This is a good question. Can you imagine being told that you were God as a child? How would you react? While we don't know exactly when or how Jesus was told or informed that He was the Messiah, we do know that by about age 12 He was already amazing people with His answers and His incite (Luke 2:47). He also responds to His parents who were looking for Him that they should have known that He'd be in His Father's house (Luke 2:49).
A good discussion on Jesus being the Son of God can be found at this link: http://www.consider.org/library/jesus.htm
Thanks for the question Bob M.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Do I Show Them Jesus?
Jesus instructed us by saying, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:19-20
Everybody is so busy these days. Schedules are saturated with work, school, childrens' activities, errands, meetings, shopping, etc. Many of these activities even spill over into Sundays, which are supposed to be our day of rest and corporate worship. Do any of these activities have any eternal value? Some might have some small contribution, but for the most part they don't. In our daily routines, how many times do we think about our eternal future? To get to the point, when is the last time you talked with someone outside of Church about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? If we claim to be Christians, nothing should take a higher priority in our lives than to talk to others about Jesus. We should be disciples and make disciples. We are disciples by obeying our Lord Jesus, and we make disciples by sharing Jesus with those that aren't Christians.
I'm amazed at how people claim to not know what to say to someone about Christ. Speak straight from the heart. What does Christ mean to you and why? Why did you decide to follow Christ? Did you know that the entire Bible can be summed up in one verse? Here it is.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23
Left on our own, our wages (what we deserve) have earned us death because of our sins. But God who is gracious has given us the gift of eternal life, if we choose to accept the gift of Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. While God extends the gift, it only goes to those who accept the gift willingly. It's not enough to understand the gift; it must be a personal, proactive acceptance decision. This decision must include repentance, that is turning away from sin and turning to Christ Jesus.
If you don't know what to say to someone about Christ, feel free to use Romans 6:23 shown above or some other method. Otherwise, join a Bible study to learn more or take an evangelism class. The main thing is to do something! Get prepared. Are you involved in a small group Bible study, such as a Sunday School class? If so, think of all the benefits of being a part of that group and write down your Sunday School Testimony. Memorize it, then invite people to join your small group study. Invite people to Church and to Church-related socials. You don't have to know all the answers, but get them around people who are a little more knowledgeable than you.
Above all, check your heart. Is Christ really your highest priority? If He's not, then please don't evangelize. You can't do Christ justice if He's not your heart's #1 priority. I pray that after you read this post and watch the short music video below, you will be motivated to do whatever it takes to get prepared to share Jesus with others.
If you're not a Christian, I pray that God has led you to this site for a reason and that you accept Christ as your personal Savior and Lord. If you need more information about what this means or how to secure eternal life, please don't hesitate to email me.
Show Them Jesus
Lyrics:
You can almost see / On a cloudless night
When the air is still / And the moon is high
It’s written in the stars / Painted with their light
Spelling out a Name across the sky
Like a signature / On a work of art
Eternity is there / in every human heart
So many do not know / How loved they are
Will you be the one to
Chorus:
Show them Jesus, show them real love
Let His heart beat on in you
Live out the message with all that you’re made of
Let your life unveil the truth
And all the world will see Him in us
Show them Jesus
Who will bear His Name / All across the Earth
To the countless souls / Who have never heard
Of the One Who made / All the universe
Will you be the first to show them Jesus…
Matthew 28:19-20
Everybody is so busy these days. Schedules are saturated with work, school, childrens' activities, errands, meetings, shopping, etc. Many of these activities even spill over into Sundays, which are supposed to be our day of rest and corporate worship. Do any of these activities have any eternal value? Some might have some small contribution, but for the most part they don't. In our daily routines, how many times do we think about our eternal future? To get to the point, when is the last time you talked with someone outside of Church about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? If we claim to be Christians, nothing should take a higher priority in our lives than to talk to others about Jesus. We should be disciples and make disciples. We are disciples by obeying our Lord Jesus, and we make disciples by sharing Jesus with those that aren't Christians.
I'm amazed at how people claim to not know what to say to someone about Christ. Speak straight from the heart. What does Christ mean to you and why? Why did you decide to follow Christ? Did you know that the entire Bible can be summed up in one verse? Here it is.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23
Left on our own, our wages (what we deserve) have earned us death because of our sins. But God who is gracious has given us the gift of eternal life, if we choose to accept the gift of Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. While God extends the gift, it only goes to those who accept the gift willingly. It's not enough to understand the gift; it must be a personal, proactive acceptance decision. This decision must include repentance, that is turning away from sin and turning to Christ Jesus.
If you don't know what to say to someone about Christ, feel free to use Romans 6:23 shown above or some other method. Otherwise, join a Bible study to learn more or take an evangelism class. The main thing is to do something! Get prepared. Are you involved in a small group Bible study, such as a Sunday School class? If so, think of all the benefits of being a part of that group and write down your Sunday School Testimony. Memorize it, then invite people to join your small group study. Invite people to Church and to Church-related socials. You don't have to know all the answers, but get them around people who are a little more knowledgeable than you.
Above all, check your heart. Is Christ really your highest priority? If He's not, then please don't evangelize. You can't do Christ justice if He's not your heart's #1 priority. I pray that after you read this post and watch the short music video below, you will be motivated to do whatever it takes to get prepared to share Jesus with others.
If you're not a Christian, I pray that God has led you to this site for a reason and that you accept Christ as your personal Savior and Lord. If you need more information about what this means or how to secure eternal life, please don't hesitate to email me.
Show Them Jesus
Lyrics:
You can almost see / On a cloudless night
When the air is still / And the moon is high
It’s written in the stars / Painted with their light
Spelling out a Name across the sky
Like a signature / On a work of art
Eternity is there / in every human heart
So many do not know / How loved they are
Will you be the one to
Chorus:
Show them Jesus, show them real love
Let His heart beat on in you
Live out the message with all that you’re made of
Let your life unveil the truth
And all the world will see Him in us
Show them Jesus
Who will bear His Name / All across the Earth
To the countless souls / Who have never heard
Of the One Who made / All the universe
Will you be the first to show them Jesus…
Friday, July 25, 2008
Am I Lukewarm?
It is extremely hard to be an effective witness for Christ when we are lukewarm. As a matter of fact, it actually hurts the church because most non-Christians will see no difference in the lives of Christians from the rest of the world. An important question we should ask ourselves is, "Am I lukewarm?" If my answer to this question is "Yes," then I should be very concerned.
Please watch these two videos. The messages cut right to the point.
"So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth."
Revelation 3:16
Lukewarm (about 40 mins)
Lukewarm Follow-on (about 50 mins)
If you consider yourself a lukewarm Christian, I pray that God would lead you to do whatever you need to do to get on fire for Him. I pray that He would convict your heart to repent and start anew. I also pray that if you are an unbeliever that God would lead you to Christ today. Repent and accept Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. Please don't delay. We never know when the last trumpet will sound.
Please watch these two videos. The messages cut right to the point.
"So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth."
Revelation 3:16
Lukewarm (about 40 mins)
Lukewarm Follow-on (about 50 mins)
If you consider yourself a lukewarm Christian, I pray that God would lead you to do whatever you need to do to get on fire for Him. I pray that He would convict your heart to repent and start anew. I also pray that if you are an unbeliever that God would lead you to Christ today. Repent and accept Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. Please don't delay. We never know when the last trumpet will sound.
Friday, May 9, 2008
What Is the Purpose of the Church?
The purpose of the Church can be summed up in three distinct areas, which are all equally important as we will see.
1) Ministry to God: Worship.
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."
Colossians 3:16
"In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory."
Ephesians 1:11-12
". . . making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord . . . ."
Ephesians 5:16-19
Some people think that the "music portion" of the Church service, usually the first half of the service, is a warm up for the pastor. Some even equate it to a pep rally. Nothing could be further from the truth. As the Scriptures show above, we are commanded to praise our Father in heaven with songs of thanksgiving and praise. The "music portion" is our worship! We should be committed to participating in corporate worship at least once per week.
2) Ministry to Believers: Nurture.
"We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ."
Colossians 1:28
". . . to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
Ephesians 4:12-13
It is so important to be part of a small group Bible study. Sunday School is a great opportunity to meet people in similar circumstances (age group, marital status, age of children if any, etc.). No one (including Sunday School teachers, deacons, and pastors) is exempt from participating in spiritual growth opportunities.
3) Ministry to the World: Evangelism and Mercy.
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"
Matthew 28:19
"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
Luke 6:35-36
"When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them."
Luke 4:40
People tend to think that they have to hold a Billy Graham Evangelism Crusade in order to participate in evangelism. Not true. Everyone is at different levels in their faith. Some have Scripture memorized; others don't but know the salvation concepts. While there are many "techniques" of presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ to unbelievers, a simple invitation to attend a Church service or participate in a Bible study is a great way to introduce unbelievers to other believers that might be more experienced with questions that might come up about Christianity.
All three of the above distinct areas are commanded by the Lord in Scripture; therefore, a strong Church will have effective ministries in all three areas. Since all are commanded, all are equally important. While the Church should be strong in all areas, individual believers are different as they have spiritual gifts that might lead them to participate in certain areas more often than others. In other words, everybody would not be expected to distribute their time 1/3 to each area, unless that distribution would be consistent with the person's spiritual gifts. Regardless, like a strong Church, a strong/mature Christian would be participating in all three areas.
{Related Link: Why Should I Be a Member of a Church?}
1) Ministry to God: Worship.
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."
Colossians 3:16
"In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory."
Ephesians 1:11-12
". . . making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord . . . ."
Ephesians 5:16-19
Some people think that the "music portion" of the Church service, usually the first half of the service, is a warm up for the pastor. Some even equate it to a pep rally. Nothing could be further from the truth. As the Scriptures show above, we are commanded to praise our Father in heaven with songs of thanksgiving and praise. The "music portion" is our worship! We should be committed to participating in corporate worship at least once per week.
2) Ministry to Believers: Nurture.
"We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ."
Colossians 1:28
". . . to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
Ephesians 4:12-13
It is so important to be part of a small group Bible study. Sunday School is a great opportunity to meet people in similar circumstances (age group, marital status, age of children if any, etc.). No one (including Sunday School teachers, deacons, and pastors) is exempt from participating in spiritual growth opportunities.
3) Ministry to the World: Evangelism and Mercy.
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"
Matthew 28:19
"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
Luke 6:35-36
"When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them."
Luke 4:40
People tend to think that they have to hold a Billy Graham Evangelism Crusade in order to participate in evangelism. Not true. Everyone is at different levels in their faith. Some have Scripture memorized; others don't but know the salvation concepts. While there are many "techniques" of presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ to unbelievers, a simple invitation to attend a Church service or participate in a Bible study is a great way to introduce unbelievers to other believers that might be more experienced with questions that might come up about Christianity.
All three of the above distinct areas are commanded by the Lord in Scripture; therefore, a strong Church will have effective ministries in all three areas. Since all are commanded, all are equally important. While the Church should be strong in all areas, individual believers are different as they have spiritual gifts that might lead them to participate in certain areas more often than others. In other words, everybody would not be expected to distribute their time 1/3 to each area, unless that distribution would be consistent with the person's spiritual gifts. Regardless, like a strong Church, a strong/mature Christian would be participating in all three areas.
{Related Link: Why Should I Be a Member of a Church?}
Thursday, May 8, 2008
What Is Truth?
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
Genesis 1:1
"You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
John 8:32
There is only one truth, and that is the truth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
John 14:6
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."
Revelation 22:13
Every aspect of science points to our heavenly Father. The entire Old Testament points to Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, who is the Messiah. And Jesus said that He would send the Counselor (Holy Spirit). Reference John 16:7.
These video links will hopefully shed some light on the many facets of scientific breakthroughs over time that statistically prove that God of the Holy Bible is the only true God. All praises to Him!
Science of God - Part 1 (about 1 hour)
Science of God - Part 2 (about 1 hour)
Genesis 1:1
"You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
John 8:32
There is only one truth, and that is the truth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
John 14:6
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."
Revelation 22:13
Every aspect of science points to our heavenly Father. The entire Old Testament points to Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, who is the Messiah. And Jesus said that He would send the Counselor (Holy Spirit). Reference John 16:7.
These video links will hopefully shed some light on the many facets of scientific breakthroughs over time that statistically prove that God of the Holy Bible is the only true God. All praises to Him!
Science of God - Part 1 (about 1 hour)
Science of God - Part 2 (about 1 hour)
Monday, April 21, 2008
Have I Really Put Christ Above All Else?
"Submit yourselves, then, to God."
James 4:7
Repent of all sin and trust the power of Jesus Christ. Accept Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. Stop messing around with your salvation. Seal it once and for all by giving Christ your whole self. Becoming a Christian is a life-changing event. Experience the power of Christ for yourself. Miracles will happen in your life. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity is above all and worthy to be praised! Amen!
"The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens."
Psalm 113:4
[Speaking of Christ, John the Baptist said,] "The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all."
John 3:31
Above All
James 4:7
Repent of all sin and trust the power of Jesus Christ. Accept Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. Stop messing around with your salvation. Seal it once and for all by giving Christ your whole self. Becoming a Christian is a life-changing event. Experience the power of Christ for yourself. Miracles will happen in your life. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity is above all and worthy to be praised! Amen!
"The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens."
Psalm 113:4
[Speaking of Christ, John the Baptist said,] "The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all."
John 3:31
Above All
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Is God Really the Creator of the Universe?
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
Genesis 1:1
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."
Psalm 19:1
"Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created."
Psalm 148:1-5
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom."
Isaiah 40:28
"It is I who made the earth and created mankind upon it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts."
Isaiah 45:12
"But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water."
2 Peter 3:5
Don't Be the Fool
"The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'"
Psalm 14:1
God of Wonders Beyond Our Galaxy
Genesis 1:1
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."
Psalm 19:1
"Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created."
Psalm 148:1-5
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom."
Isaiah 40:28
"It is I who made the earth and created mankind upon it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts."
Isaiah 45:12
"But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water."
2 Peter 3:5
Don't Be the Fool
"The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'"
Psalm 14:1
God of Wonders Beyond Our Galaxy
Monday, March 31, 2008
Is Jesus Really God?
Jesus was clearly a man as He was born and ultimately died.
"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem."
Matthew 2:1
"With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last."
Mark 15:37
However, Jesus was 100% God.
"Thomas said to him, 'My Lord and my God!'"
John 20:28
". . . while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ . . . ."
Titus 2:13
"We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life."
1 John 5:20
"But about the Son [Jesus] he [God] says, 'Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.'"
Hebrews 1:8
"I [Jesus] and the Father are one."
John 10:30
"Jesus answered: 'Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, "Show us the Father"?'"
John 14:9
Jesus Is God In The Flesh
"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem."
Matthew 2:1
"With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last."
Mark 15:37
However, Jesus was 100% God.
"Thomas said to him, 'My Lord and my God!'"
John 20:28
". . . while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ . . . ."
Titus 2:13
"We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life."
1 John 5:20
"But about the Son [Jesus] he [God] says, 'Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.'"
Hebrews 1:8
"I [Jesus] and the Father are one."
John 10:30
"Jesus answered: 'Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, "Show us the Father"?'"
John 14:9
Jesus Is God In The Flesh
Monday, March 10, 2008
Is the Lamb of God Worthy?
"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'"
John 1:29
"In a loud voice they [angels] sang: 'Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!'"
Revelation 5:12
There is none like Jesus. He is the only way to heaven. The Lamb of God was sacrificed for all our sins. All we have to do is come to the Cross, repent, and accept His free gift of mercy. He paid for our transgressions so we don't have to. So please, repent and accept His free gift today. Trust in Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.
Worthy Is the Lamb
John 1:29
"In a loud voice they [angels] sang: 'Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!'"
Revelation 5:12
There is none like Jesus. He is the only way to heaven. The Lamb of God was sacrificed for all our sins. All we have to do is come to the Cross, repent, and accept His free gift of mercy. He paid for our transgressions so we don't have to. So please, repent and accept His free gift today. Trust in Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.
Worthy Is the Lamb
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Is God Omnipotent/Almighty?
"When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless."
Genesis 17:1 NIV
"And God said to him [Jacob/Israel], 'I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will come from your body.'
Genesis 35:11 NIV
"Elijah said, 'As the LORD Almighty lives, whom I serve, I will surely present myself to Ahab today.'"
1 Kings 18:15 NIV
"Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty — he is the King of glory."
Psalm 24:10 NIV
"O LORD God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you."
Psalm 89:8 NIV
"'I am the Alpha and the Omega,' says the Lord God, 'who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.'"
Revelation 1:8 NIV
"And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth."
Revelation 19:6 KJV
All praises to God in the highest, the Lord, the giver of life. God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. He is truly the Almighty!
Hallelujah Chorus
Genesis 17:1 NIV
"And God said to him [Jacob/Israel], 'I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will come from your body.'
Genesis 35:11 NIV
"Elijah said, 'As the LORD Almighty lives, whom I serve, I will surely present myself to Ahab today.'"
1 Kings 18:15 NIV
"Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty — he is the King of glory."
Psalm 24:10 NIV
"O LORD God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you."
Psalm 89:8 NIV
"'I am the Alpha and the Omega,' says the Lord God, 'who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.'"
Revelation 1:8 NIV
"And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth."
Revelation 19:6 KJV
All praises to God in the highest, the Lord, the giver of life. God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. He is truly the Almighty!
Hallelujah Chorus
Monday, March 3, 2008
Is Jesus Really Alive?
"After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God."
Mark 16:19
". . . because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them."
Hebrews 7:24-25
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:2
". . . Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."
Romans 8:34
Celebrate Jesus Celebrate (He's Alive)
Mark 16:19
". . . because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them."
Hebrews 7:24-25
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:2
". . . Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."
Romans 8:34
Celebrate Jesus Celebrate (He's Alive)
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
What Will Happen When We Meet Our Maker?
For Christians, the meeting with our Maker will be an awesome experience. We will get to see first hand the source of life and all of creation. This meeting will allow us to worship our Lord and Savior in person and be able to express our deepest heart-felt emotion of love and reverence for all He has done for us. We will be given a place in Heaven because we will be seen as righteous, since we (repented) confessed our sins and accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord of our lives. Jesus Christ's perfect blood sacrifice on the cross was the payment for all our sins.
For Unbelievers, the meeting with our Maker will be a very frightful experience. They will realize all too late that they rejected the only way into heaven. This rejection of Christ as Lord and Savior while in their earthly bodies will leave God with no choice but to execute His perfect judgment on them for their sins. Unbelievers will be cast away from God and thrown into the Lake of Fire (Hell). Please come before God, repent of your sins, and accept Christ's sacrifice on the cross as the atonement for your sins. Trust in Christ as your personal Lord and Savior today while you still have the breath of life. After you die or when Jesus returns, it will be too late and your fate will be sealed. I pray you will come to Jesus today!
According to God's word in His Holy Bible, every knee will bow before God and every tongue will confess to God. See Isaiah 45:23 and Romans 14:11-12.
What will your first reaction be to this existence with our Maker? We will only know once we are in His presence. I can only imagine. Will you think about what your reaction will be while the music video below is playing?
I Can Only Imagine
For Unbelievers, the meeting with our Maker will be a very frightful experience. They will realize all too late that they rejected the only way into heaven. This rejection of Christ as Lord and Savior while in their earthly bodies will leave God with no choice but to execute His perfect judgment on them for their sins. Unbelievers will be cast away from God and thrown into the Lake of Fire (Hell). Please come before God, repent of your sins, and accept Christ's sacrifice on the cross as the atonement for your sins. Trust in Christ as your personal Lord and Savior today while you still have the breath of life. After you die or when Jesus returns, it will be too late and your fate will be sealed. I pray you will come to Jesus today!
According to God's word in His Holy Bible, every knee will bow before God and every tongue will confess to God. See Isaiah 45:23 and Romans 14:11-12.
What will your first reaction be to this existence with our Maker? We will only know once we are in His presence. I can only imagine. Will you think about what your reaction will be while the music video below is playing?
I Can Only Imagine
Sunday, January 20, 2008
God Moves In A Mysterious Way
Psalms – 150 Psalms, David wrote 73 according to the superscriptions. This week’s focus is Psalm 7.
Psalm 7: The superscription says that this Psalm is a Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning Cush, a Benjamite. Shiggaion is a term derived from the verb which means “to err” or “to wander.” It might also mean “wild” or “ecstatic.” It’s a poem written with intense feeling, a lament to stir the emotions. It’s a request to God for justice against those who make slanderous comments.
OT Background: Justice is a priority in the Bible. We often think of justice where God will punish sinners. However, we see that justice includes helping those that either can’t help themselves or are under a hardship. Please read Exodus 22:22, 23:6-9, Deuteronomy 24:10-15, 19-22, Amos 2:6-8, 5:24, Isaiah 1:17, Psalm 82:3-4.
Life Question: What does God want me to do about the injustice I encounter?
Seek Refuge in God
Please read Psalm 7:1-2 – We don’t know the identity of Cush the Benjamite. When Saul falsely accused David of plotting to take his throne (1 Samuel 18 - 19), David had to flee Saul. David could have written this Psalm at that time as Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin. When we are threatened or even mildly persecuted, we tend to retaliate or lash out in revenge. But what does David do? He turns to the LORD. David knew how to guard sheep against wild animals, including lions. Please read 1 Samuel 17:34-35. David knew that words could tear him like a lion, ripping him apart. David felt like a sheep being stalked by a lion when the shepherd was not near to help and deliver him. He felt vulnerable.
Evaluate Your Heart (Actions)
Please read Psalm 7:3-5 – One key step in responding to verbal attacks is to step back and honestly examine our life to see if the criticism is true. Sometimes God can use others to confront us with the truth that we have refused to admit, like where Nathan confronted David with his sins and David listened to the truth. But these “if” statements in verses 3 through 5 are showing some of the accusations against David. David admits that if the statements are true, then he deserves what the enemies want to do to him.
[Contemporary Injustice Assertion Beginning]
This is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, so we should take a moment to go over some contemporary issues. Please reread Isaiah 1:17. Let’s cover some injustices in the U.S. that are evident. The Declaration of Independence states the following:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
The U.S. Constitution states the following:
"We the People of the Unites States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice . . . and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity . . . ."
and "Representatives . . . shall be apportioned . . . by adding to the whole number of free persons . . . [and] three fifths of all other Persons."
Why did we count some people as only 60% of a person? This situation got rectified in the 13th and 14th Amendments, where the 13th Amendment ended slavery in 1865 and the 14th Amendment, Section 2 counted every person as a whole person in 1868. There is a parallel to this situation in the abortion debate today. People are unwilling to define a preborn baby as a person. What part person is the preborn baby? 25%? 50%? Do we base the percentage on a fraction of 40 weeks? Or do we refuse to admit the baby is a person at all? There is really no justification whatsoever to deny the 100% personhood of a preborn child. We have a responsibility to protect those that can’t protect themselves. Otherwise, we could be guilty of sins of omission. All human life is equally important.
If you feel strongly about this abortion issue, please note that the State of Georgia was mentioned this week (1/14/2008) in a U.S. News & World Report article, New Abortion Wars: An age-old fight is heating up in the states. The Constitutional Amendment is attempting to declare a fertilized egg "a person" who enjoys "inalienable rights, equality of justice, and due process of law." This proposed Amendment is known as the "Personhood Amendment" and is planned to be on the ballot in Georgia in the 2008 election.
[Contemporary Injustice Assertion End]
Call For His Justice
Please read Psalm 7:6-11 – We can bring our sins before God, confess them, and be forgiven. In this manner, we can be declared righteous even though we are sinners. Notice the words “justice, judge, righteousness, and righteous.” Our English word for “justice” emphasizes judgment that is fair and impartial. The Hebrew word also increasingly included a judgment based on mercy and compassion for the poor and homeless (aliens, dispossessed). Sometimes with all the injustice, we don’t know what to pray for and the Holy Spirit will intercede on our behalf. Please read Romans 8:26-27.
Rely on God to Respond with Righteousness (Not in Book)
Please read Psalm 7:12-17 – verses 14-16 are showing that people reap what they sow. But unfortunately in that process, innocent people can get hurt. And sometimes, God allows evil to continue even though innocent people are hurt. But how does David end the Psalm in verse 17? With thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness. We have to put our trust in God and His righteous judgment. God will execute final justice, even if it is not during our lifetime.
Psalm 7: The superscription says that this Psalm is a Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning Cush, a Benjamite. Shiggaion is a term derived from the verb which means “to err” or “to wander.” It might also mean “wild” or “ecstatic.” It’s a poem written with intense feeling, a lament to stir the emotions. It’s a request to God for justice against those who make slanderous comments.
OT Background: Justice is a priority in the Bible. We often think of justice where God will punish sinners. However, we see that justice includes helping those that either can’t help themselves or are under a hardship. Please read Exodus 22:22, 23:6-9, Deuteronomy 24:10-15, 19-22, Amos 2:6-8, 5:24, Isaiah 1:17, Psalm 82:3-4.
Life Question: What does God want me to do about the injustice I encounter?
Seek Refuge in God
Please read Psalm 7:1-2 – We don’t know the identity of Cush the Benjamite. When Saul falsely accused David of plotting to take his throne (1 Samuel 18 - 19), David had to flee Saul. David could have written this Psalm at that time as Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin. When we are threatened or even mildly persecuted, we tend to retaliate or lash out in revenge. But what does David do? He turns to the LORD. David knew how to guard sheep against wild animals, including lions. Please read 1 Samuel 17:34-35. David knew that words could tear him like a lion, ripping him apart. David felt like a sheep being stalked by a lion when the shepherd was not near to help and deliver him. He felt vulnerable.
Evaluate Your Heart (Actions)
Please read Psalm 7:3-5 – One key step in responding to verbal attacks is to step back and honestly examine our life to see if the criticism is true. Sometimes God can use others to confront us with the truth that we have refused to admit, like where Nathan confronted David with his sins and David listened to the truth. But these “if” statements in verses 3 through 5 are showing some of the accusations against David. David admits that if the statements are true, then he deserves what the enemies want to do to him.
[Contemporary Injustice Assertion Beginning]
This is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, so we should take a moment to go over some contemporary issues. Please reread Isaiah 1:17. Let’s cover some injustices in the U.S. that are evident. The Declaration of Independence states the following:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
The U.S. Constitution states the following:
"We the People of the Unites States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice . . . and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity . . . ."
and "Representatives . . . shall be apportioned . . . by adding to the whole number of free persons . . . [and] three fifths of all other Persons."
Why did we count some people as only 60% of a person? This situation got rectified in the 13th and 14th Amendments, where the 13th Amendment ended slavery in 1865 and the 14th Amendment, Section 2 counted every person as a whole person in 1868. There is a parallel to this situation in the abortion debate today. People are unwilling to define a preborn baby as a person. What part person is the preborn baby? 25%? 50%? Do we base the percentage on a fraction of 40 weeks? Or do we refuse to admit the baby is a person at all? There is really no justification whatsoever to deny the 100% personhood of a preborn child. We have a responsibility to protect those that can’t protect themselves. Otherwise, we could be guilty of sins of omission. All human life is equally important.
If you feel strongly about this abortion issue, please note that the State of Georgia was mentioned this week (1/14/2008) in a U.S. News & World Report article, New Abortion Wars: An age-old fight is heating up in the states. The Constitutional Amendment is attempting to declare a fertilized egg "a person" who enjoys "inalienable rights, equality of justice, and due process of law." This proposed Amendment is known as the "Personhood Amendment" and is planned to be on the ballot in Georgia in the 2008 election.
[Contemporary Injustice Assertion End]
Call For His Justice
Please read Psalm 7:6-11 – We can bring our sins before God, confess them, and be forgiven. In this manner, we can be declared righteous even though we are sinners. Notice the words “justice, judge, righteousness, and righteous.” Our English word for “justice” emphasizes judgment that is fair and impartial. The Hebrew word also increasingly included a judgment based on mercy and compassion for the poor and homeless (aliens, dispossessed). Sometimes with all the injustice, we don’t know what to pray for and the Holy Spirit will intercede on our behalf. Please read Romans 8:26-27.
Rely on God to Respond with Righteousness (Not in Book)
Please read Psalm 7:12-17 – verses 14-16 are showing that people reap what they sow. But unfortunately in that process, innocent people can get hurt. And sometimes, God allows evil to continue even though innocent people are hurt. But how does David end the Psalm in verse 17? With thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness. We have to put our trust in God and His righteous judgment. God will execute final justice, even if it is not during our lifetime.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
How Can I Get Rid Of Guilt?
For born-again Christians, the idea of committing any sin is abhorrent. Christians want to please God the Father in their obedience to Him in all that they do. Are Christians perfect? Of course not. But having the will to please our heavenly Father is where the Christian differs from the unbeliever. Where there is only God's perfect moral standard for living, unbelievers will attempt to implement their own moral code and will fail in even attempting to adhere to their own substandard morals. So to discuss guilt, we have to understand it from the perspective that we are coming from in feeling guilty and whether we are Christians or not.
For Unbelievers:
If you are having guilty feelings, the Holy Spirit could be working in your life. Repent of your sins to God, and come kneel before His throne and dedicate your life to Him. When you do this, you will be born again and will be a Christian. Jesus Christ died for the forgiveness of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. You will be guilty no more.
"For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit."
1 Thessalonians 1:4-6
For Christians:
If you are having guilty feelings, recollect when the last time was that you repented of your sins to God? Do you have any unconfessed sin in your life? If so, confess your sins to God, and He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness. If you continue to have guilty feelings even after you have confessed all sin to God, then Satan is actively working in your life to thwart you from doing God's will. Guilt is a powerful tool of Satan to rob you of the joy of being a Christian. Satan is the accuser.
". . . For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before God day and night . . . ."
Revelation 12:10
I can think of two ways of dealing with this type of guilt from Satan.
1) When Satan brings up your past, bring up Satan's future.
"When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God's people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever."
Revelation 20:7-10
This is an easy way to remind yourself who your Master is. God's Bible tells us that through our confession we are purified, so we have a clean slate.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
1 John 1:9
2) If you are still struggling with guilt, you might need to call on God in the Name of Jesus to remove Satan from your path.
Satan is an obstacle for you. What better teacher to learn from than Jesus Christ Himself! In Matthew 16:21-23, Jesus is explaining to His disciples that He will suffer and die, yet be raised on the third day. Peter, who is the Rock on which Christ built His Church, took Jesus aside and told Him, "Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!" Jesus answered, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me . . . ." In the Name of Jesus, command Satan to get out of your mind and behind you as you are on the path of righteousness doing God's will. Guilt should end at your confession. You are blameless before God.
If you are a Christian feeling guilty even after you have confessed all sin, please stop. Harping on the past is not only unhealthy physically, but it is also unhealthy spiritually. You are wasting precious time resources that you could be focusing on saving the lost or ministering to others.
If you are an unbeliever, I pray that the Holy Spirit will convict your heart and move you to repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. It is only by the blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, that we are able to be called righteous before God. No other Name will do. The time is now! All Praises to Him!
For Unbelievers:
If you are having guilty feelings, the Holy Spirit could be working in your life. Repent of your sins to God, and come kneel before His throne and dedicate your life to Him. When you do this, you will be born again and will be a Christian. Jesus Christ died for the forgiveness of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. You will be guilty no more.
"For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit."
1 Thessalonians 1:4-6
For Christians:
If you are having guilty feelings, recollect when the last time was that you repented of your sins to God? Do you have any unconfessed sin in your life? If so, confess your sins to God, and He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness. If you continue to have guilty feelings even after you have confessed all sin to God, then Satan is actively working in your life to thwart you from doing God's will. Guilt is a powerful tool of Satan to rob you of the joy of being a Christian. Satan is the accuser.
". . . For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before God day and night . . . ."
Revelation 12:10
I can think of two ways of dealing with this type of guilt from Satan.
1) When Satan brings up your past, bring up Satan's future.
"When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God's people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever."
Revelation 20:7-10
This is an easy way to remind yourself who your Master is. God's Bible tells us that through our confession we are purified, so we have a clean slate.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
1 John 1:9
2) If you are still struggling with guilt, you might need to call on God in the Name of Jesus to remove Satan from your path.
Satan is an obstacle for you. What better teacher to learn from than Jesus Christ Himself! In Matthew 16:21-23, Jesus is explaining to His disciples that He will suffer and die, yet be raised on the third day. Peter, who is the Rock on which Christ built His Church, took Jesus aside and told Him, "Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!" Jesus answered, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me . . . ." In the Name of Jesus, command Satan to get out of your mind and behind you as you are on the path of righteousness doing God's will. Guilt should end at your confession. You are blameless before God.
If you are a Christian feeling guilty even after you have confessed all sin, please stop. Harping on the past is not only unhealthy physically, but it is also unhealthy spiritually. You are wasting precious time resources that you could be focusing on saving the lost or ministering to others.
If you are an unbeliever, I pray that the Holy Spirit will convict your heart and move you to repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. It is only by the blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, that we are able to be called righteous before God. No other Name will do. The time is now! All Praises to Him!
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