Tag: Jesus is the Christ
Victory in Jesus!
Scripture reading for October 4th: 1st John 5, Psalm 48, Proverbs 12
1st John 5:1-5 “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey His commandments. For this is love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that overcomes the world–our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one that believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?”
John has a way of making salvation and new birth very simple and easy to understand. He states simply that everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. To believe means to have faith. Faith is the confident trust that Jesus Christ is God’s Son Who came to earth to save us from our sins as the ‘Messiah’–‘Anointed One’. If we believe that Jesus is the Christ, we love other children of God and we love God. We demonstrate our faith by acting on what God has said, pleasing Him, and turning away from all that God hates. Through faith, by grace, we overcome the world and the god of this world. By faith we love God and obey His commandments with joy because they are not burdensome, but a delight!
Psalm 48:12-14 “Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers, consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the Holy Spirit to live in us and guide us in obeying Your Word and loving You and others each day. Thank You for Your righteousness, that I might be a guide to my neighbor in love of his soul. Use me to tell the next generation that God is my God forever and ever! I claim victory over the world, flesh, and devil through Jesus Christ, the Son of God, my Savior and King!
Proverbs 12:26 “One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
Jesus is the Christ, Son of God!
Scripture reading for January 22nd: Matthew 16, Psalm 16, Prov. 16
Key Scriptures: Matthew 16:13-17 “Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.”
Jesus had been with His disciples for some time and they had beheld the miracles and heard His wisdom. He had created a buzz among all who had met Him. Asking His disciples who the people said He was, there was a variety of answers. Then He asked them directly who they thought He was. Simon Peter spoke out in simplicity of faith, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus commended Peter, telling him that His answer came from the Father.
Faith’s Confession: Lord Jesus, I believe that You are the Christ, Son of the Living God, my Savior. (Action step: If you have never confessed Jesus as Lord and Christ, do so today. Make it personal and from your heart!) Your Father in Heaven is drawing you because He love you.
Psalm 16:1-2 “Preserve me, O God, for in You I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from You.” vs 16 “You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Keep on speaking!
Scripture reading for May 29th: Acts 18
Paul had left Athens and went on to Corinth. There he joined up with Jewish believers Aquila and his wife Priscilla, who were tent-makers like he was. Paul devoted himself to preaching exclusively to the Jews, proclaiming Jesus as the Christ. This caused dissension and the Jews became abusive. Paul shook out his clothes and warned them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” (Acts 18:6)
Paul moved his preaching base to a home in Corinth and had many converts who were baptized. “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid: keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.” (Acts 18:9-11)
The Holy Spirit brought a vision to Paul on this missionary journey. This vision gave some specific instructions. First of all, Paul was not to be afraid of any opposition or persecution that might come his way. The Lord promised that he would be kept safe! He also told Paul to keep on preaching! This was no time to be silent or shrink back or even to move on to another field! God had many more people that would be reached in this city where he was now placed.
Are you worried about persecution or opposition? Do you keep silent when you know the Good News is needed? Let this Scripture and vision to Paul encourage you today to be bold and strong! Fear not! Open your mouth and share the Gospel! God will bring in the harvest!