“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” – John 1:1
There is no clearer statement affirming Jesus’s deity.
Monthly Archives: December 2019
And Such Were Some of You
“And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Cor. 6:11
A lovely, humbling reminder of the sin from which believers have been saved.
BUT YOU WERE WASHED, SANCTIFIED, and JUSTIFIED.
We didn’t wash ourselves, or sanctify ourselves, or justify ourselves. It’s all a work of God.
As we evangelize, let us not forget from where we came.
Jesus was not a Refugee
“When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt” – Matt. 2:14
At this time every year, the claim that Jesus was a refugee makes its rounds.
The claim is not historically accurate.
Jesus was not a refugee.
The reference is to Joseph and Mary’s flight into Egypt (Matt. 2:13–23). The idea is implied that they were seeking political sanctuary/asylum.
However, Egypt was part of the Roman Empire.
Like traveling from Texas to California, both are under the jurisdiction of the United States. They were not entering or leaving illegally in any shape or form.
This claim is used to equate the birth of Jesus with the current illegal immigration debate. It’s also used to guilt and shame Christians by using the Bible against a Christian.
Mary and Joseph were fleeing a Godless unbeliever who was slaughtering innocent babies. That sounds more familiar to today.
Image ref: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egypt_(Roman_province)
Each One the Other’s Well-Being
“Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.” – 1 Cor. 10:24
In all we do, we aim at the glory of God, at pleasing and honoring Him. One way is by seeking the moral, physical, and spiritual well-being of others above our own.
Imagine if everyone took this principle literally.
No One Dare Question Him Anymore
“And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore.” – Matt. 22:46
No one was a match for this simple carpenter. That had to burn them up.
We always encourage honest questions.
It’s one thing to ask questions because you’re legitimately seeking answers and another to ask questions with the intent of tricking someone.
Jesus knew the difference. He could never be outwitted or tricked.
Imagine trying to trick The Truth.
The Truth will always prevail and that’s why no one dared to question Him anymore.
Be Zealous and Repent
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” – Rev. 3:19
The context here is a people lulled to inactivity because of overconfidence in self-reliance. Like an earthly father would discipline his child out of love, God wakes us up from our disobedient slumber and calls us to repent. All of which springs from His nature; life and love.
Wake up: Be zealous and repent!
Pray the Word of the Lord May Run Swiftly
“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you,” – 2 Thes. 3:1
Pray boldly and with patience that the word of God may speed ahead and be honored.
We depend wholly on God; not our skill, gifts,or persuasiveness. It is His work alone.
So we know Whom we should thank and Whom we should ask assistance for successful evangelism: the LORD.
Be Ye Thankful
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” – Col. 3:15
Be ye thankful. Three little words; so simple yet so profound.
Spurgeon says let this be the tune for the little birds to whistle at your window, “Be ye thankful.”
We are ruled by peace. We are called in one body. When we are apt to grumble, recall those three little words: Be ye thankful.
Bringing In of a Better Hope
There is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. – Heb. 7:19
The better hope is the Child born this day; the Savior incarnate, Jesus Christ, the King of Kings.
Where Is the Wise?
“Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” – 1 Cor. 1:20
Paul knew something about the egotism of Man. He was born and groomed among the wisdom of this world.
Then God knocked him off his high horse.
He was on his way to kill some Christians and instead, became one.
