The Most Important Celebration

Twice each year Christians celebrate dates associated with events in the life of Christ. The significance of these events remains a key foundation for Christianity. The birth of our savior would be made meaningless had not the second event occurred. It is the most important single event in all of history.


Three days, mark for all mankind, an unparalleled turning point in the universal order. The death, and resurrection of Jesus, changed the status of man and his relationship to God forever. Without this, Christ would be nothing more than another holy man. With it, we have a believable assurance toward the gift of salvation. All men can be drawn unto Him because He was lifted up. The price for sin has been paid, once and for all; death has lost its sting. No longer is it necessary to make sacrifice to atone for sin; Christ is our atonement. He has done what no mere man could ever do; being the unblemished sacrifice, perfect in every way.


To help understand the real essence of what took place, I am sharing these posts of early essays, written back when I first started my public writing. They still hold my feelings and have meaning for this celebration of Christ's Resurrection.


The Gift (April 15, 2006)

John the Baptist was in prison, and probably knew that he was going to die. He had preached the news of Jesus, that he would come to set things right, The New King. This same Jesus didn't seem to have an army. Instead He hung out with the poor, the lepers, and other publicans. Having doubts he sent his disciples to get some answers. When asked about it Jesus gave simple instructions “Go and tell him what you have seen." We must all keep in mind that often times we won't receive what we expect. However; what we do get is a hundredfold better than what we need. Jesus came into the world at the Will of the Father. His very life was an act of LOVE, and a benefit for all mankind. The death and resurrection of Christ was necessary for forgiveness. Had judgment been rendered with the first coming, all mankind would have been lost. "For all have sinned", so who could have been saved. Jesus died so that we might live. The power of His Holy blood and it alone gives us the chance at redemption. It was not the power and might, that John the Baptist sought, but the humility, in the selfless act of sacrifice. This was the unexpected gift of LOVE that was, and is the most powerful gift of all. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)


As we attend service, Spend time with our families, or otherwise celebrate this time... I urge you to reflect on what a great and personal gift was given us by Jesus Christ, with this life changing event.


Reason (July 6, 2006)

Genesis 3:6-7 (NIV)
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.



Selfish... or selfless, it's a question of position. Which position a person takes is one thing, but which one they hold is another ball of wax. The word desire is introduced at the very start in the story of man. God imparted it as part of man's original package. In the beginning our desires were led by God. We followed His will and all our desire was good. The free will of man had the influence of God, who could only instill righteousness. As a result of this, man's will and the will of God, were one and the same. There was perfect fellowship. God's plan for our lives was always to give us and allow us the very best. In the beginning our choice was focused on His perfect will.


One of the tools of Satan, used in spiritual warfare is temptation. It is probably his most effective and most often used. We see above that it was the one used in the fall of man. Temptation was used to corrupt the will and desire of man. Satan only had to play with the desire that was already in place. Once the fruit had been eaten, the perfect influence of God was no longer the only voice that man would hear. The groundwork for ongoing temptation, or evil desire had been set. Satan, looking to rob us of our focus, found a way to corrupt God's plan. He added to our ability to choose. With his deception we had to contend with reason, long before we were ever ready to handle it. Every time we make a choice we try to attach reason to the choice we make. Even when it's a bad choice we want to justify it. Reason for us is really confusion. We need the wisdom of God, and the help of the Holy Spirit, in order to obtain righteousness. This is the key to salvation, to accept Christ as a savior. Without Him in our lives, to strengthen our commitment to His will... we fall back on our reason. Remember, most reasons are nothing but dressed up excuses. It's like this, when He comes, what will you stand on... His righteousness... or your reason!!

Jesus knew the power of man's desire as well as what would result if we were left to the temptations of Satan. In His example of prayer, He teaches us to ask our Father in Heaven: "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil..." Jesus knew that the evil temptations of Satan would come to influence our power of desire.


John 17:15 (NIV)
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.


There are some very good reasons for staying in this world, for one there are others that must hear the message of Christ's salvation. Those who follow Christ and bring that message must learn to resist the evil one. This corrupt place is the best training ground for both Satan's tactics and following the direction of the Holy Spirit.


All is not lost, for God is still in control. Satan corrupted man, not God! We were redeemed and given the gift of salvation, if we only believe. To believe in Christ is to trust in his Word. After all, Jesus is the Word. When we study His word... and I do mean study, we learn to hear and recognize His voice again. As in any relationship, choice of involvement is key. You must want and desire to be there. If you make wanting a relationship with God... YOUR REASON... you have the best choice possible. This is what reconciliation to the fellowship of God through Christ Jesus is all about. Things can be restored as they were in the beginning.


John 3:16-19 (NIV)"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.


It all comes down to your reasons behind the God given power of desire that you have. What will be your choice? God Himself is asking the question... think hard about your answer.

1 John 5:18 (NIV)
We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.

1 John 5:19 (NIV)
We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV)
This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.


I hope and pray each and every day that you all find "GOOD REASON" to choose life. It's in the Will of God.... found in His Word. Your place in eternity should be all the "REASON" that you need.


Blessings,
Matt.

The Jesus Command

My Book

 

(Watch Trailer)

John 13:34 (NIV) 

“A new command I give you: Love one another.

As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

 

Local Chicago Minister, debuts a passionate work to help those still lost.

“The Jesus Command”

(Published by WestBow Press)

A journey through the scriptures on a path of life changing inspiration.

 

　　

"What is a Church?"

No matter the response, one thing will be certain. You will receive quite a few different answers. The building with the cross, the Body of Christ, or the multitude of all believers everywhere. The same holds true if you replace "Church" with "Disciple." The answers will be different, with some falling void of the truth. We all have our perceptions, however well intended. The real answer, the only one that really carries any weight, and the one we all should seek an understanding for... is found in this broader question.

"How did Jesus use the term and what did He intend for us to understand about it?"

This was the starting point of our study, a study which took the words spoken by Jesus to those who could clearly be identified as His closest Disciples to try and form the answer.

The eleven men who comprised His inner circle were given a new command. That command... 

"Love one another; as I have loved you... 
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples..." 
(John 13:34-35 NIV)

"The Jesus Command"

is both simple and impossible to carry out under our own power.
Even when we give it our all, we still fall short.
The key is in first being willing to love and then obedient to the pattern that Jesus first laid down. 

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things,…” 

(Matt. 25)

I've heard many, who, when quoting this passage, all seem to stop at the colon, without making mention of the fact that the servant has faithfully carried out a task to the Masters delight. Just how much of our Christian walk is in line, faithfully, with the Masters liking? Are we doing all we can to live out the command of Jesus, or are we busy making excuses as we push our service further on the back burner. “The Jesus Command” is an examination of Christ’s charge to love one another as He has loved us. It takes into account His point of view and what would be expected of anyone who would be called His Disciple.

A word of caution… there may be a few hard bits to swallow.

John 6:60, 66 (KJV) 

Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? 

From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 

The New Testament is full of instruction of how we are to regard one another. Our study and discussions took these instructions as a guide.
They form the pattern of our attempt to better understand this... 

"The Jesus Command"

and the qualities necessary for Christ following. 

According to John’s gospel, God Himself is love. The basic core of Discipleship must begin with a devotion toward an understanding of what godly love is, and a willing effort to display that love to others. This book and the discussions contained within, uses that premise as the viewpoint from which to look at both the scriptures, and the actions being taken in the effort to obey them. It should not be that difficult to see why His commandment… “The Jesus Command”, was to love one another as He had loved us. Nor should it be so hard to understand why in doing so, the world would know that we are His Disciples.

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"The Jesus Command"

uses the life of Christ and the inspiration of those closest to Him, 

to unravel the meaning of Discipleship. 

Beginning at the threshold of love, 

the book is a serious exploration and look at what it is to love as Jesus did, 

as 

He loved us.

Read the book… Tell us what you think with a comment here, 

or with a tweet
#TheJesusCommand
or
@mattmilamii

Better still… Write a review on

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or at 

WestBow Press 

Matthew Milam II (Matt.), in his role as minister, teaches Bible Study, and serves as a Deacon on the Pastoral Staff of South Side Gospel Church, in Chicago’s Woodlawn Community. The outreach he founded, The Hands Of God Ministries, helps those in need. The proceeds from the sale of this book have been set aside to assist the Homeless and Poor. Having lived life from both sides of the fence, he is no stranger to the need for, as well as the benefits of... loving your neighbor.

I Challenge You

When I created my web pages they were started in part to encourage the reading of scripture. Bible study is something that I believe we all should be involved in. There are many who profess to be Christian and will agree that it is important to read the Bible. However there are a great many who have only read verse to verse or certain sections while missing others. In order to get the full picture and really understand how the whole story comes together, the entire work needs to be read. If I only studied addition, how could I understand math? Yet many after reading only a portion of God’s Word go on to dismiss it, or worst still, they form a complete opinion after only briefly glancing at a small section. There are many plans that assist in the undertaking of the task, those that lay it out over the course of a year or so; but many have tried these only to loose interest, or are pulled away from the time commitment. For all who have found the task to be a challenge this just might be the solution.

90 DAYS THAT COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Starting June 1st and continuing through August, there is a standing challenge going out to everyone… everywhere.

THE BIBLE IN 90 DAYS

It has been done, not only by the creator of the challenge but others around the world. The fact is Ted Cooper Jr., a one time atheist and creator, found that his whole life changed after reading through the Bible in just 90 days. He even founded a ministry in order to help anyone complete the task. There are study guides, videos and other material which would aid individuals, groups, or whole congregational communities; available through the web site…

http://www.biblein90days.com/index.php

Even without the aids, the project is still a doable one. It requires twelve (12) pages a day but don’t focus on the amount of reading, instead think of the benefits. You can cover the whole Bible from cover to cover, and do it in 90 days. The reading could be all at once in the morning or evening or broken up and spread throughout the day. BibleGateway has even partnered in the challenge to make the reading passages available on line.

http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/readingplans/index.php/today?plan=6&version=31

It will be summer soon and that means vacation season. School will take a break and most will set their minds to relaxing and having fun. Now there is nothing wrong with these activities but they speak of commitment to personal interest. I challenge you all to take an interest in the one thing that brings the life to do these things. Take an interest in the Word of God.

THEY DID IT

AND LIVES WERE CHANGED

Even if you have read the Bible, a revisit wouldn't hurt. Just think of the person who has never done so; you could share the Word together and help them receive the message this summer for the first time. Join me in this reading, invite a friend and together we can unfold the truth of God's love. If you accept let me know in the comment box.

Blessings,

Matt.

Political Authority

When it comes to politics, there is a fine line that must be navigated. Most often it is overlooked if not disregarded altogether. Jesus said to "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." (Caesar representing government, Matt. 22:21) Clearly the two are separate and at odds. In politics you will have political interest which won’t always be in the interest or will of God. Where man may have his own agenda it still won’t hinder the will of God. Politicians are servants, but not all serve God knowingly or willingly. Our Father is capable and can use even the wicked.

Proverbs 16:4 (NIV) The LORD works out everything for his own ends— even the wicked for a day of disaster.

Our involvement in the political system gives us an opportunity to further the will of God through a vote wrapped in morality and His truth. It provides training and practice in righteousness. In our attention to government, we give diligence in watching for Satan’s attempt at further corruption and installment of his system. Just as the law was given to teach us what sin was, corruption is allowed so we can understand what it looks like. As new situations and things come into being, the face of sinful things and sinful people is harder to recognize.

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (NIV) And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
Christ came into the world to destroy the works of Satan. (1 John 3:8) Christians being followers of Christ work to do the same, not with evil but with what is right and good. The directions given by Paul still stand as the best advice for bringing an end to the acts of the wicked.

Romans 12:21 (NIV) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
By standing on the side of what is good you obey the will of God and those who come to stand on the side of good along with you further glorify God. Everyone who remains in the darkness of evil is seen for what they are. What Satan intended for evil is made good through the Spirit of Righteousness. We serve an all powerful God and His power has already defeated the devil; we need only to resist him and he will flee.

For more on the subject of Authority go to: HIS_AUTHORITY

(NOTE: Originally published on 03/26/09)

Blessings,
Matt.

Questioning Scripture

This was a statement in response to the post "Lessons From Christ." Where it is not a direct question, it does question scripture and the Word of God. It not only requires an answer but some thought as well... think about it.


Implied Question:

Q...

Re: Lessons from Christ
Jesus grew in wisdom etc>>

No, He dint. He is/was/will be/remains GOD. In becoming flesh, He dint "get stupid" and need to smarten up and remember that He created the Cosmos.

A...

In all of my writing, my studies, and my essays; I look to, and rely on, the word of God. This study was no different; it came directly from the scriptures itself. The Word speaks for itself; they are not my own words, but rather the inspired Word of God. These words come straight from scripture. I must at least think that they were written to stress a point.


Luke 2:52 (NIV) And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.


When the scriptures say these words, I must use them as the foundation and start of any opinion that I hold to. I also ask that any response or comment made, be supported by scripture. We call ourselves believers and followers of Christ. How then can we discount His Word and take the lead instead of allowing Christ to lead us? Here are some more words from scripture which also stress an important point.


Acts 4:18-20 (NIV) Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."


Luke, for all accounts was very careful in his investigation of the life of Jesus. He spent time interviewing and speaking to those who had seen and heard with their own eyes, the events surrounding the life of our LORD. 

Again I ask you, are you a believer and follower of Christ? Do you trust the Word of God to be true? 

Where is your scripture to support your statements? Are you suggesting that we should take your word over the Word of God?

As believers, we are instructed to lean not on our own understanding. Our faith comes by hearing. That which we hear, must be the Word of God. This is why study of the Word is of the utmost importance.


2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,


From these passages, the importance of God's Word as our foundation and guide can be easily concluded as the standard that we must follow. We start with the Word, not being ashamed of it, not trying to renounce it, and certainly not from a standpoint of not accepting it. Instead we must rightly divide it. That is to make every effort to understand it.... as it is written. Then we use that understanding to not only strengthen ourselves, but also for the strengthening of others.


Romans 1:16 (NIV) I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.


For us in the Body of Christ, we hold to our belief in the Word, our faith, or we remain ignorant. If it is ignorance that still holds our attention, then I close with this reminder.... again from scripture itself.


Acts 3:17-26 (NIV) "Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.' "Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days. And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, 'Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.' When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."


It is my hope and prayer that you are truly a believer, and that it is not your intention to cause dissension in the Body of Christ. Try to think of the harm that might be caused to those who are not as strong in the faith, when you challenge the Word without backing your position with clear, sound scripture that supports your statements. We must refrain from anything that is not wholesome and edifying for our brothers and sisters in Christ.


Until next time.... Your brother in Christ,
Matt.

Question From Tikno

Q...

If "one" why we must different?
A question sent to me by Tikno, from the discussion in BlogCatalog (click title for link)

A...
Let’s look at your thoughts and question through Biblical reference. I hope to provide enough for you to receive clear understanding.

God has always existed before everything. It was through Him that the universe, the creation, came into existence. God is the origin of all things… directly or indirectly.


John 1:1-3 (NIV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

Revelation 22:13 (NIV) I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

Click for Purchase Info.

Religion is an invention of man, a tradition that resulted from God’s creation of man. Not directly placed by God, but allowed by him. It is man that has fractured it, placed individual definitions, and caused separations among men.

Micah 6:16 (NIV) You have observed the statutes of Omri and all the practices of Ahab's house, and you have followed their traditions. Therefore I will give you over to ruin and your people to derision; you will bear the scorn of the nations. 

Matthew 15:3 (NIV) Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?

Mark 7:13 (NIV) Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that."

Colossians 2:8 (NIV) See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.

Our problems, the problems of mankind, are the direct result of man himself. We as a group are proud, arrogant, and self centered. It’s the result of our sinful nature.

Deuteronomy 31:16 (NIV) And the LORD said to Moses: "You are going to rest with your fathers, and these people will soon prostitute themselves to the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake me and break the covenant I made with them.

Nehemiah 9:29 (NIV) "You warned them to return to your law, but they became arrogant and disobeyed your commands. They sinned against your ordinances, by which a man will live if he obeys them. Stubbornly they turned their backs on you, became stiff-necked and refused to listen.


Our world, the Earth, our soul, and every other part of our being are owned by God. However the control of our soul is a matter of our choice. Just as a stock company is owned by shareholders and controlled by a board of directors. With individual choice comes individualism, and differences. What happens to our soul depends on our choice and how we relate to God’s will.


Job 41:11 (NIV) Who has a claim against me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me.


Ezekiel 18:4 (NIV) For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son—both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die.

Matthew 6:24 (NIV) "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

Romans 1:28 (NIV) Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.


Lennon’s song was only right in part. Our imaginations and our dreams are good things; progress in the world is due to them. But to come together as one requires a power beyond man’s ability, we need the power of God. Without Him our lives exist in chaos; each man defining his own righteousness.


Matthew 19:26 (NIV) Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

2 Timothy 3:-5 (NIV) But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.

To accept God or not is a personal choice. As a Christian Minister my choice is to accept. To function as a Minister I offer information concerning the good news. It’s information that has to be willingly received, if I am to follow the direction of Christ. My task is not to browbeat, not to force, and certainly not to ridicule others to follow me. If God gives freedom of choice who am I to do otherwise. Everyone must understand that it is their choice. But it is a choice that comes at a price, there is no free lunch. Whether you believe or not changes nothing in the fact that God is. I can't change your decision no more than I can change the outcome of it. God is personal and your choice concerning Him is also personal… between you, the individual and Him, your God.


Isaiah 45:23 (NIV) By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear.

Revelation 3:15-17 (NIV) I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

Revelation 22:10-14 (NIV) Then he told me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near. Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile; let him who does right continue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy." "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.


Just as the unseen quark is a fact of physics, God who is also unseen, is a fact of each and every beings existence; you can believe it or not. What you believe will weigh in on the price you must pay. Our existence started with God and it will surely end with Him.


Psalm 84:10 (NIV) Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

Romans 14:5 (NIV) One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.


I pray that this has helped to bring some clarity to your understanding and that you will continue to seek answers to the question of God.

Blessings,
Matt.

The Relationship of Grace

Exodus 33:19 (NIV)
And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

Here we find the elements of God’s grace… Goodness, Mercy, and Compassion; all in the name of the LORD because His Will, wishes it to be.

Another way of looking at "His Grace" is to see it as a part of “His Will”, as it concerns us. It’s the part of it that is unconditional. His Grace carries no strings. There is nothing demanded or commanded of us for it. We don’t have to promise to do anything, and there is no passing of judgment associated. When you look around, there is quite a bit of free stuff that God has provided for everyone. None of it is denied based on our actions, good or bad. That in itself shows how "His Grace" is at work to help us all.

Isaiah 45:18 (NIV) For this is what the LORD says—
he who created the heavens,
he is God;
he who fashioned and made the earth,
he founded it;
he did not create it to be empty,
but formed it to be inhabited—
he says:
"I am the LORD, and there is no other.

This Earth and all the material within it, was fashioned for the people who would inhabit it… That’s us. His action is extended because of His will for relationship, with us. His Grace forms the foundation of the relationship that God would intend to share. By design, we are instilled with favor in order that we might display the wondrous glory of our creator. It’s His way of giving us the incentive to turn towards “His Righteousness”; an act of choice that hallmarks His greatness. An act of which, on our part, also makes certain the bond of that relationship; formed between ourselves and God. By choosing Him, we acknowledge that Greatness, and we display for others; That Glory.

Blessings,
Matt.

Lessons From Christ

Luke 2:52 (NIV)
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Jesus spent His time among us teaching. He placed much of His effort in trying to expand our understanding of what really should matter in our lives, as far as how we regard our Father in Heaven; as well as each other. As a follower of Christ, what was emphasize by Him, must be looked at with serious attention. This being said, I start this study with this example from Jesus….

Christ was fully God, perfect in all areas of existence. God became man, existing as a man in every aspect. As a man it was necessary for Jesus to develop, into a man from a child. This passage in Luke gives insight into just what is necessary for complete development. This was a living example set by Jesus for all of mankind. It speaks to the type of instruction that should be given a child, and also gives us adults a guideline for self-analysis. From this guide we can determine what is lacking and how to make changes for improvement.

Jesus Grew….
Not only is it necessary to develop physically in all areas, but also to make efforts to grow continually as well.
Wisdom….
This places focus on intelligence, development of the mind and its abilities for mental strength.
Stature….
In addition to the mind, the body or physical being must be maintained. Healthy living was an issue back then as it is now.
Favor….
In order to receive favor one must do what is favorable in the sight of the one whose favor is wanted. When that one is God, it becomes a question of the spirit. How closely you can get your spirit to follow the Holy Spirit, will determine the measure of obedience you have to God's righteousness.
With God and Men….
We were created to be involved in relationship, first with God, and then with each other. In the very beginning, it was God who said that man should not be alone. It has always been our position to exist as a social being. The difficulty lies in finding a peaceable path that will include both God and man. Remember the instruction from Christ; 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' (you find it... hint: see Matthew) Finding a balance is not an easy thing, but that does not release us from the obligation to make the effort.

In terms of today's world, most everyone holds some kind of understanding of the necessity of the mind and body. The focus is toward the promotion of education and health, and spans throughout every nation and culture. It might be said that in some ways it has grown at the expense of the other areas on this list. In order for man to be complete, all of these areas of life must be recognized and addressed. The neglect and inattention to the spiritual being, is still persistent today. The confusion that hindered the development of social harmony, back then, is still a problem area. In the social area of relationship, we still need the umbrella of clarity.

The teachings given us by Christ Jesus are of great value. His best teaching is in the life that He lived... giving the example and pattern for us to follow. That life was presented to the apostles, who in turn formed and taught the early Church. All of the inspiring lessons that deal with faith, character, belief, or Spirituality, are touched on in this brief description, concerning Jesus' development. It's a great lesson... "A LESSON FROM CHRIST."

Blessings,
Matt.

"TODAY"

Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

When I read this passage, I must take a moment to consider the word Today. Even now as I type, spell check wants me to use lower case. Why did the writer put so much emphasis on the today word? It was so strongly stressed that the translators used capitals to bring home the urgent need. Digging deeper I find that the urgent, implied imperative associated with the word today; has as synonyms the terms, vital, necessary, and very important. Now that’s a great deal of stress for one word alone. So I ask again, why?

When you think about it, Today is really the only time that any of us has under our control. Yesterday is history, it can’t be undone. Tomorrow is the future, yet to be achieved. That leaves us with today and today alone. The enemy, Satan is a mastermind of deceitfulness. One who paints great illusions for us to believe, and we want to believe it. We want to take credit and say it’s our own creation. It’s easy to fall into the trap of complacency, delaying our action until some future point in time. A point we assume we can arrive upon. Remember Satan is a thief, in this case playing con man to rob us of opportunity.

Everyday we encounter many that would benefit from a simple act. That is, the act of kindness known as encouragement. Those who just might cling to some form of hope, with nothing more than a simple good word. Instead we look inward, not noticing, not caring, not thinking of the others, or maybe saying… it’s not my problem. Have we developed into a class structure, an “us against them” society? Indeed we have. Like the passage says, hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Satan has traded today’s opportunity for borrowed time. It’s time that neither he nor anybody else can really deliver. You see, time is only in God’s hands, He alone has the control. I say again, Satan is a thief, he has no time to trade… it’s a con. Legally, it’s theft by deception.

There are a few things that are for certain, one being this. God knows Satan, and Satan knows God. We, on the other hand, don’t know much of nothing. God is ever making an effort to guide us and keep us safe, because we don’t know better; while Satan is ever fooling us. That’s why we have “The Book”, and are instructed to meditate on it day and night. We may not know better, but we can learn. By the way, it seems that this day and night thing sounds familiar. I remember now, it forms a day. That’s a day from God. It’s a gift of time, an opportunity. So while we have this day, so long as it’s called “Today”, let us all encourage one another.

Psalm 118:24 (NIV)
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

You're Blessed To Be A Blessing,
Matt.

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Luke 11:9-10 (NIV)

"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Helping each other is what fellowship is all about... sharing !