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Gleanings From The Word

Tag: Bible reading

  • The Journey

    The Journey

    Our faith walk isn’t dessigned to be static

    The Christian faith is in many ways a journey to our new home in the kingdom of heaven. It’s where the citizenship of all believers is held, and our inheritance is.

    Jesus speaks of the kingdom of heaven repeatedly in the gospel accounts. In Luke 9:27, He says, “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.” (see also the parallel accounts in Matthew 16:28, Mark 9:1)

    He also speaks of the Kingdom of Heaven being near.

    From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 ESV

    Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:14-15 ESV

    Knowing that we can ask when the Kingdom of Heaven arrives. It isn’t an easy question to answer.

    The kingdom has always existed because God is the sovereign ruler of the universe. He created it all and rules over it.

    There is also a sense that it arrived with Jesus and His work. The disciples got a taste at the transfiguration. You could argue that it came at His death and resurrection when our sins were paid. You might also say that it came at Pentecost, when the Spirit ushered in a new era of power.

    You could make the case that the kingdom is not yet in its full form. At the culmination of all things, all believers will be with the Lord, and the kingdom will be uncontested.

    The kingdom is like many things in Christianity, now and not yet. We are justified (saved) when we accept Christ, yet our election was made before the creation of time. Throughout this life, we are being sanctified (made holy as he is holy). Ultimately, we will be glorified (made fully holy and the way God intended us to be).

    Our faith walk is a journey during which we will see and understand more of God’s character and experience greater glimpses of what it means to be in the kingdom.

    Our calling is from God, and our destination is secure. The vista before us is ever-changing. We are secure in the Lord, no matter what we face along the way.

    As we travel along the path, rejoice and enjoy the journey with all of its ups and downs, knowing what awaits will be better than anything along the way.

    Be blessed

    Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

    Kevin

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  • At Work – Saved by grace for works

    At Work – Saved by grace for works

    Danger - People at work sign

    It’s a fundamental tenet of the orthodox Christian faith  that we are saved by faith alone. The Bible clearly states it.

    For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV

    Other passages that clearly teach salvation through faith alone include Acts 16:31, Romans 3:28, 4:5, 5:1, 11:6, Galatians 2:16, 3:24, Ephesians 1:13, and Philippians 3:9.

    We are aware of this, and we will stand by it; yet, we can often fall into a trap.

    We sometimes claim salvation is by faith, but live as if it is by works. Indeed, works should flow out of our salvation, but they don’t cause it. James addresses this subject frequently in his brief New Testament letter.

    We start to think that somehow, God needs our help. What would God do if I didn’t do it for him? Now perhaps we might not state that so bluntly, but it’s at the heart of our attitude.

    Single-handedly, we can save a ministry, a local congregation, or even Christianity. It may sound a little absurd, but that’s how many people act and feel.

    At the risk of offending, God doesn’t need your help. He is more than capable of doing it all without our assistance. Our lack of participation and effort will not thwart his mission.

    Yet, the Lord chose the church as His hands and feet to bring the truth to a lost and hurting world. He allows us to participate in the process that grows and blesses us.

    He calls us to serve in many ways, but effective service is always led and empowered by the Holy Spirit. We serve at the pleasure of the King of Kings.

    Let’s remember that He saved us out of love and serve Him out of gratitude. It’s a privilege to serve beside Him, and without Him, our efforts are in vain.

    May you find freedom in faith and joy in service.

    Be blessed

    Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

    Kevin

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