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Jul 13 2008

Study on Jude Verses 5-7

July 13, 2008 – 2:33 pm
By kris | Posted in Bible Studies, Jude | Tagged , | Comments (0)

Last week we discussed Jude’s warning about the false teachers that were rising up in his time and which continues today.  The second part of Jude he reminds us of the wrath toward those who do not follow his commandments.

5Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. 7 In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.

Jude wants to remind the church that even though God protected the Isralites and removed them from Egypt he later destroyed most of the same people for not believing.  We are not to assume because God has been merciful to us in the past that we are free from his wrath.  The only way to be free from all danger.  Likewise Jude talks about the angels, who where made pure and in the image of God, who on their own free-will left heaven and became sinners.  We are all familiar with the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, the two cities from the Old Testament which were so sinful and taken to unnatural sexual acts that God had to destroy the city by fire so that its impurity would not spread.  We live in a society today that is a lot like those cities,  sexual promiscuity is a norm, sin is glorified, and being holy and righteous is ridiculed.  That is why we are called to not be part of this world even though we must live in it.  We are here in this world so that we may reach the sinners and bring them into the Glory of Christ.  It was not that long ago that each of us was a lost and alone sinners, but because of grace we are alive in Jesus and dead to the world.  Today reread the book of Jude, but this time use a different version of the bible such as The Message or TNIV both of which are availble free to use at www.biblegateway.com

All Bible References are NKJV

By kris | Posted in Bible Studies, Jude | Tagged , | Comments (0)
Jul 06 2008

Quick Study on Jude 1-4

July 6, 2008 – 2:52 pm
By kris | Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

We will get back to the Making the Trip series in the next post, but today I would like to begin a short study in the book of James. This is a book that we don’t spend alot of time on in churches today, but it is extremely relative to our walk with Christ. Lets start in first verse and as always I am using the New King James Version.

1 Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ: 2 Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

Lets look at this introduction to who Jude is, in verse one, he calls himself a servant of Jesus and the brother of James. As many of you may remember James is Jesus’ half-brother which would make Jude his half-brother as well. Jude is so respectful to his relationship with his master that he doesn’t mention that the one who he serves is also his brother. Because a servant in this time period would think not of themselves, but of their master’s will and gives all to the service of the master. This is the same kind of service that we should give to Jesus, our lord and master. Jude then goes on to say who he is writing to, all who are called. The Bible tells us that we are all called, called out of the world and out of sin. Jude is writing this to the early church who has began to be led astray by false teachers.


3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

Jude wants to talk about the salvation that we all share though the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but instead he feels like he must talk about something much more troubling.

4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Instead of talking about the salvation of Jesus instead he must talk about the false teachers who have positioned themselves in the leadership of the early church, much as they still do even today. This entire letter is written to warn the church of attacks they will suffer and to encourage them to be prepared. These attacks are not going to be of the physical warfare, but of spiritual warfare. As Christians we are all defenders of the faith, protectors of the true Gospel. This is not a task we should take lightly! I’m sure after reading the Book of Jude you will be able to think of examples of earthly men who have managed to slide into our churches under the pretense of “Men of God” only to lead the flock astray with their false teachings, and unbiblical doctrine. Today read the full book of Jude in your favorite Bible translation and then come back and we will continue our study of Jude.

By kris | Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Comments (0)
Jun 21 2008

Making the Trip (Part 3) The Great Commission

June 21, 2008 – 3:21 pm
By kris | Posted in Making the Trip Series | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV)

 

As many of you all ready know this scripture is referred to as the Great Commission.  Jesus gave this commission to his apostles after he was resurrected from the tomb.  This statement of Christ is the foundation of the evangelical movement and is the reason that we, as Christians, send missionaries to all corners of the Earth.  We are instructed to tell “all the Nations” the Gospel of Christ.  I don’t think that it a by accident that these verses are found at the end of the Gospel of Matthew.  As an young believer chances are you start by reading the Gospel of Matthew.  You’ll read about Jesus’ ancestry, birth, childhood, adult ministry, death and resurrection.  And after you read all that you get to the last statement that Jesus is recorded to have said and that is his call, his commission, for his followers to go out and spread the good news.  To spread all that you have just read in the Gospel to all ethnic groups, to all races, to all religion, to ALL the World.  Jesus didn’t say “go and tell the gospel to all everyone you personally know and are comfortable with.”  No, he said to go to the entire World.  But, lets look deeper into the words of Jesus to see what else these simple verses can teach us.  First the Jesus makes the reference to the Trinity.  Baptizing them in the name of the FATHER, the SON, and the HOLY SPIRIT.  And then Jesus goes on to tell us to observer all of his commandments. 

 

So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’[a] and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’” Luke 10:27 (NKJV)

 

This is your commission its not just that of the apostles, or of you Pastor.  It was directed at you personally.  We are all to go into our mission field daily.  Your mission field could be Africa, Asia, South America, the park, your school, your backyard, or the mall.  Anywhere you are there is your mission field.  So go out and make disciples spreading the Good News of Jesus to everyone you meet.

By kris | Posted in Making the Trip Series | Tagged , , | Comments (0)
Jun 15 2008

Making the Trip Part 2 The Bible

June 15, 2008 – 1:15 pm
By kris | Posted in Making the Trip Series | Comments (0)

Last week we talked about the need to know what you believe as demonstrated in the Apostle’s Creed, this week we will start to talk about why we believe such things.  Without the Bible we would have no way to study the teachings of Christ, the history of the early church, or the history of the Jewish people.  We also wouldn’t know what to expect in the days to come.  The Bible is your sword to fight the enemy and it is very important that we study it daily to seek the teachings God has put before us.

But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.  But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:13-17 (NKJV)

Many people today question whether that scripture is still accurate.  Since our Bible has been handed down for thousands of years, from spoken word for many generations and now in written form that has been translated to 100’s of languages and seemingly more interpretations of those translations.  Can we still trust the Bible to be the Word of God?  I hear many people say that the King James is the only legit version of the Bible and all else is false teachings.  Where does this come from scriptually?  It doesn’t!  I have prayed and spent much time studying many different versions of the Bible and have come to the conclusion that the Bible is alive!  I have read the same verse and have had different truths jump out at me.  You should read what ever version of the Bible is best of you.  When you find “your version” you’ll know.  You may notice I almost always use the New King James for my studies.  This is “my” version it speaks to me best and though I use other versions when preparing these studies, in case I may have missed something, I find the NKJV to be the easiest for me to understand.  Does that make it better than the NIV?  Nope, The NIV just isn’t written in a way that speaks to me.  Since, “all scripture is given by inspiration of God” would you not agree that the God-fearing men and women who translated the scripture would also be “inspired” by God?  I belive that God will not let a false translation of his word to spread in the Church.

Why should we study the Bible?

Well in a nutshell because God has instructed us to do so…

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

We also should study it because we are instructed by Paul that we must be able to defend the teachings of the Bible against the enemy. 

Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;  and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 2 Timothy 4:2-4 (NKJV)

I know its hard to set aside time in our busy lives to study God’s words, but with out this time alone in His word we will never grow spiritually.  Studying the Bible gives us a thirst and a desire to know God better and to serve him with more commitment.

I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food. Job 23:12 (NKJV)

This week let as all commit to spending at least 10 minutes a day studying the Bible and earnestly praying that he will show us His will for our lives.

By kris | Posted in Making the Trip Series | Comments (0)
Jun 07 2008

Making the Trip (Part 1)

June 7, 2008 – 3:16 pm
By kris | Posted in Making the Trip Series, Uncategorized | Tagged | Comments (0)

Today we are going to start a series of post on “Making the Trip” to Heaven.  This will be a basic study of Christianity and the beliefs and covenants involved.  For our first session we are going to look at the Apostles’ Creed and give basic explanation to every part of it.  I’m starting with this because it is my statement of faith for this site and pretty much says what we as Christians believe.

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
    the Creator of heaven and earth,
    and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:

Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit,
    born of the Virgin Mary,
    suffered under Pontius Pilate,
    was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into hell.

The third day He arose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven
    and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,
    whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy church universal,
    the communion of saints,
    the forgiveness of sins,
    the resurrection of the body,
    and life everlasting.

Lets go statement by statement and prove with the Bible the things that are said:

 I believe in God  “ Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel,  And his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts:  ‘ I am the First and I am the Last;  Besides Me there is no God.  -Isaiah 44:6

Maker of Heaven and Earth  In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

And in Jesus Christ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

His only Son For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

our Lord And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” John 20:28

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35

born of the Virgin Mary to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary Luke 1:27

suffered under Pontius Pilate So Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they requested. 25 And he released to them the one they requested, who for rebellion and murder had been thrown into prison; but he delivered Jesus to their will. Luke 23:24-25

was Crucified Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin John 19:20

died For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures 1 Corinthians 15:3

and buried,  The third day he arose from the dead and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures 1 Corinthians 15:4

he ascended into Heaven Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. Luke 24:51

and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, Hebrews 1:3

From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2  Timothy 4:1

I believe in the Holy Spirit However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.  He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. John 16:13-14

The Church Universal For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.  For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:26-29

the communion of saints not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25

the forgivness of sins Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”  Luke 7:48

the resurrection of the body For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 1 Thessalonians 4:16

and life everlasting And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. John 10:28

I don’t usually do post like this with out much commentary, but I wanted to provide this outline because it will be the basis of the rest of this series.  I only have a couple things to add.  When it says that he comes to judge the “quick” quick is referring to those that are spirtually alive.  The other is the communion of the saints this is not referring to the coming together in fellowship with other believers.

By kris | Posted in Making the Trip Series, Uncategorized | Tagged | Comments (0)
May 25 2008

Its Not Too Good To Be True!

May 25, 2008 – 3:49 pm
By kris | Posted in The Gospels | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

It’s not too good to be true!  Few things in this world can live up to that.  And the best part is not only is it good but its also free!  I’m talking the salvation that comes from Jesus Christ alone.  Isn’t it funny that the most precious thing we can ever get is free?  Well, its free for us Jesus payed the ultimate price, his life, so that you and I can see God face to face.  Without the death of Jesus we would have no path to reach Heaven.  Nothing our earthly bodies can do is good enough to be accepted into heaven.  Jesus left his throne to come to this crummy earth to live life as the child of a simple carpenter.  God could have sent Jesus to any woman on earth to be born.  Instead of choosing some royal family to raise his only son he sent Jesus to live among the common people, to grow up as a common boy.  And when Jesus had grown he went out to the world and broke all the rules, yet remained sinless.  He showed the hypocrisy in the Jewish faith at that time.  He condemned those who did not practice the teaching of the God given Law’s of Moses.  He ruffled the feathers of the rabbi’s so much that they despised him.  The hated Jesus and wanted him dead.  He was betrayed by one of his closest friends and given up to the king to face punishment.  And yet he remainedsinless.  He was tried under the by Caesar’s governor, Pilate, who tried everything to let Jesus go.  But, the Jewish leaders demanded for his death and Pilate obeyed them.  Jesus was then tortured, beaten, spit on, and stripped of his clothing.  He was forced to carry his own instrument of death, the cross.  When he stumbled a simple Jewish man was forced to carry the cross for him.  And even still he remained sinless.  He was nailed to that cross raised into the air and left to die.  The death would be brutal, painful, and slow.  Even then he would remain sinless.  He shared to the murders and thieves hanging on either side of him and even saved one for his faith.  Jesus died on that cross and the Earth became dark.  He was buried in a grave not even his own, it was borrowed.  He went to hell for our sins and to reclaim the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. After three days with an earthquake the stone was rolled away and Jesus was raised from the dead.  He returned to his apostles to show that he was no long dead.   He now sits on his throne with his Father making intersession for us.  He did all this for you!  All he ask is that we simply believe, ask him into our heart, and repent of the sins we have committed that sent him to hell in our place.  He forgives your sins and he never will use them against you again.  If you have never accepted the gift of His forgiveness it’s not to late.  You can do it right now it as simply as a prayer.  If you honestly in your heart believe that the story above is true and you want to have that gift pray this prayer.

Dear Jesus, 
I Know that I am a sinner and I am sorry for all I have done that is against your law.  Please forgive me of my sins and help me to live a life that is in honor of you.  I belive that you died for MY sins and that your were resurrected, that you hear my prayers and forgive my sins.  Please Jesus just now come and live in my heart and send your Holy Spirit to help me to live the life you have planned for me. In your name I pray, Amen

If you said that pray then congradualation your are a born-again Christian!  Now that you have accepted his free gift its time to begin to walk the path he has set out for you.  Get a Bible, any translation will do get something that speaks to you, start reading the Gospel of John.  Make reading your Bible a priority in your life so that you may grow closer to the Savior who has just forgiven your sins.  Get into a good Church that teaches the Bible, the whole Bible and nothing but the Bible.  Don’t worry if you stumble, we all have and we all will continue to.  Just repent of your sins and strive to walk a holy life.  If you have accepted Jesus as your personal Savior today please email us at prayers@nxtgenmag.com  so that we can pray for you daily.

By kris | Posted in The Gospels | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)
May 24 2008

Be Childlike

May 24, 2008 – 3:21 pm
By kris | Posted in Luke | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. 17For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Luke 8:16-17 (NIV)

I’m sure that when you read this scripture today that immediately you started singing “This Little Light of Mine.”  The older I get the more I realize the truth that is in the children’s Bible songs that we have all sung a thousand times.  And how amazing it is that as a child though these songs we understood the awesome power of God, but also our own responsibility in surving Him.  We are not to hide our faith and only let it show on Sunday mornings at Church.  We are to let our light shine for all to see and for all to know though us the grace that we gain from a Risen Savior.  I have a daughter who just turned one month old and the thngs this little child of mine has taught me about the grace of God is simply unimaginable.  If only we could put all of our trust in God as my daughter does to me.  If only we could show with our actions alone how much we love God like my daughter does to me.  At one month she is fully reliant on her mother and I for everything and if it were not for care and love we give her she would perish.  Its like that with God as well.  No matter how much we think we are independent, no matter how much free will he has given us, we are fully reliant on Him.  He provides for us because he loves us and with out his providing and love we would surely parish.  Even before we realized as sinners that we needed to call out to the God above for salvation he was still providing for us. 

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

With all that Jesus has done for us, why is it that we hide our light?  Why are we not out screaming from the highest mountains the love and glory of God?   Why is it that we often deny him and try to do things on our own?  Remember, the God, who rules the universe, knows your thoughts he knows if you have betrayed him or forsaken him today and even after seeing it he still loves you and he is standing with arms open waiting on you to call to him again.

 

By kris | Posted in Luke | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)
May 19 2008

Just DO IT

May 19, 2008 – 10:10 pm
By kris | Posted in Short Thoughts | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.   Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”  Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”  His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”  Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece.  Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim.  John 2:1-7 (NKJV)

I know you have all heard this story before, it’s commonly referred to as the “First Miracle,” and it takes place in Cana, just 12 miles north of Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown.  We join Jesus as he and his followers enter the wedding.  Mary runs up to Jesus and tells him they are out of wine.  In this culture hospitality was very important and to not provide enough wine for you guest would have been a considered a terrible disrespect.  I always wondered why Jesus so rudely called his mother “Woman.”  I know if i did this to my Mom I would get a quick slap across the face.  But, in the culture and language that Jesus lived and spoke referring to a lady as “Woman” was a show of respect and honor.  What I really wanted to talk about was what Mary did and said next.  After Jesus told her it was not hist time yet, she called to the servants and knowing that Jesus was about to do something wonderful and amazing she told them to “Whatever He says to you, do it.”   And the amazing thing is … they did it.  The filled the water jugs to the brim and it was turned to wine.  Can you even imagine the shock on the faces of the servants when the drew the “water” out of the jug and saw that it was now wine?  I find it funny that something that seems so meaningless was the first miracle that our Lord did.  Of all the sick who needed healed, all the blind who needed sight, and all the lame who needed to walk, his first miricale and making the drinks at a wedding.  I think we miss the most important part of this story and that is the words of Jesus’ mother “Whatever He says to you, do it.“  Isn’t that the foundation of the Christian faith?  We are to do the Will of God.  We aren’t to question if we should fill it all the way to brim or not we are to just “do it.”  Imagine how much more we could accomplish for our Savior if we just did what he told us to do.

 

By kris | Posted in Short Thoughts | Tagged , , | Comments (0)
May 18 2008

Watering Down the Gospel

May 18, 2008 – 3:40 pm
By kris | Posted in Short Thoughts | Comments (0)

Today’s post is not really a devotional or a Bible Study, but more a thought on what the Church worldwide has become.  Why is it we water down the truth of the Gospel?   We are afraid to step on toes and let people know that they are doing wrong.  We have turned our back on sin and allowed it to become part of our churches.  Many people blame contemporary churches with their laid back atmosphere and their upbeat music for the down play of God’s Word.  I don’t see it that way at all!  Music and attire are not what makes us Christians.  The words of the old hymns and the words of the new chorus all proclaim the praise of God and the truth of his Word.  I believe in this modren “politically correct” world we have forgotten the harsh reality of the scriptures.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 6:23 (NKJV)

There is not middle ground their is only Sin/Hell or Forgivness/Heaven.  Why is it that in this world we can find grey areas in something so cut and dry? 

All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death.  1 John 5:17 (NKJV)

For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.  James 2:10

So why is it that some Churches are now condoning things that the Bible speaks about.  Lets take for one homosexuality.  First off let me say that it is a sin, but it is no bigger a sin than lying, stealing, or heterosexual sex before marriage.  Lets see what the Bible says:

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.  1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (NKJV)

Notice that homosexuality is grouped in with a number of other sins, but it is still named by name.  Depending on your translation the wording may be different, but they all get the same basic idea.  So with a verse as black and white as that one and many other verses that support it how is it that some churches can condone the act?  How is it that some church even practice in marriage ceremonies of these couples?  Direct conflict with the Word of God

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?   Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Therefore by their fruits you will know them.  Matthew 7:15-20 (NKJV)

Lets try this week to take an un-watered down look at the Bible.  Lets search our lives and find those things that we do that are contrary to the teachings of the Bible. 

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23

By kris | Posted in Short Thoughts | Comments (0)
May 11 2008

Everyday Kindness

May 11, 2008 – 2:33 pm
By kris | Posted in Matthew, Short Thoughts | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”- Ephesians 4:32  (NKJV)

Wow!  We are to forgive as Jesus has forgiven us, and remember when Jesus forgives us he forgets the sin you have committed against him.  He took your sin and he nailed it to the cross with him, he died for it, and yet he still forgets that same sin, never to be used against you again.  Jesus wants us to forgive the sins of others against us in this same way.  Remember when Jesus taught hus to pray he included:

“And forgive us our debts,  As we forgive our debtors. ” - Matthew 6:12 (NKJV)

Forgiveness and compassion are such a big message in the ministry of Jesus, but yet in today’s church both are downplayed.  The Church fifty years ago was the center for compassion and outreach.  If you were down on your luck you went to the Church for help and the Church was there with a warm meal and a bed to sleep in.  Today our Churches have gotten lazy, we figure the government will take care of these people so we don’t need to waste our time.  But, this is not the teaching of Jesus.  Compassionate ministries are the biggest and easiest way to reach lost souls with the Gospel of Christ.  When we are down and at the bottom reaching out for what ever help we may need that is when the message of hope found in the Bible is the easiest to grasp.  This week as you go back to work, school, and other activities look for ways that you can show compassion.  And being that it is Mother’s Day when I post this don’t forget to  call your Mom.

By kris | Posted in Matthew, Short Thoughts | Tagged , , | Comments (0)
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