"Intellectual character is a by-product of the pursuit of truth" (Journal of Christian School Educators, Vol. 15, pg. 24) ... And ... "TRUTH'S name is Jesus Christ. Smart people pursue Him." (Halvey, Barclay College, office 204)
Can I get a witness?
Showing posts with label core truths about Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label core truths about Jesus. Show all posts
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Love Has a Name
When your life is a wreck, you've no purpose or aim - Love has a name.
When you've gambled it all and you've lost at life's game - Love has a name.
If your relationship has crumbled, all that remains is the blame - Love has a name.
When you've used and abused but you never reached fame - Love has a name.
When your health is destroyed, your body failing or lame - Love has a name.
If your children become creatures, more like animals you can't tame - Love has a name.
And your world seems destroyed, there's no hope only shame - Love has a name.
The "Name" that restores, that can heal and replace
All that you've lost, that can bring you the grace
To start a new life, to heal family and soul,
Is the "Name" of the One
Who refines us like gold!
Just whisper, "Jesus," in your depths of despair
And whatever He's doing, He's already there
To strengthen you, hold you, to fill you with power
To defeat all your foes so you no longer cower.
The matchless name of "Jesus - He's your Truth, He's your Light,
Your Redeemer, your Salvation, your very Breath, your Life!
Love has a name - His name is "Jesus"
-------
May the love of Jesus Christ purge and fill your heart this year. Thanks for stopping by!
Adrian
When you've gambled it all and you've lost at life's game - Love has a name.
If your relationship has crumbled, all that remains is the blame - Love has a name.
When you've used and abused but you never reached fame - Love has a name.
When your health is destroyed, your body failing or lame - Love has a name.
If your children become creatures, more like animals you can't tame - Love has a name.
And your world seems destroyed, there's no hope only shame - Love has a name.
The "Name" that restores, that can heal and replace
All that you've lost, that can bring you the grace
To start a new life, to heal family and soul,
Is the "Name" of the One
Who refines us like gold!
Just whisper, "Jesus," in your depths of despair
And whatever He's doing, He's already there
To strengthen you, hold you, to fill you with power
To defeat all your foes so you no longer cower.
The matchless name of "Jesus - He's your Truth, He's your Light,
Your Redeemer, your Salvation, your very Breath, your Life!
Love has a name - His name is "Jesus"
-------
May the love of Jesus Christ purge and fill your heart this year. Thanks for stopping by!
Adrian
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Trust the Word
The Apostle Paul writes,
"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All of this is from God who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ ... And he has committed to us the ministry of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf, Be reconciled to God" (II Corinthians 5:17-20, NIV).
As Christ followers we must trust the word of the Apostle that through Jesus Christ, provision has been made to reconcile the whole world unto God. The crux of this is seen through Paul's use of the Greek word katallage - meaning to unite and/or restore to divine favor. Here the written text is declaring that the Living Word - Jesus Christ (Logos, John 1:1, 14), provided the means to restore all of God's creation to its original intent.
Our understanding of Logos, referring to Christ, is partially derived from the Old Testament word, "dabar". It is translated from the Hebrew in our English Bibles as "word" but has significant implication in that it refers to both word and action as being one in the same. Dabar is both substance and process together. An example of this is seen in Genesis 1:3, when "God said, Let there is light; and there was light."
God's words have power and cannot simply be undone. When God declared he was reconciling the world unto himself through Jesus, he was not only communicating his heart's desire for his creation but was providing the means and initiating the process as well. As followers of Christ we must trust the word which presents Jesus as the embodiment of God who came to earth and set into motion an irreversible, world altering process which has taken hold in us, is actively working in the world today, and is something we are called to participate in for the glory of God.
To not participate in the reconciliation process of the world then is to stand in the way of God. Thus, we must lay down our differences and come together with our fellow man in order to fulfill the command of Christ to love both God and people unconditionally. As ambassadors of the Word we must unite our hearts and pool our resources in actively seeking the best, most fulfilling life possible for all of human kind. We must seek to make God's creation a better place through our word and deed demonstrating that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us ... we have experienced his glory and been transformed through his grace and mercy ... and Jesus is actively sharing his blessing with the world" (John 1:14-16). Together we must trust the Word to this end!
Thanks for stopping by!
-------
Adrian
"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All of this is from God who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ ... And he has committed to us the ministry of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf, Be reconciled to God" (II Corinthians 5:17-20, NIV).
As Christ followers we must trust the word of the Apostle that through Jesus Christ, provision has been made to reconcile the whole world unto God. The crux of this is seen through Paul's use of the Greek word katallage - meaning to unite and/or restore to divine favor. Here the written text is declaring that the Living Word - Jesus Christ (Logos, John 1:1, 14), provided the means to restore all of God's creation to its original intent.
Our understanding of Logos, referring to Christ, is partially derived from the Old Testament word, "dabar". It is translated from the Hebrew in our English Bibles as "word" but has significant implication in that it refers to both word and action as being one in the same. Dabar is both substance and process together. An example of this is seen in Genesis 1:3, when "God said, Let there is light; and there was light."
God's words have power and cannot simply be undone. When God declared he was reconciling the world unto himself through Jesus, he was not only communicating his heart's desire for his creation but was providing the means and initiating the process as well. As followers of Christ we must trust the word which presents Jesus as the embodiment of God who came to earth and set into motion an irreversible, world altering process which has taken hold in us, is actively working in the world today, and is something we are called to participate in for the glory of God.
To not participate in the reconciliation process of the world then is to stand in the way of God. Thus, we must lay down our differences and come together with our fellow man in order to fulfill the command of Christ to love both God and people unconditionally. As ambassadors of the Word we must unite our hearts and pool our resources in actively seeking the best, most fulfilling life possible for all of human kind. We must seek to make God's creation a better place through our word and deed demonstrating that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us ... we have experienced his glory and been transformed through his grace and mercy ... and Jesus is actively sharing his blessing with the world" (John 1:14-16). Together we must trust the Word to this end!
Thanks for stopping by!
-------
Adrian
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Men's Fight Club
This Saturday morning at 7:30 the Men's Fight Club will resume meeting after taking the holiday weekend off. The topic of our discussion will be on the "Core Truths about Jesus Christ found in the Gospels." This week's core truth is: "Jesus Christ offers New Beginnings." Our key texts for study are: John 3:1-7 and Luke 7:38-50.
Please read the texts and answer the following questions:
> What is meant by the phrase "a new beginning?"
> How does one get a "new beginning?"
> What does this core truth mean for me?
> What implication does it have for the Church?
I hope to see you on Saturday!
-----
Adrian
Please read the texts and answer the following questions:
> What is meant by the phrase "a new beginning?"
> How does one get a "new beginning?"
> What does this core truth mean for me?
> What implication does it have for the Church?
I hope to see you on Saturday!
-----
Adrian
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Saturday Men's Fight Club
This week at the Men's Fight Club we will study the "Core Truths About Jesus Found in the Gospels". We are on "Core Truth" # 11: "Jesus Follows the Pattern of God's Redemption." This will be a continuation from last week's discussion.
Please study Luke 15:4-32 in preparation for Saturday. The questions we did not get to last week are:
> What does it mean to act redemptively according to Jesus' definition?
> What does it mean to act redemptively in the world as a Christian?
> How does being judgmental impact the mission of redemption?
> What does the call to act redemptively mean for the church today?
I look forward to seeing you at 7:30 am in the Cafe.
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Please study Luke 15:4-32 in preparation for Saturday. The questions we did not get to last week are:
> What does it mean to act redemptively according to Jesus' definition?
> What does it mean to act redemptively in the world as a Christian?
> How does being judgmental impact the mission of redemption?
> What does the call to act redemptively mean for the church today?
I look forward to seeing you at 7:30 am in the Cafe.
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Saturday Men's Fight Club
"Do not be afraid of your enemy. Remember the Lord is great and awesome, and FIGHT for your brethern, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses." (Nehemiah 4:14). YES!
I love reading the theme verse for the Men's Fight Club ... it speaks to my heart. This week we will continue our study of the Core Truths About Jesus Found in the Gospels. We are on "Core Truth" # 11: "Jesus Folllows the Pattern of God's Redemption."
Please study Luke 15:4-32 in preparation for Saturday. Some questions we hope to answer are:
> What does it mean to act redemptively according to Jesus' definition?
> What does it mean to act redemptively in the world as a Christian?
> How does being judgmental impact the mission of redemption?
> What does the call to act redemptively mean for the church today?
I look forward to seeing you at 7:30 am in the Cafe. Jr will probably be joining us this week. Adrian will be in town this weekend for his bridal shower. He's getting married on October 4. SWEET!
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
I love reading the theme verse for the Men's Fight Club ... it speaks to my heart. This week we will continue our study of the Core Truths About Jesus Found in the Gospels. We are on "Core Truth" # 11: "Jesus Folllows the Pattern of God's Redemption."
Please study Luke 15:4-32 in preparation for Saturday. Some questions we hope to answer are:
> What does it mean to act redemptively according to Jesus' definition?
> What does it mean to act redemptively in the world as a Christian?
> How does being judgmental impact the mission of redemption?
> What does the call to act redemptively mean for the church today?
I look forward to seeing you at 7:30 am in the Cafe. Jr will probably be joining us this week. Adrian will be in town this weekend for his bridal shower. He's getting married on October 4. SWEET!
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Men's Fight Club - study guide
This Saturday the Men's Fight Club will meet at 7:30 am in the WHFC Cafe for fellowship, prayer and Bible discussion. We will continue with our series, "The Core Truths About Jesus Found in the Gospels." This week we will consider Truth # 10: "Jesus targeted His ministry to the marginalized of society."
Please come prepared to discuss the following texts:
> Luke 4:18-19 and 7:22-23 noting how Jesus showed love to the poor and oppressed
> Matthew 9:9-12 and Luke 19:10 observing how Christ befriended the outcast and misfit.
Ask yourself over the next few days, "What do these passages mean for me?" What impact should it have on WHFC?"
I look forward to our time together. See you Saturday morning at the Meeting house where the coffee is always low in price and rich in flavor ... NICE! :-)
------
Adrian
Please come prepared to discuss the following texts:
> Luke 4:18-19 and 7:22-23 noting how Jesus showed love to the poor and oppressed
> Matthew 9:9-12 and Luke 19:10 observing how Christ befriended the outcast and misfit.
Ask yourself over the next few days, "What do these passages mean for me?" What impact should it have on WHFC?"
I look forward to our time together. See you Saturday morning at the Meeting house where the coffee is always low in price and rich in flavor ... NICE! :-)
------
Adrian
Friday, July 31, 2009
Saturday Fight Club
Hey men ...
This Saturday we will gather in the Church Cafe for Fight Club at 7:30 am. We will continue our discussion of "The Core Truths about Jesus." We are on number nine this week. The topic is: Jesus defines How we are to Love and Worship God. Please pre-read Matthew 21 and John 4.
See you Saturday.
------
Adrian
This Saturday we will gather in the Church Cafe for Fight Club at 7:30 am. We will continue our discussion of "The Core Truths about Jesus." We are on number nine this week. The topic is: Jesus defines How we are to Love and Worship God. Please pre-read Matthew 21 and John 4.
See you Saturday.
------
Adrian
Friday, July 24, 2009
Saturday Men's Fight Club
Once again men will gather this Saturday in the church Cafe for Fight Club. We will drink coffee, eat food, laugh at silly things, share life together, pray and study the Bible. Come and join us at 7:30 am.
This week our study will focus once again on the "Core Truths about Jesus found in the Gospels." We are on number eight and the topic is: "Jesus Christ is the Standard for Holiness." Please take time to pre-read the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5-8. The key questions for discussion are: What does this core truth mean for you? What does it mean for the Church?
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
This week our study will focus once again on the "Core Truths about Jesus found in the Gospels." We are on number eight and the topic is: "Jesus Christ is the Standard for Holiness." Please take time to pre-read the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5-8. The key questions for discussion are: What does this core truth mean for you? What does it mean for the Church?
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Attention Men!
This Saturday morning the Men's Fight Club will meet for prayer, fellowship and Bible study in the church Cafe. All men are welcome to attend. The meeting will begin at 7:30 am. Breakfast will follow. Here's our study notes for this week.
Series: Core Truth Taught about Jesus Christ in the Gospels
Topic: Core Truth # 7 - Jesus Calls People to Follow and Imitate Him
Key Scriptures for discussion:
> Matthew 4:19
> Matthew 8:22
Question # 1:
What are the implications of this Truth for the Christ followers today?
Question # 2:
What are the implications for the Church?
Question # 3:
What are the examples of how this Core Truth could be lived out in your life?
Question # 4:
What examples are there for our church to put into practice?
------
I hope you can join us! Thanks for stopping by the blog today!
------
Adrian
Series: Core Truth Taught about Jesus Christ in the Gospels
Topic: Core Truth # 7 - Jesus Calls People to Follow and Imitate Him
Key Scriptures for discussion:
> Matthew 4:19
> Matthew 8:22
Question # 1:
What are the implications of this Truth for the Christ followers today?
Question # 2:
What are the implications for the Church?
Question # 3:
What are the examples of how this Core Truth could be lived out in your life?
Question # 4:
What examples are there for our church to put into practice?
------
I hope you can join us! Thanks for stopping by the blog today!
------
Adrian
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Men's Fight Club
This Saturday at 7:30 am the Men's Fight Club will meet in the church Cafe' for fellowship and Bible study. We will continue our look at another "core truths about Jesus found in the Gospels." This week is number six: "Jesus is the source of healing and deliverance."
Key verses: Mark 1:23ff and Luke 11:20.
Once again we are looking for the implications this has for the Church/Christian and examples of how we can live it out.
I hope you will join us this week! Thanks for stopping by!
--------
Adrian
Key verses: Mark 1:23ff and Luke 11:20.
Once again we are looking for the implications this has for the Church/Christian and examples of how we can live it out.
I hope you will join us this week! Thanks for stopping by!
--------
Adrian
Friday, June 19, 2009
Saturday Men's Fight Club
This Saturday is the Men's Fight Club once again. We will meet in the church Cafe at 7:30 AM. What should we study this week? Hmmmmm .... I know, Jesus! Once again we will look at the core truths about Jesus found in the Gospels. "Jesus Christ is the manifestation of God's love" is this week's focus.
Study Guide:
Key verses: John 3:16; 14:21
> Others come to mind?
What are the implications for the Church?
> Christ demands our love for God and other people
> People need to know they are loved
> Our love should embrace our enemies
> We should be known as a people of love
> Our love shows God's love to mankind
> The source of our love is God
> Others?
Examples of how these implications could be lived out?
> We meet the needs of others
> We create space in which others can grow and find grace
> Others?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts. See you Saturday! Thanks for stopping by!
"Do not be afraid of your enemy. Remember that great and awesome is your God. So FIGHT for your sons and your daughters, your brothers and your sisters, your houses and your wives" (Nehemiah 4:14)
------
Adrian
Study Guide:
Key verses: John 3:16; 14:21
> Others come to mind?
What are the implications for the Church?
> Christ demands our love for God and other people
> People need to know they are loved
> Our love should embrace our enemies
> We should be known as a people of love
> Our love shows God's love to mankind
> The source of our love is God
> Others?
Examples of how these implications could be lived out?
> We meet the needs of others
> We create space in which others can grow and find grace
> Others?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts. See you Saturday! Thanks for stopping by!
"Do not be afraid of your enemy. Remember that great and awesome is your God. So FIGHT for your sons and your daughters, your brothers and your sisters, your houses and your wives" (Nehemiah 4:14)
------
Adrian
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Saturday Men's Fight Club Study
On Saturday men are invited to attend the weekly Saturday morning "Fight Club" for prayer, relationship and Bible discussion. We will meet at 7:30 AM in the Cafe. This week we will continue a look at the "Core truths about Jesus Christ found in the Gospels." The topic of lesson four is “Jesus offers forgiveness of sins”
Key texts for observation:
Matthew 9:2
Luke 7:47
Some supporting questions raised by the text regarding this core truth:
1. What is sin?
2. Are there different kinds of sin spoken of in the Bible?
3. If so, do all need forgiveness?
4. What does forgiveness mean?
5. What does "offer" mean? Is forgiveness by choice?
6. Other questions?
What are the implications of this core truth for the Individual/Church?
Site examples of how this core truth could be lived out:
Y'all come and thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Key texts for observation:
Matthew 9:2
Luke 7:47
Some supporting questions raised by the text regarding this core truth:
1. What is sin?
2. Are there different kinds of sin spoken of in the Bible?
3. If so, do all need forgiveness?
4. What does forgiveness mean?
5. What does "offer" mean? Is forgiveness by choice?
6. Other questions?
What are the implications of this core truth for the Individual/Church?
Site examples of how this core truth could be lived out:
Y'all come and thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Men's "Fight Club" this Saturday
Once again this Saturday morning men will gather in the church Cafe at 7:30 AM for fellowship, Bible study and prayer. This group calls themselves the "Fight Club" based upon a passage from the book of Nehemiah. "Remember the Lord, great and awesome. Do not fear your enemy. Go fight for your sons and your daughters, your houses and your wives" (4:18). YES! That is the call of God for all men.
This week we will continue a study looking at the "Core Truths About Jesus" found in the Gospels. Saturday we will be using the following outline. Men, please look it over, print it off, fill it out, and bring it along with you. I welcome others to comment on the Blog. Our objective: to be preoccupied with Jesus all the remaining moments of our lives! (Chef Bubba says he will not be in to fix breakfast this week so, its off to Flavors on the Vine in Eastlake at 9 AM). Y'all come!
Lesson Three: “Jesus mediates grace and mercy”
Key text for observation is Matthew 12:1-8
Discussion Questions:
Any supporting questions raised by the text regarding this core truth?
What are the implications of this core truth for the Individual/Church?
Site some examples of how this core truth could be lived out today:
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
This week we will continue a study looking at the "Core Truths About Jesus" found in the Gospels. Saturday we will be using the following outline. Men, please look it over, print it off, fill it out, and bring it along with you. I welcome others to comment on the Blog. Our objective: to be preoccupied with Jesus all the remaining moments of our lives! (Chef Bubba says he will not be in to fix breakfast this week so, its off to Flavors on the Vine in Eastlake at 9 AM). Y'all come!
Lesson Three: “Jesus mediates grace and mercy”
Key text for observation is Matthew 12:1-8
Discussion Questions:
Any supporting questions raised by the text regarding this core truth?
What are the implications of this core truth for the Individual/Church?
Site some examples of how this core truth could be lived out today:
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Friday, May 29, 2009
The Demand of Christ
Tomorrow our weekly Men's Fight Club will meet in the church Cafe at 7:30 am. Once again Chef "Bubba" Harth will be cooking breakfast. NICE! For our study time we will continue to explore the "core truths of Christ" from the Gospels. This week we will use the following guide for our study:
Lesson Two: “Jesus demands an active faith and trust”
Key texts for observation:
Matthew 17:17-20
Mark 12:28-34
Mark 10:18-19
Mark 1:14-15
Discussion questions:
What questions do you have from a reading of the texts?
What are the implications of this core truth for the Individual and Church?
Site examples of how this core truth could be lived out individually and corporately?
----------
Men, I invite you to come and join our Saturday morning fellowship and I welcome all of you to provide feedback and discussion on the above outline via the blog. Let's get preoccupied with Jesus!
Also this week is our monthly Ladies Prayer Connection at 9 am in room 227. Saturday is a big day at WHFC ... Y'all come!
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Lesson Two: “Jesus demands an active faith and trust”
Key texts for observation:
Matthew 17:17-20
Mark 12:28-34
Mark 10:18-19
Mark 1:14-15
Discussion questions:
What questions do you have from a reading of the texts?
What are the implications of this core truth for the Individual and Church?
Site examples of how this core truth could be lived out individually and corporately?
----------
Men, I invite you to come and join our Saturday morning fellowship and I welcome all of you to provide feedback and discussion on the above outline via the blog. Let's get preoccupied with Jesus!
Also this week is our monthly Ladies Prayer Connection at 9 am in room 227. Saturday is a big day at WHFC ... Y'all come!
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Saturday, May 23, 2009
"Fight Club" Study
I'm pumped! We had a great men's Fight Club this morning. Every Saturday men gather in the church Cafe for relationship, Bible study and most of the time breakfast. Today the eggs and ham were plentiful and the study time was sensational.
This morning we began a series that focuses on the core truths about Jesus. The verses we used for our discussion today were Mark 1:14-15 and Luke 11:20. Our "core truth" was that Jesus ushered in the Kingdom of God and focused it around His own person. Let me highlight where our discussion went ....
First, the question was raised by one in attendance: "What was the "gospel" in Christ's day? One man drew our attention to Luke 7:18-28 and the question asked by John the Baptist, "Jesus are you the Messiah?" We noted how Christ's response seems to define the Kingdom of God as involving the restoration of the whole person.
Then another man referenced Matthew 23:37 where the Kingdom of God is further defined as a relationship with Christ. A relationship that is spoken of in Matthew 3:2 as "one that leads one to repentance and surrender of life to the Lordship of Jesus."
Another man then asked, "What is the Kingdom of God?" After some discussion we agreed that all people are in the Kingdom of God but only those who have a relationship with Christ are a citizen of the Kingdom with full benefit (such as eternity in heaven, fullness of the Spirit, etc.). Through Jesus all have received a passport (or maybe Visa is more applicable) to experience (visit) in God's Kingdom but only those who request citizenship have full manifestation of God's grace.
Living in the Kingdom of God consists of God's Omni-benevolence for all of mankind which can lead to citizenship. Citizenship however refers to God's reign and rule in the heart of man. All are "in" the Kingdom of God but not all are "of" it.
A question I asked the men about this core truth was "What implications does this have to you and the Church today?" Response: (1) As a citizen of the Kingdom of God we have the fullness of God with us all the time. (2) We have a responsibility to take the Kingdom to the world so they "can taste and see that the Lord is good." (3) Taking the Kingdom to the world is emulating the life and teachings of Jesus. (4) The glory of God is man fully alive in Christ.
A final question I asked but we did not have time to discussed at length was, "What examples are there of how this core truth could be carried out?" We must emulate the life and ministry of Jesus for others to see. As they use their Visa (passport) to visit in the Kingdom (whether they know it or not) it is our responsibility to demonstrate the benevolent nature of God. To be a tour guide, if you will.
Can you add anything more to our study this week? I would like to hear from you. Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
This morning we began a series that focuses on the core truths about Jesus. The verses we used for our discussion today were Mark 1:14-15 and Luke 11:20. Our "core truth" was that Jesus ushered in the Kingdom of God and focused it around His own person. Let me highlight where our discussion went ....
First, the question was raised by one in attendance: "What was the "gospel" in Christ's day? One man drew our attention to Luke 7:18-28 and the question asked by John the Baptist, "Jesus are you the Messiah?" We noted how Christ's response seems to define the Kingdom of God as involving the restoration of the whole person.
Then another man referenced Matthew 23:37 where the Kingdom of God is further defined as a relationship with Christ. A relationship that is spoken of in Matthew 3:2 as "one that leads one to repentance and surrender of life to the Lordship of Jesus."
Another man then asked, "What is the Kingdom of God?" After some discussion we agreed that all people are in the Kingdom of God but only those who have a relationship with Christ are a citizen of the Kingdom with full benefit (such as eternity in heaven, fullness of the Spirit, etc.). Through Jesus all have received a passport (or maybe Visa is more applicable) to experience (visit) in God's Kingdom but only those who request citizenship have full manifestation of God's grace.
Living in the Kingdom of God consists of God's Omni-benevolence for all of mankind which can lead to citizenship. Citizenship however refers to God's reign and rule in the heart of man. All are "in" the Kingdom of God but not all are "of" it.
A question I asked the men about this core truth was "What implications does this have to you and the Church today?" Response: (1) As a citizen of the Kingdom of God we have the fullness of God with us all the time. (2) We have a responsibility to take the Kingdom to the world so they "can taste and see that the Lord is good." (3) Taking the Kingdom to the world is emulating the life and teachings of Jesus. (4) The glory of God is man fully alive in Christ.
A final question I asked but we did not have time to discussed at length was, "What examples are there of how this core truth could be carried out?" We must emulate the life and ministry of Jesus for others to see. As they use their Visa (passport) to visit in the Kingdom (whether they know it or not) it is our responsibility to demonstrate the benevolent nature of God. To be a tour guide, if you will.
Can you add anything more to our study this week? I would like to hear from you. Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)