Archive for the ‘ Jesus ’ Category

A Faith Old Enough to Count in Decades

Many years on this blog I mark a very important date in my own life: January 9. And not just because it is my wonderful mother-in-law’s birthday.

Two of my more favorite passages from the Bible are these:

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:7‭-‬8, ESV

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12, ESV

What wisdom do we gain by considering our lives and drawing near to God?

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
John 3:3, ESV

So, every January 9, I celebrate my Re-Birthday, the day I was born again by faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

And on January 9, 2020, (specifically, at 6:47 pm CST), I am celebrating 20 years as a Christian.

And I think people should celebrate their salvation much more than we do, to show the world the joy of the world to bring others to glorify the Lord.

Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord, exulting in his salvation.
Psalm 35:9, ESV

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!”

Psalms 40:16 ESV

Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.
Jude 1:3, ESV

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16, ESV

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Romans 10:14‭, ‬17, ESV

VerseD: Matthew 4:4

But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”
Matthew 4:4, ESV

Jesus’ example: respond to temptation and trials with Scripture.

We should be like Jesus.

VerseD: Colossians 1:16

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
Colossians 1:16 ESV

Our Creator – through and by whom literally all things were made, including angelic beings and us – came to us as one of us, for we were made for Him. He desires communion with us, His creatures made in His image.

VerseD: John 1:9-10

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.
John 1:9‭-‬10, ESV

The Light has come.

Let us make Him known to this dark world.

VerseD: Matthew 1:21

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21, ESV

Joseph and Mary were willing servants of God to bring the Savior into the world.

Likewise, we carry Christ to this world to show the world their need for the One who has removed their sins by His sacrifice.

VerseD: Luke 2:14

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Luke 2:14, ESV

Christ did come to bring peace, but only to those with whom He is pleased.

How do we please God?

By being found in Christ through faith.

VerseD: John 1:4-5

In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:4‭-‬5, ESV

Our world is indeed a dark place. Yet, our Lord – the light of the world – is not overcome.

Indeed, the world tried to kill Him, but He rose back to life and will return in victory!

VerseD: Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14, ESV

God gave us the ultimate sign of His being and love and grace: He sent His Son, God in the flesh, to be with us.

VerseD: Matthew 2:10-11

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
Matthew 2:10‭-‬11, ESV

Do you get excited over signs that Christ is present?

Are you paying attention to the fact there are signs?

Are you bringing your gifts to bring glory to Christ? Being His hands and feet in a dark and lost world?

VerseD: Matthew 5:16

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16, ESV

Emmanuel – God with us – showed us the way to live and love others, that we may manifest the Lord through our actions toward and for others.