King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: A Good Soldier
Date: Saturday December 10, 2011
Chapters: The Book of II Timothy
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://thesaviorjesuschrist.com/bible-reading-december-10
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in read are spoken by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
A soldier is a person who contends or serves for a cause, in the military a soldier serves their country, they voluntarily give their lives to save the lives of people they do not know, whom they may never see again, and whom can care less about them, yet they serve with honor. Soldiers are the lowest in rank, put through the most tests, and have to endure the most pain of all. Thousands of men and women have lost their lives serving their country. One Man voluntarily gave His life for the cause to save all of mankind, people that do not know Him, whom can care less about Him, whom will see Him, that man is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the greatest soldier to ever exist, while many do not know Him now, He knows everybody, and one day everybody will know Him too. “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” - John 5:28,29.
The Book of II Timothy is the sixteenth book of the New Testament, the fifty-fifth book of the Bible, and contains four chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is Paul and it was written to Timothy. This was the second letter written to Timothy, written about a year later, approximately 64AD, which he wrote from prison fearing he would soon be executed for holding on to his faith. The purpose of the letter was to challenge Timothy to assume the responsibility for the ministry which the apostle was handing over to him while facing persecution. What we are to learn from the book is that each person who lives for Christ will suffer affliction, but He gives them the power to endure and be a witness to others. “Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” -II Timothy 2:10.
As a soldier, Jesus Christ had to endure much pain, suffering, and humiliation, He was beaten, scourged, mocked, stripped down to a loin cloth, hung on a tree, and left to die there while thousands, including His mother watched Him. The key word, endured, which means to suffer without resistance, He could have come down, He could have fought back, but He endured, He died that day for one cause and one cause only, to save the human race. Before Jesus died, He said three words, “It is finished” (John 19:30). What was finished? There is a threefold purpose of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection; 1. To abolish death which is the result of sin. 2. To bring to light salvation through Him. 3. To enlighten the subject of immortality, which believers are to have through Him when He returns. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” - Romans 5:8-10.
Now, Jesus is the General, those who believe and have accepted Christ and serve Him are His soldiers, we have voluntarily called on Jesus Christ to save us, therefore, we have been enlisted in His army. The cause, the same as Jesus', to save sinners. Just as Jesus suffered for the cause, we will suffer too, not the painful death that He endured (although some people have died), but we will face persecution for standing by our faith and teaching it to others. Timothy was given the task of pasturing a church that Paul began when he was in Ephesus. Paul's first letter to Timothy instructed him on how to live as a Christian and set the example for others to follow, in this letter he praises him for his obedience, encourages him not to be afraid of persecution, but endure it through the power of the Holy Spirit, who dwells in every believer.
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:..For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.” -II Timothy 1:7-10,12-14.
Being saved does not exempt us from being persecuted, in fact, those who stand by their faith will face even more persecution. Why? Jesus said, “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” - Mark 13:13. Instead of feeling defeated, rejoice knowing that your persecution is not in vain, you have the victory because you are going to heaven, to live in God's Kingdom. “And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:” - Revelation 22:1-3.
Paul continues to encourage Timothy not to give up the fight and reminds him that he was chosen by Jesus Himself to be a soldier. “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.” - II Timothy 2:1-7.
Jesus chose you, of all the people that have accepted Him and received Him, He chose you to be one of His soldiers. Not every person saved is qualified to handle such a duty, but He chose you. God knows what we are going through, He allows it to keep us faithful. You know, when I chose to dedicate my life for Christ I faced all sorts of persecution, I still do, but the more I suffer the more I learn to thank God for getting me away from the people who caused so much trouble in my life in the first place. There is not a day that goes by that I do not thank God for taking me out of the world. While we may not understand why we are going through the things we go through at the time, God will help us understand when the time is right. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28.
One day over is one day closer to Christ returning, and if you think things are bad now, it is only the beginning. Paul explains what we as soldiers are about to come up against. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” - II Timothy 3:1-6.
I was watching the news last night and there is a fight going on to shut down the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, which is tasked with monitoring religious liberty worldwide. If we have no freedom to choose the religion we want to follow then we would have to follow the religion the government chooses for us. It is important that we as soldiers reach as many people as we can before every nation is forced to follow a one world religion and anyone going against it will be severely persecuted. As a good soldier for Christ we can overcome every form of persecution, we can with Paul say, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” - II Timothy 4:7,8.
A crown is defined as the highest or most perfect state of anything and to bring to a successful or triumphant conclusion. God promises a crown to all who stand by Him, the more we endure, the more blessed we become. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” - James 1:12.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, as we march on as soldiers for Christ We thank You for the many spiritual warriors who have taken on added responsibility and assumed difficult duties of leading us to victory in cause of Christ. Bless our leaders who have poured themselves into our lives and set for us an example to follow. Lead us and guide us, give us Your power to endure the persecution we face and will face as we serve You as a good solider for Christ. Help us to remain faithful and keep reminding us of what we will enjoy after all the work is done and what we get to enjoy in Your presence and in Your Kingdom. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Saturday, December 10, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
Half Truths
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Half Truths
Date: Friday December 09, 2011
Chapters: The Book of I Timothy
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://thesaviorjesuschrist.com/bible-reading-december-09
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in read are spoken by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
Did you ever notice that the biggest and most influential churches in the world are the ones plastered all over television and the internet? Did you know that more than ¾th of those churches do not even preach the Gospel? Oh, they tell you that you need Jesus in your heart and need a personal relationship with Him, but week after week the same people go to these altars asking Jesus to come into their heart. How do I know this? I use to go to one. I will admit that I have gone to the altar several times, whether it was at church or watching some preacher speak, I do not know how many times I said the sinners prayer, tried to do the right thing, but the truth is, it only takes one time to say that prayer to be saved and doing the right thing did not save me. I was saved only when I truly believed that Christ would save me, which was on July 10, 2004. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” - Romans 10:9,10.
The sad thing is that these mega churches only teach half truths, they don't tell you what you are being saved from, they don't tell you once saved, always saved, they don't promote a godly lifestyle, they bring the world into into the church, they often preach from a version of God's so called word that has taken important doctrine out of it that we all need to live by, and some even have divorced men and women heading up the church (yes, this is against doctrine). A genuine Christian church is grounded on the life, death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, whom is the only begotten Son of God, born of a virgin. It bases it's doctrine and teachings on the entire Bible and follows the New Testament as the only guide to a personal relationship with Christ, knowing that He is the head of the church. “even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.” - Ephesians 5:23b.
The Book of I Timothy is the fifteenth book of the New Testament, the fifth-fourth book of the Bible and contains six chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is Paul and it was written to Timothy, his son in faith, it was written approximately 63AD. Timothy was a young pastor, having been left the difficult task of pasturing the church at Ephesus. The purpose of the letter was to address some of the problems and needs which existed in the church. What we are to learn from the book is that not every church is a genuine church of Christ and we should live our lives as an example of the ministry to which we have been called. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” -I Timothy 4:12.
Paul wrote Timothy to instruct him in the choice of proper officers in the church, as well as in the exercise of a regular ministry. He also wanted to caution him against the influence of false teachers and ungodly servants in the ministry, who by subtle distinctions and endless disputes, corrupted the purity and simplicity of the Gospel.
“As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.” - I Timothy 1:3-11.
It is important that the church teach the right doctrine and set the right example for the church, whether we are a preacher, teacher, or janitor we are representing Christ and need to always present ourselves as such. Paul explains to Timothy the roles that men and women have in the church, “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time...In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” - I Timothy 2:4-6,9-12.
First of all, they all must be saved and study God's Word in order to know the truth, a person cannot teach something if they do not know it themselves. One thing a lot of people will disagree on is the fact that women are not to be the head of a church. Women are to be modest and silent in the church, giving up authority to men, who are to be bishops (preachers) or deacons. This does not mean that a woman is not allowed to talk to anyone in church, it means that they are not to speak in authority over men, nor argue with a man of God over what he teaches. Why do women have to be silent? This goes all the way back to the Book of Genesis when Eve was first deceived by the devil and caused Adam to sin. “For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.” - I Timothy 2:13-15.
Women are teachers, they have a big influence on everyone around them, if they are not living a godly life they will drag everyone else down with them. All throughout the Bible you will learn of women who influenced men to sin against God, which caused major problems that stem all the way down to us today. As a woman I will admit that I have, in the past, devised some pretty wicked schemes to get back at people, so, I can attest that I have a big influence on everyone that gets near me. Yes, I have learned from my mistakes, especially realizing that all revenge does is cause suffering and pain, not for the person you are getting back, but for you. Besides now, since I know the truth, I do not have to worry about what people have done, God will take care of it for me. “To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.”- Deuteronomy 32:35.
Regardless of whether we are man or woman, and work in the ministry or not, we are not perfect, we have this flesh, we are going to mess up, the great thing is that we can learn from our mistakes. The hard part is admitting that we did wrong, but at least we do not have to confess our sins to a priest, all we need to do is talk to God, He already knows what we did, we just need to confess it to Him. “For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” - I Timothy 4:4-6.
If you have not done so, I advise you, as a minister of Jesus Christ, learn the truth of the Gospel, get a real Bible, find a Bible based church, and see how God will work in your life as you grow in Christ. If you are saved, keep going, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” - I Timothy 6:12.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
It is still amazing to get up every morning knowing that it is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives in me. He has turned my life completely around as I learn the truth from Your Word and live in obedience to it. I know I am saved and that I do not have to live in obedience to You because I am trusting in Your Son to save me. But I am going to live in obedience to You because I am grateful and thankful to You for loving me and not giving up on me when You had every right to. Lord, I know I am going to mess up, but I am trusting You to lead me and guide me in whatever will that You have for me. Show me the way, help me understand, and never let me cease from developing that personal relationship with Christ that shows me I can do all things through Him. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Message Title: Half Truths
Date: Friday December 09, 2011
Chapters: The Book of I Timothy
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://thesaviorjesuschrist.com/bible-reading-december-09
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in read are spoken by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
Did you ever notice that the biggest and most influential churches in the world are the ones plastered all over television and the internet? Did you know that more than ¾th of those churches do not even preach the Gospel? Oh, they tell you that you need Jesus in your heart and need a personal relationship with Him, but week after week the same people go to these altars asking Jesus to come into their heart. How do I know this? I use to go to one. I will admit that I have gone to the altar several times, whether it was at church or watching some preacher speak, I do not know how many times I said the sinners prayer, tried to do the right thing, but the truth is, it only takes one time to say that prayer to be saved and doing the right thing did not save me. I was saved only when I truly believed that Christ would save me, which was on July 10, 2004. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” - Romans 10:9,10.
The sad thing is that these mega churches only teach half truths, they don't tell you what you are being saved from, they don't tell you once saved, always saved, they don't promote a godly lifestyle, they bring the world into into the church, they often preach from a version of God's so called word that has taken important doctrine out of it that we all need to live by, and some even have divorced men and women heading up the church (yes, this is against doctrine). A genuine Christian church is grounded on the life, death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, whom is the only begotten Son of God, born of a virgin. It bases it's doctrine and teachings on the entire Bible and follows the New Testament as the only guide to a personal relationship with Christ, knowing that He is the head of the church. “even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.” - Ephesians 5:23b.
The Book of I Timothy is the fifteenth book of the New Testament, the fifth-fourth book of the Bible and contains six chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is Paul and it was written to Timothy, his son in faith, it was written approximately 63AD. Timothy was a young pastor, having been left the difficult task of pasturing the church at Ephesus. The purpose of the letter was to address some of the problems and needs which existed in the church. What we are to learn from the book is that not every church is a genuine church of Christ and we should live our lives as an example of the ministry to which we have been called. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” -I Timothy 4:12.
Paul wrote Timothy to instruct him in the choice of proper officers in the church, as well as in the exercise of a regular ministry. He also wanted to caution him against the influence of false teachers and ungodly servants in the ministry, who by subtle distinctions and endless disputes, corrupted the purity and simplicity of the Gospel.
“As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.” - I Timothy 1:3-11.
It is important that the church teach the right doctrine and set the right example for the church, whether we are a preacher, teacher, or janitor we are representing Christ and need to always present ourselves as such. Paul explains to Timothy the roles that men and women have in the church, “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time...In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” - I Timothy 2:4-6,9-12.
First of all, they all must be saved and study God's Word in order to know the truth, a person cannot teach something if they do not know it themselves. One thing a lot of people will disagree on is the fact that women are not to be the head of a church. Women are to be modest and silent in the church, giving up authority to men, who are to be bishops (preachers) or deacons. This does not mean that a woman is not allowed to talk to anyone in church, it means that they are not to speak in authority over men, nor argue with a man of God over what he teaches. Why do women have to be silent? This goes all the way back to the Book of Genesis when Eve was first deceived by the devil and caused Adam to sin. “For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.” - I Timothy 2:13-15.
Women are teachers, they have a big influence on everyone around them, if they are not living a godly life they will drag everyone else down with them. All throughout the Bible you will learn of women who influenced men to sin against God, which caused major problems that stem all the way down to us today. As a woman I will admit that I have, in the past, devised some pretty wicked schemes to get back at people, so, I can attest that I have a big influence on everyone that gets near me. Yes, I have learned from my mistakes, especially realizing that all revenge does is cause suffering and pain, not for the person you are getting back, but for you. Besides now, since I know the truth, I do not have to worry about what people have done, God will take care of it for me. “To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.”- Deuteronomy 32:35.
Regardless of whether we are man or woman, and work in the ministry or not, we are not perfect, we have this flesh, we are going to mess up, the great thing is that we can learn from our mistakes. The hard part is admitting that we did wrong, but at least we do not have to confess our sins to a priest, all we need to do is talk to God, He already knows what we did, we just need to confess it to Him. “For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” - I Timothy 4:4-6.
If you have not done so, I advise you, as a minister of Jesus Christ, learn the truth of the Gospel, get a real Bible, find a Bible based church, and see how God will work in your life as you grow in Christ. If you are saved, keep going, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” - I Timothy 6:12.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
It is still amazing to get up every morning knowing that it is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives in me. He has turned my life completely around as I learn the truth from Your Word and live in obedience to it. I know I am saved and that I do not have to live in obedience to You because I am trusting in Your Son to save me. But I am going to live in obedience to You because I am grateful and thankful to You for loving me and not giving up on me when You had every right to. Lord, I know I am going to mess up, but I am trusting You to lead me and guide me in whatever will that You have for me. Show me the way, help me understand, and never let me cease from developing that personal relationship with Christ that shows me I can do all things through Him. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Making Christ Lord
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Making Christ Lord
Date: Wednesday December 07, 2011
Chapters: The Book of I Thessalonians
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://thesaviorjesuschrist.com/bible-reading-december-07
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version.
Hello My Friend,
Jesus said, “For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” - Matthew 24:5-8-14.
Every generation sees signs that they have read from the Bible concerning Christ's return and swears that Christ is coming really soon. Every year someone predicts the day Christ will return, only to have that day come and no Christ. I believe that the only reason God allows people to even predict His return is to see people receive His Son. In my opinion, from what I read in the Scriptures, every day is one day closer to His return, there are many signs leading us to believe that He is returning very soon, we've seen wars, storms, earthquakes, alliances with enemies, a Muslim president claiming Christ is the reason for the season. Yes, Jesus is coming soon, but there are many things that still need to come to pass and lives to be saved before He returns. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” - II Peter 3:9,10.
The Book of I Thessalonians is the thirteenth book of the New Testament, the fifty-second book of the Bible, and contains five chapters. The author of this epistle is Paul and it was written to the believers of Thessalonica. The time he wrote the letter is approximately 54AD. The purpose of the letter was to assure the people that Christ is returning and to correct any false teaching. What we are to learn from the book is that Christ is returning, that we need to be godly examples, and to seek comfort in the hope of eternity with Him and His glorious return. “To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” - I Thessalonians 3:13.
I think every believer longs for the day Jesus returns, imagine a day with no pain, death, or sorrow before you die, even Paul had hope that Jesus would come in his lifetime. While no one knows when Jesus will return it is important that we be prepared no matter what age we are in. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to keep preaching the Gospel, patiently looking for the hope of His return.
“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake...For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” -I Thessalonians 1:2-5,9,10.
We must not forget that Christ is returning one day and when He does we will all will face Him for judgment, even those who are saved must face Him and we are going to be accountable for everything we did or did not do after we were saved. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” - II Corinthians 5:10.
Knowing this Paul encourages the Thessalonians to make sure they honor their bodies, which are God's, “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” - I Thessalonians 4:3-7.
Since we are vessels of honor that contain the Spirit of God we need to honor our bodies, fornication means unmarried sex, concupiscence means fulfilling sexual desires. The Bible says, “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” -I Corinthians 6:18-20.
We are God's elect, we are to be examples of what it is like to be a true Christian. Whether you realize it or not, you are being watched not only by God, but by fellow Christian's and others as well. We are all God's witnesses and are to live according to His Will, giving Him glory for all things. This does not mean that we can not enjoy being with our husbands or wives, it means we are to respect our bodies and only give them to our spouse. If you have no spouse, wait for one, you will feel much better about yourself. “It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.” - I Corinthians 7:1-3.
Since we have no way of knowing when the appointed time of Christ's return will be so we cannot wait for the time we think is the right to live the Christian way. We need to put aside anything that hinders us from making Him Lord of our lives. Paul continues his letter, “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness...Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - I Thessalonians 5:2-5,21-23.
Remember, you are a child of the light of the world therefore, you must be prepared for the day He does comes to get you. It is okay to live your life, but it is now time to think about what you are doing and where you may be headed if you continue the path you are following. Can you honestly say you are walking with Christ? If not, you can save yourself from some unnecessary suffering by getting right with God, everything else will follow, but you must take that first step. “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” - I Thessalonians 5:24.
We must remember that God will not go back on His promise to redeem every soul who receives Christ, but from my experience judgment comes before we get to heaven. Every thing that I did in the flesh after I got saved, knowing that I was saved, I suffered for, but now, I constantly thank God for His mercy and what He brought me out of today. I still struggle for my past, or I should say it likes to keep resurfacing, but praise God I am forgiven and He is doing what He needs to do to keep me from going back to that mess I was in before I chose to let Christ be Lord of my life. God will do the same for all who make Christ Lord of their lives. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - I John 1:9.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, You redeemed us when we called on Your Son to save us, now, You have called on all believers to walk in the light, take a stand our faith and allow Christ to be Lord of our lives. Would You help us to be diligent in our study, prayerful about our stand, and immersed in Your Holy Word. Lord, as we take a position against the evil tide of our land help us to unapologetic in our stand and be the vessel of honor You asked us to be. May we, by example and word, say to the fallen world that we serve not the god of this world, but a King who is King of kings, ageless and eternal. I ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Message Title: Making Christ Lord
Date: Wednesday December 07, 2011
Chapters: The Book of I Thessalonians
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://thesaviorjesuschrist.com/bible-reading-december-07
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version.
Hello My Friend,
Jesus said, “For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” - Matthew 24:5-8-14.
Every generation sees signs that they have read from the Bible concerning Christ's return and swears that Christ is coming really soon. Every year someone predicts the day Christ will return, only to have that day come and no Christ. I believe that the only reason God allows people to even predict His return is to see people receive His Son. In my opinion, from what I read in the Scriptures, every day is one day closer to His return, there are many signs leading us to believe that He is returning very soon, we've seen wars, storms, earthquakes, alliances with enemies, a Muslim president claiming Christ is the reason for the season. Yes, Jesus is coming soon, but there are many things that still need to come to pass and lives to be saved before He returns. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” - II Peter 3:9,10.
The Book of I Thessalonians is the thirteenth book of the New Testament, the fifty-second book of the Bible, and contains five chapters. The author of this epistle is Paul and it was written to the believers of Thessalonica. The time he wrote the letter is approximately 54AD. The purpose of the letter was to assure the people that Christ is returning and to correct any false teaching. What we are to learn from the book is that Christ is returning, that we need to be godly examples, and to seek comfort in the hope of eternity with Him and His glorious return. “To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” - I Thessalonians 3:13.
I think every believer longs for the day Jesus returns, imagine a day with no pain, death, or sorrow before you die, even Paul had hope that Jesus would come in his lifetime. While no one knows when Jesus will return it is important that we be prepared no matter what age we are in. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to keep preaching the Gospel, patiently looking for the hope of His return.
“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake...For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” -I Thessalonians 1:2-5,9,10.
We must not forget that Christ is returning one day and when He does we will all will face Him for judgment, even those who are saved must face Him and we are going to be accountable for everything we did or did not do after we were saved. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” - II Corinthians 5:10.
Knowing this Paul encourages the Thessalonians to make sure they honor their bodies, which are God's, “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” - I Thessalonians 4:3-7.
Since we are vessels of honor that contain the Spirit of God we need to honor our bodies, fornication means unmarried sex, concupiscence means fulfilling sexual desires. The Bible says, “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” -I Corinthians 6:18-20.
We are God's elect, we are to be examples of what it is like to be a true Christian. Whether you realize it or not, you are being watched not only by God, but by fellow Christian's and others as well. We are all God's witnesses and are to live according to His Will, giving Him glory for all things. This does not mean that we can not enjoy being with our husbands or wives, it means we are to respect our bodies and only give them to our spouse. If you have no spouse, wait for one, you will feel much better about yourself. “It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.” - I Corinthians 7:1-3.
Since we have no way of knowing when the appointed time of Christ's return will be so we cannot wait for the time we think is the right to live the Christian way. We need to put aside anything that hinders us from making Him Lord of our lives. Paul continues his letter, “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness...Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - I Thessalonians 5:2-5,21-23.
Remember, you are a child of the light of the world therefore, you must be prepared for the day He does comes to get you. It is okay to live your life, but it is now time to think about what you are doing and where you may be headed if you continue the path you are following. Can you honestly say you are walking with Christ? If not, you can save yourself from some unnecessary suffering by getting right with God, everything else will follow, but you must take that first step. “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” - I Thessalonians 5:24.
We must remember that God will not go back on His promise to redeem every soul who receives Christ, but from my experience judgment comes before we get to heaven. Every thing that I did in the flesh after I got saved, knowing that I was saved, I suffered for, but now, I constantly thank God for His mercy and what He brought me out of today. I still struggle for my past, or I should say it likes to keep resurfacing, but praise God I am forgiven and He is doing what He needs to do to keep me from going back to that mess I was in before I chose to let Christ be Lord of my life. God will do the same for all who make Christ Lord of their lives. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - I John 1:9.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, You redeemed us when we called on Your Son to save us, now, You have called on all believers to walk in the light, take a stand our faith and allow Christ to be Lord of our lives. Would You help us to be diligent in our study, prayerful about our stand, and immersed in Your Holy Word. Lord, as we take a position against the evil tide of our land help us to unapologetic in our stand and be the vessel of honor You asked us to be. May we, by example and word, say to the fallen world that we serve not the god of this world, but a King who is King of kings, ageless and eternal. I ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be: http://www.godsprice.com
Missed A Devotional: http://thesaviorjesuschrist.com/king-james-bible-study
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Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Complete In Him
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Complete In Him
Date: Tuesday December 06, 2011
Chapters: The Book or Colossians
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://thesaviorjesuschrist.com/bible-reading-december-06
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version.
Hello My Friend,
With it being the Christmas season some are hearing about the birth of Jesus for the very first time, churches all over the world are telling the story of Jesus, many are preparing to reenact that very night the Savior was born. What many people do not realize is that Jesus existed well before He came to earth as a man, in fact, Jesus existed well before God even created the world. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not...And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” - John 1:1-5,14.
The word complete means, having no deficiency; perfect, to fulfill; to accomplish; to perform. God is complete, He has no deficiencies, He is perfect. Everything He creates, even down to the very last defect is complete. In six twenty-four hour days God completed heaven and earth, on the last day He formed man out of the very earth He created the first day (See Genesis chapters 1,2) and in an instant God breathed life into the shell of a man, making man complete, having God's spirit, a living soul, and a body. However, just as quick as God gave life to man He took it away when Adam and Even brought sin into the world by disobeying this command, “Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” - Genesis 2:16,17. The second Adam and Eve ate of that fruit they died spiritually, making man incomplete. Still today, all who are born have a soul and body, but we are incomplete, dead spiritually, until we are made complete in the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Book of Colossians is the twelfth book of the New Testament, the fifty-first book of the Bible and it contains four chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is Paul and it was first written to the believers in the church of Colosse who were to share the letter with believers at Laodecea. Paul wrote the letter approximately 64AD, it came to his attention that there was some false doctrine going among the church so, he set the record straight through the letter. The purpose of the letter was to address doctrinal issues within the church. What we are to learn from the book is that everything in the world is Christ, He is all things and is in all His believers. “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” - Colossians 1:17.
In Paul's letter to the Colossians he commends them for their faith in Christ, but reminds them that they have a lot to learn about Christ, who is God in the flesh. “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” -I Colossians 1:9-17.
In the 6015 years or so since God created all things in heaven and earth many are unexplainable and beyond comprehension to human understanding. It's a good thing that we are made unaware of some things, look at all the disasters that happened over the years by someone who tried to play God. While scientists try to figure it all out and pretend that God does not exist, they miss a valuable point, even if the world did evolve over billions of years ago from a tiny spec someone had to have made the spec. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” - Romans 1:20,21.
Probably one of the hardest things to explain is the Godhead, One God in the form of three persons, who is God the Father, Jesus, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Paul explains that we are only complete when we receive the fulness of the Godhead. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” - Colossians 2:6-10.
I can use visual aids, an egg, a shamrock, a car, water, a person, but what it all comes down to is this, faith. We must have faith, without faith all of us would question how Jesus could be sitting at the right hand of God up in heaven right now and still be God. The truth is this, God is God, He can do what He wants to do, besides it was important for Him to identify Himself as three separate individuals. If Jesus had a hard time trying to convince people that He was the Son of God, can you imagine the reaction if He said that He was God in the flesh? By faith, we believe that Jesus is the sinless Son of God, who died on the cross, was buried, and three days later resurrected. By faith, we accept Christ as our Savior, based on that knowledge, depending only on Him to save us from hell. Likewise, by faith, we are to understand that there is only One God, Who exists in three separate persons. “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” - I John 5:7.
Until you receive Christ you are incomplete, you do not have the Spirit of God dwelling in you. Once you receive Christ you are complete, having no deficiencies, and are perfect in God's eyes. Why? Because He sees His Son in you, who is perfect. You are complete in Him, rejoice in that, keep studying God's Word, learn the truth, be ready to respond to anyone trying to tell you otherwise what you have learned. Don't be rude, if they want to believe that they are a spec let them believe it, but at least you will know how to respond the next time they try to tell you that you are a spec. “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” -Colossians 4:2-6.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, here I am again, Your work in progress. Although I committed my life to you many years ago the finished work will not be revealed until I draw my final breath on this side of Your creation. In the midst of my struggles, failures, and doubts I remain confident that You will complete the work that began the day I surrendered my life to You. You accepted me as I was and You lovingly began reshaping of my life to reflect the image of Your Son. Not only are You continuing the good work You began, but You are perfecting the situations that weaken my faith and my Christian testimony. I thank You that You will fulfill Your purpose for me this day as I commit all my ways to You. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be: http://www.godsprice.com
Missed A Devotional: http://thesaviorjesuschrist.com/king-james-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Message Title: Complete In Him
Date: Tuesday December 06, 2011
Chapters: The Book or Colossians
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://thesaviorjesuschrist.com/bible-reading-december-06
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version.
Hello My Friend,
With it being the Christmas season some are hearing about the birth of Jesus for the very first time, churches all over the world are telling the story of Jesus, many are preparing to reenact that very night the Savior was born. What many people do not realize is that Jesus existed well before He came to earth as a man, in fact, Jesus existed well before God even created the world. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not...And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” - John 1:1-5,14.
The word complete means, having no deficiency; perfect, to fulfill; to accomplish; to perform. God is complete, He has no deficiencies, He is perfect. Everything He creates, even down to the very last defect is complete. In six twenty-four hour days God completed heaven and earth, on the last day He formed man out of the very earth He created the first day (See Genesis chapters 1,2) and in an instant God breathed life into the shell of a man, making man complete, having God's spirit, a living soul, and a body. However, just as quick as God gave life to man He took it away when Adam and Even brought sin into the world by disobeying this command, “Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” - Genesis 2:16,17. The second Adam and Eve ate of that fruit they died spiritually, making man incomplete. Still today, all who are born have a soul and body, but we are incomplete, dead spiritually, until we are made complete in the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Book of Colossians is the twelfth book of the New Testament, the fifty-first book of the Bible and it contains four chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is Paul and it was first written to the believers in the church of Colosse who were to share the letter with believers at Laodecea. Paul wrote the letter approximately 64AD, it came to his attention that there was some false doctrine going among the church so, he set the record straight through the letter. The purpose of the letter was to address doctrinal issues within the church. What we are to learn from the book is that everything in the world is Christ, He is all things and is in all His believers. “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” - Colossians 1:17.
In Paul's letter to the Colossians he commends them for their faith in Christ, but reminds them that they have a lot to learn about Christ, who is God in the flesh. “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” -I Colossians 1:9-17.
In the 6015 years or so since God created all things in heaven and earth many are unexplainable and beyond comprehension to human understanding. It's a good thing that we are made unaware of some things, look at all the disasters that happened over the years by someone who tried to play God. While scientists try to figure it all out and pretend that God does not exist, they miss a valuable point, even if the world did evolve over billions of years ago from a tiny spec someone had to have made the spec. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” - Romans 1:20,21.
Probably one of the hardest things to explain is the Godhead, One God in the form of three persons, who is God the Father, Jesus, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Paul explains that we are only complete when we receive the fulness of the Godhead. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” - Colossians 2:6-10.
I can use visual aids, an egg, a shamrock, a car, water, a person, but what it all comes down to is this, faith. We must have faith, without faith all of us would question how Jesus could be sitting at the right hand of God up in heaven right now and still be God. The truth is this, God is God, He can do what He wants to do, besides it was important for Him to identify Himself as three separate individuals. If Jesus had a hard time trying to convince people that He was the Son of God, can you imagine the reaction if He said that He was God in the flesh? By faith, we believe that Jesus is the sinless Son of God, who died on the cross, was buried, and three days later resurrected. By faith, we accept Christ as our Savior, based on that knowledge, depending only on Him to save us from hell. Likewise, by faith, we are to understand that there is only One God, Who exists in three separate persons. “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” - I John 5:7.
Until you receive Christ you are incomplete, you do not have the Spirit of God dwelling in you. Once you receive Christ you are complete, having no deficiencies, and are perfect in God's eyes. Why? Because He sees His Son in you, who is perfect. You are complete in Him, rejoice in that, keep studying God's Word, learn the truth, be ready to respond to anyone trying to tell you otherwise what you have learned. Don't be rude, if they want to believe that they are a spec let them believe it, but at least you will know how to respond the next time they try to tell you that you are a spec. “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” -Colossians 4:2-6.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, here I am again, Your work in progress. Although I committed my life to you many years ago the finished work will not be revealed until I draw my final breath on this side of Your creation. In the midst of my struggles, failures, and doubts I remain confident that You will complete the work that began the day I surrendered my life to You. You accepted me as I was and You lovingly began reshaping of my life to reflect the image of Your Son. Not only are You continuing the good work You began, but You are perfecting the situations that weaken my faith and my Christian testimony. I thank You that You will fulfill Your purpose for me this day as I commit all my ways to You. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Monday, December 5, 2011
Enduring With Christ
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Enduring With Christ
Date: Monday December 05, 2011
Chapters: The Book of Philippians
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://thesaviorjesuschrist.com/bible-reading-december-05
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version.
Hello My Friend,
There is nothing more exciting to the soulwinner than seeing a person bow their head and trust Christ as their Savior, even more exciting is watching a personal convert grow in their faith. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”- James 1:12. We who are stronger in our faith need to encourage the weaker to keep growing, which in turn helps us grow as well. We all grow at different levels in our Christianity, but that growth comes through our ability to handle the situations we encounter.
As we allow Christ to work in our lives we become stronger in our faith, hence able to bare more situations. The true test comes when those situations are the result of our faith. Many Christian's have walked away from the faith because they couldn't handle the pressure of being persecuted for it. Jesus said, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you...If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.” -John 15:16,19,20.
The Book of Philippians is the eleventh book of the New Testament, the fiftieth book of the Bible, and contains four chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is Paul and it was written to the church of Philippi. He wrote this letter approximately 64AD from prison in Rome. The purpose of the letter was to bring Christian unity, to encourage them to keep going for the gospel of Christ, to caution them against judaizing teachers, and to express gratitude for their Christian bounty. What we are to learn from the book is that unity with Jesus brings us joy in all that we do. “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” - Philippians 2:2.
The Church at Philippi in Macedonia was planted by the Apostle Paul about 53AD, The Philippians were greatly attached to Paul, and testified their affection by sending him supplies, even when laboring for other churches. When they heard that he was under confinement in Rome, they sent Epaphroditus, one of their pastors, to check on him, who then sent him back with this letter as a grateful acknowledgment of their kindness and to also encourage them to remain in the faith even though they would be facing persecution as well
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:..But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;..According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you...Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.” -Philippians 1:6,12,20-24,27,28.
The person inside of every believer that allows us to grow in our faith is the Holy Spirit, many people are unaware that the Holy Spirit lives inside of them the second they get saved. This is often the result of them not getting baptized after they got saved. While you do not need to be baptized to be saved, it does help one stir up the spirit as they follow Christ's Commands. It is Christ, through the Holy Spirit, Who begins the good work in us; it is Christ Who carries it on in us, and it is Christ Who will ultimately complete that work by transforming us into His own likeness. As long as we let the Holy Spirit do His work we can rejoice in all our tribulations as witnesses to Christ, which turns others to Christ as well. Jesus said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” - Matthew 28:19,20.
Paul stresses the importance of them to be in unity with each other. “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:..Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;” -Philippians 2:2-5,12-15.
Being around other like minded Christian's is the key to growing in our faith and also strengthening our ability to handle stressful situations. Let's face it, not all Christian's think alike, some are more negative and depressing than people who live in the world. There is a little group that attends my church, when others see them coming they scatter because they never have anything good to say, they often talk through the service, and even cause some strife, especially when the one who heads up the group shows up. A brand new Christian cannot grow in Christ in a conflicting environment like that, I have seen many new Christians walk away from the faith because they are around negative, ungrateful, complainers, these being Christian's themselves. We need to get around positive people, we all have aches and pains in life, but we can find joy in all that we are faces with. Truthfully suffering brings us closer to God and joy. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” - I Peter 4:12,13.
Paul encourages the Philippians to keep going forward. “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you...For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” -Philippians 3:13-15,20,21.
No matter what life you choose you are going to face some challenges, you cannot change today, but you can change how you handle tomorrow. The past is there for a reason, to help us learn and grow from it, but we must move forward and let all of the things that pull us back into the past go. Christ lives inside of you, the more you grow, the more He is seen through you, the stronger you become and are able to withstand all our tribulations. “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus...I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” -Philippians 4:4-7,13.
Today's Prayer: (Taken From Psalm 25)
Dear God,
Lord, as much as I want to live my life for You, there are times when I am so overwhelmed with things that I just want to walk away from everything. Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. Give me the peace, joy, and happiness that I once enjoyed. Give me wisdom and guidance, help me see the light that shines through Your Son in me. I love You, Lord and ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be: http://www.godsprice.com
Missed A Devotional: http://thesaviorjesuschrist.com/king-james-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Message Title: Enduring With Christ
Date: Monday December 05, 2011
Chapters: The Book of Philippians
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://thesaviorjesuschrist.com/bible-reading-december-05
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version.
Hello My Friend,
There is nothing more exciting to the soulwinner than seeing a person bow their head and trust Christ as their Savior, even more exciting is watching a personal convert grow in their faith. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”- James 1:12. We who are stronger in our faith need to encourage the weaker to keep growing, which in turn helps us grow as well. We all grow at different levels in our Christianity, but that growth comes through our ability to handle the situations we encounter.
As we allow Christ to work in our lives we become stronger in our faith, hence able to bare more situations. The true test comes when those situations are the result of our faith. Many Christian's have walked away from the faith because they couldn't handle the pressure of being persecuted for it. Jesus said, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you...If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.” -John 15:16,19,20.
The Book of Philippians is the eleventh book of the New Testament, the fiftieth book of the Bible, and contains four chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is Paul and it was written to the church of Philippi. He wrote this letter approximately 64AD from prison in Rome. The purpose of the letter was to bring Christian unity, to encourage them to keep going for the gospel of Christ, to caution them against judaizing teachers, and to express gratitude for their Christian bounty. What we are to learn from the book is that unity with Jesus brings us joy in all that we do. “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” - Philippians 2:2.
The Church at Philippi in Macedonia was planted by the Apostle Paul about 53AD, The Philippians were greatly attached to Paul, and testified their affection by sending him supplies, even when laboring for other churches. When they heard that he was under confinement in Rome, they sent Epaphroditus, one of their pastors, to check on him, who then sent him back with this letter as a grateful acknowledgment of their kindness and to also encourage them to remain in the faith even though they would be facing persecution as well
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:..But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;..According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you...Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.” -Philippians 1:6,12,20-24,27,28.
The person inside of every believer that allows us to grow in our faith is the Holy Spirit, many people are unaware that the Holy Spirit lives inside of them the second they get saved. This is often the result of them not getting baptized after they got saved. While you do not need to be baptized to be saved, it does help one stir up the spirit as they follow Christ's Commands. It is Christ, through the Holy Spirit, Who begins the good work in us; it is Christ Who carries it on in us, and it is Christ Who will ultimately complete that work by transforming us into His own likeness. As long as we let the Holy Spirit do His work we can rejoice in all our tribulations as witnesses to Christ, which turns others to Christ as well. Jesus said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” - Matthew 28:19,20.
Paul stresses the importance of them to be in unity with each other. “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:..Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;” -Philippians 2:2-5,12-15.
Being around other like minded Christian's is the key to growing in our faith and also strengthening our ability to handle stressful situations. Let's face it, not all Christian's think alike, some are more negative and depressing than people who live in the world. There is a little group that attends my church, when others see them coming they scatter because they never have anything good to say, they often talk through the service, and even cause some strife, especially when the one who heads up the group shows up. A brand new Christian cannot grow in Christ in a conflicting environment like that, I have seen many new Christians walk away from the faith because they are around negative, ungrateful, complainers, these being Christian's themselves. We need to get around positive people, we all have aches and pains in life, but we can find joy in all that we are faces with. Truthfully suffering brings us closer to God and joy. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” - I Peter 4:12,13.
Paul encourages the Philippians to keep going forward. “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you...For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” -Philippians 3:13-15,20,21.
No matter what life you choose you are going to face some challenges, you cannot change today, but you can change how you handle tomorrow. The past is there for a reason, to help us learn and grow from it, but we must move forward and let all of the things that pull us back into the past go. Christ lives inside of you, the more you grow, the more He is seen through you, the stronger you become and are able to withstand all our tribulations. “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus...I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” -Philippians 4:4-7,13.
Today's Prayer: (Taken From Psalm 25)
Dear God,
Lord, as much as I want to live my life for You, there are times when I am so overwhelmed with things that I just want to walk away from everything. Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. Give me the peace, joy, and happiness that I once enjoyed. Give me wisdom and guidance, help me see the light that shines through Your Son in me. I love You, Lord and ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be: http://www.godsprice.com
Missed A Devotional: http://thesaviorjesuschrist.com/king-james-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: King James Bible Study
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