tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47943672703880746322012-01-18T19:19:16.523-08:00We are going to talk about how Jesus would engage world issues today.gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.comBlogger1201100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-77062452683887859052012-01-18T18:56:00.000-08:002012-01-18T19:19:16.542-08:00<strong>The Madness of Materialism</strong><br />It is sad to see how many people have been duped into thinking they can buy a favor with God by giving. Jesus has something to say to us about pursuit of worldly materialism.<br /><br />Welcome to the Getting To Know Jesus weekly devotion. I’m Glen Copple, Minister of the Word.<br /><br />This week’s thought comes from lesson 063 which is found in “Getting To Know Jesus” – Volume 05. Our Scripture text is found in: John 6:25-29.<br /><br />25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”<br />26 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”<br />28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”<br />29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”<br /><br />The Madness of Materialism<br />How many times have you heard people say that if you give to God, He’s going to give back to you more. They will even back their statement with Scripture. However, have you noticed that there are a lot of Christians who give of their means (some even beyond their means) and the only one who is getting richer is the person to whom they are giving?<br /><br />That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t give to support God’s work. He designed it so His Church would need our financial support so we would have to put our money where our heart is. If you truly love Jesus and what He did for you, giving is a pleasure and an act of worship of God (over your money).<br /><br />However, too many well-meaning Christians have been told that if they give more, God will bless them with more than they give. The bottom line is that they are giving in hopes of getting more back (of what they are giving) from God. They are not giving merely because the love Jesus and want to build His Church/Kingdom. They are being told that this giving will make them richer.<br /><br />Jesus confronted the people who chased Him down after seeing Him feed over 5,000 with a young boy’s lunch. They didn’t care about forgiveness of sin and living eternally with God. They simply wanted free food, without having to work for it. In other words, they wanted a free handout (welfare) more than they wanted eternal life.<br /><br />We need material things to live on this earth, but most of us do have more than we really need. Life is not about acquiring, but about giving what we have to help those who do not have.<br /><br />We have given Getting To Know Jesus on CD format to over 200 ministries in 39 countries outside of the United States. Your gifts to us are helping us add more ministries to that list.<br /><br />Don’t get caught up in materialism, but seek God’s Kingdom and live righteously before Him. Believe in the one who God sent to pay the penalty for our sins and you will have eternal life. Make God your god and not money. Use the money God provides through your job and resources to further His Kingdom – not so He will give you more, but because you love Him and want to see the Church/Kingdom increase.<br /><br />Do it for Jesus.<br /><br />For more videos on the Getting To Know Jesus Bible Study Series, follow us on Facebook, YouTube or Twitter. Look for gmc4jesus or Getting To Know Jesus and join the crowd.<br /><br />These comments are taken from the “Getting To Know Jesus” Bible study series are supported by your gifts. <br /><br />By partnering with us in the financial needs of this Ministry, you are participating in fulfilling the Great Commission – taking the Gospel to the whole world via Internet technology.<br /><br />To send a tax-deductible gift, please go to http://www.gettingtoknowjesus.org/ and donate online or order your Getting To Know Jesus books for your own Bible study of every event in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ..<br /><br />Thank you for partnering with us as we fulfill the Great Commission.<br />God bless you and have a great week.<br /><br />New Hope GOSPEL Ministries<br />http://www.gettingtoknowjesus.org/<br /><br />Thank you for partnering with us as we fulfill the Great Commission.<br /><div style="width: 686px; height: 96px; padding-top: 10px;" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto; border: 1px solid rgb(209, 215, 223); background-color: rgb(245, 246, 249);" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 1px; height: 21px; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(237, 239, 244);" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="border: currentColor;" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="padding: 5px;" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-7706245268388785905?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-74869687500370871392011-08-19T14:14:00.001-07:002011-08-19T14:53:11.551-07:00<div align="center"><strong>SuperHero </strong></div> <br /><div align="right">By Glen M. Copple </div> <br /><div align="right"><em>Hebrews 1:1-13</em> </div> <br /><div align="left">Do you watch Saturday morning cartoons? Have you seen the current movie – Captain America? <br />People are constantly looking for a “Superhero” as an example, influence, ideal or idol to rescue them from their troubles and solve all of their problems. </div> <br /><div align="left"></div> <br /> <br /><div align="left">Who are some of our supposed superheroes? <br />Superman, Transformers, Spiderman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? <br />Do you follow a sports figure, entertainer, actor, politician, celebrity and consider them a hero? - Mickey Mantle, Mickey Mouse, Mickey Rooney, or Mitt Romney <br />Remember that people followed Hitler, Stalin, Lenin, Castro, Chavez, Hussein, Bin Laden and considered them heroes at one time. <br /></div> <br /> <br /><div align="left">No person can provide what we are seeking and need in a superhero. <br /></div> <br /> <br /><div align="left"><strong><em>Jesus is our SUPERHERO and we should worship Him.</em></strong> <br /></div> <br /> <br /><div align="left"><strong>1. He’s my SUPERHERO because He’s REAL – not artificial. <em>Hebrews 1:1-3</em></strong> <br /> <br /></div> <br /><div align="left">Jesus is not like the Greek or Roman gods who were figments of man’s imagination and limited in their imagined power. They are more likely to hurt those who don’t appease them than to love and care for those they “rule” over. <br /></div> <br /> <br /><div align="left">Jesus is not like modern cartoon characters that are also figments of man's imagination and wishful thinking. Most of them engage in fighting some enemy over and over again. But their power is limited to the imaginations of the writers. <br /></div> <br /> <br /><div align="left">Jesus exists. His friends and enemies testify that He exists – <em>John 7:32; Acts 2</em>. He is a real person who was able to do far more than any other "hero". Our calendars acknowledge His birth over 2,000 years ago. <em>John 20:30-31; 21:24-25. </em>His actions were beyond His audiences imaginations. <br /></div> <br /> <br /><div align="left"><strong>2. He’s my SUPERHERO because He’s SUPER – not fictional - <em>Hebrews 1:3-4</em></strong></div> <br /> <br /><div align="left">Jesus needs no belts, rings, ropes or minerals or chemicals for His power. His power is not limited to man’s imagination. He has power over every kind of sickness or disease, seas, weather, water, fish, trees, hunger, even over death and Satan. <br /></div> <br /> <br /><div align="left">By His words, He can control crowds – <em>Luke 14:1-6</em>; Sermon on the Mount – <em>Matthew 5-7; John 7:32-46.</em> <br /></div> <br /> <br /><div align="left">He even orchestrated and controlled His own crucifixion in order to pay for our sins. <br /></div> <br /> <br /><div align="left"><strong>3. He’s my SUPERHERO because He’s a HERO – none greater - Hebrews 1:8-12</strong></div> <br /> <br /><div align="left">Jesus saves us from our sins – <em>I John 2:1-2.</em> That is far greater than just saving my life. <br /></div> <br /> <br /><div align="left">Other supposed superheroes can only conquer a physical enemy for a moment. (Most of those enemies return in sequels to harrass some more.) <br />Jesus conquered Satan and sin once and for all – <em>Romans 6:10; Hebrews 9:26; I Peter 3:18</em> <br />He died in my place – <em>Romans 5:8</em> <br />He arose from death – <em>Luke 24:1-7; John 20:26-29</em> <br />His resurrection guarantees eternal life to all who believe, repent of their sin, follow and are immersed into Him – <em>Romans 6:3-5</em> </div> <br /> <br /><div align="left"></div> <br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#330099;">“I heard my name as the trophy was hoisted in my direction in the midst of this surreal scene of crazed underdog fans mixed with those disappointed at the fall of their champion, I reached for the trophy feeling both like a hero and a villain. </span></div> <br /> <br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#330099;">“I was being anointed by a world obsessed with putting people on a pedestal. And when a man receives it, he receives, unbeknownst to him, the public exposition that comes from the inevitable great fall. <br /></span></div> <br /> <br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#330099;">“We live and perform on a stage before a sick voyeuristic media, of hidden faces hiding in the shadow of each tragic demise. <br /></span></div> <br /> <br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#330099;">“…no man was made for a pedestal. That spot had been reserved before the beginning of time for one. No man can carry the glory, nor is he supposed to. All champions fall when talent fails to hold up under the pressure or when age or death prevails in this mortal state. But when it happens, early or late, another is anointed and the cycle proceeds. <br /></span></div> <br /> <br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#330099;">“When you walk in your purpose, a trophy pales in comparison to the fruit of your wake.” – David Cook – Seven Days in Utopia </span> <br /></div> <br /> <br /><div align="left">Jesus is far more than just a SUPERHERO. <br /></div> <br /> <br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>One Solitary Life –</strong> <br />He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. <br />He grew up in still another village, where He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty… <br />Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a house. He didn’t go to college. <br />He never visited a big city, He never traveled two hundred miles from the place where He was born. He did none of the things one usually associates with greatness. <br />He had no credentials but Himself. He was only thirty-three when the tide of public opinion turned against Him. His friends ran away. He was turned over to His enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. <br />He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While He was dying, His executioners gambled for His clothing, the only property He had on earth. <br />When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend. <br />Twenty centuries have come and gone, and today He is the central figure of the human race and the leader of mankind’s progress. <br />All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man on this earth as much as that ONE SOLITARY LIFE. - author unknown <br /></span></div> <br /> <br /><div align="left">Jesus is God who became man, lived and died to pay for our sins, that we might live through Him. <br />He is Lord, Savior, King, role model and so much more. <br /></div> <br /> <br /><div align="left">He wants to be your SUPERHERO, save you from the eternal consequences of your sins and give you eternal life in a perfect world free of sin and suffering! <br /></div> <br /> <br /><div align="left">Believe – Repent – Confess – Be immersed – Live for Jesus. <br /> <br /><div style="WIDTH: 679px; HEIGHT: 85px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"> <br /> <br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"> <br /> <br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div> <br /> <br /><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div></div> <br /> <br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script> <br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-7486968750037087139?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-7677968100045657982011-08-17T08:23:00.000-07:002011-08-17T08:27:12.805-07:00<strong>Bigotry is Blind</strong> <br />This week’s thought is taken from part of lesson 056 which is found in “Getting To Know Jesus” – Volume 05. To follow along in your Bible, our Scripture text is found in: <em>Matthew 9:32-34</em>. <br /> <br />32 While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. 33 And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” <br />34 But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.” <br /> <br />It has been said that you should never talk about religion and politics. A large part of the reason for that is that most people are unwilling to be open-minded. Instead, they attack the other person’s viewpoint – actually, they often attack the other person with words of hatred, blind bigotry and fierce opposition. Occasionally, those words lead to physical conflict and someone gets physically hurt. <br /> <br />Even Jesus was subject to such bigotry. Here, the Pharisees, who are so opposed to Him that they will not say anything good about Him, try to deny His goodness and make a false accusation in hopes of getting others to hate Him instead of follow the Son of God. In their fear that Jesus is disturbing their status quo, they go on the attack. In their sin and selfishness, they say things about Jesus that are untrue and that they cannot prove. They don’t care whether it is true or not, but only that they discredit the miracle worker. <br /> <br />What kind of person are you? Do you say hateful things about others without considering whether your words are true of fair? Or do you consider what you are about to say and modify your comments to be respectful, truthful and reflective of Christ in your life? <br /> <br />We can disagree with another person’s views and express our differences in love. We don’t have to attack, say false and hateful things. To do so is not what Jesus would do. <br /> <br />Don’t be like the Pharisees. Don’t allow bigotry blind you from being loving, respectful and truthful in what you say about others with whom you disagree. <br /> <br />If you must speak against a person’s viewpoint, be honest, Christ-like, loving and fair in expressing your differences. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><div style="WIDTH: 681px; HEIGHT: 97px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"> <br /> <br /> <br /><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <br /> <br /> <br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"> <br /> <br /> <br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div> <br /> <br /> <br /><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div> <br /> <br /> <br /><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script> <br /> <br /> <br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-767796810004565798?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-25444077658866698612011-08-04T12:25:00.000-07:002011-08-04T12:28:41.178-07:00<strong>The Childless Will Have a Child! - 004<br />Being God’s Man – Faith in the Tuff Times<br /></strong><br />Most people look forward to having a baby. If my wife is expecting, I’m calling Abraham to try to find out what to do next! She’ll be calling Sarah or Elizabeth! Actually, we’re content to be grandparents! Are you childless and wanting to have one? Being childless can be a source of great longing. Do you know a married couple that wants to have a child of their own and has not been able to? Do you have faith that God can do the impossible, even in your life? We are in <em>Luke 1:5-25</em>.<br /><br /><strong>1. Live a Righteous Life</strong> – <em>Luke 1:5-6</em><br />Herod “the Great,” is another man with a big ego. Just because you call yourself some sort of title doesn’t mean you measure up! He is a powerful, ruthless, ungodly and murdering ruler! It is a sad day when a leader is not humble, but flaunts his power!<br /><br />Zechariah &amp; Elizabeth are righteous followers of God who have no children. Good people. Sometimes bad things happen to good people! Zechariah is a priest (one who is still serious about serving God). Not all priests are hypocrites! This is a statement of the importance of maintaining your integrity.<br />To be truly pleasing to God, we must do what is right by God’s standards, not by our own. We can’t make up our own rules as we go along without reaping painful consequences for our choices. Having faith in tough time’s means trusting that by doing what is right, we will reap God’s rewards, not the world’s consequences for wrong behavior.<br /><br /><strong>2. Continue Your Daily Responsibilities</strong> – <em>Luke 1:8-10</em><br />Zechariah is praying in the temple for all of the people, which is a rare opportunity. Since each priest took turns doing this, once per year, it is possible that this was the only time he ever did this. He enters the Holy of Holies to make intercession for the people, and while performing his duties, an angel comes to tell him that he is going to be a father. (Interlude) Jews are expecting the Messiah. Signs of the times tell them it is near! Don’t stop living because some “sign” of the future is evident.<br /><br />We don’t have to break routine or do something special to get God’s attention. God is not manipulated by religious behavior or actions. If we are walking in faith, we can proceed with our daily duties and know that God will accomplish His plans for our life. Just make sure what you are doing is in agreement with what the Bible teaches and you will have God’s blessing.<br /><br /><strong>3. Pray Concerning Your Situation</strong> – <em>Luke 1:11-17</em><br />We gather by the nature of the conversation that Zechariah and Elizabeth are still praying for a child. Because of their prayers and faith, they are told that they going to have a baby boy! He will be healthy, grow to be a man who will be faithful in serving God! Don’t stop praying until God answers your prayer! Many babies die, but Zechariah is assured that his baby is going to live to adult hood and do something great for God. People are proud to claim a son, daughter, brother, sister or relative who is in ministry!<br /><br />How would you feel if you and your spouse were childless and had almost given up on having a child and you got news like that? The angel gives Zechariah some strong instructions about the upbringing of this child! All parents should have some serious instructions (possible restrictions) in the upbringing of their children! It is no secret what God can do for those who are truly seeking to follow Him and trusting in His guidance and provision.<br /><br /><strong>4. Don’t Doubt God</strong> – <em>Luke 1:18-23</em><br />Zechariah doesn’t disbelieve the angel’s message, but he does seek a “sign” as proof that this is from God. He is introduced to the meaning of speechless! Gabriel Calling! Gabriel means “God’s Power.” This is only the start of God manifesting His power among men. We will see another example of that power in the next lesson! Don’t challenge God’s authority. HE WILL WIN!<br /><br />Meanwhile, the crowd is waiting for a “final blessing” and wonders why Zechariah is taking so long. Don’t leave without your blessing or you won’t be blessed! Sometimes God may be slow according to our wishes and we may think we have been waiting forever, but Like Zechariah and Elizabeth, we never want to doubt God or give up on what we sincerely and Scripturally believe that He is going to do. God is constantly looking for and testing His servants to see who is faithful, trusting and ready to serve Him.<br /><br /><strong>5. Praise God for the Results</strong> – <em>Luke 1:24-25</em><br />When Zechariah finally exits the Temple, the people perceive that something extraordinary has happened to him while he was in there. Now, for them to hear what has happened is more important than leaving! What’s Elizabeth going to think when Zechariah gets home? She can talk all she wants and he can’t interrupt! It’s going to get very interesting as her pregnancy starts to show.<br /><br />God has given you special talents and abilities. He also has a job tailored just for you and will bless you as you do it. There may be testing or disciplining to prepare you for the job, but as you truly believe in and trust God, you are going to have more opportunity to praise Him for His faithfulness and blessings than you will have time to do it. God likes to reward those who are sincerely faithful to Him.<br /><br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 681px; HEIGHT: 103px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><br /><br /><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><br /><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><br /><br /><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><br /><br /><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-2544407765886669861?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-80245634636113040422011-07-29T08:45:00.000-07:002011-07-29T08:52:05.251-07:00Introducing the Bible Text – 003<br /><strong>Being God’s Man – Know Your Style</strong><br />Have you ever told a story that you had to introduce before you could actually tell it? Did you need to set the stage? Good News always brings excitement. What is the most recent good news that you have heard? What is the best news that you have ever heard?<br />If you were to write a title for your life, what would you like for it to be? How would you like to be remembered after you are gone? Have you studied your family tree to learn about where your ancestors came from?<br /><br />In this lesson, we are going to observe how each writer begins his Gospel. Each has his own style of writing and unique audience. Knowing your style will be helpful to you as you seek to tell others about Jesus.<br /><br /><strong>Mark’s Title – name given to a literary work. – </strong><em>Mark 1:1</em><br />It is the title to the story about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ! Mark’s Gospel is addressed TO THE ROMANS! Even though Jesus was with God the Father in the act of creation, His life on this earth has a beginning. Gospel comes from the Greek word, “Euanggellion.” It means “Good News”. Jesus is the good news about God reaching down to establish an eternal relationship with man! Is there any greater news than being set free from our sins? Mark is the only writer to use the word “Gospel” in his book.<br /><br />“Jesus” is Greek for “Joshua” which means, “God is salvation.” Christ is Greek for “anointed one” (the Hebrew word is Messiah)! Romans understand “gods” as beings of power so Mark focuses on the power of Jesus as God the man. JESUS IS THE POWER! Mark takes the Roman’s quest for power and presents Jesus as the ultimate solution. We can likewise take the power of the Gospel to change the lives of others so they can find that power in their lives as well.<br /><br />We can use Mark’s style to reach those around us who are seeking real power in their life. You can also develop that power in your life as you go through “GETTING TO KNOW JESUS.” You will become better equipped to handle the trials and challenges that we all face and you exercise the strength God has given you to deal with those situations.<br /><br /><strong>Luke’s Preface – An introductory statement to start the story.</strong> – <em>Luke 1:1-4</em><br />Luke employs the style of contemporary historical and technical writers. Luke acknowledges that he is not the first or only person to write about Jesus. He simply sets out to tell the accurate and true story. Luke seeks to inform THE GENTILES! Luke writes to “most excellent Theophilus” which means, “God lover.” This could be a person or anyone who loves God! “Most excellent” recognizes the person as one worthy of honor! Are you a “Theophilus?”<br /><br />Luke seeks to give his readers a researched and thorough accounting of what Jesus did and taught. By “GETTING TO KNOW JESUS” you are developing an accurate understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus so that you can tell others. Those who love god will love Jesus and are honored!<br /><br /><strong>John’s Prologue – preliminary action foreshadowing a greater event. The Prologue sets the stage so that he can tell you the real story!</strong> – <em>John 1:1-18</em><br />John’s prologue is more of a theological statement than an introduction. A prologue is an introduction foreshadowing a greater event! John’s Prologue is comprised of three parts which are divided by statements about John the Baptist. John seeks to reach THE LOST! Before time existed, Jesus is! He is the Logos means WORD of God. JESUS IS THE WORD OF GOD! He is present before creation. He is cause, not effect. Jesus is the SON means He is the light who has come to change men’s lives! He changes men’s lives for the better!<br /><br />John the Baptist is mentioned as an immediate forerunner to proclaim the coming of the Messiah! Jesus gives us the REAL POWER to become sons of God!<br /><br />The oppression of the church will fail, but Christ’s Church shall prevail! We are born as children of God when we accept Jesus as God’s Son and our Lord and Savior! God, God’s WORD – Jesus has come and lived among us! We are recipients of God’s grace, first by Moses, but far more so by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ!<br /><br /><strong>Matthew’s Genealogy – chart or recorded history of descendents.</strong> – <em>Matthew 1:1-17</em><br />Jesus has a very important genealogy! Matthew writes to prove Jesus as Messiah TO THE JEWS! Matthew and Luke give the genealogy of Jesus. Matthew follows the legal lineage via Joseph. This will show that Jesus is a true descendant from David. Luke follows the physical lineage of Jesus through Mary. He traces it all the way back to Abraham and Adam. (We are all connected to Jesus.) Matthew mentions Tamar (who prostituted herself with her father-in-law), Rahab (a prostitute and foreigner), Ruth (a foreigner) and Bathsheba (with whom David had an adulterous affair). God can accomplish His divine will even out of man’s fallen state! Matthew shows 3 sets of 14 generations. Jesus’ lineage is an important step in proving that He is the Messiah! It proves He is a descendant of David and Abraham as prophesied.<br /><br />In similar manner, your genealogy is an important part of your identity. The most important part of your genealogy is whether or not you are a part of the family of God. “GETTING TO KNOW JESUS” will help you grow as a member of God’s family.<br /><br /><strong>CONCLUSION</strong><br />We are only getting started in our adventure of “Getting To Know Jesus”!<br /><br />This is only a commentary on the one of the lessons from the Getting To Know Jesus Bible Study Series. To get the full lesson, including the Bible text, commentary and discussion questions, go to <a href="http://www.gettingtoknowjesus.org/">http://www.gettingtoknowjesus.org/</a> and order Getting To Know Jesus - Volume 01<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 679px; HEIGHT: 160px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><br /><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-8024563463611304042?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-57852490815243513182011-07-15T09:42:00.000-07:002011-07-15T09:48:25.683-07:00<strong>Four Writers – One Story 002<br />Being God’s Man – Finding Your Audience<br /></strong>Everybody has a different way of telling the same story. Because of our different personalities, we approach the same event from a different viewpoint. Police question many witnesses to try to piece together the truth from their combined stories. Likewise, God chose to have four different authors write about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. In so doing, He gave us four views who Christian leaders have considered to be authentic and reliable. (There are other writers, but their stories do not carry the divine signature. Indeed, some of them are heretics in their writings!)<br /><br />By learning about each author and his background, we can better understand what he writes, why he writes and make better application of it to our lives. We can also understand how God can use us even though we aren’t like someone else that we look up to. So let’s look at the authors of the four Gospels and see how we can learn more about Jesus’ life from what they wrote. Why did they write the way they did?<br /><br />None of the four Gospels identify their authors. John doesn’t even mention his name in his Gospel. However, tradition and history have accepted that these words were penned by the men we currently attribute them to and there is insufficient, if any, evidence to say otherwise.<br /><br /><strong>Matthew reminds me that GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES! </strong><br />Matthew was a tax collector prior to becoming a disciple and later being chosen by Jesus to be an Apostle. He was a Jew who wrote to persuade the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah that had been prophesied in the Old Testament. He will understand the Jewish people and how they think. He will use that knowledge to persuade them that Jesus is the promised Messiah.<br /><br />Matthew’s gospel approaches the life and teachings of Jesus Christ topically, more than chronologically. It is like a topical study with seven divisions that was written to the Jews proclaiming Jesus is Messiah! He specializes in showing how Jesus fulfilled all of the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. Matthew likes to focus on what Jesus said and taught and is the most quoted of the writers. We find many of the parables.<br /><br />Matthew is proclaiming that Jesus is the one promised by God who redeems Israel (and all mankind) from their sins! GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES!<br /><br /><strong>Mark Tells Us That JESUS IS A GOD WHO BECAME MAN!</strong><br />Mark is believed to be John Mark who had accompanied Paul for a season. His gospel reflects the style and personality of Peter and most scholars believe that he got his information and inspiration from Peter.<br /><br />Romans like power and Mark shows Jesus as a powerful force! Mark’s Gospel was written to the Romans and shows rapidity of action, vividness of detail and picturesque description – Action and Power! Mark’s gospel reads like an action adventure. He rapidly goes from one event to another with no transitions. Jesus is the Son of God!<br /><br />Mark is less concerned with chronological order and focuses more on what Jesus did! He establishes the power of Jesus as the Son of God. A little extra attention is given to Jesus’ miracles. He also explains many of the Jewish customs that his Roman audience does not understand.<br /><br />Jesus is a God who became a man! GOD HAS LIVED AMONG US!<br /><br /><strong>Luke declares that JESUS IS A MAN WHO IS GOD!</strong><br />Luke gives us a Biography written to the Gentiles and declaring Jesus is a man who was God! Luke is a medical doctor who was Paul’s personal physician. Although he will get much of his information from Paul, his medical background leads him to search diligently to ascertain the history of His Story!<br />Gentiles like knowledge and intellectualism. Luke shows them that this man, Jesus, is God who is living among us. His humanity and power will satisfy the curiosity and interests of the Greeks, who like to consider themselves as intellectuals. Luke gives more focus on His life and His miracles. He gives more detail on birth and only account of childhood. He and Matthew give the genealogy of Jesus. Matthew goes from Abraham to Mary. Luke traces it from Joseph to Adam.<br /><br />Jesus is a man who is also God! He works mighty miracles over man and nature! AS SUCH, HE HAS MODELED HOW GOD WOULD LIVE IF HE WERE A MAN (HOW WE SHOULD LIVE TO PLEASE GOD)!<br /><br /><strong>John declares that JESUS IS OUR LORD AND SAVIOR!</strong><br />John, along with his brother, James, were known as “Sons of Thunder.” He was one of the youngest of the Apostles. He didn’t write his Gospel until almost 100 years after Jesus’ birth. John focuses is on who Jesus is and what He did! Mentions “love,” six “I AM’s.” John only covers three weeks of Jesus’ life, but he covers every event on each day of those weeks. He seeks to show Jesus as the only one through which we can be forgiven of our sins.<br /><br />Jesus is our Lord and Savior! BELIEVE IN JESUS AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR!<br /><br />The Gospels give us four authors, four audiences and four styles, but one story. In similar manner, God has given you your particular talents and interests and circle of influence. Your job is not to do my job or do what I do the way I do it. Your job is to use your gifts and abilities to witness to those who are in your circle of influence.<br /><br />Throughout this life, all that matters is Getting To Know Jesus! We are here to walk with you on a journey through His life and teachings. We look forward to being with you next week. Meanwhile, God Bless and have a great week.<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 679px; HEIGHT: 164px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><br /><br /><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><br /><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><br /><br /><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><br /><br /><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-5785249081524351318?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-4246882366266606632011-07-08T13:51:00.000-07:002011-07-08T13:55:01.306-07:00Getting To Know Jesus - Volume 04<br />Jesus Teaches by Private Explanation - 052<br />How to Weather the Storms of Life<br /><br />When is the last time that you cried out for help? Was it a situation at home, work, or out in the community? Was it a health crisis, accident situation, bad news regarding a job, income or financial crisis? Did you get bad news about a spouse, parent or child, relative or close friend?<br />What do you do when you find yourself in a crisis? Do you loose strength and cry out as one who is totally helpless? Do you toughen up and look to see what you have to do to fight this crisis? Or did you combine the two responses?<br /><br />In <em>Matthew 8:18, 23-27; Mark 4:35-41 and Luke 8:22-25</em>, Jesus and the Apostles take a boat ride. This ride turns into quite a life-threatening event. Let’s see what Jesus has to teach us about it.<br /><br /><strong>Life Will Encounter Severe Storms</strong> – <em>Matthew 8:18, 23-24; Mark 4:35-37; Luke 8:22-23 </em><br />Jesus and the Apostles are crossing the lake to get to the other side. Jesus may be using this to get a break from the crowd, as well as do some ministry on the east side of the Sea of Galilee. On the way across the lake, they get caught in one of the storms that the sea is known for. These storms come out of the north with very strong winds and churn up the waves to the point of threatening their safety.<br /><br />There are going to be times in each of our lives when we will encounter a crisis. It may be a marriage problem or a health issue. It could be an accident or a conflict at work or outside the home. The crisis may be related to a hurricane, tornado, earthquake or some other weather related event. To some, it may seem small, but to you, it is a major situation. Regardless of what your “storm” is, life is about dealing with the storms that come and learning how to survive them!<br /><br /><strong>Jesus is Our Source of Security</strong> – <em>Matthew 8:25-26; Mark 4:38-39; Luke 8:24-25a</em><br />When the storm increases, even the fisherman who are very familiar with the Sea of Galilee become alarmed and afraid. The other Apostles are looking to Peter, Andrew, James and John, trusting that they know how to deal with this. When they become alarmed, that is reason for the others to become alarmed more so!<br /><br />Jesus isn’t bothered by the storm. In fact, He’s asleep in the back of the boat as though there is nothing to worry about. This doesn’t make sense to them so they go and put their dilemma on His shoulders. They look to Him to protect them from the threat of drowning.<br /><br />When the Apostles wake Him, He first rebukes them for being fearful. He knows that this storm is nothing to worry about because He knows the power and will of God. Jesus knows that God will protect Him and them because they have a greater purpose on earth.<br /><br />When we encounter a trial, storm, difficulty in our lives, God desires for us to bring it to Him and look to Him for protection, deliverance, healing or what ever is necessary to resolve the situation. Indeed, God allows us to go through trials to cause us to look to Him for help, guidance, safety, security and to help us grow as believers.<br /><br /><strong>Responding To God’s Power</strong> – <em>Matthew 8:27; Mark 4:40-41; Luke 8:25b </em><br />When the Apostles see how easily and calmly Jesus stills the storm and calms the waves, they are utterly amazed. They have seen Him do many different kinds of miracles, but this is the first time they have seen Him exercise power over nature. This will only cause them to recognize that He has power over nature as well as over the diseases and handicaps of people.<br /><br />Do you remember to thank God for the things He has safely seen you through? Do you ever think to praise Him for protecting you from so much that you never know about? Do you look for and notice the displays of God’s power that are constantly all around us?<br /><br /><strong>CONCLUSION</strong><br />I find it breathtaking to look at the storm and praise God’s wonderful power. The magnificence of the storms with the peace of His presence in a crisis and the assurance of His salvation, all come together to give me more reason to want to praise Him.<br /><br />Next week, Jesus is going to meet a man who is possessed with many demons. There is going to be a confrontation and those demons are going to make pigs of themselves! Join us as we learn how to deal with demons and do some more “Getting To Know Jesus”!<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 677px; HEIGHT: 128px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><br /><br /><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-424688236626660663?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-15637629200117184732011-06-01T11:36:00.000-07:002011-06-01T11:41:32.223-07:00Jesus Responds to His Accusers - 048<br /><strong>How Not to Make Friends<br />(Stand Your Ground)</strong><br />In 1936, Dale Carnegie wrote a book on “How to Win Friends and Influence People”. It has been a best seller ever since and never surpassed in its truths and wisdom. His insights are universal and it is a book that should be read by everyone.<br /><br />However, there are times when winning others to your viewpoint is fruitless. There are some people whose hatred for you and what you believe is so severe that the only solution is to confront and expose them with their attitudes. Trying to win them is a waste of energy.<br /><br />In <em>Matthew 12:34-50; Mark 3:31-35</em> and <em>Luke 8:19-21</em>, Jesus continues His comments on the Pharisees. He is not going to make any friends in this discourse! But again, it is not His fault that they are so opposed to Him as to be unwilling to consider whether His claims are true. Can you believe that there are actually some people who will reject Jesus, even to His face? How do we handle people like that today?<br /><br /><strong>Expose Their Hypocrisy</strong> – <em>Matthew 12:34-37</em><br />Jesus realizes that the Pharisees, in general, feel threatened by Him. They like having power over the people, and Jesus is undermining that power. Instead of embracing Him, they have chosen to hate and oppose Him. In less than two years, they will be key figures in crucifying Him.<br />Since He knows that He will not win them (with the exception of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea) His only alternative is to expose them for the hypocrites that they are. They accused Him of being a demon. Now He tells them that they will be judged by their own words! You cannot always allow your opponents to continue unopposed!<br /><br />Jesus doesn’t address their attitude towards Him, but instead exposes their double standard, especially in their relationship to God. There will be times when we will have to expose the hypocrisy of those who are opposed to our message. Don’t back down from your faith in God!<br /><br /><strong>Warn Them of the Consequences of Denial</strong> – <em>Matthew 12:38-45</em><br />The Pharisees ask Jesus for a sign with the suggestion that they will believe Him if they get what they want. Jesus replies that they have already had many signs and still don’t believe. They want to deny rather than accept the truth. Jesus claims that foreigners are more open to the truths of God than they are. When the church is established, gentiles will be as open, if not more so, to the Gospel than the Jews.<br /><br />When we become opposed to someone or something, it is much harder to listen and consider their views. The Pharisees are unwilling to even consider Jesus’ claims or recognize the signs that He has already given. They are adamant in their opposition to Him and His teachings. If they don’t accept what they have already seen, they will not accept more if they were to see it.<br /><br /><strong>Remember Who Our Real Friends Are</strong> – <em>Matthew 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21</em><br />Again, Jesus’ family comes to speak to Him. Earlier, they were concerned about Him being so busy helping other people that they thought He wasn’t in control of Himself. The suggestion is that they thought He was mentally unstable. This time, they aren’t trying to “take charge of Him”, but they would like to talk. I wonder what they have to say!<br /><br />Jesus responds that His true family consists of those who follow God’s will. They will want to believe in Him and follow His teachings. That includes you and me and would exclude any “family” members who don’t choose to believe that He is God’s Son, our Lord and Savior.<br /><br />There may be situations where your family isn’t nearby or they don’t share your values. In that case, your “family” becomes those who do share your values, activities, and proximity. That doesn’t mean you don’t have contact with real family members but that we recognize those closest to us as those who will be there for us if a crisis occurs.<br /><br />What kind of a friend are you? Do you care about others? Do you do things to help others around you when they have needs? A good way to make friends is to be a friend. Your church is most likely your closest circle of friends. Consider how you can build this circle of friends by inviting others to come to Jesus and join your circle of fellowship.<br /><br /><strong>CONCLUSION</strong><br />When you are witnessing to others about Jesus, be courteous, respectful and polite. If they reject your witness, then let them go into the hands of God. It is not your job to make them believe, but to try to persuade them to investigate and accept Jesus for themselves.<br /><br />Next week, Jesus is going to teach us something about gardening. It is a parable that has some very strong lessons for you and me to live by. Join us and we will do some more “Getting To Know Jesus”!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 672px; HEIGHT: 221px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-1563762920011718473?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-51916770983602688032011-05-10T12:27:00.000-07:002011-05-10T12:39:29.116-07:00<strong>Jesus Eulogizes John the Baptist - 045</strong><br />(The following lesson is based on Getting To Know Jesus lesson 045 in Getting To Know Jesus - Volume 04)<br /><br /><strong>How to Treat Others</strong><br />I recently celebrated my sixtieth birthday. Knowing Sylvia’s pendant to celebrate such events, especially “milestones” with some flare, I asked for a birthday party in lieu of anything else. What I got was about 120 friends gathering together to celebrate my birthday. I have never had a party like that thrown for me.<br /><br />Included in the event was a dinner with lots of good food. We all laughed. They also presented a photo collage on PowerPoint that gave a brief overview of my life.<br /><br />One of the things realized was that this was a celebration of my life and what I meant to others before I died. Funerals are somewhat similar, except the person had died.<br /><br />Jesus had just been questioned by some of John the Baptist’s followers who were inquiring for John about whether Jesus was the Messiah. After answering their question, Jesus takes the opportunity to say a few things about John the Baptist. Even in this event, there are lessons for us!<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Challenge Errant Thinking – <em>Matthew 11:7-10; Luke 7:24-27</em></strong><br />Jesus begins by expressing the Jewish contemporary opinion of John. He does not do it as a put down, but merely a neutral observation. He reiterates what the most people were expecting of John. Then He presents the truth.<br /><br /><strong>Be careful what you SAY</strong><br />Even Christians get involved in errant rhetoric. Political bashing, criticizing of other Christians or Christian organizations, etc. is not constructive to our Christian witness.<br /><br /><strong>Seek to REASON, not ARGUE</strong><br />We can’t reach those who are engaged in sexual immorality, drug addicts, or people who condone sinful activities if we just all out attack them. We must show them that we understand what they are thinking, explain where that thinking comes from and then point out its fallacies.<br /><br /><strong>Speak the TRUTH in LOVE</strong><br />We do want to be able to explain God’s way in a manner that the other person will understand and not feel like they are being attacked.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Speak Well of Others – <em>Matthew 11:11-15; Luke 7:28-30</em></strong><br />Jesus goes on to tell the people that there has never been a spokesman for God as great as John the Baptist. When you think of men like Abraham, David, Isaiah, Elijah, Elisha and Jeremiah, that is quite a statement.<br /><br /><strong>Don’t put OTHER people DOWN</strong><br />When I hear someone putting someone else down, my nature is to think less of the one talking than of the one they are talking about. We don’t build ourselves up by putting others down, but by speaking about the good in other people’s lives.<br /><br /><strong>Find the GOOD in other people and COMMEND them for it</strong><br />Mom said, “If you have nothing good to say, say nothing.” Will Rogers said that he never met a man he didn’t like. We need to look for the good in others and speak that good to them and about them. That will make other think good of us also.<br /><br /><strong>Don’t Reject God’s Anointed – <em>Matthew 11:16-19; Luke 7:31-35</em></strong><br />Jesus reflects on how some Jews are trying to Him into a mold that He doesn’t fit. Rather than seeing who He is in God, they are trying to tell Him whom He can or cannot be.<br /><br /><strong>Don’t criticize other CHRISTIANS</strong><br />It is a dangerous thing when we start to criticize other Christians just because they believe or worship different. There are so many people going to hell who need the clear message of salvation that we don’t have time to waste criticizing how others do it. If they are doing something that is not Scriptural, go to them in private. Don’t talk behind their back.<br /><br /><strong>The law by which you JUDGE is the law by which you will be JUDGED</strong><br />It is likewise unwise to criticize another person for how they are doing their job, managing their money, treating their spouse or raising their children just because you don’t like how they are doing it.<br /><br /><strong>CONCLUSION</strong><br />What you say about others will come back to what others say about you and how they treat you! Remember the Golden Rule? Are you someone who is often talking about others in an uncomplimentary way or are you someone who always defends the underdog and builds other people up?<br /><br />In Getting To Know Jesus - 046, we are going to get some insights on Jesus’ attitude towards women. The Women’s Lib movement needs to join us as we look into this matter.<br /><br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 680px; HEIGHT: 124px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><br /><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><br /><br /><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><br /><br /><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-5191677098360268803?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-16360045087427890312011-04-05T12:50:00.000-07:002011-04-05T12:57:11.000-07:00<strong>Muslim Extremism and Bullying Exposed. </strong>While I believe that Pastor Terry Jones used bad judgment in burning the Quran recently, I am even more appalled at the reaction of the Muslims. Jones, in his symbolic defining of the Quran as a book that advocates anti-Christian beliefs, succeeded in exposing the evil of the Muslim religion. Why are the Muslims rioting and killing innocent people? Why aren’t the Muslim leaders condemning that behavior? Christianity has never condoned the outright murder of non-Christians. We don’t force people to become Christians, but instead, through love and gentle persuasion, we offer others an opportunity to find the forgiveness of sin, hope and eternal life that we have. The Muslim Quran teaches that Christians and Jews are infidels who should be killed. They carry out all kinds of executions and suicide bombings to intimidate people into allowing them to have their way. Somewhat like the ACLU, they use threats and terrorism to push their agenda on others. That is nothing but bullying. Why aren’t the Muslim leaders condemning Muslims for killing the UN workers and other Christians? Why don’t the Muslims condemn the burning of the Holy Bibles that were taken to Iran by United States soldiers for their personal use? They want us to play by their rules, but they have no respect for our rules, our freedom or even our religion. Pastor Jones did not kill any Muslims. He did not advocate the killing of Muslims. He only expressed his displeasure with the teachings of the Quran by burning one copy of the book. Muslims, in turn have murdered a dozen UN workers and thousands of Christians, and have rioted and demonstrated in an attempt to bully the rest of the world into complying to Muslim Law. Muslims do not control the world or dictate law for the rest of the world. Jesus Christ is King and He dictates law for all regardless of race or place. All of the kingdoms and nations of the earth will never have more power, territory or outreach than Jesus Christ and is Kingdom, the Church. No government will last as long as the Church has lasted. In the United States, you can be a Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, atheist or any religion in the United States (a Christian nation), but you can’t be a Christian in a Muslim country. If Muslims want the right to their views, it is only logical that they must also allow and respect our views. God Bless America! <br /><div style="WIDTH: 680px; HEIGHT: 112px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><br /><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><br /><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><br /><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-1636004508742789031?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-59220261967599487992011-02-11T12:18:00.000-08:002011-02-11T12:20:20.052-08:00<strong>Welcome Home</strong><br /><br />The son thought he knew more than dad so he insisted on getting his share of the inheritance and leaving home so he wouldn’t have to listen to or obey his father any more. Off he went, far from home, far from his father’s wisdom and instruction. He spent his money like it was a never-ending supply. He had wild parties with immoral girls and other friends. He did what he thought would make him happy, until the money ran out.<br /><br />This sounds like too many of our young people for ages. Most teenagers develop a time when they don’t want to be under their parent’s control any more. Some stick it out until college, career and marriage takes them away. However, too many simply rebel and get into doing drugs, having sex outside of marriage or sneaking out at night, etc. The worst part of it all is what they do to themselves in their quest for independence.<br /><br />When the money ran out, so did his friends. Hunger can drive a man to do a lot that he would not consider doing otherwise. This young man took a job doing something that would have been absolutely detestable at home. He fed the pigs. After a short period of this unpleasant living, the son realizes that dad was a whole lot smarter than he thought.<br /><br />Sooner or later, the rebellious teenager or young adults learn that dad was a whole lot smarter than they thought he was. It is amazing how much fathers learn between the time that their sons turn 18 to the time they turn 25. Some return to their parents and seek forgiveness and restoration. Others self-destruct or let their pride and pain keep them from reestablishing their relationship with their parents.<br /><br />The young man in our story decided that he needs to return home, ask forgiveness and get a job working for his father. When dad sees him coming, he runs with excitement, greets his dirty son with ragged clothes. The father has some really nice clothes brought to his son and prepares a feast. He is so glad to have his son back that he wants to celebrate. Even though the son admits he isn’t worthy, that doesn’t matter to the father. He is simply glad to know his son is alive, safe and back home.<br /><br />That is how God is with us. When we rebelled and thought we knew more than He does, He allowed us the freedom to leave His provision and caring instruction and strike out on our own. When we got full of the devil and realized that it wasn’t what the world made it out to be, our father was waiting to welcome us back home.<br /><br />God loves you too much to leave you in your sin. No matter what you have done in the past, He will forgive you if you come to Him, confess your sins and acknowledge that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you so you could be forgiven. If you will come to faith in Jesus, God will wrap His heavenly arms around you, love you and celebrate that you are now back in fellowship with Him.<br /><br />Those of you who know your Bibles will recognize the story of the Prodigal Son in <em>Luke 15:11-24</em>. Just remember how excited God was when you chose Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Share God’s love and excitement with someone else. They are looking for Jesus’ love also.<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 683px; HEIGHT: 113px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-5922026196759948799?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-66825001248724465882011-02-09T07:27:00.000-08:002011-02-09T07:34:36.143-08:00<strong>Admitting I Was Wrong</strong><br /><br />In <em>Luke 18:9-14</em>, Jesus talks about the Pharisee and the publican (tax collector) praying. The Pharisee was so self-righteous that he could not see his own sin. He arrogantly compared himself to a tax collector as though he was better than the other guy. I have observed that when we compare ourselves to others, it is either with an attitude or pride (I’m not like that person) or pity (I wish I could be like that person). Either way is wrong and hinders us from being who we are in Christ.<br /><br />The tax collector knew that he has been dishonest in many of his dealings. Without comparing himself to anyone but God’s standards (Jesus Christ), he comes to God and begs for mercy and forgiveness. He knows how he has behaved in the past and he knows what many people think of him. He knows that he has not lived perfectly by God’s standards and that he is in need of forgiveness. His heart is humble and sincere before God.<br /><br />Before we can be forgiven of anything, we must admit what it is that we need to be forgiven of. Saying, “Forgive me of my sins” without taking a personal assessment to identify those particular sins is not as life changing and effective as asking forgiveness for … and naming the exact behavior. Until we admit what we have done wrong, we are not going to identify the temptation that lead to that wrong and change our behavior.<br /><br />Until we see and acknowledge what we are doing, we will not make any effort to change it. We will be like the Pharisee instead of the tax collector. When we identify a specific wrong behavior, then we can look at the temptation that triggered that behavior and make an effort to change how we handle that temptation in the future.<br /><br />Once you become adept at recognizing the temptations in your life, you will become skilled at resisting those temptations. By so doing, you will become more like Christ. That is the power that Jesus give you – the power to resist temptation and refrain from sin.<br /><br />May God guide and bless you as you seek to follow Him more perfectly. May He help you recognize temptation and turn away from it before it becomes sin.<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 680px; HEIGHT: 123px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-6682500124872446588?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-79321243405748624462011-02-08T07:46:00.000-08:002011-02-08T07:48:57.328-08:00<strong>Power of Prayer</strong><br /><br />In <em>James 5:13-16</em>, James writes about asking the elders to pray for you when in need because their prayers are powerful and effective. How much will it bless you and others if you labor to live your life in such a way that your prayers are powerful and effective? Staying close to the life and teachings of Jesus is important if we are going to be effective and an influence to those around us.<br /><br />Jesus tells us in <em>John 15:7-8</em> that God will answer our prayers if we abide in Him. Nothing is more important to your life than your walk with Jesus Christ. As we are walking in obedience to Jesus, we become more like Him. As we become more like Him, we become more effective workers, influencers, care givers to other people. We will also become more effective in our prayers.<br /><br />Paul admonishes us in <em>I Thessalonians 5:16-22</em> to pray without ceasing. Our prayers, accompanied with thanksgiving and praise will help us to walk closer to the way God has called us to walk.<br /><br />We build our faith by practicing. We build our prayer skills by praying. Exercise your prayer life and let the Power of Prayer flow through you.<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 680px; HEIGHT: 109px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-7932124340574862446?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-45389306175039055002011-02-07T08:51:00.000-08:002011-02-07T08:53:55.760-08:00<strong>Aspiring to Self Discipline</strong><br /><br />One of the most important parts of parenting is to teach your children to be self-disciplined, law-abiding adults. No one is exempt from that responsibility. Every one of us must exercise self-control over our thoughts, words and deeds.<br /><br />Even Jesus was subject to obedience and self-discipline. In order to do what God called him to do, he had to obey and exercise self-discipline. Otherwise, He would not have died for our sins. Jesus was in full control of His crucifixion and obedient to His Father in the process of going through this horrible and humiliating death.<br /><br />In <em>Hebrews 12:1-17</em>, we see the importance of obedience and self-discipline. As Jesus persevered in obeying God, the Father, even to the point of death on the cross, we are to be likewise obedient to what God has called and gifted us to do.<br /><br />As children of God, we must endure discipline, painful as it may sometimes be, so that we may become mature followers of Christ. None of us have resisted sin to the point of shedding our own blood. None of us in the United States have had to put our faith on the line at the risk of death if we are discovered. The same can’t be said for Christians in other countries, especially in Egypt.<br /><br />Discipline may be hard, but it motivates us to spend time and energy to be obedient and become mature followers of Christ. If we consider the discipline for our spiritual, mental and physical benefit then much good will come out of it. We know it is because God, our Father, loves us and wants to bring us to maturity in Christ.<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 680px; HEIGHT: 115px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-4538930617503905500?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-52528656478242745862011-02-04T08:54:00.000-08:002011-02-04T08:57:36.799-08:00<strong>Swordsmanship </strong><br /><br />In <em>Ephesians 6:17</em>, the only offensive weapon mentioned in the Christian’s armor. Two quick observations: 1) The sword (Bible) is the one weapon that we have for fighting off Satan’s temptations. All of the other armor listed is defensive armor for our protection. 2) We are not to just defend ourselves, but take our sword, go on the offensive and cut the devil to pieces. We are not to cower in the corner, but come out fighting for our very souls. We are to use our sword to teach others about following Jesus’ life and teachings.<br /><br />In <em>Hebrews 4:12-13</em>, the Hebrew writer tells us how powerful a weapon the sword of God (our Bible) is. It is able to cut the marrow out of the bone and discern between what is Godly and good versus what is evil and wrong. The Sword (Bible) is a powerful weapon in bringing discernment in how we should live to please God.<br /><br />The Bible convicted us of our sin and pointed us to God’s salvation through Jesus Christ. In like manner, we can use it to teach others God’s truths and how they can have forgiveness and new hope in Him.<br /><br />The Bible provides us with the strength, skill and discernment to recognize temptation when it comes and cut the temptation to pieces before it destroys us. As Jesus quoted Scripture when Satan tempted Him, we can quote Scripture as our defense when temptations come our way.<br /><br />Learning what the Bible teaches about living for Jesus is so important in building the skills we need to serve Him. Learning about Jesus will help us be better swordsmen when we are talking to others about what Jesus teaches. Learning about Jesus will help us recognize temptation and cut it to pieces before it destroys our relationship with Him.<br /><br />Getting To Know Jesus is a sword sharpening and swordsmanship building exercise. Getting To Know Jesus will help the disciple (you) become a mighty warrior in the army of God. Start your Getting To Know Jesus Bible Study squad and sharpen your swords together. Go to www.gettingtoknowjesus.org and get started now.<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 678px; HEIGHT: 100px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-5252865647824274586?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-21942507233434858992011-02-02T05:15:00.000-08:002011-02-02T05:26:45.587-08:00<strong>True Greatness – Position or Performance<br /><br /></strong>When I read <em>Matthew 20:20-28</em>, it occurred to me that, as James and John didn’t know what they were getting themselves into, we don’t know what the future holds for us either. Their mother had asked Jesus for them to sit on His right and left when He became the ruler. As any loving mother, she meant well, but she didn’t fully understand what Jesus is about.<br /><br />Upon hearing the request, Jesus asked James and John if they would be able to “drink the cup” that He had to drink. In other words, would they be able to handle the responsibilities of the position they were seeking. They said, “yes”, not knowing that that would entail.<br /><br />It occurred to me that when I married my wife, we had no clue what the future would hold for us. We believed it would be good, fulfilling, rewarding, meaningful, etc. We never envisioned the challenges that we have gone through this far and we have no clue on what is ahead. We have plans, but our original plans have long been modified with newer circumstances as life unfolded. Still, we made the choice to be husband and wife and we are making it work.<br /><br />In similar manner, you may plan, but God directs your steps. What you propose today may be changed by what others do around you. You didn’t plan to have that car accident, contract cancer, get into a verbal altercation with that other person, commit that ungodly act, etc. but it happened. Now you must take your current circumstances and see what you can do to honor God with your life.<br /><br />In the later part of the passage from Matthew, Jesus talks to the Apostles about which one is truly the greatest. The greatest person is not the one who holds the title or position of leadership, but the one who is most involved in serving others. We appreciate people who have done something significant for us much more than the people who we have to do something for them. WIIFM – What’s In It For Me needs to be replace with HMIHY – How May I Help You.<br /><br />If you truly love God, you will love others as God loves them. In so doing, you will use your talents and abilities to help other people in the areas where you are skilled. Because of who Jesus is in you, you will want to do your best as an act of worship to God and a testimony to what Jesus can do in your life.<br /><br />Don’t concern yourself with position, promotion or proclamation of title. It is far better to be known as one who cares about others and does his best to assist them with his talents than to have a position of prominence. Prominence can become a self-glory that neglects others. Be a Servant for Jesus.<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 678px; HEIGHT: 102px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-2194250723343485899?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-80320993837991190552011-02-01T06:26:00.000-08:002011-02-01T06:29:16.976-08:00<strong>Being Blameless<br /></strong><br />We all want to be “right”. We want to do the right thing in all situations. Even people in prison don’t want to admit that they were wrong in what they did. The downside to that is that we have all sinned and until we admit our sin we can’t repent from it and change our ways to do the right thing.<br /><br />In <em>Psalm 15:1-5</em>, David advises us how to be “right” or “blameless” in God’s eyes. That is the only place that really matters. We may justify our actions before man, but if we are not justified before God, we are still in sin.<br /><br /><strong>How do I go about being blameless?</strong><br />1. We must always speak the truth. I got my worst spanking as a child for telling a lie to my parents. That taught me that you don’t lie, regardless of anything else. Since then, there have been times that I lost a job because I did not lie. I had to confess a mistake that I made that cost me my job. Regardless of the pain of losing the job, I maintained my integrity as one who tells the truth, no matter what.<br /><br />2. We must never slander our neighbor or speak things about them that are harmful, hurtful or hateful. Talking about others and using words that criticize, put down or belittle is not pleasing to God. When we disagree with someone else’s words or views (political or religious) we should refrain from belittling them or just saying what we want without thinking whether our words are objective, respectful or merely hateful. How do we reflect Christ when berating someone with any thought that comes to our minds, true or not?<br /><br />3. A man who is blameless before God always speaks the truth and keeps his promise, even if it costs him more than he originally calculated.<br /><br />4. A blameless man will loan money to a friend in need and not charge interest.<br /><br />5. A man who is walking right before God does not accept bribes. He is not tempted by others to overlook their sin or be tempted to engage in activity that is ungodly.<br /><br />The man who does these things will be held in high esteem in the eyes of God and man.<br /><br />Do you want to be right in God’s eyes, then walk with integrity before Him.<br /><br />Do you want to improve your integrity, strengthen your life in areas where you are weak? Then start a Getting To Know Jesus Bible study. By studying every event in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, you will build a more passionate, personal and powerful relationship with Him. You will become more like Him without realizing it. You will be a stronger person who is truly blameless in the eyes of God. Learn more about Getting To Know Jesus at www.gettingtoknowjesus.org. Do it for Jesus!<br /><br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 680px; HEIGHT: 105px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-8032099383799119055?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-86474684096421258922011-01-28T04:27:00.000-08:002011-01-28T04:33:35.549-08:00<strong>Jesus Frees Us From the Demons of Our Past </strong><br /><br />I am amazed as I observe the miracles that Jesus did. There is no problem that He couldn’t cure. In <em>Luke 9:37-43</em>, Jesus heals a man’s demon-possessed son. The Apostles had failed at trying to heal him, but Jesus had no problem at all. The best part is that the son was healed immediately, completely and permanently. That is the way Jesus does things.<br /><br />If Jesus has power over demons, then keeping my life close to Jesus will help protect me from any demons slipping in. It is when we get away from Jesus that we get ourselves in trouble. Don’t let the demons get close to you. Cling to Jesus as your <strong>BIG</strong> brother and let Him protect you from those evil spirits. If you stay close to Jesus, drugs, alcohol, immorality, or any other demon will not have enough power to take you away from God and enslave you back in that evil.<br /><br />No matter what “demon” has possessed you in the past, Jesus can free you from that possession. He can free you from any past addiction, forgive you from any past wrong-behavior and give you a new opportunity to live a life that is honoring to Him. By believing in Jesus as God’s Son, your Lord and Savior, you can be freed from the guilt, shame, control of the past and walk in a new life that honors God. You can live the rest of your life serving God and loving others.<br /><br />Jesus frees us!<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 680px; HEIGHT: 116px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-8647468409642125892?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-86209835180448151542011-01-27T07:06:00.000-08:002011-01-27T07:09:58.906-08:00<strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Obama Can’t Change This Nation<br /></span></strong><br /><strong>Obama can’t change this nation in the way it needs to be changed.</strong><br />When Barak Obama was campaigning for President, he built his campaign on hope and change. By electing him, he was going to change things and make this world a better place. It is obvious, that his campaign worked. People want things to change.<br /><br />Barak Obama has been President for two years now and his “changes” have not improved anything. Unemployment is still high. We have actually gotten deeper in debt and many of the problems that he has tried to solve are still unsolved. Many of his imposed reforms have backfired on him and are creating more problems than they proposed to solve. His idealism may be good, but he can’t change what really needs to be changed in our nation.<br /><br />As much as he may want to change things, his changes are based on faulty thinking that is dangerous for our country. His recent State of the Union Address was vague and without any clear solutions to what really needs to be changed. President Obama doesn’t accept God as the ultimate authority. He has shown preference to Islam over Christianity. That creates another stack of problems. (Islam teaches murder and hatred. Christianity teaches love and caring.)<br /><br />Many citizens observe that the “changes” Barak Obama has put in place have actually hurt us more than they have helped us. Many who elected him have now turned away from supporting him and his changes. The bottom line is that he can’t change what really needs to be changed to make our lives better.<br /><br /><strong>Government can’t change this nation in the way it needs to be changed. </strong><br />While we are addressing the need to change, we have to also recognize that the government can’t change what needs to be changed either. As Bill O’Reilly cites in his book, “Who’s Looking Out For You”, the government is too busy protecting them selves. They are more concerned about getting reelected and playing politics to really care about what you need.<br /><br />The worst part to all of this is that government can’t even get itself to obey its laws. The reason is because too many people in government don’t subscribe or abide by the moral absolute that applies to all mankind. Like the citizens that they represent, they want to write their own moral code of ethics as they go instead of following the wisdom given us by God. They want to be their own gods.<br /><br />Some politicians may understand what changes are needed, but the wheels of government are very big and getting others to give up their pet projects and act in the common good is very hard to do. Add to this that several of those elected don’t subscribe to an absolute moral code of ethics and think they can decide what is right based on their own thinking instead of following a universal standard.<br /><br /><strong>Jesus Changes People From the Inside Out. </strong><br />The bottom line to this conversation is that many of our leaders have no clue about how to solve our problems. They try legislating morality, but immorality still prevails. The government is trying to change people from the outside. They pass laws under the belief that everyone will read and obey those laws. When they see people doing something wrong, they try passing a specific and detailed law to define that wrong and then wonder why people still continue to do what is wrong. The problem is that if the people don’t obey the laws already passed, they won’t obey a new law, regardless of what it says.<br /><br />This has gone on for thousands of years with the same results. Without an absolute moral standard, all of the laws in the world are meaningless. Unless there is something bigger than government that everyone understands and lives by, there will never be a society that does not have those who break the law.<br /><br />Jesus will change lawbreakers into law abiders, unproductive into productive, criminals into citizens who obey the law. When we choose to believe in Jesus as God’s Son, our Lord and Savior and the giver of all that is right and good, we change ourselves. Government becomes only a body to deal with those who do not subscribe to God’s moral standards. This is the way it should be.<br /><br />Time and time again, Jesus has brought people out of lives of crime, drugs, alcoholism, and immorality. He has empowered them to do what is right, good, moral and beneficial to society. Jesus sees the good in us, frees us from the guilt, shame and sin of our past and opens the door for us to do the right thing. When we are following Jesus, we don’t need government’s laws because we are already obeying them.<br /><br /><strong>Getting To Know Jesus will change people into becoming true followers of Jesus Christ.</strong><br />In order to change the world, we have to change the individuals from the inside out. In order to change them, we have to motivate them to want to change. By teaching others and ourselves about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, we allow Him to come into our hearts and motivate us to make the changes we need to make. That is change that will make an absolute difference in our lives.<br /><br />The government tries to force you to change under threat of punishment. Some of their changes are contrary to God’s moral absolute. Jesus changes us by loving us and persuading us from the inside out. We change because we realize His love and want Him to be the Lord of our life.<br /><br />The best way to become more like Jesus is to study His life and teachings. This will take time. It will not happen in thirteen weeks or even six months. Jesus took three years in establishing His Kingdom, the Church. Getting To Know Jesus is a complete Bible Study of every event in Jesus’ life that takes three years to complete. By making a weekly effort to focus on the next event in Jesus’ life, the individual will be drawn into a closer relationship with Jesus. We will understand how He wants us to live.<br /><br />Do you need to make some changes in your life? Study the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and let Him change what really needs to be changed in you.<br /><br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 680px; HEIGHT: 123px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-8620983518044815154?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-31569746106676805632011-01-26T04:59:00.000-08:002011-01-26T05:01:42.737-08:00<strong>What Kind of Fruit Will You Bear?</strong><br /><br />When Jesus gives the illustration about a good tree bearing good fruit and a bad tree bearing bad fruit in <em>Matthew 7:15-23</em>, there is something implied that some people might overlook. In stating that you will be known by the fruit that you bear, He shows us that we are in charge of whether we are going to be a “good tree” or a “bad tree”.<br /><br />You decide for yourself, each and every day, what kind of fruit you are going to bear. If Jesus is truly Lord of your life, then you will strive to bear good fruit in all you say and do. If you vacillate between Jesus and the world, your fruit will be damaged and reflect your duplicity. The goal is to develop such a close relationship with Jesus that your fruit will always reflect His presence in your life.<br /><br />Another significant point to remember here is that you don’t have to bear the same kind or as much fruit as the other person. Each one of us has our unique talents and abilities. My fruit is different than your fruit and my ability to bear that fruit is different than your ability. We are not to compete with each other, but to bear good fruit for Jesus in the ways He has called us to do. We are only to bear fruit according to our abilities, not according to someone else’s abilities. God n ever expects anything out of you that you are not capable of.<br /><br />If you work on loving Jesus to the best of your ability, and don’t compare yourself to others, you will bear awesome fruit in the ways that God has gifted you to do it. What kind of fruit will you bear today? Do it for Jesus!<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 680px; HEIGHT: 118px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-3156974610667680563?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-69088622784215138102011-01-24T09:31:00.000-08:002011-01-24T09:33:59.268-08:00<strong>A Word for the Wise </strong><br /><br />One of the things that I realize is important as a parent it to teach our children to be self-disciplined. We want to not just give them knowledge, but the wisdom on how to apply the knowledge that they gain and the self-discipline to apply and live by that wisdom. The goal is that they will grow up to be wise, self-disciplined adults who function well in society.<br /><br />In <em>Proverbs 1:1-7</em>, Solomon advises us that his proverbs will help us do just that. By applying them diligently to our lives, these proverbs will steer us in a way that will honor God, help us to be moral and responsible adults and give us freedom from the guilt, fear and consequences of sin.<br /><br />In <em>Ecclesiastes 12:13-14</em>, Solomon concludes that all that matters in life is to serve God and keep His commandments. If we do that, we will do well.<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 678px; HEIGHT: 113px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-6908862278421513810?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-21454847372319535132011-01-19T05:40:00.000-08:002011-01-19T05:43:45.102-08:00<strong>What Are You Doing Now?<br /></strong><br />Isn’t it interesting to look back at what you thought you wanted to be when you were younger and see where you are today? When I was a boy growing up in Kansas, I wanted to be an airplane pilot. That dream evolved into being a fighter pilot or flying stunt planes.<br /><br />When I was in high school, my father persuaded me that a hearing loss in my right ear would prevent a career in aviation so I took an interest in sports cars and racing. I changed my dream to design and build high performance sports cars. I even went to college and majored in Automotive Technology to work towards that goal.<br /><br />Upon graduation from college, I went to work in Phoenix Arizona pursuing a career in the automotive world. I soon realized that the automotive career (I was on my fourth job within a year) wasn’t satisfying. I wasn’t feeling fulfilled in what I was doing.<br /><br />While in state college, pursuing an automotive career, I was also involved in preaching at my home church in Osage City Kansas. During three summers and the school year between the second and third summer, I preached on weekends at Osage City Christian Church. I felt a satisfaction from that which was missing from the automotive work I was doing in Arizona after graduation from college.<br /><br />This led me to a career crossroads that put me on a pathway into Christian ministry. Where has your journey through life taken you? Are you on a different path than what you envisioned five, ten, twenty or more years ago?<br /><br />In <em>Matthew 4:18-22</em>, Jesus called four men, who were working as successful fishermen, to leave their trade and become “fishers of men”. They were quite satisfied and skilled in what they were doing. Why would they ever imagine doing anything else? Even in their wildest dreams, they would never have imagined the journey that Jesus was calling and training them to take.<br /><br />Less than three years later, Peter, Andrew, James and John became the key leaders in a revolution that is still impacting the world today. As young men, they never thought that they would be four of the twelve men who studied at the feet of the Messiah and would be the primary carriers of that message to the world. In their early years, they had no knowledge that they would be leaders and key players in God’s eternal Kingdom – the Church.<br /><br />What are you doing now? Are you in the career that you chose as a child or young adult, or have you embarked in a different direction than originally planned? If you are reading this, you are most likely a Christian (although some may be reading this from simple curiosity). How has your walk with Jesus Christ changed the plans and goals in your life? Are you seeking how God can use you to be a “fisher of men”?<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 682px; HEIGHT: 115px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-2145484737231953513?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-38638860055142058082011-01-12T08:36:00.000-08:002011-01-12T08:38:40.249-08:00<strong>Power of the Resurrection<br /><br /></strong>In <em>I Corinthians 15:12-28</em>, Paul lays out the one thing that makes Christianity superior to any and every other religion. The one who is the founder and key leader of Christianity died for our sins and then rose again to prove He has power over death. No one else can make that claim for their leader.<br /><br />Indeed, if Jesus Christ had not died and then been raised from the dead, we would have no hope of life after death. The fact that Jesus died on the cross (this would stand true in any court of law) and rose back to life on the third day proves that He has power over death. It also establishes Him as the only ruler of Heaven and Earth. Satan is under Jesus’ foot and has no power over Him.<br /><br />If you believe in Jesus Christ as God’s Son and your Lord and Savior, then you can have eternal life through Him. Satan can tempt you, but he cannot take you away from Jesus. His power is limited. Jesus death on the Cross appeared to be Satan’s victory. His resurrection from the dead was the crushing blow to Satan’s power. Jesus’ resurrection also establishes His authority and power over all the earth. No one can take us away from what God has promised us through His Son.<br /><br />Death is not the enemy of a Christian because we know that we have life beyond death because Jesus proved it in His death and resurrection. Christians can die of cancer or other dreaded diseases, injury or accident with peace because we know that death is merely a transition into God’s perfect Kingdom.<br /><br />We can sing about death because it no longer owns us. Instead, death is only a letting go of the sin, corruption, limitations and problems of this world to enter into the eternal presence of God’s perfect Kingdom. What a blessing!<br /><br />Because Jesus lives, we can face death with peace and confidence of life with Jesus!<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 681px; HEIGHT: 100px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-3863886005514205808?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-68218951417113388352011-01-11T08:58:00.000-08:002011-01-11T08:59:34.777-08:00<strong>He Lost His Head<br /><br /></strong>In <em>Matthew 14:1-12</em>, we read about John the Baptist being imprisoned because he dared tell Herod that his marriage to his brother’s ex-wife was unlawful. John the Baptist stood for what God teaches about marriage, divorce, adultery and moral purity. In exchange for that, he lost his head.<br /><br />Do you care enough about God, His Word and His way that you would risk losing your life to stand for the truth or are you a coward who is afraid of being persecuted if those around you find out that you believe the Bible? Do you love God so much that you will speak out against sin, even if it means risking your life?<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 682px; HEIGHT: 106px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-6821895141711338835?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-84777180613615786462011-01-10T09:26:00.000-08:002011-01-10T09:28:36.904-08:00<strong>Integrity in All Things<br /></strong><br />I was just thinking about Joseph and the events recorded in Genesis 39. What stands out to me is Joseph’s integrity in all circumstances. I believe he serves as a strong role model for every man in the world.<br /><br />Some might cite Joseph for being a little haughty as a child in declaring that his father and brothers would one-day bow down to him. Even Joseph didn’t understand exactly what that meant and how it would come about. As he got older, he might well have forgotten the claim or taken it for granted because he didn’t see anything happening to bring it about. When his brothers threw him in the ground and later sold him into slavery, he probably didn’t think about them serving him, but questioned why he was in this predicament and tried to figure how he was going to get out of it.<br /><br />In Egypt, Joseph was sold to Potiphar. He soon proved to be such a man of integrity, honest beyond most men, and definitely hard working, that Potiphar put Joseph placed him in charge of everything in his household. Joseph had great freedom to purchase, manage, use and utilize all Potiphar owned.<br /><br />Potiphar’s wife observed Joseph as well. He was young, strong, attractive and frequently around the house. Unfortunately, Potiphar’s wife was an immoral woman who had no respect for the sanctity of marriage. She propositioned Joseph again and again. Joseph refused, but that didn’t stop Mrs. Potiphar from trying.<br /><br />One time, when no one else was around, Mrs. Potiphar caught Joseph by surprise and tried to drag him into her bedroom. Joseph, a man of integrity, fled so fast that he even left his garment behind. If he had any undergarment, which was all he had when he left. Since she couldn’t seduce him, she decided to hurt him by crying “rape”. When Potiphar heard about it, he was infuriated and had Joseph thrown into the King’s more secure prison.<br /><br />Joseph had done nothing wrong. In fact he was protecting his integrity when he was arrested and thrown into jail. Where was this part about his family worshipping him now?<br /><br />Even in all of this lying, trial and false imprisonment, Joseph maintained his moral purity. He continued to love and serve God, even in prison. Time and again, Joseph rose above temptation and made the best of the opportunity. His faith in God and integrity even when falsely accused and imprisoned, would not be compromised. Joseph would not compromise his integrity.<br /><br />The one thing that you can absolutely control is your integrity. No one can take it away from you. No one can make you compromise your values. You own and control your character. You alone have the freedom and power to choose to do the right things and be a real witness for Jesus Christ.<br /><br />What would others say about your integrity? What are you doing to maintain your integrity and do what is right according to God’s standard? Be like Joseph and don’t let anyone or anything take you away from walking with integrity before God.<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 682px; HEIGHT: 90px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-8477718061361578646?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-36920680144951180842011-01-07T04:58:00.000-08:002011-01-07T05:01:23.920-08:00<strong>TEAMWORK<br /><br /></strong>In <em>Genesis 4:1-9</em>, we see that Cain was not able, so he killed Abel and we’ve been raising Cain ever since. When God confronted Cain with his sin, he tried to excuse himself by saying, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” In other words, he tried to deny what had happened.<br /><br />A friend recently told me that when he was in prison, more than once he saw someone get stabbed. When that happened, everyone just walked away and pretended that they didn’t see what they saw. If an inmate said anything about who did the crime, that inmate would find himself laying in a pool of his own blood next. Telling is not done in prison if you want to live.<br /><br />Out side of prison, in the real world, things are quite different, especially for Christians. In <em>Galatians 6:1-7</em>, Paul instructs us to gently confront someone who sins and encourage them to stop the sinful behavior. First, we must make sure we are not doing the same thing in our lives, but we don’t ignore their sin. As members of the same family of Christ, we talk to them and encourage them to do the right thing.<br /><br />We are a team and if one member of the team is cheating or not playing according to the rules or is not playing to the best of his ability, it behooves the other team members to talk to that player about doing his best and abiding by the rules of the game. Otherwise, the entire team loses, all because of one player.<br /><br />The people in your family are a team. You help one another to do the right thing. The people you work with are another team. Each one works with the others on that team to accomplish the objectives of that industry. If you are in a community group of any kind, you are a team member with the others in that group. You don’t ignore one another, but encourage each other to follow the established agenda and do their part.<br /><br />The church is a team. Encourage your fellow Christian friends to live their life in such a way that Christ is glorified, honored and proclaimed. Let’s work together as a team to fulfill the Great Commission and lead one more soul to eternity.<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 682px; HEIGHT: 106px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-3692068014495118084?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-45972878299700236092011-01-07T04:20:00.000-08:002011-01-07T04:22:39.206-08:00<strong>Self control<br /></strong><br />In <em>Matthew 5:21-26,</em> Jesus talks to His audience about the importance of exercising self-control. He says that thinking about murdering someone is as bad as actually murdering that person. That is because all sin originates in the mind before it is actually carried out. If we never think the thought, we will never do the act.<br /><br />Jesus’ admonition is that thinking is as bad as doing. He doesn’t mean that if a thought just passes through your mind, that it is sin. What Jesus is referring to is that thought that you dwell on. When you allow yourself to continue thinking about doing something that is wrong, that is when it becomes a part of you and becomes a sin.<br /><br />Most murders, if not all, are preceded by a mind-set that is not opposed to committing the act of violence. The one who commits the murder has predetermined that if this event happens, he is going to harm, if not kill, the person who did the deed that he considers inexcusable. The trigger that causes one to commit murder might be for a moment, but the mindset that he uses to control his overall behavior has already established that if this trigger is pulled, his reaction will be murder.<br /><br />If dwelling on negative thoughts and allowing them to linger in your mind is sin, in like manner, filling your mind with the Word of God and meditating on God’s love, forgiveness and will for your life will help you avoid sin. Rather than allow temptation an opportunity to cause you to sin, recognize it as a temptation and make a conscious decision not to give in to it. Change your thinking and focus on something that is good, loving and kind.<br /><br />God makes it clear from Genesis to Revelation, that you and I have a choice. We can choose to follow Jesus Christ and live a godly life or we can choose to reject God. It is a matter of self-control. It is a matter of choosing to do the right thing every time you are tempted and not give in to the temptation.<br /><br />Don’t allow those thoughts that are evil to have time in your mind. Recognize them, name them, get rid of them and replace them with Scripture and thoughts that are reflective of who Jesus Christ is in you. Exercise the self control to do the right thing.<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 681px; HEIGHT: 103px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-4597287829970023609?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-14087013372510294522010-12-30T05:18:00.000-08:002010-12-30T05:22:54.881-08:00<strong>Preparing for the Storm</strong><br /><br />Have you noticed the difference when a tragedy (violent act of nature) hits somewhere in the United States as compared to when such an event occurs almost anywhere else in the world? The devastation in most countries is catastrophic. Buildings destroyed, people killed, destruction everywhere. Much of the difference is that many of the buildings in these foreign countries were built without any code to prepare them for survival in the event that a storm comes along. Most structures in the United States have either been built to survive any catastrophe that they are likely to encounter or have been retrofitted to survive what may come.<br /><br />We all go through trials in life, but some seem to handle those trials better than others. One thing is for certain. There are going to be storms in our personal lives that are going to try to destroy us. Although we are individuals and our trials won’t be the same, the storms of life happen to everyone. Is there anything that we can do to help us when the storms of life come? How can we survive the storm without being destroyed by it?<br /><br />In Luke 6:46-49, Jesus gives us some clues on storm survival. First, He admonishes us to walk our talk. Why call Jesus “Lord” if we are not going to act like followers of Jesus Christ? That means that we must act like Christians and not like hypocrites. If you are going to wear the name, play the game. If Jesus is your Lord, then stop that sinful behavior and be one who is a witness for Christ.<br /><br />If you are doing your best to model your life after Jesus’ example, then when the storms of life come, you will be able to stand and not be swept back into the world. When tragedy strikes, as a follower of Christ, you will rely on your walk with Him to guide you through the storm. Jesus will give you the strength to conquer the situation or endure what is happening until the storm passes.<br /><br />That is one other thing to remember. The storm will pass. Jesus will still be Lord and, if your life is sincerely grounded in your relationship with Him, you will survive and become stronger in the act of enduring.<br /><br />Build your life on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ so that your storm survival will be a witness to others who are going through trials and will point them to the master storm survivor. Look at what trials Jesus endured for you!<br /><br />God bless you as you grow in your walk with Him.<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 679px; HEIGHT: 88px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-1408701337251029452?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-39726539986148377672010-12-27T05:15:00.000-08:002010-12-27T05:17:11.230-08:00<strong>Leaving Your Legacy<br /><br /></strong>Read <em>Hebrews 11</em>. What do you remember most about Abraham, David, Isaac, Elijah, the Apostles and others in that chapter? When we hear their name, we associate certain traits or activities to them. That is their legacy.<br /><br />When you go to a funeral, or hear of someone who died, what do you remember about that person? Most of the time, we will remember things they did more recently in their lives. We will recall how they lived the last few years. Occasionally, we might recall something from their childhood or earlier years, but mot times, it is the later years that carry the most influence.<br /><br />When you think of the Apostle Paul, what do you remember most about him? Do you remember that he wrote most of the letters in the New Testament? Do you recall the most of the book of Acts deals with his life and ministry? We generally consider Paul as one of the significant pillars in the early church, especially in the context of reaching non-Jews with the Gospel of Christ. We don’t think near as much about Paul as Saul, the persecutor of Christians who went around throwing Christians in jail or having them killed.<br /><br />One person commented that they weren’t sure they wanted to be remembered. Why would anyone want to remember them? I reminded them that we all have an impact on others. We live in a world of people and what we do and how we live does influence other people. We will often never know who or how others are impacted, but what we say and do is noticed by others and does influence them in their lives.<br /><br />I say that to say this. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? If you were to die in 30 days, how would you want people to remember you? Are their things of your past that you are sorry about, you wish you had not done? Is there something that you are doing now that isn’t the way you really want people to remember you?<br /><br />Today is the first day of the best of your life. You have the freedom to live it in a way that reflects Jesus in your life or live in a way that hides the fact that you are a Christian. My admonition to you is to live your life so at your job, in the store, around the community, in your home with family and friends, people will see you and say, “He lives like one who sincerely believes in and follows Jesus Christ”. Live your life in such a way that people will know that Jesus Christ has changed your life.<br /><br />If your life needs some work in one area or another, study the life and teachings of Jesus (Getting To Know Jesus) and let Him come in and change you from the inside out. It will be a powerful witness to who Jesus is in your life and leave a legacy in you that will be long remembered.<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 681px; HEIGHT: 104px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-3972653998614837767?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-12593674243069848092010-12-24T09:08:00.001-08:002010-12-24T09:10:26.497-08:00<strong>What does the birth of Jesus mean to you?</strong><br /><br />I asked the guys that question today. I wanted them to think about Christmas as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and reflect on why Jesus’ birth and life is so significant to us.<br /><br />We often get so caught up in parties, entertaining, gift buying, going to movies, eating out, and all sorts of other holiday related activities and often give little, if any, time to why we celebrate Christmas. Sure you are going to a Christmas eve service tonight, but how much time have you given since Thanksgiving to think about why Christmas is such an important holiday?<br /><br />How much have you shared with anyone about what it means to you that God’s only Son would leave Heaven and dwell among men? Do you really care that Jesus left the beauty of Heaven and submitted to life on this earth for you? How much does it matter to you that He was born to die for the sins that you and I have committed?<br /><br />Is Jesus an important role model for how you live your life? Or are you more caught up in the festivities, what you are getting for Christmas, the lights and the after-Christmas sales?<br /><br />Is Jesus’ birth important enough to get you to say “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays”? Are you looking for opportunities to communicate the Christmas story with others who might not know what Christmas is really about?<br /><br />Read the story in <em>Luke 2:1-20</em> and think about what Jesus’ birth means to you. Consider how important and valuable it is that God sent His Only Son to earth to pay the price for our sins so we could be restored to eternal fellowship with God. Pray for God to use you to help others see what Jesus Christ is really about. Let God use you to live out the reason that celebrating Christmas is so important to us.<br /><br />Merry Christmas and may God bless your New Year.<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 682px; HEIGHT: 104px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-1259367424306984809?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-24194152734466000652010-12-22T09:27:00.001-08:002010-12-22T09:29:05.743-08:00Are you a man God could trust with His Only Son?<br /><br />Joseph was a man who believed God and tried to live his life by God’s standards. He was concerned about doing what was right. When he found out that Mary, his fiancée was pregnant, he was going to break off the engagement by divorce. Because he loved her, he was not going to shame her publicly and have her stoned according to the Law.<br /><br />Joseph also realized that the dream he had was a message from God, not some wishful thinking of a mind not inhibited by consciousness. Because he and Mary were two young people who were committed to being obedient to God according to the Jewish Law, God knew that He could trust them with the care of His Son.<br /><br />Do you care enough about your walk with God that He could trust you with a mission as important as raising His Son?<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 681px; HEIGHT: 99px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-2419415273446600065?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-6615401097660118572010-12-21T06:29:00.000-08:002010-12-21T06:31:44.453-08:00<strong>God Uses Imperfect People</strong><br /><br />Christians are some work. Have you noticed? For some reason, we expect that once someone becomes a Christian, their life is supposed to be great, free of conflict and problems. They will never disagree, especially with other Christians. They will never have anger or struggles with selfishness, etc. We seem to think that Christians will not have any problem, especially in getting along with other Christians. Boy! Are we wrong!<br /><br />From the earliest days of the church, to today, Christians have been a work in progress. No one has been perfect, not even the Apostles. How many times did the twelve Apostles get into a dispute over some issue while Jesus was still there with them? Then after the church started, you would think that the conflict would have ended. After all, Jesus had trained them and breathed on them for them to receive the Holy Spirit. Guided by the Holy Spirit, one would expect that the Apostles would be in perfect harmony in all situations. Not so!<br /><br />God, in His grand scheme of things does change those who listen to the Gospel and choose to respond to Jesus Christ as Lord. However, He does not make us into cookie cutter Christians. We still retain our individual and unique personalities. As such, we sometimes get into conflicts and misunderstandings with one another.<br /><br />We do not come out of the baptistery as perfect Christians, but as babies who have growing to do and changes to make over time to become more Christ-like. Our challenge is to grow in our love for God, and let that love change us from the inside out. Being a Christian is a journey, not a destination. The destination is to overcome the challenges and trials of this life and remain faithful in our belief, worship of, and love of God and Jesus Christ, His Son.<br /><br />In <em>Acts 15</em>, there are two situations where conflict needed to be dealt with. In verses <em>1-35</em>, Paul and Barnabas had to take a question to the Apostles for discussion to resolve a dispute with Jewish Christians in the churches that they were starting. At the end of the chapter (<em>V. 36-41</em>), Paul and Barnabas get into a very heated argument over John Mark. The argument was so intense that they decide to part company. Barnabas takes John Mark and Paul recruits some other assistants. Sometime later, Paul has reconsidered his attitude toward John Mark and asks for him to come and assist Paul.<br /><br />As you are working with other Christians, remember that you are still maturing in your walk with God, just like they are and don’t let disagreements or differences separate your unity in Jesus Christ and your fellowship as brothers in the same Gospel.<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 681px; HEIGHT: 119px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-661540109766011857?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-34014202916104812212010-12-20T08:58:00.000-08:002010-12-20T09:02:17.937-08:00<strong>Did You See That?<br /></strong><br />I was just watching my sheep with my brothers last night. It was cold, but the skies were clear. The Milky Way was so clearly visible and magnificent. The sheep were quiet and peacefully sleeping. It was just awesomely beautiful.<br /><br />Have you ever seen an angel? I never had, up until last night. We were doing what we always do, when all of a sudden an angel appeared standing right in front of us and he was surrounded by a bright light. We didn’t see him walk up. He just appeared all of a sudden.<br /><br />At first we were very scared. Even though the angel told us not to be afraid, it was too late. I had never been so scared in my life. I’ve encountered bears, lions and a few other wild critters, but what do you do when an angel shows up? Once we realized this was a messenger from God, we settled down, but my heart was still pounding fifteen minutes later.<br /><br />Needless to say, he had our fullest attention! Hmm! Now that I think of it, the sheep weren’t bothered at all by the angel and all that was happening. They just watched peacefully and went back to sleep. That was amazing. No panic, just peaceful rest. A panic at night among the sheep would have been a major crisis. One can loose up to half their heard if the sheep panic and try to escape.<br /><br />The angel told us some great news. The Messiah had been born in Bethlehem, less than half a mile away from where we were watching our sheep. Do you know what that meant to us? We have been looking for and expecting the Messiah for several years now. We knew about the prophecies in the writings and the signs appeared to be eminent.<br /><br />But why would an angel come to us? We are just a bunch of shepherds on the outskirts of Bethlehem. We aren’t what you would consider “educated”. We are often smelly because of being with the sheep and the people in town don’t always like to be around us. But be it as it is, the angel told us about the baby that had been born. The Messiah was born in a stable. Imagine that! Here is the long-awaited King of the Jews, in the lineage of King David, a bonafied descendent of Abraham, not being born in a palace or even a home, but in a stinky dirty stable. (The mother and father later told us that the inns were full from everyone who was returning for the government census.)<br /><br />Before the angel left, he was joined by a whole choir of angels who were singing praises to God. I have never heard such beautiful voices in my entire life. It was absolutely heavenly, and again, the sheep seemed to really enjoy it.<br /><br />After the angels left, I told my brothers that I wanted to go see this baby. We all left the sheep behind and walked to town. We found the stable easily enough and, sure enough, there was a man and his wife and their brand new baby boy wrapped up in a cloth and lain in a manger. It was such a beautiful sight. The baby, whom they said will be named Jesus (God saves us) was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen and I’ve been around a while, as some of you can tell. I’ve seen a bunch of babies, but never one like this one.<br /><br />Oh how I wish you could have been there with us. This child is going to somehow save us from our sins. I don’t understand all of that right now, but I believe it is the most wonderful news and most beautiful baby I have ever seen. I can’t wait for Him to grow up and free us from the guilt and shame of our sins. I wonder what His Kingdom is going to be like? I guess I’ll just have to wait and see.<br /><br />When you can, go see this child. He is the Savior of the whole world.<br /><br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 681px; HEIGHT: 112px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-3401420291610481221?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-67996413078897498452010-12-15T07:32:00.000-08:002010-12-15T07:35:30.694-08:00<strong>Christmas Priorities<br /></strong><br />Christmas is upon us and people are doing all sorts of things to get ready. Way to many are spending way to much money on things they can’t afford that will be consumed, broken or forgotten before the credit card balance is even paid off. There are Christmas programs and parties of all sorts to attend, some which actually remember that Christmas is about Christ. All in all, it is too easy to become too busy to remember what really matters in life and how to enjoy what you have.<br /><br />In <em>Matthew 10:28</em>, Jesus admonishes us to not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of The One who can destroy both the soul and body in hell.” What value are wealth and lots of possessions if you don’t have Jesus? What problem is poverty if you do have Jesus as your Lord and Savior?<br /><br />Instead of letting Christmas put you in a sour mood, pause and take a breath. Look at a nativity, spend some time reading the Christmas story in Luke 2 and get reconnected on what Christmas is all about. Jesus came down from Heaven, confined Himself to the body of a baby who grew up to be a man who died on the cross for our sins. Christmas is a celebration of His birth and our pending salvation through Him.<br /><br />What good is it if you buy the entire store and give it all away to others if you don’t have Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? What value is it if you are given everything in a shopping mall for your Christmas? If you don’t have Jesus, what good is it? At the same time, you might not even be able to buy one present for a spouse, child or parent, but if you and your loved ones have Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you have all you really need to have a Merry Christmas.<br /><br />Gratefully, most of you reading this have more than enough to spend on Christmas presents that you want to give. I pray that you will consider a Christmas/birthday present to Jesus in appreciation for His coming to earth to save us from our sins.<br /><br />New Hope Gospel Ministries is seeking to fulfill the Great Commission. Your gift will help Christ take the Gospel to the whole world via Internet technology as we send a Getting To Know Jesus CD to a ministry in a foreign country. Go to www.gettingtoknowjesus.org and send your birthday gift to Jesus by clicking on the “Make a DONATION” button at the lower right corner of the page.<br /><br />Merry Christmas and may God bless your New Year.<br /><br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 681px; HEIGHT: 112px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-6799641307889749845?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-75683318172489463382010-12-14T07:18:00.000-08:002010-12-14T07:20:58.068-08:00<strong>What Makes Christianity Unique<br /></strong><br />What makes Christianity unique? What is it that we offer that makes us different than any and every other religion in the world?<br /><br />The Apostle John talks about it in <em>1 John 4:7-21</em>. Christianity is unique because our God is a God of love. He loved us before we ever knew Him. He loves us even when we don’t love Him back. He loves us in spite of what we have done in the past, are doing now or do in the future.<br /><br />Loving us doesn’t mean that He doesn’t punish us if we sin. It means that no matter how much we sin, if we repent, change our ways and accept His love and salvation by believing and following Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven of any and all sin we have ever committed.<br /><br />Because God loves us, He sent Jesus, His Son, to pay the penalty for our sins so that we could have eternal life in His love instead of eternity in Hell. We don’t deserve this love. We can’t earn or pay for this love. We can only love Him in return and show His love by loving others.<br /><br />The kind of love John is talking about is a love of choice. God’s love and the love we are to have for one another is not earned, and is often not deserved. Love is something you choose to do regardless of whether the other person loves you in return, is loveable or not. Consider that God loves you, even when you are acting in an unlovable way towards Him. Love is a choice that you make and then work on living out one day at a time.<br /><br />Our love for God and for one another sets us apart from all other religions. We are saved from the penalty of our sins by loving God and loving Jesus. Any other religion bases it’s salvation on whether you are good enough or not. We can’t be good enough to pay for the bad (selfish) things we have done in the past. The wages of that sin is death.<br /><br />God loves you so much that when you deserved to die, He sent His Son to die in your place. If you believe that Jesus Christ is God’s Son and that He died for your sins, you can be forgiven and have eternal life with Him. You also need to confess your faith in Jesus Christ and be immersed as an initiation act of obedience that parallels the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (<em>Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-5, 10:10; Galatians 3:27</em>)<br /><br />We are known to the world because of our love <em>John 13:34-35</em>. Christianity towers over any other religion because of God’s love for His creation and our love for Him and one another.<br /><br />Show the world that God has made a difference in your life. Live a life of love and be faithful to your walk with Him. Love your neighbor and those around you. Show them kindness and respect (even when they don’t deserve it). Show the world why Christianity is unique.<br /><br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 681px; HEIGHT: 110px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-7568331817248946338?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-44006193074746850242010-12-10T15:28:00.000-08:002010-12-10T15:32:59.188-08:00<strong>Jesus a True Miracle Healer! - 026<br />How to Deal With Demons!</strong><br />People will spend all sorts of money on pills, potions, lotions and notions in hopes of being healed of a physical problem, illness or malady. Some go to “faith healers” in hopes of receiving an instant cure from something that they have been struggling with for years. Some people have honestly been healed by such experiences, but there are also many who have gone and not been healed or who thought they were healed only to later find out that they got caught up in the emotion, but no healing actually took place.<br /><br />I pose no judgment on such activities, but leave that to God. He is the only one who knows the truth. I do know that God can and does occasionally heal without the benefit of medical science. I also know that some who claim to heal don’t have the power they try to flaunt. Who and how is beyond the point of this look at Jesus. Lets see how Jesus does it!<br /><br /><strong>Worship is Important to Jesus!</strong> – <em>Mark 1:21; Luke 4:31b</em><br />Mark begins his Gospel with a display of Jesus’ power (dynameis)! Jesus is now staying in Capernaum. On the Sabbath and He goes to the Synagogue and teaches the people, who are very impressed with His teaching.<br /><br /><strong>Jesus Speaks With Authority!</strong> – <em>Mark 1:22-28; Luke 4:32-37</em><br />During the service, a man with an evil spirit interrupts and tries to expose Jesus. Who is in charge of your soul? Just because someone goes to church does not mean that they might not sometimes be demon-possessed. Though his words are true – Jesus is the Son of God – Jesus doesn’t want that kind of publicity and commands the evil spirit to be quiet and come out of the man. Knowing Jesus is not the same as being saved! There is no room for the Holy Spirit and a demon in the same body. Kick the demon out and live for Jesus!<br /><br />The people are amazed that Jesus can so easily command evil spirits and they obey Him. Jesus is THE Authority! This establishes some authority to Jesus’ already amazing teaching abilities. Truly this is no mere man, but someone very powerful and wonderful. The reaction of the people is to go and tell what Jesus did! They won’t forget that worship service! Why do you go to church on SONdays?<br /><br /><strong>Dr. Jesus Cares About Physical Illness!</strong> – <em>Matthew 8:14-15; Mark 1:29-31; Luke 4:38-39</em><br />After the synagogue service, Jesus goes with James and John to Simon and Andrew’s house. Simon (Peter)’s mother-in-law is in bed with a bad fever. God never promises to prevent us from getting ill or even dying! Also, celibacy is not a requirement for ministry! As soon as Jesus hears about it, He goes to her, rebukes the fever, takes her by the hand and helps her up. Instantly the fever is gone and she gets up and starts serving her guests.<br /><br /><strong>Jesus Can Heal Anything!</strong> - <em>Matthew 8:16-17; Mark 1:32-34; Luke 4:40-41</em><br />SONdown designates the end of the Sabbath. As soon as the day is over and as a result of the miracle at Synagogue and news about Jesus healing Simon’s mother-in-law, many of the people in Capernaum and the nearby surrounding region start gathering their sick people and bringing them to Jesus for healing.<br /><br />Luke says Jesus laid His hands on them. May people could be healed with little more than a loving touch from someone who cares! Jesus doesn’t qualify a person or heal only certain persons! His love and healing grace are available to anyone who will come to Him!<br />Jesus heals all sorts of diseases and maladies and casts demons out of others who were so possessed. These miracles have a very positive effect on the people who spread the word about this man who is doing miraculous things. How many of you have something that you would like Jesus to heal in your life?<br /><br />Jesus doesn’t allow the demons to speak about who He is even though they know. He only has to speak (softly and firmly) and they leave! No yelling, no special spells or incantations or rituals. Just a simple statement spoken with confident authority!<br /><br /><strong>CONCLUSION</strong><br />It is exciting to notice that when Jesus does a miracle, the results are immediate, complete and permanent? That is the way you can know that Jesus had done a MIRACLE in your life! You can keep demons out of your life by simply speaking under the authority of Jesus Christ.<br /><br />There is a miracle that is more important than all of the miracle healings that have ever occurred in all the days of this earth. That is the miracle of healing from the sin in your life! Jesus’ death on the cross, made possible the greatest miracle that will ever be recorded and if you are a Christian, you are a recipient of that miraculous healing power!<br /><br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 678px; HEIGHT: 108px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-4400619307474685024?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-38014161079363900522010-12-08T07:16:00.000-08:002010-12-08T07:20:03.762-08:00<div align="left"><strong>I’m Free!</strong><br /></div><div align="left">I wrote a song by that title back in 1990 when going through a crisis in my life.<br /></div><div align="left">I have met the enemy and I found out that he was me,<br />I used to try to blame the other guy.<br />When I confessed my helplessness, God came in, cleaned up the mess,<br />Now I can change my life, I will not die.<br /><br />I’m free, Jesus set me free. I gave Him my addiction and He freed me.<br />I’m free, Jesus set me free. Now I can change my life, I’ve been set free.<br /><br />Affliction had a grip on me, I was bound, I was not free.<br />I did not realize I had to change.<br />When I did confess my lot, I got the help for which I sought<br />and now my life is free to rearrange.<br /><br />I’m free, Jesus set me free. I gave Him my addiction and He freed me.<br />I’m free, Jesus set me free. Now I can change my life, I’ve been set free. </div><div align="right"><em>By Glen M. Copple,<br />January, 1990 </em></div><div align="right"><em> </div></em><div align="left">As I was sharing with the guys today, we talked about how when we were baptized into Christ, we were freed from our past. In Romans 6:1-14, Paul writes to tell us that we are no longer slaves to sin. When we were baptized into Christ, we died to sin and it’s power over us. We have been freed from our past sinful behavior to live a life that honors Christ.<br /></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">That means that we don’t have to engage in those behaviors that enslaved us in the past. We are free to do what is right in God’s eyes. We have the power to say “NO” to temptation. If we are free from sin, then we should no longer want to engage in sinful behavior. Instead, use your life to reflect Christ in all you say and do.<br /></div><div align="left">Free yourself from your past and let God’s love, mercy and grace free you from all of the sin of your past.<br /></div><div style="WIDTH: 681px; HEIGHT: 163px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-3801416107936390052?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-11741037717148351002010-12-07T07:46:00.000-08:002010-12-07T07:49:32.888-08:00<strong>Man, I’m Hurting!<br /></strong><br />We were looking at <em>I Peter 2:13-25</em> today and talking about submitting to authorities and enduring suffering when life isn’t fair.<br /><br />Everyone is going through some sort of trauma, suffering, difficulty, trial, etc. Some of us have learned to accept the trial as a challenge and not let it get us down. However, there are many who seek serious relief from the suffering they are going through. Some are so focused on their suffering that they can’t see the good that is in it, will come from it or the good that exists around them in so many other ways.<br /><br />Suffering isn’t fun, but it is a part of life on this earth. You are not going to escape until Jesus calls you home, but you can find peace, hope and joy in the midst of any trial if you look at it from Jesus’ perspective.<br /><br />1. Even when we submit to our employers or those over us, we still sometimes have to endure suffering. It can be a process to bring growth or needed change in our life.<br /><br />2. When the suffering is severe and especially unjust, we can remember that Jesus suffered far worse for our sins when He endured the mockery of a trial, physical and emotional abuse and finally, spiritual abandonment as He hung on the cross, naked, hurting, dying for our sins.<br /><br />3. Jesus is a role model for us in that He did not curse those who were hurting Him, but forgave them.<br /><br />He knew that He had to go through this, no matter how much it hurt. He was obedient and faithful, and because of that, you and I have forgiveness of our sins and hope of eternal life with God and Jesus in Heaven.<br /><br />What trial are you going through? Is it really any worse than what Jesus went through for you? Go to God and tell Him where it hurts. Then ask Him to show you if there is anything that you need to do to endure the trial and be faithful to Him.<br /><br />Praise God when you go through trials and come out successfully on the other side. (James 1:2-4).<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 681px; HEIGHT: 126px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-1174103771714835100?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-1207384773934241342010-12-06T09:27:00.000-08:002010-12-06T09:30:28.079-08:00<strong>God Uses Imperfect People<br /></strong><br />I was sharing with the guys this morning about some of the people God used in the earthy lineage of Jesus. We were looking at <em>Matthew 1:1-16</em>. This is by no means exhaustive, but here are some highlights from some of the people.<br /><br /><strong>Abraham and Sarah</strong> – 1:2 – is noted in the Bible as a man of righteousness and great faith, yet twice he passed his wife off as his sister because he was afraid of the king in the area where they were going. God can still use people who are imperfect.<br /><br /><strong>Isaac and Rebecca</strong> – 1:2 – Isaac loved Rebecca from the moment he first saw her, but when Jacob and Esau were born, Isaac favored Esau while Rebecca favored Jacob. That must have caused some degree of disharmony in their home. Jacob’s deception and conniving in stealing his brother’s inheritance and blessing only complicate the picture even more. God can still use people who are imperfect.<br /><br /><strong>Judah</strong>, one of Isaac’s twelve sons <strong>and Tamar</strong> – 1:3 – Judah went in to a prostitute in his later years. She turned out to be the daughter-in-law to whom he had promised his youngest son, but didn’t follow through on his promise. The child of that union was Perez, who is in the lineage of Jesus. God can still use people who are imperfect.<br /><br /><strong>Rahab</strong> – 1:5 – Rahab was a prostitute who lived in Jericho. She hid the Jewish spies, lied to her fellow countrymen and was rescued when Jericho was destroyed. She married Salmon, a Jew, and was the mother of Boaz. Boaz married Ruth, a foreigner that came to live with the Israelites. They were the parents of Obed, the father of King David. God can still use people who are imperfect.<br /><br /><strong>David and Bathsheba</strong> – 1:6 – David was a man “after God’s own heart.” His love for God is renown throughout Scripture. David had an affair with Bathsheba, who was married to Uriah, a commander in David’s army. When he failed in trying to cover it up by getting Uriah to sleep with his wife, David had Uriah set up to be killed in battle. He thought this would cover up the pregnancy and all would be hidden. When exposed by Samuel, David was guilt-ridden knowing that he had done something that hurt God very much. God can still use people who are imperfect.<br /><br />The list goes on, but suffice to say that these people loved God, but were all guilty of sin. In spite of their past, God was still able to use them for His purposes. Each one of them played a part in the human ancestry of Jesus Christ.<br /><br />I share that with you to point out that God can use you. Now matter what you have done in the past, if you will choose to love Him and allow Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, God can use you to accomplish a great purpose for His Kingdom. Your example at your job and in your community, your responsibilities as a husband, wife and parent will reflect who Jesus is in you. Your past is behind you, your future is one thing that you can determine right now.<br /><br />God can still use people who are imperfect. Will you let Him use you? Pray and ask God to forgive those things of your past that hurt Him and others. Ask Him to heal you from any pain of your past and to learn how to forgive and love others. Then ask Him to reveal His purpose for your life and use you to bring glory and honor to Him. That is the most powerful witnessing tool you have. God can still use people who are imperfect. Can He use you?<br /><div style="WIDTH: 681px; HEIGHT: 108px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-120738477393424134?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-54749656365133880412010-12-03T12:01:00.000-08:002010-12-03T12:44:32.351-08:00<div align="center"><strong>A Virgin Will Have a Child! - 005<br />How to Fulfill God’s Purpose in Your Life</strong></div>Sometimes it seems that everyone is talking about having a baby. Since that is where life begins, that is an appropriate place to begin “Getting To Know Jesus.”<br /><br />Women, especially like to talk about having babies. I believe that God made them that way for a very important reason. Recent headline commented on how women prefer homemaking and raising children to working out of the home. Let’s go to <em>Luke 1:26-56</em> and look into the life of a young Jewish girl who is soon going to be a mother! Me, I’m just a guy talking about something that many women might understand better that I do. Even so, let’s see if we can get a glimpse into this very significant event in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. This takes place about 4-5 B.C. – our dating system was computed around 532 A.D. and they later realized that they missed the birth of Jesus by 3-5 years.<br /><br /><strong>God has Called YOU!</strong> - <em>Luke 1:26-27</em><br />Mary is a typical teenage Jewish girl who is just doing her daily whatever, when Gabriel comes calling. I wonder if she is thinking about her wedding plans and what it will be like to be married to Joseph! The Bible makes it importantly clear that she is a virgin who is engaged, which is a mark of honor for an unmarried girl! <em>Saving sex until marriage is important to God!</em> Also, Mary is not going to be allowed to raise God’s Son alone. <em>Children grow up healthier in many ways when they have both their original father and original mother together in the home!</em><br /><br />Gabriel has a knack of entering without knocking, but at least he always brings good news! Again, Gabriel says “Don’t be afraid, after it is too late!” <em>Finding favor with God is a strong reference to her moral and spiritual character</em> – Would you like to know that you have found favor with God? There are two things that are very important to remember about Mary and about your life. 1. It doesn’t matter where you are from. 2. It doesn’t matter what your background is. God has called you for a special purpose and He can accomplish His will in your life if you are willing to submit to Him.<br /><br /><strong>Everyone Has Doubts!</strong> - <em>Luke 1:29-38</em><br />Mary is alarmed at becoming pregnant because she is not married. She has moral values that are much needed today! You don’t have sex with someone you are not married to! Gabriel assures Mary that this is God’s doing! Like John the Baptist, Jesus will be a male. He will be healthy and will perform a great work for God! He will be a KING! What greater news could parents to be want to hear about their baby?<br /><br /><em>Every calling has a cost.</em> Mary is risking public ridicule and death by stoning in order to be obedient to God. <em>Every calling from God is bigger than our selves.</em> Mary couldn’t get pregnant (without a man) without God doing it. At this point, she believes the words of this angel. She has no proof or other evidence of this being from God than the angel’s words. <em>Every calling requires submission (faith).</em> Mary trusted the angel’s words more than Zechariah did.<br /><br />Mary’s response to the angel’s message is “Okay!” She trusts the angel, Gabriel, and doesn’t even ask for a sign to verify it like someone else we know! <em>Would you be able to trust God with your life</em> like Mary did? Gabriel also tells Mary about Elizabeth’s pregnancy. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD! Mary and Elizabeth are cousins, even though they are many years apart in age. That will make Jesus and John second cousins!<br /><br /><strong>God is Glorified by Your Obedience!</strong> - <em>Luke 1:39-56</em><br />Mary goes to visit to Elizabeth. She could probably be afraid of what the community might say. Maybe she is afraid to face Joseph with this development! Maybe she simply needs someone who she can talk to that will understand the special nature of what is happening! Wouldn’t you need someone to talk to if you were suddenly impregnated by the Holy Spirit and yet engaged to a wonderful man? This is a journey of 50 plus miles that possibly included a trek up the (dangerous) Jericho road by a single teenage girl with no escort! That would not be a whole lot different than a teenage girl walking unescorted through some neighborhoods in some of our cities!<br /><br />Others Confirm God’s Blessing. Elizabeth and Mary exchange greetings. Elizabeth has no previous warning of Mary’s coming or of her being pregnant, yet the Holy Spirit stirs her in such a way that she knows! She greets Mary with a proclamation and blessing that only the Holy Spirit could have revealed to her. She proclaims how God has blessed someone as insignificant as Mary to be the mother of the Messiah. <em>Have you ever felt that God was revealing something to you about someone or a situation that you had no prior knowledge of?</em> If not, might it be that you need to work in building a closer relationship with God so the He can speak to you through His Spirit when He needs to do so? <em>If you are truly serving God with your life, people will recognize your gift.</em><br /><br />Mary praises God. Mary shows her love for God, her faith in Him and her commitment to trust Him in her life by responding to Elizabeth’s proclamation with a declaration of her own. She glorifies God because He has trusted her for a very special purpose. She is impressed on how God has disregarded the leaders and chosen someone of unknown and lowly status to bring His Savior into the world. <em>Would you be as willing to risk the public scrutiny and be trust God to guide and protect you</em> in doing something as unknown as having a child by the Holy Spirit when you were already engaged to a wonderful man? Your recognition of God grows when you serve.<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 680px; HEIGHT: 110px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-5474965636513388041?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-26832608173168964132010-12-02T16:51:00.000-08:002010-12-02T16:56:14.745-08:00<div align="center"><strong>Jesus Starts a Fisher’s of Men Business! - 025<br />How to Fish more Effectively </strong></div><div align="left">On the one hand, it is sometimes fun to launch out on an adventure not knowing where you will spend the next night. You have heard someone say, “I’m going to see the world”, without any agenda as to where you are going, how fast you will get there or how long you will stay.<br /></div><div align="left">However, after a while, this running around gets old and it is good to have a place that one can settle down in and call “home”.<br /></div><div align="left">We are looking at what it means to follow Jesus. He has been “away” from “home” for about six months. Now it is time to establish something a little more predictable and not be out on the road all of the time.<br /></div><div align="left">Matthew begins our look into the life and teachings of Jesus Christ with a fulfillment of Old Testament prophesy. Zebulun and Naphtali were territories on the west side of the Sea of Galilee where the city of Nazareth is located. The “great light” is a reference to Jesus the SONlight of the world! In contrast to darkness that symbolizes the absence of salvation.<br /></div><div align="left"><strong>Go to Where the Fish Are!</strong> – <em>Matthew 4:13-17, Luke 4:31a</em><br />Jesus message to the people is that God’s Kingdom is near and they need to repent and get ready. This is very similar to the message preached by John the Baptist. Notice that the kingdom is entered through repentance! This kingdom is in context of reign, rather than territory!<br /></div><div align="left">Jesus is walking along the shore of Galilee at Capernaum and sees Simon and Andrew fishing. They had spent some time with Jesus earlier just after John the Baptist had immersed him. Evidently, they had either gone back to fishing or were getting back to work after taking time off to follow Jesus for a short period of time.<br /></div><div align="left"><strong>Get Help!</strong> – <em>Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20</em><br />Simon and Andrew immediately leave their nets and follow Jesus! How has Jesus called you to serve Him? Are you obeying Him?<br /></div><div align="left">Jesus also sees James and John working with their father, Zebedee and calls them. They don’t ask dad’s permission or discuss anything. They simply walk off leaving dad with all of the work and they follow Jesus. At least we know that Zebedee also has some other hired help to fill the gap left by James and John. Were Simon and Andrew partners or employees of Zebedee? Just a thought! When God calls, we must obey!<br /></div><div align="left">Another day, after Jesus had called Simon, Andrew, James and John, our text tells us that He was preaching to a crowd that had gathered on the seashore at Capernaum. Simon and the others had finished a night of fishing and are cleaning up prior to going home to get some needed rest.<br /></div><div align="left">To improve His delivery so the people can hear Him better, Jesus climbs into Simon’s boat and has him move back just a little bit from the shore. This improves the acoustics so the larger crowd can hear Jesus better.<br /></div><div align="left">I find that I project better to a larger group when I stand. However, Jesus sits down in the boat to talk to the people. It is possible that He doesn’t want to get knocked off balance by a wave and tossed into the Sea, but it is also Jewish custom for the speaker to sit while addressing the crowd. Would you have let Jesus use your boat?<br /></div><div align="left"><strong>Pay for the Boat</strong> – <em>Luke 5:1-11</em><br />When Jesus is finished talking, He compensates Simon for the use of his boat! He sends Simon and his partners out into the deeper part (150 ft. deep) of the Sea of Galilee to fish. Simon’s first response is that he is tired from fishing all night and would like to go home and get some sleep. After all, they did not catch any fish, so he’s discouraged and tired. It is obvious that the fish aren’t near enough to the surface to be caught. Would you waste your time to fish one more time when someone who knows little or nothing about fishing tells you to do it again?<br /></div><div align="left">Since Jesus insists, Simon complies and the result of obeying Jesus is that he gets such a large catch of fish that he needs help bringing them into the boat. Simon and Andrew have partners (Zebedee, James and John?) who come and help them process this catch of fish. Some Payment!<br />Simon is so overwhelmed at this “payment” that he feels too unworthy to receive such a blessing. In fear, he asks Jesus to leave him because he knows he is not good enough to entertain the SON of God. How would you feel if this happened to you? What has God called you to do?<br /></div><div align="left">Jesus merely accepts Simon as he is and calls him to learn how to fish for men! Simon pulls the boat to shore and leaves and follows Jesus from then on. Nothing is said about cleaning the fish and getting them to the market. Evidently the other partners take care of that for Peter.<br /></div><div align="left"><strong>CONCLUSION</strong><br />God compensates those who are willing to allow Him to use them for His purposes and His compensation is not meager or minimum wage! Our focus is not on getting money, but on being obedient and serving the Lord according to the abilities that He has given us! What are you doing to serve the Lord? How has He already paid you?<br /></div><div align="left">God Bless and have a great week.<br /></div><div style="WIDTH: 680px; HEIGHT: 107px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-2683260817316896413?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-56384588588239942662010-11-23T15:41:00.000-08:002010-11-23T15:46:45.583-08:00<strong>The Childless Will Have a Child!</strong> - 004<br /><strong>Being God’s Man – Faith in the Tuff Times</strong><br />Sometimes it seems that everyone is talking about having a baby. If my wife is expecting, I’m calling Abraham to try to find out what to do next! She’ll be calling Sarah or Elizabeth! Actually, we’re content to be grandparents! Are you childless and wanting to have one? Do you know a married couple that wants to have a child of their own and has not been able to? Do you have faith that God can do the impossible, even in your life? We are in <em>Luke 1:5-25</em>.<br /><br /><strong>1. Live a Righteous Life</strong> – <em>Luke 1:5-6</em><br />Herod “the Great,” is another man with a big ego. Just because you call yourself some sort of title doesn’t mean you measure up! He is a powerful, ruthless, ungodly and murdering ruler! It is a sad day when a leader is not humble, but flaunts his power!<br /><br />Zechariah &amp; Elizabeth are righteous followers of God who have no children. Good people. Sometimes bad things happen to good people! Zechariah is a priest (one who is still serious about serving God). Not all priests are hypocrites! This is a statement of the importance of maintaining your integrity.<br /><br />To be truly pleasing to God, we must do what is right by God’s standards, not by our own. We can’t make up our own rules as we go along without reaping painful consequences for our choices. Having faith in tough time’s means trusting that by doing what is right, we will reap God’s rewards, not the world’s consequences for wrong behavior.<br /><br /><strong>2. Continue Your Daily Responsibilities</strong> – <em>Luke 1:8-10</em><br />Zechariah is praying in the temple for all of the people, which is a rare opportunity. Since each priest took turns doing this, once per year, it is possible that this was the only time he ever did this. He enters the Holy of Holies to make intercession for the people, and while performing his duties, an angel comes to tell him that he is going to be a father. (Interlude) Jews are expecting the Messiah. Signs of the times tell them it is near! Don’t stop living because some “sign” of the future is evident.<br /><br />We don’t have to break routine or do something special to get God’s attention. God is not manipulated by religious behavior or actions. If we are walking in faith, we can proceed with our daily duties and know that God will accomplish His plans for our life. Just make sure what you are doing is in agreement with what the Bible teaches and you will have God’s blessing.<br /><br /><strong>3. Pray Concerning Your Situation</strong> – <em>Luke 1:11-17</em><br />We gather by the nature of the conversation that Zechariah and Elizabeth are still praying for a child. Because of their prayers and faith, they are told that they going to have a baby boy! He will be healthy, grow to be a man who will be faithful in serving God! Don’t stop praying until God answers your prayer! Many babies die, but Zechariah is assured that his baby is going to live to adult hood and do something great for God. People are proud to claim a son, daughter, brother, sister or relative who is in ministry!<br /><br />How would you feel if you and your spouse were childless and had almost given up on having a child and you got news like that? The angel gives Zechariah some strong instructions about the upbringing of this child! All parents should have some serious instructions (possible restrictions) in the upbringing of their children! It is no secret what God can do for those who are truly seeking to follow Him and trusting in His guidance and provision.<br /><br /><strong>4. Don’t Doubt God</strong> – <em>Luke 1:18-23</em><br />Zechariah doesn’t disbelieve the angel’s message, but he does seek a “sign” as proof that this is from God. He is introduced to the meaning of speechless! Gabriel Calling! Gabriel means “God’s Power.” This is only the start of God manifesting His power among men. We will see another example of that power in the next lesson! Don’t challenge God’s authority. HE WILL WIN!<br /><br />Meanwhile, the crowd is waiting for a “final blessing” and wonders why Zechariah is taking so long. Don’t leave without your blessing or you won’t be blessed! Sometimes God may be slow according to our wishes and we may think we have been waiting forever, but Like Zechariah and Elizabeth, we never want to doubt God or give up on what we sincerely and Scripturally believe that He is going to do. God is constantly looking for and testing His servants to see who is faithful, trusting and ready to serve Him.<br /><br /><strong>5. Praise God for the Results</strong> – <em>Luke 1:24-25</em><br />When Zechariah finally exits the Temple, the people perceive that something extraordinary has happened to him while he was in there. Now, for them to hear what has happened is more important than leaving! What’s Elizabeth going to think when Zechariah gets home? She can talk all she wants and he can’t interrupt! It’s going to get very interesting as her pregnancy starts to show.<br /><br />God has given you special talents and abilities. He also has a job tailored just for you and will bless you as you do it. There may be testing or disciplining to prepare you for the job, but as you truly believe in and trust God, you are going to have more opportunity to praise Him for His faithfulness and blessings than you will have time to do it. God likes to reward those who are sincerely faithful to Him.<br /><div style="WIDTH: 680px; HEIGHT: 113px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-5638458858823994266?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-55319357165243469342010-11-22T11:03:00.000-08:002010-11-22T11:09:11.250-08:00<strong>Can You Imagine…? </strong><br />Some people think they know Jesus well enough that they don’t need to know Him more?<br /><br /><strong>Can You Imagine…?</strong><br />Some people would not even consider embarking on a weekly Bible Study of every event in the life and teachings of Jesus that takes three years to complete (just like Jesus took three years to start His Kingdom) because three years is too long a commitment to make? I wonder how long they want God to be committed to saving them from their sins or how long they want to commit to dwelling in eternity!<br /><br /><strong>Can You Imagine…?</strong><br />Some people believe they are following Jesus even though they have never looked at what He taught and did to see if they are really following?<br /><br /><strong>Can You Imagine…?</strong><br />Some people complain that, “The church has gotten away from following the Gospel”, but they never think that they are a part of that “church”?<br /><br /><strong>Can You Imagine…?</strong><br />Some people think that they know Jesus but they still justify living together, having sex outside of marriage, cheating on their taxes, stealing from their employer or getting violently angry with another family member (spouse, parent or child)?<br /><br />Shouldn’t you start a Getting To Know Jesus Bible study group with your friends and neighbors so none of them will fit the above descriptions? Jesus has experienced everything you have to deal with. He has compassion and solutions to all of the problems you are facing. Jesus changes lives from the inside out. Jesus shows us how God would want us to live.<br /><br />What is one reason that you would give God, if you were face to face with Him, for not starting a Getting To Know Jesus Bible study group at our church or home? No good reason? Then contact us and let us help you get your Getting To Know Jesus Bible Study started. It will change your life and the lives of everyone who joins with you.<br /><br /><strong>Can You Imagine…?</strong><br />What this nation will be like when Christians start acting more like Christians instead of like the world?<br /><br /><strong>Can You Imagine…?</strong><br />How much better our government would be and how much more freedom we would have if we elected officials who had been Getting To Know Jesus prior to their election?<br /><br /><strong>Can You Imagine…?</strong><br />I would like to! How about starting our Getting To Know Jesus Bible Study and let’s turn this nation back to being “One Nation Under God”! Contact us today at www.gettingtoknowjesus.org or info@gettingtoknowjesus.org.<br /><div style="WIDTH: 679px; HEIGHT: 119px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-5531935716524346934?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-56839028558111708432010-11-20T14:54:00.000-08:002010-11-20T14:59:40.389-08:00<strong>Streets of Gold or Presence of God</strong><br />I was thinking earlier today about the streets of gold that pave the pathways of heaven. A couple of thoughts came to mind. You might want to read <em>Revelation 21:9—22:5</em>.<br /><br />First, why would God describe heaven as paved with Gold? The answer is because we humans do not comprehend the magnificence and beauty of eternity with God and Jesus Christ. For that reason, God has to describe something that is not physical (heaven is a spiritual kingdom) in physical terms because our finite minds have a very hard time comprehending the spiritual Kingdom God has prepared for us. By using such grandeur as gold, pearls and precious gemstones, we get the idea that this is luxury beyond our earthly understanding and something that we all can have, regardless of our past, if we simply believe that Jesus Christ is God’s Son and our Lord and Savior.<br /><br />Another thought is “Why did God choose to use gold?” Why are the streets of heaven paved with gold? The reason is that bricks, pavement or dirt would not adequately convey the beauty, splendor and wonder of God’s Kingdom. Heaven is such a beautiful place that God chooses to use what mankind would consider as beautiful and desirable to attract us to such a place. Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) headquarters in Costa Mesa, California are located in a building that is white as pearl and trimmed extensively with gold filigree. It is a beautiful sight to behold, an attempt to communicate the splendor of Heaven, but it is still nothing like what is waiting for us in Heaven.<br /><br />Another reason that Heaven is paved with Gold is because God would never do anything less than His best. In describing Heaven in the book of Revelation, God is trying to communicate that Heaven is built of His best materials for all to enjoy who enter His rest. Heaven is such a desirable place that nothing less than God’s best will do in regards to its construction, design, appointments and the treatment of its guests. Truly, when you and I arrive at Heaven’s door, you are going to be privileged to see and experience the absolute best our Creator has for us. God will give nothing less than the best for those who believe that Jesus is the Christ who died on the cross for their sins and have declared Him as their Lord and Savior. That is how much He loves you and wants to bless you.<br /><br />One more thought. Even if heaven were a dirt road in a rundown neighborhood, just being in the presence of God and His Son, Jesus Christ, along with the Holy Spirit would be far better than any gold paved street anywhere on this earth or in Heaven. God’s presence is better than anything we could ever begin to imagine.<br /><br />Oh, how my heart yearns for the realization of the eternal presence that is so clear to all present that there is no doubt that we are in the presence of the God who created us for a love relationship with Him. As the old hymn says:<br /><br />I’d rather have Jesus than houses or land.<br />I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hand.<br />I’d rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today.<br />Than to be the king of a vast domain,<br />Or be held in sin’s dread sway.<br />I’d rather have Jesus than anything,<br />This world affords today.<br /><br />How about you?<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 680px; HEIGHT: 126px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-5683902855811170843?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-67598474133041736542010-11-18T12:21:00.001-08:002010-11-18T12:31:02.723-08:00<div>What Matters Most? </div><p align="right"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_94I_-8WP6FE/TOWLTE6_2jI/AAAAAAAAACg/tLyrkEb1N70/s1600/Billboard%2BGTKJ%2Bcrop.jpg"></a> </p><div><br />I just got news that a good friend, a year younger than myself, went to be with the Lord. As I look at my life and the lives of those around me, it causes me to ponder What Matters Most. What is the most important part of my life? Answering that for your life will help you focus your priorities and establish the legacy by which you will be remembered after you die.<br /><br />I have said for many years that when I die, I pray that people will say of me: “He showed us Jesus”. With that legacy in mind, I have focused all of my energy and my our resources on writing, promoting and sharing the Getting To Know Jesus Bible Study Series. We have invested all we have and are now totally dependent upon donations, sales of the Getting To Know Jesus books and CD’s for our earthly needs.<br /><br />As I look at this world, I see people that look lost, aimless, forsaken, lonely, hopeless and in despair. I see a world that needs to know who Jesus is, what He taught and did and how we can become more like Him. Getting To Know Jesus is a tool to accomplish that goal. We have already sent Getting To Know Jesus Bible study CD's to over 150 ministries in 37 foreign countries. We are constantly getting requests from foreign ministries for the CD's. (For a donation of $100.00, we will send a CD to a ministry in your name and send you contact info so you can see how this ministry is reaching people for Christ.)<br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_94I_-8WP6FE/TOWLTE6_2jI/AAAAAAAAACg/tLyrkEb1N70/s1600/Billboard%2BGTKJ%2Bcrop.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 303px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 146px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540988076404234802" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_94I_-8WP6FE/TOWLTE6_2jI/AAAAAAAAACg/tLyrkEb1N70/s320/Billboard%2BGTKJ%2Bcrop.jpg" /></a>I have observed how the United States has faltered over the last fifty plus years as we took prayer, the Ten Commandments and the Bible out of our schools and replaced them with empty secular relativism and “you decide for yourself what is right or wrong”. I have watched as many churches have gotten soft on standing for what Jesus taught us and compromised in fear of offending someone or being threatened by the IRS. I’ve watched state and local governments and even national organizations bow to threats from the ACLU and other anti-Christian groups threatening to sue if they dare to stand up for Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Bible.<br /><br />As I have already stated, I have committed the rest of my life to teach anyone and everyone about the life of Christ so people will reconnect with Him, change their lives to act like Christians and tell others about Jesus so we can become a Christian nation again. I ask for your help. </div><div><div style="WIDTH: 678px; HEIGHT: 191px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><br /><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><br /><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><br /><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-6759847413304173654?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-3107664797986041102010-11-12T14:22:00.000-08:002010-11-12T14:38:39.713-08:00<strong>In The Fullness of Time<br /></strong>There are some things that we only want to happen until it is the right time! Having a baby too soon or past due, being too young or too old to safely carry a baby to full term. – There is a time and a season. Being ready for a particular career or assignment in your career and being in the right place to accept it when it is time!<br /><br />There is some discussion over whether God causes things to happen or simply knows when they will happen. The point of our focus is that Jesus did not come until it was time for him to appear!<br /><br />Almost every book, movie or story has an introduction. This is the introduction to the Getting To Know Jesus Bible study series.<br /><br />In the fullness of time – It is interesting to observe how God works in the background preparing an individual, a culture, a local or the world for an event and then, when it is time, He watches it unfold according to His divine foreknowledge and plan.<br /><br /><strong>1. IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME POLITICALLY</strong><br />Inter-testament period from around 400 B.C. to the ministry of John the Baptist, the Jews had no prophet, no communication from God! But God was working (watching) in the background as the world prepared for the arrival of His Son.<br /><br />Persian Rule from 539-331 BC was best known for the rebuilding of the Temple under Nehemiah, one of the last of the prophets. This temple was later expanded by Herod. It was a time when the Jews were scattered all over the known world. Many longed to be a nation again in their homeland.<br /><br /><strong>TODAY is the fullness of time POLITICALLY. </strong><br />A one world government is shaping up that is against the Christ and His Church. Mankind has tried for centuries to exist without allegiance to God and the crime and problems of the world reflect that disregard. Many people are searching for that absolute truth and divine power in which we can all find security and safety.<br /><br /><strong>2. IN THE FULLNESS OF ECONOMICALLY</strong><br />In the Jewish world, there is constant talk about pending Depression. They are finding out that they can’t rely on financial prosperity for their security. Heavy taxes are taking more of their freedoms away from them.<br /><br />Greek Rule – 331-167 BC – Alexander the Great conquers the known world before he dies of sexually transmitted disease at age 33. Egypt rules Judea from 331-198 BC. (Cleopatra lived during this era.) Alexander is successful in conquering the world by teaching Greek language and culture to those who are conquered. He also helped to scatter the Jews even more.<br /><br /><strong>TODAY is the fullness of time ECONOMICALLY</strong><br />We are constantly reminded that our money cannot buy safety, freedom, hope and real life! The world today is looking for something more stable and secure than their wealth for their peace of mind. Jesus is the only solution to that need.<br /><br /><strong>3. IN THE FULLNESS OF MORALLY </strong><br />The Jews are feeling that God doesn’t love them anymore. They have strayed away so far, for so long that they don’t have any hope or peace. They engage in sin like it doesn’t matter. They are full of moral decay and corruption!<br /><br />Maccabean Rule – 167-63 BC – Maccabeans, in an attempt to find some freedom, rebel from Greek/Egyptian rule and experience some degree of independence. The Qumran caves and Dead Sea Scrolls belong to this era.<br /><br /><strong>TODAY is the fullness of time MORALLY</strong><br />The sexual immorality and moral decay that we are seeing today is setting us up for something far worse than Sodom and Gomorrah. More and more, people are choosing the pleasures of the moment, ignoring and then complaining about the consequences of their sin and wondering why they feel so guilty and hopeless.<br /><br /><strong>4. IN THE FULLNESS OF RELIGIOUSLY</strong><br />Many Jews see the signs coming that God foretold in the Old Testament. They know that the time for the Messiah to appear is eminent. Already, many have claimed to be the Messiah only to be proven false. When is the true Messiah going to come and restore them to their former greatness?<br /><br />Roman Rule – 63 BC-70 AD – Romans conquer a larger area than the Greeks held. Augustus and Tiberius Caesar reign during this era. They build roads, encourage travel and commerce. They also scatter the Jews.<br /><br />Romans have provided Ease of Travel. They built roads and encouraged commerce and travel. This helped establish trade between nations and contributed to the easy spread of the Gospel after the Church was established.<br /><br /><strong>TODAY is the fullness of time RELIGIOUSLY</strong><br />After neglecting God, more people are finding that Jesus is the only one who has the real answers to life, its purpose and significance. When they put their faith in Him, they find what the world has been looking for from the days of Adam and Eve. They find God’s forgiving love and a hope of eternal life with Him.<br /><br />The Persians, Greeks and Romans had Scattered the Jews all over the world. The Greeks gave the known world a Common Language. Everyone spoke and understood Greek. Romans gave the world a Common Government. Roman rule during the time Christ was on earth was the only time this earth was free of war. However, during this time, the Jews are fear ridden, insecure, looking for something to hold on to. Into this world, God sends His Son bringing hope, salvation and a better way of living for all.<br /><br />Throughout this life, all that matters is Getting To Know Jesus! We are here to walk with you on a journey through His life and teachings.<br /><br />God Bless and have a great week.<br /><br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 680px; HEIGHT: 110px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-310766479798604110?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-42359344423146149852010-11-10T12:40:00.000-08:002010-11-10T12:44:03.745-08:00What do the following have in common?<br />George Soros<br />Barak Obama<br />Al Qaeda<br />Homosexual activists<br />American Civil Liberties Union<br />Americans for the Separation of Church and State<br />Liberal Progressives<br /><br />They all are opposed to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible. They also want to take away the freedoms and foundations on which this nation was established.<br /><br />Some actually believe that the government knows better how to run our lives than we do. If that be the case, then how is it that so many (not all) of the government leaders are incapable of managing their own lives? Reports of sexual immorality, illegal campaign fund raising, not paying income taxes, awarding illegal contracts or pork barrel projects without going through the proper bid process and more are rampant among politicians from the White House, Congress, Senate, judiciary down to state, county and city governments.<br /><br />Others want to abridge our freedom of speech and freedom to believe in God and the teachings of the Bible in an effort to stop us from telling them that what they are doing is wrong. They cry “tolerance”, but they do not respect the legal definition of the word. What they are wanting is censorship. They want to censor the Christian’s right to stand for what is right and they want the “tolerance” to allow them to promote their immorality. Something is not right here.<br /><br />There is one more problem with some in this group. They have decided that they don’t want to follow the principles on which our nation was founded. They treat the United States as some evil empire that must be destroyed, not realizing that in so doing, they will remove the freedoms that give them the right to voice this selfish and irrational dissent. They want to disregard the Constitution, Bill of Rights and establish a rule in which they make the rules and can change them to suit their latest whim.<br /><br />Oh yes, here’s another issue: Some of the people actually believe they can establish a One World Government. They really think that they can make all people in all nations obey and get along under one system of rule. What they haven’t thought about is: who is going to decide which system of rule the world is to live under. Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and many other religions will each want their view respected and to be the rule of law. There will be many who will fight before they give in to someone else’s religion.<br /><br />All of this comes down to one point. The problem with this entire picture is that these and many other people have taken their eyes off of following the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Some have never believed in Him in the first place so they engage in sin, corruption, violence, especially against Christians.<br /><br />If God isn’t the supreme ruler, there will never be a “one world government”. None of the major religions will allow it unless they are the only religion in that government.<br /><br />Look at it another way, we already have a “One World Government”. That is the Kingdom of Christ – the Church which exists around the world and is one with every other Christian around the world. No government, man or other religion can make that claim. Jesus Christ is our King. The church is His Kingdom and no nation on earth has been successful in stopping it.<br /><br />Jesus’ government is a government of love, not hatred. Christians allow other religions to exist. Christians don’t engage in, condone or tolerate violence against another religion simply because we don’t like them. Instead, Christians establish that our government is superior by loving persuasion in which a person is free to chose to follow or not follow Jesus Christ. Show me any other religion that allows such freedom, forgiveness of sin based on grace, not on how good you are, has a risen savior and can promise and deliver eternal life.<br /><br />Show me this kind of freedom in a Muslim controlled country. Where are Christians terrorizing or bombing those who don’t subscribe to Christianity? In a Muslim controlled country, if you are a Christian, you are at serious risk of losing your life if they find out. Women in a Muslim country have no freedom. Some are killed without even a trial because of some trumped up accusation that they violated Sharia Law. What “tolerance” or “freedom” is that?<br /><br />It is time for Christians to stand up and speak out against those who threaten our Christian rights and freedoms. We must show the world that our “religion” is far superior than anyone else’s. We must also not allow anyone to take our freedom away from us by taking over our government, throwing out the Constitution and restricting what we can believe, say or practice as American citizens and especially as Christians.<br /><br />God bless America<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 682px; HEIGHT: 85px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-4235934442314614985?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-49874733358924604462010-11-05T09:57:00.000-07:002010-11-05T10:08:20.536-07:00<strong>Who Makes the Rules?<br /></strong>Have you ever played tag or hide-and-seek and changed the rules in the middle of the game? (Maybe you weren’t the one who instigated the rule change every time, but you probably did it at least once!) How often do you get into a situation today where you want to change the rules to fit your current circumstances? Did you notice how, as people kept changing the rules, that the game no longer became fun to play?<br /><br />There is a lot of discussion going on these days about a group who would fit a definition of “secular progressives”. One of their root tenants is that each person makes their own rules as they go along and what’s right for me may not be what is right for you. One of their problems is that they don’t want to play by God’s rules. Another is that they often want to force me to play by their rules whether those are my rules or not.<br /><br />In <em>Matthew 15:1-20</em>; and <em>Mark 7:1-23</em>, Jesus is challenged by some Pharisees who think He is not playing by the rules. He advises them that they don’t make the rules and they are not playing by God’s rules!<br /><br /><strong>Pharisees Think They Make the Rules!</strong> – <em>Matthew 15:1-2; Mark 7:1-5</em><br />Like many people today (secular progressives and immature Christians) the Pharisees challenge Jesus because He isn’t playing by their rules. They have found some trivial matter (how they wash their hands) that Jesus doesn’t do like they think He should and they are trying to force their standards on Him. The real point is that they are looking to find fault with Jesus so they can excuse themselves from believing in Him as God’s Son, the promised Messiah.<br /><br />The world often makes rules that do not respect Christian values, but are resistant to God’s rules! They want to force us to live by or accept their (immoral and unchristian) standards, but are unwilling to allow us to influence them to live by our standards. Isn’t that hypocrisy? They want to justify their sin and keep us from telling them that it is wrong.<br /><br />How many times have you tried to tell someone else how to live their life or handle a situation? How many times have others tried to tell you how to live your life? Even though we may be Christians, we still often get caught up in deciding for others about how they should live. Often times, our “rules” are beyond what the Scriptures teach.<br /><br /><strong>Jesus Says God Makes the Rules!</strong> – <em>Matthew 15:3; Mark 7:6-9</em><br />Jesus answers the Pharisees by quoting from the prophet Isaiah. He accuses them of breaking God’s rules and substituting their own. They get offended at Jesus’ reply because to them, their traditions are more important than what God’s Word teaches. They have conveniently packaged the Mosaical Law with all sorts of additional interpretations so they won’t have to obey it the way it is written. Sounds like some Christians today who want to re-write the Bible to make it gender neutral or take out the miracles of Jesus.<br /><br />How often do we conveniently justify our divorce, anger, hatred, judging of others, breaking a traffic law, etc. just because we don’t want to admit our sin? What kind of witness are we for Christ when we make the rules instead of seeking to follow His? If we act just like the world, then why should they want to believe in our Jesus?<br /><br /><strong>Jesus Proves His Point!</strong> – <em>Matthew 15:4-9; Mark 7:10-13</em><br />Before the Pharisees can say anything to defend their errant behavior, Jesus cites one of traditions that the Pharisees use to justify their being disrespectful of their parents that are in total disregard to God’s Law. They have created a loophole where they don’t have to obey the Mosaical Law (which was given by God)! They think that they can make the rules!<br /><br />As Christians, we want to be right before God. Often, in our sincerity, we will discover some point and immediately take it to others as though salvation is based on compliance to this newly discovered behavior. Or we will judge another person’s behavior simply because it is different than our own. Though we are well meaning, we have stepped beyond God’s Word to impose our standards on others.<br /><br /><strong>Jesus Says All Sin is Self-Centered!</strong> – <em>Matthew 15:10-20; Mark 7:14-23</em><br />Sin originates from temptations that occur in our minds. That doesn’t mean that the mere thought is sinful unless you dwell on it. However, the temptation passes through the mind before the body acts on it. Hence, Jesus’ point! We don’t sin by eating because that is processed and passed through. However,<br /><br />Have you ever noticed what is in the middle of sIn? I have yet to find a sin that is not selfish. If you find one, let me know (and I’ll probably prove to you that it is as selfish as all other sin.) When we get self-centered, we will justify our actions every time. How does God view your actions?<br /><br /><strong><em>“Getting To Know Jesus”</em></strong> will help you get through the trials and hard times of live as you see what Jesus went through and how much He cares about you. Call, email or write and let us tell you how you can start a “Getting To Know Jesus” Bible study group in your home or church.<br /><div style="WIDTH: 683px; HEIGHT: 131px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-4987473335892460446?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-61553331588408566602010-11-04T19:28:00.000-07:002010-11-04T19:33:18.201-07:00<strong>Jesus arrives in Galilee<br />The Power of Jesus' Healing </strong><br /><strong>Getting To Know Jesus - 023 - Volume 02</strong><br />Next time you become ill and need surgery or serious medical attention, wouldn’t it be nice if you could get that help without having to go to the doctor’s office? Just make a phone call and he you would not have to be exposed to other people’s illnesses. Doctor would not have to come visit!<br />Jesus gets news that John the Baptist has been put in prison because he spoke against Herod marrying his brother’s wife (we’ll cover this in a future lesson). Jesus now arrives in Galilee some six months after the Feast of the Passover. This is where He will spend most of the remainder of His ministry.<br /><br /><strong>Jesus has to protect Himself!</strong> – <em>Matthew 4:12; Mark 1:14a; Luke 4:14-15; John 4:43-45</em><br />Jesus’ return after John’s arrest suggests that He wants to make Himself less available to Herod less His purpose is interrupted. Luke suggests that it is the Holy Spirit who motivates Jesus to go to Galilee. Have you ever felt a strong urging to go somewhere or do something? Could that urging have been the Holy Spirit working in your life? Jesus is in the life-changing business. How has He changed your life?<br /><br />John mentions that a prophet is seldom accepted in his own neighborhood. This is most likely a reference to the resistance that Jesus experienced when in Jerusalem. Jesus will later make this same observation of His reception in Nazareth where He grew up. It is a sad commentary when we reject someone because we knew him or her when (in the past) instead of accepting him or her now! Most of the prophets and Apostles were rejected in their home communities.<br /><br />The Galileans welcome Jesus because many of them saw what He did in Jerusalem at the Passover and have told others about Him. Jesus is now able to go and teach in all of their synagogues because He has championed an injustice that especially affected Galilean Jews. He confronted the priests with their greed and price gouging in the selling of animals for the sacrifices.<br /><br /><strong>Wealth cannot buy health!</strong> – <em>John 4:46-47</em><br />Ah, Jesus returns to Cana of Galilee, where He had changed the water into wine at a wedding recently! Word has gotten around the region that Jesus is in the area. A royal official from Capernaum whose son is sick, hears about Jesus and goes to Cana to ask Jesus to heal his son. The road from Capernaum to Cana is 18 to 25 miles uphill (2,000+ ft. change in elevation)! 6-8 hours by foot.<br /><br />At first, Jesus balks at the request because many people are more impressed with sensationalism and want a miracle instead of enduing the hard labor that makes for success. Jesus’ hesitancy has nothing to do with this man’s position, popularity or power. Can you accept people regardless of their race, vocation, social status or wealth?<br /><br />At this point in His life, Jesus’ popularity is more for what He has done than for who He is. Faith in Jesus as a miracle worker is not the same as faith in Him as the Son of God, our Lord and Savior. Sometimes Jesus has to work on us before He can work for us!<br /><br /><strong>Jesus can heal without being there!</strong> – <em>John 4:48-50</em><br />The official came to Jesus because he believes that Jesus can heal his son. He continues to plead with Jesus to come to Capernaum and heal his son. He is persuaded that the only hope for His son is a miracle for healing by Jesus. He has ample access to doctors and they have been unsuccessful.<br /><br />Jesus’ reply is for him to go home, his son will be okay. He trusts Jesus (a step of faith) and leaves. Faith = key, trust = lock, obedience = turning the key in the lock. Even the noblest leaders and the most affluent or powerful are reduced to beggars in the presence of Jesus. There are some situations that only God can heal but most of the time He uses doctors and medicine to do it!<br /><br /><strong>Proof of Jesus’ power!</strong> – <em>John 4:51-54</em><br />As the royal official from Capernaum is returning home, some of his servants are traveling to Cana to tell him that the boy is okay. The life-threatening fever is gone and the child is back to normal. The official inquires about when the boy got better and they tell him. He recalls that this s the same time that Jesus told him to go home, the boy will be okay.<br />This is the second miracle recorded by John and done by Jesus in Galilee. Jesus did some miracles in Jerusalem, but no others in Galilee until now.<br /><br /><strong>CONCLUSION</strong><br />Have you ever been seriously ill or had someone in your family that survived an illness that could have been fatal? How did you feel upon your or their recovery? Did you see God’s hand in their recovery? Did you want to tell others what God did and praise Him for His mercy and grace in bringing about healing?<br /><br />It isn’t the miracles in your life that matter, but who Jesus is! What are you doing to build that relationship with Him?<br /><br />God Bless and have a great week.<br /><div style="WIDTH: 683px; HEIGHT: 116px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-6155333158840856660?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-73039361810727998412010-11-01T16:13:00.000-07:002010-11-01T16:18:55.093-07:00<strong>Jesus is the Son of God. He is equal with God and receives His authority from His Father </strong><br />“Then they all said, ‘Are You then the Son of God?’ So He said to them, ‘You rightly say that I am’” (<em>Luke 22:70</em>).<br /><br />“For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother" (<em>Matthew 12:50</em>).<br /><br />“Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth’” (<em>Matthew 28:18</em>).<br /><br />“Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God” (<em>John 5:17-22</em>).<br /><br /><strong>Jesus lived a sinless life</strong><br />“Can any one of you convict me of a single misleading word, a single sinful act? But if I'm telling the truth, why don't you believe me?” (<em>John 8:46</em>, The Message).<br /><br />Jesus had the ability to sin; if He weren’t able to sin, He could not have been tempted genuinely and would be unable to be our sympathetic High Priest (<em>Hebrews 4:15</em>). When He was tempted,<br /><br />He always rebuked the thought with scripture (<em>Luke 4:1-13</em>).<br /><br />Because He didn’t sin, God was able to accept His sacrifice. <em>1 Peter 3:18</em> says, “Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.”<br /><br /><strong>Jesus said that He is the one and only way to God</strong><br />“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me” (<em>John 14:6</em>).<br /><br />It’s also interesting to note that Jesus did not call himself the destination, but the way, indicating that while salvation is immediate for the confessed and forgiven sinner, our Christian walk is a journey.<br /><br /><strong>Jesus had the power to forgive sins and provide everlasting life</strong><br />“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (<em>John 11:25</em>).<br /><br />“When Jesus saw their faith, He said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven.’ The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, ‘Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’” (<em>Luke 5:20-21</em>).<br /><br />"For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day" (<em>John 6:40</em>).<br /><br />“I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.” (<em>John 6:47</em>).<br /><br /><strong>Jesus predicted and orchestrated His own death and resurrection</strong><br />“Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, ‘We are going up into Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again’” (<em>Luke 18:31-33</em>).<br /><br /><strong>Jesus said He would rise from the dead and return</strong><br /><em>Matthew 24:27-30</em> "So as the lightening comes from the east and flashes to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man... At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory."<br /><br /><em>Mark 14:61-62</em> "Again the high priest asked him, 'Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?' 'I am,' said Jesus. 'And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.'"<br /><br />Jesus clearly knew He was the Lamb of God, the Messiah spoken of in the Old Testament. He knew He had to live a life without sin, no matter what. When He returns, He will judge the sins of the world… except for those who have already acknowledged conviction, entered a plea of guilty, and sought His mercy by believing on Christ.<br /><br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 683px; HEIGHT: 110px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-7303936181072799841?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-83987532242644151572010-10-30T09:37:00.000-07:002010-10-30T11:10:45.548-07:00<strong>Obey the Rules!</strong><br />My wife and I have been watching the World Series as the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers try to see who can win the most games. Have you ever thought about what makes watching a baseball game enjoyable? What is it that makes us want to watch football, basketball, soccer, even tennis or most any other sport? Why do we like to observe as one individual or team competes against another in an effort to win or gain some prize?<br /><br />Let me ask the same question another way. What would happen if some of the players decided that they would make up the rules as they go along? They could say, “I’ll decide what’s right for me and you can decide what’s right for you, but don’t impose your morals or standards on me.” What kind of a game would we have then? There would be no game.<br /><br />It is obeying the rules that make a sporting event sporting and fun to watch. If one team or individual were to decide that they didn’t have to play by the rules, the game would either end up in the two side fighting instead of playing or one side would simply refuse to play until the other side agreed to abide by the established rules.<br /><br />One of the saddest comments I have heard of modern times is the quote I just shared: “I’ll decide what’s right for me and you can decide what’s right for you, but don’t impose your morals or standards on me.” Something is seriously wrong with the philosophy that each person can decide for themselves whether what they do is right or wrong and no one else can make them comply to some absolute standard.<br /><br />We have all kinds of immorality, crime, corruption, greed, selfishness and consequences because individuals think they don’t have to abide by the rules. Our government is fraught with corruption in the current election cycle as individuals and groups try to push their power on others through stealing votes, intimidation of voters, trying to disqualify votes for the other candidate or sneak in extra votes for their candidate. Individuals lie, cheat, steal and commit crimes and then try to sneak in some excuse that they didn’t know it was wrong, the other person did something worse or it’s not that big a deal and should be just overlooked. There are times when it appears that we have no rules at all. How much longer can we survive if we don’t get back to following the rules?<br /><br />A big question is growing in your mind. Who makes the rules? What set or rules do we go by? Even among governments, one country has one set of rules and another country is governed differently. Sometimes the one country laws justify them trying to take over and control another country. The resulting conflict ends up in war and many people die fighting for their rules.<br /><br />There is a solution to this entire problem. There is a moral absolute, a one set of rules that applies to everyone regardless of their race or place or face. The United States became the greatest nation on earth because it was founded on the foundation of that one set of rules. As long as we have abided by that ultimate code of behavior, we have prospered.<br /><br />But what has happened? In the last 50 plus years, forces have come in that sought to erode any allegiance to the one moral absolute on which our nation was founded. As a result, we now have corruption from my house to the white house. More and more citizens are deciding that they don’t have to obey the nation’s laws and many are even disregarding the existence and necessity of living by the moral absolute that is foundational to our Constitution and entire system of government.<br />Because of this, we have a breakdown in the family and institution of marriage. Because of this, we have more sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, divorce, broken homes, and insecure, lost and confused children. Because of this, we have little regard for the posted speed limit and many other laws that our government only enforces if they feel like it.<br /><br />In addition, we have groups who are coming out more openly against the moral absolute. They are so open about their behavior that they try to silence anyone who dares to suggest that there is a moral absolute and what they are doing is wrong by that absolute standard.<br /><br />To get back to a question I asked earlier, Who makes the rules that we are to go by? What is this moral absolute and who decided it to be so? To answer that, we must go back to the origin of everyone and everything that exists on this earth. We were created by an all powerful, ever present, all knowing and loving God who created us for the purpose of a relationship based on love. God loves us and wants us to love Him, but in His divine knowledge, He chose to give us the free will to chose to love Him or reject Him.<br /><br />God, in His divine knowledge, set up a moral absolute that frees us from the consequences of sin when we live by it. This moral absolute is found in the Bible. To sum it up most briefly, we are to love God and love others.<br /><br />See <em>Matthew 22:36-40</em> – <em>36</em> “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”<br /><em>37</em> Jesus replied: <span style="color:#990000;">“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ <em>38</em> This is the first and greatest commandment. <em>39</em> And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ <em>40</em> All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”</span><br /><br />It is this foundation on Christian principles that has made the United States such a great nation. Our founding fathers, even the ones who weren’t Christian, recognized the value and importance of God as the ultimate governor of our society. Several founding fathers have expressed that our form of government and Constitution will not work without an allegiance to a Higher Power – the God that created the heavens and the earth.<br /><br />It is time to recall the citizens of the United States to return to that moral standard. It is time to repent of our sin, stop treating the law as something we obey if we feel like it, and start becoming citizens who play the game by the rule book (the Bible, especially the New Testament). It is time to start reading the Bible as if it were the moral absolute that all mankind on this earth is to live by and then practice it in our lives so we can be an example to others.<br /><br />It is time for Christians to follow the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and act like Christians instead of acting like sinners who go to church on SONday and pretend that they are what they are not.<br /><br />God bless America<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 674px; HEIGHT: 81px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-8398753224264415157?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-29129067050565398962010-10-28T18:27:00.000-07:002010-10-28T18:31:28.083-07:00<strong>Real Soul Food that Satisfies! </strong><br />Getting To Know Jesus - 022<br />Has anything ever happened to you that revived your life or some aspect thereof? If you are a woman, have you ever felt like society looked down on you for something real or imaginary? Do you have a past that you feel makes you an outcast or second-rate citizen?<br /><br />We have been discussing a conversation that Jesus had with a woman who has a “past”. Jesus asked for a drink of water and then offered her “living water”. She expressed a strong interest, so Jesus instructed her to go get her husband. She denied being married to which Jesus exposed that He knew she had been married 5 times and was currently living with a man she was not married to. She changed the subject to a spiritual issue and then left.<br /><br /><strong>Physical Food is Important</strong> – <em>John 4:27-30</em><br />The Disciples have returned from the village and are surprised to see Jesus talking with this Samaritan woman. Jews, especially a rabbi, just don’t associate with, or even talk to Samaritans, and above all not a woman! How would you feel if someone you admired and respected was talking to someone you despised?<br /><br />The woman who was talking with Jesus is so excited that she leaves her water jar and goes to the village to tell them what she has experienced. She introduces her conversation with Jesus with a leading question that arouses the curiosity of the village leaders. First, she relates what caused her to consider Jesus, and then she challenges their curiosity with, “Could this be the Christ.” This causes much of the city to come to investigate what Jesus is about. Samaritans are also looking for the Messiah! What would it take to get you excited about telling others about Jesus? Could you use this approach to get others to investigate Jesus?<br /><br /><strong>Soul Food is More Satisfying</strong> – <em>John 4:31-34</em><br />The Disciples have returned from town with some food and are amazed to see Jesus talking with this woman. They offer Him some food, but He takes the opportunity to tell them that there is more to life than eating. How often do we get caught up in the physical instead of focusing on the spiritual?<br /><br />Jesus appears refreshed instead of hungry because He gets filled when He is doing God’s work and He knows that He has just made a significant impression on the woman who has now returned to town. Have you ever said or done something that made an impression on others for Jesus?<br /><br /><strong>People are Hungry for Soul Food</strong> – <em>John 4:35-39</em><br />Jesus changes the subject to harvesting, which is four months away. There could very likely be a field of grain nearby that will soon be ripe for harvest. Jesus uses this to make a point.<br /><br />He gets excited as He looks beyond the Disciples and sees a woman, and a village coming to learn about how they can make their lives better. Yellow wheat is ripe. White wheat is past ripe! This harvest of souls for God’s Kingdom is very urgent! People are very hungry to be “Getting To Know Jesus”! What are you doing to tell them so they can be “harvested” into God’s Eternal Granary?<br /><br />Jesus reminds us that we each have different parts to play in the work of His Church. One plants, another cultivates, another harvests and still another takes that harvest and puts it to the use for which it is intended. What role do you play in the harvest of Jesus’ Church?<br /><br /><strong>Soul Food Satisfies!</strong> – <em>John 4:40-42</em><br />Though this Samaritan woman is likely looked down on, she phrases her comment in such a way as to pique the curiosity. This causes them to come and investigate to see if Jesus is who this woman says He us. What did it take to get you to come and investigate Jesus for yourself?<br /><br />When the people from Sychar hear Jesus speak, they invite Him to stay with them and teach them more about what God wants them to hear, believe and do. He stays two days, and is well received by the people. Nothing is said about whether He does any miracles while there. This woman hardly knows Jesus, yet is already an evangelist! You don’t have to be a Bible college graduate or long-time Christian to bring others to Jesus.<br /><br /><strong>CONCLUSION</strong><br />The woman got the town’s people to come listen to Jesus, but their belief in Him is based on His testimony, not her life. Don’t ever let another person come between you and your relationship with Jesus Christ or you will likewise come as a stumbling block between others who are likewise seeking to see Jesus!<br /><br />God Bless and have a great week.<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 674px; HEIGHT: 108px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-2912906705056539896?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-8696541092340565492010-10-19T18:06:00.000-07:002010-10-19T18:11:33.236-07:00<strong>How to Confront Someone With a Past<br /></strong>(To get the maximum benefit from this message, read lesson 021 in Getting To Know Jesus - Volume 02.) This book is available at <a href="http://www.gettingtoknowjesus.org/">www.gettingtoknowjesus.org</a>.<br /><br />Occasionally you encounter someone who has a past. They have garnered a reputation for some kind of behavior that makes them a social outcast.<br /><br />Jesus’ ministry is now in full swing. He is preaching, doing miracles, etc. In John 4:1-26 and parallel passages in Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus is traveling to Galilee. There is starting to be some opposition to Him from the Pharisees in Judea and it is way too early to die for man’s sins. After all, He has to train some people to establish His Kingdom after He is gone!<br /><br /><strong>Know When to Retreat (Leave)</strong> – <em>Matthew 4:12; Mark 1:14a; Luke 4:14a; John 4:1-4</em><br />Matthew says Jesus “withdrew” suggesting a removal from those who are already showing hostility. Sometimes the best way to handle a situation is get away from the troublemakers! Luke notes Jesus is “led by the Spirit”. There are times when the Holy Spirit will lead us to confront and times when he will lead us to break off contact with opponents. (Luke will never show Jesus in Jerusalem until the end of His ministry to emphasize the rejection by the Jews and ministry to the Gentiles!)<br /><br />Therefore, Jesus goes to Galilee via Samaria. Most Jews go down the Jericho Road and cross the Jordan River rather than go through Samaria. Jews are known for their strong hatred of Samaritans – half-Jew and half Gentile. Jesus doesn’t have a problem with another person’s race, gender or place in life!<br /><br /><strong>Engage in a Conversation</strong> - <em>John 4:5-9</em><br />Like you and me, Jesus gets tired and thirsty along the way to Galilee and stops at Jacob’s Well just outside the village of Sychar, 31 miles north of Jerusalem. While resting, He sends the Apostles into town to get some food. (6th hour is 12:00 noon or 6:00 PM)<br /><br />While they are gone, a Samaritan woman comes to the well to draw some water and Jesus engages her in a conversation. Lets listen in and see if there is anything here that applies to our life.<br /><br /><strong>Sandwich the Truth with Love</strong> – <em>John 4:10-18</em><br />Jesus begins the conversation by talking about the obvious – a need for water to survive. When witnessing to others, it is best to initiate on common ground and build some rapport.<br /><br />This woman will feel very uneasy approaching a well with a Jewish man sitting beside it, but she swallows hard and proceeds so she can get her water, pretending that there is nothing to worry about. She comes to the well during the day to avoid the women from town who look down on her living in adultery! Are you hiding something in your past that you are ashamed for others to know about? Jesus knows all about it and He still loves you as you are!<br /><br />She initially reacts with some alarm that He, a Jew, would even speak to her. Men seldom would engage in a conversation with a woman and a Jew would never talk to a Samaritan, especially a woman. Women were treated more like possessions than persons and she already has a past that makes her feel very ashamed.<br /><br />Jesus doesn’t judge a person by their race, sex, status in life, or even their past. However, He does confront sinners with their behavior and exposes their need for repentance and a Savior.<br />Jesus takes the current circumstances and builds into a conversation that will establish Him as someone with whom this woman would want to identify. He gets her attention by asking her for a drink and then proposing that He is someone whom she should be asking for living water.<br />Jesus has initially gained her attention and makes her an offer of living water. She is tired of having to walk out to the well and draw water. No plumbing or public home delivered water supply!<br /><br />Jesus has now gained this woman’s full attention. It is time to expose her need for salvation! He doesn’t judge or condemn her, but he will confront her with her sinful behavior and the need to change her life! She first tries to avoid her shame, but Jesus exposes that He knows the truth. She has been married five times and is now living with a man outside of the laws of marriage. Adultery and living together outside of marriage is sin!<br /><br /><strong>Point the Way of Forgiveness and Healing</strong> – <em>John 4:19-26</em><br />The Samaritan woman first marvels that a Jew would talk to a Samaritan woman and that He claims to have some kind of water that she would never thirst again. Then, after He confronts her with her sin, she turns theological and engages Jesus about where is the correct place to worship. She tries to soften her guilt and shame by talking about something else to draw Jesus off of her sin.<br /><br />She challenges Jesus on the Jewish belief that Jerusalem is the proper place to worship God. Samaritans worship on nearby Mt. Gerizim. Jesus replies that God is not worshiped in a place, but in the heart of the one who loves Him and wants to worship Him.<br /><br /><strong>CONCLUSION</strong><br />The woman acknowledges the Samaritan expectation of the Messiah. Jesus declares that He is the Messiah! WOW! Is He Your Messiah?<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 675px; HEIGHT: 87px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-869654109234056549?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-52834834427400626522010-10-18T18:50:00.000-07:002010-10-18T18:58:34.361-07:00<strong>Here Comes da Judge!</strong><br /><em>Matthew 7:1-12; Luke 6:37-42</em><br />Are you an “armchair quarterback”? Are you someone who is quick and frequent to criticize someone else’s actions, especially after the fact? We can always look at how we see what someone else is doing and find something that we think should be done differently. I have had several people try, with good intentions, to tell me how to run this Bible study ministry. Some have had good ideas, but some were just being critical.<br /><br />Jesus is continuing to teach us how we can be pleasing to God. He is also going to teach us how God cares about our needs and us. Then He is going to give us the Golden Rule on how to treat others!<br /><br /><strong>How to Judge Others</strong> – <em>Matthew 7:1-2; Luke 6:37-38</em><br />Some people have tried to suggest that we should not judge others and cite Matthew 7:1 as their proof. However, such a statement involves making a judgment! We cannot live without making judgments about what is right and wrong.<br /><br />If you read the entire sentence, Jesus tells us that the same standard that we use on others will be used to judge us. The problem is that we often judge others as guilty of something that we are likewise guilty of ourselves. Our judgments are sometimes made on the actions of others, but sometimes they are also a reminder to us about our own behavior. We will most assuredly be judged by the same standard we impose on others.<br /><br />a. Make judgments wisely.<br />b. Use God’s standard for all judgments.<br /><br /><strong>Don’t be a Splinter Picking Hypocrite</strong> – <em>Matthew 7:3-6; Luke 6:39-42</em><br />Relating to the above comments, many of us judge others of things that we do ourselves!<br /><br />It is so easy to see what others are doing and not realize that you are doing the same thing. Sometimes, we think that by condemning them, we will be less guilty for things that we are doing. If it is wrong for someone else to do it, it is also wrong for you and me to do it as well.<br /><br />How can you help someone else make his or her life better if you are doing the same thing? A teacher cannot take the student any further than that teacher has achieved in their own life. You can’t judge someone else if you are guilty of the same behavior.<br /><br />a. Judge yourself first. We must always look at our own actions and ourselves before we speak out against another person.<br />b. Judge other’s actions by the same criteria you use on yourself.<br /><br /><strong>Getting What You Want</strong> – <em>Matthew 7:7-11</em><br />Most parents work hard to provide the basic needs for their children. They give them a home, food, clothing and protection. Many also try to provide “extras” with toys and other things that their children say they “want” because they love their children and want to please them as much as they reasonably can.<br /><br />God, the Father, is much the same way. When we ask for something, He is not going to be cruel or unkind to us. He is not going to allow us to have things that will harm us. He wants His children to be joyful.<br /><br />a. Take all of your needs and wants to God for His provision.<br />b. Trust God to know what’s best for you. Filter your requests by that criterion.<br /><br /><strong>The Golden Rule</strong> – <em>Matthew 7:12</em><br />The Golden Rule is not, “He who has the most gold rules”, although many people seem to operate on that principle.<br /><br />The Golden Rule is that we should treat others the way we would prefer that they treat us. The truth is that this should be the model for everything we do in our relations with other people. That requires that you have a healthy love and respect of yourself. It also requires that we think about how we are treating others (which requires making judgments).<br /><br />a. Love yourself with a healthy love.<br />b. Love others the same way.<br />c. Treat others the way you want to be treated before and whether they treat you that way or not!<br /><br /><strong>CONCLUSION</strong><br />How much better can you and I make this world by just living by and teaching these simple principles? How is what you have learned in this message going to change your life?<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 675px; HEIGHT: 103px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-5283483442740062652?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-52847271657324353802010-10-14T13:56:00.000-07:002010-10-14T14:10:17.297-07:00Getting To Know Jesus – 020<br />JOHN ENDORSES JESUS<br /><strong>How To Be Humble </strong><br /><em>Ecclesiastes 3:1-9</em> – a time for everything! All things have a beginning and an end. Every business on this earth has a beginning and an end. Every ministry is only for a season. We can look back over history at the works of John Wesley, Martin Luther, and many other significant spiritual leaders and see the beginning and end of their personal ministries.<br /><br />We are in <em>John 3:25-36</em>. Like your life and work and mine, John the Baptist’s ministry will soon be coming to an end. His legacy will live on. We may be remembered for a time for what we have done, but our work will not be forever.<br /><br /><strong>Do What God Has Called You To Do!</strong> – <em>John 3:22-24</em><br />John has been baptizing at the Jordan River for about the past six months. For a short time, both of these men are preaching to the Jews to repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. They are at different locations somewhere along the Jordan River.<br /><br />Jesus could speak to more people in Jerusalem, but has a more receptive audience here where people are coming to hear Him. At this time, Jesus’ preaching and baptizing is essentially the same as John’s. That will soon change as John is beheaded and Jesus recruits the foundations for His eternal Kingdom, the Church.<br /><br />Jesus will spend about six months here before going on to Galilee. Jesus will spend the remainder of His life traveling from place to place. He will never own a home, horse or donkey. He will not have a closet full of clothes, refrigerator overflowing with leftovers or a television on which to watch the evening news. No air conditioning, no radio, no electricity, but still, Jesus influences a following that will change the world.<br /><br />Wherever the gospel is proclaimed, the people are challenged to make a decision! We should be encouraged to engage others to make a decision for Christ!<br /><br /><strong>Life Is Not Just About You!</strong> – <em>John 3:25-27</em><br />Some of John’s disciples get into a discussion with another Jew over ceremonial washing. This is particularly a reference to immersion and the fact that Jesus is immersing followers in His camp.<br /><br />John’s followers feel that Jesus’ ministry is in competition to John’s and engage John about this “threat”. Somewhat like one high school having a rivalry with another nearby or a restaurant fearing another restaurant opening across the street. Have you ever observed or participated in putting down another ministry because you felt they were a “threat” to your ministry?<br /><br />They expect John to muster their being “right” and find some reason to find fault with Jesus. Of such things, wars are started. This is not unlike some Christians getting caught up in the teaching of their minister or denomination and putting down any other Christian who does not agree with all that they are advocating.<br /><br /><strong>Do Your Job With All Your Heart!</strong> – <em>John 3:28-36</em><br />The last recorded words of John the Baptist summarize the entire focus of his ministry and his whole life. John can only do what God has called him to do. This is not an appropriate situation for jealousy. Jesus is not the enemy, but the hero! (Satan is the enemy!)<br /><br />John makes it clear that Jesus is superior to him. John’s ministry is to decrease and Jesus’ ministry is to increase. Have you ever had to step down to a lesser paying job or help promote someone newer than you to a position that you desired?<br /><br />John expands. Jesus is from above and John is from this earth. I would rather be on God’s side than against Him. John also laments that no one seems to listen to him. They just don’t understand what he has been trying to tell them.<br /><br />John concludes his thoughts with this testimony – “Whoever believes in the Son (Jesus) will have eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life.”<br /><br /><strong>Stand For What Is Right Before God!</strong> – <em>Luke 3:19-20</em><br /><em>Luke 3:19</em> advises us that John rebukes Herod’s sexual immorality and gets arrested and thrown into prison. This concludes John’s public ministry in preparing the world for Jesus.<br /><br /><strong>CONCLUSION</strong><br />Our enemy is not other Christians, but the devil! Lets work together to tell the world about Jesus instead of competing and bickering with one another over personal interpretations.<br /><br />What is your decision going to be regarding Jesus? Are you going to accept Him or reject Him?<br />The only question at Heaven’s door will be “Who is Jesus?” Your answer to that question will determine where you spend eternity!<br /><br />God Bless and have a great week.<br /><div style="WIDTH: 675px; HEIGHT: 104px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-5284727165732435380?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-28172008190893196752010-10-12T12:28:00.000-07:002010-10-12T12:33:17.743-07:00<strong>The Ultimate Government</strong><br />Today, I’m sharing some thoughts written by Pastor Chris Clark of East Clairemont Baptist Church. What he said is worth sharing without any editing. Pray for our nation. Pray for the institution of marriage and the family. Pray that our government will honor God and the see the importance of marriage and the family for a healthy nation. – Glen Copple, Minister of the Word.<br /><br />Prayer Champions –<br /><br />They are not household names by any stretch of the imagination. Yet, in all likelihood, we would not have our country if it had not been for them.<br /><br />British sympathizer Peter Oliver called them the “Black Regiment” with disdain due to the black garb they wore. They were the ones who boldly inspired the birth of the United States of America.<br /><br />They were the American pastors of the late 18th century, when the colonies decided that the oppression and tyranny of the British crown had gone too far. It was these pastors who boldly stood and declared God’s standards for society, moving ordinary people to become patriots for the ages.<br /><br />Samuel Sherwood (1730-1783) was one of these pastors. A graduate of Yale and Princeton, Sherwood pastored the church in Weston, Connecticut. His 1774 sermon, “Scriptural Instructions to Civil Rulers” served as a benchmark for many on how a ruler should rule, setting the proper context for civil government.<br /><br />Using <em>2 Samuel 23:1-4</em> as his text, we can note some universal principles that civil leaders would do well to acknowledge:<br /><br /><strong>1. There is one source of authority: God</strong>—David acknowledged God, the Rock of Israel, as the Authority by which he reigned as king. No government leader attains such position save the divine appointment by an all-sovereign God.<br /><strong>2. There is one method of rule: God-fearing</strong>—David declared that the government leader will be most successful when he rules in the fear of God; not only having a reverence and awe for God, but a genuine fear of disobeying that same God as well. The problems arise when government leaders show no fear of a holy and a righteous God.<br /><strong>3. There is one result of God-fearing rule: order</strong>—David describes the results in terms of the order in creation following a rain storm: the clearing, the sun, the warmth, the growth. There is order because God is a God of order, and God-fearing rule will reflect His nature.<br /><br />We do not want God-fearing government leaders merely to win an argument or even a campaign. We want God-fearing government leaders because God-fearing government works.<br /><br />Pastor Chris Clark<br />East Clairemont Baptist Church<br />and Pastors’ Rapid Response Team<br />San Diego, CA<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 675px; HEIGHT: 104px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-2817200819089319675?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-4750411245359052802010-10-08T19:08:00.000-07:002010-10-08T19:19:33.303-07:00<strong>Doing Right in a Wrong World<br /></strong>S.R. <em>Genesis 25:27-34</em><br />In an age of loose morals, Satan provides many rationalizations to excuse any kind of behavior.<br />You can justify (even in Scripture) anything you want to do.<br />Most criminals in jails believe they are not guilty.<br />The Problem – is sIn! The solution is repentance and following Jesus!<br /><br />Man’s attitude used to be don’t sin. Now it is don’t get caught!<br />Don’t tell lies<br />Don’t steal<br />Don’t cheat<br />Don’t have sex with someone you are not married to.<br />Don’t kill (unless it is in absolute self-defense)<br />World seeks pleasure as an end. Christian finds pleasure in Christ.<br />As Christians, we must remember that wrong is wrong despite our efforts to excuse our actions.<br /><br />1. Wrong is wrong even if we don’t get caught. <em>Proverbs 15:3</em><br />WHY?<br /><br />You may fool man, but you can’t fool God. He is an eyewitness of all you do. <em>Hebrews 4:13</em><br />What is done in secrete will be exposed in the judgment day.<br />Adultery, stealing candy from a store, cheating on taxes<br />2. Wrong is wrong even if we do it for a good cause. <em>II John 9</em><br />WHY?<br /><br />Honorable purpose does not justify dishonorable action.<br />The end does not always justify the means. <em>I John 5:17</em><br />Sin is still (always) a transgression of God’s Law. <em>I John 3:4</em><br />Stealing food for hungry kids, defrauding one to help another.<br />3. Wrong is wrong even if others are doing worse things. <em>Proverbs 24:8-9</em><br />WHY?<br /><br />It will be little comfort on the Day of Judgment to know others committed a worse sin. Your punishment will be the same as theirs. <em>Romans 6:23</em><br />Even the thought of sin is sin. <em>Matthew 5:27-28</em><br />Shoplifting, cheating on income taxes, running red lights<br />4. Wrong is wrong even if it doesn’t bother our conscience. <em>Ephesians 4:17-20</em><br />WHY?<br /><br />The conscience can be trained to block out guilt or to generate guilt.<br />Even if it is evil done sincerely, it is still sin to God. <em>I Timothy 4:1-3</em><br />Conscience or not, we will all pay for our sins. <em>Galations 6:7; Hebrews 13:18</em><br />Cussing, getting mad, getting even with someone.<br />5. Wrong is wrong even if it is commonly considered acceptable. <em>Exodus 23:2</em><br />WHY?<br /><br />The Christian should not follow the crowd when the crowd is into a sin. <em>Proverbs 4:14-19</em><br />Choose your friends carefully lest they lead you astray. <em>I Corinthians 15:33</em><br />Getting drunk at a party, engaging in an act of vandalism.<br /><br />Determine to do right and avoid evil. <em>I Thessalonians 5:21-22</em><br />There is never a right way to do wrong.<br />Live your life before men is such a way that they have no cause to accuse you of sinning. <em>I Peter 3:15-16; 2:12</em><br /><div style="WIDTH: 675px; HEIGHT: 101px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-475041124535905280?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-58124512229072094422010-10-07T11:41:00.000-07:002010-10-07T12:14:40.028-07:00<b>Is it the Money or is There Something Better?</b><br /><br />Have you heard the expression, “He who has the most toys (Toyota’s) wins”?<br />How about a man in Texas that was buried in his Cadillac?<br /><br />A wealthy and selfish man told his wife to bury his money with him when he died. She promised to do as he said. Upon his death, she wrote a check and put it with him in the casket!<br /><br />Zig Ziglar – grew up in a poor family. Dad died. Mom worked. He was 11 of 13 children. <br />Sold vacuum sweepers and cookware door-to-door for many years. He tried all sorts of schemes to “get rich quick”. None worked!<br /><br /><div>Had the electricity cut off, had the phone shut off and even had a car repossessed<br />It took him 17 years to become a successful motivational speaker. Now very wealthy and successful!<br /><br />I have a personal friend who once had a big house, fancy cars, expensive boat, pilot’s license and lots of nice stuff. Now he’s struggling to get a business off the ground. He depends on his wife’s income to meet most of their expenses. In spite of his “loss”, he is still happy. <br />Both of these men are very happy because they know that money isn’t everything!<br /><br />How about you? Do you sometimes struggle with your finances?<br /><br />Rich man vs. Lazarus<br />Lets make some observations from <i>Luke 17:19-31</i><br />The rich man had a nice house, lots of food, fancy clothes. <br />How would you identify the “rich man” today?<br />How many rich people are truly generous? How many “rich people” give 10% or more to God’s work? (The poor widow gave her last two pennies to God! – <i>Luke 21:1-4</i>)<br /><br />Lazarus was a homeless poor beggar, inflicted with painful and ugly sores. Yet, (it is implied that) he loved and trusted God. <br /><br />In spite of his love, God did not spare him the pain and suffering that he endured while on this earth. Life isn’t fair! What is more important, being healthy, being wealthy or being saved? If you actually had to choose, would you be willing to give up everything and follow Jesus?<br /><br />Some people have lots of wealth and some don’t! So what?<br />John D. Rockefeller was once asked, “How much money is enough?” He replied, “One more dollar than I have!”<br />We sometimes think that we deserve to have and the world owes us!<br />We will spend our entire lives pursuing more money only to realize, too late, that it is not the meaning to life!<br />Life isn’t in acquiring and having wealth, a house, a particular job, relationship or being in a certain circle of people!<br /><br />How many people throw their money away on lottery tickets when it would be better spent on other things. (If you want to help the schools, give them the dollar instead of giving 72 cents to the gambling commission!)<br /><br />Jesus said in<i> John 14:6</i> that He is the only way…<br />Is there any other way that we can find peace with God?<br /><br />How much does it cost to buy eternal life?<br />Life is in Jesus (and it is free) – <i>Matthew 16:24-26</i> – What good is it if we are richer than Bill Gates, Ted Turner and Donald Trump all put together, if we don’t have Jesus?<br /><br />Paul’s attitude is expressed in <i>Philippians 4:10-13</i>. He has already elaborated his feelings towards Jesus in <i>Philippians 1:27, 3:7-11</i> – If he lives, he will serve Christ. If he dies, he will go to be with Christ. What’s the problem?<br /><br />There will only be one question on the “FINAL EXAM” at the judgment throne of God.<br />It won’t be, “Is it the money?”<br /><br />The FINAL EXAM will be –<br />WHO’S Jesus?<br />What will your answer be?<br /><i>Matthew 6:19-21</i> – How are you going to show God and others that you love Jesus more than money? <br />What are you going to do from now on to help others see what really matters in life? How are you going to model Jesus’ presence in you?<br /><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border:1px solid #D1D7DF;background-color:#F5F6F9;margin:0px auto;"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding:1px;margin:0px;background-color:#edeff4;text-align:center;height:21px;"><a href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="NetworkedBlogs"><img style="border: none;" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" title="NetworkedBlogs" /></a></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding:5px;"><a style="display:block;line-height:100%;width:90px;margin:0px auto;padding:4px 8px;text-align:center;background-color:#3b5998;border:1px solid #D9DFEA;border-bottom-color:#0e1f5b;border-right-color:#0e1f5b;color:#FFFFFF;font-family:'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-decoration:none;" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><script src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317" type="text/javascript"></script></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-5812451222907209442?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-20961267851340984022010-10-06T11:40:00.000-07:002010-10-06T12:33:02.346-07:00<div><b>JESUS GIVES US THE ANSWER!<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b>This lesson comes from Getting To Know Jesus – 019</b></span></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b></b></span>How to Start a New Life!</b><br />I met Saint Peter at Heaven’s door and asked him to “Let me in!” When I got inside, I was surprised to see Dave there. What’s worse is he was surprised to see me!<br /><br />One day, we are all going to have to stand before the judgment throne of God and give an answer for the life that we have lived on this earth. What is the question? What is your answer?<br />Have you ever been afraid that someone would kill or torture you because of your Christian faith? Sometimes we let fear of ridicule hinder our standing up for Jesus. Nicodemus was afraid at first, but he became more dedicated at the end.<br /><br />Seek the One who Knows! – John 3:1-3<br />Nicodemus is a respected Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin (Council of 70, the Jewish governing body that is recognized by the Romans – Kind of the Jewish “Supreme Court”. Other members who factor in New Testament history are Joseph of Arimathea –<i>John 19:38</i> and Gamaliel –<i>Acts 5:34-39</i>).<br /><br />Nicodemus seeks a private audience with Jesus for fear of being discovered as a follower of Jesus. He will later defend Jesus and will help Joseph of Arimathea in burying Jesus. He recognizes Jesus as a teacher who is sent by God,<br /><br /><b>Be Born Again!</b> – <i>John 3:3-4</i><br />Jesus answer’s Nicodemus’ unasked question – “what must I do to have eternal life?”<br /><br />“Born” – we start out as baby Christians, not mature “adult” believers.<br /><br />“Again” – Physical birth is temporary. Eternal birth is for eternity!<br /><br /><b>Listen to Your Teacher!</b> – <i>John 3:5-13</i><br />Nicodemus doesn’t understand Jesus’ figurative language and asks for clarification.<br />Born of Water (immersion/baptism) and spirit. Some who fear baptism as a “work”, reference physical birth. Jesus will say more about this later.<br /><br />Born of Spirit is the Holy Spirit coming into the penitent believer.<br /><br />Nicodemus still doesn’t understand, so Jesus elaborates some more. First, He challenges Nicodemus’ credentials as a “teacher” who is supposed to be well versed in the Old Testament. (Sometimes we are so physical minded that we are no spiritual good!)<br /><br />Nicodemus is a representative of all of Israel.<br /><br />Jesus states, in essence, that He came from God. He compares His mission to that of the serpent that Moses lifted up in the wilderness (<i>Numbers 21:4-9</i>). It was faith looking at the symbol of the snake and obedience that saved the Jews who had been bitten. Likewise, faith in Jesus and obedience to His will save us who have been bitten by the snake of sin. (Likewise, immersion has no power, except in the act of obedience and faith in what it symbolizes.)<br /><br />The key to salvation is in believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior. God’s gift of salvation is like opening a Christmas present because you believe that it is intended for you. However, until you open it, it is not completely yours! (Immersion is the symbol of opening the present and putting it on!)<br /><br /><b>Believe in Jesus as Your Savior!</b> – <i>John 3:14-21</i><br />The entire message of God and the Bible in one sentence! God loves us. Jesus is God’s only SON. He came and died physically so that you and I might live forever with Him eternally. Eternal life begins when we are born again, not when we die. (We have dual citizenship – this earth and eternal life!)<br /><br />God’s love wants to save you, not judge you, but you have the freedom to accept Him or reject Him. You make your choice and He determines your eternal future according to your choice.<br />Evildoers like the dark because they think no one sees. This proves that they know what they are doing is evil.<br /><br />Is there anything in your life that you don’t want others to “see”! How can you walk in the light of Jesus if you are still trying to keep parts of your life “in the dark”?<br /><br /><b>CONCLUSION</b><br />What is your choice? Most of you are taking the Getting To Know Jesus Bible study because you have already chosen to believe in Jesus and want to know how you can be more like Him. How strongly are you committed to accept God’s love and salvation and live your life for Jesus?<br /><br />The question at Heaven’s door is “Who is Jesus?” The answer to the question on the final exam is “Jesus Christ is my Lord who died for my sins, the SON of God!”<br /><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border:1px solid #D1D7DF;background-color:#F5F6F9;margin:0px auto;"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding:1px;margin:0px;background-color:#edeff4;text-align:center;height:21px;"><a href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="NetworkedBlogs"><img style="border: none;" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" title="NetworkedBlogs" /></a></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding:5px;"><a style="display:block;line-height:100%;width:90px;margin:0px auto;padding:4px 8px;text-align:center;background-color:#3b5998;border:1px solid #D9DFEA;border-bottom-color:#0e1f5b;border-right-color:#0e1f5b;color:#FFFFFF;font-family:'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-decoration:none;" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><script src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317" type="text/javascript"></script></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-2096126785134098402?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-34531210544574216852010-10-05T14:12:00.001-07:002010-10-06T12:37:46.484-07:00Obey the Law? Are You Kidding?<br />Why do we have laws if no one is going to obey them? I see a lot of people who show by their actions that obeying the law is a matter of “…if I feel like it” rather than “We must obey the law!”<br /><br />Have you been watching the baseball season as it came to a close? Do you enjoy watching a good game of football, hockey, basketball or soccer? I wonder how those games could be played if the players obeyed the rules like most of us obey the laws of God? There would be absolutely no game. So many of the things we do on this earth require obedience to some set of rules. Try driving somewhere and not staying on the road or not stopping at intersections where there is a stop sign or traffic signal. You’ll soon die! Try taking something from a store and telling the cashier that you don’t want to pay for it so they can’t make you.<br /><br />Our world runs on obedience to some sort of rule of law. When we live by that rule of law, we have harmony, peace and freedom from fear. When we decide that the law is not relevant to us or we want to excuse ourselves from obedience, we experience pain, loss, suffering and we often cause pain, loss or suffering on someone else.<br /><br />Today, many people are advocating that, “you can obey what’s right for you, but don’t make me live by the same law”. What’s the problem with this kind of mentality?<br /><br />1. When there is no standard that applies to everyone, there is no standard. It would be like one team saying that they don’t want you to tackle them, you have to play “touch” football, but they can tackle you as hard as they want, even to the point of causing injury, if they feel like it. This is most profoundly illustrated in the area of sexual morality. God says that sex is for marriage between one man and one woman. Any other kind of sex is wrong. Some people want to believe that it is okay for them to have sex outside of marriage and no one has the right to tell them that what they are doing is wrong. Some want to have sex with someone else against that person’s will. They don’t care that it is against the law to violate that other person’s rights.<br /><br />2. If we don’t have a common standard that all agree with, we have no law at all. Then why even bother to have a government, courts, law enforcement (police), army, etc.? If you can decide for yourself what is right or wrong and there is no absolute standard, we quickly degrade to a society of survival of the fittest where I must kill you before you kill me. That is self-destructive.<br /><br />3. Trying to make up our own laws to live by is like trying to play a baseball game, but making up the rules as you play. ‘If I don’t want to run to first base when I hit the ball, I don’t have to and you can’t put me out.” Or “I get to swing until I hit the ball. You can’t call strikes on me.”<br />That kind of mentality won’t work.<br /><br />So what “absolute standard” do we live by? Some will advocate that some governing body makes that standard and enforces it. The problem is that many differ on who that governing body should be or how they should operate.<br /><br />The only “absolute standard” that will work for everyone is to return to the Creator of the universe and all that is in it and live by His standard. God, being all powerful, all knowing and all present, designed this world to live by a standard that is universal to everyone. He is not a God of wrath who wants to punish the disobedient, but a God of love who wants to have a loving relationship with all mankind. In order to do that, He set up a way that we could be forgiven of our lawlessness by believing in His Son, Jesus Christ, repenting of our sin, confessing Jesus as our Lord and Savior and initiating that declaration of heart, mind and soul by the act of being immersed in water in Jesus’ name. (Some will insist that it be “…in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit”, but that is really a matter of semantics and not a part of this discussion).<br /><br />Jesus says, in Matthew 7:21 - 1 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”<br /><br />God’s will is summed up in the Great Commandments. Matthew 22:36-10 – 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”<br /><br />37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”<br /><br />When we do things God’s way, we receive joy, peace, forgiveness, hope, better health, happiness and a better relationship with everyone around us. When we do things God’s way, we are better workers, citizens, husbands or wives, neighbors and friends. When we do things God’s way, we avoid many of the problems that come with sin and doing things “my way”.<br /><br />Likewise, when we do things our way, we are fraught with guilt, fear, condemnation, health problems, and much more. Our way is always selfish and it often times hurts us and other people. God’s way recognizes that “it’s not about me” but about how I can help you have a better life. Our way leaves us lonely, insecure and searching. God’s way fulfills us with knowing that others have been helped by our actions. God’s way is satisfying, rewarding, uplifting and kind.<br /><br />One other thing: Trying to get the government to legalize that sinful activity will not make it right, remove the guilt and shame or alleviate the consequences. Ask any woman who has had an abortion to try to cover up her sexual immorality. She knows she did wrong by having sex outside of marriage and she further complicates in by killing her baby before it is born. Unless she has clouded her mind in self-destructive sexual immorality, she will tell you of considerable guilt and shame in knowing that she killed her baby. Legalizing abortion by our government did not remove the fact that abortion is murder and not God’s design. It did not relieve the guilt and shame on those who have aborted their baby.<br /><br />Let’s put Jesus Christ back on His rightful throne and live our lives as if He is the ultimate rule maker. Let’s cry for our government to return to God as their highest authority in making the laws that govern our land. Let’s return to being a nation of laws (based on God’s standards) instead of a people of lawlessness and selfishness.<br /><br />God bless America!<br /><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border:1px solid #D1D7DF;background-color:#F5F6F9;margin:0px auto;"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding:1px;margin:0px;background-color:#edeff4;text-align:center;height:21px;"><a href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="NetworkedBlogs"><img style="border: none;" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" title="NetworkedBlogs" /></a></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding:5px;"><a style="display:block;line-height:100%;width:90px;margin:0px auto;padding:4px 8px;text-align:center;background-color:#3b5998;border:1px solid #D9DFEA;border-bottom-color:#0e1f5b;border-right-color:#0e1f5b;color:#FFFFFF;font-family:'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-decoration:none;" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div><br /></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><script src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317" type="text/javascript"></script><b><div><b><br /></b></div></b><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-3453121054457421685?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-26226547270873506712010-10-04T12:03:00.000-07:002010-10-06T12:36:05.764-07:00<b>No More God in America?</b><br />This article appeared in World Net Daily on October 3, 2010 – “Barack Obama twice in recent days has dropped from a quotation from the Declaration of Independence a reference to the "Creator," and now a columnist at First Things has documented how a self-described “leading progressive legal organization” has simply dropped "under God" from the Gettysburg Address.”<br /><br />Robert George, the McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence at Princeton, writing in the August/September edition of the First Things website, notes that the American Constitution Society for Law and Policy was distributing copies of a pamphlet with the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address and the Constitution. In it, they alter the last paragraph to leave out “under God”. What Lincoln actually said at Gettysburg was: 'That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom."<br /><br />Why is it that our government is making so much effort to remove God from our history? Could it be that they don’t want to acknowledge the superior power, or do they think they are superior to God? Are they afraid of a loving God because they don’t know anything about Him? Are they cowards who are afraid to stand for Jesus Christ? Are they trying to appease the ACLU, atheists, Muslims or other anti-Christian groups? What is going on here?<br /><br />I am outraged at this constant and obvious attempt to destroy our nation’s Christian heritage and remove any reference to God from the founding documents on which our nation is based. It is time to put a stop to it.<br /><br />In <i>Matthew 10:32-33</i> Jesus says: <span class="Apple-style-span" >32 “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.”</span><br /><br />Jesus Christ did more for mankind than all of the rest of mankind put together. As God, the Son, He died for our sins and showed us how to live. God created us for the purpose of a loving relationship. That separates the true Creator God of Christians and Jews from all other man-made gods who demand works or they punish you.<br /><br />All of our founding fathers and Presidents (except Barak Obama) have acknowledged our dependence on God to maintain our rights and freedoms. I am alarmed and frightened by a president who caters openly to the Muslim religion (of works, hatred and violence) and ignores the Christianity that has made the United States the great nation that allows other religions to exist without fear of persecution.<br /><br />No one has the right to tell you and me what we can or cannot worship or believe. No one has the right to tell us that we can’t speak out for what we believe. (After all, those who seek to silence our speech are not silencing their “right” to speak their beliefs to all who are in hearing range.)<br /><br />I challenge everyone of you to stand up and cry “FOUL” to those who seek to not recognized our dependence on God for guidance, direction, protection and all else. Fight for our freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Stand with me and declare that God is the Creator, Jesus Christ is His Son, our Lord and Savior and that we are a nation that was founded on Christian principles? We must not allow them to remove God or Creator from any of our founding documents.<br /><br />Be vocal in your witness to those around you that the First Amendment says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”<br /><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border:1px solid #D1D7DF;background-color:#F5F6F9;margin:0px auto;"><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;line-height:normal"><a href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="NetworkedBlogs"><img style="border: none;" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" title="NetworkedBlogs" /></a></p><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding:5px;"><a style="display:block;line-height:100%;width:90px;margin:0px auto;padding:4px 8px;text-align:center;background-color:#3b5998;border:1px solid #D9DFEA;border-bottom-color:#0e1f5b;border-right-color:#0e1f5b;color:#FFFFFF;font-family:'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-decoration:none;" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><script src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317" type="text/javascript"></script><div><div><b><br /></b></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-2622654727087350671?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-78433069403865107872010-09-29T10:06:00.000-07:002010-10-06T12:27:44.062-07:00<b>Following Jesus is a Marathon not a Pill</b><br />“The Christian life is not a sprint ... it is a marathon. Training for one is far different from the rigors of preparing for the other. The distance runner learns to run despite the pain and stress, focusing on completing 27 arduous miles.” From the Presidential Prayer Team’s “Pray the Vote” daily devotional email.<br /><br />It is interesting to see how many people today want to solve their life-long acquired problems with a “pill” (sprint) instead of doing what is really needed (marathon) to change their lives forever. We go to the doctor and ask Him to give us a pill to make the pain go away, remove the fat, correct this malady or solve that health problem. At the same time, doctors are so used to this mentality and are pressured to see more patients that, instead of telling you how to fix your problem without expensive (pharmaceutical company supporting) pills, he just gives you another prescription and hopes the side effects don’t cause you too many other problems.<br /><br />Pharmaceutical companies thrive on promising to solve your problem with a pill and care little about the need for life-habit changes. They get your money and the side-effects are your problem, not theirs. Some have even put out dangerous pills (sprints) and hoped they could make a lot of money before the dangers were discovered, law suits filed and profits siphoned.<br />How many of you want to lose 5, 10, 50 or more pounds? How many of you have tried this diet and that diet and lost the amount desired, but gained it back and then some, as soon as you went off the diet? Like so many of our other problems, we want a quick fix, but we don’t want to do what is necessary to make that “fix” permanent. We don’t want to invest in a permanent change that will keep the weight off and keep us healthier.<br /><br />It is not my intention to offend many of you by what follows. I’m trying to point you to a life-saving solution that is far better than the spiritual “sprints” you have been running up to now. I want to see your life change to reflect the life of Christ more fully. I want to see you engaging others with the power of one who is intimately knowledgeable and connected to our Lord and Savior. I want to turn our homes, churches, communities, states and nation back to being and acting like those who believe in and follow Jesus Christ as our King.<br /><br />We treat our relationship with Jesus much the say way we treat our problems. We claim we “know” Jesus when all we have had is a weekly “pill” from our local church. Some don’t even get that much, yet they think they know Jesus. Even many of those who go to extra “pill” meetings don’t get into the Gospels or their Bibles. Instead, they read a book by a respected and gifted Christian writer (sprint) and believe they “know Jesus”. (There is nothing wrong with most of these Christian writers and most of their books, but many don’t get you into your Bible and seriously connected with Jesus the way that studying the Gospels will do.<br /><br />Some believers have even taken a thirteen week study of some highlights from Jesus life (sprint) or even studied one of the Gospels and believe that they have “arrived”. Yet they still live like the world instead of being changed by what they have learned.<br /><br />Then we wonder why our Christian walk is no different than that of the non-Christian. Why are we having problems with sex outside of marriage, stealing, lying and cheating when we claim to be followers of Christ? Why are we watching sexually immoral movies or television programs and not complaining to the producers for putting such un-Godly material out for people to see? Why do we now have a government that is corrupt and more concerned about maintaining its (supposed) power than it is in serving the people who elected them?<br /><br />The solution to all of this is to realize that being a Christian is like running a marathon, not a sprint. There is no way to run 50 yards and arrive at being a mature and complete believer. I have been running for 61 years now and I realize that I have much yet to learn to be a completed Christian. I know that I will run this race and it will not be over until I arrive at heaven’s door.<br /><br />When I wrote the Getting To Know Jesus Bible study series, I realized that we cannot get to know Jesus adequately in thirteen weeks. Even by studying the Gospels one at a time, we miss the nuances that we receive from putting all four Gospels together in a harmony layout. When we commit to a long-term study of the life of Christ, we allow Him to change us a little at a time over a period of time. This kind of change isn’t always noticed, but it is more powerful because it is a life change built around our growing relationship with our Lord and Savior, not a temporary attempt at problem solving.<br /><br />Like getting over many health maladies that we have brought on ourselves or losing weight, the solution is life-long, not in a pill or short-term process. You can build a powerful relationship with Jesus Christ that will help you make the other changes in your life that you need to make in order to make your health better by committing to take a three-year journey with Jesus through every event in His life and teachings. Many of you will take more than three years, but that will only give you more exposure to allow Jesus to come into your life and guide you in your walk with Him. Start Getting To Know Jesus now and build YOUR relationship with the Son of God.<div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height:360px;padding-top:10px;"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border:1px solid #D1D7DF;background-color:#F5F6F9;margin:0px auto;"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding:1px;margin:0px;background-color:#edeff4;text-align:center;height:21px;"><a href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="NetworkedBlogs"><img style="border: none;" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" title="NetworkedBlogs" /></a></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding:5px;"><a style="display:block;line-height:100%;width:90px;margin:0px auto;padding:4px 8px;text-align:center;background-color:#3b5998;border:1px solid #D9DFEA;border-bottom-color:#0e1f5b;border-right-color:#0e1f5b;color:#FFFFFF;font-family:'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-decoration:none;" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-7843306940386510787?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-57693255008604767502010-09-28T13:12:00.000-07:002010-10-06T12:25:47.420-07:00<b>Who is Jesus?</b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" >“Who do you say that I am?”</span> – <i>Matthew 16:15</i><br />35 Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, He said, <span class="Apple-style-span" >“Do you believe in the Son of Man?”</span><br />36 “Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.” - <i>John 9:35-36</i><br /><br />People want to know. People need to decide.<br />What do you say about Jesus? Who is He to you?<br /><br />The haunting question that everyone has to deal with in this life is: “Who is Jesus?” Is He just another man? Is He a liar? Is He a lunatic – who went off on some crazy delusion and got a bunch of people to follow Him? Or is He Lord – the Son of God who came from heaven, modeled a Godly life for us, trained twelve men to establish His Kingdom (Church) and then managed to get Himself crucified to pay for the sins of all who would repent and believe in Him?<br /><br />If you say that Jesus is your Lord and Savior, how well do you know Him? How well can you give a detailed answer to someone who asks you about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ?<br /><br />If you talk to a Muslim, they can tell you all about Mohammed. Talk to a Buddhist and they know all about Buda. Talk to a Jehovah’s Witness or Mormon and they can tell you about their respective leader. But how many Christians know the life and teachings of Jesus and can speak confidently about His life to others?<br /><br />Our ignorance of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ shows in the behavior of our Christians. The divorce of Christian marriages equals that of the world. Where is our faith in Jesus? Christians watch sit-coms that promote sexual immorality and R-rated movies and pretend that it doesn’t affect them. Would Jesus watch that kind of “entertainment”? We wonder why so many Christian girls are dressing like immoral women and why so many teens are getting pregnant. What does Jesus say about the sanctity of sex being between a husband and wife? Forty percent of Christian men have a problem with pornography. Where’s Jesus’ influence in their lives? My wife questioned a woman years ago who went to church, but was sleeping with men she wasn’t married to and bragging about it. Where is Christ in her life?<br /><br />What about the work place and the community? How many people cheat their employer or deliver less than their best work, yet they call themselves Christians? What about the corruption that some business engage in, cheating customers, lying to bosses, co-workers or customers, etc. Yet they are in church every SONday, smiling, carrying their Bible and thanking the minister for that “great sermon”. How does that reflect Christ?<br /><br />Our nation’s number one problem is that we have gotten away from following the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The only solution is to study everything about Jesus and let Him change us to be the kind of people that look and act like Christians. I have talked with many ministers and Christians and we all agree. The funny thing is that they don’t see that it is their congregation that needs to be Getting To Know Jesus. They somehow apply it to other churches, but not their own.<br /><br />Do you really know Jesus? If you really do, then why aren’t you teaching others so they can come to know Him also? Do really know Jesus? I will suggest that if you do, then you know His love for you and others. If you really love Jesus, you are going to want others to know about Him the way you do so they will live like Christians instead of worldly people.<br /><br />Getting To Know Jesus is a Bible study series of every event in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ that is designed to turn people back to being true followers of Jesus, not “Christians In Name Only”. Let’s work together and get started turning this nation back to Christ by turning our homes, churches, communities and cities back to Christ. Let’s stop this problem and build the solution into the lives of those around us (and our own lives as well).<br /><br />Go to www.gettingtoknowjesus.org and let us help you start your Getting To Know Jesus Group. Your walk with God will be blessed. You will be helping fulfill the Great Commission. You will be helping build a more Christ-like community around where you live and you will be helping turn this nation back to Christ.<div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height:360px;padding-top:10px;"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border:1px solid #D1D7DF;background-color:#F5F6F9;margin:0px auto;"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding:1px;margin:0px;background-color:#edeff4;text-align:center;height:21px;"><a href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="NetworkedBlogs"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img style="border: none;" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" title="NetworkedBlogs" /></span></a></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding:5px;"><a style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 8px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 8px; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(59, 89, 152); border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(217, 223, 234); border-left-color: rgb(217, 223, 234); border-bottom-color: rgb(14, 31, 91); border-right-color: rgb(14, 31, 91); color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none; " href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9"><span class="Apple-style-span">Follow this blog<span><span></span></span></span></a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><script src="http://nwidget.networkedblogs.com/getnetworkwidget?bid=403317" type="text/javascript"></script><b><br /></b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4794367270388074632-5769325500860476750?l=gettingtoknowjesus.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>gmc4jesushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040102571998085819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794367270388074632.post-10780990078108424672010-09-24T18:36:00.000-07:002010-09-24T18:40:05.998-07:00<div style="WIDTH: 679px; HEIGHT: 101px; PADDING-TOP: 10px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container"><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d1d7df 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f6f9; MARGIN: 0px auto; BORDER-TOP: #d1d7df 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d7df 1px solid" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #edeff4; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; HEIGHT: 21px; PADDING-TOP: 1px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo"><a title="NetworkedBlogs" href="http://networkedblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" title="NetworkedBlogs" src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body"></div><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow"><a style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: #d9dfea 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; LINE-HEIGHT: 100%; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #3b5998; MARGIN: 0px auto; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; WIDTH: 90px; PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; DISPLAY: block; FONT-FAMILY: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #ffffff; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #d9dfea 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #0e1f5b 1px solid; TEXT-DECORATION: none; PADDING-TOP: 4px" href="http://networkedblogs.com/blog/getting_to_know_jesus_more/?ahash=1cd7988e3f0db6d9eb660738369215c9">Follow this blog</a></div></div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div></div><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=403317;networkedblogs.shortName="getting_to_know_jesus_more";}--></script><strong>Diversity – Does not Mean “Diversity”<br /></strong>Earlier today, I saw someone’s comment that they were “celebrating diversity”. Now I must admit that I didn’t investigate further to make sure what they were actually “celebrating”, but I have a pretty good idea.<b