Through the Bible - Deuteronomy 20-22, Mark 14:53-72
Good morning,
We've been looking at some verses and passages that bring attention to the importance of growing in knowledge and applying what we've learned in our everyday walk.
This evening, as I write this, I just read a newsletter from a missionary couple whose conviction had been "galvanized" as students returned to school after the holidays, that "they needed to help their students go deeper in their walk with Christ."
I've felt the same way here, working with the High School kids on Sunday morning.
Reading the letter and reading Ephesians 2:14 -21 this morning helped me to realize that is the same all over, and always has been.
Eph 2:17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. NKJV
Repeating the theme in verse 13 about those who were far off being brought near, the passage shows us that Jesus calls people from all walks of life that we should "no longer be strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God." v.19.
The chapter concludes with the fact that "we are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit" v22. We are to be growing, building. individually in our lives and as the church, being fitted together. Part of this "building up" has to do with "going deeper" in our walk with Christ.
One of the privileges that I've had was to have served on two church boards where our family had previously lived. One of the most, if not the most, rewarding things that came out of that was hearing the testimonies of other brothers and sisters in Christ. When new board members came on it was common practice for the board to share their testimonies. In fact, everyone who wanted to become a member of the church would share their testimonies with the board. It was amazing and uplifting to hear how God had called people from far and near, from different walks of life, different occupations, different backgrounds, through some common and some remarkable circumstances. It was also a joy to hear how they had followed God through all of those circumstances, and how He had blessed along the way.
You would often come away from such a meeting feeling more of a bond, and that you would have a different attitude and appreciation for each person than when you walked into the meeting. After hearing such testimonies you would often be challenged in your own heart and mind to "go deeper" in your own life.
When was the last time you shared your testimonies as a small group, Bible study, Sunday School class or other group?
You're missing out on a blessing. Be prepared to share yours.
One last thing, take a look again at verse 17. In it you see a clear reference to the Trinity, speaking of Jesus, the Spirit, and the Father.
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Eph 2:11-3:1
Brought Near by His Blood
11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh — who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands — 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Christ Our Peace
14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
Christ Our Cornerstone
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
NKJV
No comments:
Post a Comment