Worship is a response
* Gideon had to hear, see and touch before he could worship and arise.
He saw and heard the Lord. He saw the supernatural fire rising from the rock that consumed the sacrifice. He probably couldn’t totally believe his eyes and ears. He wanted to handle a fleece of wool that was supernaturally moistened, and also kept dry, before he wholeheartedly worshiped and arose to serve the Lord.
* Thomas faced a similar situation when he heard of the resurrection of Jesus.
25 The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” 26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” 28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:25-29 (NKJV)
* Mary and Mary worshiped the risen Lord when they saw Him.
9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. Matthew 28:9 (NKJV)* The eleven disciples went to the mountain to see the risen Lord.
16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. Matthew 28:16-17 (NKJV)* What about me? Am I tuning my ears to hear, lifting my eyes to see and reaching my hands to touch so that I might believe and worship?
I will find Him when I seek Him with all my heart. In response to my desire to know the Truth, God reveals Himself to me. Now I respond by worshiping Him. I cannot help but worship when my heart is convinced and believes in the Living God. When I worship and bow down, I surrender my will to Him and accept Him and His ways which are beyond the reasoning and rationalizing of my mind. This brings me to walk in unquestioning obedience to God. This is the life of victory.
The devil and his demons know and believe in God, but refuse to bow down and worship. If I find myself in this situation, I need to search myself and put away any influence of the enemy affecting me, hindering me from worshiping God.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Spiritual Warfare - 1
Worship God Alone
1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” 2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. 3 And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. 8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” 9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: 11 “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”
Revelation 4 (NKJV)
This is heaven and being a part of this worship team is spiritual victory.
Sadly, there is a spiritual realm referred to as ‘The Heavenly Places’ which is between heaven and earth. The spiritual powers and their activities in the heavenly places seem to block our vision of heaven and our participation in the worship of The One Who sits on the throne.
Genuine worship is adoration of God in awe and love from the heart (spirit), progressing to the surrender of the thoughts and will (soul), which would bring us to literally bow down and fall prostrate (body). We need to beware that the latter doesn’t become a religious routine. Even after we finish the act of worship and go ahead with the chores and responsibilities entrusted to us, we should continue to retain the attitude of worship.
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (NKJV)
Is it possible to overcome and live a life of victory on this earth? Yes, through our Lord JESUS CHRIST, Who said –
33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NKJV)
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
Ephesians 1:3 (NKJV)
On a Sunday, after service, we had just finished cleaning up the school hall in which we met, when our Pastor opened the curtain and my eyes fell on the king’s throne set in the centre of the stage. Immediately, the following verses flashed in my mind.
After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.
If we have a desire to know the happenings in the spiritual realm, we need to respond to the call ‘Come Up Here,’ by spending time with the scriptures, waiting on the Lord JESUS. Every vision given to the saints of old, Ezekiel, Daniel and John, which is written down in the scriptures will become ours if we diligently and whole-heartedly seek to know and understand. When we know the Truth, we will be free and live in victory.
32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 8:32 (NKJV)
The truth revealed to us through this vision is that:
1) GOD is on the throne in heaven
2) Those in heaven worship Him and The LAMB
10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: 11 “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”
Revelation 4:10-11 (NKJV)
8 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
Revelation 5:8 (NKJV)
14 Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.
Revelation 5:14 (NKJV)
16 And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God,
Revelation 11:16 (NKJV)
Therefore spiritual victory is, in knowing that GOD is on the throne and worshiping Him alone in every situation.
Abraham, Isaac, Job and Stephen were victorious over comers who worshiped GOD when their faith was severely tested.
1 Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. 5 And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.”
Genesis 22:1-5 (NKJV)
Abraham set the example of true worship to his son, Isaac to follow.
13 Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house; 14 and a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, 15 when the Sabeans raided them and took them away—indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” 16 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” 17 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” 18 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 19 and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” 20 Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped.
Job 1:13-20 (NKJV)
When God gives the devil permission to destroy, He also lends him His equipment!
59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 7:59-60 (NKJV)
GOD commanded His people not to worship anyone or anything. When we worship anything or anyone other than GOD, we fall short of His glory.
Three Jews, who were brought from Jerusalem to Babylon, feared God more than the king. They were strong in their faith and bold enough to disobey the command of the king to fall down and worship the image of gold that he had set up.
If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
Daniel 3:17-18 (NKJV)
God was with them in the fiery furnace, gloriously protecting them, revealing His power to the heathen king.
Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God!
Daniel 3:28 (NKJV)
1 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.
Isaiah 60:1-2 (NKJV)
1 The Lord reigns; Let the peoples tremble! He dwells between the cherubim; Let the earth be moved! 2 The Lord is great in Zion, And He is high above all the peoples. 3 Let them praise Your great and awesome name— He is holy. 4 The King’s strength also loves justice; You have established equity; You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. 5 Exalt the Lord our God, And worship at His footstool— He is holy.
Psalm 99:1-5 (NKJV)
Spiritual warfare is therefore, standing against every hindrance and worshiping GOD alone in every situation in our lives.
JESUS Himself taught us to pray:
9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:9-10 (NKJV)
1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” 2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. 3 And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. 8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” 9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: 11 “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”
Revelation 4 (NKJV)
This is heaven and being a part of this worship team is spiritual victory.
Sadly, there is a spiritual realm referred to as ‘The Heavenly Places’ which is between heaven and earth. The spiritual powers and their activities in the heavenly places seem to block our vision of heaven and our participation in the worship of The One Who sits on the throne.
Genuine worship is adoration of God in awe and love from the heart (spirit), progressing to the surrender of the thoughts and will (soul), which would bring us to literally bow down and fall prostrate (body). We need to beware that the latter doesn’t become a religious routine. Even after we finish the act of worship and go ahead with the chores and responsibilities entrusted to us, we should continue to retain the attitude of worship.
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (NKJV)
Is it possible to overcome and live a life of victory on this earth? Yes, through our Lord JESUS CHRIST, Who said –
33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NKJV)
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
Ephesians 1:3 (NKJV)
On a Sunday, after service, we had just finished cleaning up the school hall in which we met, when our Pastor opened the curtain and my eyes fell on the king’s throne set in the centre of the stage. Immediately, the following verses flashed in my mind.
After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.
If we have a desire to know the happenings in the spiritual realm, we need to respond to the call ‘Come Up Here,’ by spending time with the scriptures, waiting on the Lord JESUS. Every vision given to the saints of old, Ezekiel, Daniel and John, which is written down in the scriptures will become ours if we diligently and whole-heartedly seek to know and understand. When we know the Truth, we will be free and live in victory.
32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 8:32 (NKJV)
The truth revealed to us through this vision is that:
1) GOD is on the throne in heaven
2) Those in heaven worship Him and The LAMB
10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: 11 “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”
Revelation 4:10-11 (NKJV)
8 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
Revelation 5:8 (NKJV)
14 Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.
Revelation 5:14 (NKJV)
16 And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God,
Revelation 11:16 (NKJV)
Therefore spiritual victory is, in knowing that GOD is on the throne and worshiping Him alone in every situation.
Abraham, Isaac, Job and Stephen were victorious over comers who worshiped GOD when their faith was severely tested.
1 Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. 5 And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.”
Genesis 22:1-5 (NKJV)
Abraham set the example of true worship to his son, Isaac to follow.
13 Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house; 14 and a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, 15 when the Sabeans raided them and took them away—indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” 16 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” 17 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” 18 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 19 and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” 20 Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped.
Job 1:13-20 (NKJV)
When God gives the devil permission to destroy, He also lends him His equipment!
59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 7:59-60 (NKJV)
GOD commanded His people not to worship anyone or anything. When we worship anything or anyone other than GOD, we fall short of His glory.
Three Jews, who were brought from Jerusalem to Babylon, feared God more than the king. They were strong in their faith and bold enough to disobey the command of the king to fall down and worship the image of gold that he had set up.
If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
Daniel 3:17-18 (NKJV)
God was with them in the fiery furnace, gloriously protecting them, revealing His power to the heathen king.
Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God!
Daniel 3:28 (NKJV)
1 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.
Isaiah 60:1-2 (NKJV)
1 The Lord reigns; Let the peoples tremble! He dwells between the cherubim; Let the earth be moved! 2 The Lord is great in Zion, And He is high above all the peoples. 3 Let them praise Your great and awesome name— He is holy. 4 The King’s strength also loves justice; You have established equity; You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. 5 Exalt the Lord our God, And worship at His footstool— He is holy.
Psalm 99:1-5 (NKJV)
Spiritual warfare is therefore, standing against every hindrance and worshiping GOD alone in every situation in our lives.
JESUS Himself taught us to pray:
9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:9-10 (NKJV)
- Am I a true worshipper of God?
- Is He my first love?
- Do I completely entrust and surrender my loved ones to Him - whether He keeps them alive or takes them away?
- Do I completely surrender my positions and possessions to Him – whether He gives them to me or takes them away?
- Do I surrender my will to Him, to obey unquestioningly?
- Have I totally surrendered my life – spirit, soul and body to Him, knowing that He alone has absolute authority over me, now and for ever?
- Am I totally believing, depending and resting in the power of His love?
Monday, April 19, 2010
Knowledge - How Do We Handle It?
Knowledge can be divided into 2 main categories. 1) Knowledge of GOD and heavenly things. 2) knowledge of man and earthly things.
First of all we need to know that all knowledge belongs to GOD.
Job 21:22
“Can anyone teach God knowledge, Since He judges those on high?”
The knowledge that we gain should be stored and used wisely and appropriately. Knowledge used indiscriminately is unprofitable and can bring destruction to ourselves and others.
Proverbs 10:14
Wise people store up knowledge, But the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
From GOD'S word, the Holy Bible, we gain knowledge about GOD and the state of mankind in relation to GOD.
Proverbs 2:6
For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Knowledge & understanding should go together.
Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Knowledge & wisdom should go hand in hand.
Ecclesiastes 7:12
For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.
Self control is a good addition to knowledge!
2 Peter 1:6
to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,
Proverbs 17:27-28
He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. 28 Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.
Knowledge & sin
GOD'S word shows us His plan for us and how far short we fall from that plan and also the path of salvation.
Romans 3:20
Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Proverbs 19:2
Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, And he sins who hastens with his feet.
Knowledge & pride
Knowledge confined to the head, brings forth pride.
1 Corinthians 8:1
Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.
1 Samuel 2:3
“Talk no more so very proudly; Let no arrogance come from your mouth, For the LORD is the God of knowledge; And by Him actions are weighed.
Knowledge & instruction should go together.
Proverbs 8:10
Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold;
Luke 1:4
that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.
Increase in knowledge
Earthly knowledge has increased and continues to increase immensely these days. The compulsive force to acquire more knowledge because of peer pressure and copetitive pride of life can become oppressive. It is more important for us to increase the knowledge of our Savior JESUS CHRIST.
Daniel 12:4
“But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”
2 Peter 3:18
but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
Knowledge & spiritual Warfare
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
False knowledge
1 Timothy 6:20-21
O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge— 21 by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.
Even the study of GOD'S word can be towards head knowledge leading to arguments and unnecessary debating.
Knowledge & life
The only fruit that was forbidden in the garden of Eden was that from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The very moment Adam and Eve ate of it, they had to be separated from and kept out of the tree of life. The fruit or consequence of eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil has to be completely dealt with before we can have access to the tree of life. We cannot have eternal life without partaking of the fruit from the tree of life.
Thankfully, JESUS completed the needful work to overcome the curse of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and has become The Way to the tree of life. The cross on which JESUS died, gives us a picture of the tree of life. The Savior of the world gave up His own life on that tree. When we come to the foot of the cross humbly, acknowledging our need and receive forgiveness and redemption through His blood, we receive eternal life.
Genesis 2:9
And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Genesis 2:16-17
And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
Genesis 3:4-6
Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.
Genesis 3:23-24 (NKJV)
therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. 24 So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.
Knowledge & love
1 Corinthians 13:2
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
The purpose of knowledge and the end of knowledge has to be love. When the knowledge of GOD proceeding from GOD goes from the head to the heart, it brings edification. The love of GOD is imparted into the human heart by GOD'S own Spirit, bringing love, joy, peace and hope.
Romans 5:5
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
The love of JESUS is an experience of the heart which is beyond the knowledge of the mind. May you come to experience this love that leads to salvation.
Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
First of all we need to know that all knowledge belongs to GOD.
Job 21:22
“Can anyone teach God knowledge, Since He judges those on high?”
The knowledge that we gain should be stored and used wisely and appropriately. Knowledge used indiscriminately is unprofitable and can bring destruction to ourselves and others.
Proverbs 10:14
Wise people store up knowledge, But the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
From GOD'S word, the Holy Bible, we gain knowledge about GOD and the state of mankind in relation to GOD.
Proverbs 2:6
For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Knowledge & understanding should go together.
Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Knowledge & wisdom should go hand in hand.
Ecclesiastes 7:12
For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.
Self control is a good addition to knowledge!
2 Peter 1:6
to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,
Proverbs 17:27-28
He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. 28 Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.
Knowledge & sin
GOD'S word shows us His plan for us and how far short we fall from that plan and also the path of salvation.
Romans 3:20
Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Proverbs 19:2
Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, And he sins who hastens with his feet.
Knowledge & pride
Knowledge confined to the head, brings forth pride.
1 Corinthians 8:1
Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.
1 Samuel 2:3
“Talk no more so very proudly; Let no arrogance come from your mouth, For the LORD is the God of knowledge; And by Him actions are weighed.
Knowledge & instruction should go together.
Proverbs 8:10
Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold;
Luke 1:4
that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.
Increase in knowledge
Earthly knowledge has increased and continues to increase immensely these days. The compulsive force to acquire more knowledge because of peer pressure and copetitive pride of life can become oppressive. It is more important for us to increase the knowledge of our Savior JESUS CHRIST.
Daniel 12:4
“But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”
2 Peter 3:18
but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
Knowledge & spiritual Warfare
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
False knowledge
1 Timothy 6:20-21
O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge— 21 by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.
Even the study of GOD'S word can be towards head knowledge leading to arguments and unnecessary debating.
Knowledge & life
The only fruit that was forbidden in the garden of Eden was that from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The very moment Adam and Eve ate of it, they had to be separated from and kept out of the tree of life. The fruit or consequence of eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil has to be completely dealt with before we can have access to the tree of life. We cannot have eternal life without partaking of the fruit from the tree of life.
Thankfully, JESUS completed the needful work to overcome the curse of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and has become The Way to the tree of life. The cross on which JESUS died, gives us a picture of the tree of life. The Savior of the world gave up His own life on that tree. When we come to the foot of the cross humbly, acknowledging our need and receive forgiveness and redemption through His blood, we receive eternal life.
Genesis 2:9
And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Genesis 2:16-17
And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
Genesis 3:4-6
Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.
Genesis 3:23-24 (NKJV)
therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. 24 So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.
Knowledge & love
1 Corinthians 13:2
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
The purpose of knowledge and the end of knowledge has to be love. When the knowledge of GOD proceeding from GOD goes from the head to the heart, it brings edification. The love of GOD is imparted into the human heart by GOD'S own Spirit, bringing love, joy, peace and hope.
Romans 5:5
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
The love of JESUS is an experience of the heart which is beyond the knowledge of the mind. May you come to experience this love that leads to salvation.
Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Time and Space
"I don't have enough time."
"I don't have enough space."
"There's not enough room for me."
"If only I had a little more time."
"I have no time to do this."
"I have no space to do that."
Does this sound familiar?
The lives of all of us are limited by time and space while on this Earth. When we get connected to God above Who is beyond time and space, we have a way of overcoming the problems of "no time" and "no space". This is possible through Jesus Who bridges the gap between God and man and between Heaven and Earth. God is in heaven and we on Earth can have His Spirit - the Holy Spirit in us. We should allow God, Who knows, understands and sees beyond time and space, to control our lives through the Holy Spirit like the remote control car. Every moment so lived has peace and is profitable here and in eternity. What an effective way of living within your time and space, affecting beyond time and space!
Make the vital connection now and stay connected!
Be in the right place at the right time!!
Isaiah 57:15
For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Ephesians 2:6
and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
"I don't have enough space."
"There's not enough room for me."
"If only I had a little more time."
"I have no time to do this."
"I have no space to do that."
Does this sound familiar?
The lives of all of us are limited by time and space while on this Earth. When we get connected to God above Who is beyond time and space, we have a way of overcoming the problems of "no time" and "no space". This is possible through Jesus Who bridges the gap between God and man and between Heaven and Earth. God is in heaven and we on Earth can have His Spirit - the Holy Spirit in us. We should allow God, Who knows, understands and sees beyond time and space, to control our lives through the Holy Spirit like the remote control car. Every moment so lived has peace and is profitable here and in eternity. What an effective way of living within your time and space, affecting beyond time and space!
Make the vital connection now and stay connected!
Be in the right place at the right time!!
Isaiah 57:15
For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Ephesians 2:6
and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
Monday, April 13, 2009
Lift Up Your Eyes!
Lift up your eyes to see the full picture. Open your ears to hear the end of the story. It is His story!
See the Son of Man riding on a donkey and the foal of a donkey.
Lift up your eyes to behold the Rider of the white horse, with the armies of heaven following Him on white horses!
See the Savior on the cross, wounded and bruised, without form or comeliness.
Lift up your eyes and behold the judge, seated on the right hand of the throne of God!
See the sacrificial Lamb, rejected, despised and mocked by men.
Lift up your eyes to behold the Lamb that was slain, exalted, honored and worshiped by the hosts of heaven!
See the One Whose side was pierced.
Lift up your eyes to see the glorious bride of the Lamb, taken from His bosom, His side that was pierced!
See His life-blood flowing down Calvary Mountain.
Lift up your eyes to behold the red carpet rolled out to the nations in preparation of the arrival of the great King!
See the sign over the cross 'The 'King of the Jews'
Lift up your eyes and behold the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords!
Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.Revelation 19:11-16 (NKJV)
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:5-11 (NKJV)
Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.” Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”Revelation 5:8-12 (NKJV)
Lift up your heads to the coming KingBow before Him, and adore Him, singTo His majesty, let your praises bePure and holy, giving gloryTo the King of Kings!
See the Son of Man riding on a donkey and the foal of a donkey.
Lift up your eyes to behold the Rider of the white horse, with the armies of heaven following Him on white horses!
See the Savior on the cross, wounded and bruised, without form or comeliness.
Lift up your eyes and behold the judge, seated on the right hand of the throne of God!
See the sacrificial Lamb, rejected, despised and mocked by men.
Lift up your eyes to behold the Lamb that was slain, exalted, honored and worshiped by the hosts of heaven!
See the One Whose side was pierced.
Lift up your eyes to see the glorious bride of the Lamb, taken from His bosom, His side that was pierced!
See His life-blood flowing down Calvary Mountain.
Lift up your eyes to behold the red carpet rolled out to the nations in preparation of the arrival of the great King!
See the sign over the cross 'The 'King of the Jews'
Lift up your eyes and behold the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords!
Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.Revelation 19:11-16 (NKJV)
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:5-11 (NKJV)
Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.” Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”Revelation 5:8-12 (NKJV)
Lift up your heads to the coming KingBow before Him, and adore Him, singTo His majesty, let your praises bePure and holy, giving gloryTo the King of Kings!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
John 3:16
John 3:16 (NKJV)
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
This Scripture is perhaps the most popular verse in the Bible. When you became a Christian, this is probably the first verse you memorized. You may recite it every few weeks at your local church. You may have grown up in a Christian family where you heard it again and again until it became another one of those spiritual clichés. As a child, you could have rattled it off in fast-forward at your parents’ command.
John 3:16 effectively sums up everything a Christian should believe. The core fundamental truth of the Salvation story lies in this verse.
Let's take a closer look. The verse begins with "For God so loved the world." Let's concentrate on the "God" part for a moment.
Now, who is "God"? God is our Creator, the Supreme Being who rules over everything we know and see today. He is immortal, never had a beginning, never will have an end, all powerful and all knowing. The Bible tells us that He created the Universe in just one day (Gen 1). Ok, we’ll think about this for a while. We all know how big the earth is, right? Ok, pretty big. Now we know how big the Sun is; just big enough to fit a million Earths into it. The Sun is a star, and in the Universe, scientists predict there are about a hundred septillion stars (that’s 1 with 27 zeroes after it). Our galaxy is called the Milky Way, and to get from one end to the other, you’d have to travel at the speed of light for 100,000 years. That’s pretty big. Astronomers haven’t even figured out how many galaxies there are in the Universe, but there are many billions out there, each one with millions of stars and planets in it, and many are much larger than the Milky Way. God created all of this in one day. Genesis 1 also talks of how God created man in His own image to serve Him and have a relationship with Him. But man blew it pretty quickly. Adam disobeyed God and ever since then, the human race has been sinful – doing things God is displeased with. Now, one could only expect such a powerful God to have pretty high expectations for His humans here on Earth, which means we humans fall short of God’s standards by a long shot. We continually sin and do things that displease Him. Anyone who sins is doomed to die and will go to Hell – that is the death sentence God dealt out for us when we chose the pathway to sin – not because He wanted to but because His high standards had to be maintained. We desperately needed a way out – there was no other way for us to once again establish that connection man had with God as God wanted it to be.
Now we know who God is, let’s go to the next part of the verse: “For God so loved the world.” Think about that for a moment. This amazing, almighty God loved the world? Ok, that’s very nice, but why would God love the people in the world? I mean, what have we done for God to make Him love us? In fact, the way we live our lives gives God plenty of reason to hate and despise us. This section of the verse shows us that God really did want to maintain that relationship with man like He had intended it to be from the beginning when He created Adam and Eve. However, we had created a huge debt for ourselves by sinning and displeasing God, making it impossible for Him to come down to our level. A perfect, holy, righteous God cannot have a connection with a sinful, filthy, rebellious race of people. But still God loved us. He was sorry that man had chosen the wrong path and wanted that connection restored. So we needed a substitute, someone who could bridge that gap over the chasm sin had created between God and man. The substitute had to be completely without sin, perfect and displaying all attributes of God Himself. How else could man get back that oneness with God?
Which brings us to the next part of the verse: “…that He gave His only begotten Son.” This is where things get interesting. So we know that God really wanted that relationship with man restored, but to send His only Son to be the substitute? That’s a bit much. I mean, why did God love us that much anyway? We deserve to be sent to Hell for all our sinful actions, so why did God care about us enough to send His Son? This is the most vivid portrayal of the love of God anywhere in the Bible. We may never understand why, and when we come to that point of wonder and amazement at God’s love, we truly stand speechless and awestruck at the measures He took just to save us. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. Wow. This was a huge sacrifice on God’s part. It meant letting His precious, only Son to go into the world, live amongst sinful people for 33 years, and then be killed on a Cross to take all our sins and punishment as our substitute. What an incredible sacrifice! The God who created the entire Universe in one day “so loved the world” that He rather had His Son become a substitute for us than allow the human race to perish in Hell. The gap between God and man was finally bridged by the Son of God. His name is Jesus Christ, God Himself who appeared in the flesh to live like us, with us and for us, becoming one of us for our sake and providing access to our loving Creator God once and for all.
The next part of the verse describes the outcomes of what Jesus did for us: “…that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Whoever believes in Him? So there’s still an option. God was not going to force us into a relationship with Him so He left us the choice now that we had access to Him. And the choice? We either believe in the Jesus Christ or we don’t. Quite simple, actually. What happens to those who believe? They “should not perish but have everlasting life.” The inevitable outcome for the entire human race was for us to be doomed to Hell, because we failed to meet God’s standards ever since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. But now, God offers us “everlasting life” with Him in Heaven! What an incredible thought to think that God Almighty has opened a way to us to live with Him forever! All we have to do is believe in Jesus Christ.
You may be thinking, “Now, I’m supposed to believe in Jesus, but isn’t He dead because He was killed when He was on Earth?” There’s good news for you, Jesus is alive! Jesus was God’s Son, therefore He was God Himself in the flesh, meaning He was completely without sin. If Jesus lived a life completely without sin on this Earth, that would have excluded Him from the death sentence God placed on the human race since the fall because Jesus was the only Person in history who lived a life on Earth that met God’s standards. Therefore, when He was killed, He was buried and on the third day, He rose again because death itself could not hold down the power of complete holiness, purity and righteousness. So Jesus paid our sin debt, bearing our punishment on the Cross, but still without sin. And it is that same resurrection power that is available to all those who place their trust and belief in Jesus.
If you haven’t already invited Jesus Christ into your heart, let me tell you now that God loves you so very, very much and He longs to have a personal relationship with you. He showed His love for you by sending His Son to take your punishment, allowing you to enjoy His presence and guidance here on Earth, and then live with Him forever after this life. Isn’t it an amazing thought to think that the God who created a hundred septillion stars in one day, wants you to accept His gift of Jesus Christ. It cost Him a lot, but He offers it for free. The choice is yours: will you believe in the Son? If you would like to enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ, then you are making the best decision of your life. You are allowing the Creator of the Universe to take control of your life. Please pray the following prayer from your heart:
Click here for a prayer you could pray.
If you are still not sure, remember that God’s love is always there for you, no matter how far away from Him you may stray. Life on Earth is short, and our eternal destinies are what are most important. His gift is there waiting for you. Accept it or not.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
This Scripture is perhaps the most popular verse in the Bible. When you became a Christian, this is probably the first verse you memorized. You may recite it every few weeks at your local church. You may have grown up in a Christian family where you heard it again and again until it became another one of those spiritual clichés. As a child, you could have rattled it off in fast-forward at your parents’ command.
John 3:16 effectively sums up everything a Christian should believe. The core fundamental truth of the Salvation story lies in this verse.
Let's take a closer look. The verse begins with "For God so loved the world." Let's concentrate on the "God" part for a moment.
Now, who is "God"? God is our Creator, the Supreme Being who rules over everything we know and see today. He is immortal, never had a beginning, never will have an end, all powerful and all knowing. The Bible tells us that He created the Universe in just one day (Gen 1). Ok, we’ll think about this for a while. We all know how big the earth is, right? Ok, pretty big. Now we know how big the Sun is; just big enough to fit a million Earths into it. The Sun is a star, and in the Universe, scientists predict there are about a hundred septillion stars (that’s 1 with 27 zeroes after it). Our galaxy is called the Milky Way, and to get from one end to the other, you’d have to travel at the speed of light for 100,000 years. That’s pretty big. Astronomers haven’t even figured out how many galaxies there are in the Universe, but there are many billions out there, each one with millions of stars and planets in it, and many are much larger than the Milky Way. God created all of this in one day. Genesis 1 also talks of how God created man in His own image to serve Him and have a relationship with Him. But man blew it pretty quickly. Adam disobeyed God and ever since then, the human race has been sinful – doing things God is displeased with. Now, one could only expect such a powerful God to have pretty high expectations for His humans here on Earth, which means we humans fall short of God’s standards by a long shot. We continually sin and do things that displease Him. Anyone who sins is doomed to die and will go to Hell – that is the death sentence God dealt out for us when we chose the pathway to sin – not because He wanted to but because His high standards had to be maintained. We desperately needed a way out – there was no other way for us to once again establish that connection man had with God as God wanted it to be.
Now we know who God is, let’s go to the next part of the verse: “For God so loved the world.” Think about that for a moment. This amazing, almighty God loved the world? Ok, that’s very nice, but why would God love the people in the world? I mean, what have we done for God to make Him love us? In fact, the way we live our lives gives God plenty of reason to hate and despise us. This section of the verse shows us that God really did want to maintain that relationship with man like He had intended it to be from the beginning when He created Adam and Eve. However, we had created a huge debt for ourselves by sinning and displeasing God, making it impossible for Him to come down to our level. A perfect, holy, righteous God cannot have a connection with a sinful, filthy, rebellious race of people. But still God loved us. He was sorry that man had chosen the wrong path and wanted that connection restored. So we needed a substitute, someone who could bridge that gap over the chasm sin had created between God and man. The substitute had to be completely without sin, perfect and displaying all attributes of God Himself. How else could man get back that oneness with God?
Which brings us to the next part of the verse: “…that He gave His only begotten Son.” This is where things get interesting. So we know that God really wanted that relationship with man restored, but to send His only Son to be the substitute? That’s a bit much. I mean, why did God love us that much anyway? We deserve to be sent to Hell for all our sinful actions, so why did God care about us enough to send His Son? This is the most vivid portrayal of the love of God anywhere in the Bible. We may never understand why, and when we come to that point of wonder and amazement at God’s love, we truly stand speechless and awestruck at the measures He took just to save us. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. Wow. This was a huge sacrifice on God’s part. It meant letting His precious, only Son to go into the world, live amongst sinful people for 33 years, and then be killed on a Cross to take all our sins and punishment as our substitute. What an incredible sacrifice! The God who created the entire Universe in one day “so loved the world” that He rather had His Son become a substitute for us than allow the human race to perish in Hell. The gap between God and man was finally bridged by the Son of God. His name is Jesus Christ, God Himself who appeared in the flesh to live like us, with us and for us, becoming one of us for our sake and providing access to our loving Creator God once and for all.
The next part of the verse describes the outcomes of what Jesus did for us: “…that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Whoever believes in Him? So there’s still an option. God was not going to force us into a relationship with Him so He left us the choice now that we had access to Him. And the choice? We either believe in the Jesus Christ or we don’t. Quite simple, actually. What happens to those who believe? They “should not perish but have everlasting life.” The inevitable outcome for the entire human race was for us to be doomed to Hell, because we failed to meet God’s standards ever since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. But now, God offers us “everlasting life” with Him in Heaven! What an incredible thought to think that God Almighty has opened a way to us to live with Him forever! All we have to do is believe in Jesus Christ.
You may be thinking, “Now, I’m supposed to believe in Jesus, but isn’t He dead because He was killed when He was on Earth?” There’s good news for you, Jesus is alive! Jesus was God’s Son, therefore He was God Himself in the flesh, meaning He was completely without sin. If Jesus lived a life completely without sin on this Earth, that would have excluded Him from the death sentence God placed on the human race since the fall because Jesus was the only Person in history who lived a life on Earth that met God’s standards. Therefore, when He was killed, He was buried and on the third day, He rose again because death itself could not hold down the power of complete holiness, purity and righteousness. So Jesus paid our sin debt, bearing our punishment on the Cross, but still without sin. And it is that same resurrection power that is available to all those who place their trust and belief in Jesus.
If you haven’t already invited Jesus Christ into your heart, let me tell you now that God loves you so very, very much and He longs to have a personal relationship with you. He showed His love for you by sending His Son to take your punishment, allowing you to enjoy His presence and guidance here on Earth, and then live with Him forever after this life. Isn’t it an amazing thought to think that the God who created a hundred septillion stars in one day, wants you to accept His gift of Jesus Christ. It cost Him a lot, but He offers it for free. The choice is yours: will you believe in the Son? If you would like to enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ, then you are making the best decision of your life. You are allowing the Creator of the Universe to take control of your life. Please pray the following prayer from your heart:
Click here for a prayer you could pray.
If you are still not sure, remember that God’s love is always there for you, no matter how far away from Him you may stray. Life on Earth is short, and our eternal destinies are what are most important. His gift is there waiting for you. Accept it or not.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Are You Growing Old?
When you stop growing, you start ageing. It is so also in the spiritual sense. Ageing is inevitable, physically. If you do not want to age spiritually, make sure you keep growing!
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Cor 4:16-18 (NKJV)
You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:17,18 (NKJV)
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Cor 4:16-18 (NKJV)
You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:17,18 (NKJV)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)