Romans 12:2 "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
The beginning of the last year of the first decade of the third millennium since the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has been celebrated. I watched as the world celebrated with giant firework shows, starting from the International dateline in the Pacific and progressed westward in praise and thanksgiving for the love of God (our Maker) in the coming of “God among us” (Jesus Christ) two thousand and nine years ago. But how many truly know what they are celebrating and who they are honoring at that stroke of midnight on January 1st each year? 2010 A.D. - Anno Domino literally translates “In the Year of Our Lord”, because Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world from Sin & Death, by his atoning sacrifice on the Cross in our place offers salvation from Hell and eternal separation from God to Heaven and eternal life with God beginning the moment that we believe and accept the free gift of Jesus Christ. St. Augustine once said that we were created with a “God-shaped” void in our heart. Only God can meet the deepest longings of our hearts. We live in a fearful time, but there is no need to fear when we are in the hands of God (Creator of Heaven & Earth). With God, there is love, there is purpose and security.
Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5b-6 - “...for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”
That purpose is not about compromising God's Word, Will & Way to “get along with” those who are perishing (those who do not know the Lord and dying in their Sin), but, in holy obedience to the Lord, saving them and helping to fill that God-shaped void in the their hearts by bringing the gospel (the good news) of God sending His Son (the promised Messiah – the Christ) into the world 2009 years ago to pay the price of our Sin with the Just and acceptable death on that Cross. Britain's great preacher Charles Spurgeon wrote: "Young men and old men, and sisters of all ages, if you love the Lord, get a passion for souls, Do you not see them? They are going down to hell by the thousands." Do we have a passion for lost and dying souls?
That purpose is not about compromising God's Word, Will & Way to “get along with” those who are perishing (those who do not know the Lord and dying in their Sin), but, in holy obedience to the Lord, saving them and helping to fill that God-shaped void in the their hearts by bringing the gospel (the good news) of God sending His Son (the promised Messiah – the Christ) into the world 2009 years ago to pay the price of our Sin with the Just and acceptable death on that Cross. Britain's great preacher Charles Spurgeon wrote: "Young men and old men, and sisters of all ages, if you love the Lord, get a passion for souls, Do you not see them? They are going down to hell by the thousands." Do we have a passion for lost and dying souls?
John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” That is the love of Jesus. Psychiatrists say that the greatest need we have is not material but the ability to love and to be loved. And the Lord has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Meaning that God will never, ever abandon, desert, or give up on you. God is ever-lasting love.
The fruit of the Holy Spirit that fills and dwells within the heart of the Child of God produces the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control that is desired and sought by all, but can not, and will not, be found apart from God through Jesus. Satisfaction and contentment in this life is to know, do, and love the will of God! But so many people walk through life void of this truth, seeking fulfillment apart from Christ and through every imaginable wrong path, simply because they either do not know or do not believe.
The Hymn that reminds me of our commission by Jesus to “Know God and, speaking the truth in love, make Him known to everyone" goes “Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim, Till all the world adore His sacred Name.” It is my hope and prayer that this Blog and the consistent, determined, firm, steadfast and unshaken resolution of every Christian in 2010 is to live-out the words of this song, based on the Great Commission of Christ (below); to reflect the Light of Christ and bring that light of spiritual truth & life into the darkness of humanistic ignorance of the Gospel of Jesus and unbelief. Send me; send us!
Matthew 28:18-20 – And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
In Christ, Brian
The fruit of the Holy Spirit that fills and dwells within the heart of the Child of God produces the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control that is desired and sought by all, but can not, and will not, be found apart from God through Jesus. Satisfaction and contentment in this life is to know, do, and love the will of God! But so many people walk through life void of this truth, seeking fulfillment apart from Christ and through every imaginable wrong path, simply because they either do not know or do not believe.
The Hymn that reminds me of our commission by Jesus to “Know God and, speaking the truth in love, make Him known to everyone" goes “Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim, Till all the world adore His sacred Name.” It is my hope and prayer that this Blog and the consistent, determined, firm, steadfast and unshaken resolution of every Christian in 2010 is to live-out the words of this song, based on the Great Commission of Christ (below); to reflect the Light of Christ and bring that light of spiritual truth & life into the darkness of humanistic ignorance of the Gospel of Jesus and unbelief. Send me; send us!
Matthew 28:18-20 – And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
In Christ, Brian
1 comment:
I'm sorry Annemarie, could you please translate. Thank you. Blessings, Brian
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