Posted by: missionventureministries | January 6, 2013

God’s question is…Will you be My child? – John 1:12-13

John 1 vs 12-13

To all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. (John 1:12-13)

John gives us the marvelous promise of God that anyone who receives Christ will be born again and enters the family of God. This is a spiritual birth from God, not a physical birth that depends on human nature.

To receive Jesus means to believe in His name. His name is who He is; that is, His person. Jesus is God as well as man; He is the Lamb of God our Savior who takes away the sin of the world. All those who believe in Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior are given the right to be children of God. All who believe in the Person of Christ are spiritually born of God.

Verse 12 contains important words for those who receive Christ. He gave, to those who opened their life to Him; the free gift of redemption. Salvation is by grace alone. It is a free gift and never a human achievement. Yet the imparting of the gift is dependent on man’s acceptance of Christ.

God transforms us from children of darkness and sin to His holy children when, we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord, (the absolute ruler of our lives) and when we understand that Jesus paid our sin debt in full when He bore them upon Himself and died for us on the Cross.

The moment that we confess our sins and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior we pass from death into life (John 5:24), from children of darkness into children of light. God gives the Holy Spirit to impart this new and holy life to His true children; the Holy Spirit actually comes to live in our physical bodies when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord. The Bible states that the indwelling Holy Spirit gives us the power to overcome sin and to stop sinning as a way of life. Romans 8:1-2 states; “Therefore, there is now no condemnation to those who are alive in Christ Jesus…”

Sin no longer has the forceful control over our lives that it did before we accepted Jesus as the Lord of our lives. Sins power and control was broken and shattered by Jesus on the cross, when He stated those magnificent, powerful, life changing words, “It is finished.” (John 19:30)

Children of God means we became partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). When we received Jesus Christ as our Savior and make Him the Lord of our lives we were born again and are part of God’s family. The gift, the privilege and the birth are for those who receive Jesus Christ into their life.

The definition of those who believe in His name is provided by equating it with receive Him. John uses the verb believe 98 times and he never used it as a noun. It is clear that he thought of faith as an activity, as something men do that moves or changes them rather than a motionless state. When we truly believe we yield ourselves up to be possessed and changed by Jesus Christ.

Many people are confused about how they can be sure God has forgiven them and will welcome them into heaven. They don’t know what it means to receive, to believe in, or to accept Christ.

There is a simple story of a teacher that offered a ten dollar bill to any student that wanted it. As he held it up, the students all yelled out “I want it, I want it.” After a few moments, the teacher asked again who wants this ten dollar bill and finally one of the students got up and walked up to the teacher and took the bill. The ten dollar bill was not his until he took it. The same is true of salvation, being forgiven and going to heaven. Although Jesus has provided salvation for us through His death on the cross, what He accomplished there will do us no good unless we accepted Him into our life.

Verse 13 speaks of the only One who can perform or bring about the new birth. “Who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”

This is a supernatural spiritual birth. No person can earn it and no person deserves it. It is not of blood, as with physical birth, it is a spiritual birth. It is not by the will of the flesh, it cannot be obtained through self discipline or a diligent effort to adhere to a set of religious rules. Nor is it by the will of man. Nobody becomes a child of God by participating in a religious ceremony, or by following church traditions. It is entirely God’s doing: “It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:30-31)

Although spiritual birth is brought about by God, rather than by man, each of us must decide either to accept or reject Jesus Christ. Just as the student chose to get up and take the ten dollar bill, we need to move and make the decision to accept Jesus as our Savior and to make Him Lord of our lives. Be assured, and comforted, that God wants you to know Him, He wants you to receive Christ, be spiritually born again and be a part of His family.

Jesus said: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:20)

Jesus gave His life for us so that we could have His life in us and be His children. Are you His child? Have you let Him in? If you would like to know more follow this link.

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Posted in 1 Corinthians, BIBLE STUDIES, John, Revelation, Romans, SCRIPTURE

Posted by: missionventureministries | January 1, 2013

Blessings on this New Year!

Ecclesiastes 3 vs 11

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Posted in Ecclesiastes | Tags: ,

Posted by: missionventureministries | December 30, 2012

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS – Ecclesiastes 5:2, 4-5

Ecclesiastes 5

The Bible does not speak for or against the concept of New Year’s resolutions. Every day is the day the Lord has made, as Psalm 118:24 states, “let us rejoice today and be glad.” One can make a resolution or promise to oneself any day of the year, and keeping it or breaking it is in our hands. We must remember one thing the Bible teaches in Ecclesiastes 5:2, 4 and 5, that if we make promises or vows to God, they should not be taken lightly.

“Do not be quick with your mouth; do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.”

The vast majority of New Year’s resolutions, even among Christians, are in relation to physical things when they should be spiritual decisions to obey and honor the Lord.

When we make resolutions, we need to have the right motivation for starting or stopping any activity. For example, why do we decide to read the Bible every day? Is it to honor God and grow spiritually, or is it because we have heard that it is a good thing to do? Why do we want to lose weight? Is it to honor God with our body, or is it for vanity, to honor ourselves?

Philippians 4:13 tells us, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” And John 15:5 declares, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” It is important to know that if God is the center of our New Year’s resolution, we have a great chance for success and if it is God’s will for something to be fulfilled, He will enable us to fulfill it. If our resolution is not God honoring or is not in agreement in God’s Word, we will not succeed. However if we have confidence when we approach our heavenly Father and we ask according to His will, He will hear us. (1 John 5:15)

So, what sort of New Year’s resolution should a Christian make? Here are some suggestions:
• Ask God to show us to how to fulfill the goals He gives us.
• Ask the Lord for wisdom in regards to what resolutions, if any, He would have us make. (James 1:5)
• God always has a purpose for what we will experience. He has a reason for what He allows in our life, and through it we can trust Him completely. (Proverbs 1:3-5)
• If possible we should find a godly accountability partner who will help us and encourage us.
• Pride should stay far away from us; instead we should give God all the glory. (Psalm 37:5-6)
• Rely on God’s strength to help us.
• The Bible says not to worry about tomorrow for tomorrow has enough worries of its own. We need to trust in our Heavenly Father who knows everything we need, who is our God and our Provider. He is faithful and He will take care of us. (Matthew 6:25-34)
• There is no limit to what God can do in our life; nothing is impossible with God. God opens doors that no man can shut and closes doors that no man can open. With God the possibilities are endless when we live according to His will. (Philippians 4:13)
• We need to keep our eyes fixed on Christ and He will give us rest and peace because He is our peace and He loves us and cares for us deeply. (John 16:33)
• We need to pray about what God has planned for us and be willing to walk by faith in obedience as we follow His leading. Remembering that His plans are always for good and not for evil, to give us a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
• We need to start out the New Year with a fresh point of view to new experiences, memories, and blessings, having an open mind and heart to wherever the Lord will take us, with full assurance and confidence that He is with us. (Matthew 28:19-20)
• We should not become discouraged with occasional failures; instead, allow them to motivate us further.
• We need to be willing to let go and let God work in and through us as we continue to grow in our relationship with Him. Pray for God to mold us and make us pliable in the Potter’s hand.
• With new experiences and lessons come new wisdom and insight. Make it a priority to seek out wisdom as a hidden treasure or fine gold. Proverbs says that wisdom will set a garland of grace on your head and she will present us with a crown of splendor. (Proverbs 4:7-9)

Let us give thanks to the Lord for His love and assurance that He is there for us. Let us look forward to what He has in store for us this New Year, for He is faithful and worthy to be worshiped and praised each and every day of our life.

Blessings on this New Year!

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Posted in 1 John, BIBLE STUDIES, Ecclesiastes, James, Jeremiah, John, Matthew, Philippians, Proverbs, Psalms, SCRIPTURE, SPECIAL MESSAGE | Tags: , ,

Posted by: missionventureministries | December 23, 2012

FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN – Isaiah 9:6

Isaiah 9 vs 6

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

This is truly one of the most amazing prophecies ever given. Without doubt, referring to the promised birth to the Virgin Mary, of Immanuel – “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). The child born is the human Jesus that came to this world as a babe, while the Son given is the eternally begotten Second Person of the Godhead.

Immanuel is God’s chosen earthly name for His Son and portrays the character of the Child which means “God with us” or “God is among us.”

Now, Isaiah describes divine names that can only be true to God Himself – Mighty God and Everlasting Father, Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace. He is presenting the person of Messiah as that of a man, for He was a descendant of David, but He was to be God as well.

For unto us a Child is born: The purpose of Christ’s coming was for “us” for the benefit of all those who would accept Him as Lord and Savior. Isaiah saw the darkness and gloom of the nation, and saw also the Son that would be born to remove that darkness, and enlighten the world.

Unto us a Son is given: From eternity God planned to “give” His Son as a propitiation for our sins. Jesus is the Son of God and He existed eternally as the Son. The Messiah is often represented as having been given, or sent; or as the gift of God as noted in Acts 4:12; John 3:16; Ephesians 1:22; John 17:4. The Messiah was pre-eminently the gift of God to us. Man had no claim on Him, and God voluntarily gave His Son to be a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

And the government will be upon His shoulder: Jesus will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords and the government of the entire world will be on His shoulders.

And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor: Jesus is our “Wonderful Counselor,” our perfect Example and infallible Teacher. He both shows and tells us what to believe and how to live, and He is never wrong, for in Him “are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:3). The testimony, even of His enemies, was that “never man spoke like this man.” (John 7:46)

And His name will be called… Mighty God: The question might arise as to how the Son could also be “The everlasting Father.” Actually, this phrase could also be translated “Father of Eternity,” reminding us that the eternal Son was the Creator of time, as well as space and matter and in fact of all things (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16). In the unfathomable, yet glorious mystery of the Trinity, the Lord Jesus noted also that “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30). He is God Almighty “for in Him dwells all the fullness of the Deity in bodily form.” (Colossians 2:9)

And His name will be called… Everlasting Father: Stressing His absolute and eternal deity, as well as His omnipotence and the unity of the Father and the Son in the Triune Godhead.

And His name will be called… Prince of Peace: Indicating that He is the very first leader who will bring true peace to the world. He is the great Peacemaker (Matthew 5:9), who “made peace through the blood of His cross.” (Colossians 1:20)

Jesus brings peace of mind to His followers because the Lord Jesus will “keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Him: because he trusts in Him” (Isaiah 26:3). And when He comes again He will bring peace to the world as “Prince of Peace,” because peace will characterize His rein upon earth.

Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:7)

During this time of year, let us reflect that God Himself is the great sign to Israel and the whole world. The attitude of men and women to God, in Christ, will reveal the state of their hearts and seal their eternal destiny, whether to everlasting life or being forever separated from God.

We trust that you will make a decision for Jesus Christ and eternal life.

Blessings to you during this season, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Redeemer.

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Posted in Acts, BIBLE STUDIES, Colossians, Ephesians, Isaiah, John, Matthew, SCRIPTURE, SPECIAL MESSAGE | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: missionventureministries | December 15, 2012

AND THE WORD BECAME FLESH – John 1:14

John 1 vs 14

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14) 

Who is the Word? Verse 1 says, “The Word was with God and the Word was God. And in verse 14 it says: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory.” The Word became flesh and dwelt among us without giving up any of His glory.  

John wants us to understand that Jesus is God in human flesh. Matthew and Luke give us historical features and John gives us the heavenly elements and the supernatural features. The message is about the deity of Christ.  

In these few words “and the Word became flesh” we see the summarizing statement of the incarnation – God becoming man. The Everlasting became finite. The Eternal one entered time. The Invisible became visible. 

“The Word” in Greek means ‘logos’ and to the Greek mind, logos was the most powerful force in the universe. It was creative power, source of wisdom, knowledge, intelligence, and John is saying this is a person and He became a man, God who came into the world through baby Jesus. 

To the Jew, the Word had even more meaning since the Word of the Lord was a very familiar to them. The Word of the Lord was simply God revealing Himself, His person, His nature, His will, His wisdom, His truth. John is saying that the revelation of God and the manifestation of God is now incarnate. The expression of God’s nature, will, wisdom, truth is embodied. That’s why Hebrews 1 says, “In time past He spoke and now He’s spoken unto us . . . , in His Son.” God is being revealed in Christ.  

He took on humanity and “made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7). “He partook of flesh and blood” (Hebrews 2:14). And He lived amongst us for thirty three years.  

Not only does John speak of the pre-existence of Christ, but He speaks of the co-existence of Christ: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). He is both with God and is God. Here, we clearly see the mystery of the Trinity. He is distinct from the Father, having face-to-face communion with the Father, and yet is fully God as is the Father. As we read in Colossians 2:9, “In Him, all the fullness of deity dwells.” He is as much God as God is God and we need to understand that the Word is not an attribute of God. The Word is not a message from God. The Word is not an emanation from God. The Word is not a creation by God. The Word is God. He is a person with God and a person who is God. Jesus has the same nature and essence as God. 

When we think about the birth of Jesus we realize that God Himself, God the Son who was eternally with God before anything existed, is the one who came to this earth to restore the relationship that Adam severed in the garden. He was the Word made flesh. He was the light coming into the world and He enlightens every man that searches for Him and finds Him. 

So the preexistent, coexistent, self-existent God, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us and the light of the glory of God was shining in the midst of a dark world. 

The Word is not only the Creator of the material realm, but of the spiritual realm as well. The Word made flesh dwelt among us, died for us and rose on our behalf, to provide forgiveness of sin and eternal salvation. When we accept Him as our Savior and make Him the Lord of our life, we become His child and His new creation, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. (Ephesians 2:10)

May the truth of God’s Word capture ever heart to the point that we treasure the name of the Lord Jesus, the fullness of who He is and what He did for us.  

Thank you Jesus for the gift of eternal life.

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Posted in BIBLE STUDIES, Ephesians, Hebrews, John, Philippians, SCRIPTURE, SPECIAL MESSAGE | Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: missionventureministries | December 9, 2012

JESUS AT THE FEAST OF DEDICATION – John 10:22-24

John 10 vs 22-24

“Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch.” – John 10:22-23

The Feast of Dedication occurs about two months after the Feast of the Tabernacles ‘Sukkot’ and is also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’ or ‘Hanukkah’.

The first Feast of Dedication occurred in the era of the Maccabees and celebrated the cleaning of the Temple after its desecration by Antiochus Epiphanies. The feast of Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days, from the 25 of Kislev to 2 of Tevet (or 3 of Tevet, when Kislev has 29 days only). During this feast the hanukkiyah is lit, which is a 9 arm menorah (including the central and largest, called the Shamash, or servant). On the first night only the largest arm and a candle are lighted, and each night and additional light is lit, until on the eighth day the candelabrum is completely illuminated. This ritual celebrates the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days in the menorah of the Temple of Jerusalem. 

During this time, the stories of the Maccabees brave fighting were recounted and the feast was a time for praising God for once again marvelously delivering the Israelites from their enemies.

Almost two hundred years after the re-dedication of the Temple, near the very spot where these events took place, Jesus of Nazareth visited Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication. He was walking in the same Temple, near the very spot where these events took place. Some Jews came to Him, wanting to know if He really was the Christ, the Messiah: “Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly” (John 10:24).

Would Jesus be for the Jews of His day what Judas Maccabee had been for a previous generation? Would Jesus stand up against the oppressive pagan power and be the fulfillment of Israel’s expectation, re-establishing the Davidic monarchy in Jerusalem and ruling there forever?

Although Jesus was the promised Messiah of Israel, He would not provide liberation from the Romans, but He would provide liberation from sin and death through His death and resurrection (Romans 5:6-11; Romans 8:1-3). Jesus did not set up a throne in Jerusalem at that time, but beginning in Jerusalem His Lordship and Kingdom was proclaimed, and the message would spread to all nations throughout all time: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

The Feast of Dedication was of great importance for the Israelites of Jesus’ day. It was the story of deliverance from oppression and dedication to God, just like Jesus is our Deliverer from the oppression of sin.  

The Temple in Jerusalem no longer stands; however, the heart of each true believer in Jesus the Messiah and Savior is the temple where the Spirit of God dwells today. Too often believers endanger the cleanliness of this Temple by allowing idolatry and pagan practices into their lives. Hence the timeless exhortation from Scripture: “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”  (Colossians 2:8)

As many celebrate this season let us remember that the hanukkiyah is traditionally lit by a special candle called the shammash. Shammash in Hebrew is the word for “servant.” In the shammash candle, we can see a symbol of our Messiah Y’shua, for as the Gospel of Matthew says, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)

The shammash serves the other candles by bringing light to them. In the New Testament, Jesus is frequently referred to as “the Light,” and Jesus Himself once said, “I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Just as the shammash gives light to the other candles, Jesus came to give the world His light. The miracle celebrated during this time of year shows how God keeps His light burning in the hearts of His people, even when they face what seem to be impossible odds or situations. With God, all things are possible and His light will never fail, or go out.

May you be blessed this season and all year long, as you keep your eyes focused on Jesus the most precious gift humanity has ever received.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

 

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Posted in Acts, BIBLE STUDIES, Colossians, John, Matthew, SCRIPTURE, SPECIAL MESSAGE | Tags: ,

Posted by: missionventureministries | November 25, 2012

JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO ETERNAL LIFE

“Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.“ John 14:6 

God created our first parents Adam and Eve with a noble purpose in mind. He wanted holy people that would respect, love, honor and worship Him; men and women that would radiate His Holy character through out the entire earth.  (Genesis 1:26-28) 

When God looked at Adam and Eve, there in the garden, He saw what His heart longed to see, He saw His own glory, holiness and love reflected in their lives. He had created them to love Him, enjoy Him and to worship Him and to glorify Him forever. 

God left Adam and Eve alone in the garden for a while and it was not long before they accepted the deceitful lie offered by that proud, evil, rebel, the Devil.  They willfully sinned against their perfect, holy and loving Father and they desperately tried to cover their sin and rebellion. (Genesis 3:8-11) 

They no longer knew why they were created; they had lost their God given identity and purpose for living. They turned their backs on the garden and their loving, providing Father and walked out into a vicious wilderness.   

They deserved to be destroyed and banished from God’s Holy presence. But, in essence, God said, “Oh, how I still want them, how I miss them and those times of fellowship, worship and adoration, how I miss seeing My holiness, My glory and love reflected in their faces. I want My people, once again, to love Me, to enjoy Me, and have Me forever.” (Jeremiah 31:3-6) 

God provided a temporary worship system through the sacrifice of animals (Hebrews 10:1-18). And, God knew that all was not lost, because through the miracle of the Incarnation, God’s only begotten Son would repair the damage that Adam, Eve and Satan had done, by restoring man and woman to their holy heritage. (Genesis 3:15; Galatians 4:4; 1 John 3:8) 

When Jesus was born, God looked down from heaven into that manger in Bethlehem; He saw what He had longed to see for centuries. As He looked into the face of that precious little Jewish baby lying there in a manger, His heart overflowed with joy, because once again He saw a perfect reflection of Himself and His glory, in human form (Luke 2:6-7). That Holy night, earth was touched by heaven in a most precious and wonderful way; and earth has never been the same.  

We need to understand that as sinners, we cannot reconcile ourselves to God on our own, so God made a way that we could be reunited with Him in heaven and He sent His Son to take the penalty of our sin on the cross.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Scripture tells us that: “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Jesus was born to die for our sins so that we would have life everlasting. Three days after His death, He rose from the grave (Romans 4:25), proving Himself victorious over death.  

He bridged the gap between God and man so that we may have a personal relationship with Him if we only believe; then we receive eternal life. “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3).  

Most people believe in God, even Satan does. But to receive salvation, we must turn to God, form a personal relationship, turn away from our sins, and follow Him. We must trust in Jesus with everything we have and everything we do. “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe” (Romans 3:22). The Bible teaches that there is no other way to salvation than through Christ who said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

Jesus is the only way of salvation because He is the only One who can pay our sin penalty (Romans 6:23). We must understand that there is no other way to come to God except through Christ, no other truth than that which is founded and centered on Christ, and no other eternal life except the life of Christ imparted to the believer, through faith in Him. All who teach otherwise are ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing,’ because Jesus said, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved“ (John 10:8-9) and there is no other door to heaven and no other Shepherd of the sheep.  

“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12) because it is God who said: “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)

“Jesus is the bread of life. . . the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever” (John 6:48, 51) 

He is the “living water.” “If anyone thirst, let him come unto me, and drink” (John 7:37). No other water satisfies.  

He is also the “true vine” in whom we must abide for fruit-producing life. He said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.“ (John 15:1, 5) 

The Scriptures have made it abundantly plain that there is “no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). There is no other way; the Lord Jesus Christ is the all sufficient way, and the perfect way, to God.  

Jesus is the only way, and all who want to come, can come to God through Him by:  

  • Admitting that we are sinners and that we cannot provide for our own redemption and cleansing from sin.
  • Believing that Gods’ Holy Son, Jesus, is the only sacrifice for our sins and that God raised Him from death.
  • Confess verbally and accept in our spirit that Jesus is and will always be the Lord of our life.  

We need to know and understand what the original God-man relationship was like.  How and why that relationship was broken. What the provision, for restoring the Father-child relationship are. And the eternal position of the new God-man relationship. 

Because, our eternal destiny, heaven or hell is determined by the choice that we make; and our ability to enjoy our life here on earth is totally dependent upon knowing our Creator-Father through His Messiah.

 

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Posted in 1 John, 2 Corinthians, BIBLE STUDIES, Galatians, Genesis, Jeremiah, John, Luke, Romans, SCRIPTURE | Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: missionventureministries | November 18, 2012

SERVING THE LORD WITH THANKSGIVING – Psalm 100

Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing. 3 Know that the Lord Himself is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. 5 For the Lord is good; His loving kindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations.” – Psalm 100

This Psalm is a psalm about thanksgiving, worship and knowing God. It is a Psalm addressed to the inner hearts of men and women. It calls for praise and thanksgiving and worship with gladness. It was not just a call to Israel to praise God, but for “all the earth” (Psalms 100:1).

When the psalmist speaks of worship, he is not simply speaking of something that occurred at the Temple in Jerusalem, but rather of continual service to God.

This Psalm is as relevant today as it was at the time it was written. God still wants His people to “shout joyfully to the Lord.” Whether we are assembled with the saints or are serving God in our daily walk, this service, according to the psalmist, is to express joy and delight.

Christians have every reason to praise God for His great love for us, to adopt us as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14), and this Psalm is a call to praise. The psalmist articulates this summons to praise with three directives: Shout, serve, and come. In other words, the psalmist desires that “all the earth” submit to the power and presence of God.   

When a person celebrates with joy to the Lord, then they “serve the LORD with gladness” (Psalms 100:2). The worship of the psalmist reflects a faith of simple trust, a life of glad surrender and a faithful responsiveness to God which should be reflected in every area of one’s life every waking hour of the day. This act is a renovation of one’s life style; in other words, it is the reordering of one’s life lived in harmony with the teachings of Scripture to God’s glory.

The psalmist wants the people of God to know that Yahweh is God, because “it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture” (Psalm 100:3). Jesus is our Shepherd and the believers are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

The psalmists continues; “enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name” (Psalms 100:4). When the Israelites entered into “His gates,” this act of entering into the area of the Temple with singing caused the children of Israel to reflect upon their blessings from God. Psalms 136 is a classic example of a “thanksgiving psalm” that calls attention to the goodness of God.  This Psalm begins: “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His love endures forever.”  We too, need to reflect upon the goodness of God, especially our exodus from the world of darkness into the kingdom of God’s dear Son (Colossians 2:13).

Psalms 100:4 intensifies the invitation to enter His courts with thanksgiving and praise. But the psalmist does not stop with this summons. He gives the reasons for ‘thanksgiving’ and ‘praise’: “For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100:5). Just as this act of thanksgiving and praise kept the Israelites focused on their responsibilities to God, so, too, the act of thanksgiving and praise helps the believer to keep things in proper perspective. 

We need to remember that thanksgiving needs to be the attitude of the believer at all times because: Praise, thanksgiving and worship is our expression of love for the Lord.

 “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

During this season of the year and always, let thanksgiving resides in our hearts as we give all praise and glory to God through Jesus our Redeemer.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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Posted in 1 Thessalonians, BIBLE STUDIES, Ephesians, Psalms, SCRIPTURE, Thanksgiving | Tags: , , ,

Posted by: missionventureministries | November 11, 2012

MY PEOPLE ARE DESTROYED FROM THE LACK OF KNOWLEDGE – Hosea 4:6

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.” (Hosea 4:6) 

People have been and are being destroyed not only because they lack knowledge, but because they reject knowledge. Therefore, what was happening to Israel is happening to the whole world also today.  

We need to understand that lack of knowledge of the Word of God by a nation is something that happens gradually and has grown over decades to its present state. We are in the age of apostasy as represented by the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22. This state of affair has been significantly aided by the so-called “Christian” church that has abandoned its responsibility of teaching their congregation about sin and its eternal consequences.  So that, nowadays, people are very ignorant of what the Bible really says about sin. 

People need to study and educate themselves with the Word, since this is a vital part of our attitude towards God and our relationship with Him. 

In today’s world the pressure is toward the exaltation of man, me and I, rather than the glorification of the Creator. When we add to the constant influence of tolerance flowing from every means of electronic communication, newspapers, magazines, entertainment, plus universities and seminaries, this evil praise is rapidly permeating the whole world. Paul writes: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.”  (Romans 10:1-3) 

Paul is describing what was happening during his time, that Israel had a zeal for God, but not according to biblical knowledge. Sadly throughout the centuries human nature has not change. We are following the same trajectory that Israel and Judah did, and we are headed toward the same end. We are going to be conquered by the enemy, because we are turning away from God and are not submitting ourselves to His righteousness. 

Romans 10:1-3 shows that there was some knowledge of God within the nation of Israel. We know that this is also true today, in some parts of the world. The problem is that it is not an illuminated, discerned and intelligent knowledge of God combined with zeal. Rather, as God says in Hosea 4:6 His people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge; meaning true knowledge of Him.  

It is sad to see that the real truth of God’s Word is being taught only by very few and the world is lost. Many lost sheep attempt to worship God, but they really are not obeying God’s Word and are perishing for the lack of  knowledge. As we see, God lays the greater blame on the teachers (priests) for their failure to teach truth. Paul wrote: “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God” (Romans 10:3). They were deliberately ignoring the righteousness of God. 

The history of Israel in the Old Testament clearly shows that Israel had the Word of God available to them, but they did not access it in order to truly seek God. They ignored it. That is what is happening today. The Bible is available practically everywhere, but it is being ignored; placing the blame on people and their teachers. People should be examining the Bible with great eagerness to make sure what they are being taught is the truth.  

There are areas of the world where the Bible, is not readily available, but in many countries this is not the case just as it was not the case for Israel, so God holds mankind without excuse. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”  (Romans 1:18-21) 

The sad thing in many churches, is what the participants are receiving is superficial entertainment that gives people an upbeat social experience and not a true commitment with the Almighty. 

In the letter to Titus we read: “To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” (Titus 1:15-16) 

Please be watchful because many “profess” that they are truly Christians and that God is a reality in their lives; but He is not. Read the Scriptures do not reject knowledge and you will not be destroyed. “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)

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Posted in BIBLE STUDIES, Hosea, Proverbs, Revelation, Romans, SCRIPTURE, Titus | Tags: , ,

Posted by: missionventureministries | November 4, 2012

THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION OF YOUR LIFE – Have you been born again? – John 3:3

This is the most important question in the life of any human being. Jesus Christ said: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3). 

It is not sufficient to say “I am a member of a church and therefore I am a Christian.” Thousands of so-called Christians do not show any evidence of having been born again, as Paul tells the Galatians, “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders,drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21) 

According to Paul, a sinful lifestyle reflects a heart that is not right with God and by their behavior they are revealing that they do not belong to His kingdom, regardless of what they affirm. 

Some people think they are Christians because they prayed a sinner’s prayer, yet their lives bear no evidence that they know Christ. Paul said that the proof of salvation is a changed life. If the only proof a person can offer is something they said or did a long time ago, that is very weak evidence. The proof of a Christian life should be seen in a person’s continual reflecting Christ through their lifestyle each day.  

Paul urged the brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2) 

If anyone wishes to know how to recognize a person who has truly been “born again,” here are some of the evidences as described in the Bible. 

The person does not practice sin – “Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.” (1 John 3:9) 

Meaning, he will not practice sin because God’s own nature has been implanted in him. A person who has been born again, that has been transformed, does not exhibit an inclination towards sin. A real Christian hates sin flees from it and fights against it, even though at times we all stumble. (James 3:2) 

When the born again believer sins and becomes aware of the offence, they immediately ask the Father for forgiveness because they recognize the sacrifice Christ paid for us on Calvary and they want a renewed unbroken fellowship with Him.   

The person believes in Christ – “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God” (1 John 5:1). 

A person, who has been born again, believes that Jesus Christ is our Savior, that He is the Son of God and the only one that can forgive our sins. That He came to this earth to reunite us to the Father.  

The person is righteous – “If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.” (1 John 2:29). 

A person, who has been born again, lives a holy life and seeks to live according to God’s will. They do the things that please God and avoid those things that God detests. They desire to look continuously at Christ as The example and to follow their Savior by keeping His instructions and commandments.  

The person has genuine love – “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.” (1 John 3:14) 

A person who has been born again has a special love as all real Disciples of Christ have. They love all but have a special love for those who share their faith in Christ. Just as Jesus does, we are to love the worst sinners and care for them and bring them to the saving knowledge that comes from knowing our Lord Jesus Christ.  

The person overcomes the world – “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.” (1 John 5:4) 

Those who are truly born again will not be defeated by the world. Not only do they make every effort to avoid sinning, but also stay away from anything that could lead them to sin. They are careful with whom they associate and protect themselves against the enemy with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20), are watchful, humble and diligent in their prayers.   

The Test 

A person’s actions need to be examined to see if they are consistent with their profession of faith. 1 John 2:4 says, “If you say you know Him and do not keep his Commandments, the truth is not in you and you are a liar.” So, if someone professes to be a Christian and yet behaves in a manner contrary to what they professed we would naturally doubt their salvation. 

The term “born again” is being used very loosely these days, and we need to realize that true regeneration is a permanent, life-transforming miracle accomplished by God Himself in a believer’s life. 

Finally, we must be very careful not to be too judgmental, too quickly. It is a serious thing to say that someone is or is not saved. If we are unsure about the salvation of someone, then we should pray for that person, ask God to work in their life, and ask the Lord to give us wisdom. 

If you examine your life and see consistent disobedience to God, something is wrong. Make sure you are under no delusions, and that you are not depending on any false assurance of your salvation. Settle things with God today before it is too late.

 

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Posted in 1 John, Galatians, James, John, Romans, SCRIPTURE | Tags: , , , , ,

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