The American musician and singer Janis Joplin wrote a song called
How could a God Who is Spirit show himself to humans? By creating His own life and nature into a woman so that human could be born with all the attributes of God. That person was Jesus of Nazareth.
There are many opinions about who Jesus Christ is. Of course, most people say they base their opinion on the Bible. If they do, it should be clear that he was raised from the dead and is seated at the Father’s right hand as Lord of all. Peter and the apostles spent at least a year with Jesus before he died and was raised. They also saw him in his resurrected spiritual body for forty days before he ascended. Then they preached to others about their risen Lord. Let’s see some of the things recorded in the Book of Acts where Peter, Paul, and others preached about Jesus.
We went to the Lutheran church a block from our home for the Christmas Eve service. We enjoyed the carol singing and candle lighting last year and did it again for the joy in remembering Christ’s birth with others. I did notice the confusion that exists on Who God is, and who His Son is.
Meek. That’s how I want to live.
O, the Love of ChristO, the love of Christ, so rare,
My Savior, Lord, and Keeper,
O, how rich his precious care,
Ever growing deeper.
Could I e’er pay back the cost
Of His life paid for me.
How my Shepherd saved the lost.
And truly set me free.
O, the love of Christ, so true,
The Living Word begotten.
Promise of the Father sent,
Now all my sins forgotten.
May I ever look to thee,
Dayspring of night’s sorrow.
Overcoming Satan’s snares,
Until that bright tomorrow.
O, the love of Christ, so kind,
All earthly knowledge passing.
Filled with all God’s fullness, by
His sacrifice still lasting.
What can separate this love?
Not persecution, famine.
He conquered all that we might live.
O countless grace examine!
O, the love of Christ, now raised
From death, constrains all nations.
He died for all; and now we live,
God’s reconciliation.
The Father’s righteousness in him,
The gift beyond all measure.
Stride forth, ambassadors to win,
To do the Lord’s great pleasure.
Let’s look at Matthew 18: HUMILITY; SELF-CONTROL; COMPASSION FOR THE LOST; AGREEING TOGETHER; FORGIVING; REWARDS.
Sherry and I have been doing a morning Bible study together lately and we’re now in Matthew. Chapter 18 is loaded with some great practical truths that we can apply.
Verse 4: Whosoever therefore shall HUMBLE himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
WOW! Do you want to do great things for our Father and really see His power reign in your life? Then realize you don’t know anything without God’s help. I want to be like a little kid when it comes to what I think I “know.” Speaking in tongues [praying in the spirit] and watching for the Father’s guidance helps us not “slip up” like so many “big people” do. Let’s stay kids at heart.
Verse 9: And if thine eye offend [causes to sin] thee, PLUCK IT OUT, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
Jesus has nothing against binocular vision. He’s just saying whatever causes you to lose the sweet fellowship we have with the Father [through him, who is the vine], we need to get rid of. Better to live without a few earthly distractions than sacrifice eternal blessings and rewards in the future.
Verses 10,11,14: Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven THEIR ANGELS do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
For the Son of man is come to SAVE THAT WHICH WAS LOST.
Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
Here’s a great section on compassion and God’s care for us. Even little children have “guardian angels” to watch over them. I was thinking of this while swimming the other day. The lifeguard isn’t always in the pool, but he IS always watching. We may not see angelic involvement in our lives regularly, but when they need to help out, the DO.
This is where Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep. The 99 are doing well and don’t need help. It’s the “lost” who especially need God’s love and deliverance. That’s where our hearts go out to people in need with the love of Christ–his compassion and care. We are ambassadors who can help “save the lost” and offer eternal life through Christ. What a privilege!!!
Verses 15,19: Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast GAINED THY BROTHER.
Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall AGREE on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
The whole point of Jesus’ teaching here is that we need to work things out and be IN FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD AND EACH OTHER. There’s enough problems and hate from unbelievers. How about working things out–talking and listening and humbly putting others first–with those we love. The point is that we AGREE with God and each other.
Verses 21,22: Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN.
Peter was hoping to get off “easy.” Jesus said there is no end to the ocean of God’s love and forgiveness. It is an endless supply. So drink deep and share His forgiveness freely. As it says in Ephesians 4:32, it sure is easy to forgive others when we realize what stinkers we’ve been and how God ALWAYS forgives us!
Finally, Verse 35: So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye FROM YOUR HEARTS forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
It’s always a matter of heart. That’s where we really live our lives. Nobody else sees what goes on deep inside us except ourselves and God. I’ve decided to have a nice, clean heart by doing what this chapter says: staying humble, fasting from worldly distractions, allowing Christ’s compassion in me to serve those lost or in need, agreeing swiftly on the truth with others, forgiving anyone anytime for any thing, and keeping my heart right with the Father. Then we enjoy blessings today and eternal rewards in the future.
Amen. I love you.
I went for a run yesterday along the coast where we live south of Los Angeles. The sky was bright blue and the ocean danced with whitecaps and deep blue waters. The four and a half miles to Pelican Cove from our house has some of my favorite views past Sacred Cove (where I often go swimming with my friend “Sammy,” a friendly harbor seal) and Abalone Cove. These three “coves”—from the English word meaning a cave or chamber—offer protection and a peaceful place to swim. They remind me of the peace we have when we rely on God’s power.
I have a favorite saying (although it’s one that I often forget, especially in the heat of battle), “Whoever loves first, wins.” Now before I go any further with this, let me explain the ground rules of this competition. First of all, every Christian believer is to “walk in love” toward one another in the same way that Christ loved all of us.
If Jesus Christ could be considered the greatest failure of all time from a worldly viewpoint, he had many examples in the Old Testament that also looked as if they had failed. When faced with doubt and confusion about his own success, Jesus Christ had an immense wealth of scriptures to keep his heart at ease with God’s true perspective.