 Jesus greater than theology. What do I mean by this? Well, my friend, the whole point in studying – or knowing - ‘about’ God (theology), is to actually ‘know’ God. Personally.
Jesus is God in the flesh. He stepped out of heaven so we could stop thinking, studying, giving opinions about God, and actually know God. Jesus said: ‘He who believes in me believes not in me, but in him who sent me. And he who sees me, sees him who sent me.’ (John 12:44-45) The very name or title given to Jesus – ‘Emanuel’ – means, ‘God with us’. (Matthew 1:23) Jesus squared up with the students of the day – the experts on theology – and here is what he said: ‘You study the scriptures… but you refuse to come to me and have life.’ (John 5:39-40) Jesus came to give us the personal touch and presence of the living God. In fact, without actually looking into the face of Christ, you cannot see God. (2 Cor 4:6) To really see and know the fullness of God and his character, you need to receive the life and character of Jesus Christ. (Col 2:9) My friend, are you weary searching for life? In the bible we are told that coming to actually see, touch, know Jesus Christ, is to take hold of the ‘life that is truly life.’ (1 Tim 6:19) This very day you can step off the ground of this dark and broken life, and soar in the eternal, pure and new Spirit of God. You do this by turning your back on your sin (repentance), and putting your faith in Jesus Christ. Are you thirsty? Are you ready? For more on taking that ‘First Step’ with Jesus into your new and eternal life, please visit: https://1peter1three.weebly.com/first-steps.html
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 ‘Prodigal’ = wasteful, wayward, lost the path… Can you relate?
Jesus tells a story about a ‘prodigal son’ (or daughter). This story is about you and me, and our relationship to our Father God. Here’s how it goes… This son went to his father and took his inheritance early – in other words cashed out his father’s property and savings – and hit the road. He spent it recklessly on prostitutes, pornography, drink, drugs and popularity. When hard times hit – and they always hit – this young man saw what was real. His money was gone, his friends, his pleasure, and he hungered physically and spiritually. He was destitute and lost. This son now had to consider and face his relationship with his father. He decided to venture home, to ask forgiveness for what he had done, and to ask for food and shelter and a job to do to earn it. He set out… When he was near home, the father ran to meet him. He embraced him. He ordered that his servants bring this his son the very best clothes, jewelry, and to get ready a feast to celebrate his return. The father said, ‘My son was dead, but now he is alive!’ (Luke 15:24) My friends, Jesus tells us this story to show us the heart that he has for us. Jesus gave us ‘life, breath and everything else’ (Acts 17:25), and we have all used this life – the resources that belong to Christ – on our own pleasure and dark desires. We now find ourselves full of regret, shame and hungry – physically and spiritually. Through this story Jesus is calling us home. He is assuring us that if we come with a humble heart, acknowledging that we have sinned, have wandered from his path, he will run to meet us. He will embrace us and forgive us. He will reinstate us in his household as sons and daughters, and clothe us with dignity and beauty. There is an incredible story of how God has made this ‘forgiveness’ possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But that story is not for right now. Right now, Jesus – with your name carved on the palm of his hand (Isaiah 49:16) – just calls you to come home with a repentant heart, and he will pour new life over you! For more on ‘First Steps’ with Jesus Christ, please visit: https://1peter1three.weebly.com/first-steps.html  Three intense verses – and words – of Jesus Christ, read as follows:
‘I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.’ (Luke 12:49-51) One key point on each verse:
Do you feel the ‘sparks’ of the fire of Christ? Do you feel the ‘division’ that his name and his message brings into your mind, your soul, your relationships? Let go, and let Christ get to you! For more on ‘First Steps’ with Jesus Christ, please visit: https://1peter1three.weebly.com/first-steps.html |
AuthorPeter Walker. I hope you enjoy these reflections. Please feel free to comment!:) Archives
March 2019
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