Bible Reading: 1 John 2
1 John 2:10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
What does the light of Jesus Christ do in our lives? One thing He does is cause us to walk in the light. In other words, the life of Christ in us causes us to walk in the truth. Light is a metaphor in Scripture for truth. A true follower of Christ loves his brother. Jesus said:
John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Jesus has commanded us to love the brethren. We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:10). A believer in Christ does not stumble around in the darkness because he has the light of Christ in him.
The one who is stumbling around in darkness the person who hates.
1 John 2:11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
Is this the life of Christ? No, hatred is darkness. Love is light. Jesus does not cause us to hate our brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus causes us to love. So if he lives in us, we will have a love for the brethren.
If you want to walk a spiritual life, love! Love is the fulfillment of the law.
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
That your joy may be full
Bible Reading: 1 John 1
1 John 1:4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
Do you have joy? What is joy? The Greek word translated 'joy' means calmly happy or well off. It means to rejoice. Do you walk through life 'cal my happy'?
Here then is the key to joy. To know Jesus and to have the life that he gives in you. John says this is one reason for writing his epistle! Joy is a not something that you and I produce. We are the glad bearers of if, but it is produced in us by the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
There are many things in life that are not joyful. There is heartache and tragedy. There is loss and pain. But, in light of the 'Word of life', they all pale in comparison. When we consider what Jesus has done for us in bearing our sins in his own body on the tree, we have cause for joy. When we consider what lies in store for us as the sons of God, we have cause for joy.
Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
So we can have a full joy. How do we have that? We focus on Jesus and get to know him. We read his Word and enjoy the fullness of the Spirit in our lives. We fellowship with him and realize that in Christ we are forgiven and we have fellowship with God! We experience the joy of sharing the gospel and seeing others come to faith in Christ. We experience the joy of answered prayer. We have the joy of the Lord as our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
We can rejoice in the Lord knowing that he is coming again to receive us unto himself!
Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Philippians 4:4-5 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Joyfully in Christ,
Rody
1 John 1:4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
Do you have joy? What is joy? The Greek word translated 'joy' means calmly happy or well off. It means to rejoice. Do you walk through life 'cal my happy'?
Here then is the key to joy. To know Jesus and to have the life that he gives in you. John says this is one reason for writing his epistle! Joy is a not something that you and I produce. We are the glad bearers of if, but it is produced in us by the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
There are many things in life that are not joyful. There is heartache and tragedy. There is loss and pain. But, in light of the 'Word of life', they all pale in comparison. When we consider what Jesus has done for us in bearing our sins in his own body on the tree, we have cause for joy. When we consider what lies in store for us as the sons of God, we have cause for joy.
Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
So we can have a full joy. How do we have that? We focus on Jesus and get to know him. We read his Word and enjoy the fullness of the Spirit in our lives. We fellowship with him and realize that in Christ we are forgiven and we have fellowship with God! We experience the joy of sharing the gospel and seeing others come to faith in Christ. We experience the joy of answered prayer. We have the joy of the Lord as our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
We can rejoice in the Lord knowing that he is coming again to receive us unto himself!
Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Philippians 4:4-5 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Joyfully in Christ,
Rody
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Your own steadfastness
Bible Reading: 2 Peter 3
2 Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
Peter has just reminded us that Jesus is coming again. He is going to usher in a whole new world. The elements will melt with fervent heat and new heavens and a new earth will come. However, we do not know when this will happen. It is a guarantee and the Lord's long-suffering is because he is allowing men and women to hear the gospel and be saved.
Whatever you do, don't get caught up in the error of the wicked. Keep your eyes on Jesus and don't get sidetracked. The wicked say Jesus is not coming. The wicked say there is no heaven and no hell. The wicked say live as you please.
If you as a follower of Jesus get caught up in this thinking, you will fall from your steadfastness. In other words, you will stop waiting and watching for the return of Jesus. You will stop sharing the gospel in the hope that others will be saved. Whatever you do, don't do that! It is a real danger and so many have had this happen in their lives.
What do you do to stay steadfast and focused on the Lord's mission? The next verse tells us:
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
You must keep growing in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Read your Bible and pray. Gather together with the church. Share the gospel with others and keep growing. It is the answer to falling from steadfastness!
In Christ,
Rody
2 Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
Peter has just reminded us that Jesus is coming again. He is going to usher in a whole new world. The elements will melt with fervent heat and new heavens and a new earth will come. However, we do not know when this will happen. It is a guarantee and the Lord's long-suffering is because he is allowing men and women to hear the gospel and be saved.
Whatever you do, don't get caught up in the error of the wicked. Keep your eyes on Jesus and don't get sidetracked. The wicked say Jesus is not coming. The wicked say there is no heaven and no hell. The wicked say live as you please.
If you as a follower of Jesus get caught up in this thinking, you will fall from your steadfastness. In other words, you will stop waiting and watching for the return of Jesus. You will stop sharing the gospel in the hope that others will be saved. Whatever you do, don't do that! It is a real danger and so many have had this happen in their lives.
What do you do to stay steadfast and focused on the Lord's mission? The next verse tells us:
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
You must keep growing in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Read your Bible and pray. Gather together with the church. Share the gospel with others and keep growing. It is the answer to falling from steadfastness!
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
It had been better
Bible Reading: 2 Peter 2
2 Peter 2:21-22 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
False prophets are a reality. Peter warns us that just as they were among the children of Israel, they will be among the Church. They have an agenda and are always trying to gain followers.
Is a false prophet a person who used to be saved, but now is lost? No, the Bible here tells us that they have heard the gospel and know the way of righteousness, but they turn from it.
John says it like this:
1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
A false teacher was never saved. The sad reality is that they have heard the good news of Jesus, but they turn from the holy commandment and turn to whatever brand of heresy they teach. The Bible here uses a graphic illustration of two animals, a dog and a sow.
A dog is an interesting creature that God designed with a very special characteristic to teach us about false prophets. A dog will vomit and then go back and eat it! In the same way, a false prophet will hear the good news of Jesus, but will turn and go back to the old religion or occult practices that they once knew.
It is also like washing a sow. It does not do much good, because when she first gets a chance, she will find a mud hole and wallow in it. Both of these animals prefer their filth to cleanliness. The false prophet shows his/her true colors because they prefer the filth of their old belief system to the truth of Jesus Christ.
Be on guard and know the Word. If you know the truth, it will make you free!
In Christ,
Rody
2 Peter 2:21-22 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
False prophets are a reality. Peter warns us that just as they were among the children of Israel, they will be among the Church. They have an agenda and are always trying to gain followers.
Is a false prophet a person who used to be saved, but now is lost? No, the Bible here tells us that they have heard the gospel and know the way of righteousness, but they turn from it.
John says it like this:
1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
A false teacher was never saved. The sad reality is that they have heard the good news of Jesus, but they turn from the holy commandment and turn to whatever brand of heresy they teach. The Bible here uses a graphic illustration of two animals, a dog and a sow.
A dog is an interesting creature that God designed with a very special characteristic to teach us about false prophets. A dog will vomit and then go back and eat it! In the same way, a false prophet will hear the good news of Jesus, but will turn and go back to the old religion or occult practices that they once knew.
It is also like washing a sow. It does not do much good, because when she first gets a chance, she will find a mud hole and wallow in it. Both of these animals prefer their filth to cleanliness. The false prophet shows his/her true colors because they prefer the filth of their old belief system to the truth of Jesus Christ.
Be on guard and know the Word. If you know the truth, it will make you free!
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Great and precious promises
Bible Reading: 2 Peter 1
2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
The knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord is something we MUST have. Not to just know about Jesus, but to know him personally and to love him with all our heart, soul mind and strength.
How do we know God? We know God as he has revealed himself to us in Jesus Christ. He has done more than just tell us a little bit about God. The Bible says:
2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
The divine power of Jesus has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. We need nothing else! What we do need is to know, believe and appropriate the great and precious promises that he has given to us. It is by these great and precious promises that we are partakers of the divine nature.
As we know the wonderful promises of our Lord, we believe them. This is what it means to live by faith. So in order to live by faith, we must hear the Word so we can know the great and precious promises that have been made to us by the Lord.
Can you hear what Peter is saying? It is as you hear and believe the great and precious promises that you are a partaker of the divine nature. Do you want to see your character transformed? You need to get into the Word of God and hear what Jesus has promised to those who love him.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
In Christ,
Rody
2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
The knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord is something we MUST have. Not to just know about Jesus, but to know him personally and to love him with all our heart, soul mind and strength.
How do we know God? We know God as he has revealed himself to us in Jesus Christ. He has done more than just tell us a little bit about God. The Bible says:
2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
The divine power of Jesus has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. We need nothing else! What we do need is to know, believe and appropriate the great and precious promises that he has given to us. It is by these great and precious promises that we are partakers of the divine nature.
As we know the wonderful promises of our Lord, we believe them. This is what it means to live by faith. So in order to live by faith, we must hear the Word so we can know the great and precious promises that have been made to us by the Lord.
Can you hear what Peter is saying? It is as you hear and believe the great and precious promises that you are a partaker of the divine nature. Do you want to see your character transformed? You need to get into the Word of God and hear what Jesus has promised to those who love him.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, October 24, 2011
Humble yourselves
Bible Reading: 1 Peter 5
1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
All believers are exhorted in 1 Peter to be subject one to another. "Be clothed with humility" (1 Peter 5:5) is the way Peter puts it. Be humble before God because he is the One with the mighty hand. His mighty hand can exalt and his mighty hand can take care of you.
Do you trust in Jesus? If you do then you do not need pride. Pride says, "Look at me! Look what I did." Humility says, "Look at what Jesus did!"
When you humble yourself and trust in Jesus, you do not need to exalt yourself. You just need to be about his business and trust him. He will exalt you when he sees fit. His mighty hand can pick you up and place you in the position he wants for you to have.
When you trust in Jesus you do not need to worry. His mighty hand is strong enough to handle all the cares that you and I have. Cast them upon him!
Psalms 89:13 Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.
We are invited by Peter to cast all our care upon Jesus because he cares for us. His care and his strength are more than enough to handle anything that comes our way.
We do not have to promote ourselves and we do not have to worry about protection or provision. We need to trust in the mighty hand of God and humble ourselves before him. When we cast our cares his way, his hand is strong enough to catch them!
In Christ,
Rody
1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
All believers are exhorted in 1 Peter to be subject one to another. "Be clothed with humility" (1 Peter 5:5) is the way Peter puts it. Be humble before God because he is the One with the mighty hand. His mighty hand can exalt and his mighty hand can take care of you.
Do you trust in Jesus? If you do then you do not need pride. Pride says, "Look at me! Look what I did." Humility says, "Look at what Jesus did!"
When you humble yourself and trust in Jesus, you do not need to exalt yourself. You just need to be about his business and trust him. He will exalt you when he sees fit. His mighty hand can pick you up and place you in the position he wants for you to have.
When you trust in Jesus you do not need to worry. His mighty hand is strong enough to handle all the cares that you and I have. Cast them upon him!
Psalms 89:13 Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.
We are invited by Peter to cast all our care upon Jesus because he cares for us. His care and his strength are more than enough to handle anything that comes our way.
We do not have to promote ourselves and we do not have to worry about protection or provision. We need to trust in the mighty hand of God and humble ourselves before him. When we cast our cares his way, his hand is strong enough to catch them!
In Christ,
Rody
Friday, October 21, 2011
They think it strange
Bible Reading: 1 Peter 4
1 Peter 4:4-5 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
When someone gets saved later in life, they many times have a hard time with some of their friends. These friends might have been company in drinking and partying. Now, the believer wants nothing to do with these things because Jesus Christ has changed his life.
When a person who used to 'run in excess of riot' stops participating in these activities, their friends often speak evil of them. They think you are now 'too good to hang out with them' and that you are 'holier than thou'. That is not the case however.
The truth is that now Jesus lives in you. His Spirit and His Word are the driving influences in the Christians life. Jesus does not lead people into sin. He leads you in holiness. A follower of Jesus will be lead away from those things.
The believer knows that he will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give account to Jesus some day. He or she wants to be able to say he lived for the Lord instead of for his own lusts. The Bible says:
1 Peter 4:1-2 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
Be done with sin and live for the will of God. Your friends may not understand this. Don't be judgmental. Be truthful and love them. Tell them about the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15).
They may not understand at first, but keep on praying for them and trust God. They may become Christ followers too.
In Christ,
Rody
1 Peter 4:4-5 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
When someone gets saved later in life, they many times have a hard time with some of their friends. These friends might have been company in drinking and partying. Now, the believer wants nothing to do with these things because Jesus Christ has changed his life.
When a person who used to 'run in excess of riot' stops participating in these activities, their friends often speak evil of them. They think you are now 'too good to hang out with them' and that you are 'holier than thou'. That is not the case however.
The truth is that now Jesus lives in you. His Spirit and His Word are the driving influences in the Christians life. Jesus does not lead people into sin. He leads you in holiness. A follower of Jesus will be lead away from those things.
The believer knows that he will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give account to Jesus some day. He or she wants to be able to say he lived for the Lord instead of for his own lusts. The Bible says:
1 Peter 4:1-2 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
Be done with sin and live for the will of God. Your friends may not understand this. Don't be judgmental. Be truthful and love them. Tell them about the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15).
They may not understand at first, but keep on praying for them and trust God. They may become Christ followers too.
In Christ,
Rody
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Be ready always
Bible Reading: 1 Peter 3
1 Peter 3:14-16 But and if ye suffer for righteousness'sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
Peter is helping us to understand that sometimes as Christians we suffer for the sake of righteousness. When you follow Jesus Christ and live a Spirit-filled life, there is suffering involved sometimes. People try to destroy Christians and the message of the gospel.
The Bible here says don't give in to the temptation to fight back and whatever you do, don't suffer as a wrongdoer. In other words, don't be a law-breaker and a criminal. But when you do the will of the Lord and suffer for it, it will give you an opportunity to to do two things.
First, you will have an opportunity to give an answer for the hope that is within you. In other words, you will have an opportunity to share the gospel with unbelievers. Do you think God would allow his children to suffer if it opened doors for the gospel to unbelievers? He allowed his Son, Jesus to suffer to pay for our sins.
Second, when you suffer for doing the right thing, it will bring shame upon those who accuse you. When someone falsely accuses your good lifestyle, it will eventually turn upside down. When everyone else would react with anger or fear and you show love and compassion, it shows. Unbelievers will see there is something different about you.
So always be ready. Instead of asking, "Why me?", see suffering as an opportunity. Take the opportunity and share the good news of Jesus every time you get a chance.
In Christ,
Rody
1 Peter 3:14-16 But and if ye suffer for righteousness'sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
Peter is helping us to understand that sometimes as Christians we suffer for the sake of righteousness. When you follow Jesus Christ and live a Spirit-filled life, there is suffering involved sometimes. People try to destroy Christians and the message of the gospel.
The Bible here says don't give in to the temptation to fight back and whatever you do, don't suffer as a wrongdoer. In other words, don't be a law-breaker and a criminal. But when you do the will of the Lord and suffer for it, it will give you an opportunity to to do two things.
First, you will have an opportunity to give an answer for the hope that is within you. In other words, you will have an opportunity to share the gospel with unbelievers. Do you think God would allow his children to suffer if it opened doors for the gospel to unbelievers? He allowed his Son, Jesus to suffer to pay for our sins.
Second, when you suffer for doing the right thing, it will bring shame upon those who accuse you. When someone falsely accuses your good lifestyle, it will eventually turn upside down. When everyone else would react with anger or fear and you show love and compassion, it shows. Unbelievers will see there is something different about you.
So always be ready. Instead of asking, "Why me?", see suffering as an opportunity. Take the opportunity and share the good news of Jesus every time you get a chance.
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
The Shepherd and Bishop of your souls
Bible Reading: 1 Peter 2
1 Peter 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
The Bible often compares the people of God to sheep. When David, the sweet psalmist of Israel (2 Samuel 23:1) wrote of the Lord, he said:
Psalms 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
The relationship of a Christ-follower to Jesus is one of a sheep to his shepherd. He cares for us and keeps us safe. He is constantly with us and desires us to do well.
When Isaiah wrote of the cross and described mankind's rebellion, he likened us to sheep once again:
Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
We are like straying sheep and the Lord laid on Jesus the iniquity of us all. Straying sheep were the point of Jesus' earthly ministry and he came looking for us so he could save us by taking our penalty for straying upon himself.
John 10:10-11 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
John 10:15-16 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
Jesus is also the Bishop of our souls. The word Bishop means 'overseer' and is a word that is used interchangeably for elder or pastor in the church. The word pastor means 'shepherd'. So, our Shepherd, Pastor, Bishop is Jesus who tends his flock.
What a wonderful thought to know that Jesus looks after me like a shepherd does his sheep. Even though I was going astray, he has now gathered me up into his flock and he is keeping me.
Praise his wonderful name!
In Christ,
Rody
1 Peter 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
The Bible often compares the people of God to sheep. When David, the sweet psalmist of Israel (2 Samuel 23:1) wrote of the Lord, he said:
Psalms 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
The relationship of a Christ-follower to Jesus is one of a sheep to his shepherd. He cares for us and keeps us safe. He is constantly with us and desires us to do well.
When Isaiah wrote of the cross and described mankind's rebellion, he likened us to sheep once again:
Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
We are like straying sheep and the Lord laid on Jesus the iniquity of us all. Straying sheep were the point of Jesus' earthly ministry and he came looking for us so he could save us by taking our penalty for straying upon himself.
John 10:10-11 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
John 10:15-16 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
Jesus is also the Bishop of our souls. The word Bishop means 'overseer' and is a word that is used interchangeably for elder or pastor in the church. The word pastor means 'shepherd'. So, our Shepherd, Pastor, Bishop is Jesus who tends his flock.
What a wonderful thought to know that Jesus looks after me like a shepherd does his sheep. Even though I was going astray, he has now gathered me up into his flock and he is keeping me.
Praise his wonderful name!
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
The Precious Blood of Christ
Bible Reading: 1 Peter 1
1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
To redeem means to buy back. We are sold into slavery to sin. That sin is something we are born with and will eventually send us to hell unless we are redeemed out of the power of it. But how can a man pay the redemption price for his soul? How much does it cost?
Psalms 49:6-9 They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; 7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: 8 (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) 9 That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.
Since the redemption of the soul is precious, it takes something even more precious to redeem it! No man can pay this price. No one has enough of that which is precious to pay for it. It takes the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Corruptible things cannot even compare in value to the blood of God's Son, Jesus.
The vain conversation received by tradition from the fathers is the idea that by making sacrifices someone could actually pay the ransom for their soul. It is impossible. Animals and corruptible metals are not worth enough.
Only the lamb of God who has no blemish and no spot could do it. Your soul is precious to God. But as precious as you are, you and I cannot compare with the only begotten Son of God - Jesus Christ. Can you see the love of the Father for you? He gave his Son to redeem you! The blood of Jesus is so precious that it can pay the ransom for every soul. Will you trust him for the salvation that only he can give? He is our only hope.
In Christ,
Rody
1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
To redeem means to buy back. We are sold into slavery to sin. That sin is something we are born with and will eventually send us to hell unless we are redeemed out of the power of it. But how can a man pay the redemption price for his soul? How much does it cost?
Psalms 49:6-9 They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; 7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: 8 (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) 9 That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.
Since the redemption of the soul is precious, it takes something even more precious to redeem it! No man can pay this price. No one has enough of that which is precious to pay for it. It takes the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Corruptible things cannot even compare in value to the blood of God's Son, Jesus.
The vain conversation received by tradition from the fathers is the idea that by making sacrifices someone could actually pay the ransom for their soul. It is impossible. Animals and corruptible metals are not worth enough.
Only the lamb of God who has no blemish and no spot could do it. Your soul is precious to God. But as precious as you are, you and I cannot compare with the only begotten Son of God - Jesus Christ. Can you see the love of the Father for you? He gave his Son to redeem you! The blood of Jesus is so precious that it can pay the ransom for every soul. Will you trust him for the salvation that only he can give? He is our only hope.
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, October 17, 2011
A man subject to like passions
Bible Reading: James 5
James 5:17-18 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
Have you ever read of the mighty prophet Elijah in the book of Kings and thought, "Wow! What an incredible man of God. I could never be like that,"? James wants us to know that the mighty Elijah was a man just like us. He struggled with the same flesh we do and he sinned.
The reason Elijah was so mighty was because he was mighty in prayer. James wants us to know that we can pray mighty prayers like Elijah prayed and we can see wonderful answers to prayer like Elijah saw.
He prayed earnestly...
He prayed again...
Prayer was Elijah's secret weapon. He believed God's Word and he asked God to act according to his Word.
Elijah was righteous because of his faith. Just like father Abraham:
Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
The faith of Elijah led him to pray and ask God for mighty things. He was not sinless. He was righteous. And the Bible says righteous men can receive mighty answers to prayer just like Elijah.
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
A righteous man is honest enough to know he sins and will be honest about them. Your prayers are powerful and avail much. They can accomplish great things. If you will believe God and ask in faith, he will answer. James' point here is not the Elijah was a super saint that we could never be like. His point is that he was a man who struggled like we do.
Do you want to see God do great things? Then ask in faith like Elijah!
In Christ,
Rody
James 5:17-18 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
Have you ever read of the mighty prophet Elijah in the book of Kings and thought, "Wow! What an incredible man of God. I could never be like that,"? James wants us to know that the mighty Elijah was a man just like us. He struggled with the same flesh we do and he sinned.
The reason Elijah was so mighty was because he was mighty in prayer. James wants us to know that we can pray mighty prayers like Elijah prayed and we can see wonderful answers to prayer like Elijah saw.
He prayed earnestly...
He prayed again...
Prayer was Elijah's secret weapon. He believed God's Word and he asked God to act according to his Word.
Elijah was righteous because of his faith. Just like father Abraham:
Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
The faith of Elijah led him to pray and ask God for mighty things. He was not sinless. He was righteous. And the Bible says righteous men can receive mighty answers to prayer just like Elijah.
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
A righteous man is honest enough to know he sins and will be honest about them. Your prayers are powerful and avail much. They can accomplish great things. If you will believe God and ask in faith, he will answer. James' point here is not the Elijah was a super saint that we could never be like. His point is that he was a man who struggled like we do.
Do you want to see God do great things? Then ask in faith like Elijah!
In Christ,
Rody
Friday, October 14, 2011
He giveth more grace
Bible Reading: James 4
James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
God's grace is amazing and is greater than all our sin! However, who does God give his grace to? He gives it to the humble. The proud person finds that God is resisting him. James helps us understand how to get into a grace-receiving situation before God. We must:
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
The proud person makes sure that they are lifted up. Some times they exalt themselves. But the Bible tells us to humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord. How do we do that?
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
We submit to God and resist the devil. We do this by realizing who God is and our great need for him. We submit to God when we seek his will in his word and heed what Jesus tells us.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
We draw near to God through prayer. We accept the multitude of invitations in the Scriptures to come to Jesus by prayer. As we do this, we will realize our sin and confess to him. This is the cleansing that will take place.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
When we are serious about submitting to God and we draw nigh to him, we will also see ourselves in truth. This will bring out our condition apart from Christ and we will mourn.
James 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
We will not have to manufacture this. When we truly draw near to God this will be evident. When we humble ourselves before God, we can be assured that he will lift us up. Like a child in a father's arms, we will be lifted up near to the smiling face of our loving Heavenly Father who gives grace!
In Christ,
Rody
James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
God's grace is amazing and is greater than all our sin! However, who does God give his grace to? He gives it to the humble. The proud person finds that God is resisting him. James helps us understand how to get into a grace-receiving situation before God. We must:
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
The proud person makes sure that they are lifted up. Some times they exalt themselves. But the Bible tells us to humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord. How do we do that?
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
We submit to God and resist the devil. We do this by realizing who God is and our great need for him. We submit to God when we seek his will in his word and heed what Jesus tells us.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
We draw near to God through prayer. We accept the multitude of invitations in the Scriptures to come to Jesus by prayer. As we do this, we will realize our sin and confess to him. This is the cleansing that will take place.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
When we are serious about submitting to God and we draw nigh to him, we will also see ourselves in truth. This will bring out our condition apart from Christ and we will mourn.
James 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
We will not have to manufacture this. When we truly draw near to God this will be evident. When we humble ourselves before God, we can be assured that he will lift us up. Like a child in a father's arms, we will be lifted up near to the smiling face of our loving Heavenly Father who gives grace!
In Christ,
Rody
Thursday, October 13, 2011
The wisdom that is from above
Bible Reading: James 3
James 3:17-18 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
There is an earthly wisdom and there is a wisdom from above. God is his word wants us to be able to distinguish between the two. How do we know the difference? The difference has to do with us either being peacemakers or causing strife. If we cause strife, the wisdom we are following is from below.
James 3:14-16 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
The world, the flesh and the devil are at work when there is bitter envying and strife. But where there is purity and righteousness being sown by peacemakers, there is heavenly wisdom at work.
Look around you at the situations in your life. Are these sowing peace or strife? Look at the political world - strife. Look at the United Nations - strife. Look at your family... Look at your church...
What is being sown? What kind of wisdom is it? Jesus said:
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
You will be called a child of God if you are a peacemaker. Godly wisdom in all it's purity, gentleness, mercy and good fruits is easy to be intreated. In other words, you can ask a Godly wise person a question and they will listen to you. If you seek the wisdom from above, you will live a life of integrity and not walk in hypocrisy.
Are you walking in godly wisdom? Jesus said the wise man hears the sayings of his and does them. Are you walking in the Spirit? One more thing about wisdom. The Bible promises if you need it, ask for it in faith and God will give it to you:
James 1:5-6 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
In Christ,
rody
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Faith if it hath not works is dead
Bible Reading: James 2
James 2:17-18 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
A man is saved by faith apart from works. But a true faith always has works that flow from it. We often meet people who say they believe in Jesus, but have not been to church in years. Their lives look just like the people who live around them. Some of them are living an openly rebellious life to the clear teaching of the New Testament. Are they truly saved?
The answer is - only God knows. However as James says a man can show the faith he has by his works. A truly saved man will have a changed life. His life will now be a witness to the truth of Jesus Christ. He will be a man of prayer. He will love Jesus Christ and love the brethren. He will be a giver and not a taker.
A dead faith is a mere profession with no possession of the life that Christ gives. A true faith comes from the indwelling Spirit of God who lives in us. If the Spirit lives in us, he will want to bear fruit in our lives.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
A true faith shows! If the life of Jesus is in you, let him get out of you.
In Christ,
Rody
James 2:17-18 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
A man is saved by faith apart from works. But a true faith always has works that flow from it. We often meet people who say they believe in Jesus, but have not been to church in years. Their lives look just like the people who live around them. Some of them are living an openly rebellious life to the clear teaching of the New Testament. Are they truly saved?
The answer is - only God knows. However as James says a man can show the faith he has by his works. A truly saved man will have a changed life. His life will now be a witness to the truth of Jesus Christ. He will be a man of prayer. He will love Jesus Christ and love the brethren. He will be a giver and not a taker.
A dead faith is a mere profession with no possession of the life that Christ gives. A true faith comes from the indwelling Spirit of God who lives in us. If the Spirit lives in us, he will want to bear fruit in our lives.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
A true faith shows! If the life of Jesus is in you, let him get out of you.
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Let Patience have her perfect work
Bible Reading: James 1
James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Patience has a perfecting work. It is part of God's sanctification process in our lives. Have you ever worked on a project that required you to have patience? Maybe you had to work on something in stages, letting each stage dry before you continued. This kind of work cannot be done all at once. Sanctification is like that.
God puts us in situations where we need to learn a valuable lesson. He wants to transform our character. He does this by trying our faith. Anytime you are tempted, you can know that God wants you to overcome. He does not lead you into sin. He leads you in victory, but sometimes victor must conquer temptations.
For this reason, we can have joy when we find ourselves in different kinds of temptations and trials. God will use the situation to try our faith. We need to be patient. Rest in him during the time and do not give in to the temptation. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus and trust him. He will bring you through with victory.
Many times these situations are the only means of getting us to a place where God can work. Let patience have her perfect work! When you come out, you will be more like Jesus.
In Christ,
Rody
James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Patience has a perfecting work. It is part of God's sanctification process in our lives. Have you ever worked on a project that required you to have patience? Maybe you had to work on something in stages, letting each stage dry before you continued. This kind of work cannot be done all at once. Sanctification is like that.
God puts us in situations where we need to learn a valuable lesson. He wants to transform our character. He does this by trying our faith. Anytime you are tempted, you can know that God wants you to overcome. He does not lead you into sin. He leads you in victory, but sometimes victor must conquer temptations.
For this reason, we can have joy when we find ourselves in different kinds of temptations and trials. God will use the situation to try our faith. We need to be patient. Rest in him during the time and do not give in to the temptation. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus and trust him. He will bring you through with victory.
Many times these situations are the only means of getting us to a place where God can work. Let patience have her perfect work! When you come out, you will be more like Jesus.
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, October 10, 2011
Be not carried about
Bible Reading: Hebrews 13
Hebrews 13:9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
How do you guard against divers (different) and strange doctrines? Because the Lord Jesus does not change!
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
If we know Jesus and follow him, His Spirit will be our teacher. He does not change. His Word does not change and if we continue in his Word, we will be his disciples indeed.
John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Strange doctrines are those that are not a part of His Word. They are not a part of the apostolic teaching that we are to continue steadfastly in (Acts 2:42).
It is a good thing that the heart be established with grace. You need to feed on the Word of God. You need to know the Word so well, that false teaching will be easy to see.
The book of Ephesians tells us the work of the four fold ministry of the church is to help with this:
Ephesians 4:11-14 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.
The contrast is with those who focus on the kind of food they eat. Those who are occupied with that are not profited. But when you focus on the Word and Jesus himself, you will profit!
In Christ,
Rody
Hebrews 13:9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
How do you guard against divers (different) and strange doctrines? Because the Lord Jesus does not change!
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
If we know Jesus and follow him, His Spirit will be our teacher. He does not change. His Word does not change and if we continue in his Word, we will be his disciples indeed.
John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Strange doctrines are those that are not a part of His Word. They are not a part of the apostolic teaching that we are to continue steadfastly in (Acts 2:42).
It is a good thing that the heart be established with grace. You need to feed on the Word of God. You need to know the Word so well, that false teaching will be easy to see.
The book of Ephesians tells us the work of the four fold ministry of the church is to help with this:
Ephesians 4:11-14 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.
The contrast is with those who focus on the kind of food they eat. Those who are occupied with that are not profited. But when you focus on the Word and Jesus himself, you will profit!
In Christ,
Rody
Friday, October 7, 2011
The Mediator of the new covenant
Bible Reading: Hebrews 12
Hebrews 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
A mediator is someone who stands between two persons who are at variance to reconcile them. Before we knew Jesus, we were at variance with God. As a matter of fact, the Bible says we were the enemies of God.
Romans 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
We are invited in the book of Hebrews to come to Jesus. In chapter 12 the Bible enumerates just what it means to come to Jesus. One of the many things it means is that Jesus has made atonement for us by sprinkling his own blood on the mercy seat in heaven. What does this blood signify?
Aaron as the high priest mediated between the people and God. He would sprinkle the blood on the mercy seat once a year. This signified that God would look over the sins of the people for one more year.
Our high priest has shed his own blood. There is now no more need of sacrifice. God's mercy is sure - in Christ! The blood of Abel cried out to God about the guilt of Cain. The blood of Christ speaks better things! His blood cries out about the mercy and grace of God.
Come to the mediator of the new covenant. Come to Jesus. He sits upon a throne of grace and we may have his grace if we will just come to him.
In Christ,
Rody
Hebrews 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
A mediator is someone who stands between two persons who are at variance to reconcile them. Before we knew Jesus, we were at variance with God. As a matter of fact, the Bible says we were the enemies of God.
Romans 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
We are invited in the book of Hebrews to come to Jesus. In chapter 12 the Bible enumerates just what it means to come to Jesus. One of the many things it means is that Jesus has made atonement for us by sprinkling his own blood on the mercy seat in heaven. What does this blood signify?
Aaron as the high priest mediated between the people and God. He would sprinkle the blood on the mercy seat once a year. This signified that God would look over the sins of the people for one more year.
Our high priest has shed his own blood. There is now no more need of sacrifice. God's mercy is sure - in Christ! The blood of Abel cried out to God about the guilt of Cain. The blood of Christ speaks better things! His blood cries out about the mercy and grace of God.
Come to the mediator of the new covenant. Come to Jesus. He sits upon a throne of grace and we may have his grace if we will just come to him.
In Christ,
Rody
Thursday, October 6, 2011
The evidence of things not seen
Bible Reading: Hebrews 11
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
The word used here to help us understand faith is 'substance'. The Greek word means a 'setting under' or an 'assurance'. It is like saying faith is the foundation. It means to stand up under something like a pillar supports a bridge.
Faith is the assurance that things hoped for will come to pass. It is confidence that what you hope for is founded upon something that is sure and steady.
It is also the 'evidence' of things not seen. A hunter is convinced that what he is stalking is at hand, not because he has seen the animal, but because he has seen the evidence (tracks, sign, etc.) As believers, we have not seen Jesus, but we believe and faith is the evidence of things not seen.
John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Faith is to believe the Word of God. It is solid and sure and you can be convinced that what you have not seen is real because of the evidence you do see. Heaven and hell are real even though you have not seen them. Jesus is alive and at the right hand of the Majesty on high. How do we know? Because he promised in his Word. His Word never fails. He cannot lie. Believe Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
The word used here to help us understand faith is 'substance'. The Greek word means a 'setting under' or an 'assurance'. It is like saying faith is the foundation. It means to stand up under something like a pillar supports a bridge.
Faith is the assurance that things hoped for will come to pass. It is confidence that what you hope for is founded upon something that is sure and steady.
It is also the 'evidence' of things not seen. A hunter is convinced that what he is stalking is at hand, not because he has seen the animal, but because he has seen the evidence (tracks, sign, etc.) As believers, we have not seen Jesus, but we believe and faith is the evidence of things not seen.
John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Faith is to believe the Word of God. It is solid and sure and you can be convinced that what you have not seen is real because of the evidence you do see. Heaven and hell are real even though you have not seen them. Jesus is alive and at the right hand of the Majesty on high. How do we know? Because he promised in his Word. His Word never fails. He cannot lie. Believe Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Ye have need of patience
Bible Reading: Hebrews 10
Hebrews 10:36-37 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
We have hope for the future who trust in Jesus Christ. We have promises in the Word that apply here and now.
John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
The promise of having everlasting life is both a here and now promise and a future promise. Some of the promises are future.
John 14:2-3 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
We need patience to wait for the future promises. In the mean time we are to do the will of God. We live for Christ now waiting for his return. The great trap of the devil is to get a Christian to grow weary waiting for the return of Jesus and to live for this world only.
How do we keep our focus in the right place?
Colossians 3:1-4 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
We need to keep our eyes on Jesus so we can remember that we are to be about the Father's business until Jesus returns!
In Christ,
Rody
Hebrews 10:36-37 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
We have hope for the future who trust in Jesus Christ. We have promises in the Word that apply here and now.
John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
The promise of having everlasting life is both a here and now promise and a future promise. Some of the promises are future.
John 14:2-3 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
We need patience to wait for the future promises. In the mean time we are to do the will of God. We live for Christ now waiting for his return. The great trap of the devil is to get a Christian to grow weary waiting for the return of Jesus and to live for this world only.
How do we keep our focus in the right place?
Colossians 3:1-4 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
We need to keep our eyes on Jesus so we can remember that we are to be about the Father's business until Jesus returns!
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
High Priest of good things to come
Bible Reading: Hebrews 9
Hebrews 9:11-12 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
When you follow Jesus, you live now looking forward to the future. His priesthood is in heaven. He is our High Priest who serves in a greater and more perfect tabernacle. The tabernacle that Moses built was patterned on the one in heaven. No man built that tabernacle; it was built by God.
It is greater because it is the original. It is greater because God built it. It is greater because Christ entered into the holy place not by the blood of goats and calves. He is our high priest who entered into the holy place by his own blood. Our high priest is also our sacrifice!
He has obtained eternal redemption for us. He did this by being holy and offering himself as a Lamb without spot or blemish. There is not a need for an earthly tabernacle now. We look forward to the tabernacle which our high priest has entered.
Jesus takes our sin away! He does it and offers us a gift. This is our high priest! He intercedes for us. We can go to him and know that his mediation is perfect. He is our priest; our king; our sacrifice and our God.
Things are not perfect now, but they will be. We look forward to his coming for us. We look forward to the New Jerusalem. We look forward to new heavens and a new earth.
Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
In Christ,
Rody
Hebrews 9:11-12 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
When you follow Jesus, you live now looking forward to the future. His priesthood is in heaven. He is our High Priest who serves in a greater and more perfect tabernacle. The tabernacle that Moses built was patterned on the one in heaven. No man built that tabernacle; it was built by God.
It is greater because it is the original. It is greater because God built it. It is greater because Christ entered into the holy place not by the blood of goats and calves. He is our high priest who entered into the holy place by his own blood. Our high priest is also our sacrifice!
He has obtained eternal redemption for us. He did this by being holy and offering himself as a Lamb without spot or blemish. There is not a need for an earthly tabernacle now. We look forward to the tabernacle which our high priest has entered.
Jesus takes our sin away! He does it and offers us a gift. This is our high priest! He intercedes for us. We can go to him and know that his mediation is perfect. He is our priest; our king; our sacrifice and our God.
Things are not perfect now, but they will be. We look forward to his coming for us. We look forward to the New Jerusalem. We look forward to new heavens and a new earth.
Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, October 3, 2011
A More Excellent Ministry
Bible Reading: Hebrews 8
Hebrews 8:6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
The High Priestly ministry of the Lord Jesus is more excellent than that of Moses and Aaron. Why? The ministry of Jesus is a better covenant than that made with the Israelites. Now the Bible tells us why the New Covenant is better than the Old one:
Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
The Law of Moses was weak through the flesh. In other words, the people were the problem with the Old Covenant. Their flesh was weak and they could not keep the law given to them. The law given at Sinai is God's Word and his law. However, it is a law that appeals to the flesh and the flesh cannot keep the law.
The New Covenant is better than the Old Covenant because it is established on better promises. The Old Covenant said if you do, you will be blessed. If you do not you will be cursed.
The New Covenant says that if you trust you will be blessed because Christ was made a curse for you!
Galatians 3:13-14 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
The Covenant is the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. He has taken the penalty for our sin and offers to give us the Spirit if we will trust him. Better ministry; better covenant; better promises!
In Christ,
Rody
Hebrews 8:6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
The High Priestly ministry of the Lord Jesus is more excellent than that of Moses and Aaron. Why? The ministry of Jesus is a better covenant than that made with the Israelites. Now the Bible tells us why the New Covenant is better than the Old one:
Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
The Law of Moses was weak through the flesh. In other words, the people were the problem with the Old Covenant. Their flesh was weak and they could not keep the law given to them. The law given at Sinai is God's Word and his law. However, it is a law that appeals to the flesh and the flesh cannot keep the law.
The New Covenant is better than the Old Covenant because it is established on better promises. The Old Covenant said if you do, you will be blessed. If you do not you will be cursed.
The New Covenant says that if you trust you will be blessed because Christ was made a curse for you!
Galatians 3:13-14 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
The Covenant is the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. He has taken the penalty for our sin and offers to give us the Spirit if we will trust him. Better ministry; better covenant; better promises!
In Christ,
Rody
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
