Posts Tagged ‘ Jesus ’
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
1 Peter 1:3, ESV
Our only hope is found in that the Father sent His Son to be the sacrifice for our sins, and the Holy Spirit guides us to this truth.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:6, ESV
None of us is guiltless against God.
Yet He placed all our guilt on Jesus and gave us the gift of grace.
He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.
Isaiah 25:8, ESV
Christ defeated death and sin at the Passover weekend 2000 years ago.
We are merely in the small closing battles until His triumphant return!
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
John 13:34, ESV
How did Christ love others?
Grace.
Mercy.
Patience.
He defended truth, yes, but He also (usually) lovingly guided back to truth.
And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:8, ESV
God put Himself through torture and death to free us from sin and wrath.
Are we willing to empty ourselves and humbly obey God?
Can I love my neighbor with Christ’s sacrificial love?
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”
John 6:35, ESV
Firstly, we are blessed when we hunger and thirst for righteousness, for we will be satisfied. (Matthew 5:6)
Secondly, all our appetites shall be satisfied in the Lord, most especially in eternal life.
saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
Luke 19:38, ESV
First the angels at His birth, and then Israelites at His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, gave glory to God at Jesus’ arrival. Someday [soon], all the [believing] world will celebrate Jesus’ return for His faithful!
As born again Christians, we understand the foundational truth about Jesus’ sacrificial, atoning death and resurrection that brings us freedom and life, but I want to focus on the post-salvation implications of Jesus’ awesome work. Keep in mind, this will only apply if you have already committed to the side of Jesus.
After salvation, what does freedom and life look like for a Christian? Many might think “well, if a Christian is addicted to alcohol, etc. then Jesus can set them free from that” and that is true. But beyond that, what does freedom and life look like? It looks like this:
1. Freedom from false guilt.
2. Freedom from fear about what others may think.
3. Freedom from people who try to control and manipulate.
4. Freedom from the idea that you need anyone else’s approval other than God’s.
5. Freedom from circular or destructive thought processes.
6. Freedom…to grow, which is life-giving.
Pastors are supposed to promote freedom in Christians lives so that they can grow, but sadly many pastors do just the opposite.
Friends are suppose to be life-giving and help us grow, or at the very least, not hinder us from getting closer to Jesus, but sadly, many friends do just the opposite.
Assuming they already have a sincere faith in Christ, here are some things to ask yourself about a pastor or a friend:
1. Are they someone in whom I can see consistent growth?
2. Do they listen well?
3. Am I afraid to talk around them? Why?
4. When I come away from them do I feel burdened, or more free?
5. Does what they say ring true and bring clarity?
6. Can I see any ways that they attempt to manipulate?
There are many forms of manipulation, some are quite subtle and can even be seen as pious. Some of the more subtle ways of manipulation include:
* False guilt – does this person make me feel guilty if I don’t do what they want?
* Tone – are they talking down to me as though I don’t know anything? (Pay great attention to this one!)
* Leading Questions – do they appear to have all the answers? This is accomplished through the use of leading questions, that is, a question that is asked, with a very specific answer in mind. Therefore, unless you answer with the specificity that the manipulator is fishing for, you appear inferior while the manipulator appears to have all the answers.
* Positioning – there are many types of positioning, but one example is, is the person using tactical empathy? That is, do they claim to know and empathize with what you’ve been through, in order to earn your trust?
* Redirection: there are many types of redirection, but one of the most cunning is exploiting your emotional wounds to shift the attention off of something they don’t want to talk about.
Ask yourself, “who helps me walk in freedom?” It may surprise you who you DON’T list.
Jesus came to bring us freedom and life, and I believe the Lord wants the church to walk in Freedom and Life in 2020!
Wishing you freedom and life as you celebrate Resurrection day!
In His Love,
Jesse ישי
Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!
Psalm 126:5, ESV
Before the cross, we lament our sin.
After the cross, we worship our God for His grace and love.
a simple man of God 