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Paul writes in his letter to the Galatians, “I have been crucified with Christ”. Is Paul speaking in code, or is he speaking clear truth? The questions that revolve around this are at the heart of the gospel. What took place on the cross, and what effect does it have on the life I am living today?
When something monumental occurs in our life, it has the power to change us forever. Depending on the circumstance, we may want to erase that event from our memory, or intentionally remember how greatly we have been impacted by it. How important is Jesus Christ’s sacrifice to us? How often do we really focus on what He has done for us? (The last few minutes of this message were lost, but the heart of the message is still intact for you to listen to.)
“This world is not our home; we are looking forward to our city in heaven, which is yet to come.” – Heb. 13:14 (NLT). God is bringing His plan of redemption to pass, and throughout history we can see the different ways that plan is being brought about. We are living in the age of grace and are looking forward to the age of the kingdom. 2 Cor. 6:2 says “Now is the day of salvation.” We should be getting acquainted with the eternal God today! How well do you know Him? Is He sitting on the throne of your heart, or are you?
In our generation today, as always, we need to clearly understand the truth. We need to understand who we are talking to when we are discussing Jesus Christ with unbelievers. We also need to know what assumptions they are making when they say things like, “All religions are basically the same,” or “No one can know for sure,” or “That’s just your interpretation!” There are certain assumptions being made at the foundation of these arguments against the gospel. When we shed light on these falsely assumed foundations, the truth can be seen more clearly.
Christmas, as a season, is full of many emotions and attitudes. It is the one time of year when it is acceptable to talk about Jesus. Knowing the reality of the circumstances surrounding Christmas, we also find that the truth cannot be silenced. It is far too easy to be caught up in the commercialism, materialism and worldliness that is so evident this time of year; either being swept away in its current or being embittered towards it. Which attitude do you currently own?
God has a plan and a purpose that He is bringing to pass. Through the ages, there are different degrees to which the world has experienced God; Innocence, Conscience, Human Government, Promise, Law. Living in the age of grace now, our experience with God is dependent upon our cooperation with the Spirit of God. We cannot gain true wisdom, knowledge, understanding, or counsel without the Holy Spirit. We must learn to trust Him over our own senses and understanding. We will only begin to trust Him over our own senses if we know who He is. We will only know who He is, when we choose to read His word, trusting His Spirit to reveal to us who He is.
Knowing the importance of giving thanks is one thing, but actually doing it can be challenging. We don’t naturally give thanks when circumstances in life seem wrong; when our car breaks down on the freeway or we get in an accident, or we lose our job, or anything else that we would determine as less than desirable for ourselves. But it is in the context of life’s circumstances that we glorify God; the way we respond and react in life reveals great truth about who we are. We can prepare ourselves for life so that we respond and react in a way that glorifies God; thanksgiving.
In Luke 17 Jesus heals ten lepers but only one returns to gives thanks. Though Jesus did not command them to return and give thanks, he was surprised that only one did; and that he was a foreigner. What can we learn about being thankful from this? Was this man simply being respectful, or was there more? Why should we be thankful, and what does that mean?
All mankind has a center to their being. At that center is a throne. The Natural Man himself is sitting on that throne. No matter what stage of life you are in; if Jesus is not sitting on that throne, you have not come to salvation.
When it comes to war, it is vitally important to know the enemy. When it comes to spreading the gospel message, we also need to know what we’re up against. We need to understand how an unbeliever thinks. What is actually going on in their heart when they say, “I don’t believe in God.” Are they pleading ignorance? Do they need further proof?
Jesus washed the twelve disciples feet; it seems even the feet of Judas Iscariot. Jesus does however state that “not all of you are clean”, speaking of Judas. Even though Judas was one of the twelve, he was not counted clean by Jesus. Are you clean? If so, are you still clean? Jesus also spoke to Peter saying “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me”. Even though most of the twelve were already made clean, they needed a little washing to stay clean. Are you still clean?
There are inner hungers within every human heart that long to be fulfilled. The heart yearns to know, “Who am I? Why am I here? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Does my life have any real meaning and purpose?” While we may search for answers to these questions in the things of this world, we will always be left empty and unsatisfied. That is because the fulfillment to man’s deepest longings can only be found in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry.” If you turn to Him, you will discover satisfaction that lasts forever!
