Hidden (Krypto) Treasures

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Month: January 2013 Page 2 of 3

Put First Things First :: Seek

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On January 15, 2013

In 7 habits, Christian, Put First Things First

Jesus said that one must first seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness and not seek after the things that may seem to be needful but which really aren’t for these things that are needed are already known to God the heavenly Father.

We ought to seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness first. A kingdom implies that there is a king and there are those who belong to the kingdom and those who don’t. Those who belong to the kingdom cherish the provisions, protection, and pleasures of the king. The kingdom of God asserts that God is Sovereign and he is The King and those who belong to his kingdom enjoy his provisions which are satisfying, his protection which is solid and the pleasure of his presence (the joy of the Lord) which is Salvation. To seek his righteousness is to seek Jesus, the righteous Branch, whose name is THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS  (Jeremiah 23:6). To belong to this kingdom means we need to be born again i.e., we should believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and be born of the Spirit (John 3:5).

Putting First Things First, we must first be seek to be born again i.e., make THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, for all of our own righteousness are like filthy rags in the sight of a Holy God (Isaiah 64:6). We must seek to be part of God’s kingdom, meaning that we must seek to let God the Sovereign King, be our King and when we do so, all of his provisions (food and clothing that we think are needful), his protection and his pleasure (the Joy of Salvation) will be added to us to enjoy and cherish.

Points to ponder:
You may have been running away from God seeking the provisions that the world has to offer, the wealth, the fame, only to find out that the happiness that comes from these things is short-lived. You may have sought protection in the defenses of man only to find out that the fortress and refuge you received were like egg shells. You may have been seeking the pleasures of companionship with other people only to find out that apart from being with Jesus Christ, everyone is lonely and only in Him is found real peace. Stop running after what the world has to offer and seek Jesus today. Seek the Kingdom of God, letting God be your King, first.

Jesus Christ is The Seeking Shepherd, seeking those who are lost (Luke 15:4; John 10:10-15) and he is seeking you. Seek him when he may still be found (Isaiah 55:6). Putting First Things First, Seek ye first the kingdom of God and Jesus, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

John 3:5 (KJV)
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Put First Things First :: Reconcile

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On January 14, 2013

In 7 habits, Christian, Put First Things First

Jesus said that when we worship God and are offering our gifts to God, if there is a brother with whom we need to be reconciled with, we must leave the gift at the altar and first go and get reconciled with that brother before returning and presenting our offering to God (Matthew 5:24).

Merriam-Webster’s defines the word ‘reconcile’ as ‘to restore to friendship or harmony’ or to ‘settle as in resolving differences’. Jesus called his disciples brothers (Matthew 28:10) and as co-heirs with Christ, is there a follower of Christ (a brother) we ought to be reconciled with? In order for us to be able to reconcile with men, we must first be reconciled with God. In other words, we must have believed that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the world, to be part of the brotherhood for in believing and in receiving him, do we get to be adopted as children of God (John 1:12).

Putting First Things First, we must first be reconciled with God and we must reconcile with other believers who may have offended us or whom we may have offended. What a friend we have in Jesus, for while we were still sinners and enemies of God, he willingly laid down his life for us, so that we can be restored into friendship and harmony with God, settling the debt of sin once and for all, by defeating death and Satan, once and for all.

Points to ponder:
Are you reconciled with God? Are you reconciled with men/women? If not, stop your worship and first get reconciled before returning to worship. This is the best gift you can give God.

2 Corinthians 5:18-21 (KJV)
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Matthew 5:23-24 (KJV)
23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

Offensive Jesus (and Christians)

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On January 11, 2013

In Christian

An individual that I invited to the Christmas party at our place, wrote in response, “As an agnostic, I find what you do, of bringing Jesus to our work community offensive and so I am not interested in attending.” Pastor and Teacher John MacArthur, Jr., in his book Found: God’s Will, writes “If the truth offends, then let it offend. People have been living their whole lives in offense to God; let them be offended for a while.”

Agnostics, Atheists and Anti-theists and for that matter all those who reject the gospel of Jesus Christ and who rebel against him, distorting the Scripture with their own foolish and empty egocentric views, find the work of the followers of Jesus Christ offensive. But those of us, who share the word of truth, of The Truth, Jesus Christ, should not be surprised when our work and words are offensive. When Jesus asserted that He was the only means to Salvation and anyone who refuses to believe and partake in communion with him, will not inherit eternal life, some of his disciples were offended and they deserted him, which led him to ask “Do my words offend you?” (John 6:61). Yes, the work of Christ is hard and the words (preaching) of the Cross is a hard saying that is deemed as foolishness unto those who are perishing but to those who are saved, it is the Power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18).

Points to ponder:
Jesus was deemed to be offensive when He preached Salvation. Are you and I also considered to be offensive when we preach the Cross, which is the word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15); the words of everlasting life (John 6:68)? As Christians let us be unafraid of mere men who can do nothing to us, when we have the Lord on our side (Psalm 118:6) and continue to preach the Cross of Christ that brings everlasting life to all who believe. The word of God is The Sword of the Spirit – an offensive weapon in the spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:17) and when a Sword is wielded correctly, it will cut/divide those who are in Christ from those who aren’t. If the truth offends, then let it offend.

John 6:60-61, 66-69 (KJV)
60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?
…
66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

Are you approved of God?

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On January 10, 2013

In Christian

Acts 2:22 refers to Jesus as a man approved of God among the people and if we are followers of God (Ephesians 5:1), we need to be approved of God amongst his people as well. The Bible counsels us to study the Word of God to show ourselves approved unto God and as workmen/workwomen, we need not be ashamed, but rightly divide [explain] the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
The ones who are approved unto God are not ashamed of God, but they faithfully and diligently study and teach (explain) the word of truth unashamedly.

Points to ponder:
Am I approved unto God? Are you approved unto God? i.e., Do we study the word of God and do we work for him in explaining it without any shame, though people may despise and mock us? In other words, Are we like Jesus, one approved of God among his people?

Acts 2:21-22 (KJV)
21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV [NLT])
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing [explaining] the word of truth.

A calculated Choice – Die or Live

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On January 9, 2013

In Christian, Movie Motions

After the movie, The Passion of The Christ was released, mistakenly, an antisemitism notion was evoked, but the Holy Bible teaches us that Jesus was delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God into wicked hands that took, crucified and slew him (Acts 2:23). Thus the crucifixion of Jesus was a calculated choice of God and not a mere tragedy orchestrated by men.

The choices Jesus had was either to “Die so man will live forever with God.” or “Live and man will die forever, separated from God.” Jesus chose to die so that man can live, and he expressed this, when he said, “I lay down my life on my own free will and no man takes it from me.” (John 10:18).

Points to ponder:
What is your response to this God who willingly gave his life for you? Out of his own free will, Jesus gave his life for you. Out of our own free will, are we willing to die to self and sin, so that we may live forever with God? Whoever gives up his life for Jesus’ sake will save it, but whoever tries to hang on to their life will lose it. (Matthew 16:25). If to die for man is God’s calculated choice, then to live for God should be our calculated choice. Is it?

Acts 2:22-24 (KJV)
22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

John 10:18 (KJV)
18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Matthew 16:25 (NLT)
25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.

Not guilty, yet sentenced

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On January 8, 2013

In Christian

Jesus was not guilty, but yet he suffered and was sentenced for the guilty, so that he could bring us (the guilty) to God (1 Peter 3:18). Where is the justice in all of this? Wait, justice is coming when Jesus returns (Revelation 19:11; John 16:11).

Only if we believe in Jesus, to be our Savior, Lord and King, would we be able to face God with the verdict of “not guilty” for Jesus’ righteousness is imputed on us (2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9; Romans 4:3). Otherwise, guess what, we are all guilty of sin as charged!

Points to ponder:
Are you ready to face Jesus, The Judge when he returns? What will be your sentence? Stop refusing him and rebelling against him, but instead humble yourself, remember, repent and return to the Lord Jesus today, for today is your day of being declared “Not guilty” (2 Corinthians 6:2). He will accept you just as you are. Just believe.

1 Peter 3:18 (KJV)
18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

God Letter

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On January 7, 2013

In Christian

From: God@ThroneInHeaven <Revelation4:2-3>
To: YouAndMe@Earth <2Corinthians5:1>
Cc: ChristJesus@RightHandOfGodInHeaven <Hebrews12:1-2>; HolySpirit@WithinBelievers
Subject: Love Letter from God
Priority: High

I love you and have demonstrated my love for you, that while you were still sinners and enemies of mine by being in love with the world, my Only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who is my beloved, died for you. And whoever believes in my Son, Jesus The Christ, shall not perish but have everlasting life and all who receive him and who believe in His Name, I will adopt as my own children. The choice is yours. Choose ye this day! RSVP.
I love you.
God

Points to ponder:
What is your response?

Romans 5:8-11 (KJV)
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

John 3:15 -21 (KJV)
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

John 1:12 (KJV)
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Die to Live Another Day

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On January 4, 2013

In Christian, Movie Motions

One of the quotes in the 007 James Bond movie, Die Another Day is “So you lived to die another day …” Come to think of it, while many may relate to this motif of living in the present as if the present was the model of the future, the Bible actually counsels us, quite the contrary. Christians who are followers of Christ Jesus, should not live as if the present is the model of the future, but instead, as if the future is the model of the present. We must not be seeking to live now to die another day, but instead we must die now to live another day. We must die to our sinful desires and deny self (Matthew 16:24; Colossians 3:5) so that we may live another day.

Jesus said, he whoever will save his life shall lose it: and whoever will lose his life for his sake shall find it (Matthew 16:25).

Points to ponder:
Are you living now to die another day or are you dying now to live another day? The latter assures eternal life.

Matthew 16:24-26 (KJV)
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Colossians 3:3-10 (KJV)
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

YOLO should be banished

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On January 3, 2013

In Christian

Time Newsfeed on December 26, 2012 ran a poll entitled “What Word Should Be Banished in 2013?” Some of the contenders were “adorkable”, “gangnam style” and the acronym “YOLO” which stands for “You Only Live Once”. I personally voted for YOLO, not because I have any dislike for the acronym itself, but because it is Biblically incorrect. When I voted, it seemed to be the leading choice for banishment that over 30000 people had chosen.

Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life and if anyone believes in me, though he was dead, yet shall he live (John 11:25). Those who are believe in Jesus Christ shall not perish but live eternally for that is the gift of God unto all mankind (John 3:16). Those who are in Christ do not live once, but they live forever.

Points to ponder:
Are you assured that you will live on forever? In other words, have you believed in Jesus Christ and received him to be your Lord, Savior and King. YOLO is not true and should be banished.

John 11:25-26 (KJV)
25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

Reference: Poll: What Word Should Be Banished in 2013?

The True Emancipation Proclamation

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On January 2, 2013

In Christian

On December 31st, 2012, I had the privilege of bringing the Lord’s message to his people at the Austin Christian Fellowship of India during the Watchnight service and when preparing for it, I came across an article by Charita Goshay in the Canton Repository, published on December 29, 2012. The article was entitled “Thenceforth and forever free”, ‘Watchnight’ service rooted in history. The first few paragraphs read as follows …

As people gathered in Churches on the night of December 31, 1862, they held hope against hope that their prayers finally would be answered!
When midnight struck, one congregation caught collective breath, and it wasn’t until a man ran into the Church waving the awaited telegram, that the crowd erupted with cheers: President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which freed slaves in the Confederacy, had become law.
A fatal blow against slavery, it led to the 13th and 15th amendments, which outlawed slavery and granted black American citizenship, respectively.

While this may seem to the root of the Watchnight service, come to think of it, the first watch night service was when the shepherds kept watch over their flocks by night, an angel appeared that Jesus Christ, the Savior had been born and then an angelic choir sang of God’s glory and announced peace and goodwill on earth. This is the true emancipation proclamation, that outlawed spiritual slavery, because all who believe in Jesus Christ, God’s begotten Son, are saved, and saved from slavery to sin, for He/She whom the Son of God (Jesus Christ) sets free is thenceforth and forever free indeed (John 8:36) and this grants man citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20).

Points to ponder:
Are you free or still under the bondage of sin? Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and confess your sins he will set you free; thenceforth and forever free.

John 8:36 (KJV)
36 If the Son [Jesus Christ] therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Luke 2:8-15 (KJV)
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

Reference: “Thenceforth and forever free”, ‘Watchnight’ service rooted in history 

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