Galatians 2:20 - I am crucified with Christ, Yet I live, not I but Christ lives in me. Romans 6:4 Your old sin-loving nature was buried with him by baptism when he died, and when God the Father, with glorious power, brought him back to life again, you were given his wonderful new life to enjoy.
Colossians 3:1 Since you became alive again, so to speak, when Christ arose from the dead, now set your sights on the rich treasures and joys of heaven where he sits beside God in the place of honor and power.
Ephesians 2:6 And (God) lifted us up from the grave into glory along with Christ, where we sit with him in the heavenly realms - all because of what Christ Jesus did.
These last two verses sound like the person who is so heavenly minded he is no earthly good... sights on heaven - sit with him in the heavenly realms? What does this mean? Let’s examine that in our next post.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Image-bearer of God
How is this for a snow bank in my old home state of North Dakota?
Thanks Cuz for the pic.
A benefit of knowing God more deeply is seeing ourselves from His perspective. One view is that of an image-bearer of the Creator of the Universe
We are created in the image of God, but man marred that reflection. Adam and Eve responded to the temptation of the evil one, disobeyed God and man fell from his position of intimacy with God. Fallen, depraved, in search for love, security, significance and identity, yet, redeemable.
As an image-bearer of God, how do you see yourself from this perspective: Are you “a sinner saved by grace” or “a saint who can sin.” A sinner saved by grace perspective tends to focus on sin and makes sin palatable, expected. But First John 2 says we are to make sin the exception. Live like a saint - who can sin. And call sin, sin. Not weakness or mistake....
Thanks Cuz for the pic.A benefit of knowing God more deeply is seeing ourselves from His perspective. One view is that of an image-bearer of the Creator of the Universe
We are created in the image of God, but man marred that reflection. Adam and Eve responded to the temptation of the evil one, disobeyed God and man fell from his position of intimacy with God. Fallen, depraved, in search for love, security, significance and identity, yet, redeemable.
As an image-bearer of God, how do you see yourself from this perspective: Are you “a sinner saved by grace” or “a saint who can sin.” A sinner saved by grace perspective tends to focus on sin and makes sin palatable, expected. But First John 2 says we are to make sin the exception. Live like a saint - who can sin. And call sin, sin. Not weakness or mistake....
Christians were referred to in the NT 60 times as saints, like Romans 1:7, “called to be saints (the consecrated ones, amp.Bible) Yes, I'm one who sins and am saved by God's grace, but I choose to focus on my God-given grace of sainthood because "As a man thinks so is he…"
Besides being referred to as saints, Paul in his 14 NT books describes Christians as being “in Christ” 164 times... stressing the truth of the believers’ union with Christ in death, resurrection, ascension and present position. The fact of the believers position “in Christ” permeates the entire thought of Ephesians. A Christian’s real identity - in Christ.
The word mystery is used 5 times in Ephesians. - mystery, a hidden truth held in secret til proper time for revelation in God’s timetable for our lives. This mystery, being in Christ, is revealed to us most often in tough times and the revelation of this mystery seems to have deepening levels. (Another benefit of going through tough times.)
We understand it first at a surface level and as our growth in Christ develops, so does our awareness of this mystery - who we really are in Him and how that affects our fellowship with God. Thus, to grapple with being an “image-bearer of God” we learn more deeply our position “In Christ,” because Jesus said that He and the Father were one. We’ll elaborate more in the next post.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
