Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 1-4
1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Do you know why people are 'pro choice' and for so called 'gay marriage'? The answer is here before us. The Bible tells us that life begins at conception. It tells us that children are an heritage of the Lord and the fruit of the womb is his reward (Psalm 127). It tells us that marriage is a holy covenant between a man and a woman for life. However, these things are RECEIVED from God's Word. They are not learned from science or from sociology.
Lost people do not understand God's Word. They cannot know the spiritual things of the Word of God because they are received.
Christians need to understand this reality. It is not our first priority to get people to to 'conservative' or hold 'traditional family values'. It is our first priority to preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). When people are saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, then and only then can we teach them all things whatsoever Christ has commanded us (Matthew 28:18-20).
We need to get back to the preaching of the gospel. We need to help people understand the truth of sin and salvation. They cannot receive the things of God until they receive the Son of God - Jesus Christ!
We must do what Paul did when he went to Corinth to preach. He did not try to get them to embrace a particular set of values. Instead the Bible says:
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Determine not to know anything among the lost save Jesus Christ and him crucified. Then disciple to saved to learn the Word of God and obey.
In Christ,
Rody
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Many that believed
Bible Reading: Acts 18:19-19:41
Acts 19:18-20 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. 19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
The Word of God had a mighty effect in Ephesus. Magic and sorcery were very popular in that day. The worship of false gods was everywhere. The Ephesians had a special affinity to the false goddess Diana. When the apostles preached the gospel there, many believed. The Bible tells us that they were open about their faith. It was not some secret decision that they made and no one knew about. They confessed Christ openly and they showed their deeds.
The Word of God brought with it change. When the Holy Spirit moves in, he begins to clean house of all things that do not bring glory to the name of Jesus Christ.
There were people who were involved with 'curious arts'. They were practitioners of magic and they had grim-ores or magic books that contained spells and enchantments. These they brought out and burned openly.
The Bible tells us:
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
1 Corinthians 10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
When a person believes on Jesus, they have a new nature, a new life, a new master, a new love and a new purpose. The old has passed away and all things have become new. We must learn the lesson from these ex-witches. When they trusted in Jesus, they parted with the old life of practicing 'curious arts'. They were new and they cleaned house with the old.
Thank you Jesus, for the new life that does not need magic, ritual or idolatry! We know the Creator! We know the redeemer! We know Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
Acts 19:18-20 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. 19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
The Word of God had a mighty effect in Ephesus. Magic and sorcery were very popular in that day. The worship of false gods was everywhere. The Ephesians had a special affinity to the false goddess Diana. When the apostles preached the gospel there, many believed. The Bible tells us that they were open about their faith. It was not some secret decision that they made and no one knew about. They confessed Christ openly and they showed their deeds.
The Word of God brought with it change. When the Holy Spirit moves in, he begins to clean house of all things that do not bring glory to the name of Jesus Christ.
There were people who were involved with 'curious arts'. They were practitioners of magic and they had grim-ores or magic books that contained spells and enchantments. These they brought out and burned openly.
The Bible tells us:
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
1 Corinthians 10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
When a person believes on Jesus, they have a new nature, a new life, a new master, a new love and a new purpose. The old has passed away and all things have become new. We must learn the lesson from these ex-witches. When they trusted in Jesus, they parted with the old life of practicing 'curious arts'. They were new and they cleaned house with the old.
Thank you Jesus, for the new life that does not need magic, ritual or idolatry! We know the Creator! We know the redeemer! We know Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Unto holiness
Bible Reading: 1 & 2 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
Many times people ask if something is sin. Should I do this or not? Is it a sin to do so and so? These are the wrong questions for the Christian.
The question for the follower of Jesus is not, "How close to the line of sin can I get?" The calling of the follower of Jesus is to holiness. Religion gives man a set of rules to follow. This always leads to looking for loop holes and searching for ways to bend the rules.
A true walk with Jesus is to walk in the Spirit. That is the answer the Bible gives to sin.
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
The true follower of Christ does not focus on what is sin and what is not sin anymore. They focus on following Jesus. A walk in the Spirit is a walk of holiness. He is the HOLY SPIRIT. He will not lead you into sin. He will lead you into holiness.
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
A son of God through faith in Jesus Christ is led by the Spirit. He leads us into holiness. He will not lead us into uncleanness. The call of God is to follow him. He is working in the world today. His work is one of love and mercy. He does not lead a person to walk a sinful lifestyle. He leads us to be light in a dark world and to show the love of Christ.
Stop asking about what is sin and start following Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
1 Thessalonians 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
Many times people ask if something is sin. Should I do this or not? Is it a sin to do so and so? These are the wrong questions for the Christian.
The question for the follower of Jesus is not, "How close to the line of sin can I get?" The calling of the follower of Jesus is to holiness. Religion gives man a set of rules to follow. This always leads to looking for loop holes and searching for ways to bend the rules.
A true walk with Jesus is to walk in the Spirit. That is the answer the Bible gives to sin.
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
The true follower of Christ does not focus on what is sin and what is not sin anymore. They focus on following Jesus. A walk in the Spirit is a walk of holiness. He is the HOLY SPIRIT. He will not lead you into sin. He will lead you into holiness.
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
A son of God through faith in Jesus Christ is led by the Spirit. He leads us into holiness. He will not lead us into uncleanness. The call of God is to follow him. He is working in the world today. His work is one of love and mercy. He does not lead a person to walk a sinful lifestyle. He leads us to be light in a dark world and to show the love of Christ.
Stop asking about what is sin and start following Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Go ye
Bible Reading: Matthew 28 & Mark 16
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Jesus commissioned the disciples to go. There is a difference between go and stay. Think about the commands that a man might give to a cowdog or bird dog. "Stay", means don't move; remain where you are. No action is required in the command to stay. It simply means wait for further orders. However, "go" is very different. It means to advance. It means to proceed. It means that you must immediately begin making decisions because even in your going, you must make the first step and choose a direction.
Even if you were given the destination that you were to "go" to, you would still have to determine the path that would get you there. Each step that you take is really up to you. You can take the direct path or you can take a more circuitous route. The command "go" involves movement. In physics terms it includes velocity and momentum. You must accelerate and decelerate in order to "go".
Jesus gave the disciples the command, "Go". He also gave them the destination - into all the world. He told them the mission. They were to "preach the gospel to every creature." They had a lot of choices to make. They had to gain momentum. They had to accelerate. They had to go from being stationary to being in motion. And they did!
Now, the question is this: does this command apply to us today? Some would say, "No, that was for the apostles." However, when we look to the epistles which were given to the churches, we see the gospel mission still being emphasized.
1 Thessalonians 1:8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God- ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
The churches were planted by the apostles but the mission did not end. It continues. The Lord's command still applies. We have a mission!
What - Go! Preach the gospel.
Where - into all the world.
To whom - To EVERY creature
How - In the power of Jesus. (Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Matthew 28:20)
The Word is a call to action. It tells us, "Believe" and it tells us, "Go and preach." So what are you waiting for? The command is not to stay, but to go. Let's go!
In Christ,
Rody
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Jesus commissioned the disciples to go. There is a difference between go and stay. Think about the commands that a man might give to a cowdog or bird dog. "Stay", means don't move; remain where you are. No action is required in the command to stay. It simply means wait for further orders. However, "go" is very different. It means to advance. It means to proceed. It means that you must immediately begin making decisions because even in your going, you must make the first step and choose a direction.
Even if you were given the destination that you were to "go" to, you would still have to determine the path that would get you there. Each step that you take is really up to you. You can take the direct path or you can take a more circuitous route. The command "go" involves movement. In physics terms it includes velocity and momentum. You must accelerate and decelerate in order to "go".
Jesus gave the disciples the command, "Go". He also gave them the destination - into all the world. He told them the mission. They were to "preach the gospel to every creature." They had a lot of choices to make. They had to gain momentum. They had to accelerate. They had to go from being stationary to being in motion. And they did!
Now, the question is this: does this command apply to us today? Some would say, "No, that was for the apostles." However, when we look to the epistles which were given to the churches, we see the gospel mission still being emphasized.
1 Thessalonians 1:8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God- ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
The churches were planted by the apostles but the mission did not end. It continues. The Lord's command still applies. We have a mission!
What - Go! Preach the gospel.
Where - into all the world.
To whom - To EVERY creature
How - In the power of Jesus. (Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Matthew 28:20)
The Word is a call to action. It tells us, "Believe" and it tells us, "Go and preach." So what are you waiting for? The command is not to stay, but to go. Let's go!
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
The truth
Bible Reading: Luke 23; John 18-19
John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
Pilate wanted to know if Jesus was a king. Yes, this is why he was born and this is why he came into this world. Everything that Jesus said and did was the truth. The world was, and is, so influenced by the father of the lie, Satan, that many in it did not recognize the truth.
Do you know the truth? You do if you know Jesus. He is the truth. If you hear his voice, you hear truth. If not, you are still believing a lie. Just think of how many people in the world are believing a lie. There are millions who do not know Jesus. They don't know the One who is the truth. Thier faith is based on a lie.
It could be the lie of evolution. It could be the lie that life on earth was planted here by some alien race. It could be the lie of Islam or the lie of buddhism. It could be the lie of just plain ole' American good-ole'-boyism. If you don't hear Jesus' voice, you are listening to a lie.
Get out your Bible and hear the voice of Jesus. He is the truth!
In Christ,
Rody
John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
Pilate wanted to know if Jesus was a king. Yes, this is why he was born and this is why he came into this world. Everything that Jesus said and did was the truth. The world was, and is, so influenced by the father of the lie, Satan, that many in it did not recognize the truth.
Do you know the truth? You do if you know Jesus. He is the truth. If you hear his voice, you hear truth. If not, you are still believing a lie. Just think of how many people in the world are believing a lie. There are millions who do not know Jesus. They don't know the One who is the truth. Thier faith is based on a lie.
It could be the lie of evolution. It could be the lie that life on earth was planted here by some alien race. It could be the lie of Islam or the lie of buddhism. It could be the lie of just plain ole' American good-ole'-boyism. If you don't hear Jesus' voice, you are listening to a lie.
Get out your Bible and hear the voice of Jesus. He is the truth!
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, November 12, 2012
Willing to content the people
Bible Reading: Matthew 27 & Mark 15
Mark 15:15 And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.
This truly sounds like a politician. He was willing to content the people. What was right and wrong was hard to determine. Maybe he cared about right and wrong or not - I can't tell. Pilate made his decision based on the squeaking wheel. He listened to the yelling of the crowd. He did not listen to God.
Making decisions needs to be based on hearing and obeying God's Word. Just going along with the crowd is almost always the wrong way to decide.
Let's contrast Pilate's decision with the decision of the disciples.
Acts 4:16-20 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. 17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. 18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
Peter and John did not listen to the crowd or even the threatening of the leaders of Jerusalem. They said they would make their decisions based on what was right in the sight of God.
If Pilate had listened to the wisdom from his wife, he would have reconsidered. Pilate had a problem. He did not know what the truth was. He had lived that long and become a powerful man and still did not know what truth was or where to find it.
As Christians, we know the One who is truth - Jesus Christ. We must feed upon his Word daily and be led by his Spirit. Our decision making is more that just listening to the crowd. We must listen to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit who leads those who are the sons of God.
Pray for our politicians. The crowd is usually wrong. Pray for men and women who will seek the Lord with all their heart and trust in Jesus.
In Christ,
Rody
Mark 15:15 And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.
This truly sounds like a politician. He was willing to content the people. What was right and wrong was hard to determine. Maybe he cared about right and wrong or not - I can't tell. Pilate made his decision based on the squeaking wheel. He listened to the yelling of the crowd. He did not listen to God.
Making decisions needs to be based on hearing and obeying God's Word. Just going along with the crowd is almost always the wrong way to decide.
Let's contrast Pilate's decision with the decision of the disciples.
Acts 4:16-20 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. 17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. 18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
Peter and John did not listen to the crowd or even the threatening of the leaders of Jerusalem. They said they would make their decisions based on what was right in the sight of God.
If Pilate had listened to the wisdom from his wife, he would have reconsidered. Pilate had a problem. He did not know what the truth was. He had lived that long and become a powerful man and still did not know what truth was or where to find it.
As Christians, we know the One who is truth - Jesus Christ. We must feed upon his Word daily and be led by his Spirit. Our decision making is more that just listening to the crowd. We must listen to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit who leads those who are the sons of God.
Pray for our politicians. The crowd is usually wrong. Pray for men and women who will seek the Lord with all their heart and trust in Jesus.
In Christ,
Rody
Friday, November 9, 2012
The flesh is weak
Bible Reading: Matthew 26 & Mark 14
Mark 14:37-38 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? 38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
To watch for one hour seems like a small thing to do. But sleep overtook the disciples. They were asked to pray for Jesus. He knew what was coming, but they did not. It was the most important hour as he prepared for the suffering that was to come. It was their last hours with him on this earth before the resurrection.
Have you ever faced this kind of temptation? You know that you need to pray but sleep overtakes you. We all know that we should pray more than we do. It is so hard to stay alert and watchful when the physical body is exhausted.
Here Jesus tells us of this constant battle that rages in the life of the believer. The flesh versus the spirit. The Word says:
Galatians 5:16-18 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
The flesh loathes prayer. It wants to accomplish. Prayer is spiritual and dependent. The flesh likes to do and be rewarded for what it has done. The spiritual life of prayer trusts in God and asks him to do what we cannot. The man or woman of prayer admits their desperate need. The flesh is prideful and selfish. Our flesh wants to think we have no need. Our flesh is spiritually lazy.
To win the war of the flesh versus the spirit we must feed the spirit on the Word of God and keep our eyes set on the Lord Jesus Christ. We must discipline ourselves to make time for prayer so we can find that quiet time alone with the Lord that feeds the spirit and nourishes our soul.
In Christ,
Rody
Mark 14:37-38 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? 38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
To watch for one hour seems like a small thing to do. But sleep overtook the disciples. They were asked to pray for Jesus. He knew what was coming, but they did not. It was the most important hour as he prepared for the suffering that was to come. It was their last hours with him on this earth before the resurrection.
Have you ever faced this kind of temptation? You know that you need to pray but sleep overtakes you. We all know that we should pray more than we do. It is so hard to stay alert and watchful when the physical body is exhausted.
Here Jesus tells us of this constant battle that rages in the life of the believer. The flesh versus the spirit. The Word says:
Galatians 5:16-18 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
The flesh loathes prayer. It wants to accomplish. Prayer is spiritual and dependent. The flesh likes to do and be rewarded for what it has done. The spiritual life of prayer trusts in God and asks him to do what we cannot. The man or woman of prayer admits their desperate need. The flesh is prideful and selfish. Our flesh wants to think we have no need. Our flesh is spiritually lazy.
To win the war of the flesh versus the spirit we must feed the spirit on the Word of God and keep our eyes set on the Lord Jesus Christ. We must discipline ourselves to make time for prayer so we can find that quiet time alone with the Lord that feeds the spirit and nourishes our soul.
In Christ,
Rody
Thursday, November 8, 2012
The Son of man cometh
Bible Reading: Matthew 25
Matthew 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Jesus expects us to be expecting him. He told his followers the parable of the wise and foolish virgins to help us understand that he will come, but it might take a little longer than we think. We are to be watching and prepared when he comes. The wise virgins took oil and were ready with burning lamps. The foolish were not prepared.
What does it mean to watch for the Lord? How do we watch? What are we watching for? Jesus told another parable to help us understand what he means.
Mark 13:28-29 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: 29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
You will not know exactly when, but you can see the changing seasons like the leaves on a fig tree. You know summer is near. Part of watching is looking at the signs of the times all around us. Famines, earthquakes and wars were some of the signs he told us to look for. He also told us to look for an attitude among men about his coming.
2 Peter 3:3-4 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
Men scoff at the idea of Jesus returning. It has been two thousand years since he made this promise and they have given up watching.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Our watching must also include a vigilance about Satan and his hunt. We must not get caught in his trap. We must not be lulled to sleep by the spirit of the age. We must always be watching for the coming of the Lord because he expects us to expect him!
In Christ,
Rody
Matthew 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Jesus expects us to be expecting him. He told his followers the parable of the wise and foolish virgins to help us understand that he will come, but it might take a little longer than we think. We are to be watching and prepared when he comes. The wise virgins took oil and were ready with burning lamps. The foolish were not prepared.
What does it mean to watch for the Lord? How do we watch? What are we watching for? Jesus told another parable to help us understand what he means.
Mark 13:28-29 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: 29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
You will not know exactly when, but you can see the changing seasons like the leaves on a fig tree. You know summer is near. Part of watching is looking at the signs of the times all around us. Famines, earthquakes and wars were some of the signs he told us to look for. He also told us to look for an attitude among men about his coming.
2 Peter 3:3-4 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
Men scoff at the idea of Jesus returning. It has been two thousand years since he made this promise and they have given up watching.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Our watching must also include a vigilance about Satan and his hunt. We must not get caught in his trap. We must not be lulled to sleep by the spirit of the age. We must always be watching for the coming of the Lord because he expects us to expect him!
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
All the tribes of the earth
Bible Reading: Matthew 24
Matthew 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Isn't it interesting that God's Word told us 2000 years ago that when Jesus returns that the tribes of the earth shall mourn? After 2000 years you would think that 'tribalism' would be a thing of the past. But no, we are not more united, we are just as fragmented as we were 200 years ago.
For Americans, we might say that we are not a tribal people. At least not like those who live in Africa or South America.
However, when you really look at it, we are. There are gangs. There are loyalties to particular sports teams that are tribal. There are Democrats. There are Republicans. There are racial divisions. And on and on...
Not only does the Word of God tell us that people will be associated with tribes when Jesus comes, but it also says these tribes will mourn. How sad.
The Creator and King is going to return to this earth to receive those who have faith in him to himself and the tribes of the earth will mourn. It would seem that the tribes of the earth would praise him and shout for joy because the true King is going to rule and reign! No, the tribes do not celebrate the return of Jesus. They mourn. This tells you where their real identity lies - in this world.
As followers of Christ, we need to understand what the Bible says.
Galatians 3:26-28 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
All tribal affiliations are dissolved in Christ. Those fleshly identities are now gone. We are his children. We are all one in Christ Jesus. The tribes are not one. Only those who are in Christ Jesus are all one.
Let us live this oneness with Christ and his children now and realize that whatever tribe we used to be a part of we are not identified that way any longer!
In Christ,
Rody
Matthew 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Isn't it interesting that God's Word told us 2000 years ago that when Jesus returns that the tribes of the earth shall mourn? After 2000 years you would think that 'tribalism' would be a thing of the past. But no, we are not more united, we are just as fragmented as we were 200 years ago.
For Americans, we might say that we are not a tribal people. At least not like those who live in Africa or South America.
However, when you really look at it, we are. There are gangs. There are loyalties to particular sports teams that are tribal. There are Democrats. There are Republicans. There are racial divisions. And on and on...
Not only does the Word of God tell us that people will be associated with tribes when Jesus comes, but it also says these tribes will mourn. How sad.
The Creator and King is going to return to this earth to receive those who have faith in him to himself and the tribes of the earth will mourn. It would seem that the tribes of the earth would praise him and shout for joy because the true King is going to rule and reign! No, the tribes do not celebrate the return of Jesus. They mourn. This tells you where their real identity lies - in this world.
As followers of Christ, we need to understand what the Bible says.
Galatians 3:26-28 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
All tribal affiliations are dissolved in Christ. Those fleshly identities are now gone. We are his children. We are all one in Christ Jesus. The tribes are not one. Only those who are in Christ Jesus are all one.
Let us live this oneness with Christ and his children now and realize that whatever tribe we used to be a part of we are not identified that way any longer!
In Christ,
Rody
Thursday, November 1, 2012
A nation bringing forth the fruits thereof
Bible Reading: Matthew 20 & 21
Matthew 21:42-43 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? 43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
Jesus had just told the parable of the owner of the vineyard that let it out to husbandmen. Those husbandmen beat his servants that came to check on the work and receive the landowner's portion. Then they killed the landowner's son. This parable was directed at the unbelieving leaders of the nation of Israel and showed how they had treated the Lord's prophets and his Son, Jesus Christ.
They knew he was speaking this against them. Then Jesus said their kingdom would be taken away and given to someone else. Who would it be given to? The Romans? No, it would be given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. In other words, it would be given to those who truly are believers and who honor the Son in the way he should be honored.
Jesus used the image of a stone. He said there were builders who rejected a particular stone, but it actually became the head of the corner. That reference is to him. Some men reject Jesus as Savior and Lord. Some men receive him.
The kingdom of God belongs not to particular race of people. It belongs to those who know and love Jesus.
Galatians 3:26-28 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Every person is going to have to decide truly who Jesus Christ is. Every person has a choice when it comes to the Stone that is become the head of the corner. Either fall on him and be broken by faith. Or reject him and have him fall upon you and grind you to powder.
Matthew 21:44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
What will you do with the Stone that the builder's rejected? Is he marvelous in your eyes?
In Christ,
Rody
Matthew 21:42-43 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? 43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
Jesus had just told the parable of the owner of the vineyard that let it out to husbandmen. Those husbandmen beat his servants that came to check on the work and receive the landowner's portion. Then they killed the landowner's son. This parable was directed at the unbelieving leaders of the nation of Israel and showed how they had treated the Lord's prophets and his Son, Jesus Christ.
They knew he was speaking this against them. Then Jesus said their kingdom would be taken away and given to someone else. Who would it be given to? The Romans? No, it would be given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. In other words, it would be given to those who truly are believers and who honor the Son in the way he should be honored.
Jesus used the image of a stone. He said there were builders who rejected a particular stone, but it actually became the head of the corner. That reference is to him. Some men reject Jesus as Savior and Lord. Some men receive him.
The kingdom of God belongs not to particular race of people. It belongs to those who know and love Jesus.
Galatians 3:26-28 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Every person is going to have to decide truly who Jesus Christ is. Every person has a choice when it comes to the Stone that is become the head of the corner. Either fall on him and be broken by faith. Or reject him and have him fall upon you and grind you to powder.
Matthew 21:44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
What will you do with the Stone that the builder's rejected? Is he marvelous in your eyes?
In Christ,
Rody
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