Partakers Christian Podcasts

ADD - Angels

Christian Disciple and Angels

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The Psalmist writes in Psalm 148v2-5 :

Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts.

Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars.

Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.

Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created.

There has risen, in the Western world over the last few years a great deal of interest in angels! Any bookstore will have hundreds of books written by people claiming to either be some form of authority on angels or as a messenger relaying a message from angels for us humans. Amazon.com had over 20,000 different titles when I did a search on there about angels, with the vast majority of these would not be written from a Christian or even a biblical viewpoint. So what does the Christian Disciple’s authority, the Bible, say about angels.

1. What Bible says -

Angels are mentioned frequently in the Bible; at least one hundred times in the Old Testament and 175 times in the New Testament.

We know that they are created beings (Psalm 148v2-5) possibly created before humanity (Job38v7). Hebrews 1v14 tells us that these spiritual beings also serve humans who are inheriting salvation! They appear in human form, as in Abraham’s visitor (Genesis 13 - Angel of the Lord). They do not die (Luke 20v36), and they do not marry(Mark 12v25).

From the information we have, we know that they are personal, intelligent & able to communicate with humans. They have a will (2 Peter 2v4), are separate from humanity (1 Corinthians 6v3) and powerful yet also finite. There are large companies of angels (Revelation 5v11), and they do not naturally increase unless God creates more. They are organized and there are ranks of angels. For example: Michael the archangel (Jude 9) and legions of angels (Matthew 26v53). Cherubim are another class of angel. Their job was to protect (Genesis 3v24) and also were seen on the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25v17-22).

2. Their service

As the Greek word Angelos means Messenger, we know that they carry God’s message in times such as at the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus (Luke 1). For Elijah, they provided food (1 Kings 19); for Daniel they protected him from the lions (Daniel 6) and ministered to Jesus after the temptations in the wilderness (Matthew 4v11). This personal service however does not justify the thinking that some people have, that we all have a “guardian angel”. We also know that they were created to be holy (Matthew 8v38), and that they praise & worship God (Psalm 89v7). This is seen in their rejoicing at God’s work (Revelation 5v11-12); rejoicing in a sinner’s conversion (Luke 15v10); and they rejoiced in the birth of Jesus (Luke 2v13). They watch over Christians (Hebrews 1v14; Psalm 24v7; Psalm 91v11) and carry out God’s judgments (2 Kings 19v35; Matthew 16v27). Daniel 10-12 would seem to intimate that they also guide nations and the early chapters of the Book of Revelation seems to indicate that churches have angels to watch over them.

Finally, the job of spreading the Gospel is not for angels. It is for Christian Disciples to do as commanded by Jesus (Matthew 28). God obviously thinks it is a much more efficient and effective method, than getting angels to do it!

Fallen Angels

At some point in time, some obviously chose to rebel against God (2 Peter 2v4; Jude 6). Their leader is Satan and these fallen angels are called wicked (Matthew 12v45) and evil (Acts 19v13). We know that they know Jesus and His authority and that they know their eternal fate is destruction and torment (Matthew 8v29-31). Because of this, they want to take as many humans with them as possible. So they tempt humans to disobey God (Genesis 3); possess people (Mark 5) and give inspiration to false teachers (Galatians 1v8).

How can we know the difference between unfallen angels and fallen angels? We listen to what they are telling us. If what they say is bringing all glory to God, then they are truly from God, for in the Biblical accounts, they always give the glory to God. If they don’t, then they cannot be from God.

Two dangerous teaching about fallen angels are these. Firstly, we forget they are not our only enemy as Christian Disciples. There is also our old nature trying to rear its ugly head (Ephesians 2v3) and the world (James 4v4). Of course satan and his fallen angels can use our old nature and the world to tempt us to disobey God, but the old nature and the world are also two of our foes. Secondly there is the danger that fictional Christian novels concerning the spiritual world and satanic darkness, can be turned into factual doctrine, regardless of the lack of biblical warrant.

Our interaction with Angels.

If you seen an angel, how would you react? Would you be afraid, as the women at Jesus’ tomb seemingly were when the angel told them about Jesus having risen from the dead (Matthew 28v5)? Would you bow to worship them like the Apostle John endeavoured to do, before the angel rebuked him and said "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!" (Revelation 22v9)?

We know from these and other Bible stories that humans have seen angels. Jacob did when on his way to meet Esau (Genesis 32v1) as did those who witnessed Jesus’ ascension (Acts 1v10). As they are God’s messengers, they need to be listened to as well as allowing them to serve and minister.

By practising hospitality, particularly to those we don’t know, we may well be unaware that we are entertaining angels according to Hebrews 13v2. We know that Angels are not to be worshipped, both according to Paul (Colossians 2v18) and to angels themselves (Revelation 22v8-9). Also, according to Paul, we will be judging the angels (1 Corinthians 6v3)!.

Perhaps one of the best book on this subject is “Angels: God's Secret Agents” by Billy Graham. It is well worth a read.

For more to think about please do ask your self the following questions, writing them down if you can, and see how you respond or react to them. Then why not share your answers with your spouse or a close friend, so that you can pray over any issues together.

Q1. Read Revelation 7v11-12. How does this encourage me to worship the Lord even more than I currently do?

Q2. Read Hebrews 13v2. What change could I make in regards to offering hospitality?

Q3. Read Psalm 91v11-12. How does that encourage me in my day to day life as a Christian Disciple?

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ADD - Home Life

Christian Disciple and Home Life!

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Paul writing in Titus 2vv11-13 “For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.”

 

Photo courtesy of Jan

 

I wonder what you are like on a Sunday at church. I know some Christians who like to be all holy and proper on a Sunday at church, but can’t wait to get home and start living again! Have you ever wondered just why you have to live a holy life at home, work or play 24 hours of the day, 7 days a week as a Christian disciple? Well Paul writing here, explains that doctrine is learning and duty is living. We are to learn it in the Church then put it into practise at home. Why do we do this? We do this in order that the wondrous message of Jesus Grace can be dispersed.

 

 

So what does Paul expect of the different groups of people that he lists in the verses before those I read out at the beginning?

Firstly he speaks to the older men (Titus 2:2). They are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, faithful, loving and persistent. All this without drinking too much wine!!

Then for the older women, (Titus 2:3) they are to live a holy life, teaching what is good. They aren’t to speak badly of others and they are not to indulge in gossip. They also are not to drink too much wine. They are to do this so that they can be good examples and teach the younger women how to behave appropriately.

Ah the younger women! They are commanded to listen to the older women (Titus 2:4-5). They also must love their family, be self-controlled and pure. They are to be hospitable at home treating others with kindness & goodness. Why? So the Word of God is not maligned or harmed.

Younger men however are to be self-controlled and follow Titus’ example (Titus 2:6). And just what is the example to be set by Titus?? Well he is to be an example by doing good works, in a serious manner with integrity. He is to be courageous and with good speech. He is commanded to rebuke others with Paul’s authority. Why do these things? So that nobody has the chance to despise him. (Titus 2:1,7-8, 15)

Finally, slaves are to obey their master and return any items that they may have stolen! (Titus 2:9-10) Why do this? So as to make the Gospel more attractive to those outside of Christianity and to be seen as being deemed worthy of being trusted.

However the overall reason to live a holy life is because it is only due to the grace of Jesus as Saviour, that we live at all! So if He is the only reason we are living at all, then as Christian disciples, we need to live a life that is worthy of Him! In the passage I read out at the beginning, there are 3 reasons as to what Jesus grace does for us, especially those who have chosen to be His followers.

 

Firstly, Jesus’ Grace redeems us and is available to all!! We are all slaves to sin and unable to set ourselves free (Titus 3:3). Jesus Christ gave himself as the price for all the things we have done wrong – past, present and future sins. By His death on the cross, He met the just demands of God's holy law, so that God in His grace could forgive and free all those who believe in Him as Saviour.

Secondly, His Grace reforms us. Not only is our status before God changed to that of being His child, but He reforms our lives in order to make the Christian disciple more godly! When Paul talks about temperance, self-control, prudence and restraint, this is to accentuate the Christian disciple's relationship with their own self, whilst dealing with people in a wise and godly manner. In so doing, God purifies us and makes us His very own possession (2:15b).

Then lastly, Jesus’ Grace rewards us as we are looking for Jesus Christ to return! This is our hope, so we are to live lives worthy of the gospel of Jesus’ Grace.

 

For more to think about, please do read for yourself Titus 2:1-15 and ask yourself the following questions, writing them down if you can, and see how you respond or react to them. Then why not share your answers with your spouse or a close friend, so that you can pray over any issues together.

Q1 – What areas of my life do I need to be changed, in order that I can live a life worthy of Jesus’ Grace that is full of wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God?

Q2 – In what ways has God purified me and made me, His child and possession?

Q3 – List the things you are thankful to Jesus for due to His grace and mercy and give Him thanks for His grace.

Thank you.

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ADD - Standing Alone

Standing Alone

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Jesus speaking and from the Gospel of John 15:18-21 “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the One who sent me.”

We have a new identity as Christian disciples. What are we to do with it? We are to stay faithful to Jesus and sometimes it is difficult! It means staying faithful to Jesus and His will, regardless of opposition and alternatives, By doing this we are standing alone and be faithful to Him. Satan brings pressure to bear on Christians to reduce their standards and commitment. Christian disciples undergo challenges from the world that doesn’t like or understand us and constantly tempts us to do wrong things or we are tempted not to do right things. So we are to be separate from sin but not separated from a sinful society. This is what Jesus meant when He said we are to be “In the world but not of the world” (Jn. 17:15-19). The key to standing alone is constant identification with Jesus Christ in lifestyle and words.

Hindrances to standing alone

As we live the Christian life, as Christian disciples we will face hindrances to identifying with Jesus. Here are four major areas that as Christian disciples, we all undergo.

Firstly there is an inborn fear of what others will think - fear of being different and being laughed at.

Then there is the fear of losing friends. To have the right friends however, a person must be willing to have enemies. Jesus made friends on the basis of who would accept Him and His message. We may be excluded from the company of those who reject Jesus (Luke 6:26).

Another one is the desire to be like those in the world. In Psalm 73 David envied the success of the godless, until he realized their destiny was disaster; and that he had God and needed nothing else. Always taking what is best is no sacrifice.

How to stand alone

So if they are some of the hindrances, what are some of the keys in battling these hindrances? As Christian disciples we have to remember God's way of life is superior. It is a life filled with abundance according to Jesus in John 10:10! Then we realise that acting as light & salt in the world, you are co-operating with God and He is being glorified according to Peter in 1 Peter 4:12-14). Remember; if you give people no reason to ask about the hope and faith you have in Jesus, they probably won’t ask! Jesus said in His final words before His ascension in Matthew 28:18-20, that we are to expect persecution for being his disciples. If that’s how we identify with our lifestyle how do we identify verbally with Jesus?

How to verbally identify with Christ

Never apologize for what you know and believe to be a superior way of life. However, that does not mean to be smug and arrogant about it because we are commanded to walk humbly and meekly. Then just be natural about it. As a college principle told me a long time ago and I still remember the words “Let your spiritual life be natural and your natural life be spiritual.”

One way to do this is to project the idea that you are not your own boss - Jesus is your Lord and let him take both the strain and glory. Remember that those who reject you also reject Jesus.

Making right decisions in questionable areas

Imagine you are in a situation and you have to make a correct decision in a questionable area. What do you do? Why not you ask yourself questions and tell yourself statements such as:

• Does it bring glory to God? (1 Cor.10:31)
• Can I thank God for this activity - could Jesus accompany me?
• Does it build Christian character? (1 Cor.10:23)
• Will it cause another Christian to sin/stumble? (1 Cor.8:9-13)
• It should not control me habitually (1 Cor.6.12)
• If in doubt, throw it out. (Rom.14:22-23)
• Ask other people for advice. It is important what other people think.
• Abstain from all appearances of evil (1 Thess.5:22)
• Rely on the Holy Spirit to help you! Askfor His help and guidance!

For more to do and think about please do read for yourself, John17:15-19. Ask yourself the following questions, writing them down if you can, and see how you respond or react to them. Then why not share your answers with your spouse or a close friend, so that you can pray over any issues together.

Q1 – Have I given every area of my life to Christ in order to be faithful to Him?

Q2 – Am I prepared to be holy and obedient to God in all circumstances?

Q3 – Am I willing to sacrifice my desires for God's Will, so that I can clearly be seen identifying myself with Jesus in lifestyle and in words?

Thank you.

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ADD - Community

Christian Disciple and Community

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Jesus said in Matthew 10v16: “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.”

How should individual Christian disciples react in regards to a life of Discipleship in an age where church attendance is rapidly declining? It is by being a radical community of radical individuals, which will help stop this decline. The Church needs Christian disciples to be living a radical Discipleship, engaging with the culture, counting the cost of Discipleship and reflecting true humanity while not compromising core beliefs.

Radical Community

Firstly, the church needs to be a community that is seen to be radical by the surrounding society. At Pentecost, the church began when the Holy Spirit filled the Disciples (Acts 2v4). This momentous occasion started the Discipleship process of how Christians were to live as God’s people. The hallmarks of this community were commitment and transformation. This community was radical. It was where people’s lives were being changed as the Holy Spirit filled them. Instead of being a withdrawn people filled with fear of retribution from the Roman government and Jewish leaders, they became a people filled with boldness and joy. The New Testament church grew by being a radical community imbued with radical individuals engaging with others.

Today’s church will grow by building a strong community. A community which involves joining together isolated and solitary individuals where people are imbued with love, showing care to each other, particularly the frail, elderly and young, with what Moltmann calls a “creative passion for the impossible.” An inherent human need is the need to belong, and by fulfilling relational needs, the radical community will become relevant to the people within it. It will then also become relevant to those who are on the outside and looking in.

This involves improving present societal conditions, rather than remaining a conservative community, which merely repairs the status quo. In doing this, today’s church will be emulating characteristics of the early church (Acts 2v44-45). As individuals became Christian disciples, they were added to the church. Discipline helped ensure that the community was being seen as a holy community. To be excommunicated from the community for gross sin was a severe punishment. However church discipline is not primarily about punishment, but rather a “formative and corrective” service as part of Discipleship. Church discipline is foundational to Discipleship making, because it concerns the community’s spiritual health, and strengthens the community bonds.

The church must be a community of Disciples, willing to be holy. It is by being holy, that the church will grow. The role of the community engaged in radical Christian Discipleship is to help people to be holy and not merely happy. Happiness will flow from holiness, but holiness will not necessarily flow from an induced ‘feel good factor’. The radical community needs to be making Christian Disciples who are trained, equipped and developed in order for them to make Disciples themselves. Whereas in the past, Discipleship processes and programmes have emerged after people have joined the church, it should be foundational. The best way is for the leadership to set the example, and show a way forward. Good leadership has good accountability to each other and to the whole community.

Radical Discipleship & Radical Leadership

A radical community requires radical discipleship. Radical discipleship commences with compassion, similar to that of Jesus when he looked over the crowds, and commented that they were like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9v36). It should be a compassion driven like that of Jesus towards the woman at the well (John 4vv1-26). With compassion as motivation, and a contrite heart, the radical church community can reach out to those emerging who primarily see Jesus and the church as irrelevance.

A radical Christian Disciple needs also to involve the voices of others by engaging in dialogue with trusted others. This will involve having a diverse team in the Church who are both willing and empowered to give advice. This team will require an individual leader to have relaxed grip on control, with power delegated to others, which is radical in that it goes against current strains of leadership.

This radical leadership style requires a pursuit of relationship in order to work, rather than a pursuit of aims and outcomes. This will enable trust to form and helps establish the community on a firm relational foundation. Once relationship has been formed, then the spiritual gifts of the Christian disciple can be used in order to serve the community. By exercising gifts and being functional enables the Christian Disciple to grow, be used by God and to flourish with confidence and support. Radical leadership and radical Christian Discipleship encourage the fringe members.

Finally, Jesus recommends that Christian disciples be wise like serpent and innocent as doves (Matthew 10v16b). The means Christian Disciples are to be skilful and shrewd in making decisions that are characterised by intelligence, patience and cunning. Additionally, Christian Disciples are to be gentle and harmless, like doves. This would make Christian Disciples and leaders who are accountable to live a life of integrity worthy of the gospel (Philippians 1v27). This is a life, which is seen to be as holy and blameless. In order to do this, dependence on the Holy Spirit for strength and care is a vital necessity. By relying on the Holy Spirit, the Christian Disciple is perpetually connected to Jesus Christ, who is after all, the Head of the church community.

The Christian Disciple is to be a shepherd leader rather than a manager, so that guidance and nurture are central, rather than merely feeding the community. A Christian Disciple who cares and loves is one who goes out to find the lost rather than waiting for the lost to come. This shepherd is also involved in the training of other Christian Disciples so that care is disseminated. This does not mean however that a radical Christian Disciple leader becomes a subordinate to the community, catering to every whim and fad suggested by others. The Christian Disciple leader needs be a servant but also requires discernment.

Discipleship at most churches these days is organized around their programmes of small groups, Sunday services, prayer groups, leadership group and opportunities to serve. Discipleship in these churches usually involves some form of leadership accountability in four key areas: Mission, Maturity, Outreach and Leadership. Mission involves helping people become Christian and nurturing their faith diligently. If Western churches and Christian disciples started to take radical steps, both in being and making Christian Disciples, then growth would systematically increase. The Church would no longer be seen as irrelevant but as a thriving community where Jesus is glorified and transformation sought.

For more to think about please do read Acts 2v42-47. Ask yourself the following questions, writing them down if you can, and see how you respond or react to them. Then why not share your answers with your spouse or a close friend, so that you can pray over any issues together.

Q1. How, and in what ways, were the early church community creative?

Q2. What creative ways can I serve the community I live and work in?

Q3. How can I help my church be more relevant in the community, without compromising?

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ADD - Contentment

Christian Disciple and Contentment...

Photo courtesy of Jan

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Paul writing in the Book of 1 Timothy 6:6-10; 17-19 "A devout life does bring wealth, but it's the rich simplicity of being yourself before God. Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that's enough.  But if it's only money these leaders are after, they'll self-destruct in no time. Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after. Tell those rich in this world's wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed, with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage-to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life." A major opponent of contentment is what is labelled the prosperity doctrine.  This stipulates that since as Christians we are children of the King, then we should be living like kings in the physical sense.  If you are God's child, then God will bless you so abundantly you will have that earthly mansion, a million pounds in the bank, a good wife or husband and children, if only you follow him.  And if you don't receive these things, then maybe you should be asking for forgiveness, because apparently you are not a child of the King.  What a load of rubbish! It is just materialism in another disguise where possessions and material things are their gods and not the living God. Its very source is pride, and not humility, because they proudly proclaim "I am first, and everyone else is last". I defy anyone who believes this prosperity doctrine to take a trip to the poorer areas of the world and tell that false doctrine to the leaders of the churches who are working faithfully in those areas.  I guarantee you would cause more harm than good.  That is not to say that God never blesses His children with material possessions, because He does - the Old Testament King Solomon is a prime example of this. So if the prosperity doctrine is a false teaching, what does a truly biblically balanced view of contentment consist of?

Contentment.

In the Bible passage I read earlier, Paul commands Christian Disciples to be content with godliness.  We came into this world with nothing, and we will leave this world with nothing (v6).  The bare necessities for contentment of life are food, clothing & shelter (v7).  However, we could, with justification say that some other things are also necessary.  Cars, books, and computers may with some justification to ourselves as individuals, be a necessity.  That is up to our own individual consciences. But what we need to do, when considering purchasing items is, not to ask "Can I afford it?" but rather "Can I justify it, and could the money be better used elsewhere?" There are many Christian organisations that need money to continue operating.  Perhaps, the money I was going to use for the trip overseas, could be of better use elsewhere in the kingdom of God?  Further on in 1 Timothy 6, Paul states that we are not to desire riches, lest we fall into the temptation of coveting and wander away from the faith of God (vv9-10), not to love money because it is a source of evil (v10). Everyday Christians pray that God would not lead them into temptation; and he does not, they do that quite easily by themselves.  And those that are rich, are not to flaunt it arrogantly and are not to place their hopes in them (v17).  Those who are rich, are commanded to be rich in good deeds, to be generous and sharing (v18), building up heavenly treasure instead of earthly rubbish (v19).  I should hasten to add, that contentment should also carry with it, the idea of living simply, in sympathy and solidarity with the poor of the world.  Every one of us, could to some degree, live that little bit more simply, and donating the money saved to a worthy concerned organisation helping out the poor of the world.  Remember we are blessed by God, in order to bless others! The humble, say "God is first, others are second, and I come last" and puts people before possessions.  The Christian Disciple is to place their trust in God alone, and not in their material possessions.  It so easy to fall into the trap of saying - "If only I had that new computer; or camera; or car; or an easier job with more money?"  It is so easy to say these things, and forgetting to be content with what we have.  And it is even easier to forget to say thank-you to God for giving us all our good things.  I would hazard to say, that probably the only time we say thank-you to God, is before the food that we eat.  We hardly ever thank him, for friends and all the other material blessings He does provide and the pleasure we gain from He gives us.  And that is the key to biblical contentment.  "Could I really thank my Lord for this particular item I want?" For more to think about, please do read for yourself 1 Timothy 6.  Ask yourself the following questions, writing them down if you can, and see how you respond or react to them.  Then why not share your answers with your spouse or a close friend, so that you can pray over any issues together. Q1 - As a Christian Disciple, in what ways are you not content? Q2 - What blessings has God bestowed upon me, that I should give Him thanks for? Q3 - How can I use the money and possessions God has blessed me with, in order that He is glorified and worthy of honour, this week?

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Psalm On Demand - Psalm 120

Psalm 120

120:1 In my distress, I cried to Yahweh. He answered me.

120:2 Deliver my soul, Yahweh, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.

120:3 What will be given to you, and what will be done more to you, you deceitful tongue?

120:4 Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.

120:5 Woe is me, that I live in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!

120:6 My soul has had her dwelling too long with him who hates peace.

120:7 I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war.

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Faith - Exploring Words In Scripture

Faith

People always say that faith is blind!  However the Bible says that faith is a total confidence in God’s faithfulness, which leads to reliance, trust and total obedience to Him (Hebrews 11v6).  We see this faith in the Godly obedience of those around us and from the Bible and church history.

Faith in Salvation

For salvation, faith is a voluntary change of mind and heart in the sinner in which the person turns to God, relying on and accepting His offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.

1. Mind - recognition of your need of salvation. Acknowledging Christ’s death on your behalf and your need of forgiveness.
2. Emotional (Heart) – your personal assent to the gospel.  You ask yourself, “What must I do to be saved?” and then you agree to make salvation a part of your life.
3. Will - Personal trust in Jesus Christ.

Now as a follower of Jesus, you are to continue having faith in Him.  Four things at least you are to have faith in Him for:

By faith - He is praying for you

Jesus Christ is making intercessions for His followers (Romans 8:34).  He knew the disciples troubles (Mark 6:48), just as He knows your troubles now.  He feels your cares and knows what you are going through (Hebrews 4:14-16).

By faith - He will come to you

Ever felt like God is far away? Well you aren’t alone!  King David often felt God was far away and unconcerned.  However he also knew God would ultimately rescue him.  Jesus always comes to you through difficult times, although He may not come in the time you think He should come, because He knows when you need Him most.

By faith - He will help you grow

When the disciples were in the storm and Jesus came to them walking on the water (Matthew 14:22-33), the purpose of this incident was to show that Jesus would be leaving them soon, so they had to learn to trust in Him when He wasn’t physically present.  Peter wrote later on in his life, “for the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers” (1 Peter 3v12).

By faith, He will see you through

At the same event, Jesus said “Come” and Peter went with Him.  This must have encouraged the other disciples, for upon seeing Jesus’ power they worshipped him.  Whatever troubles you are undergoing are temporary, and Jesus will see you through.

By faith, you have salvation. By faith Jesus is praying, will come to you, grow you and help you through troubles.  By being obedient to God, you are showing others your salvation and showing that faith, is not blind, but active!

 

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Justification - Exploring Words In Scripture

Justification

I wonder if you have come across this word in your reading of the Bible and wondered what it was all about!!  Justification means, that God looks as you as if you have never sinned against Him.  That means you are declared free from the penalty of sin. Justification is only a reality to you, if you have taken up the offer and are a follower of Jesus Christ. The basis of this justification is that God the Son, Jesus Christ, is both the Just and the Justifier of sinners (Romans 3:21-26).  God is holy; therefore, sin must be dealt with. He cannot arbitrarily forgive sin.  The judgment and penalty of sin, which is death, was poured out on Jesus Christ who is the substitute.  Therefore justice has been done, because God is just.  By faith in Jesus Christ we are declared righteous as a free gift, and Christian Disciples are therefore justified.  Nothing we can do could make us justified before Almighty God.  It is only through His free grace.

Substitution Jesus died for your sin, the just for the unjust (1 Peter 3:18). That is how God is both just and the Justifier of sinners.  That is why Jesus needed to be both fully God and fully human, so as to be the full substitutionary sacrifice that was required to deal permanently with sin! For while you were yet a sinner, Jesus Christ died for you, (Romans 5:6-8), willingly giving His life as a ransom for you (Mark 10:45) and when He died in your place on the cross, He bore the consequences of all your sin – past, present and future.

Sacrifice This substitution was the sacrifice required in order that Jesus Christ could take away the sins of the world, which includes yours (John 1:29)! He therefore became sin for you (2 Corinthians 5:21) and it was His blood as the sacrificial lamb without spot or blemish (1Peter 1:18-19) that fulfils God’s requirements permanently. We are justified before God, because Jesus is our substitute! Because of Jesus’ death on the cross, justification means

• Your sins were nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:13-14)

• You are clothed in a robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10)

• You have the righteousness of Christ (Ephesians 1:7; Acts 13:38-39)

• You have received the gift of righteousness. (Romans 5:17)

• You have been declared righteousness by God through faith in Christ (Philippians 3:9)

So I challenge you with this: if He who was without sin, became sin, for you, you are to live a life worthy of Him and your status of freedom from sin in Jesus Christ.

 

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