Monday, August 16, 2010
Luke 4:12
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." - Luke 4:12.
Many people react negatively to the fact that there is no other name than that of Jesus to call on for Salvation. Yet this is not something the church decided; it is the specific teaching of Jesus Himself (John 14:6).
If God designated Jesus to be the Saviour of the world, no one else can be His equal. Christians are to be open- minded on many issues, but not on how we are saved from sin.
No other religious teacher could die for our sins; no other religious teacher came to earth as God's only Son; no other religious teacher rose from the dead. Our focus should be on Jesus, whom God offered as the way to have an Eternal relationship with Himself.
There is no other name or way.
Many people react negatively to the fact that there is no other name than that of Jesus to call on for Salvation. Yet this is not something the church decided; it is the specific teaching of Jesus Himself (John 14:6).
If God designated Jesus to be the Saviour of the world, no one else can be His equal. Christians are to be open- minded on many issues, but not on how we are saved from sin.
No other religious teacher could die for our sins; no other religious teacher came to earth as God's only Son; no other religious teacher rose from the dead. Our focus should be on Jesus, whom God offered as the way to have an Eternal relationship with Himself.
There is no other name or way.
Can't inherit Salvation
How to recieve it ?
He said to them, Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and close the door, you stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us. "ButHe will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Luke 13:24,25
Finding Salvation requires more concentrated effort than most people are willing to put forth. Obviously we cannot save ourselves---there is no way we can work ourselves into God's favor.
The effort we must put out "to enter through the narrow door" is earnestly desiring to know Jesus and diligently striving to follow Him whatever the cost.
We dare not put off making this decission because the door will not stay open forever.
Psalm 12:6
"And the Words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times." - Psalm 12:6
Sincerity and truth are extremely valuable because they are so rare. Many people are deceivers, liars, flatterers; they think they will get what they want by deception.
As a king, David certainly faced his share of such people, who hoped to win his favor and gain advancement through flattery.
When we feel as though sincerity and truth have nearly gone out of existence , we have one hope-- the Word of God.
God's Word are as flawless as refined silver. So listen carefully when He speaks.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Luke 15:17
"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death !" - Luke 15:17
The younger son like many who are rebellious and immature, wanted to be free to live as he pleased, and he had hit bottom before he came to his senses.
It often takes great sorrow and tragedy to cause people to look to the only One who can help them.
Are you trying to live life your own way, selfishly pushing aside any responsibility or commitment that gets in your way ?
Stop and look before you hit bottom.
You will save yourself and your family much grief.
Stop and look before you hit bottom.
You will save yourself and your family much grief.
Psalm 119:105
"Your word is a lamp into my feet and a light for my path." - Psalm 119:105
To walk safely in the woods at night we need a light so we don't trip over tree roots or fall into holes.
In this life, we walk through a dark forest of evil. But the Bible can be our light to show us the way ahead so we won't stumble as we walk.
It reveals the entangling roots of false values and philosophies.
Study the Bible so you will be able to see your way clear enough to stay on the right path.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
How to Behave
Moving from the theological to the practical, Paul gives guidelines for living as a Redeemed people in a fallen world. We are to live ourselves to Christ as living sacrifices, obey the goverment, love our neighbors, and take special care of those who are weak in the faith.
Romans 6:6-8,
The power and penalty of sin died with Christ on the cross. Our "old self", our sinful nature, died once and for all, so we are freed from its power. The "body of sin" is not the human body, but our rebellious sin-loving nature inherited from Adam. Though our body willingly cooperates with our sinful nature, we must not regard the body as evil. It is the sin in us that is evil. And it is the power of sin at work in our body that is defeated. Paul has already stated that through faith in Christ we stand acquitted, "not guilty" before God. Here Paul emphasizes that we need no longer live under sin's power. God does not take us out of the world or make us robots---we will still feel like sinning, and sometimes we will sin. The difference is that before we were saved we were slaves to our sinful nature, but now we can choose to live for Christ. (see Galatians 2:20)
v. 8, Because of Christ's death and resurrection, His followers need never fear death. That assurance frees us to enjoy fellowship with Him and to do His will. This will affect all our activities---work and worship, play, Bible study, quiet times, and times of caring for others. When you know that you don't have to fear death, you will experience a new vigor in life.
Ephesians 4:22-24,
Our old way of life before we believe in Christ is completely in the past. We should put it behind us like old clothes to be thrown away. This is both a once -for all decision when we decide to accept Christ gift of Salvation (2:8-10) and also a daily conscious commitment. We are to be driven by desires and impulse. We must put on the new role, head in the new direction, and have the new way of thinking that the Holy Spirit gives.
Colossians 3:3-15,
v. 3, What does it mean that a believers life is "hidden with Christ"? Hidden means concealed and safe. This is not only future hope, but an accomplished fact right now. Our service and conduct do not earn our Salvation, but the are results of our Salvation. Take heart that your Salvation is sure, and live each day for Christ.
v. 4, Christ gives us power to live with Him now, and He gives us hope for the future---He will return. so prepare for Christ return.
v. 5, We should consider ourselves dead and unresponsive to sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed. Just like deseased limbs of a tree, this practices must be cut off before they destroy us. We must make a conscious, daily decision to remove anything that supports or feeds this desires and to rely on the Holy Spirit's power.
v. 6, The "wrath of God" refers to God judgement on this kind of behavior, culminating with future and final punishment of evil. When tempted to sin, remember that you must one day stand before God.
v. 8-10, We must rid ourselves of all evil practices and immorality. Then we can commit ourselves to what Christ teaches.
v. 9, Lying to one another disrupts unity by destroying trust. It tears down relationships and may lead to serious conflict in a church. So don't exaggerates statistics, pass on rumors or gossip, or say things to build up your own image. Be committed to telling the truth.
v. 10 What does it mean to "put on the new self "? It means that your conduct should match your faith. If you are a Christian, you should act like it. To be a Christians means more than just making good resolutions and having good intentions; it means taking the right actions. This straight forward step that is as simple as putting on your own clothes.
v. 14,15, Christians should live in peace. To live in peace does not mean that suddenly all differences in opinion are eliminated , but it does require that loving Christians work together despite their differences. Such love is not a feeling, but a decision to meet others' needs. (see 1 Corinthians 13). To live in love leads to peace between individuals and among the members of the body of believers.
Do problems in your relationships with other Christians cause open conflicts or mutual silence ?
What you can do to heal those relationship with love?
The word rules comes from the language of athletics: Pauls tells to let Christ's peace be referee in our hearts . Our hearts are the center of conflict because there our feelings and desires clash---our fears and hopes, distrust and trust, jealousy and love. How can we deal with these constant conflicts and live as God wants ?
Paul explains that we must decide between conflicting elements by using the rule of peace--which choice will promote peace in our souls and in our churches ?
Philippians 4:9,
It's not enough to hear or read the Word of God, or even to know it well. We must also to put it into practice. How easy to listen to a sermon and forget what the preacher said. How easy it is to read the Bible and not think about how to live differently. How easy it is to debate what a passage means and not live out that meaning. Exposure to God's Word is not enough. It must lead to obedience.
1. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
A. Living Sacrifices
Text : Romans 12:1, 2:
a. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but
b. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
v. 1, God has good, pleasing, and perfect plans for His children. He wants us to be transformed people with renewed minds, living to honor and obey Him. Because He wants only what is best for us, and because He gave His Son to make our new lives possible, we should joyfully give ourselves as living sacrifices for His service.
v.2, Christians are called to "not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, "with its behavior and customs that are usually selfish and often corrupting. Many Christians widely decide that much worldly behavior is off limits for them. Our refusal to conform to this world's values, however, must go even deeper than the level of behavior and customs---it must be firmly planted in our mind." It is possible to avoid most worldly customs and still be proud, covetous, selfish, stubborn, and arrogant. only when the Holy Spirits renews, reeducates, and redirects our minds are we truly transformed.
Romans 8:5,
Paul divides people into two categories--- those who let themselves be controlled by their sinful natures, and those who follow after the Holy Spirit. All of us would be in the first category if Jesus hadn't offer us a way out. Once we have said yes to Jesus, we will want to continue following Him, because this way brings life and peace. Daily we must consciously choose to center our lives on God. Use Bible to discover God's guidelines, and then follow them.
A. Living Sacrifices
Text : Romans 12:1, 2:
a. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but
b. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
v. 1, God has good, pleasing, and perfect plans for His children. He wants us to be transformed people with renewed minds, living to honor and obey Him. Because He wants only what is best for us, and because He gave His Son to make our new lives possible, we should joyfully give ourselves as living sacrifices for His service.
v.2, Christians are called to "not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, "with its behavior and customs that are usually selfish and often corrupting. Many Christians widely decide that much worldly behavior is off limits for them. Our refusal to conform to this world's values, however, must go even deeper than the level of behavior and customs---it must be firmly planted in our mind." It is possible to avoid most worldly customs and still be proud, covetous, selfish, stubborn, and arrogant. only when the Holy Spirits renews, reeducates, and redirects our minds are we truly transformed.
Romans 8:5,
Paul divides people into two categories--- those who let themselves be controlled by their sinful natures, and those who follow after the Holy Spirit. All of us would be in the first category if Jesus hadn't offer us a way out. Once we have said yes to Jesus, we will want to continue following Him, because this way brings life and peace. Daily we must consciously choose to center our lives on God. Use Bible to discover God's guidelines, and then follow them.
Romans 6:6-8,
The power and penalty of sin died with Christ on the cross. Our "old self", our sinful nature, died once and for all, so we are freed from its power. The "body of sin" is not the human body, but our rebellious sin-loving nature inherited from Adam. Though our body willingly cooperates with our sinful nature, we must not regard the body as evil. It is the sin in us that is evil. And it is the power of sin at work in our body that is defeated. Paul has already stated that through faith in Christ we stand acquitted, "not guilty" before God. Here Paul emphasizes that we need no longer live under sin's power. God does not take us out of the world or make us robots---we will still feel like sinning, and sometimes we will sin. The difference is that before we were saved we were slaves to our sinful nature, but now we can choose to live for Christ. (see Galatians 2:20)
v. 8, Because of Christ's death and resurrection, His followers need never fear death. That assurance frees us to enjoy fellowship with Him and to do His will. This will affect all our activities---work and worship, play, Bible study, quiet times, and times of caring for others. When you know that you don't have to fear death, you will experience a new vigor in life.
Ephesians 4:22-24,
Our old way of life before we believe in Christ is completely in the past. We should put it behind us like old clothes to be thrown away. This is both a once -for all decision when we decide to accept Christ gift of Salvation (2:8-10) and also a daily conscious commitment. We are to be driven by desires and impulse. We must put on the new role, head in the new direction, and have the new way of thinking that the Holy Spirit gives.
Colossians 3:3-15,
v. 3, What does it mean that a believers life is "hidden with Christ"? Hidden means concealed and safe. This is not only future hope, but an accomplished fact right now. Our service and conduct do not earn our Salvation, but the are results of our Salvation. Take heart that your Salvation is sure, and live each day for Christ.
v. 4, Christ gives us power to live with Him now, and He gives us hope for the future---He will return. so prepare for Christ return.
v. 5, We should consider ourselves dead and unresponsive to sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed. Just like deseased limbs of a tree, this practices must be cut off before they destroy us. We must make a conscious, daily decision to remove anything that supports or feeds this desires and to rely on the Holy Spirit's power.
v. 6, The "wrath of God" refers to God judgement on this kind of behavior, culminating with future and final punishment of evil. When tempted to sin, remember that you must one day stand before God.
v. 8-10, We must rid ourselves of all evil practices and immorality. Then we can commit ourselves to what Christ teaches.
v. 9, Lying to one another disrupts unity by destroying trust. It tears down relationships and may lead to serious conflict in a church. So don't exaggerates statistics, pass on rumors or gossip, or say things to build up your own image. Be committed to telling the truth.
v. 10 What does it mean to "put on the new self "? It means that your conduct should match your faith. If you are a Christian, you should act like it. To be a Christians means more than just making good resolutions and having good intentions; it means taking the right actions. This straight forward step that is as simple as putting on your own clothes.
v. 14,15, Christians should live in peace. To live in peace does not mean that suddenly all differences in opinion are eliminated , but it does require that loving Christians work together despite their differences. Such love is not a feeling, but a decision to meet others' needs. (see 1 Corinthians 13). To live in love leads to peace between individuals and among the members of the body of believers.
Do problems in your relationships with other Christians cause open conflicts or mutual silence ?
What you can do to heal those relationship with love?
The word rules comes from the language of athletics: Pauls tells to let Christ's peace be referee in our hearts . Our hearts are the center of conflict because there our feelings and desires clash---our fears and hopes, distrust and trust, jealousy and love. How can we deal with these constant conflicts and live as God wants ?
Paul explains that we must decide between conflicting elements by using the rule of peace--which choice will promote peace in our souls and in our churches ?
Philippians 4:9,
It's not enough to hear or read the Word of God, or even to know it well. We must also to put it into practice. How easy to listen to a sermon and forget what the preacher said. How easy it is to read the Bible and not think about how to live differently. How easy it is to debate what a passage means and not live out that meaning. Exposure to God's Word is not enough. It must lead to obedience.
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