At this time, I believe it would be good to review what we have covered so far. We’ve said that:
* We were created to have a personal and intimate relation with God
* We were created to live for Him
* We were created to bring Him glory
* We were created to bring fruit
* God’s desire in the redemption of man’s soul
Today we will learn that He wants to use you and me to accomplish His redemptive plan. Imagine, the Great I AM, the Creator of the Universe, The King of kings and Lord of lords hand-picked you to include you and give you a mission that far surpasses all other missions in this world. There are very noble causes like being a doctor, or feeding the hungry, but these only reach the level of the human body. God has called us to participate in the greatest mission of all: the redemption of the human soul, the eternal salvation of people from a state of eternal separation from God in Hell. No cause is greater and more noble that this one. He has given us the great privilage and responsibility of the Great Commission.
In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus said to His disciples: "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." In Mark 16:15 Jesus says: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." Then in Luke 24:46-48 He said: "Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things." And in John 17:18 He said: "As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.”
A disciple of Christ will have fulfillment in life when he/she is accomplishing God’s mission of redemption. 2nd Corinthians 5:18-20 says: “Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
Don’t delay, these words are for you and me; let’s run with them; let’s put them into practice and may the Lord use you and me greatly to expand His kingdom!
Monday, January 12, 2009
GOD'S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE - PART 6
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
GOD'S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE - PART 5
Those that have read through the whole Bible can clearly see that after man’s fall and throughout the rest of history, God’s desire is the redemption of man’s soul. There are many passages in Scripture that point to this fact. The maximum demonstration of this truth is Jesus. God became flesh (John1:14) with the purpose of saving us. A central verse that explains this truth is John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but has everlasting life.”
There are 2 other passages that are key for the understanding of God’s will and desire. 1st Timothy 2:3-4 “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” And 2nd Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”
This then bring us to the important point where we need to understand that in God’s desire and will, He planned to include you for His purposes. He wants to use you and me to accomplish His redemptive plan. We will expand this theme with more details in the following articles.
There are 2 other passages that are key for the understanding of God’s will and desire. 1st Timothy 2:3-4 “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” And 2nd Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”
This then bring us to the important point where we need to understand that in God’s desire and will, He planned to include you for His purposes. He wants to use you and me to accomplish His redemptive plan. We will expand this theme with more details in the following articles.
Monday, January 5, 2009
GOD'S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE - PART 4
Now, there is another practical way that we can understand and participate in bringing glory to God, and it has to do with something that God commanded us to do. We were created to bring Him fruit. Jesus said in John 15:8 these word: "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.” God created you and me to bring fruit, just as a plant grows to eventually become mature and naturally give fruit, so are we.
Now, God wants to see fruit in all areas of our lives, not only in our character, living a life full of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, but also He wants us to participate in reaching others with the Good News of the gospel and seeing those lives grow in Him and for Him. This area of bringing fruit to God is where we will concentrate more and focus our attention.
In John 15:16 we read (Jesus talking): "You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.” We will discover the meaning of life, when we find ourselves involved in the very work that He left for us to do. Jesus wants you and me to experience abundant life. He said in John 10:10 that “He has come to give us life, and abundant life.” That abundant life is experienced when we are understand and live for the very purpose that He created us for.
In the next article, we will learn more about God’s deep desire and plan to carry out His desire, and how He wants us to be part of it.
Now, God wants to see fruit in all areas of our lives, not only in our character, living a life full of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, but also He wants us to participate in reaching others with the Good News of the gospel and seeing those lives grow in Him and for Him. This area of bringing fruit to God is where we will concentrate more and focus our attention.
In John 15:16 we read (Jesus talking): "You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.” We will discover the meaning of life, when we find ourselves involved in the very work that He left for us to do. Jesus wants you and me to experience abundant life. He said in John 10:10 that “He has come to give us life, and abundant life.” That abundant life is experienced when we are understand and live for the very purpose that He created us for.
In the next article, we will learn more about God’s deep desire and plan to carry out His desire, and how He wants us to be part of it.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
GOD'S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE - PART 3
So far we have said that:
• We were created to have a personal and intimate relationship with God
• We were created to live for Him
The Bible also teaches that we were created to glorify Him (to bring Him glory.)
1st Corinthians 10:31 says “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Now, that is a concept that seems a little abstract. What does it mean to glorify God? How do we glorify God? To put it into perspective, if I were to get the glory in something that I’ve accomplished, (let’s say that I’m a good chef and people really like my cooking) I would tell others that I’m a very creative person that likes to invent. I would say that I’m smart, intelligent, that I work hard, without the help of others. I will get all the credit, because I want people to focus on me. On the other hand, if I want to give God the glory, I would say that God gave me the talents, intelligence and abilities to cook well for His glory. I don’t get the credit; God does. The focus is not on me, but on God.
I’m reminded of a passage in Deuteronomy 8, where the Lord is warning the Israelites once they enter and prosper in the land of Canaan, not to forget Who brought them out of Egypt, Who provided for their needs when they couldn’t do it themselves in the wilderness, and Who gives the ability and power to prosper. The following verses are a key to understand what it means to give God the glory: “17 He (The Lord) did all this so you would never say to yourself, 'I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.'18 Remember the LORD your God. He is the One who gives you power to be successful.” (NLT)
So, let’s bring Him honor through what we say, how we act, and how we think. Acknowledge Him in all you think and do. Make it known to others, point others to Him by giving Him the credit for whatever you say and do. To glorify God means we have a heart full of gratitude, for it is He who gives us all that we posses (material and immaterial.)
• We were created to have a personal and intimate relationship with God
• We were created to live for Him
The Bible also teaches that we were created to glorify Him (to bring Him glory.)
1st Corinthians 10:31 says “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Now, that is a concept that seems a little abstract. What does it mean to glorify God? How do we glorify God? To put it into perspective, if I were to get the glory in something that I’ve accomplished, (let’s say that I’m a good chef and people really like my cooking) I would tell others that I’m a very creative person that likes to invent. I would say that I’m smart, intelligent, that I work hard, without the help of others. I will get all the credit, because I want people to focus on me. On the other hand, if I want to give God the glory, I would say that God gave me the talents, intelligence and abilities to cook well for His glory. I don’t get the credit; God does. The focus is not on me, but on God.
I’m reminded of a passage in Deuteronomy 8, where the Lord is warning the Israelites once they enter and prosper in the land of Canaan, not to forget Who brought them out of Egypt, Who provided for their needs when they couldn’t do it themselves in the wilderness, and Who gives the ability and power to prosper. The following verses are a key to understand what it means to give God the glory: “17 He (The Lord) did all this so you would never say to yourself, 'I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.'18 Remember the LORD your God. He is the One who gives you power to be successful.” (NLT)
So, let’s bring Him honor through what we say, how we act, and how we think. Acknowledge Him in all you think and do. Make it known to others, point others to Him by giving Him the credit for whatever you say and do. To glorify God means we have a heart full of gratitude, for it is He who gives us all that we posses (material and immaterial.)
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
GOD'S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE - PART 2
In the last article regarding God’s will for our lives, I wrote that God created us so that we could enjoy a personal and intimate relationship with Him. The second reason that I want to share with you is that “God created us to live for Him.”
Colossians 1:16 says “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him.” To live life to the fullest, to experience purpose and meaning, we need to realize that our lives are not ours to live selfishly for our own; we were created to live for Him. Until we come to grips with this truth, we will always live with disappointment, and we will not find meaning to life. We may spend many years in the pursue of money, or a professional career, or even family, or living sacrificially for a noble cause, but not of these pursues will satisfy our lives to the fullest. Don’t take me wrong, these are necessary in life, but they are not the ultimate reason for life.
Jesus said: “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.” Mark 8:35. Could it be that at the end of our lives, while pursuing and living for things other than God, we will realize that we wasted our lives? On the other hand, those that lived for Jesus will realize that they made the right decision by living for Him.
2nd Corinthians 5:15 says “and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.”
We only have one shot at life; don’t waste it; live your life all out for Jesus! You won’t regret it.
Colossians 1:16 says “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him.” To live life to the fullest, to experience purpose and meaning, we need to realize that our lives are not ours to live selfishly for our own; we were created to live for Him. Until we come to grips with this truth, we will always live with disappointment, and we will not find meaning to life. We may spend many years in the pursue of money, or a professional career, or even family, or living sacrificially for a noble cause, but not of these pursues will satisfy our lives to the fullest. Don’t take me wrong, these are necessary in life, but they are not the ultimate reason for life.
Jesus said: “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.” Mark 8:35. Could it be that at the end of our lives, while pursuing and living for things other than God, we will realize that we wasted our lives? On the other hand, those that lived for Jesus will realize that they made the right decision by living for Him.
2nd Corinthians 5:15 says “and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.”
We only have one shot at life; don’t waste it; live your life all out for Jesus! You won’t regret it.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year 2009!
2009 is here! New adventures begin, news goals, new resolutions, new dreams, new challenges... One thing is certain, whatever the New Year brings, if you are a disciple, God is with you! Emmanuel! His promises are true. God says "I am with you always." Matthew 28:20, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5Not only is He with us, but He is for us. The Bible says "If God is for us, who can be against us?" He wants to see you succeed in whatever plans He has for you. Listen carefully to His guidance. Remember that God is always working and He wants you to join Him in what He is doing. Remember that He talks to us through His Word, through His Holy Spirit when we pray, through circumstances, and through the counsel of those wise Christians around us.
Be attentive to His voice; decide to obey Him. Our prayer for you is that you will have a Blessed New Year!
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