This is one of my favorite songs. God knows it is and even blessed me when our praise team at church sang it the day I got baptized (Feb. 6, 2005). I love the lyrics.
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
I'm Adopted
It is popular thinking that we are all children of God. But is that what the Bible says? Scripture gives a clear definition of who God's children are:
"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God." John 1:12-13
"You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus," Galatians 3:26
According to God's Word, those who believe in Jesus Christ and have accepted Him as their Savior have become children of God. Christians are adopted into God's family through His Son, Jesus Christ. There is even more explanation of this given in Galatians 4. Adoption is a wonderful thing, but I don't think there is any better adoption than that in Jesus Christ!
As Christians it often seems like we are misunderstood by the world. Being a follower of Jesus often results in negative reactions from others. But the Bible says that will happen to us, because it happened to Jesus too!
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known." 1 John 3:1-2
The above chapter in 1 John goes on to tell us how we can recognize children of God:
"This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother." 1 John 3:10
Children of God are obedient to God's teaching and love their brother.
If you are interested in reading more scripture supporting the above, here a few:
Romans 9:8
John 8:42
John 8:44
Ephesians 1:5
So, have you been adopted yet?! We have all been given the opportunity to become children of God--the choice is ours. Don't wait another day to make that decision!
"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God." John 1:12-13
"You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus," Galatians 3:26
According to God's Word, those who believe in Jesus Christ and have accepted Him as their Savior have become children of God. Christians are adopted into God's family through His Son, Jesus Christ. There is even more explanation of this given in Galatians 4. Adoption is a wonderful thing, but I don't think there is any better adoption than that in Jesus Christ!
As Christians it often seems like we are misunderstood by the world. Being a follower of Jesus often results in negative reactions from others. But the Bible says that will happen to us, because it happened to Jesus too!
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known." 1 John 3:1-2
The above chapter in 1 John goes on to tell us how we can recognize children of God:
"This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother." 1 John 3:10
Children of God are obedient to God's teaching and love their brother.
If you are interested in reading more scripture supporting the above, here a few:
Romans 9:8
John 8:42
John 8:44
Ephesians 1:5
So, have you been adopted yet?! We have all been given the opportunity to become children of God--the choice is ours. Don't wait another day to make that decision!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Not Peace, but a Sword
"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn
" 'a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her motherinlaw—
a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'
" 'a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her motherinlaw—
a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'
While Jesus came to establish peace for us with God the Father, His purpose on earth was not to establish peace for us in this life, contrary to the opinion of many. As we read in the above verse, Jesus warned His disciples that He did not come for peace, but a sword. Genuine followers of Christ will suffer persecution, conflict, and the loss of friends. When a Christian stands unwavering in the truth of God, they will at some point face the disgust of others and the loss of people they love (even members of their family, as mentioned in the verses above!).
By my very nature, I am a people pleaser. I like for people to like me. Unfortunately, when we as Christians choose to stand firm (Ephesians 6:14-15) in the teaching of scripture, there will be people who hate us and choose to not have anything to do with us; but we must make a choice. We either choose the praise of men (John 12:43), or we choose to take up our cross and follow Christ.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
The Gospel of John
"Sanctify them by the truth; YOUR WORD IS TRUTH." John 17:17
It always amazes me how God tells you exactly what you need to hear, when you need to hear it. Sometimes it is something you never knew, but often times it is something you already know and God wants to reassure you of it. Last night as I was doing my Bible study, the lesson was about how God's word is truth. Truth isn't relative, it isn't what we think in our head, or what we hope it to be. Truth is God's word. The above verse from John was discussed in the lesson and it was perfect timing.
I had been wanting to mention this study because it really is one of a kind. Pull Up a Chair: You, Me, and the Gospel of John is a great study that goes all the way through the Book of John--chapter by chapter. I love it because it is simple and straightforward. It clearly teaches God's truth and plan of salvation. It is especially good for someone new to the Bible, but I think it is great for a seasoned Christian, as well. I highly recommend it!
It always amazes me how God tells you exactly what you need to hear, when you need to hear it. Sometimes it is something you never knew, but often times it is something you already know and God wants to reassure you of it. Last night as I was doing my Bible study, the lesson was about how God's word is truth. Truth isn't relative, it isn't what we think in our head, or what we hope it to be. Truth is God's word. The above verse from John was discussed in the lesson and it was perfect timing.
I had been wanting to mention this study because it really is one of a kind. Pull Up a Chair: You, Me, and the Gospel of John is a great study that goes all the way through the Book of John--chapter by chapter. I love it because it is simple and straightforward. It clearly teaches God's truth and plan of salvation. It is especially good for someone new to the Bible, but I think it is great for a seasoned Christian, as well. I highly recommend it!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The Great Commission
Last night I read the very end of Matthew, where Jesus gives the "Great Commission:"
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
This was Christ's last commandment before ascending to heaven. He told His disciples and all who follow Him to "make disciples." How are we told to do that? By baptizing them and teaching them everything Jesus commanded.
After reading that scripture, I feel convicted to "go" and share The Gospel, encourage new believers to be baptized and learn (and obey) the commands of Jesus. What a great responsibility He entrusted us with!!
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
This was Christ's last commandment before ascending to heaven. He told His disciples and all who follow Him to "make disciples." How are we told to do that? By baptizing them and teaching them everything Jesus commanded.
After reading that scripture, I feel convicted to "go" and share The Gospel, encourage new believers to be baptized and learn (and obey) the commands of Jesus. What a great responsibility He entrusted us with!!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
The Woman at the Well
I had to post this video because I just love it so much!! Christ's encounter with the woman at the well in John 4: 3-30 is such a great demonstration of His deity, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. While He confronts our sin, we who accept His sacrifice on the cross do not stand condemned! Praise God for His unending love.
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