Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. (Hebrews 1:1-2)
God has often said in His Word that we should remember many things that He has said and done; also, to hope about many things to come. That is things in the past, and things in the future. They shape our present, faith.
It is the faith (in Christ) that we hold onto in the present time, which saves us for the life to come. This saving faith is important, and it has never been blind.
Do you want to understand this hope and a future? We must know His Word about what He has done in the past, and what He promises in the future. Only then can faith be lived out, in the present.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
You Have Great Worth--Or, Worthlessness
As people, we generally love to be spoken to about our great value, worth, and greatness. Tell us we are wonderful, and we believe you have a wonderful message. We eat it up. While the Bible says a few things about our worth, it always has a connection to faith in God, as the gateway to that value. We derive worth not just because we exist, and not even just because God made us. Don't believe me? Consider this: What good will one's personal value do if they die apart from God and find themselves in hell? Apparently, they weren't very valuable.
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
We were purchased with a great price... and if we realize that, then we realize we are not our own. It is from God, and through God, that we get our worth. Consequently, it is in FAITH in Him who purchased us Who gives us value. Apart from Him, and apart from that faith that saves, we are not valuable.
"All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” (Romans 3:12)
Worthless. That's a strong word. If someone ever tells you of your great intrinsic or even God-given worth, but in the same breath does not tell you about the Savior Who died to give worth, then take heed. We don't need more convincing of our own worth. Our own worth won't get us anywhere. What we need is more convincing of HIS WORTH. When we are convinced of that, then we will find our value--in Christ alone.
Still not convinced? Consider Jesus' Words when he spoke of our having value. Again, it was connected to FAITH IN JESUS. If you don't have that... it's a hard truth, but the Bible says, you don't have worth. But, eternal worth is right at your fingertips--IN HIM.
“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10:26-33)
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
We were purchased with a great price... and if we realize that, then we realize we are not our own. It is from God, and through God, that we get our worth. Consequently, it is in FAITH in Him who purchased us Who gives us value. Apart from Him, and apart from that faith that saves, we are not valuable.
"All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” (Romans 3:12)
Worthless. That's a strong word. If someone ever tells you of your great intrinsic or even God-given worth, but in the same breath does not tell you about the Savior Who died to give worth, then take heed. We don't need more convincing of our own worth. Our own worth won't get us anywhere. What we need is more convincing of HIS WORTH. When we are convinced of that, then we will find our value--in Christ alone.
Still not convinced? Consider Jesus' Words when he spoke of our having value. Again, it was connected to FAITH IN JESUS. If you don't have that... it's a hard truth, but the Bible says, you don't have worth. But, eternal worth is right at your fingertips--IN HIM.
“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10:26-33)
Sunday, March 6, 2016
What Makes A Man
I've heard many opinions from society on what "makes a man". Usually we are told confirmation of our, "man" title isn't based strictly on what lies below... but what lies within, and how that is expressed in action. In some occasions this might be expressed in mercy, while others it is expressed in violence. Often, it is expressed in personal responsibility.
Though I can't say, however, that I've ever heard an opinion from society on what makes a woman, yet the same principal should apply, shouldn't it? There may be some underlying cultural hypocrisy I'm not going to get into, now.
Not to be surprised, society is sure to get some of it right I suppose, but I would say more often than not, gets these judgment's wrong.
Here is a start for both men and women, on "earning" both our "titles".
Now, how are we doing?
-----
1 Timothy 2:7-10
For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.
Though I can't say, however, that I've ever heard an opinion from society on what makes a woman, yet the same principal should apply, shouldn't it? There may be some underlying cultural hypocrisy I'm not going to get into, now.
Not to be surprised, society is sure to get some of it right I suppose, but I would say more often than not, gets these judgment's wrong.
Here is a start for both men and women, on "earning" both our "titles".
Now, how are we doing?
-----
1 Timothy 2:7-10
For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.
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