Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Building People of Substance for Works of Power
Rejoice, Friend , Jesus is alive and well!
One evening last week, I heard a nationally known news commentator doing a promo for his new book, an historical treatise on the death of Jesus. In his comments he said that some would be upset, because he was simply reporting history. He then admonished us, “Those of you who get emotional about Jesus should not read this book.” What a remarkable statement! I don’t know about you but I get very emotional about Jesus: joy, peace, love, gratitude, awe, and a dozen more that I’m sure will come to mind after I mail this note, all are emotional responses to my Jesus. The more I thought about it, the more it dawned on me that a person who can say that must not know the same Jesus that I know, or he must just know about Him. Christianity is a state of knowing Him and His Father on a personal basis. Jesus Himself said it: “And this is the real and eternal life: That they know you, The one and only true God, And Jesus Christ, whom you sent. (John 17:3 MSG)” I get to know Him, and knowing Him makes me very emotional!
· Paul said that I would, “know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor 4:6 NLT)” That makes me emotional.
· He also said that I could talk to God about my troubles and experience “the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding. (Phil 4:7 NKJV)” Emotional? Yeah!!!
· Peter said, “Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith–the salvation of your souls. (1Pe 1:8-9 NKJV)” I’m thinkin’ Happy! Happy! Happy!
· John said , “Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.” And then he said “perfect love expels al fear.” (1 Jn 4:7, 18 NLT) I can love fearlessly. Happy dance time! Maybe a group hug?!
When I simply understand that God looked at me in my sin and rebellion, and instead of destroying me, He sent Jesus to die for me so that I could have His eternity, that I deserved Hell and got Heaven, and it’s all and only because of Jesus, it causes tears to well up.
Somebody Said: “A rule I have had for years is: to treat the Lord Jesus Christ as a personal friend. His is not a creed, a mere doctrine, but it is He Himself we have. Dwight Moody
Scripture Reading: See, God has come to save me. I will trust in Him and not be afraid. The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; He has given me victory." With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!
(Isa 12:2-3 NLT)
It always makes me recoil when someone demeans my best Friend, but then I calm down. I’m thinking that the poor fellow who doesn’t get emotional about Jesus is just ignorant. I would love to introduce Him to the real Jesus, the One who ever lives to make intercession for me, so he can get a little worked up, too.
vls
Click here to watch the class “Is There an Interpreter in the House.”
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