Our God Is… We Are…

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Our God Is… We Are…

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Our God Is…

Love 1Jo 4:16
Spirit Jhn 4:24
The Holy One Psa 16:10
The I Am Jhn 8:58
Yahweh Exd 6:3
The Alpha & Omega, The Beginning & End Rev 1:8
God Almighty Exd 6:3
A Miracle Working God Gal 3:5
The Creator of the World Jhn 1:3
Calling Things That Be Not As Though they Were Rom 4:17
Infinite 1Ki 8:27
All Powerful Jer 32:17, 27
All Knowing 1Jo 3:20
Ever Present Psa 139:1, 13
Unchangeable Num 23:19
Jehovah Psa 83:18
A Covenant Making God Hbr 10:16
The Everlasting Father Isa 9:6
A Father of Lights Jam 1:17
A Father of Mercies & God of All Comfort 2Co 1:3
The Author of Salvation Hbr 2:10
Full of Power Rom 13:1
A God Who Raises the Dead 2Co 1:9
A Quickening Spirit 1Co 15:45
Mighty to Save Isa 63:1
Our Maker Isa 54:5
Our God Is…
Our Heavenly Father Mat 6
The Justifier of the One Who Has Faith in Jesus Rom 3:26
Meeting Our Needs through Jesus Phl 4:19
Giving Us the Peace that Surpasses Understanding Phl 4:7
Jesus of Nazareth Jhn 19:19
The Door of the Sheep Jhn 10
The Way, Truth & Life Jhn 14:6
The Prince of Peace Isa 9:6
The King of Kings & Lord of Lords Rev 17:14
The Lamb of God Rev 5:6
The Bread of Life Jhn 6:48-58
The Bright & Morning Star Rev 22:16
The Light of the World Jhn 8:12
Immanuel Isa 7:14
Wonderful Counselor Isa 9:6
The Great Shepherd of the Sheep Hbr 13:20
The Head of the Church Eph 1:22
Jesus Mat 1:21
The Same Yesterday, Today & Forever Hbr 13:8
Our All Sufficiency 2Co 3:5
The Word Jhn 1:1
Dwelling in Us 2Co 6:16
Easily Touched Hbr 4:15
Faithful & True Rev 19:11
A Sure Foundation Isa 28:16
Upholding All things by the Word of His Power Hbr 1:3
Watching Over His Word to Perform It Jer 1:12
A Rewarder of Those Who Diligently Seek Him Hbr 11:6
No Respecter of Persons Act 10:34
The True Light Jhn 1:9
The Author & Finisher of Our Faith Hbr 12:2
Mediator of the New Covenant Hbr 9:15
The Truth Jhn 14:6
Working in Us Hbr 13:21
Our God Is…
Greater in Us Than He That Is in the World 1Jo 4:4
Unto Us Wisdom, Sanctification & Redemption 2Co 1:30
For Us Rom 8:31
Never Leaving Us or Forsaking Us Hbr 13:5
Always Leading Us in Triumph in Christ 2Co 2:14
Faithful Over His House Hbr 3:1-6
Ruler of the Kings of the Earth Rev 1:5
Our Lord & Our God Jhn 20:28
Our Life Jhn 11:25-26
Our Savior Luk 2:11
Our Redeemer Isa 48:17
Our Teacher Mat 28:18
Our Healer Isa 53:5
Our Deliverer Rom 11:20
Our Resurrection Jhn 11:25
Our Justification Rom 3:26
Our Strength Phl 4:13
Our Righteousness 1Co 1:30
Our Peace Eph 2:14
Our Advocate 1Jo 2:1
Our Faithful High Priest Hbr 9:11; 10:21
Our Bridegroom Mat 9:15
Our Hope of Glory Col 1:27
Pleased to Give Us the Kingdom Luk 12:32
Equipping Us Eph 4:11-16
Giving Us Revelation Knowledge 1Co 2:10-13
Giving Us the Keys to the Kingdom Mat 16:19
Giving Us His Name Mar 16:17-18
Giving Us the HOLY SPIRIT Luk 11:13; Act 2:38-39
Anointing Us for Service 1Jo 2:20
Filling Us With Wisdom & Spiritual Understanding Eph 1:17
Giving Us His Armour Eph 6:10-18
Providing Us Angels Hbr 1:14
Our God Is…
Faithful to Complete the Work He Began in Us Phl 1:6
Rich in Mercy Psa 136
Teaching Us How to Profit,
Leading Us in the Way We Should Go
Isa 48:17
Giving Us All Things to Enjoy 1Ti 6:17
Saying Well Done My Good & Faithful Servants Mat 25:21
Receiving All the Glory 1Co 10:31
Worthy of Praise Psa 18:3
Saying to Everyone, “Surely I Am Coming Quickly.” Amen Rev 22:20
We Are…
Loved by God Jhn 3:16
Forgiven Col 1:14
Confessing the Lordship of Jesus Over Our Lives Phl 2:11
Saved by Grace through Faith Eph 2:8
Loving God with All of our Hearts, Souls & Minds Mat 22:37
Born Again Children of God Rom 8:16
Delivered from the Powers of Darkness Col 1:13
Redeemed from the Hands of the Enemy Psa 107:2
Called with a Holy Calling 2Ti 1:9
Created in His Image Rom 8:29
Not of This World Jhn 17:16
Of God’s Household of Faith Gal 6:10
In Love with God 1Jo 4:19
Seeking First His Kingdom & Righteousness Mat 6:33
Abiding in His Love 1Jo 4:16
Healed by His Stripes 1Pe 2:24
Free from Fear 1Jo 4:18
Crowned with His Loving Kindness & Tender Mercies Psa 103
Redeemed from the Curse of the Law Gal 3:13
Free from the Law of Sin & Death Rom 8:32
Heirs of Eternal Life 1Jo 5:11-12
Heirs to the Blessings of Abraham Gal 3:14
Heirs of God & Joint Heirs with Jesus Rom 8:17
Blessed with All Spiritual Blessings Eph 1:3
We Are…
His Workmanship Created in Christ Jesus Eph.2:10
Strong in the Grace That Is in Christ Jesus 2Ti 2:1
In Right-standing with God 2Co 5:21
Established in Righteousness Isa 54:14
Living in His Kingdom Col 1:13
Humbling Ourselves, Casting All Cares Upon Jesus 1Pe 5:6-7
Getting Our Needs Met by Jesus Phl 4:19
Able to Be Partakers of the inheritance,
Giving Thanks to the Father
Col 1:12
Studying to Show Ourselves Approved of God 2Ti 2:15
Awakening to Righteousness & Sinning Not 1Co 15:34
Commended to God & the Word of His Grace
Which Is Able to Build Us Up
Act 20:32
Believing God’s Word Mar 13:31
Blessed Because We Hear the Word of God And Keep It Luk 11:28
Abiding in Jesus & His Words Abide in Us Jhn 15:7
Always Meditating on God’s Word Jos 1:8
Living by Every Word That Proceeds from God Mat 4:4
Rooted & Built Up in Him & Established in the Faith Col 2:6-7
Building Our House Upon the Rock Mat 7:24-25
Being Transformed by the Renewing of Our Minds Rom 12:2
Increasing in the Knowledge of God Col 1:10
Letting His Truth Set Us Free Jhn 8:32, 36
Covenanted to God Hbr 8:6, 10
Filled with All Joy & Peace in Believing Rom 15:13
Doers of the Word Jam 1:22
Sons & Daughters of God Gal 3:26
The Body of Christ Eph 1:22-23
Laborers together with God 1Co 3:9
Servants of the Most High Act 16:17
Having the Mind of Christ Phl 2:5
Walking in Newness of Life Rom 6:4
Led by His Spirit Rom 8:14
Trusting in the Lord Acknowledging Him in All Our Ways Pro 3:5-6
We Are…
Putting on the Lord Jesus Christ Gal 3:27
Partakers of His Divine Nature 2Pe 1:4
Walking with Love & Living by Faith 1Co 13 & Rom 1:17
Predestined to Be Conformed to His Image Rom 8:29
Pressing on to His High Calling Phl 3:14
Allowing the Greater One to Dwell in Us 1Jo 4:4
Letting Our Request Be Known to God Phl 4:6
Asking in the Name of Jesus Jhn 15:16
Receiving the Request We’ve Asked For Mar 11:24
Receiving All the Promises of God 2Co 1:20
Fully Convinced That What God Has Promised
He Is Able to Perform
Rom 4:21
Believers Mar 9:23
Abiding in His Rest Hbr 4:3
Walking & Acting Like the Word Is True Jam 2:17-18
Holding Fast Our Confidence Which Has Great Reward Hbr 10:35
The Elect of God Col 3:12
Filled with the Holy Spirit Act 2:4, 39
Complete in Him Col 2:10
Going in His Name Mar 16:15-18
Strong in the Lord & in the Power of His Might Eph 6:10
Filled with the Knowledge of His Will in All Wisdom
& Spiritual Understanding
Col 1:9
Not Moved by What We See Rom 4:19
Strong in Faith, Giving Glory to God,
Not Wavering with Doubt or Unbelief
Rom 4:20
Imitators of Jesus Eph 5:1
Walking As He Walked 1Jo 2:6
Praying without Ceasing 1Th 5:17
Walking by Faith Not by Sight 2Co 5:7
Casting Down Vain Imaginations,
Bringing Every Thought into Captivity to God’s Word
2Co 10:4-5
Holding Fast Our Confession of Faith Hbr 10:23
Fighting the Good Fight of Faith 1Ti 6:17
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We Are…
Reigning in Life Rom 5:17
Exercising Our Faith & Patience Hbr 6:12
Considering Jesus, the Apostle & High Priest
of Our Confession
Hbr 3:1
Observing & Doing the Lords Commandments Jhn 14:21
Putting on Love Col 3:14
Loving Our Neighbors As Ourselves Mat 22:39
Walking in the Wisdom of God Jam 1:5
Kings & Priest Rev 1:6
Givers Luk 6:38
Intercessors 1Ti 2:1
Wearing God’s Armour Eph 6:10-18
Doing All Things through Christ Who Strengthens Us Phl 4:13
Daily Overcoming the Devil 1Jo 4:4
More Than Conquerors Rom 8:37
Overcoming by the Blood of the Lamb
& the Word of Our Testimonies
Rev 12:11
Exercising Our Authority Over the Enemy Luk 10:19
Destroying the Works of the Devil 1Jo 3:8
Convinced That Nothing Can Separate Us
from the Love of God
Rom 8:35-39
In Everything Giving Thanks 1Th 5:18
Establishing God’s Word Here on the Earth Mat 16:19
Receiving Abundantly, Above All We Ask or Think Eph 3:20
Walking Worthy of the Lord Col 1:10
Telling Everyone about Jesus Rom 16:25
Thinking on these Things Phl 4:8
Giving God All the Glory Rom 16:27
Blessing the Lord at All Times.
Continually Praising the Lord with Our Mouths
Psa 34:1
Definitely Looking For His Soon Return 1Th 4:15-18

Pithy and Profound

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Proclaim

We celebrate that our God is a speaking God who has revealed Himself to us. The Bible is our inspired text, which He will never contradict. We are commissioned to proclaim His message in word and deed. We will “not be ashamed of the gospel” but serve as “Christ’s ambassadors.” And so we ask ourselves, “Are we students of the Scripture? Do our sermons and life messages arise from the Word? Do we have a listening ear for His voice? Are our words and lives proclaiming His truth? Do we both ‘show’ and ‘tell’ the truth?”

Acts 1:8; Rom. 1:16; 2 Cor. 2:17, 4:5, 13;     2 Corinthians 5:11–21;      1 Tim. 4:15–16; 2 Tim. 3:14–4:6; 1 Peter 2:10–12

 

Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences. For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. (2 Corinthians 5:11-16 NKJV)

 

There is a lot to proclaim in these verses; Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” Knowing, therefore, the terror (Greek is phobos where we get phobia an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something.) Therefore, is referring back to verse 10 which says, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”  (KJV)

What have you done in which you will be judged?

Heb 10:31 [It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Re 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Let us not forget 1 Corinthians 3:11-16

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?  (KJV)

We who are in Christ Jesus will still be judged for our works (actions whether good or bad) and shall be proved by fire. The good works will be rewarded and the self-centered works will be burned off. That is still Good News for the believer, but what about the unbeliever? Revelations 21:8 says, “shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” O their souls will burn in the second death which is Ghenna or hell. Can you see people in their final eternal state?

What would that look like? For the believer eternal life in bliss, but the unbeliever a soul on fired separated from God’s love and grace. If you can picture people as dead men walking and on fire than you have the eternal water “the Gospel of Jesus Christ” which can quench their eternal destination. PRCLAIM the truth and save an eternal soul heading for eternal fire.

This brings us to the next bold text, “One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” We are to live for Christ, Christ-centered not self-centered. Eph 2:10 says, we are saved unto good works. Not that works saves us but because we live for Christ and our action so follow the good works of Jesus Christ.

Proclaim the Good news for the truth will set the captives free from their eternal destination!

In Christ,

Greg

Pithy and Profound – Proclaim Part 4

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Proclaim Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day

We celebrate that our God is a speaking God who has revealed Himself to us. The Bible is our inspired text, which He will never contradict. We are commissioned to proclaim His message in word and deed. We will “not be ashamed of the gospel” but serve as “Christ’s ambassadors.” And so we ask ourselves, “Are we students of the Scripture? Do our sermons and life messages arise from the Word? Do we have a listening ear for His voice? Are our words and lives proclaiming His truth? Do we both ‘show’ and ‘tell’ the truth?”

Acts 1:8; Rom. 1:16;   2 Cor. 2:17; 2 Cor 4:5,13;    5:11–21; 1 Tim. 4:15–16; 2 Tim. 3:14–4:6; 1 Peter 2:10–12

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. (2 Corinthians 4:5 KJV)

Today is a good day, or week, to PROCLAIM the Gospel of Jesus Christ. How often does Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day fall on the same day? Not very often.

In 2018, for the first time since 1945, Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day are on the same day and we find in that perfect love forgiveness for all the times we have fallen short.

The first Valentine’s Day was in the year 496! Having a particular Valentine’s Day is a very old tradition, thought to have originated from a Roman festival. The Romans had a festival called Lupercalia in the middle of February – officially the start of their springtime.

The ancient Romans may also be responsible for the name of our modern day of love. Emperor Claudius II executed two men — both named Valentine — on Feb. 14 of different years in the 3rd century A.D. Their martyrdom was honored by the Catholic Church with the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day.

We have a chance to provide God’s Love and forgiveness, through our Faith, love and hope (1 Corinthians 13:13).

When you receive ashes on your forehead the Pastor says, “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”.

Repentance is asking for forgiveness by turning away from your sin. It is the undeserved gift from God to all mankind (the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ) which atones for our sin. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son and whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

This is our faith and hope in the love and forgiveness of the Gospel. What a day to PROCLAIM the forgiveness and Love of God. PROCLAIM your HOPE, FAITH, and LOVE to someone today.

We, having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; (2 Corinthians 4:13 KJV)

If you believe so speak!!

What about April’s fool day and Easter? 1945 and 1956 and not again until 2029.

Next great opportunity, PROCLAIM it.

 

In Christ,

Greg

Pithy and Profound – PROCLAIM Part 3

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Proclaim

We celebrate that our God is a speaking God who has revealed Himself to us. The Bible is our inspired text, which He will never contradict. We are commissioned to proclaim His message in word and deed. We will “not be ashamed of the gospel” but serve as “Christ’s ambassadors.” And so we ask ourselves, “Are we students of the Scripture? Do our sermons and life messages arise from the Word? Do we have a listening ear for His voice? Are our words and lives proclaiming His truth? Do we both ‘show’ and ‘tell’ the truth?”

Acts 1:8; Rom. 1:16;   2 Cor. 2:17,  4:5, 13; 5:11–21; 1 Tim. 4:15–16; 2 Tim. 3:14–4:6; 1 Peter 2:10–12

 

For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:17 KJV)

What is the context of this verse? If we are to PROCLIAM God’s word we must first understand the context. Verse by verse from 2:12 – 3:5.

2 Corinthians 2:12

And, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord,

First, we see verse 17 is referring back to verse 12 when Paul said “speak we in Christ” Paul is PROCLAIMING the Gospel.

2 Corinthians 2:13-15

13 I had no rest in my spirit because I did not find Titus my brother. But taking my leave of them, I went from there into Macedonia.

14 Now thanks be to God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ, and He revealing through us the odor of the knowledge of Him in every place.

15 For we are to God a sweet savor of Christ, in those being saved, and in those being lost;

Even through our trials (like Paul not knowing where Titus was) He still came to PROCLAIM God’s word and so can we! In trials our PROCLAIMATION can be our action, words, and deeds in those trials. As Paul says in verse 15 to the saved and to the lost (unsaved).

2 Corinthians 2:16

to the one we are the savor of death to death, and to the other we are the savor of life to life. And who is sufficient for these things?

The PROCLAIMATION of the gospel will prick the conscience of those who are lost and saved. It reveals their soul’s condition and eternal destiny. The Gospel is the power unto salvation to everyone that believes. (John 3:18-19) says, “He who believes on Him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than the Light, because their deeds were evil.”  (MKJV)

What could it hurt they are already condemned PROCLAIM the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 2:17

For we are not as many, hawking (corrupting, adulterating) the Word of God; but as of sincerity, but as of God. We speak in Christ in the sight of God.

When we PROCLAIM God’s word we don’t have to use anything to beat them with it is done in all sincerity, (love) as God’s ambassadors to reconcile others back to God as He reconciled us. Don’t add or subtract from God’s word. And if you don’t know tell them you don’t know or you will find out for them.

2 Corinthians 3:1-4

1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, like some, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?

2 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men,

3 it having been made plain that you are the epistle of Christ, ministered by us, not having been written with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not on tablets of stone, but in fleshly tablets of the heart.

4 And we have such trust through Christ toward God,

We don’t need others to say “Yes (s)he is right.” It is by our testimony. God changed me from being ____. And now my heart breaks to see you without the truth…. Besides this there are those who believe and their actions and deeds are a letter, a book of what God has done and can do for all who believe. And trust in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit and God the Father that He has changed the hearts and their hearts PROCLAIM God’s salvation.

2 Corinthians 3:5

not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God;

(MKJV)

Finally, it is not of ourselves in which we PROCLAIM the Gospel but it is His word and the Holy Spirit Who takes the words we PROCLAIM and touches the hearts of the listeners. Some are just seeds planted. Others water the PROCLAIMATIONS and it is GOD Who creates the increase which works repentance, acceptance, and salvation in the her=arts of those who here the Gospel PROCLAIMED!

Go and PROCLAIM the Words with all sincerity that God has given you and your testimony, knowing that we overcome the devil by the blood of the LAMB and our testimony. Rev 12:11

 

In Christ,

Greg

Pithy and Profound – Proclaim Part 2

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Proclaim

We celebrate that our God is a speaking God who has revealed Himself to us. The Bible is our inspired text, which He will never contradict. We are commissioned to proclaim His message in word and deed. We will “not be ashamed of the gospel” but serve as “Christ’s ambassadors.” And so we ask ourselves, “Are we students of the Scripture? Do our sermons and life messages arise from the Word? Do we have a listening ear for His voice? Are our words and lives proclaiming His truth? Do we both ‘show’ and ‘tell’ the truth?”

Acts 1:8;         Rom. 1:16;        2 Cor. 2:17, 4:5, 13; 5:11–21; 1 Tim. 4:15–16; 2 Tim. 3:14–4:6; 1 Peter 2:10–12

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16 KJV)

PROCLAIM what Jesus has done for you, for you are His Empowered Holy Ghost witnesses unto all the world.

For I am not ashamed… Do you feel ashamed as the world puts down Christianity? 1 Corinthians 1:8 says, For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (KJV)

The word of God is quick (alive) and powerful (full of energy) and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 KJV)

God’s word is powerful it is the power (dunamis – super natural power) unto salvation! If you have ever been chastised or brushed off as foolish for your belief in the Gospel you may be gun shy. But I want you to know that they (those who don’t believe) are not rejecting you but GOD and His Gospel. The power is in God’s word and you have planted the seed of truth. While some plant and others water it is still God Who gives the increase. Let us PROCLAIM the Truth of the Gospel and not be ashamed for it can even divide the soul and spirit of a man. The battle then becomes theirs to see the need of their lost and need for a Saviour who will revive their spirit and join their spirit to their soul for eternal life, Salvation.

The whole Gospel in a nut shell was PROCLAIMED by Paul to Titus chapter 3.

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; {abundantly: Gr. richly} That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7 KJV)

Jesus Christ appeared to all mankind as he humbled Himself leaving the glory of His heavenly abode to live a sinless life and to die for our sins.

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:4-8 KJV)

Here is another account

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: (1 Corinthians 15:1-5 KJV)

No matter how you present God’s word it is the powerful (dunamis, super natural power) unto salvation to everyone who believes!

POCLAIM God’s truth and be not ashamed of the Gospel knowing that it is the power of God unto salvation. As we proclaim God’s truths you are obeying God’s commandment of going out to teach what you have learned to all nations knowing that Jesus is with you even to the ends of the earth.

PROCLAIM the Good News and DWJD (Do What Jesus Did). Love one another in spirit and truth. Share with others the Good News for it is the power to save.

 

In Christ,

Greg

Pithy and Profound Proclaim Part 1

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Proclaim

We celebrate that our God is a speaking God who has revealed Himself to us. The Bible is our inspired text, which He will never contradict. We are commissioned to proclaim His message in word and deed. We will “not be ashamed of the gospel” but serve as “Christ’s ambassadors.” And so we ask ourselves, “Are we students of the Scripture? Do our sermons and life messages arise from the Word? Do we have a listening ear for His voice? Are our words and lives proclaiming His truth? Do we both ‘show’ and ‘tell’ the truth?”

Acts 1:8;                             Rom. 1:16; 2 Cor. 2:17, 4:5, 13; 5:11–21; 1 Tim. 4:15–16; 2 Tim. 3:14–4:6; 1 Peter 2:10–12

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8 KJV)

You will receive power, the Greek word is dunamis; which means – “ability, abundance, meaning, might (-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.”

Where and when do you receive power? When you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour! He gives us the Holy Spirit.

But I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Comforter will not come to you. But if I depart, I will send Him to you. (John 16:7 MKJV)

The Comforter, the Holy Spirit gives us gifts as He wills. He empowers us to PROCLAIM God’s word through these gifts.

“For through the Spirit is given to one a word of wisdom; and to another a word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; and to another faith by the same Spirit; and to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; and to another workings of powers, to another prophecy; and to another discerning of spirits; and to another kinds of tongues; and to another the interpretation of tongues. But the one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing separately to each one as He desires.” (1 Corinthians 12:8-11 MKJV)

But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatever I have said to you. (John 14:26 MKJV)

And when the Comforter has come, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He shall testify of Me. (John 15:26 MKJV)

However, when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth. For He shall not speak of Himself, but whatever He hears, He shall speak. And He will announce to you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will receive of Mine and will announce it to you. (John 16:13-14 MKJV)

Behold, I give unto you power (authority, exusia power) to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power (dunamos power) of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19 KJV).

It appears that you should be able to do all things to through Christ who strengthens you and PROCLAIM all things to be His witnesses.

Acts 1:8 continues “ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Go back and look at all the underlined words in the verses above. He has given us all authority and power to DWJD (Do What Jesus Did), PROCLAIM the Good News.

We are to be witnesses Here are several verses that use the Greek word for witness(es), Martus: martyr, record, witness.

Ac 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and [so is] also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

Here we have a first-hand account of Peter saying we are His witnesses and so also is the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit witnesses to our spirit to help us PROCLAIM.

The Holy Spirit Who has given us the power, the fruit (Galatians 5:22,23) and the Gifts to GO and be witnesses to all people. You are sealed with the Holy Spirit from your conversion. You are a witness for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Word of God. If you know one verse tell someone that verse and you will be a witness of the record.

 Ac 22:15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

 Php 1:8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

A burden of God the Holy Spirit Who witnesses to our spirit. Ro 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  Ro 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

We also have the witnesses of the Biblical accounts as such a great cloud of witnesses.

 Heb 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

 Re 2:13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, [even] where Satan’s seat [is]: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas [was] my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

 Re 17:6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.

We are to go PROCLAIM unto all the world (all mankind) and disciple and teach all things we know from our personal experiences to the Word of God knowing Jesus is with us always.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: {teach…: or, make disciples, or, Christians of all nations} Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20 KJV)

PROCLAIM what Jesus has done for you, for you are His empowered Holy Ghost witnesses unto all the world. 

In Christ,

Greg

Suffering and Seven Theodicies

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Suffering and Seven Theodicies

 

Theodicy: the vindication of divine goodness and providence in view of the existence of evil.

Why do we suffer? What does your theology (the knowledge of God) tell you? When anyone suffers for any reason questions arise because, we want answers. The most common question is “Why?” Remember your childhood when you would ask your parents, “But, why do I have to do …? Or Why do I have to go to bed? Why can’t I do …?” Why, why, why?  It is a basic need for understanding and closure to the unknown reasons in life’s circumstances. When we are suffering, we want to know why.

Unlike a normal mathematical problem, where reason dictates a logical path for a solution, suffering is a deep-felt emotion that does not line up with a reasonable answer. Of course, its starts with “Why?” the answer or outlook of “why” differs. First, the perfect plan of theodicy,  where the individual finds God’s plan for suffering. Romans 8:28 says that all things (good and bad) work together for the good… So, I need to ask, what am I supposed to learn from this event, circumstance, or situation? Even if I do not know at first or at all; I believe it will be for God’s glory.

I just heard a sermon from Adrian Rogers. He was talking about the suffering of Job in Chapter one, and his statement in chapter 13:15, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him”. The interesting statement from Pastor Rogers was this, ours is not to ask why, but how. Why is God’s. How is ours; how am I going to go through this?

Second the “free will defense”. We all have free will to choose, if we choose to disobey God’s commandments, desires or will, we will have to deal with the consequences of sin. “Suffering is outside God’s will and it conflicts with God’s objectives.” Or does it? Christ suffered. Through suffering God advanced His kingdom. Suffering may not be God’s perfect will for us but, in a fallen world suffering gets us to look up to God. Look into self (check our motives), and to look out to others, (see 2 Corinthians 1:10).

Third, suffering is the harsh and helpful teacher. I might say the school of hard knocks or life’s lessons learned through experience. When we learn through experience, we develop character. Hopefully, godly character. Romans 5:1-5 tells us of the outcome of tribulation and experience brings hope.

Fourth, the “cosmic conflict” or spiritual warfare between good and evil, where mankind is victim and needs to take a side to stand on. Here the battle between the devil and God; and Satan is manipulating mankind to disobey God. Mankind appears to be caught in the middle of the battle and must therefore choose to take a side. Romans 6:16 says, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? “(KJV) Whichever side you choose to serve is the side you end up on. If you do not decide you have still made a choice.

Fifth, the “openness theodicy”. God is omniscience and knows the beginning and the end. He knows what we will choose to do and will use our choices to work out His will. The story of Joseph tells us that his brothers wanted to get rid of him. They ended up selling him into slavery. BUT GOD, used the circumstances for His glory as proclaimed by Joseph in Genesis 50:20, “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” (KJV) We can veer from God’s perfect will, but God knows and can use our short comings for His glory and our final destiny.

Sixth, “finite God theodicy” where suffering strikes and the individual looks to survive it, because although God wants to help us He cannot completely control what happens. This to me in contradictory to God’s character. God is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and now you want to say He is finite. God knows our beginning and our end, therefore, our end might not be when or what we expect it to be. God’s perfect will is sinless, to be Christ-like. We live in a fallen world where God allows suffering, but through suffering I/we may turn to Him and find our way back to God or our character may become more like Christ. Therefore, suffering helps us to be more like Christ. (see Romans 5:1-5).

Seventh, “protest theodicies” shows anger against God, Who would allow us to suffer. The equation then becomes, if suffering occurs there cannot be a God, or at least a God who cares. This is an emotional thought process. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). If God cares, then our notions are incorrect.

From these seven, I find myself in the perfect plan of a caring, and loving God Who is Sovereign over His creation. This also points to an “openness theodicy”, as even though we can make bad decisions, God can turn it into good. Therefore, I must look for the suffering to be a source of learning to be more Christ-like, or a perfecting of my character, even if I never know why in this life time. Through experience, I can learn with my focus on Christ, I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me. Then I can look out to others and say, if God can do it for me He can do it for you. God is Love. He is a caring Father Who can bring hope in all life’s twists and turns. God is good all the time and all the time God is good. I am the finite creature of an infinite God. “The ability to choose our attitude remains, the capacity to choose how we respond to what life brings us.” Psalms 90:12 helps us remember and put life’s finite span into perspective. It says that each day is a precious gift, when we learn to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (see Psalms 90:12).

What is your theodicy?

In Christ,

Greg

Pithy and Profound Part 9

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Love

The essence of our calling is summed up in a single word: Love. In a world that has romanticized and sexualized love, the church has a beautiful opportunity to show the love of God Himself. Yet, each local church must ask, “Have we confused being ‘nice’ or ‘neighborly’ for being truly loving? Do the people of our community see us as a loving people? Are we dependent upon the Spirit to live His loving fruit through us?”

What does Love in our lives look like? What if it looked like a Starbucks coffee shop?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7_dZTrjw9I

Did you see the love of Christ here?

Here are the scriptures I will be looking at for the next few blogs. This is the last one on love hope you enjoyed (loved) this series on the C&MA mission of love proclaim, reach, and launch mission statement.

Matt. 22:34–40; Luke 6:27–36; John 13:34–35, 15:9–17; Rom. 5:5–8, 13:8–10; Gal. 5:6, 13–14, 22; Eph. 3:14–19

For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in Heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height, and to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:14-19 MKJV)

This is a double WOW bookend verse.

WOW! The trinity is here, I bow my knee to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and to be strengthened with might by the Holy Spirit. In this verse we are to be rooted and grounded in love. Our roots in God’s word, church, fellowship, and prayer bring us the nutrition we need to comprehend the breadth, length, depth, height and love of Christ that passes knowledge and an added benefit is to be filled with all the fullness of God. WOW!

It seems to be incomprehensible. But there is one thing that seems to express the love of God through Jesus Christ.

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Jesus tells us there is no greater love than to lay down His life for us. This is the length of God’s love for us. The breadth of God’s love can be found in Philippians chapter 2.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man,” Here the Breadth is God leaving heaven and all its glory and made himself of no reputation even a servant to His own creation standing a breadth to mankind. We can see the length of His love here as well. His hands stretched on the cross. The length which covers all mankind’s sin, past, present, and future.

The depth is the obedience in which He humbled Himself. The death and burial of His life for ours. By grace (God’s redemption at Christ’s expense) are you saved through faith. (see Ephesians 2:8-10). Praise be to God that through is propitiation He is exalted and every knee shall bow and confess He is Lord of all.

He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. {fashion: or habit} Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; (Philippians 2:5-10 KJV)

So that leaves the Height. I think John chapter 16 and verse 7 tells us the height “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”

It is the ascension of Jesus Christ back to heaven that provides us with the parakletos, The comforter, (an intercessor, consoler: –advocate, comforter.) The indwelling Holy Spirit Who comes to live in our hearts and be the presence of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit in our everyday life. Christ’s lives in every believer all over His creation. He is with you and He will never leave you nor forsake you. To know the breadth, length, depth, and height of God’s love for His creation is the knowledge of His agape love for us. (unconditional love). In that while we were yet sinner Christ died for us. God sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall be saved and have eternal life. It is a gift of God not of man. It is the undeserved gift from God to man that is received by faith.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:9-13 KJV)

Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour? Do you Know the breadth, length, depth and height of his love for you? Get grounded on His word and find salvation through Jesus our Lord and Savior. You too can “know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God.”

The next devotion will be on the C&MA mission statement Proclaim

In Christ,

Greg

Pithy and Profound Love Part 8

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Love

The essence of our calling is summed up in a single word: Love. In a world that has romanticized and sexualized love, the church has a beautiful opportunity to show the love of God Himself. Yet, each local church must ask, “Have we confused being ‘nice’ or ‘neighborly’ for being truly loving? Do the people of our community see us as a loving people? Are we dependent upon the Spirit to live His loving fruit through us?”

What does Love in our lives look like? What if it looked like a Starbucks coffee shop?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7_dZTrjw9I

Did you see the love of Christ here?

Here are the scriptures I will be looking at for the next few blogs.

Matt. 22:34–40; Luke 6:27–36; John 13:34–35, 15:9–17; Rom. 5:5–8, 13:8–10; Gal. 5:6, 13–14, 22; Eph. 3:14–19

For, brothers, you were called to liberty. Only do not use the liberty for an opening to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the Law is fulfilled in one word, even in this, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you are not consumed by one another. (Galatians 5:13-15 MKJV)

We have been talking about love and in the video above the superficial acts of what appears to be love. Yet it is love without authenticity. We are all called not to serve the flesh or the law but the love of God. We have been freed from the burden of sin and the works of the law to prove our right standing with God. This should free up sometime in which this free time can now be spent on serving others. But there comes a warning. “if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you are not consumed by one another.” Does “you reap what you sow” come to mind? If we act out our faith and love as in the video above we end up consuming one another in self-righteousness and deceit. There is not any sign of authenticity or vulnerability.

But the fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control; against such things there is no law. But those belonging to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become glory-seeking, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:22-26 MKJV)

Love being the first, and some may say the encompassing of all the fruit of the Spirit, comes by the Holy Spirit indwelling presence. As we yield to God the Holy Spirit we put off the fleshly desires and put on the spiritual desires.

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16 KJV)

How can we do this? Another verse comes to mind; “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:16-17 KJV)

Whatever you do, do it as if you were doing for Jesus Christ.

 

In Christ,

Greg

Pithy and Profound Love Part 7

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Love

The essence of our calling is summed up in a single word: Love. In a world that has romanticized and sexualized love, the church has a beautiful opportunity to show the love of God Himself. Yet, each local church must ask, “Have we confused being ‘nice’ or ‘neighborly’ for being truly loving? Do the people of our community see us as a loving people? Are we dependent upon the Spirit to live His loving fruit through us?”

What does Love in our lives look like? What if it looked like a Starbucks coffee shop?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7_dZTrjw9I

Did you see the love of Christ here?

Here are the scriptures I will be looking at for the next few blogs.

Matt. 22:34–40; Luke 6:27–36; John 13:34–35, 15:9–17; Rom. 5:5–8, 13:8–10; Gal. 5:6, 13–14, 22; Eph. 3:14–19

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any strength, but faith working through love. (Galatians 5:6 MKJV)

What led up to this verse? Let’s put it into context by reviewing the first five verses in chapter five.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. (Galatians 5:1-5 KJV)

Paul was talking about the law, here called “the yoke of bondage”. The sign of a Jew was circumcision, and had become the symbol to follow the whole law. If we are following the law to be right in God’s eyes then what did Christ die for? Jesus died to fulfill the law and the penalty or wages of sin which is death. We are justified by faith in Jesus’ sacrificial death.

We see in these verse faith, hope, and love. Ring a bell?

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13 NKJV)

These three are instilled in infancy. A child reaches his/her hand towards the parent’s finger in hope and trust which produces faith in love not harm. The more these simply action produce a positive result the more faith, hope, and love builds a secure bond of trust. This is why you can throw your child up into the air and catch them and the will laugh and exclaim, do it again!

Faith works through love. Trust works through love. Hope works through love.

Circumcision which was related to keeping the law was not considered to be profitable. Think about it. Can you keep the whole law? We are told, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. God is perfect, honorable. Glory is the pinnacle of honor. So, to say we are upholding the law and know we would fall short of perfection after accepting Jesus’ sacrificial death to justify us from sin would be falling from His grace. It would be saying, I can keep the law by my own works. I know that I cannot do this, I fall short of perfection, and therefore my failure would be unprofitable. My righteousness is as filthy rags compared to God’s. I put my trust in nothing less than Jesus Christ and His righteousness.

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

 

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

Jesus Christ loved us first for, “No one has greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13 MKJV)

Christ gave His all so you can have hope and trust in Him by “working faith through love.”

In Christ,

Greg