Rom 6: 23a – The wages of sin, is death.
Death refers to a spiritual condition. People without Christ don't hear spiritually. They can't communicate spiritually; they can't produce anything spiritually. Death is the consequence of sin. Sin causes decaying of lives.
Sometimes, you make mistakes that hurt somebody so much and are so bad that you can never make up for them. They may forgive you, but the scars remain forever.
Rom 6: 23b – but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Life refers here to a spiritual condition too. The person who has accepted Christ's salvation has received eternal life. They can hear, see and communicate spiritual truth. They are alive in Christ. Jesus said, "I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly." (John 10:10). What a contrast between Life and Death!
Life is available for you in Christ. "He who has the Son has life!” (I Jn, 5:12). You must have Christ, to have life.
Sometimes, you make mistakes that hurt so much and are so bad that you can never make up for them, because the wages of sin, is death.
But it is different with God! Whatever we have done to God, can be removed, can be changed and can even be forgotten by Him! For the gift of God is eternal life.
This new life in Christ, is available for you, today!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
You are the salt of the earth!
Matthew 5:13: "The Salt of the Earth" T
Salt. It is one of the most important compounds in man's existence. Without salt the human body would cease to function. Without salt most foods would lose most of their savour.
In the ancient world covenants or treaties were usually ratified by the exchange of salt. The salt symbolized the endurance and faithfulness both partners would show to the covenant.
Salt was also the basis of much trade and commerce. Areas that were rich in salt traded this compound for gold, silver, and fine cloth. For ancient governments salt was an important source of tax revenue. In Tibet, Ethiopia, and other parts of Africa, salt cakes were used as money. In the Roman army a soldier's pay included an allowance of salt. The English word "salary" reflects this; it comes from the Roman word "solarium" which means "allowance of salt".
Salt, then, was a very important commodity in the ancient world.
Long before freezers and fridges were invented and long before people were able to put meats, fruits, and vegetables into sealed jars, there was only one thing that kept food from spoiling: salt! Only salt kept vast stores of food from rotting. Only salt stood between people and hunger during the winter months or dry season.
In many places in the Middle East land is quite acidic. The only way this land could become productive was by spreading a little bit of salt on it. In this way the salt acted like a fertilizer and promoted life and growth.
However, too much salt can also destroy land. In the ancient world it was the practice of conquering armies to spread large volumes of salt on the agricultural land of a defeated enemy. This would render the land infertile for at least 10 years.
Salt, then, prevents decay and, in small quantities, it acts as a fertilizer. For this reason many ancient people praised their god or gods for the gift of salt.
Christians Are the Salt of the Earth
Jesus identifies his followers as salt. "You are the salt of the earth," says Jesus. "Earth" in this statement means man or humanity.
Everyone listening to Jesus knew salt to be important and valuable. So Jesus was saying his followers are important and valuable people.
Christians are the salt of the earth. This means that in the world of men the followers of Christ have two essential things to do.
The first thing we do as the salt of the earth is hold back or prevent decay. Just as salt in the ancient world was the only thing which prevented food from spoiling or going rotten so the Christian, empowered by the Spirit, is a barrier between the world of men and complete decay, complete rottenness, and complete destruction.
Christians preserve life. The Christian is a preservative that keeps life good and wholesome and beautiful – he or she prevents decay and destruction.
The second thing we do as the salt of the earth is promote life and growth. Through us as salt the world of men can hear the Gospel of grace and salvation. Through us the world, by the operation of the Spirit, can move from darkness, death, and sin to light, life, and peace.
In actual fact it is God who is the salt of the earth. It is God who preserves life and promotes life and growth. What God has done is called us to be like him. He is salt and we are to be salt. We don't turn ourselves into salt; God does. It is God who has chosen us, who makes us, who ordains us, and who equips us to be the salt of the earth. In union with God through Christ his Son, his saltiness must become our saltiness.
What we must do, then, is let God have his way in our life.
We must live and function as the salt of the earth.
Salt. It is one of the most important compounds in man's existence. Without salt the human body would cease to function. Without salt most foods would lose most of their savour.
In the ancient world covenants or treaties were usually ratified by the exchange of salt. The salt symbolized the endurance and faithfulness both partners would show to the covenant.
Salt was also the basis of much trade and commerce. Areas that were rich in salt traded this compound for gold, silver, and fine cloth. For ancient governments salt was an important source of tax revenue. In Tibet, Ethiopia, and other parts of Africa, salt cakes were used as money. In the Roman army a soldier's pay included an allowance of salt. The English word "salary" reflects this; it comes from the Roman word "solarium" which means "allowance of salt".
Salt, then, was a very important commodity in the ancient world.
Long before freezers and fridges were invented and long before people were able to put meats, fruits, and vegetables into sealed jars, there was only one thing that kept food from spoiling: salt! Only salt kept vast stores of food from rotting. Only salt stood between people and hunger during the winter months or dry season.
In many places in the Middle East land is quite acidic. The only way this land could become productive was by spreading a little bit of salt on it. In this way the salt acted like a fertilizer and promoted life and growth.
However, too much salt can also destroy land. In the ancient world it was the practice of conquering armies to spread large volumes of salt on the agricultural land of a defeated enemy. This would render the land infertile for at least 10 years.
Salt, then, prevents decay and, in small quantities, it acts as a fertilizer. For this reason many ancient people praised their god or gods for the gift of salt.
Christians Are the Salt of the Earth
Jesus identifies his followers as salt. "You are the salt of the earth," says Jesus. "Earth" in this statement means man or humanity.
Everyone listening to Jesus knew salt to be important and valuable. So Jesus was saying his followers are important and valuable people.
Christians are the salt of the earth. This means that in the world of men the followers of Christ have two essential things to do.
The first thing we do as the salt of the earth is hold back or prevent decay. Just as salt in the ancient world was the only thing which prevented food from spoiling or going rotten so the Christian, empowered by the Spirit, is a barrier between the world of men and complete decay, complete rottenness, and complete destruction.
Christians preserve life. The Christian is a preservative that keeps life good and wholesome and beautiful – he or she prevents decay and destruction.
The second thing we do as the salt of the earth is promote life and growth. Through us as salt the world of men can hear the Gospel of grace and salvation. Through us the world, by the operation of the Spirit, can move from darkness, death, and sin to light, life, and peace.
In actual fact it is God who is the salt of the earth. It is God who preserves life and promotes life and growth. What God has done is called us to be like him. He is salt and we are to be salt. We don't turn ourselves into salt; God does. It is God who has chosen us, who makes us, who ordains us, and who equips us to be the salt of the earth. In union with God through Christ his Son, his saltiness must become our saltiness.
What we must do, then, is let God have his way in our life.
We must live and function as the salt of the earth.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Devotion for Trinity Sunday, 30 May 2010
Abraham lived in a world of many gods. He was called from his home town Ur of the Chaldeans to be brought into fellowship with a radical new kind of faith – “Faith in One God only”. And this God could not be carved in stone or cast in metal. So Moses later declared the “God of Abraham” to be “One” and Isaiah preached with passion that the only One God was “holy, holy, holy” and beyond every human attempt to be packaged, controlled, or manipulated.
Hear Israel, the Lord our God, the LORD, is One!
He only is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said that "when the Spirit of truth comes, he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. For all that the Father has is mine." Jesus also said: "Do you not know that the Father is in me and I in the Father?" And on the night of his betrayal he prayed that his church may be one "even as the Father and I are one."
The one true and only God of Abraham, who is "I AM" revealed to Moses, and who spoke through the prophets, is never alone. The very essence of who the One God is, is that he is a God in relationship. The essence of God is relationship, community, which means unconditional love. God, in relationship with himself revealed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, also has one purpose for us – to live in relationship with him.
God is love. Therefore God is in essence “relationship”. And God, who essentially is “love and relationship”, desires relationship with us!
The Apostle Paul spoke of such care, such "charity", such love, in 1 Corinthians 13. This charity is patient and kind, not jealous or self-centered, not keeping a checklist of wrongs done against us. It is a love that "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." It is greater than faith or hope. It is God’s own love given to his Son Jesus, and in our unity with Jesus we also receive this love as a gift of the Holy Spirit.
In this way, what makes God to be the Only One, his unique divine love, becomes ours as a gracious gift.
As we look around, we see the need. Not for a rational explanation of doctrine impossible to fathom or understand, but the need of a lonely human race who still needs the One God, who is love in relationships. On Trinity Sunday, God gives us an incomparable gift to share with the world so scared, depressed, anxious and lonely within this vast universe. As Christians we dare declare that behind the immeasurable creation, is the One who created everything, in order to have a relationship with us, because the essence of who he is, is love. And as he loves his Son, he loves us too. And his Spirit confirms what my spirit says, that I too am God’s beloved. I too have a relationship with the holy relationship, the Holy Trinity, our God.
Let us pray. Almighty Father, whose only Son before his suffering for our sake, prayed for his church to be one, as you and he are one: Bind us together in love that reflects the essence of your heart, that the world may believe in Jesus whom you have sent. In your mercy, give us this love, through Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives, reigns and redeems by the gracious work of the Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
May the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and the love of God the Father and fellowship of the Holy Spirit be and remain with you always.
Hear Israel, the Lord our God, the LORD, is One!
He only is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said that "when the Spirit of truth comes, he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. For all that the Father has is mine." Jesus also said: "Do you not know that the Father is in me and I in the Father?" And on the night of his betrayal he prayed that his church may be one "even as the Father and I are one."
The one true and only God of Abraham, who is "I AM" revealed to Moses, and who spoke through the prophets, is never alone. The very essence of who the One God is, is that he is a God in relationship. The essence of God is relationship, community, which means unconditional love. God, in relationship with himself revealed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, also has one purpose for us – to live in relationship with him.
God is love. Therefore God is in essence “relationship”. And God, who essentially is “love and relationship”, desires relationship with us!
The Apostle Paul spoke of such care, such "charity", such love, in 1 Corinthians 13. This charity is patient and kind, not jealous or self-centered, not keeping a checklist of wrongs done against us. It is a love that "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." It is greater than faith or hope. It is God’s own love given to his Son Jesus, and in our unity with Jesus we also receive this love as a gift of the Holy Spirit.
In this way, what makes God to be the Only One, his unique divine love, becomes ours as a gracious gift.
As we look around, we see the need. Not for a rational explanation of doctrine impossible to fathom or understand, but the need of a lonely human race who still needs the One God, who is love in relationships. On Trinity Sunday, God gives us an incomparable gift to share with the world so scared, depressed, anxious and lonely within this vast universe. As Christians we dare declare that behind the immeasurable creation, is the One who created everything, in order to have a relationship with us, because the essence of who he is, is love. And as he loves his Son, he loves us too. And his Spirit confirms what my spirit says, that I too am God’s beloved. I too have a relationship with the holy relationship, the Holy Trinity, our God.
Let us pray. Almighty Father, whose only Son before his suffering for our sake, prayed for his church to be one, as you and he are one: Bind us together in love that reflects the essence of your heart, that the world may believe in Jesus whom you have sent. In your mercy, give us this love, through Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives, reigns and redeems by the gracious work of the Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
May the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and the love of God the Father and fellowship of the Holy Spirit be and remain with you always.
Monday, May 24, 2010
At Pentecost we receive the Spirit of adoption as children!
Rom 8: 15 & 17: All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father! Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ
In this verse Paul introduced an amazing metaphor, namely our adoption as God’s children. Remember that Paul was not only a Jew, but also a Roman citizen. He certainly had the Roman practice of legal adoption in mind. In summary, it was the law that when a child was adopted, he had to pass from the patria potestas (meaning the absolute power of the father) of his biological father, into that of his adoptive father.
The adopted son lost all rights to his former family and gained all the rights of a fully legitimate child of his new family. He could then inherit his adoptive father’s estate, even if other, biological sons, were after his adoption born to his adoptive father. In the eyes of Roman law, the former life of the adopted person completely disappeared. The adopted person literally and absolutely had a new father.
As in legal Roman adoption, the new relationship into which our spiritual adoption brings us in no way makes us less God’s children than his natural Son, Jesus Christ. To the contrary, it gives us a new standing as heirs of God, in fact, “joint heirs with Christ. Our natural father, which is Sin, has no right to our lives anymore. We also do not inherit Sin’s legacy of being without God, here and in eternity, anymore. And we are freed from Sin’s absolute power over us.
No, we now inherit the Kingdom of God from our heavenly Father, both in this life and in the life to come! Only God may claim ownership of us and of our children. We belong to God, because we belong to our gracious Saviour, Jesus Christ, through the work of the Holy Spirit in us.
Since the first Pentecost, we Christians received the “Spirit of the adoption as children”.
Live then as children of God!
In this verse Paul introduced an amazing metaphor, namely our adoption as God’s children. Remember that Paul was not only a Jew, but also a Roman citizen. He certainly had the Roman practice of legal adoption in mind. In summary, it was the law that when a child was adopted, he had to pass from the patria potestas (meaning the absolute power of the father) of his biological father, into that of his adoptive father.
The adopted son lost all rights to his former family and gained all the rights of a fully legitimate child of his new family. He could then inherit his adoptive father’s estate, even if other, biological sons, were after his adoption born to his adoptive father. In the eyes of Roman law, the former life of the adopted person completely disappeared. The adopted person literally and absolutely had a new father.
As in legal Roman adoption, the new relationship into which our spiritual adoption brings us in no way makes us less God’s children than his natural Son, Jesus Christ. To the contrary, it gives us a new standing as heirs of God, in fact, “joint heirs with Christ. Our natural father, which is Sin, has no right to our lives anymore. We also do not inherit Sin’s legacy of being without God, here and in eternity, anymore. And we are freed from Sin’s absolute power over us.
No, we now inherit the Kingdom of God from our heavenly Father, both in this life and in the life to come! Only God may claim ownership of us and of our children. We belong to God, because we belong to our gracious Saviour, Jesus Christ, through the work of the Holy Spirit in us.
Since the first Pentecost, we Christians received the “Spirit of the adoption as children”.
Live then as children of God!
Friday, May 21, 2010
Those who are meek will receive the Holy Spirit.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
When Jesus made this statement, he certainly ran against the frame of mind of the Jewish leaders of the day. They thought that the only way to inherit the land was to overthrow the Roman government, and that certainly could never be done by being meek. They wanted to be aggressive and hard, not passive and soft and forgiving and kind.
Most people think the same today. Think about business. If you are in sales or marketing, meekness is not one of the attributes you are expected to acquire. You would rather hear, if you want to be successful, you have to get out there and grab the market by the throat!
But Jesus said that the meek shall inherit the earth. God chooses what the world despises and build his Kingdom with attributes that seem to be foolish in the eyes of the world. We believe that if we are are powerless, we are weak.
But God has chosen us. God has chosen us who are weak, to build his Kingdom by being meek.
Lets look at what meekness is not. You are not meek because you are timid. You are not meek because you are fearful. You are not meek because you are shy. You are not meek because you lack self-confidence. Meekness is not weakness. Meekness is also not about being nice or easy-going. It might not be your nature to get angry as easily as others. Some people can sit through virtual wars and never even notice. Meekness has nothing to do with that.
Meekness is a quality within our spirit which is very similar to humility. And its something God does in us. Meekness is seeing ourselves for who we are, in the light of who God is. Meekness is not expecting something because we think God owes it to us. Therefore, when God gives us a blessing, we are surprised that God has seen it fit to honour those who deserve no honour.
Meekness is knowing who we are in our need for the redeeming work of Jesus. It is to be completely dependent on the grace and the strength of God. If we are meek before God, we can be bold in his service, because we rely on his strength and power. Meekness is therefore not compromise, but it t is an attitude that bends to God’s will. Meekness before God sets one free to forget yourself, and make a stand for Jesus Christ.
Jesus said, "I am meek and lowly at heart." Yet, Jesus, when he saw the money-changers in the Temple, made himself a whip and drove them from the Temple. Yet, Jesus was meek, perfectly meek. Jesus was meek toward God. Jesus knelt in the Garden of Gethsemane and said, "Lord, not my will, but yours be done." It was as a result of his meekness that he would be willing to walk the road of the cross, to overcome our enemies called sin and death. His meekness made him victorious and being meek before God can make us victorious too. Jesus inherited the heaven and the earth, by being the meek Lamb of God who conquered our enemies: sin, death and being lost for ever.
Meekness holds two truths in balance. The first is that I cannot do anything good by myself. The second truth is that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Meekness is essential to salvation. Meekness is also essential to receiving anything from God. It is essential to receiving the gifts and the fruit of the Spirit. You cannot serve God effectively if you are not meek. You cannot care for your Christian brothers and sisters without meekness. You cannot first of all seek the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, if you are not meek.
Meekness is allowing the One who is meek and lowly at heart, Jesus the Christ, to rule in your lives and emotions.
Meekness, like all the fruit of the Spirit, is simply Jesus living in you.
Meekness is relying on the Holy Spirit that now lives in you.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
When Jesus made this statement, he certainly ran against the frame of mind of the Jewish leaders of the day. They thought that the only way to inherit the land was to overthrow the Roman government, and that certainly could never be done by being meek. They wanted to be aggressive and hard, not passive and soft and forgiving and kind.
Most people think the same today. Think about business. If you are in sales or marketing, meekness is not one of the attributes you are expected to acquire. You would rather hear, if you want to be successful, you have to get out there and grab the market by the throat!
But Jesus said that the meek shall inherit the earth. God chooses what the world despises and build his Kingdom with attributes that seem to be foolish in the eyes of the world. We believe that if we are are powerless, we are weak.
But God has chosen us. God has chosen us who are weak, to build his Kingdom by being meek.
Lets look at what meekness is not. You are not meek because you are timid. You are not meek because you are fearful. You are not meek because you are shy. You are not meek because you lack self-confidence. Meekness is not weakness. Meekness is also not about being nice or easy-going. It might not be your nature to get angry as easily as others. Some people can sit through virtual wars and never even notice. Meekness has nothing to do with that.
Meekness is a quality within our spirit which is very similar to humility. And its something God does in us. Meekness is seeing ourselves for who we are, in the light of who God is. Meekness is not expecting something because we think God owes it to us. Therefore, when God gives us a blessing, we are surprised that God has seen it fit to honour those who deserve no honour.
Meekness is knowing who we are in our need for the redeeming work of Jesus. It is to be completely dependent on the grace and the strength of God. If we are meek before God, we can be bold in his service, because we rely on his strength and power. Meekness is therefore not compromise, but it t is an attitude that bends to God’s will. Meekness before God sets one free to forget yourself, and make a stand for Jesus Christ.
Jesus said, "I am meek and lowly at heart." Yet, Jesus, when he saw the money-changers in the Temple, made himself a whip and drove them from the Temple. Yet, Jesus was meek, perfectly meek. Jesus was meek toward God. Jesus knelt in the Garden of Gethsemane and said, "Lord, not my will, but yours be done." It was as a result of his meekness that he would be willing to walk the road of the cross, to overcome our enemies called sin and death. His meekness made him victorious and being meek before God can make us victorious too. Jesus inherited the heaven and the earth, by being the meek Lamb of God who conquered our enemies: sin, death and being lost for ever.
Meekness holds two truths in balance. The first is that I cannot do anything good by myself. The second truth is that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Meekness is essential to salvation. Meekness is also essential to receiving anything from God. It is essential to receiving the gifts and the fruit of the Spirit. You cannot serve God effectively if you are not meek. You cannot care for your Christian brothers and sisters without meekness. You cannot first of all seek the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, if you are not meek.
Meekness is allowing the One who is meek and lowly at heart, Jesus the Christ, to rule in your lives and emotions.
Meekness, like all the fruit of the Spirit, is simply Jesus living in you.
Meekness is relying on the Holy Spirit that now lives in you.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Celebrating Pentecost Sunday, 23 May 2010
Be a witness where you live – and to the ends of the earth!
Acts 1: 8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria , and to the ends of the earth.
How will we do this?
Firstly, we are promised power. It is the power or ability that comes from being transformed by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit's primary ministry in us, is to bring us to Jesus and then make us more like Jesus. When we reach out to others, the Spirit will be working in them too, making them hungry for the promises of God. And the Sprit will be working in us to make our lives more attractive for both God and the world. He gives us the words to speak and he will help us to live the enthused lives to back up what we say.
Secondly, we are called to be witnesses. A witness tells what he has seen, heard, or experienced. We cannot testify about the Kingdom of God if we do not live in it. We cannot give away what we do not have. But, if I do have a personal experience of being part of God's family and a certain knowledge that I am God's child, being able to live a life that testifies of the Lord’s work in me, is a very simple thing. I simply share, in word or action, from my own journey of faith. Since I experience God's love, I love others. Because I experience God's generosity, I give to others.
Thirdly, our testimony move in ever outward going circles. The disciples began in Jerusalem where they lived and where people knew them.
This is often the hardest step.
When we speak about our relationship with Christ, our sincerity will be under scrutiny at home, because the people that know us personally and intimately, also know when we are faking it!
Only when we became trusted and accepted witnesses to Christ within our inner circle of family, friends and members of our congregation, can we move beyond our geographical, social, and cultural comfort zones to represent God’s good news, without embarrassing God’s work.
Are we guilty of trying to be Christians without the power of the Holy Spirit?
Do we share what we have personally experienced?
Are we willing to be both personal and boundary crossing in the sharing of our faith?
Blessings of the Power of Pentecost!
Hail the joyful day’s return,
hail the Pentecostal morn’,
morn when our ascended Lord
on his Church his Spirit poured.
Like the cloven tongues of flame,
on the twelve the Spirit came –
tongues, that earth may hear his call,
fire, that love may burn in all.
Lord, to you your people bend;
Unto us the Spirit send;
Blessings of this sacred day
grant us, dearest Lord, we pray!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Our God reigns!
Eph 1: 19 – 22 (CEV): - I want you to know about the great and mighty power that God has for us followers. It is the same wonderful power he used when he raised Christ from death and let him sit at his right side in heaven. There Christ rules over all forces, authorities, powers, and rulers. He rules over all beings in this world and will rule in the future world as well. God has put all things under the power of Christ, and for the good of the church he has made him the head of everything.
Christ is victorious. Jesus is in control. Jesus is in charge. Jesus is head over everything. Our God reigns!
This means that God uses his power in Christ for the good of his people, the church.
Christ rules all things that the church may grow in numbers, in faith and in maturity.
Christ rules all things that we may grow in love and joy and service and will be ready for eternity.
Christ rules! Our Jesus reigns! Our Redeemer is in control. Our Saviour, who died, now holds everything in his crucified hands.
Yes, even me! And you.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Blessed are the pure in heart!
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8)
Watching the debate about morality and public integrity in our country is confusing. Most of us who live in South Africa like to think of ourselves as moral individuals. Yet, we time and again re-elect into power leaders who seemingly struggle with the demand to provide leadership that ensures protection of the vulnerable against the greed of the powerful!
While we may be able to impact the behaviour of individuals in our society by the restrictions of law, we will never be able to change the essence of a person's morality in that way. Limiting what a person can do outwardly does not change who that person is inwardly. Behaviour flows from the inward nature of an individual. You might say that is it a matter of the heart. It is a matter of internalised values! It is a matter of personal belief and of a personal relationship with a holy God!
So, when Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart ..." He was emphasizing that what we all need is to be pure on the inside. In the Beatitudes, Jesus is dealing with principles which impact every area of our lives. This simple sentence, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" becomes a road map that will lead us to the fulfilment of a personal encounter with God. It is a call to heart-purity. Jesus is saying that the condition of our hearts before God is of first importance and that it flows from our relationship with God. Our priority as believers is to maintain a right heart attitude toward God. This relationship will internalise the principles of God's Kingdom as our personal values and it will show in our lives!
So what did Jesus mean when he spoke of pure in heart? What does pure really mean? Does it mean perfect? If it does, we are in trouble. The Greek word which is translated as pure is kitharas. It sounds like the word catharsis, because catharsis comes from this Greek word. It simply means to make pure by cleansing. It is used in psychology and counselling to refer to a cleansing of the mind and emotions.
The heart in Scripture refers to the mind, will and emotions. It refers to the control centre of the will. The writer of Proverbs said, "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life" (Proverbs 4:23). The "heart" is our innermost self that determines our behaviour. When Jesus speaks of the pure in heart he is talking about a heart that is of pure motive before the Lord. Our hearts should be characterized by single-minded, undivided devotion to God.
How can we make our hearts pure? The answer to a great degree is found in the Beatitudes themselves. The second four Beatitudes are the result of walking in the first four:
In order to become pure in heart, we must see our need to only depend on God and respond to that need. We must walk through the progression of those who are "poor in spirit" and see our sinfulness. As those who "mourn" our sinfulness, we repent in godly sorrow for our sin. Our hearts are broken before God because we are not pure. We then will become "gentle" or meek before God. Humility marks those who are dealt with by God. It brings us to a place where we "hunger and thirst for righteousness" because we have seen that only the righteousness of God satisfies. This is the foundation we must lay if we are ever to become pure in heart.
The blessing: The reason we must become pure in heart, is that only those who are shall see God. God reserves intimate fellowship with himself to those whose hearts are focussed on their devotion to him. Then we will enjoy the privilege of catching a glimpse of his glory. This is the promise to all who are pure in heart. If we are, we will see God.
And if we see God, it will purifies our hearts! Blessed are those who have a closer walk with God, for their hearts will be pure, we can also say!
Those who are pure in heart will one day see God in his fullness as we stand before him in his eternal kingdom. We shall then behold his glory and stand in his presence forever.
For the here and now - they will enjoy a closer walk with God. They may journey with the Lord every day! The journey with the Lord will bless them with a pure heart and the pure heart, will bless them with a closer walk with God!
Watching the debate about morality and public integrity in our country is confusing. Most of us who live in South Africa like to think of ourselves as moral individuals. Yet, we time and again re-elect into power leaders who seemingly struggle with the demand to provide leadership that ensures protection of the vulnerable against the greed of the powerful!
While we may be able to impact the behaviour of individuals in our society by the restrictions of law, we will never be able to change the essence of a person's morality in that way. Limiting what a person can do outwardly does not change who that person is inwardly. Behaviour flows from the inward nature of an individual. You might say that is it a matter of the heart. It is a matter of internalised values! It is a matter of personal belief and of a personal relationship with a holy God!
So, when Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart ..." He was emphasizing that what we all need is to be pure on the inside. In the Beatitudes, Jesus is dealing with principles which impact every area of our lives. This simple sentence, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" becomes a road map that will lead us to the fulfilment of a personal encounter with God. It is a call to heart-purity. Jesus is saying that the condition of our hearts before God is of first importance and that it flows from our relationship with God. Our priority as believers is to maintain a right heart attitude toward God. This relationship will internalise the principles of God's Kingdom as our personal values and it will show in our lives!
So what did Jesus mean when he spoke of pure in heart? What does pure really mean? Does it mean perfect? If it does, we are in trouble. The Greek word which is translated as pure is kitharas. It sounds like the word catharsis, because catharsis comes from this Greek word. It simply means to make pure by cleansing. It is used in psychology and counselling to refer to a cleansing of the mind and emotions.
The heart in Scripture refers to the mind, will and emotions. It refers to the control centre of the will. The writer of Proverbs said, "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life" (Proverbs 4:23). The "heart" is our innermost self that determines our behaviour. When Jesus speaks of the pure in heart he is talking about a heart that is of pure motive before the Lord. Our hearts should be characterized by single-minded, undivided devotion to God.
How can we make our hearts pure? The answer to a great degree is found in the Beatitudes themselves. The second four Beatitudes are the result of walking in the first four:
In order to become pure in heart, we must see our need to only depend on God and respond to that need. We must walk through the progression of those who are "poor in spirit" and see our sinfulness. As those who "mourn" our sinfulness, we repent in godly sorrow for our sin. Our hearts are broken before God because we are not pure. We then will become "gentle" or meek before God. Humility marks those who are dealt with by God. It brings us to a place where we "hunger and thirst for righteousness" because we have seen that only the righteousness of God satisfies. This is the foundation we must lay if we are ever to become pure in heart.
The blessing: The reason we must become pure in heart, is that only those who are shall see God. God reserves intimate fellowship with himself to those whose hearts are focussed on their devotion to him. Then we will enjoy the privilege of catching a glimpse of his glory. This is the promise to all who are pure in heart. If we are, we will see God.
And if we see God, it will purifies our hearts! Blessed are those who have a closer walk with God, for their hearts will be pure, we can also say!
Those who are pure in heart will one day see God in his fullness as we stand before him in his eternal kingdom. We shall then behold his glory and stand in his presence forever.
For the here and now - they will enjoy a closer walk with God. They may journey with the Lord every day! The journey with the Lord will bless them with a pure heart and the pure heart, will bless them with a closer walk with God!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Ascension Day - Christian! Hail our ascended King.
ASCENSION DAY?
What Day!?!? some may ask.
Its a glorious celebration of the universal Christian Church, when we remember that Jesus, 40 days after his resurrection, went back to heaven to be received there as the Lord of all and crowned the King of the church!
We believe that Jesus Christ, after crucified for our sins, and after dying and being buried, saw no bodily corruption, but was raised again on the third day. In his risen life, we live anew, and have God’s firm promise that we too will be raised from the dead.
The same Jesus, in the same body in which he rose, went to heaven, where, as our High Priest, he continually intercedes for us. He works for our benefit in a position where he has all the power and authority, ‘at the right hand of God’, because he is Lord over all and he is the Head of the Church.
I PRAY THAT EVERY CHRISTIAN IN THE WHOLE WORLD WILL TODAY ATTEND AN ASCENSION DAY SERVICE TO WORSHIP, PRAISE AND HONOUR CHRIST, OUR KING AND LORD!
I pray that it will be a celebratory service, where music, singing, praise and worship glorify Him who reigns with all the authority of heaven - yet reigns with crucified hands, with mercy, grace and atoning love.
Exalt our King, because we commemorate his glorious enthronement on the throne of our God of grace!
What Day!?!? some may ask.
Its a glorious celebration of the universal Christian Church, when we remember that Jesus, 40 days after his resurrection, went back to heaven to be received there as the Lord of all and crowned the King of the church!
We believe that Jesus Christ, after crucified for our sins, and after dying and being buried, saw no bodily corruption, but was raised again on the third day. In his risen life, we live anew, and have God’s firm promise that we too will be raised from the dead.
The same Jesus, in the same body in which he rose, went to heaven, where, as our High Priest, he continually intercedes for us. He works for our benefit in a position where he has all the power and authority, ‘at the right hand of God’, because he is Lord over all and he is the Head of the Church.
I PRAY THAT EVERY CHRISTIAN IN THE WHOLE WORLD WILL TODAY ATTEND AN ASCENSION DAY SERVICE TO WORSHIP, PRAISE AND HONOUR CHRIST, OUR KING AND LORD!
I pray that it will be a celebratory service, where music, singing, praise and worship glorify Him who reigns with all the authority of heaven - yet reigns with crucified hands, with mercy, grace and atoning love.
Exalt our King, because we commemorate his glorious enthronement on the throne of our God of grace!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
ASCENSION DAY - 13 MAY 2010
"The Anointed Messiah" - The message of the Ascension of Christ according to Psalm 2:1-12
While the OT prophets most of the time saw the first and second coming of Christ as one glorious triumph of the Messiah, we as New Testament Christians know the history of the lowly King, sacrificed for our sins - and we still expect the powerful One who will crush his enemies, to bring about the reign of peace. We know the almighty Christ who now is at the right hand of the Father!
According to the second Psalm, the glitz, glamour, and temporary impressiveness of the world pales into insignificance when compared to the Anointed One of God. In fact, the high and mighty and their scheming do not impress the Lord. He simply scoffs at their foolish pride. What they do not realise is that nations, rulers, powers, authorities, and governments come and go, but the Lord's Anointed One cannot be sidelined or ignored for long.
Ps 2: 1 – 5
1 Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One.
3 "Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters." 4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.
5 Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
6 "I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill."
There are some significant aspects about the Anointed One (meaning: Christ):
He is anointed: This means that he is set apart with ability and authority for a specific purpose and plan: He is the King. Much more than a regular prophet or priest, Jesus is anointed as our glorious, all powerful King.
Ps 2: 7 – 9: I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will rule them with an iron sceptre; you will dash them to pieces like pottery."
Jesus is none other than God's Son: A Son who was given in love to the world so that we might be saved.
He is the heir of all things. He is more than just a good man. He is almighty God personified.
We have to choose our response to him – and it is possible to make the wrong choice.
Pay attention to the following warning:
Ps 2: 10 – 12: Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
So what should we do?
1. The poet reminds us that Jesus will return and when he does, he will establish a kingdom that will endure and he will enjoy a reign that cannot be ignored.
2. We must choose to have genuine and appropriate reverence, respect, and awe for God. He isn't baby Jesus in the manger or a tame prophet that we can manipulate. He is the living, awesome, and amazing Messiah, at the right hand of God, in a position of power and authority.
3. The first ascension to enthronement on earth on Mount Zion is when Jesus was lifted up on the cross. He is not King only by power, but he is essentially king by sacrifice. The second ascension was to the throne of glory in heaven to rule, protect and intercede for his church, until he returns when he will ascend to a place were he will establish his reign for ever, and every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!
Thank you Lord! We worship you! We acclaim you! We thank you! We stand in awe before you!
Crown Him the Lord of life,
who triumphed o’er the grave,
and rose victorious in the strife
for those He came to save.
His glories now we sing,
who died and rose on high.
Who died eternal life to bring,
and lives that death may die.
While the OT prophets most of the time saw the first and second coming of Christ as one glorious triumph of the Messiah, we as New Testament Christians know the history of the lowly King, sacrificed for our sins - and we still expect the powerful One who will crush his enemies, to bring about the reign of peace. We know the almighty Christ who now is at the right hand of the Father!
According to the second Psalm, the glitz, glamour, and temporary impressiveness of the world pales into insignificance when compared to the Anointed One of God. In fact, the high and mighty and their scheming do not impress the Lord. He simply scoffs at their foolish pride. What they do not realise is that nations, rulers, powers, authorities, and governments come and go, but the Lord's Anointed One cannot be sidelined or ignored for long.
Ps 2: 1 – 5
1 Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One.
3 "Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters." 4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.
5 Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
6 "I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill."
There are some significant aspects about the Anointed One (meaning: Christ):
He is anointed: This means that he is set apart with ability and authority for a specific purpose and plan: He is the King. Much more than a regular prophet or priest, Jesus is anointed as our glorious, all powerful King.
Ps 2: 7 – 9: I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will rule them with an iron sceptre; you will dash them to pieces like pottery."
Jesus is none other than God's Son: A Son who was given in love to the world so that we might be saved.
He is the heir of all things. He is more than just a good man. He is almighty God personified.
We have to choose our response to him – and it is possible to make the wrong choice.
Pay attention to the following warning:
Ps 2: 10 – 12: Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
So what should we do?
1. The poet reminds us that Jesus will return and when he does, he will establish a kingdom that will endure and he will enjoy a reign that cannot be ignored.
2. We must choose to have genuine and appropriate reverence, respect, and awe for God. He isn't baby Jesus in the manger or a tame prophet that we can manipulate. He is the living, awesome, and amazing Messiah, at the right hand of God, in a position of power and authority.
3. The first ascension to enthronement on earth on Mount Zion is when Jesus was lifted up on the cross. He is not King only by power, but he is essentially king by sacrifice. The second ascension was to the throne of glory in heaven to rule, protect and intercede for his church, until he returns when he will ascend to a place were he will establish his reign for ever, and every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!
Thank you Lord! We worship you! We acclaim you! We thank you! We stand in awe before you!
Crown Him the Lord of life,
who triumphed o’er the grave,
and rose victorious in the strife
for those He came to save.
His glories now we sing,
who died and rose on high.
Who died eternal life to bring,
and lives that death may die.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Miracles by grace!
Rom 5:10 & 20: For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The solution to fulfil our deepest need for God’s supernatural intervention in our lives, infected with death and its consequences, is only to be found by looking outside of ourselves to a power greater than we are. Unless we have a supernatural life given to us by the intervention of a supernatural God, we will never be free. Instead of freedom, we will experience the reign of death in every aspect of our lives.
This phrase "how much more shall we be saved through Christ’s life" indicates that God’s gift of life is greater and more powerful to save from all our problems and concerns, than the reign of death that causes our bondage as a result of sin.
The gift of God’s life releases us from blame and we who believe in Jesus stand blameless before God. This makes it possible for the gift of supernatural life to release us from every form of bondage. We are told how death reigned. Sin is remorseless. And the reign of death has exempted no one. But we are taught that through the gift of being reconciled with God, we shall reign in life through the power of the risen Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is more powerful than the reign of death. His gift of life has set us free. Though we still choose to sin, we do not have to make that choice anymore.
More importantly, remember the power of grace. Sin is everywhere. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more. The power of grace is revealed in its abundant supply. All of the sins put together could never exhaust the grace of God.
Just as sin reigned in death, so also grace reigns through God’s life – only with more power. And the purpose of this reign of grace is to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. God's grace is part of his plan and it is God's purpose that grace might reign.
No one can cancel the effect of God's sovereign grace. You may ignore it, but you can not destroy it.
God's grace is sufficient and powerful to deliver us from helpless bondage.
We need so many miracles. Well, the miracle of being brought to life by God is followed by all the miracles we need every day under the demands of death’s attack in every aspect of our lives.
Yes, these miracles do not always come in the ways we envisage!
But it is always there. It happens all the time, through Christ’s supernatural life that saves and reigns in us!
Be grateful for all the miracles the living Lord will do in your life and the lives of your loved ones, this week!
The solution to fulfil our deepest need for God’s supernatural intervention in our lives, infected with death and its consequences, is only to be found by looking outside of ourselves to a power greater than we are. Unless we have a supernatural life given to us by the intervention of a supernatural God, we will never be free. Instead of freedom, we will experience the reign of death in every aspect of our lives.
This phrase "how much more shall we be saved through Christ’s life" indicates that God’s gift of life is greater and more powerful to save from all our problems and concerns, than the reign of death that causes our bondage as a result of sin.
The gift of God’s life releases us from blame and we who believe in Jesus stand blameless before God. This makes it possible for the gift of supernatural life to release us from every form of bondage. We are told how death reigned. Sin is remorseless. And the reign of death has exempted no one. But we are taught that through the gift of being reconciled with God, we shall reign in life through the power of the risen Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is more powerful than the reign of death. His gift of life has set us free. Though we still choose to sin, we do not have to make that choice anymore.
More importantly, remember the power of grace. Sin is everywhere. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more. The power of grace is revealed in its abundant supply. All of the sins put together could never exhaust the grace of God.
Just as sin reigned in death, so also grace reigns through God’s life – only with more power. And the purpose of this reign of grace is to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. God's grace is part of his plan and it is God's purpose that grace might reign.
No one can cancel the effect of God's sovereign grace. You may ignore it, but you can not destroy it.
God's grace is sufficient and powerful to deliver us from helpless bondage.
We need so many miracles. Well, the miracle of being brought to life by God is followed by all the miracles we need every day under the demands of death’s attack in every aspect of our lives.
Yes, these miracles do not always come in the ways we envisage!
But it is always there. It happens all the time, through Christ’s supernatural life that saves and reigns in us!
Be grateful for all the miracles the living Lord will do in your life and the lives of your loved ones, this week!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Blessed are the merciful
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." (Matthew 5:7).
We live in a world where it's so easy to become indifferent. We are bombarded daily with news of tragedies, violent acts, and suffering people. Instead of developing a thick skin, many develop a hard heart. As a result you find hard, unforgiving, cynical, merciless people everywhere.
Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." God says in Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Picture yourself at a shopping centre watching an elderly woman struggling with her packages. Many are even irritated with her slowness. "Move on, Grandma," could be the response of some. Finally you might see a tender-hearted person stop and take the time to help her. Perhaps the most common place where hard hearts excel is the highway. We think we have a right to be angry at the others on the road.
If we do not show mercy, no mercy will be shown to us. Jesus said, "For if you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions." (Matthew 6:14-15) James 2:13 reads, "For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment." When we show no mercy, we are the losers in terms of God's mercy.
Perspective: All people are special in God's eyes. The waitress who serves your dinner, the check-out lady in the supermarket. All are important to God. Think about that the next time you see them. Even the hothead who is shaking his or her fist at you on the road is important to God. So is the person who has offended you, or hurt you, or made you angry. Each one is a special person to God. Each one is as important as I am or you are. We need to pray, "God, let me see them through your eyes." Seeing as God sees can be a giant step toward a merciful, tender-hearted, and forgiving attitude.
Sensitivity: How do you suppose it feels to be handicapped, unable to walk or stand, unable to drive or take care of yourself? How do you suppose it feels to be unemployed, with bills you cannot pay, and children you cannot feed? How would it feel to be widowed, or to lose a child, or a parent? How do you suppose it would feel to have cancer, or Alzheimer's disease, or AIDS?
The point is that we need to climb into someone else's situation and walk a while in their shoes. Once we do, we might find it easier to show some tender-hearted love and genuine forgiveness. Understanding, that is often all people really need.
Response: We must have perspective and sensitivity to be able to respond by doing something about the needs of others - simply loving as Christ loves us. That is what Christ did for us. This is what we should do for others.
Ephesians teaches us to "Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Christ’s forgiveness was made possible because of his love. If we would learn to show mercy, it will be because we learn to love as Christ loves.
Just think of what would happen if we were to do this. I believe that the results would be extraordinary. People would be wondering what happened to us. Our spouses and children would be overjoyed. Our church would be filled as people discover that church is a place where they can find love and forgiveness and genuine acceptance.
Remember, as Jesus hung there on the Cross, He said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)
We need to be merciful because we need to be like Jesus.
We live in a world where it's so easy to become indifferent. We are bombarded daily with news of tragedies, violent acts, and suffering people. Instead of developing a thick skin, many develop a hard heart. As a result you find hard, unforgiving, cynical, merciless people everywhere.
Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." God says in Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Picture yourself at a shopping centre watching an elderly woman struggling with her packages. Many are even irritated with her slowness. "Move on, Grandma," could be the response of some. Finally you might see a tender-hearted person stop and take the time to help her. Perhaps the most common place where hard hearts excel is the highway. We think we have a right to be angry at the others on the road.
If we do not show mercy, no mercy will be shown to us. Jesus said, "For if you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions." (Matthew 6:14-15) James 2:13 reads, "For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment." When we show no mercy, we are the losers in terms of God's mercy.
Perspective: All people are special in God's eyes. The waitress who serves your dinner, the check-out lady in the supermarket. All are important to God. Think about that the next time you see them. Even the hothead who is shaking his or her fist at you on the road is important to God. So is the person who has offended you, or hurt you, or made you angry. Each one is a special person to God. Each one is as important as I am or you are. We need to pray, "God, let me see them through your eyes." Seeing as God sees can be a giant step toward a merciful, tender-hearted, and forgiving attitude.
Sensitivity: How do you suppose it feels to be handicapped, unable to walk or stand, unable to drive or take care of yourself? How do you suppose it feels to be unemployed, with bills you cannot pay, and children you cannot feed? How would it feel to be widowed, or to lose a child, or a parent? How do you suppose it would feel to have cancer, or Alzheimer's disease, or AIDS?
The point is that we need to climb into someone else's situation and walk a while in their shoes. Once we do, we might find it easier to show some tender-hearted love and genuine forgiveness. Understanding, that is often all people really need.
Response: We must have perspective and sensitivity to be able to respond by doing something about the needs of others - simply loving as Christ loves us. That is what Christ did for us. This is what we should do for others.
Ephesians teaches us to "Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Christ’s forgiveness was made possible because of his love. If we would learn to show mercy, it will be because we learn to love as Christ loves.
Just think of what would happen if we were to do this. I believe that the results would be extraordinary. People would be wondering what happened to us. Our spouses and children would be overjoyed. Our church would be filled as people discover that church is a place where they can find love and forgiveness and genuine acceptance.
Remember, as Jesus hung there on the Cross, He said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)
We need to be merciful because we need to be like Jesus.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Life threatening debt collectors!
How would you feel if you owed a debt, and the more you paid on it the more you owed? You may say, I already have one – my credit card! That may be true, but there is another debt like that. It is the debt we think we owe to fulfil the desires of our human nature! The more we feed these desires, the more our human nature demands from us!
Paul says we are liberated from this overwhelming debt to our own nature, when we receive Christ’s nature, because it desires God’s will for our lives.
Do you accept the the contrast between living according to your sinful nature, and living according to the new person that the Spirit wants to make us to be?.
Rom 8: 5.
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
The contrast is between two kinds of people. The first kind refers to those who are not saved and are still lost slaves trying to fulfil the never ending demands of their sinful nature. The second kind has been saved from this slavery by being born from the Spirit of God. Every Christian receives the Holy Sprit and is controlled by him. There are 2 kinds of people: Unsaved people can never do enough to satisfy a sinful nature and saved people are free to serve God!
There is now also a contrast of their two concerns in life. Unsaved people are mainly concerned about what the world offers. Those who are saved set their minds on the things of God and on the things of the Spirit. One of the evidences that we are born from the Spirit is that our attitudes toward the things of God begin to change. Look at verses 6 and 7: The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.
People who do not know Christ are unable to set their minds on the things of God.. They are blinded to spiritual truth. But those who born from above have a new nature that understands spiritual truth. God's will becomes the desire of every Christian heart: that God's will would be done in our lives.
So this results in the contrast between two lifestyles. One life style gives everything to meet what sinful nature desires. The other seeks obedience to the Spirit, that lead to actions according to the image of Christ. .
So, finally, there are the two contrasting conclusions: Rom 8: 6, The mind of sinful man is death … but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.
We simply have to see that there is a radical contrast between being a Christian and not being one. And that the results of forever giving in to the life threatening demands of the debt collector called “our sinful nature” are death and hostility toward God.
But the results of living according to the demands of the Holy Spirit, are life and peace.
Paul says we are liberated from this overwhelming debt to our own nature, when we receive Christ’s nature, because it desires God’s will for our lives.
Do you accept the the contrast between living according to your sinful nature, and living according to the new person that the Spirit wants to make us to be?.
Rom 8: 5.
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
The contrast is between two kinds of people. The first kind refers to those who are not saved and are still lost slaves trying to fulfil the never ending demands of their sinful nature. The second kind has been saved from this slavery by being born from the Spirit of God. Every Christian receives the Holy Sprit and is controlled by him. There are 2 kinds of people: Unsaved people can never do enough to satisfy a sinful nature and saved people are free to serve God!
There is now also a contrast of their two concerns in life. Unsaved people are mainly concerned about what the world offers. Those who are saved set their minds on the things of God and on the things of the Spirit. One of the evidences that we are born from the Spirit is that our attitudes toward the things of God begin to change. Look at verses 6 and 7: The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.
People who do not know Christ are unable to set their minds on the things of God.. They are blinded to spiritual truth. But those who born from above have a new nature that understands spiritual truth. God's will becomes the desire of every Christian heart: that God's will would be done in our lives.
So this results in the contrast between two lifestyles. One life style gives everything to meet what sinful nature desires. The other seeks obedience to the Spirit, that lead to actions according to the image of Christ. .
So, finally, there are the two contrasting conclusions: Rom 8: 6, The mind of sinful man is death … but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.
We simply have to see that there is a radical contrast between being a Christian and not being one. And that the results of forever giving in to the life threatening demands of the debt collector called “our sinful nature” are death and hostility toward God.
But the results of living according to the demands of the Holy Spirit, are life and peace.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Perseverance, character and hope...
Rom 5: 3 – 5: We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Let's look briefly at the purposes God has with suffering as outlined in this verse. We see here some of the benefits suffering produces in us. The first is perseverance. It means that we have the ability to endure. And what is the benefit of perseverance? It is this: It makes us steady under fire. And I don't know about you, but I want to have that kind of person around me when I am going through spiritual battles.
The second benefit is character. This is something that comes from our experience of going through the fire. When we have withstood the tests of faith and responded well, we become qualified, because character qualifies us as a person of worth.
Think about the kind of people who have made a difference in your life. They are people of substance and depth. They experienced life and learned from it. They have something to say, because they have gone through the valley. They have gone through the fire. They are the people who make a difference.
A third benefit is hope. Because we believe in God, we can have hope for the future. We know that God is at work. We know that God is doing something, even when we do not understand what that is. Hope is the decision to trust in the gracious, loving sovereignty of God. And we need hope. It make us confident that God is doing something eternal in us.
And why should we trust God when we go through times of suffering?
Because we know that he loves us!
Rom 5 : 6 – 8: At just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Let's look briefly at the purposes God has with suffering as outlined in this verse. We see here some of the benefits suffering produces in us. The first is perseverance. It means that we have the ability to endure. And what is the benefit of perseverance? It is this: It makes us steady under fire. And I don't know about you, but I want to have that kind of person around me when I am going through spiritual battles.
The second benefit is character. This is something that comes from our experience of going through the fire. When we have withstood the tests of faith and responded well, we become qualified, because character qualifies us as a person of worth.
Think about the kind of people who have made a difference in your life. They are people of substance and depth. They experienced life and learned from it. They have something to say, because they have gone through the valley. They have gone through the fire. They are the people who make a difference.
A third benefit is hope. Because we believe in God, we can have hope for the future. We know that God is at work. We know that God is doing something, even when we do not understand what that is. Hope is the decision to trust in the gracious, loving sovereignty of God. And we need hope. It make us confident that God is doing something eternal in us.
And why should we trust God when we go through times of suffering?
Because we know that he loves us!
Rom 5 : 6 – 8: At just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
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