Tag: Salvation

Devotions, James 1, Luke 2

Why Christmas is the Answer to Life’s Biggest Problems

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If you are like me, sometimes the repetitive nature of things can make me a little dull and it can be easy to miss the true impact of certain events or experiences. In all the commercialization and busyness of this season, it is easy to miss how truly amazing Christmas is. So we are going to ask: What is the big deal about Christmas? And why it is THE ANSWER to life’s most pressing problems.

Why Christmas?

Have you or anyone else you know asked the question: “If God is real why doesn’t He do something about all the evil in the world?”

If you watch or listen to the news at all, it will not take long to be confronted and at times overwhelmed by all the unrest and tragedies in our city and the world. You may even wonder what you or anyone else can do about it. The amazing news is that God is not blind to all that is happening. In fact, he saw it coming before it even happened. He set forth a plan, called Christmas, to eradicate all the evil and problems in the world.

Check out part of the story here: ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬ & ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭25‬-‭32‬ ‭NIV

The angels revealed that God was bringing good news and joy (v.10), a Savior (v.11), and peace (v.14).

Likewise, the Holy Spirit revealed through Simeon, a devote man that God has provided salvation (v.30) for not only for people that have grown up in church (aka. Israel or Jews; v.32) but for all people (Gentiles; v.32). Meaning God had rescue plan and Rescuer that is now on the scene to set things right.

The birth of Jesus (aka Christmas) was Gods response to the pain and problems of the world. It was His great rescue plan to bring people out of darkness.

Why is there still pain in the world?

You may be thinking…”well that’s sounds great and all, but why is there still pain and trouble in the world?” What has helped me is knowing that God’s thoughts and ways are higher than mine (‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭8‬). Meaning His overall plan is greater and better. Also, what we have to realize is God’s salvation plan is happening….it is in motion. It has not fully culminated yet.
How can we know this? All we need to do is look around a little closer.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In other words…just look for love. Where have you seen some “good”? Where have you seen some kind of “perfect gift” in your life? Whatever good or beauty we see or experience, we can know that God had a part in it.

Action:

  • When you see all the Chrismas lights and decorations, try to reframe them as a celebration signally the reality that God has given us an answer to the problems of the world.
  • And that when we ➡️see love and ➡️act love out, we can join in with God’s rescue plan.
Articles, Devotions, New Believer's

New Believer’s Devotions

Welcome to the Family!

Just so you know, this Family is all about adventure!   The more we learn to love and follow the leader of our lives…Jesus…the more Real Life you and I will experience everyday. (John 10:10)

Below is a series of devotions and scriptures to help you to really understand WHY we need a relationship with Jesus, WHAT has happened in our hearts and HOW we are to live from this point forward.

Be sure to not just skim through these.  Make sure you spend most of your time looking at the scripture by reading…then re-reading…then thinking…then asking (praying to) God to reveal the truth of what you should gain from His words speaking to you.

Lastly, be sure to TALK, SHARE and/or ASK QUESTIONS from what you are experiencing with someone who is encouraging and mentoring you in your faith.   They will want to guide you and be encouraged themselves by your journey of faith!  Also, you can use the “Ask Me Anything” link on the right if you have a question or just want to post what you learned.

 

Colossians 2, Devotions, John 1, Romans 10

What does it mean to receive Jesus in my heart?

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What does it mean to receive Jesus in our heart?

The bible correlates these being the same:
Believing = Receiving = Accepting = Being in Christ

READ:

 “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,”
‭‭John‬ ‭1:12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2:6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:9‬ ‭

It is important how we receive/believe Christ. Do we receive Him, as John Piper has said, as an “unwanted guest” or repair man that you want to just keep out in the garage? Or do we receive Him for who he really is?! LORD.

“There are all kinds of ways to receive Jesus into your life that have zero impact on your eternity except to make it worse.“

The question then becomes: If you say you have received Jesus: You received Him as what? 

Listen to the podcast below and search your heart to determine that yourself.

PRAY: Jesus search my heart and help me be totally honest with You.  I don’t want to play games saying I believe in You but not submitting to your Lordship and leadership in my life.   Let me really see how amazing You are in a fresh way.  (And if you really mean it now, tell Him and declare it to God…)  Jesus you are Lord of my life!

Podcast: What Does It Mean to Receive Jesus into My Life? (Episode 726) #askpastorjohn

Devotions, John 1

Do You Believe AND Receive Christmas?

Most people, generally speaking, like the Christmas season…of course minus the frantic shopping and the overloaded spending and schedules and such.   Despite all that, most people also see it as a season of cheerfulness and giving. Christians see it as such, but even so much more.

Many believe that Christmas signifies the time when the Savior of mankind…Jesus…God in the flesh, became human.   While this is true, it is also true that you can know this fact without it making any true impact in your life.   You may say you believe in it…but have you really RECEIVED it?

READ:  John 1:9-12

Did you see the distinction in the words receiving and believing?  Why do you think that is there?

Imagine a kid at Christmas so excited about a gift he sees under the tree.   He even figures out what it is based on the size of the packaging and by the “shake test”, and he becomes even more excited about knowing he is going to get this gift.   But, how strange would it be on Christmas morning if the kid decides he is not going to open it up and play with it?   He just knew it was offered there to him, but he didn’t receive it.

Just like that kid, we must not only believe….but we must receive the gift.

How will you RECEIVE Christmas this year? (write you response below)

PRAY:  Jesus I pray that you will help me see that you are the Greatest Gift I should receive this Christmas.   Forgive me that for too long I have known You are there for me but I have never received You into my life.   Please show me how to do this.

NOTE:  If you feel like you really want to know how to receive Jesus into your life, please don’t hesitate…but let someone you trust who knows Jesus, help show you how to do that.