What a Concept!

This week Micheal takes a serious look at our doctrine -the principles or truths taught by Christ and his apostles. He writes: The most important thing about a man or woman is their concept of who God is.  As the apostle Paul said, we have been given the mind of Christ. What is your concept of God? Some think God is the traffic cop, waiting for you to make a wrong move. If this is your concept of God, this will keep you from intimacy with your Heavenly Father. Is God your scorekeeper? Corinthians says that He keeps no score of wrongs done. Is your concept of God a charitable foundation who metes out  and distributes charity in times of trouble? Is god your ER physician to whom you run when you're bleeding and wounded (physically, emotionally or spiritually)? Why does God allow suffering? God perfects us through trials and tribulation ... through the crucible of fiery trials of this world. The sons of Isachar understood what God was doing through tribulations and the evil of this world. For tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope and hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy spirit which is given to us – Romans 5:3-5. Child of God understand the purpose of God's deliverance from the trials of this world.

Matthew 16:13-15 In Caesarea Phillipi Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?"  Some said that Jesus was John the Baptist, Elijah or Jeremiah returned from the grave. Then Jesus asked, "but what about you?  Who do you say that I am?"  This is the most important question that anyone could ever ask. For whosoever confesses with his mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and believes in his heart that God has raised him from the dead shall be saved – Romans 10:9-10. Your concept of Jesus Christ will determine your eternal destiny. Simon Peter answered Jesus' question, "Thou art the Christ, the son of the living God." Jesus replied, "blessed art thou Simon, son of Jonah, flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father which is in heaven" – Matthew 16:17. The question is, "Can I really trust God through the trials of life, and no matter what will I still love and serve him?"  Even though we're not in control, will we relinquish our lives to His sovereign will?  Would we purpose in our hearts to be faithful to Him regardless of the circumstance and situations of life?  Do I believe that God will deliver me?  Is my prayer that God will deliver me, not from the storm, but through the storm?  Does God need to explain why He is doing what He's doing?  Is God answerable to me?  In order to approach the throne of his grace, I must humble my heart under the mighty hand of God. My job is to surrender my heart to Him, believing that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. It's easy to think that God is like the unreasonable bosses and taskmasters in our lives. Is your concept of God molded by the world's definition of dominion? To know we must spend time in His presence, and in His Word.

May God Richly bless you!
Michael