Uniqueness of Christ & Names of Christ

Matthew 16:13-20 Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

www.biblegateway.com NIV

   Many people today have their own ideas about who Jesus is. Some people think He was merely a prophet or good teacher who taught people how to live. Even those who claim to be Christians have some inaccurate views of Him because they haven't based their perceptions on the comprehensive truth of Scripture.
   When Jesus asked, "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. 16:15-16). Jesus was unlike any other person who ever lived. He was set apart by …
   HIS BIRTH. Conceived by the Holy Spirit, the eternal Son of God entered the human race through the womb of a virgin.
   HIS WISDOM. At age 12, Jesus spent three days with the Jewish teachers, amazing them with His divine wisdom and understanding.
   HIS BAPTISM. Though He was innocent of sin, Jesus asked John to baptize Him in order to identify with the sinners He came to save.
   HIS TEMPTATION. Though Satan tempted Him in the wilderness, Jesus did not yield. Throughout His life, He fully obeyed every law of God and never sinned.
   HIS MINISTRY. He challenged man-made traditions and demonstrated the power of God by healing people, raising the dead, and forgiving sins.
   HIS DEATH. Jesus' death was a sacrifice for the sins of mankind so they could be forgiven and reconciled to God.
   HIS RESURRECTION. Christ was the only person to ever permanently overcome death through resurrection.
   Is this the Jesus you know? He is the only one who can save you.
Stanley, Charles F. "The Uniqueness of Christ." In Touch: Daily Readings for Devoted Living. Atlanta: In Touch Ministries. Dec 2019, pg 22.

Acts 4:8-12

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is
“‘the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone.’

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

www.biblegateway.com NIV

   In Biblical times, a baby's name was based on the child's characteristics or a hope or prayer of the parent. The same is true of Jesus, whose name means "Jehovah is salvation." He is uniquely sent from heaven by the Father to be our Savior, and all His names and titles are powerful descriptions of who He is and what He does. What's more, the way Jesus describes Himself in John's gospel provides additional, rich insight into His character and work:

   THE BREAD OF LIFE (5:32-40). Jesus Christ is the only one who can truly satisfy our heart and feed our soul with sustenance that leads to eternal life.

   THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD (8:12). He shines through this dark, sinful world, showing us the way to forgiveness and salvation.

   THE DOOR (10:7-10). Whoever enters through the door of Christ will be saved.

   THE GOOD SHEPHERD (10:11-18). As our Shepherd, Jesus knows and cares for us-with a love so great that He laid down His life to save us.

   THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE (14:6). Jesus alone is the origin of truth and life, so He is the only avenue by which we can be saved and live eternally.

   THE VINE (15:1-10). Christ is the source of our spiritual life. Without His abiding presence, we could do nothing of eternal value.

   These are just some of the titles that Jesus Christ used to identify Himself, and the Bible refers to Him in many additional ways. Each time you read God's Word, pay attention to the descriptive names of Jesus. Each one will help you come to a better understanding of the One who loves you and came to save you.

Stanley, Charles F. "The Uniqueness of Christ." In Touch: Daily Readings for Devoted Living. Atlanta: In Touch Ministries. Dec 2019, pg 23.

A Loving God and Eternity

Matthew 25:31-46 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ 44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ 45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ 46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” New International Version (NIV) https://www.biblegateway.com The scriptures speak clearly of existence after death-people will spend eternity in either heaven or hell. Yet many individuals consider this truth inconsistent with other facts about the Lord. While their objections are understandable, the Bible provides the answers:    HOW CAN THE LORD BE GOOD IF HE LETS SOME PEOPLE SPEND ETERNITY IN HELL? God is love (1 John 4:8), and He doesn't want anyone to live without Him (1 Timothy 2:4). According to HIs plan, every person can turn from sin and receive the Savior, enjoying His presence both now and throughout eternity. Some, however, reject Jesus Christ and live apart from Him all their days. Unless they change that tragic decision, their separation from divine love will continue eternally.    WHY WOULD GOD CREATE CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS, KNOWING THEY'D NEVER TURN TO HIM? To some, this seems unloving. Yet God so values our free will that He won't force anyone to go to heaven against his or her will. Doing so would amount to creating robots who are unable to truly respond, love and worship.    AN ENDLESS PENALTY SEEMS UNFAIR, ESPECIALLY IF A NON-CHRISTIAN NEVER HEARD THE GOSPEL. As long as unbelievers are alive, the heavenly Father goes to great lengths to keep them from eternal punishment-except He won't violate their free will. He gives enough time and evidence so that nobody has a valid excuse for rejecting the one path to salvation (Romans 1:20).    Jesus wants you to spend eternity with Him. So do you know Him as your Lord and Savior? Stanley, Charles F. "A Loving God and Eternity." In Touch: Daily reading for devoted living. Atlanta: InTouch.org. September 2019, page18.

What Is the Unpardonable Sin?

Matthew 12:22-32 

Jesus and Beelzebul

22 Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. 23 All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?”

24 But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.”

25 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? 27 And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

29 “Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.

30 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 31 And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

New International Version (NIV) https://www.biblegateway.com/

   . . . The thought that a sin could be so bad hat it is unforgivable sometimes leads people to fear that they may have committed it. That's why it i important to understand the context of this statement, which Jesus made to the Pharisees.

   Although they had seen compelling evidence that Jesus was the Messiah, the Pharisees refused to believe in Him. What's more, they even attributed to Satan the miracles Christ performed by the power of the God's Spirit. This blasphemy of the holy Spirit was unforgivable because despite the clearest possible revelation of God, they still weren't willing to accept Jesus as the Messiah. Their unrepentance prevented them from receiving salvation.

   Since people living today do not have the undeniable physical presence of Jesus Christ in the world, the Pharisees' unforgivable sin doesn't apply to us. However, it is possible for people to end up in an unpardonable state. This happens when a person repeatedly rejects the Holy Spirit's conviction of sin and the clear revelation of Jesus Christ as the Savior., With each rejection, the heart becomes harder - eventually the calcification prevents it from sensing any impression God's Spirit tries to make.

   If you are worried that you may have committed the unpardonable sin, then I can assure you that you haven't, because you are still feeling the conviction of the Spirit. God doesn't withhold salvation from a repentant sinner who comes to Him for forgiveness through faith in his Son. The only thing that makes sin unforgivable is a hard, unrepentant heart.

Stanley, Charles F. "What Is the Unpardonable Sin?" In Touch: Daily Readings for Devoted Living. May 2019. Atlanta, Georgia: In Touch Ministries. page 30

Standing in the Storm

Psalm 62:1-8 

Truly my soul finds rest in God;

    my salvation comes from him.

 

Truly he is my rock and my salvation;

    he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

How long will you assault me?

    Would all of you throw me down—

    this leaning wall, this tottering fence?

 

Surely they intend to topple me

    from my lofty place;

    they take delight in lies.

With their mouths they bless,

    but in their hearts they curse.

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;

    my hope comes from him.

 

Truly he is my rock and my salvation;

    he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

 

My salvation and my honor depend on God;

    he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

 

Trust in him at all times, you people;

    pour out your hearts to him,

    for God is our refuge.

   "What am I going to do?" How many times have we all uttered this cry of despair? Sometimes the storms of life come without letup; they seem endless, successively crashing against us until we feel as though we can't take any more. In those times of desperation, Psalm 62 offers three valuable lessons.

   FIRST, WE MUST WAIT. It's understandable that we want answers and relief immediately, but the Lord acts in His own perfect time, and He's never late. Therefore, we must wait for Him to guide us to the next step-even when that means resisting our natural desire to react quickly and take control of circumstances.

   SECOND, WE MUST WAIT IN SILENCE. When we quiet our mind and tongue, we give God an opportunity to speak His words of hope and trust to our heart. Instead of letting anxiety and worry occupy our thoughts, we must focus on God's promises from Scripture. Then He will give us  patience, trust, courge, and the assurance that He cares and is in control.

   THIRD, WE MUST KEEP IN MIND THE MOTIVATION FOR WAITING-GOD'S INTERVENTION. Our focus is to be on the Lord, not on our troubles, ourselves, or other people. We must learn to filter out whatever is pulling our attention away from trust in almighty God, who is working according to His will and timing.

   When the storms of life batter you, make sure that your feet are planted on the solid rock of Jesus Christ. Do not despair, asking, What am I going to do? Rather, ask, What is God doing? And be assured-He is doing something.

Stanley, Charles F. "Standing in the Storm." In Touch: Daily Readings for Devoted Living. In Touch Ministries: Atlanta. April 2019, page 23.

John 3:16 God's Gift to Me

Romans 6:23 

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

New International Version (NIV) www.BibleGateway.com

   If you have ever memorized a verse of Scripture, most likely it is John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." It is the verse most often heard in the simplicity and beauty of a little child's voice proudly reciting it from memory. And it is the verse most often whispered by aged saints as they breathe their last breaths. It is the entire gospel in a nutshell.

   John 3:16 speaks of the cause of this great salvation: "For God so loved..." The single motivating factor behind God's entire redemptive plan is His love for you and me. This beloved verse also speaks of the cost of this salvation: "He gave His only Son." Jesus paid a high price to redeem us to Himself-death on a Roman cross outside the city gates of Jerusalem. And salvation's condition? "Whosoever believes in Him..." That speaks of me. It speaks of you. And any and all may come, placing their faith in Him alone. Finally, this verse speaks of salvation's consequence: We "shall not perish but have everlasting life." Those without Christ are perishing. . . a little more each day.

   Let God love you today as you meditate on this old and oft-repeated promise.

CODE WORD: GIFT

What do you do to get a gift? You don't earn it or deserve it. Someone who loves you very much gives it freely to you, and all you have to do is receive it. God's gift of eternal life, although purchased at great expense, is a free gift. Your part? Receive it by faith.

A PASSION: PROCLAMATION

The gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

Lord, thank You for loving me even when I am so unloving Your love has no boundaries. I receive Your unconditional love right now by faith. In Jesus' name, amen.

Hawkings, O.S. The Easter CODE: A 40-day Journey to the Cross. Thomas Nelson: Nashville. 2019. page 60-61.

Praying God's Desires

Colossians 1:9-12

9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.

New King James Version (NKJV)https://www.biblegateway.com

   As Christians, we all long to make necessary changes in our life so we'll become more like Jesus. And we're also concerned about the spiritual growth of fellow believers - especially our loved ones. But trasformation doesn't come about by trying harder or putting Bible verses on sticky notes in hopes that family members will read them and shape up. The most powerful resource we have is prayer, and Paul has given us a pattern that is Christ-centered and specific.

   Too often, believers pray without giving much thought to what God wants to do in a person's life. Instead, we focus on our own ideas regarding what He should do. How much more effective our prayers would be if we prayed according to God's will by using His Word as our source for requests.

   The prayer from Colossians 1 focuses on the heavenly Father's desires for His children. When we go before the Lord and substitute our own name or the name of a friend or family member for "you" in versus 9 and 10, we are praying His specific will for that person. The Lord delights in responding to requests that someone be filled with knowledge of His will and walk in a manner pleasing to Him.

   However, we must be careful not to think of this prayer as a magic charm. It doesn't work that way. These godly qualities take time to develop in a life. And if we are praying these things for ourselves, we must avail ourselves of the means God has provided for our sanctification or transformation - namely, His Word. If we want to know and understand God's will, we should ask Him and search the Bible.

Stanley, Charles F. "Praying God's Desires." In Touch: Daily Readings for Devoted Living. InTouch.org: Atlanta. April 2019, page 9

What Takes Place After Salvation

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

New International Version (NIV) www.biblegateway.com/

To truly grasp what Jesus did for us on the cross - and to be able to share the gospel effectively - it's essential to have an accurate understanding of the terms we use to describe salvation.

   SAVED (Ephesians 2:8). This is synonym for rescued. Mankind needs rescuing because without Jesus, we are all destined for divine wrath, hell, and eternal separation from God.

  REDEEMED (Ephesians 1:7) Redemption implies a transaction. Our salvation was purchased through the shedding of Jesus Christ's blood.

   JUSTIFIED (Romans 5:1). When someone trusts in Christ, God pardons that person and removes his or her guilt. A saved individual is in right standing with the Lord. 

   RECONCILED (2 Corinthians 5:18-21). Salvation results in a relationship with God. We were once separated from Him, but now we are His sons and daughters, and He calls us His friends (John 15:15).

   Using words like redemption, justification, and reconciliation might not be effective when presenting the gospel to someone unfamiliar with the language often used in church. However, it's important for us to understand what the Bible teaches about salvation, and these terms give us a framework for explaining the good news to others.

   We must recognize that we are not saved by our personal works or performance. Salvation is ours by God's grace - His unmerited, undeserved, loving favor toward us - and at the cost of Jesus' own blood. Let us not take for granted how God has rescued us: by sending His Son to die in our place.

Stanley, Charles F. "What Takes Place After Salvation." In Touch: Daily Reading for Devoted Living. February 2019. Atlanta: In Touch Ministries. page 35.

The Protection of Meditation

PSALM 119:9-16

How can a young man cleanse his way?

By taking heed according to Your word.

10 

With my whole heart I have sought You;

Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!

11 

Your word I have hidden in my heart,

That I might not sin against You.

12 

Blessed are You, O Lord!

Teach me Your statutes.

13 

With my lips I have declared

All the judgments of Your mouth.

14 

I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,

As much as in all riches.

15 

I will meditate on Your precepts,

And contemplate Your ways.

16 

I will delight myself in Your statutes;

I will not forget Your word.

NKJV www.biblegateway.com

If there were a seminar on overcoming sin, many Christians would sign up, hoping to discover the secret to victory over their temptations. But the answer isn't elusive; it's right under our nose. All we need to do is open our Bible. Every answer the psalmist gives to his initial question of how to keep our ways pure involves Scripture.

   LIVE ACCORDING TO GOD'S WORD  (Psalm 119:9-10). This means we must spend time reading and meditating on Scripture in order to know what it says and means. But that alone isn't enough to guard us from sin; we must obey it.

   TREASURE GOD'S WORD IN YOUR HEART (v. 11). Since temptation usually comes unexpectedly, we must be prepared for it even when we can't grab a Bible. That's why having Scripture stored in our mind and heart is so important.

   REJOICE IN GOD'S WORD (v. 14). There is great joy and peace that comes with knowing Scripture. In fact, it should be worth more to us than all the wealth and possessions this world offers.

   MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD (v. 15). We must take time to attune our heart and mind to the Lord, ponder His words, and receive the Spirit's help translating His instructions for our particular situation. This isn't a rushed process; it's a slow yielding of ourselves to the truths we read as we discover how to apply them. And consistency may require a deliberate commitment.

   When we faithfully practice biblical meditation, we will discover that the Holy Spirit has been busy transforming our thoughts, emotions, and actions so we'll be more pleasing to God and less attracted to sinful pleasures. That is good news!

Stanley, Charles F. "The Protection of Meditation," In Touch: Daily Readings For Devoted Living, February 2019, Atlanta: In Touch Ministries Inc. page 13.

My prayer for myself is that I will have the strength to put into practice what I have just read!!!

"The Joshua Code: 52 Scripture Verses Every Believer Should Know"

 The Joshua CODE: 52 Scripture Verses Every Believer Should Know by O. S. Hawkins is written on the premises of Joshua 1:8 "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night . . ." This is a book for memory and meditation. Please, use this book as a guide to hide God's word in your heart!!!

www.oshawkins.com

My first exposure to Dr. Hawkins was viewing him on the Huckabee TV show on TBN during December 2018. I liked his enthusiasm for wanting to assist people to know, understand and meditate on God's word, the Holy Bible. Then he hooked me in by adding, "All royalties from this book are donated to Mission:Dignity, which helps retiree missionaries, ministers, workers, and their spouses." With many books sitting on my shelf begging to be read, another book was NOT in my plans. But, it was in His plans. Always wanting to support missionaries, I came home with three books for my bookshelf. Well, I started reading VIP:Very Influential Person and am still reading. I am using the other two books as morning and evening devotionals. None of the three are gathering dust on the book shelf.

The following is a quote on John 3:16 from chapter 2, page 23, unknown, yet wise old sage:

For God . . . the greatest Lover

so loved . . . the greatest degree

the world . . .the greatest company

that He gave . . .the greatest act

His only begotten Son . . . the greatest gift

that whoever . . .the greatest opportunity

believes . . . the greatest simplicity

in Him . . . the greatest attraction

should not perish . . . the greatest promise

but . . . the greatest difference

have . . . the greatest certainty

everlasting life . . . the greatest possession

Each chapter is very short, but powerful. Go slow! Take time to read, study and meditate!!!