Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ… Ephesians 1:3
Just Another Salutation
Isn’t it incredible that Paul would start out this letter to the church at Ephesus by praising the Lord? “Not really dave, ” you might say, “it’s not really that incredible; wonderful perhaps, but not incredible.” Ok, ok, I’ll tell you what makes it incredible.
Paul’s in Jail
When Paul writes, ‘Blessed be God the Father who has blessed us, ’ he is sitting in a Roman prison; he breaks out in praise despite the fact he’s in lock-down. Folks, that is incredible. Do want to know how he can do it?
I submit to you there are at least two reasons. First, Paul fully comprehends that blessings do not come from Jesus, but are realized in Jesus. Jesus is not a genie we go to when we have wants, but a Savior we live in who knows our needs.
For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
2 Corinthians 1:20
Secondly, Paul has seen the future in Christ, and to say it is ‘bright’ would be a gross understatement. Speaking of himself in 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, Paul wrote…
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago--whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows--such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows--how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Reconsider Your PositionTake another look at your problems. Regardless of what they are, if you are in Christ, there is reason to praise the Lord. If for no other reason, others will look at you and say, “That must be some awesome God he (or she) worships!”
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
He IS Awesome!
Have you shared that news—have you shared the blessing? Are you an Acts 1:8 kind of believer? Do those under your roof know Him? Do your neighbors know Him? Do both your friends and enemies know Him? Has your witness reached the ends of the earth?I present to you the ends of the earth…
COMPASSION dave
Showing posts with label Jesus Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus Christ. Show all posts
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Legalizing Love
Legalizing Love
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, * and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1
It’s the law!
Imagine if it were the law, that when you met a young man or woman and became ‘serious’ you must write love letters, you must hold hands, or you must buy flowers for them. It certainly is a silly concept isn’t it? It’s silly because when you fall in love with a person those types of things come naturally—they need not be legislated.
Love Does More
This is essentially Paul’s message to the church. We are free of mandatory rites and rituals of religion; we are free because love does more than legalism. Legalism—that doctrine that says, “Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ and…” something else. There is no ‘something else, ’ it’s just faith in Jesus Christ. If anyone adds the word ‘and’ after the sentence, “Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ, ” run away…Jesus finished the work on the cross.
It stands to reason that if legalism will drain the passion from an earthly relationship, it will consume a spiritual one as well. We just need examine the church to see all the depleted souls who have given up on Christ because of man’s imposition of religious duty. Faith in Christ Jesus alone will result in free display of passion; enthusiasm, zeal, and love cannot be legislated.
And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Romans 5:11
BTW
Compassion Sunday events were held all over the United States yesterday and as a result, thousands of children were sponsored. The good news is that it is never to late to host a Compassion Sunday event at your church. Just follow this Compassion Sunday link to find out more.
And of course it’s never to late to sponsor a child…
COMPASSION dave
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, * and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1
It’s the law!
Imagine if it were the law, that when you met a young man or woman and became ‘serious’ you must write love letters, you must hold hands, or you must buy flowers for them. It certainly is a silly concept isn’t it? It’s silly because when you fall in love with a person those types of things come naturally—they need not be legislated.
Love Does More
This is essentially Paul’s message to the church. We are free of mandatory rites and rituals of religion; we are free because love does more than legalism. Legalism—that doctrine that says, “Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ and…” something else. There is no ‘something else, ’ it’s just faith in Jesus Christ. If anyone adds the word ‘and’ after the sentence, “Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ, ” run away…Jesus finished the work on the cross.
It stands to reason that if legalism will drain the passion from an earthly relationship, it will consume a spiritual one as well. We just need examine the church to see all the depleted souls who have given up on Christ because of man’s imposition of religious duty. Faith in Christ Jesus alone will result in free display of passion; enthusiasm, zeal, and love cannot be legislated.
And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Romans 5:11
BTW
Compassion Sunday events were held all over the United States yesterday and as a result, thousands of children were sponsored. The good news is that it is never to late to host a Compassion Sunday event at your church. Just follow this Compassion Sunday link to find out more.
And of course it’s never to late to sponsor a child…
COMPASSION dave
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
