Luke 1:68
Let’s begin this topical discussion with three questions, how do you define redeemed, who are the redeemed, and who is the redeemer? According to Merriam-School Dictionary (p 750) redeem is “to buy back: repurchase, to get or win back, to free from captivity usually by paying a ransom, to free from the bondage of sin, to atone for: EXPIATE”. Zondervan’s Pictorial Dictionary agrees with Webster and the writer on the definition of redeem as it means “to by back”.
Let’s answer the question of who are the redeemed? Our scripture verse was speaking of the nation of Israel, but “the redeemed” can be categorized as all believers who have accepted the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. As we celebrate this holiday season, Christmas, which is Christ’s birth, the Savior was born to die; meaning His mission was to become the atoner for humanity’s sins. On this glorious day, Jesus knew His date with destiny at Calvary in complete obedience to the Father in an effort to restore man’s fellowship with God. Yes, all believers can join Zacharias (Luke 1:68) in saying “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for he hath visited and redeemed his people.” Who are the blessed? All believers and why are we blessed, because God in the form of Jesus Christ came to earth. God kept His promise in sending the Messiah, Jesus Christ as our redeemer. Now that we have answered the two remaining questions, this brings another question to mind, which is why did humanity need a redeemer? Man needed redeeming because of a broken fellowship with God and there were no one on earth worthy to pay the penalty of sin. Therefore, to be the perfect sacrifice required someone free of sin and could keep God’s moral laws and this person was Jesus Christ.
Concluding this dialog, all believers are blessed because we believe in Jesus Christ, and thank God for sending His Son to be our redeemer. We are “the redeemed” because of God’s love. We have witnessed His love on two occasions, first, when God breathed the breath of life into man, He gave man part of Himself, second, by giving His Son as atonement for man’s sins, and Jesus gave His life for humanity. What love? See, Christ’s birth was no accident, this was a planned event. He is our redeemer -- we are the redeemed.
Author’s contact: blog: http://willie-writing.blogspot.om/, email: white3285@sbcglobal.net, wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com, http://www.goodshpeherdwritingandpublishing.com/.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
Reflections
II Chronicles 7:14
Some time ago I wrote an article “How do we heal our land”; today let’s reflect on some things. First we see this great nation of ours is standing on the brink of a financial melt down. Reflect with me on the large corporations that Congress has had to bail out within the last few months. Many of these companies were icons for many years now no longer exist as they once did or is being backed with government funds; AIG, CITI group, and Lehman Brothers just to name a few. Who would have ever thought the “Big three” would be in such financial distress and especially General Motors.
What does this situation really say about who we place our trust in and what does it say about the leadership of each corporation and our government? If I could reflect on scripture reading where a proud nation was powerful and felt it didn’t need God, and was spreading itself with prowness what the author referred to as spreading her wings as the bay leaf tree (Psalm 37:35 paraphrased). Well, look at these corporations they stood tall as giants among many spread out over the world, but one thing they forgot was who allowed them to achieve such status. These things happen when you take your eyes off God.
The question now becomes how to we get back to God? Our scripture verse makes it plain what is needed, first, we must humble ourselves, second, pray, third, seek God’s face, and fourth, turn from our wicked ways. If America do these four things God promised that He would (a) hear, (b) forgive, and (c) heal this land. We as believers understand this concept, we recognize where our blessings come from. Join with me in praying that our leaders political, heads of states and corporate, redirect their focus and recognize who has the real power, and that is God.
In closing, O, Lord my God in thee do I put my trust (Psalm 7:1) because like Job 19:25 “I know My Redeemer LIVETH”.
Some time ago I wrote an article “How do we heal our land”; today let’s reflect on some things. First we see this great nation of ours is standing on the brink of a financial melt down. Reflect with me on the large corporations that Congress has had to bail out within the last few months. Many of these companies were icons for many years now no longer exist as they once did or is being backed with government funds; AIG, CITI group, and Lehman Brothers just to name a few. Who would have ever thought the “Big three” would be in such financial distress and especially General Motors.
What does this situation really say about who we place our trust in and what does it say about the leadership of each corporation and our government? If I could reflect on scripture reading where a proud nation was powerful and felt it didn’t need God, and was spreading itself with prowness what the author referred to as spreading her wings as the bay leaf tree (Psalm 37:35 paraphrased). Well, look at these corporations they stood tall as giants among many spread out over the world, but one thing they forgot was who allowed them to achieve such status. These things happen when you take your eyes off God.
The question now becomes how to we get back to God? Our scripture verse makes it plain what is needed, first, we must humble ourselves, second, pray, third, seek God’s face, and fourth, turn from our wicked ways. If America do these four things God promised that He would (a) hear, (b) forgive, and (c) heal this land. We as believers understand this concept, we recognize where our blessings come from. Join with me in praying that our leaders political, heads of states and corporate, redirect their focus and recognize who has the real power, and that is God.
In closing, O, Lord my God in thee do I put my trust (Psalm 7:1) because like Job 19:25 “I know My Redeemer LIVETH”.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Be like the Lord
Leviticus 19:2
What does it mean to be like the Lord? First, this scripture setting took place during the leadership of Moses and God called the nation of Israel to separate themselves from their surrounding nations. God reminds Israel who they were and who He is and that He was their God who is holy. Second, the entire chapter of Leviticus 19 deals with the personal conduct of believers, which is to manifest the character of a holy God, who is holy by His divine nature and if we as believers are to manifest His likeness, then we are to be like Him. Why? Because mankind was created in the image and likeness of God, therefore, believers are called to separate themselves from the world just as Israel was called to separation from their surrounding nations.
This brings a question to mind, which is why do God call believers and the nation of Israel to separation? First, God is a holy God and all humanity has a part of God within each of us “love” and with this love believers are to love Him first, then “our neighbor as thyself”. Second, believers are set aside (sanctified) unto His righteousness for a purpose, which is to show the world His goodness, love, mercy and have a fellowship with Him. In order to accomplish sanctification, it requires the work of both God and the believer. One, the believer must have faith in God and His Son’s atoning work at Calvary. Two, the believer must humble himself and participate in the Spirit’s sanctifying work by ceasing to do evil. Three, sanctification can be looked upon as a purifying process which keeps believers from becoming polluted by this world’s evils.
Third, believers and the nation of Israel are to be sanctified (set aside) to show the world the attributes of a holy God.
Finally, to be like the Lord requires a spiritual separation from worldliness for the following reasons:
1. Draw near to God, and turn away from everything that is contrary to Him and His Son. This is accomplished through prayer, worship, and His Word and loving service to Him.
2. To prevent an unholy comprise for believers.
3. To show our attitudes toward sin and all unrighteousness of a corrupt world and its systems.
4. Separation enables the believer to persevere in faith, purity, and godly love for one another.
5. Be light in a sin darkened world.
As the Lord is light so are believers manifesting His light.
Author’s contact Email: white3285@sbcglobal.net, blog http:/willie-writing.blogspot.com, website www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com. comment welcome.
What does it mean to be like the Lord? First, this scripture setting took place during the leadership of Moses and God called the nation of Israel to separate themselves from their surrounding nations. God reminds Israel who they were and who He is and that He was their God who is holy. Second, the entire chapter of Leviticus 19 deals with the personal conduct of believers, which is to manifest the character of a holy God, who is holy by His divine nature and if we as believers are to manifest His likeness, then we are to be like Him. Why? Because mankind was created in the image and likeness of God, therefore, believers are called to separate themselves from the world just as Israel was called to separation from their surrounding nations.
This brings a question to mind, which is why do God call believers and the nation of Israel to separation? First, God is a holy God and all humanity has a part of God within each of us “love” and with this love believers are to love Him first, then “our neighbor as thyself”. Second, believers are set aside (sanctified) unto His righteousness for a purpose, which is to show the world His goodness, love, mercy and have a fellowship with Him. In order to accomplish sanctification, it requires the work of both God and the believer. One, the believer must have faith in God and His Son’s atoning work at Calvary. Two, the believer must humble himself and participate in the Spirit’s sanctifying work by ceasing to do evil. Three, sanctification can be looked upon as a purifying process which keeps believers from becoming polluted by this world’s evils.
Third, believers and the nation of Israel are to be sanctified (set aside) to show the world the attributes of a holy God.
Finally, to be like the Lord requires a spiritual separation from worldliness for the following reasons:
1. Draw near to God, and turn away from everything that is contrary to Him and His Son. This is accomplished through prayer, worship, and His Word and loving service to Him.
2. To prevent an unholy comprise for believers.
3. To show our attitudes toward sin and all unrighteousness of a corrupt world and its systems.
4. Separation enables the believer to persevere in faith, purity, and godly love for one another.
5. Be light in a sin darkened world.
As the Lord is light so are believers manifesting His light.
Author’s contact Email: white3285@sbcglobal.net, blog http:/willie-writing.blogspot.com, website www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com. comment welcome.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
Psalm 92:1-2, 1Thessalonians 5:16-18
This is a message of Thanksgiving, as we celebrate this day with friends, family and food, let us reflect on our goodness from the Lord as our scripture verse encourages us to “give thanks unto the Lord, and sing praises unto thy name.”
In spite of the difficult times we are witnessing and many are experiencing, still remain God’s many blessings that surround us, His love engulfs us, and His goodness and mercy walks with us daily. Therefore, let us show forth our gratitude with our loving-kindness to Him and our fellowman with praises and heart-felt thanks because our blessings out number our troubles. Another point of view is that with God we have everything and without God we have nothing.
Finally, “in everything give thanks” (v18) for He is worthy.
This is a message of Thanksgiving, as we celebrate this day with friends, family and food, let us reflect on our goodness from the Lord as our scripture verse encourages us to “give thanks unto the Lord, and sing praises unto thy name.”
In spite of the difficult times we are witnessing and many are experiencing, still remain God’s many blessings that surround us, His love engulfs us, and His goodness and mercy walks with us daily. Therefore, let us show forth our gratitude with our loving-kindness to Him and our fellowman with praises and heart-felt thanks because our blessings out number our troubles. Another point of view is that with God we have everything and without God we have nothing.
Finally, “in everything give thanks” (v18) for He is worthy.
Friday, November 14, 2008
The necessity of Biblical Training for Believers
II Timothy 2:2
Please note the following discussion/outline on biblical training for believers are quoted in part and some paraphrasing from KJV of Life in the Spirit Study Bible.
Let’s begin this study by looking at the church’s responsibility as it relates to believers and their knowledge of God and their ability to separate fact from fiction. It is vital for all Christians to know biblical trues because scripture warns of false teachers and their purpose is to hinder the building of God’s kingdom. Also, it is important for believers to know sound doctrine is that the believer can “commit these trues to others without compromise or corruption” (KJV).
1. The Bible outlines the following reasons for Biblical and or theological training for Christians in the home, school or church (Partial paraphrase). Following are important points on biblical training:
(a) Biblical training is to entrust the gospel of Christ to faithful believers in order that they may know (II Timothy 3:15) guard the truth (II Timothy 1:14 note), teach the true biblical faith (I Timothy 4:6; II Timothy 2:2) and righteous standards (Romans 6:17 note; I Timothy 6:3).
(b) Biblical training is to show students the necessity of contending for the faith which was once delivered to the saints (Jude 6, note). This will give the believer the weapons necessary to defend against false doctrines and theologies (Acts 20:31 note, Galatians 1:9 note, I Timothy 4:1 note, 6:3-4; Titus 1; 9 note on false teachers).
(c) Bible training also lead students into continual growth in character through godliness (I Timothy 6:3; cf Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2-3; 119: 97-100; Matthew 28:20; John 17:14-18; I Thessalonians 4:1; I Timothy 1:5, note; 4:7,16; 2 Timothy 3:16).
(d) Bible training equips students to become strengthen and bring maturity to other believers, so that together they may reflect Christ’s image in the home, church, school, and the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16).
(e) Bible training give students a deeper understanding of God and experience His kingdom while here on earth and the conflicts waged against Satan’s powers (Ephesians 6:10-18).
(f) Bible training motivates students to wholeheartedly commit to evangelizing to the lost and preaching the gospel to all nations as commanded in Matthew 28:20; Mark 16:15-20).
(g) Bible training deepen the students experience of Christ love, personal fellowship and the gift of the Spirit (John 17, 21, 26; Ephesains 3:18-19). This will encourage the student to follow the Holy Spirit which will bring then into the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14).
2. It is vitally important that Biblical training be done by those who are fervently loyal to God, the scriptures as they are God’s inspired Word (2 Timothy 1”13-14, Ezra 7:10 note), the Holy Spirit and His ministry of truth, righteousness and power ( 2 timothy 1:14). Why so, because only those truly committed to God’s Word will seek to know and teach the truth as teaching is a calling by God. More importantly, teaching God’s Word lacks self aggrandizement.
3. Finally, true Biblical training emphasizes true righteousness, which is (knowing, being and doing) as oppose to being apprehensive of Bible truths. Scripture have revealed that these doctrinal teaching are redemptive truths, not academic, meaning; the heart plays a vital role in Biblical training.
True Biblical training is vital to Christian growth.
Please note the following discussion/outline on biblical training for believers are quoted in part and some paraphrasing from KJV of Life in the Spirit Study Bible.
Let’s begin this study by looking at the church’s responsibility as it relates to believers and their knowledge of God and their ability to separate fact from fiction. It is vital for all Christians to know biblical trues because scripture warns of false teachers and their purpose is to hinder the building of God’s kingdom. Also, it is important for believers to know sound doctrine is that the believer can “commit these trues to others without compromise or corruption” (KJV).
1. The Bible outlines the following reasons for Biblical and or theological training for Christians in the home, school or church (Partial paraphrase). Following are important points on biblical training:
(a) Biblical training is to entrust the gospel of Christ to faithful believers in order that they may know (II Timothy 3:15) guard the truth (II Timothy 1:14 note), teach the true biblical faith (I Timothy 4:6; II Timothy 2:2) and righteous standards (Romans 6:17 note; I Timothy 6:3).
(b) Biblical training is to show students the necessity of contending for the faith which was once delivered to the saints (Jude 6, note). This will give the believer the weapons necessary to defend against false doctrines and theologies (Acts 20:31 note, Galatians 1:9 note, I Timothy 4:1 note, 6:3-4; Titus 1; 9 note on false teachers).
(c) Bible training also lead students into continual growth in character through godliness (I Timothy 6:3; cf Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2-3; 119: 97-100; Matthew 28:20; John 17:14-18; I Thessalonians 4:1; I Timothy 1:5, note; 4:7,16; 2 Timothy 3:16).
(d) Bible training equips students to become strengthen and bring maturity to other believers, so that together they may reflect Christ’s image in the home, church, school, and the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16).
(e) Bible training give students a deeper understanding of God and experience His kingdom while here on earth and the conflicts waged against Satan’s powers (Ephesians 6:10-18).
(f) Bible training motivates students to wholeheartedly commit to evangelizing to the lost and preaching the gospel to all nations as commanded in Matthew 28:20; Mark 16:15-20).
(g) Bible training deepen the students experience of Christ love, personal fellowship and the gift of the Spirit (John 17, 21, 26; Ephesains 3:18-19). This will encourage the student to follow the Holy Spirit which will bring then into the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14).
2. It is vitally important that Biblical training be done by those who are fervently loyal to God, the scriptures as they are God’s inspired Word (2 Timothy 1”13-14, Ezra 7:10 note), the Holy Spirit and His ministry of truth, righteousness and power ( 2 timothy 1:14). Why so, because only those truly committed to God’s Word will seek to know and teach the truth as teaching is a calling by God. More importantly, teaching God’s Word lacks self aggrandizement.
3. Finally, true Biblical training emphasizes true righteousness, which is (knowing, being and doing) as oppose to being apprehensive of Bible truths. Scripture have revealed that these doctrinal teaching are redemptive truths, not academic, meaning; the heart plays a vital role in Biblical training.
True Biblical training is vital to Christian growth.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Obeying God’s Command
Deuteronomy 6:5
Let us begin this topical discussion with a question, what is God’s command? His command (s) is considered the Ten Commandments which give specific instructions to mankind. The first commandment tells mankind where we are to place God in our lives; He specifically states that we are not to have any other gods before Him. This brings us to our scripture verse which tells humanity how we are to love God and why we are to love Him in such fashion. First, God seeks a fellowship with His people and with this command if obeyed will attach God and us together forever. Second, we are to love God because He is our creator and sustainer of all life from beginning to end. Furthermore, He cares for all mans needs great or small. Third, God loved man so much until He sent His only Son to die for our sins after mankind had disobeyed Him. What love? Fourth, if mankind responds to God’s command in love, gratitude and loyalty to Him for His loving us first, we then will get to know, love and enjoy a covenant relationship with God, which is what He wants. If the question is raised, is it possible for man to obey God’s commands? The answer is yes, because it is possible when man step out in faith that God’s love will be returned. How do we know this? First, humanity is God’s prized creation where He breathed the breath of live into man; second, He gave humanity a mind, body, and a soul as well as the ability to choose. Third, if God put some of Himself into man would He fail to love us especially when mankind is asked “to love thy neighbor as thyself.” Fourth, the Holy Spirit is in us to aid us in our efforts to obey God’s commands. Finally, throughout history God have proven without any doubt to be (a) faithful to man, (b) love mankind, (c) dependable, and (d) worthy of our love.
In closing, Deuteronomy 10:12 we find God’s great requirement, which is “to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” Reverential of God is the “fear” stated, and then God want our outer service to Him to be genuine from the heart.
Finally, I have often heard the phrase, “obedience is better than sacrifice.” Which one will you choose?
Comments are welcome; press envelope on blog, or email: white3285@sbcglobal.net, and please visit website www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com.
Let us begin this topical discussion with a question, what is God’s command? His command (s) is considered the Ten Commandments which give specific instructions to mankind. The first commandment tells mankind where we are to place God in our lives; He specifically states that we are not to have any other gods before Him. This brings us to our scripture verse which tells humanity how we are to love God and why we are to love Him in such fashion. First, God seeks a fellowship with His people and with this command if obeyed will attach God and us together forever. Second, we are to love God because He is our creator and sustainer of all life from beginning to end. Furthermore, He cares for all mans needs great or small. Third, God loved man so much until He sent His only Son to die for our sins after mankind had disobeyed Him. What love? Fourth, if mankind responds to God’s command in love, gratitude and loyalty to Him for His loving us first, we then will get to know, love and enjoy a covenant relationship with God, which is what He wants. If the question is raised, is it possible for man to obey God’s commands? The answer is yes, because it is possible when man step out in faith that God’s love will be returned. How do we know this? First, humanity is God’s prized creation where He breathed the breath of live into man; second, He gave humanity a mind, body, and a soul as well as the ability to choose. Third, if God put some of Himself into man would He fail to love us especially when mankind is asked “to love thy neighbor as thyself.” Fourth, the Holy Spirit is in us to aid us in our efforts to obey God’s commands. Finally, throughout history God have proven without any doubt to be (a) faithful to man, (b) love mankind, (c) dependable, and (d) worthy of our love.
In closing, Deuteronomy 10:12 we find God’s great requirement, which is “to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” Reverential of God is the “fear” stated, and then God want our outer service to Him to be genuine from the heart.
Finally, I have often heard the phrase, “obedience is better than sacrifice.” Which one will you choose?
Comments are welcome; press envelope on blog, or email: white3285@sbcglobal.net, and please visit website www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
When Jesus come to your house
Luke 10:38-42
Our scripture text scene takes place where Jesus visits two sisters whom no doubt loved Him very much, but from the story Martha misplaced her priorities when it came to worshiping the Lord. Martha busies herself making things perfect while Jesus taught fellow believers and her sister Mary. Mary recognized the most important of service which is giving undivided devotion to Jesus and His Word, meaning when Jesus come to your house, He want your unconditional love, prayer, worship and fellowship with Him. He is not looking for beautiful clean edifices, but your clean heart and soul; a clean edifice is good, but a purified soul is better. How do we get a purified soul is by studying His Word, so that we may live godly lives, keep an open line of communication through prayer, establishing a fellowship with Jesus by daily walking with Him and resisting temptation with the aid of the Holy Spirit.
Let’s restate the question, when Jesus come to your house what will you be doing? Will you be ready to receive Him or will you have to clean a space for Him? Will Jesus find a receptive worship environment or will He have to stand at the door and knock? When Jesus come to your house will you say “come in my Savior I am ready to serve thee”.
Our scripture text scene takes place where Jesus visits two sisters whom no doubt loved Him very much, but from the story Martha misplaced her priorities when it came to worshiping the Lord. Martha busies herself making things perfect while Jesus taught fellow believers and her sister Mary. Mary recognized the most important of service which is giving undivided devotion to Jesus and His Word, meaning when Jesus come to your house, He want your unconditional love, prayer, worship and fellowship with Him. He is not looking for beautiful clean edifices, but your clean heart and soul; a clean edifice is good, but a purified soul is better. How do we get a purified soul is by studying His Word, so that we may live godly lives, keep an open line of communication through prayer, establishing a fellowship with Jesus by daily walking with Him and resisting temptation with the aid of the Holy Spirit.
Let’s restate the question, when Jesus come to your house what will you be doing? Will you be ready to receive Him or will you have to clean a space for Him? Will Jesus find a receptive worship environment or will He have to stand at the door and knock? When Jesus come to your house will you say “come in my Savior I am ready to serve thee”.
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