During this time of the year our mailboxes fill with graduation announcements. Some announce a graduation from high school. Others announce a graduation from college or from postgraduate studies. Regardless, graduation is always a time of much anticipated celebration.
As it turns out, God's plan for mankind includes several graduation events. The first graduation was when God gave the Law of Moses which took mankind from individual revelation to a documented, systematic study of God's perfect righteousness. However, even that level of education was fairly elementary compared to the revelation of God that came through Jesus Christ. When Jesus Christ came, it was time for mankind to graduate to the next level of the divine curriculum.
The Apostle Paul said: Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:24 NKJV). The Apostle John said: For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:17 NKJV). Jesus said: You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:43-45 NKJV).
Therefore, to all those who have graduated from the Law to enter by faith into a study of the grace and truth of Jesus Christ, I say congratulations. May you enjoy success and victory in your chosen profession.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Be of One Mind
When the Apostle Paul wrote to the believers at Philippi, he said: Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (Philippians 2:1-2 NKJV)
Time and time again, the Bible tells believers to dwell together in unity. This is one of God's top priorities, and it should be a top priority for every believer. Jesus said, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35 NKJV).
When Paul said, be of one accord and of one mind, what mind was he talking about? He goes on to explain: Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:5-8 NKJV).
If we, as believers, humble ourselves to do the will of God as the Lord Jesus did, we will have no problem dwelling together in unity.
Time and time again, the Bible tells believers to dwell together in unity. This is one of God's top priorities, and it should be a top priority for every believer. Jesus said, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35 NKJV).
When Paul said, be of one accord and of one mind, what mind was he talking about? He goes on to explain: Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:5-8 NKJV).
If we, as believers, humble ourselves to do the will of God as the Lord Jesus did, we will have no problem dwelling together in unity.
Monday, May 09, 2011
Evaluate Without Judging
Jesus said, "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." (Matthew 7:1-2 NKJV). I once heard about a lady who told her pastor that her greatest talent was seeing the faults in others. Her pastor wisely advised her that the Lord would be very pleased if she were to bury that particular talent. (See Matthew 25:25). Jesus clearly taught that we love one another, even to the point of loving our enemies.
However, Jesus was not saying that it is inappropriate for believers to evaluate the spiritual condition of others and their deeds. The Apostle Paul said, "Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things." (1 Corinthians 2:15 NLT). He went on to say, "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14 NKJV).
When Paul wrote to the Ephesians, he said that believers should "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them." (Ephesians 5:11 NKJV). Obviously, to be obedient we must identify the unfruitful works of darkness and then be bold enough to expose them in a spirit of love and concern. "God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love — like Christ in everything." (Ephesians 4:15 The Message).
However, Jesus was not saying that it is inappropriate for believers to evaluate the spiritual condition of others and their deeds. The Apostle Paul said, "Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things." (1 Corinthians 2:15 NLT). He went on to say, "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14 NKJV).
When Paul wrote to the Ephesians, he said that believers should "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them." (Ephesians 5:11 NKJV). Obviously, to be obedient we must identify the unfruitful works of darkness and then be bold enough to expose them in a spirit of love and concern. "God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love — like Christ in everything." (Ephesians 4:15 The Message).
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