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7 Steps in Christian Life :: Step 2 – Acknowledge

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On December 4, 2012

In 7 Step Program, Christian

Christian life begins with Christ and continues with Christ, but as we live for Christ, what are some of the steps one has to take.

While Step 1 in Christian life is to accept (receive) the Lord Jesus Christ, Step 2 in Christian life is “to confess” or to “Acknowledge.” For with the heart, man believeth (accepts) unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession (acknowledgment) is made unto salvation.

Acknowledging has two parts to it.  One is to acknowledge one’s fallen state in sin, for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:9). The second is to acknowledge one’s personal need for the Savior Jesus Christ. We need to acknowledge our sins and acknowledge our Savior.

Points to ponder:
Have you believed (accepted) in your heart, that the Jesus Christ is Lord and an equally important question is have you acknowledged (confessed) your need of him or are you going about trying to establish your own righteousness, not submitting to the righteousness of God that is imputed on us when we believe in Jesus? Acknowledge today! For if we confess [acknowledge] with our mouths, that Jesus is Lord, we will be saved (Romans 10:9-10) and if we confess [acknowledge] our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

And to fellow Christians, let us continue to keep the faith and be strong in the Lord, fixing our eyes on Jesus, not wavering in his purpose, acknowledging our perpetual need of him and for him, as he sanctifies us, until his coming to reign as KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Romans 10:2-11 (KJV)
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession [acknowledgment] is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

1 John 1:8-10 (KJV)
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess [acknowledge] our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

7 Steps in Christian Life :: Step 1 – Accept

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On December 3, 2012

In 7 Step Program, Christian

Christian life begins with Christ and continues with Christ, but as we live for Christ what are some of the steps one has to take.

The first time the word “Christian” was used in Antioch, it was used to mean “Christ Ones” (Acts 11:26). In other words, it was meant to designate those who belonged to Christ Jesus. Step 1 in Christian life is “to belong” or to “Accept” (receive) the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible affirms that to as many as those who received (accepted) him (Jesus Christ), even to them that believe on his name, he gave them the power to become the sons of God (belong to God’s family).

Points to ponder:
Step 1 in Christian life is to Accept Jesus Christ by receiving the gift of God (John 3:16).

The prodigal son who was first with the Father, chose to be in control and go his own way. After wasting his substance, he was in want and was sent to feed swine, only to find himself groveling with the pigs. He realizes his folly amidst the famine and recognizes that his only sensible option was to return to the Father, and seek to be hired as a servant (not a slave). The Father who was waiting for him eagerly, accepts him with open arms, despite his rebellion, not as a servant but as his son.

You can choose to receive Jesus Christ or reject Jesus Christ but to them that received him, he gave them power to become the sons of God. The choice is yours – but remember, even if you reject him, he is willing to receive (accept) you. I took the first step to belong to Jesus Christ over two decades ago and am unashamed to be called a Christian. Have you taken YOUR first step?

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:

Luke 15:11-32 (KJV)
11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

I’ve got The Power

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On November 30, 2012

In Christian

Growing up, one of the songs, I used to listen to was the song entitled “The Power”. This song is an electronic pop song that was produced for the album “World Power” by the  the German group “Snap!”. Shortly after its release in 1990, it became an international hit and topped the ranks assuming the #1 status in the United States Billboard, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Netherlands.

Many today seek power, but unfortunately they look for it in the wrong place with the wrong attitude. High ranking titles and positions with a proud, arrogant and egotistic attitude brings with them absolutely no power. Being a servant with an attitude of being unashamed for the gospel of Jesus Christ is where True Power lies, because it is not the power of man, but the Power of God unto Salvation to everyone (no one is excluded) who believes. (Romans 1:16).

Points to ponder:
Am I ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ? Are you ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ? In other words, can I say of myself or you of yourself – “I’ve got The Power?” Now, that is snappy.

Romans 1:16 (KJV)
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Call and Convey

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On November 29, 2012

In Christian

There are some Christians who are ardent in calling the name of the Lord but apathetic when it comes to conveying his mighty works including his mighty deed of Salvation through his Son, Jesus Christ. On the other hand, there are some Christians who are ready to convey the mighty works of the Lord and his gospel which mightily saves us from second death, but seldom do they take the time to call on his name before conveying.

The scripture teaches us that we ought to call on the name of the Lord and make known (convey) his deeds among the people (1 Chronicles 16:8). In other words, to know the mighty deeds that God is to accomplish, we need to call on him, and when he confides his  covenant with us who fear him (Psalm 25:14), we have to make known his mighty deeds as he accomplishes them.

Points to ponder:
Are you/I calling on the name of the Lord?
Are you/I conveying the mighty works of the Lord?
More importantly, are you/I calling the name of the Lord AND conveying his mighty deeds among all people?

1 Chronicles 16:8 (KJV)
8 Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known [convey] his deeds among the people.

Ready, Steady, Go

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On November 28, 2012

In Christian

Growing up as an athlete, I have heard the official say many times, “On your marks, get set, go” and on some occasions, a synonym of that which is “Ready, Steady, Go” as we runners, took our position on the starting blocks. The Apostle Paul likens the Christian life to be a race and cautions that we run in a race as one who obtains the prize in the end of the race (1 Corinthians 9:24).

So how can we run, so that we may obtain. It starts with a ready mind, a steady mind and a going mind.
One cannot be ready and unsteady and win the race for they may run into another lane and get disqualified.
One cannot be steady and not ready and win the race for when the command to go is given, they will be left behind in the starting blocks.
One cannot be both ready and steady but not going and expect to win to race. One must go, when commanded to.

We must receive the word about the Word of God (Jesus Christ) who became flesh with a READY mind (Acts 17:11).
We must not waver but be STEADY in our mind, fixing our eyes on the Jesus whose day is at hand to reward each one, according as his work shall be. (2 Thessalonians 2:22; Revelation 22:12)
We must take the Word of God and GO into all nations, teaching them and baptizing them in the name of the Father God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19).

Points to ponder:
Can it be said of you and me – Ready, Steady, Go?

1 Corinthians 9:24 (KJV)
24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

Acts 17:11 (KJV)
11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

2 Thessalonians 2:2 (KJV)
2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

God Company

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On November 27, 2012

In Christian

Romans 8:31 affirms that if God the Father is for us then who can be against us?
Matthew 28:20 assures that Jesus, God’s Only begotten Son is with us, even unto the end of the world and so we need to go, teach all nations and baptize in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost.
1 Corinthians 6:19 advises us  that we ought to glorify God in our body and in our spirit, because God, the Holy Ghost is in us.

Points to ponder:
When God is for us, When Jesus is with us, When the Holy Ghost is in us
we have not just good company but God company.
Do you/I have God company?

Romans 8:31 (KJV)
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV)
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Thanking God for God

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On November 26, 2012

In Christian, Reuben

There are many reasons to be thankful for and the scripture teaches us that “in everything, give thanks.” This message hit home quite profoundly, when our six year old beloved firstborn son, Reuben, brought home a thanksgiving exercise that he had done at his school. His first grade teacher had asked the students to write three reasons as to why they should be thankful for and he penned down the following three (see image).
1.my sibling (Ittai) because he will play with me and he will be a good brother when he grows up.
2. the World because the world is our home.
3. my Mom and Dad because they love me very very very much. my God because he saved us from dieing and from sin.

Reuben reminded me that we ought to be thankful for our brothers (and sisters). Jesus called his disciples his brothers after he was resurrected (Matthew 28:10), bringing about the adoption of sons by God – many sons into glory (Hebrews 2:10). Reuben also reminded me that we should be thankful for this world and tend to it, while it is our home until we inherit the place that Jesus has gone ahead to prepare for us in his Father’s (God’s) house (John 14:2-3). Furthermore, Reuben reminded me that we ought to honor our father and mother, as we are commanded to and be thankful to them, but most of all, we should thankful to Jesus (God) for his salvation, for whoever believes in Jesus is saved from die-ing and from sin (2 Timothy 1:9-10).

Points to ponder:
Are we thankful to God for our neighbors (loving them as brothers and sisters)?
Are we thankful to God for the world in which we are placed as his ambassadors until we inherit his joy in the place that is being prepared for us?
Are we thankful to God for our parents?
Above all, are we thankful to God for Jesus, who has saved us by his death, so that we need not die?
Have you thanked God for God?

2 Timothy 1:9-10 (KJV)
9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

Jesus Gave Thanks :: to Show us He is The Lord and The Master

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On November 22, 2012

In Christian, Thanksgiving

It is thanksgiving season and there are many reasons for us to be thankful to God for, but have you ever wondered what Jesus was thankful for. Luke 24 records the account of Jesus appearing to the two men, who were walking on the road to Emmaus. When the two sad men encounter Jesus, not recognizing who he is, they tell him, how they trusted that Jesus to be their redeemer but it is three days since he was murdered and yet there was no sign of any salvation (Luke 24:21). Jesus then expounds to them, from all the scriptures, things concerning himself, and as evening fell, they urged him to stay with them (as their guest). Jesus agreed to stay but does not take the position of a guest (Luke 24:13-21). Instead the Bible records, that he took bread and blessed (gave thanks for) it, broke it and gave it to them (Luke 24:30). It was customary for the Master or Head of the household to be the one taking the food and serving it. As soon as the two saw the Master Jesus at the table, their eyes (spiritual) were opened and they recognized (knew) him as Lord (Luke 24:31), for the witness that they immediately take back to the eleven disciples in Jerusalem is “The LORD is risen.” (Luke 24:34)

Jesus gave thanks to God as The Master and not as the guest, and was recognized as The Lord. In the washing of the feet of his disciples, the disciples addressed Jesus as Master and Lord and Jesus recognizes this, but purposefully reverses what he is to be known (recognized) as. The disciples called him Master and Lord (and yes he is) but Jesus refers to himself first as Lord and then as Master (John 13:13-14). Jesus thanked God and was recognized as Lord.

Points to ponder:
Even today, Jesus expounds from all of the scriptures all the things concerning himself to you and me. As darkness surrounds us, do we urge him to stay in our lives, not just as the guest but as our Master and as he communes with us, do we recognize him as Lord? If you have not trusted in Jesus as your Lord and Master, tarry no further, but instead place your trust in him, today. Let today, be your day of real thanksgiving (2 Corinthians 6:2) and for those who have trusted in Jesus, we can give thanks this thanksgiving season, for Jesus is not only Master (of our lives), but the Lord (of our lives) as well.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Luke 24:13-36 (KJV)
13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory
27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

Jesus Gave Thanks :: to Show us He is Life

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On November 21, 2012

In Christian, Thanksgiving

It is thanksgiving season and there are many reasons for us to be thankful to God for, but have you ever wondered what Jesus was thankful for. John 11 records the account of Jesus miraculously resurrecting his friend, Lazarus, back from the dead. But before Jesus performed this miracle, the Bible records, that Jesus was glad that he was not in the city where Lazarus was, when he was alive, so that people may believe in him (John 11:15) and he gave thanks (John 11:41-42). Upon seeing what Jesus did through the miracle of resurrection, many of those who had gathered around the tomb of Lazarus believed (John 11:45).

Points to ponder:
Jesus gave thanks to God for the miracle of resurrection, not only as an event (where Lazarus is raised) (John 11:44), but also in his person (so that people may see and believe that Jesus is indeed who he claimed to be – the resurrection and the life) (John 11:15,25,42,45). Today Jesus, our friend, may not seem to be where we want him to be. In the midst of our troubles that seem to take the life out of us, we may feel that we have no hope. Jesus is glad that he is not where we want him to be, so that we may believe, when we see (with our spiritual eyes), that he is indeed the resurrection and the life and those who believe in him, even though they are dead, yet they shall life. Have you seen life? Have you seen Jesus Christ – our resurrection and our life? Have you believed in him? We can give thanks this thanksgiving season, for Jesus who shows us that He is Life!

John 11: 15,25-26,41-45 (KJV)
15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him
…
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?
…
41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

Jesus Gave Thanks :: to be the Sacrifice for us

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On November 20, 2012

In Christian, Thanksgiving

It is thanksgiving season and there are many reasons for us to be thankful to God for, but have you ever wondered what Jesus was thankful for. Luke 7 records the account of what we generally refer to as the Lord’s supper, wherein Jesus communes with his apostles on the evening of the passover. But before Jesus served his apostles the elements of the cup and the bread, the Bible records, that Jesus first told them, how he, with desire, desired to eat the passover with them (Luke 7:15) and he gave thanks (Luke 7:17, 19). Symbolically the bread he broke and the cup he passed over to his apostles, signifies the willful sacrifice of Jesus’ body and blood, which he desired with joy to share with us, for us (Hebrews 12:2).

Points to ponder:
Jesus gave thanks to God for being the perfect, unblemished and acceptable sacrifice (Isaiah 53:10; Hebrews 10:10). He willfully broke himself from his Godship, and humbled himself, to death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:6-7), shedding his blood by which we all have pardon from our sins (Matthew 26:28). Jesus’ desire is to commune with you and me. Are we willing to take him in? We can give thanks this thanksgiving season, for Jesus who became the sacrifice for us. Jesus himself did!

Luke 7: 14-20 (KJV)
14 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

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