Identify!

Scripture: 

“But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” …And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:13-17

Study:

After Eve and Adam sinned, there needed to be a perfect sacrifice to justify humanity for his sin. Jesus, having no sin, willing accepted God's plan to "fulfill all righteousness." Jesus' first step in fulfilling God's plan was to be water baptized. He did this to identify with his people. As Jesus came from the water, the Holy Spirit descended upon him to affirm his calling, which included the cross, death, and resurrection. Then God/Father said, “I am well pleased.”

   

In the previous post, we discussed that man's first step to salvation is confession and repentance followed by water baptism. It is not the water that saves but what the baptism represents. Baptism is an outward action to identify us with Christ and the work He accomplished for us to fulfill our righteousness. As we identify with Christ we follow his example of dying to himself. We die to sinful way of life, and choose to submit to the Holy Spirits' direction in our life. In other words, by our identity with Christ, we are made righteous in Him. When this happens God/Father will be pleased. And note this, not only will God notice, but others will identify us with Christ. 

Application: Jesus identified with us and we will identify with Him. If our lives do not identify us with Jesus, the act was meaningless. Does our walk identify us with Jesus?

Prayer: 

Dear Father, Jesus, help us remember that our identity is in you, and may we live accordingly. Amen.

Since Jesus Came into My Heart

Scripture:  

“However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” Luke 10:20

Thought for Today: 

What better way to begin worship than to come into Jesus presence singing, We Have Come into his House, and Holy Ground, and Since Jesus Came into my Heart, followed by a prayer. What better way to invite the Holy Spirit into our midst as we begin to prepare our hearts to hear the message from God. For some 25 minutes I watched as a group of people, stood and almost motionless, hardly singing, "Since Jesus came into my heart. Since Jesus came into my heart. Floods of joy o’er my soul like the sea billows roll. Since Jesus came into my heart." How can people stand without any emotion, seemingly without hope, yet verbalize of joy in their hearts? 

We all have burdens that can weigh us down and sap the very energy from our bodies. However, I have found when you come into the presence of Jehovah, for a moment your troubles vanish, your heart is mended, and you can experience the joy that comes only in knowing Jesus. “Floods of joy o’er my soul like the seas billows roll,” should be our expression of gratitude in knowing that our soul is safe with Jesus.  

Application: 

1. What is the source of your joy?
2.  If joy comes from having your name written in heaven, then why are so many "followers" of Jesus living as though they have no hope?
3.  Has Jesus made a difference in your life?

Prayer:

Dear Father, may “floods of joy o’er my soul like sea billows roll,” so that the world may know of the joy you have placed within me and so that you will be glorified, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Romans 1:13-15 WHY WE NEED A BROTHERHOOD?

Even the hardest of individuals understand brotherhood, whether it is the natural brother or a brotherhood by association. We as believers talk about our brothers and sisters in Christ. What does that imply? Who is your brother and sister in Christ?

Scripture:

Romans 1:13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles. 14I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome

Lesson:

As we are still in the first chapter of Romans, but I just keep hearing how strong Paul feels about our relationship not only with God the Father but, among us as believers. Here he calls a group of individuals that he has never met, brothers. How can that be? Brother carries with it a connotation of affection one to another. So how do we have that relationship with one that we do not personally know or to someone we have never met?

As believers we have a brother/sister relationship because of our relationship to the heavenly father and not because we agree with, look alike, or act alike.  As believers we are members of the family of God, therefore all differences should be forsaken. Why? Not for the sake of brotherhood but for the sake of the gospel of Christ. While brotherhood is so important, the result is that a harvest is among us when the gospel is preached. There is a direct relation between a harvest and the condition of the body of Christ. If the body (church) is not healthy, it cannot reproduce.

Application:

1.   Who is your brother/sister in Christ? How do you relate to them?

2.   Is your attitude to other brothers and sisters in Christ so that you are willing to do whatever you need to do for a harvest to take place in the kingdom?

3.   Are there things (hurt feelings, envy, jealously, unforgiveness, pride, etc.) that keep you from relating to your brothers and sisters in Christ that you need to get rid of? Name it and get rid of it now.

4.   What does harvest imply? When we plant a seed what do we expect?

5.   How eager are you to carry the gospel to others or are you caught up in the things that would bring disharmony among you and other believers?

Prayer:

Dear Father, help me to love your children the way a father wants his children to love each other. Forgive me and remove from me any unloving attitudes or feeling that are not of you. Lead me in such relationships that would lead others to know you. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.