Sunday, August 10, 2014

Life Defined – Part 2


Proverbs 10:16 "The wages of the righteous is life, but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death.”

Pastor Rick explains that neither are we defined by our hurts or addictions. Disconnection from our Heavenly God not only leaves a Christ shaped hole in our life, but leads to disconnects in our earthly relationships which create the hurts that lead to addictions. Dr. Gary Smalley tells us that, generally, when someone feels isolated, they fulfill their need to connect by connecting to addictions (i.e. Drugs, alcohol, sexual abuse, running up credit card debt, gambling, eating disorders, et cetera). This is affecting over 75 millions Americans today alone. Addicts may say that they are “pretty good” over all or as a current Country music hit song says: “A little messed up, but we're all alright”, but Christian parent, would you want some “little messed up, but pretty good” guy near your daughter? Notice that the Lord is never mentioned again. By our disconnect hurt addictions, we dishonor others, ourselves and God.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Life is not about living for ourself, but living for the One who gave us life in an environment where we can meet Jesus: Our Savior and Lord. Where is He leading you today, and everyday? Pastor Rick tells us that fresh struggles coming our way all the time, but the sins of the child of God is on the Cross. Jesus took them upon Himself and paid the penalty for them all. The biblical term “Propitiation” means “satisfaction.” Jesus’ death satisfied the holiness of a righteous God; therefore God could forgive the sin of all mankind. But this payment applies only for those who accept it, who believe in the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins and, having satisfied the righteousness of His holy Father, rose from the dead. God’s plan is plain and simple. The believer’s identity is found in Christ and He defines our life because our sins are atoned for and forgiven. Jesus’ blood and work on the cross has covered us. This is what the “Gospel” is all about.

2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

God meets us and uses us where we are, but He doesn't keep us where we are. Sanctification is the process of growing into the likeness of our Lord Jesus Christ. Know and understand who God is and what He has done for us, then act upon it. Follower of Christ, what kind of person do we want to be? God is doing a “good” work in our life, but it is our responsibility to respond. Authority starts with the “Word of God” – the Holy Scriptures. As a child of God and disciple of Jesus Christ within the body of Believers, we affirm what the Bible affirms and reject what the Bible affirms. Pretty good, kind of good, and sort of good, but dead in sin is not alright. God is good (Luke 18:19). Our hope is in Jesus – Savior, Redeemer, Lord. Respond to Christ and trade death for life as your identity and start living ... really living ... walking with Jesus.    

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.


Pastor Rick reminds us that this side of heaven, the journey is a challenge, so let’s walk it with a life defined by Jesus. Today is the day that God calls your name. To Him alone be the glory, the honor and our praise forever.

In Christ, Brian


2 comments:

Larri said...

Good thoughts in this post, Brian. I love that He will meet us exactly where we are in the journey. If not for that loving mercy, we sinners would never have that opportunity.

Happy Monday! :)

Brian Ray Todd said...

Great point Larri! Some think that they are so far from God in their sin ... and that is true, but we must remember the words of the Bible in Ephesians 2:1-5 "And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved”. Creator Father God comes to us with the gift of Jesus Christ! Hallelujah!