Thursday, September 12, 2013
Romans 1:1-7
I think sometimes we get so caught up in words such as the gospel that we forget that the gospel is about a living risen person that was sent by God after being declared the son of David and the son of God he is declared as our Lord.
Faith in this person is much more than simply turning up to church on Sundays or trying to lead a good moral life. It's about being in a living and active relationship with the Lord Jesus in which he speaks to you and you speak to him. This is surely amazing!
I pray that I would come to understand more deeply what it means for you to be the risen Lord Jesus Christ. For now it means that you are looking after me that all my worries and anxieties and fears pale into insignificance as I see you for who you really are our Lord. This is not some sort of far of distant Lordship it is this HEAR and now imminent Lordship. Lord help me to desire what you desire. Give me the strength to follow after you LORD.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
they received power to be Jesus as witnesses to the ends of the earth
I've just been reflecting on the section of acts again and it strikes me as I attempt to live a life of faith that my trust in the Lord Jesus Christ is completely vindicated. The Apostles in verse 7 receive the holy spirit God himself comes upon them.
This power is given to them not so that they can have a comfortable salary at the end of the month. Nor is it for their own personal growth or self actualising. is is so that they may be witnesses both locally, provincially, nationally and internationally. They are not told come to Jesus and you will have an easy life. Than I told I'm giving you this power for you to use personally for your own benefit. No in this giving of power Jesus is constituting his earthly witness to himself. Jesus is saying you will be my witnesses because I have placed the power of God in you to witness to the world. It's not about where you witness but how you witness. The problem for us in our churches is that our lifestyles do not reflect the Gospel imperative that is to go and bear witness to the world.
My prayer is not to be God provide the money for my family however helpful that could be instead it should be make me a good witness for you Jesus locally. I think sometimes we limit ourselves to say that gospel churches must always be small. Sometimes saying this is to deny the power of the Lord Jesus Christ that he has come upon us and is empowering us to reach the world. Let's stop complaining or patting ourselves on the back for being a small gospel centred church instead let's go out there and witness for Jesus.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
The scary world of Faith
Monday, September 9, 2013
Trinity
Friday, December 2, 2011
1 Samuel 13
Just read this part of the bible. Its shows what sort of king Saul is he is a king of the people not in a good way. He desires that his subjects adore him. He proclaimes a minor victory to all. He easily loses heart when he is confronted by a powerful enemy. He also try to use God as a lucky charm making sacrifices to him seeking his favour. However Godd desires obedience to his word. God takes away the kingdom from Saul for an act of disobedience. He is not living a life of faith but one of sight.
This makes us and the readers long for a King that listens to God a man after Gods own heart. This person arrives at Christmas. He is also able to deal with all our enemies sin death and Satan.
In short trust the King Jesus no matter what you present experience.