Paul, in 2nd Corinthians says:
2 Corinthians 4:1 - Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not, we do not lose heart:
2 Corinthians 4:2 - But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
Paul was speaking to the Greeks and testifying that what he and the other disciples were saying, was from God and not of themselves. They were not speaking as men do, but according to the Word as given by the Holy Spirit for understanding. He was explaining that he is not speaking from hear say, but from those who witnessed these things. He is recounting the things told by the ones who were with Jesus. The words of God from the mouth of Christ. The very example of how we are to live and believe. This is from God Himself for all who will hear. We can have complete faith and trust, as we are being taught the exact words of God. He has visited us by Christ and gave His words of redemption, and the promises that come with that. We are not to be fooled or persuaded by false teachers. We must believe and be faithful.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, there is no other way to enter Heaven, but through Him. Jesus was not just a man, but also of God. He was not created as we are, but of divine intervention to bring all, the ability to be reconciled to God.
Consider who Jesus is. To know Christ, we must be conscious of what is being taught, not only as we read the Bible, but in our churches as the Pastor speaks. We are being taught, instructed, and led by faith in the Word. The true and Holy word of God as given by Christ. God is not just present on Sunday mornings. He is continually with each believer. The Holy Spirit resides in each believer and therefore, we have the Spirit with us continually. Jesus stated that where 2 or more are gathered in His name, there shall He be. The Lord is always present and near us. We have no need to travel to a temple or religious figure, we can have access to Him anywhere and anytime. We are the body of Christ, our bodies have become a temple, and the Holy Spirit resides in each believer.
Jesus Christ, our Holy Savior, was sent by God to give man a way to be reconciled to Him. None of us has the ability to make amends, atone and be pure. To live a perfect and sin free life. Jesus was the only one to free us from sin. He chose daily to follow the Father our God and we should as well. We can make a conscious effort to obey the Lord daily.
We live in a hurried world, and in our daily thoughts and plans.. The Lord on countless times throughout the Bible says to wait on the Him. To seek first our God. To be patient for His answer and direction. I know that I have had the same problem, more often than I want to remember, of falling into this trap. Wait on the Lord is a command. The Lord is long suffering in His love, showing forgiveness to all, condemning no one who accepts Christ as their savior. This is what Jesus taught as a way of life. This is the character of God the Father as presented by Christ. Who are we to judge, or condemn? Who gave us the right to look down on anyone? We do these things without thinking and can often catch ourselves and wonder, am I really doing that? I have many times, and thought, how can I look at someone and think that they are not going to Heaven? Who am I to make that call? God did not appoint me to be a judge. I am no better than anyone else. But, I do have one thing I am sure of. One thing that is so certain that I can rely on in perfect confidence. The love from my God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus is sure and quick to forgive. God is true to His word to erase sins from His memory.
We can all rest in the knowledge that we are forgiven of all sin, past, present and future. But we are to confess our sins to God daily, to let Him know that we do not take our salvation lightly, we do not use His forgiveness as a "get out of jail free card" to sin all we want. No one can use God. He will not be bargained with nor mocked. He IS GOD and answers to no one. He is the creator and the almighty, who are we but His creations. Fortunately for us, He loves us in a way we cannot understand. He has a deep love for this creation and wants to have an everlasting relationship with. This is the reason for His desire to forgive us of our sins. It is solely for all of us who will accept Him, to be forgiven and be in His Holy presence forever.
Jesus came to earth as a sacrifice, as a way of instruction, and as a reference of God. He has shown us the love of God, the character of God, to love first, offer salvation to be reconciled to Him, and destruction last. Jesus became to ultimate price, paid for all of the sins of man. What a statement that is. To know that God has so much love for those who usually never give Him a second thought. He wants to give eternal life with Him to anyone who will accept this great, price and sacrifice.
The Lord God has always given us a choice. Consider Adam and Eve, they made the choice to disobey God and eat from the forbidden tree. We make the same choice every waking hour of our lives. I used to think that had I have been Adam, I would not have done as he did. But really, when we choose to sin rather than follow the Word of God, are we not also choosing that tree?
Jesus has shown us a better way. Not by prophets, or seers, but by His actions while living on this earth.
He showed us His faith and obedience on the cross. He showed us the truth and results of His obedience when He rose from the dead. God is who He says He is. There is no other. God is God.
I love the passage, "I am the Lord thy God"!
We, who love the Lord, are all His disciples. We are filled with the Holy Spirit. We all have the same access to God. We all have the same love from Him. He loves us all equally. He uses us in different ways, but the message is the same. Come to the Lord, through our savior Jesus Christ and be reunited to God. Be His children and be blessed by His love and the riches of Heaven. Consider what Paul says in 2nd Corinthians;
“For we know, that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, but eternal in Heaven." This body is our earthly house, we are promised a new one. Just as God said that our old life is dead, we are reborn into a new life. The old way we lived is dead to us, we live according to His Word, in love, not hate, in obedience, not in rebellion, in safety, not fear, in happiness, not despair. Our God is a loving God as witnessed by His Son. His only Son who He sacrificed for all who will receive Him. To save anyone who calls upon His name. God is love as described in the bible, in all of the books we can see His love. We can see His wrath but we also see many times, His love and forgiveness. We see how much He cares for His creation. So just accept His love, obey the Lord and be saved. Accept the reward He offers so freely. Obedience to His word is so simple. He has made that as simple as He made our path to salvation. Jesus gave two commandments, to love God with all our hearts, minds and body, and to love others as we love ourselves. Do these and you will find yourself in obedience to all He commands without having to think about it. Just have faith, live that faith and trust in the Lord. Become a child of God, be a part of the inheritance of Jesus Christ. Know that He loves and cares about you and will always be with you as promised. He never leaves your side, He has hold of you and nothing can pull you from His grasp.
Let all who would be saved, come to Christ and accept the forgiveness of the Lord. May all your troubles be handed over to the lord and may you walk in the light of Jesus. May the Lord keep and bless you as you live in His word. And may the peace of God be upon you, Amen.