Colossians 1:21-23 ESV
And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Our hope may wax and wane, our spirits grow weak or strong, and at times we may mourn and sing for joy at others, but if we persevere in our faith and trust in Jesus, we will claim our inheritance as sons and daughters of our Father.
In numerous passages we encounter the word, "if". This is a translation of the Greek word,
ει a contingency marker – 1. used to set the stage for consideration of an event or course of action, with aspects of contingency nuanced by use of various moods and tenses, thus eliciting the rendering if for prefatory ει – (CEGL)
Salvation has always rested on obedience to God. Obedience has always rested on choice. From Genesis to Revelation, this has been the core requirement and dynamic in our relationship with God. Believing and obedience has never been a static, or one-time thing. It has always been an ongoing and living conversation of life, the abiding. It is through His mercy and forgiveness that we are able, through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 2:18-21
For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. 20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.
John 15:9-10
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.
Galatians 5:7
You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?
Galatians 6:9-10
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Hebrews 3:6
but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.
Word for Life in Love— Scripture Meditations By Stephen Brown
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
This Tent-2 Corinthians 5:1-4
2 Corinthians 5:1-4 ESV
1 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
Our earthly, mortal body will be raised in its heavenly, immortal form. This what the resurrected Jesus has prepared for us. Death is swallowed by life and we will share in that resurrection of Jesus, for we have replaced and become the body of Christ. We will rise as surely as He has risen.
Philippians 3:20-21
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
Philippians 3:20-21
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
1 Peter 1:3-5
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
Our earthly, mortal body will be raised in its heavenly, immortal form. This what the resurrected Jesus has prepared for us. Death is swallowed by life and we will share in that resurrection of Jesus, for we have replaced and become the body of Christ. We will rise as surely as He has risen.
Philippians 3:20-21
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
Philippians 3:20-21
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
1 Peter 1:3-5
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Likewise -John 5:19-21
John 5:19-21 ESV
19 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will.
Father and Son do the same thing, for they are one in the mystery of the Trinity. The Greek word ομοιωσ [ομοιοσ] adv. likewise, in similar manner, (CGEL) is used here to convey the accord between Father and Son. We are told that Jesus is the image and glory of God. This applies in respect to His being and action. He could only do and say the things of God because He was God.
John tells us that the Word was with God and was God. Isaiah speaks of a child to be born that will be called Wonderful and Mighty God.
They both give light and life to the world. In the beginning, God said, "Let there be light!", and it was so. He spoke again in giving His Son to the world in love, and the Word became the light of the world. In Him is life.
Colossians 1:16-20
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Romans 8:11
If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
2 Peter 1:17-18
For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” 18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.
Acts 13:33-34
this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm,
“‘You are my Son,
today I have begotten you. ’
34 And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way,
“‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David. ’
19 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will.
Father and Son do the same thing, for they are one in the mystery of the Trinity. The Greek word ομοιωσ [ομοιοσ] adv. likewise, in similar manner, (CGEL) is used here to convey the accord between Father and Son. We are told that Jesus is the image and glory of God. This applies in respect to His being and action. He could only do and say the things of God because He was God.
John tells us that the Word was with God and was God. Isaiah speaks of a child to be born that will be called Wonderful and Mighty God.
They both give light and life to the world. In the beginning, God said, "Let there be light!", and it was so. He spoke again in giving His Son to the world in love, and the Word became the light of the world. In Him is life.
Colossians 1:16-20
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Romans 8:11
If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
2 Peter 1:17-18
For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” 18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.
Acts 13:33-34
this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm,
“‘You are my Son,
today I have begotten you. ’
34 And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way,
“‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David. ’
Monday, December 10, 2012
Equal With God -John 5:18
John 5:18 ESV
18 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
As zealous as these Jews were for God, they were not ready for an encounter with God. Jesus was different than their expectation. The Messiah they sought was quite unlike the man that stood in front of them. Though Jesus was the perfect image of God, they only saw the face of an imposter and a blasphemer.
Jesus tells us that God is our Father as well. He teaches us to pray as He did, calling out to our Father in heaven, for we have become brothers and sisters of Christ. We have entered the house of the living God. He has entered our hearts, creating a new temple and residence.
We do not count ourselves equal to God, but children of God. It is love reaching out and love that answers.
John 19:7
The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.”
Philippians 2:5-8
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Revelation 21:22-23
And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.
Revelation 22:1-2
1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Luke 22:69-70
But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” 70 So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” And he said to them, “You say that I am.”
John 8:42-43
Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word.
John 17:10-11
All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.
18 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
As zealous as these Jews were for God, they were not ready for an encounter with God. Jesus was different than their expectation. The Messiah they sought was quite unlike the man that stood in front of them. Though Jesus was the perfect image of God, they only saw the face of an imposter and a blasphemer.
Jesus tells us that God is our Father as well. He teaches us to pray as He did, calling out to our Father in heaven, for we have become brothers and sisters of Christ. We have entered the house of the living God. He has entered our hearts, creating a new temple and residence.
We do not count ourselves equal to God, but children of God. It is love reaching out and love that answers.
John 19:7
The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.”
Philippians 2:5-8
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Revelation 21:22-23
And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.
Revelation 22:1-2
1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Luke 22:69-70
But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” 70 So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” And he said to them, “You say that I am.”
John 8:42-43
Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word.
John 17:10-11
All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Many Lamps -Acts 20:7-8
Acts 20:7-8 ESV
7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered.
Why are we told about many lamps in the room? It may be they represented the people listening to Paul that would be part of the light of the world. Paul was bringing the light and they were ready and eager. Their purpose was to receive and bear that light, and to shine forth in a dark place. God saw this from the beginning. There were many lamps.
Acts 20:26-30
Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.
Paul emphasizes that he delivered the gospel in its entirety. He did not mince words or deliver only the part he liked or his audience liked. He delivered the message of God as he received it from the Holy Spirit. He knew that others would come after he left that would deliver a different gospel for selfish motives or out of ignorance. Blessed be to God their words are not preserved in Scripture.
There will come a time when the wolf and lamb will live peaceably, side by side.
Isaiah 11:6
The wolf shall dwell with the lamb,
and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together;
and a little child shall lead them.
Isaiah 11:9
They shall not hurt or destroy
in all my holy mountain;
for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
Many write their own books and formulate their own gospel. All will be revealed as each one gives an account before our Lord. The Lord will judge, and He is merciful and just. It is upon that mercy I stand and place my hope.
Isaiah 46:10-11
declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
and I will accomplish all my purpose,’
11 calling a bird of prey from the east,
the man of my counsel from a far country.
I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;
I have purposed, and I will do it.
Jeremiah 23:22
But if they had stood in my council,
then they would have proclaimed my words to my people,
and they would have turned them from their evil way,
and from the evil of their deeds.
2 Corinthians 4:1-6
1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus 'sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 2:18-19
For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.
7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered.
Why are we told about many lamps in the room? It may be they represented the people listening to Paul that would be part of the light of the world. Paul was bringing the light and they were ready and eager. Their purpose was to receive and bear that light, and to shine forth in a dark place. God saw this from the beginning. There were many lamps.
Acts 20:26-30
Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.
Paul emphasizes that he delivered the gospel in its entirety. He did not mince words or deliver only the part he liked or his audience liked. He delivered the message of God as he received it from the Holy Spirit. He knew that others would come after he left that would deliver a different gospel for selfish motives or out of ignorance. Blessed be to God their words are not preserved in Scripture.
There will come a time when the wolf and lamb will live peaceably, side by side.
Isaiah 11:6
The wolf shall dwell with the lamb,
and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together;
and a little child shall lead them.
Isaiah 11:9
They shall not hurt or destroy
in all my holy mountain;
for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
Many write their own books and formulate their own gospel. All will be revealed as each one gives an account before our Lord. The Lord will judge, and He is merciful and just. It is upon that mercy I stand and place my hope.
Isaiah 46:10-11
declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
and I will accomplish all my purpose,’
11 calling a bird of prey from the east,
the man of my counsel from a far country.
I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;
I have purposed, and I will do it.
Jeremiah 23:22
But if they had stood in my council,
then they would have proclaimed my words to my people,
and they would have turned them from their evil way,
and from the evil of their deeds.
2 Corinthians 4:1-6
1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus 'sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 2:18-19
For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Holy And Acceptable -Romans 12:1-2
Romans 12:1-2 ESV
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Our bodies are part of Spiritual worship. The flesh serves a purpose and is the seed of immortality. Just as it falls into the earth, it will be raised into the kingdom of God when nourished by the Spirit. When they are given to God, they become holy and acceptable to Him. He has given of His Spirit that we might continue in a work He has begun and that He makes possible with the seal of His presence. Our work involves staying close to that refining fire, and in doing so we are transformed.
Hosea 14:2-3
Take with you words
and return to the Lord;
say to him,
“Take away all iniquity;
accept what is good,
and we will pay with bulls
the vows of our lips.
3 Assyria shall not save us;
we will not ride on horses;
and we will say no more, ‘Our God,’
to the work of our hands.
In you the orphan finds mercy.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Hebrews 13:15-16
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
1 Peter 2:5-7
you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Our bodies are part of Spiritual worship. The flesh serves a purpose and is the seed of immortality. Just as it falls into the earth, it will be raised into the kingdom of God when nourished by the Spirit. When they are given to God, they become holy and acceptable to Him. He has given of His Spirit that we might continue in a work He has begun and that He makes possible with the seal of His presence. Our work involves staying close to that refining fire, and in doing so we are transformed.
Hosea 14:2-3
Take with you words
and return to the Lord;
say to him,
“Take away all iniquity;
accept what is good,
and we will pay with bulls
the vows of our lips.
3 Assyria shall not save us;
we will not ride on horses;
and we will say no more, ‘Our God,’
to the work of our hands.
In you the orphan finds mercy.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Hebrews 13:15-16
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
1 Peter 2:5-7
you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Working -John 5:16-17
John 5:16-17 ESV
And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”
God the Father continues to work and be involved in creation. He has not set things in motion and waits to see how things will unfold as some suppose. One example of this is the sending of His Son and the subsequent pouring out of the Spirit. God is working and Jesus has entered that work in the flesh. In their unique persons they are the one God. The Spirit is in the world today, building and strengthening the church body until it is taken away.
Jesus said, "It is finished!" on the cross, but the story continues. The creation story spans seven days, but a new creation awaits. The sevenfold end story in Revelation will usher in God's rest with humanity. When the last person that turns to The Lord enters fully into the new creation, with an immortal body and with all eternity to explore the wonders and joy that God has in store for us, then it will done and complete.
And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”
God the Father continues to work and be involved in creation. He has not set things in motion and waits to see how things will unfold as some suppose. One example of this is the sending of His Son and the subsequent pouring out of the Spirit. God is working and Jesus has entered that work in the flesh. In their unique persons they are the one God. The Spirit is in the world today, building and strengthening the church body until it is taken away.
Jesus said, "It is finished!" on the cross, but the story continues. The creation story spans seven days, but a new creation awaits. The sevenfold end story in Revelation will usher in God's rest with humanity. When the last person that turns to The Lord enters fully into the new creation, with an immortal body and with all eternity to explore the wonders and joy that God has in store for us, then it will done and complete.
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