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.
Monday, April 19, 2010
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)
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Listen! God is Speaking to You!! Part 7
Are you desiring to do God's will but unable to discern what it is? God has promised to instruct us, lead us and guide us during our lifetime.
Psalm 32:8 (NKJV)
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.
We are asked to trust Him in every situation and ask Him for direction.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
How does the Lord direct our path? a mother would instruct her 3 year old son using few simple words and actions. Her teen age son would understand more complex messages. Her grown up son would have a greater understanding of his mother, that even a nod or an expression would be sufficient for him to respond to her.
The Lord, our Maker and our Heavenly Father also makes His instructions clear to each of His children. He can speak to us through;-
signs - unusual sights or appearances,
wonders - unusual situations, or occurrances
dreams and visions,
people's counsel and advice,
prophetic word
scripture and scripture based material,
the voice of the Holy Spirit within.
When you follow a sign, you will see a wonder. When the shepherds followed the instruction of the angels to the sign of a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger, which is unusual, they saw a wonder. The wonder of the Almighty God in the form of a baby! His name shall be called Wonderful!!
Taking one step in obedience to God makes the next step clearer.
A radio has many channels and you have to tune into the right one to get what you desire. Similarly, there are many channels in the heavenly realm, passing information and suggestions through many media and people, all the time. If we are fine tuned to God, we wil hear what He is saying to us. For this to happen, my motives and my attitudes have to be in line with God's. My motive has to be to see His kingdom and His righteousness in my life and in the lives of others. My attitude has to be pure love for God and others.
At times I wonder why my son cannot hear me calling him. I go down to his room and hear the sound of music coming out of his room. I knock on his door and he stll cannot hear me. I open the door and see him seated with his head phones on, playing and listening to music. Not until I gently touch him does he respond to me.This does not mean that my son does not love me or wants to ignore me when I speak to him. Is this your situation with God?
God, on His part, is instructing us as He has promised. If the communication has not reached you, search out the problem on your side.
It could be disobedience,
lack of trust in the Lord,
wrong motives,
wrong attitudes,
or a mind filled with carnality or other priorities.
If your mind is open to know God's will and your heart submissive to the Holy Spirit, the confirmation of walking in God's path is, a beautiful peace in your heart.
May you find the Lord Jesus, and His peace in your heart for He is the Prince of Peace.
Psalm 32:8 (NKJV)
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.
We are asked to trust Him in every situation and ask Him for direction.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
How does the Lord direct our path? a mother would instruct her 3 year old son using few simple words and actions. Her teen age son would understand more complex messages. Her grown up son would have a greater understanding of his mother, that even a nod or an expression would be sufficient for him to respond to her.
The Lord, our Maker and our Heavenly Father also makes His instructions clear to each of His children. He can speak to us through;-
signs - unusual sights or appearances,
wonders - unusual situations, or occurrances
dreams and visions,
people's counsel and advice,
prophetic word
scripture and scripture based material,
the voice of the Holy Spirit within.
When you follow a sign, you will see a wonder. When the shepherds followed the instruction of the angels to the sign of a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger, which is unusual, they saw a wonder. The wonder of the Almighty God in the form of a baby! His name shall be called Wonderful!!
Taking one step in obedience to God makes the next step clearer.
A radio has many channels and you have to tune into the right one to get what you desire. Similarly, there are many channels in the heavenly realm, passing information and suggestions through many media and people, all the time. If we are fine tuned to God, we wil hear what He is saying to us. For this to happen, my motives and my attitudes have to be in line with God's. My motive has to be to see His kingdom and His righteousness in my life and in the lives of others. My attitude has to be pure love for God and others.
At times I wonder why my son cannot hear me calling him. I go down to his room and hear the sound of music coming out of his room. I knock on his door and he stll cannot hear me. I open the door and see him seated with his head phones on, playing and listening to music. Not until I gently touch him does he respond to me.This does not mean that my son does not love me or wants to ignore me when I speak to him. Is this your situation with God?
God, on His part, is instructing us as He has promised. If the communication has not reached you, search out the problem on your side.
It could be disobedience,
lack of trust in the Lord,
wrong motives,
wrong attitudes,
or a mind filled with carnality or other priorities.
If your mind is open to know God's will and your heart submissive to the Holy Spirit, the confirmation of walking in God's path is, a beautiful peace in your heart.
May you find the Lord Jesus, and His peace in your heart for He is the Prince of Peace.
Written Identity
Whenever we leave home, it is important that we carry with us a proof of identity. On the school bus, at an accident site, at army check points, at airports and at many entry points and various other places, we are required to produce a written identity. Verbal explanation of who we are may not suffice. An ID card, passport or driver's licence will serve the purpose.
Similarly, as Christians, we need to always carry a written identity in the spiritual sense. We have to write God's word in our mind and heart.
Proverbs 3:3 (NKJV)
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart,
In the wilderness, the devil, desiring to bring confusion and disruption to the relationship Jesus had with The Father, said to Him, " If You are the Son of God......" he does the same to God's children now. Jesus overcame all three temptations by producing the written evidence, saying, " It is written......." May we diligently study the word and memorise scripture to overcome the viles of the enemy. Carry the word of God in your heart and mind and the image and likeness of Christ in your life, to prove who you are in Christ.
John 1:12 (NKJV)
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
Isaiah 49:15 (NKJV)
15 “Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you.
John 15:15 (NKJV)
15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.
John 10:14 (NKJV)
14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.
Hosea 2:19-20 (NKJV)
19 “I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice, In lovingkindness and mercy; 20 I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, And you shall know the Lord.
Similarly, as Christians, we need to always carry a written identity in the spiritual sense. We have to write God's word in our mind and heart.
Proverbs 3:3 (NKJV)
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart,
In the wilderness, the devil, desiring to bring confusion and disruption to the relationship Jesus had with The Father, said to Him, " If You are the Son of God......" he does the same to God's children now. Jesus overcame all three temptations by producing the written evidence, saying, " It is written......." May we diligently study the word and memorise scripture to overcome the viles of the enemy. Carry the word of God in your heart and mind and the image and likeness of Christ in your life, to prove who you are in Christ.
John 1:12 (NKJV)
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
Isaiah 49:15 (NKJV)
15 “Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you.
John 15:15 (NKJV)
15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.
John 10:14 (NKJV)
14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.
Hosea 2:19-20 (NKJV)
19 “I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice, In lovingkindness and mercy; 20 I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, And you shall know the Lord.
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