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Perspective:-
Whom Do We Manifest?
Once the Lord Jesus was talking to a group of Jews who claimed to be His followers; His conclusion was mind-blowing, “You are of your father the devil” (John 8:44a)!
Naturally, they were offended by Christ’s strong statement and reacted with anger and animosity (cf. vs. 48, 52, and 59). The entire conversation (John 8: 31 – 59) is worthy of serious study for us to escape such illusive suppositions. It is not enough that we make a claim of our faith; Christ makes it very clear that an appropriate life is essential.
In the beginning of the talk itself He exposed their true state, telling them that were not true disciples (vs. 31). When they chose to refute it and argued with their Abrahamic heritage, the Lord explained further of their bondage in sin pointing out to their murderous character (Vs. 34 – 38).
Devilish Characteristics
Refusing to accept the Lord’s indictment, they further claimed to be born of God (v. 41). Christ then declared unequivocally, “You are of your father the devil”. The Lord did not stop there, but went on to explain the reasons behind such a conclusion, “the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him……… for he is a liar and the father of it.” (John 8:44).
Their aggressive reaction at the end of the conversation in fact proved beyond doubt, Christ’s words were absolutely true (V. 59). This so-called ‘believers’ were actually promoting deception and destruction, which are devilish characteristics.
Beloved, the word of God categorically states, true Christian life is not just following an ideology or being part of a social group, but living out a Christ-like life. Our belief must be balanced with suitable behavior.
Work of Salvation
To understand this truth more, we need to consider the various aspects involved in God’s work of salvation. When a sinner turns to Christ the Saviour confessing their sins, not only they are forgiven and saved from the eternal judgment but they are also regenerated by the wonderful operation of God. Thus, a sinner by birth becomes a child of God (John 1:12, 13; 3:3, 5; 2Cor. 5:17).
From that moment of spiritual birth, God begins a work in us (Phil. 1:6). The ultimate aim of that work is to make a believer……… ->>>More
Out line:-
Our Father in Heaven...
- Sees in secret. (Matthew 6: 4a, 6b, 18a)
- Rewards openly. (Matthew 6: 4a, 6b, 18b)
- Knows our needs. (Matthew 6: 8, 32)
- Attentive to our Prayers. (Matthew 6: 9)
- Forgives our debts and trespasses. (Matthew 6: 12, 14)
- Feeds birds in the sky. (Matthew 6: 26)
Anecdote: -
Christlikeness
On a wall near the main entrance to the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, is a portrait with the following inscription: "James Butler Bonham -- no picture of him exists. This portrait is of his nephew, Major James Bonham, deceased, who greatly resembled his uncle. It is placed here by the family that people may know the appearance of the man who died for freedom."
No literal portrait of Jesus exists either. But the likeness of the Son who makes us free can be seen in the lives of His true followers.
— Bill Morgan.
Practical: -
CAN OR WILL A CHRISTIAN COMMIT SUICIDE?
By Tom Johns, Austin, Texas.
I am reasonably sure that at some point in time some of us were in such a desperate situation when we felt ‘it is better for me to die now.’ This thought may or may not have reached the point of seriously considering some means to achieve that. Also, there may be someone reading this article who has a family member or close friend who had committed suicide.
You may have some questions about whether such a person could be a Christian, even though you may have felt that he / she had shown evidence of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. You could be grieving over his / her death considering these uncertainties. There might be someone facing extremely hard circumstances and he or she is contemplating suicide. My prayer is that this article would minister to the hearts of all of us.
Isaiah 42:3 “A bruised reed he will not break, smoking flax He will not quench” [quoted in Matthew 12:20] is the mission of Jesus Christ. A reed that is used to make a musical instrument, once cracked is no longer useful; and in the same way, a smoldering wax candlestick is no longer useful to give out light. In the eyes of the world, those are simply useless but in God’s miraculous plans they can be brought to good use.
Often, when we see such ‘bruised reed and smoldering wick,’ we are eager to walk away and discard and forget the fact that God could be at work. Our mission is to work hand in hand with God’s plans and when we are willing to do that we become less and less judgmental and dogmatic.
SUICIDE IS A SIN
Suicide is self-murder. Exodus 20:13 – “You shall not murder.” But just like any other sin, suicide can be.>>>...... More
Exhortation: -
EXAMINE YOURSELF
Any medical expert would recommend going for a complete health check-up periodically once you cross a certain age. Just imagine, you neglect such an advice and all of a sudden come to know that you are seriously sick, it may be too late!
Similarly, in our spiritual life, we need an occasional spiritual health check up to see how our spiritual life is, how healthy and strong are we in connection with the things of God. Do not just assume that we belong to Christ and everything is okay.
Notice what Apostle Paul wrote to members of the Church at Corinth: “But let each one take heed how he builds on it.” (1Cori. 3:10c). “But let a man examine himself and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” (1Cor. 11:28). “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves…” (2Cori. 13:5).
This means that whoever we are, a church member, pastor, preacher, evangelist, or whatever may be our position in the congregation we attend, the Bible calls upon everyone to examine ourselves.
Remember four things:
a. It’s not our business to examine others.
Often we prefer and even enjoy evaluating others. That attitude only leads us to self-righteousness and pride. “Judge not that you may not be judged.” Matth. 7:1 (1Cor. 4:5).
We can only see and hear about others, not what is inside (1Sam. 16: 7). So, if we try to judge others, not only we make a blunder, but it’s also a rebellion against God, who is the only true judge. For we are trying to take His place!
b. Our assumption may not be right.
We may think that we are on the right path. But our understanding is >>>...... More
Worthy Quotes:-
Christlikeness
“The process of sanctification, growth, and increasing Christlikeness should be going on continually while here on earth.
__________ William MacDonald
“The first evidence of spiritual growth is Christlikeness”.
__________ Warren W. Wiersbe
“The race toward Christlikeness begins with a sense of honesty and dissatisfaction.”
__________ John MacArthur
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