Month: December 2013 Page 1 of 2

Remember ye not … but Rely

On December 31, 2013

We come to the end of another year and many of usually reminisce and reflect back on the year gone past. Often a roller-coaster of memories – some of good and others of bad, some of successes and others of failures, some of plenty and others of need and barrenness, etc. flood our minds and it is usually the tendency of the human mind to dwell on the things that have gone by.

With the start of another new year, what does the Scripture tell us to do? The Lord, our Holy One, the creator of the Church (Israel) and our King, who makes a way in the sea and a path in the mighty waters, says, “Remember not the former things, neither considers things of old. Look, he will do a new thing and it shall spring forth and he will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:15-19)

Points to ponder:
With the arrival of another year, let us not dwell on the past … let us remember not the former things neither consider things of old, but let us instead rely on The Lord, the Holy One, our Creator and King to show us ways in the sea and paths in the mighty waters, to show us his way in the wilderness and his refreshing rivers in the parched deserts of our lives. Remember ye not the past … but Rely on the Lord for the present and the future.

Isaiah 43:15-19 (KJV)
15 I am the Lord, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.
16 Thus saith the Lord, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;
17 Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow.
18 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.
19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

Jesus Christ – The Ark :: Kept Alive

By Mano Paul

On December 30, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Jesus Christ - The Ark, Noah's Ark (and Jesus), Through the Bible

This article is part of the series, Jesus Christ – The Ark, where in we learn of Noah’s ark as a pre-type of God’s only Son, Jesus Christ, as The One and Only Ark to save mankind.

God told Noah to build the ark with gopher wood and make rooms in it, pitch it inside and out and then explicitly gave Noah the fashion (dimensions) in which Noah was to build the ark. Additionally, God told Noah that he was to make ‘A’ window and finish it on top and instructs Noah that he was to set ‘The Door’ in the side of the ark. God then tells Noah that he ought to make three stories in the ark – a lower story, a second and third story.

Many speculate as to the significance of these three stories and one common explanation is that it could possibly be a reference to the Triune nature of God. While this is not entirely implausible, it must be understood that this is merely conjecture as it is not supported by Biblical references explicitly. However, one thing is true, irrespective of which story Noah of the residents of the ark were housed, as long as they were in the ark, they were kept alive.

Points to ponder:
Only if you and I are in Christ and Christ Jesus is in us (John 15:4), can we be kept alive from God’s impending judgment. It does not matter what level of your relationship you are in with Christ – whether you are a new believer who has just entered through the door (like the repentant thief on the Cross) in the lower story, or if you are a maturing Christian in the second story, or if you are a mature Christian in the third story in a close walk with God (as was Enoch, the seventh from Adam), as long as you are inside Jesus Christ, the Ark, you shall be saved. Are you assured that you shall be kept alive?

Genesis 6:16-21 (KJV)
16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.
18 But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons’ wives with thee.
19 And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female.|
20 Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive.
21 And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them.

John 15:4 (KJV)
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

Why Christmas?

By Mano Paul

On December 27, 2013

In Christian, Christmas

If someone was to ask you, why did the Lord God Jesus, come in the likeness of man … or in other words, question the reason for Christmas, what would you say?

When Jesus was eight days old, he was named JESUS according to what God’s angel had told his mother Mary and soon after that, a just and devout man who was filled with the Holy Spirit of God, named Simeon and a prayerful prophetess who served God, named Anna, both made proclamations of who Jesus was and the purpose of his incarnation on earth with man as man.

Simeon said, that he had seen the salvation of God, who is the consolation of Israel, when he saw Jesus. Anna saw Jesus and proclaimed that he was the anticipated redemption in Jerusalem. In other words, Jesus came to save, console and redeem.

Christmas is about salvation that is seen i.e., salvation that is evident in Jesus, consolation of God’s people i.e., the church today and the redemption of all who believe and who look forward to a city of peace (Jerusalem), whose builder and maker is God himself (Hebrews 11:10).

Points to ponder:
Why Christmas? Because only with Christmas, is salvation, consolation and redemption even possible. Without Christ, there is no Christmas and without Christmas there is no salvation, consolation or redemption. In other word’s Jesus is the Savior, the Consoler, and Redeemer who has come. Has your eyes seen the salvation of God in Jesus? Have you experienced the consolation of God by Jesus? Have you experienced the redemption from death through Jesus?

Luke 2:21-39 (KJV)
21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was calledJesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

The reason for this season is …

By Mano Paul

On December 26, 2013

In Christian, Christmas

During the Christmas season, we often hear the phrase “Christ is the reason for the season” to reset our focus on Jesus Christ, the Creator who became a creature, instead of the commercialization and festivities that usually happen in the month of December. And there is no doubt that without Christ, there would be no Christmas, but do you know what, according to the Holy Bible, is the reason for this season? While the answer to this question is short, it is also very personal. The reason for this season is “You” – For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11).

Points to ponder:
You are the reason that Christ the Lord, who is from everlasting to everlasting (Psalm 90:2) was born. ‘You’ are the reason for this season. Jesus came for you. Have you believed in him and accepted him as your Lord and Savior? Think about it … Jesus came for ‘YOU’.

Luke 2:11 (KJV)
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Laid in a manger – What could that mean?

By Mano Paul

On December 25, 2013

In Christian, Christmas

The Bible records that Mary brought forth her firstborn son, Jesus Christ, who was conceived in her by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20), and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger. Usually in sermons pertaining to the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, the focus is often given to the dirty and unsuitable conditions of the place where Jesus was born and laid – in a manger for there was no room in the inn (Luke 2:7). But did you know that the English word “manger” has its roots in Anglo-French which in turn derives from the Latin word manducare, which means to chew or to eat.

So the phrase “laid in a manger” would literally means, “laid to be eaten.” Jesus said that he willingly laid down his life for us (1 John 3:16). When Jesus instituted the Lord’s supper, he also said, that one ought to take and eat him, the bread of life from heaven (John 6:31-35), that was broken (1 Corinthians 11:23-25), symbolically referring to taking Christ in to assimilate in one’s own self.

Points to ponder:
Man fell from the glory of God by taking and eating the fruit from the tree that was forbidden (Genesis 3:11-24). Man is reconciled with God by taking and assimilating Christ into their life. This Christmas while we think about the birth of Jesus, let us not forget that he was laid in a manger – meaning he was laid to be taken in by us. Have you believed and assimilated Jesus Christ in your life? Jesus was laid in a manger … let us not just leave him there!

Luke 6:7 (KJV)
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

1 Corinthians 11:23-25 (KJV)
23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

1 John 3:16 (KJV)
16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

No room then, what about now?

By Mano Paul

On December 24, 2013

In Christian, Christmas

On the eve of the first Christmas, the earthly parents of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, sought a place where he could be born. The Bible records that Mary (the mother of Jesus), brought forth her firstborn son, Jesus, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the inn (Luke 2:7).

Points to ponder:
On the first Christmas eve, there was no room for the birth of Jesus. Unfortunately, even today, there are many who still tell him that there is no room for him in their lives. God, the heavenly Father, wants Jesus to be born in your life. Will he find room in you? There was no room then, what about now?

Luke 2:4-7 (KJV)
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Jesus Christ – The Ark :: God’s Door

By Mano Paul

On December 23, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Jesus Christ - The Ark, Noah's Ark (and Jesus), Through the Bible

This article is part of the series, Jesus Christ – The Ark, where in we learn of Noah’s ark as a pre-type of God’s only Son, Jesus Christ, as The One and Only Ark to save mankind.

God told Noah to build the ark with gopher wood and make rooms in it, pitch it inside and out and then explicitly gave Noah the fashion (dimensions) in which Noah was to build the ark. Additionally, God told Noah that he was to make ‘A’ window and finish it on top. Then God instructs Noah that he was to set ‘The Door’ in the side of the ark. Notice how God instructs Noah to only set ‘One’ door and also explicitly specifies the location of the door, which is on the side.

Points to ponder:
Jesus said, I am ‘The Door’ and if any man enter in by him, he shall be saved (John 10:7, 9). The Bible records that after Jesus had died on the Cross, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with his spear and out came blood and water. Did you notice, how the Bible explicitly records the location of the place where Jesus’ body was speared. It was on the side, the same as was the location where Noah was to set the door on the Ark. All those who entered in by the door on the side of the ark were saved from God’s judgment. Jesus is the Ark of God – He is The Door – only those who believe in him (enter into God’s kingdom by him) shall be saved from God’s impending Judgment. Have you entered in by Jesus – God’s Door?

Genesis 6:16 (KJV)
16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.

John 10:7-9 (KJV)
7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

John 19:34 (KJV)
34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

Jesus Christ – The Ark :: God’s Window

By Mano Paul

On December 18, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Jesus Christ - The Ark, Noah's Ark (and Jesus), Through the Bible

This article is part of the series, Jesus Christ – The Ark, where in we learn of Noah’s ark as a pre-type of God’s only Son, Jesus Christ, as The One and Only Ark to save mankind.

God told Noah to build the ark with gopher wood and make rooms in it, pitch it inside and out and then explicitly gave Noah the fashion (dimensions) in which Noah was to build the ark. Additionally, God told Noah that he was to make ‘A’ window. The dictionary defines a window as “an opening in the wall of a building, the side of a vehicle, etc., for the admission of air or light“. This window that God was asking Noah to make in the ark was to be a cubit in dimension and it was to be finished above (on top). Notice, not only the singularity of the window, but also its position and its completeness (finished). There was to be ‘A’ window and it was to be finished on top, implying that there was only one window, that was finished (complete) and it was made in a place above which would require Noah and his family (and the other creatures in the ark) to have to look up for their source of light and life (air). I also believe that God was making sure that Noah and his family (and the other creatures in the ark) looked up to him and not focus on the stormy situation around them during the flood.

Points to ponder:
Jesus said, if you have seen me, you have seen God the Father (John 14:9). He is the portal – the Window – the Only Window – through whom, we can see God. We should not focus on the stormy situations of our lives, but instead, we must look up at Jesus and through him to light our life and redeem it from all darkness (sin). We must look at Jesus for the very breath of life, for only in Jesus, is found life – not just abundantly (John 10:10), but everlasting as well (John 3:16). As the writer to the Hebrews state, we must be constantly “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (note: A window was to be finished above), who for the joy that was set before him endured the Cross, despising the shame, and is set down (seated) at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus is God’s Window! Is Jesus on top of your life and mine?

Genesis 6:16 (KJV)
16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.

John 14:9 (KJV)
9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

John 10:10 (KJV)
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

John 3:16-17 (KJV)
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.

Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jesus Christ – The Ark :: God’s Fashion

By Mano Paul

On December 17, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Jesus Christ - The Ark, Noah's Ark (and Jesus), Through the Bible

This article is part of the series, Jesus Christ – The Ark, where in we learn of Noah’s ark as a pre-type of God’s only Son, Jesus Christ, as The One and Only Ark to save mankind.

God told Noah to build the ark with gopher wood and make rooms in it, pitch it inside and out and then explicitly gave Noah the fashion in which Noah was to build the ark. The Bible states God’s instruction was “And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. (Genesis 6:15)” Augustine of Hippo (13 Nov 354 to 28 August 43), who is known to many in Christendom for his writings and development of Western Christianity, pens in his acclaimed and notable book, De Civitate Dei contra Paganos (meaning The City of God against the Pagans), the following in Latin which when translated is – “For even its [ark’s] very dimensions, in length, breadth, and height, represent the human body in which He [Jesus] came, as it had been foretold. For the length of the human body, from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot, is six times its breadth from side to side, and ten times its depth or thickness, measuring from back to front: that is to say, if you measure a man as he lies on his back or on his face, he is six times as long from head to foot as he is broad from side to side, and ten times as long as he is high from the ground. And therefore the ark was made 300 cubits in length, 50 in breadth, and 30 in height.”

Points to ponder:
God’s fashion for the ark to save mankind was to made with certain measurements, that symbolically could be represented by the human frame (six times from head to food (300 cubits) as he is broad from side to side (50 cubits) and ten times (30 cubits) as long as he is high from the ground). Jesus Christ, God’s Son was made of a woman with a human frame (Galatians 4:4) to redeem all and adopt them into God’s family (Galatians 4:4-7). Jesus lay down his life on a ‘wood’-en Cross, willingly (John 10:17-18), with his back pressed against the Cross, so that all who enter in by him (John 10:9) shall be saved and no longer perish (John 3:16). Jesus is the Ark, God’s fashion for the salvation of all creatures.

Genesis 6:15 (KJV)
15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.

Galatians 4:4-7 (KJV)
4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

John 10:15-18 (KJV)
15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
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.

Jesus Christ – The Ark :: Sealed in and out

By Mano Paul

On December 16, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Jesus Christ - The Ark, Noah's Ark (and Jesus), Through the Bible

This article is part of the series, Jesus Christ – The Ark, where in we learn of Noah’s ark as a pre-type of God’s only Son, Jesus Christ, as The One and Only Ark to save mankind.

God told Noah to build the ark with gopher wood and make rooms in it. Immediately following this instruction, God instructs Noah that he was to seal the ark with tar (pitch it) both inside and out. Normally, one would think that since it is the outside of a boat that is in contact with the water, it would suffice to merely seal it on the outside, but this was not God’s instruction. God wanted Noah to seal the ark, both the inside and the outside.

Points to ponder:
The Bible affirms that those who have trusted (believed in) Jesus Christ, after hearing the true Word/gospel of Salvation, are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. The Bible also affirms that it is only Jesus who is able to present his church (those who have trusted in him) without spot or wrinkle. Spots are those that come from the outside, but wrinkles have their origin from within. In other words, it is only Jesus who can seal us from the outside and inside so that we can be without spot or wrinkles. Just as Noah waterproofed the ark both in and out, so does Jesus seal us with his holy Spirit (the living water (John 7:38-39)) so that we are living-waterproofed from any unholy influences that are external or from inward unholy desires (Matthew 15:18-20). Are you sealed with God’s holy Spirit, in and out?

Genesis 6:14 (KJV)
14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.

Ephesian 1:12-14 (KJV)
12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 5:27 (KJV)
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Month: December 2013 Page 1 of 2

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: