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The following is additional material from Getting To Know Jesus - Volume 01, Lesson 001 on pages 27-36. Read the lesson first, then read the lesson below.
001 – In The Fullness of Time
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 job assignment and being in the right place to accept it when it is time!
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!
Almost every book, movie or story has an introduction. This is the introduction to the Getting To Know Jesus Bible study series.
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.
1. IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME POLITICALLY
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.
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.
TODAY is the fullness of time POLITICALLY.
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.
2. IN THE FULLNESS OF ECONOMICALLY
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.
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.
TODAY is the fullness of time ECONOMICALLY
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.
3. IN THE FULLNESS OF MORALLY
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!
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.
TODAY is the fullness of time MORALLY
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.
4. IN THE FULLNESS OF RELIGIOUSLY
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?
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.
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.
TODAY is the fullness of time RELIGIOUSLY
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.
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. All that matters is Getting To Know Jesus!
Next Week: We are here to begin a journey through His life and teachings. We are going to look at the four authors. Who are the men God chose to write the four Gospels? What is their perspective on the life of Christ?
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Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Did you like the debate outcome? Are you going to be happy with the election outcome?
Regardless of who wins, the President, Congress and courts cannot solve our nation's greatest problem.
The United States was founded on Christian principles and designed to protect our freedom of religion. That is why there is no "national church". That is why other religions can come and exist here peacefully without fear of attack. (Try going to any Muslim country and getting that kind of freedom!)
Our founding fathers recognized and declared that without a faith in God, our government will not work. It is Jesus Christ and our relationship with Him that makes our nation the great nation that it is.
Most, if not all of you, have noticed how our nation has declined since we allowed the atheists and ACLU to intimidate us, take God, the Bible, prayer and the Ten Commandments out of our schools. Since those days we have had the sexual revolution which has brought more divorce, abortion, rape, pornography, homosexual immorality, pedophelia and a host of sexually transmitted diseases - especially AIDS. You have alson noticed an increase in lying, cheating and corruption in our businesses and government. Do I really need to go on?
No matter who we elect in federal, state or local government, they are imperfect, sometimes motivated by their imagined power and selfish for their own jobs and agendas. They cannot solve our problems.
Most of you recognize and agree that our nation's greatest problem is that we have gotten away from following the teachings of Jesus Christ. We have gotten away from the Gospel.
I will declare to you, and stake my life, my reputation and future on this fact - the solution to the United States greatest problem is for CHRISTIANS to return to studying and applying the life and teacings of Jesus in their lives. That will strengthen our churches, homes, communities and government and nation. That will restore marriages, reduce all kinds of sexual immorality because Christians will stand up like Christ, live like followers of Christ and declare sin as sin.
Could you use some help in teaching those around you about how to be more like Jesus? Getting To Know Jesus is a turnkey, non-denominational Bible study of every event in Jesus life so we can become more like Him.
Let's work together to build Christians who will stand up to the ACLU and atheists. Let's work together to build Christians who will be role models of Christ. Let's work together to build Christians who will run for office, get involved in government and return this nation to it's founding principles.
Are you in? You can get started right NOW by going to www.gettingtoknowjesus.org ordering your Getting To Know Jesus Bible study materials.
Do if for your familiy. Do it for your community. Do it for your church. Do it for your nation. DO IT FOR JESUS!
God Bless
Regardless of who wins, the President, Congress and courts cannot solve our nation's greatest problem.
The United States was founded on Christian principles and designed to protect our freedom of religion. That is why there is no "national church". That is why other religions can come and exist here peacefully without fear of attack. (Try going to any Muslim country and getting that kind of freedom!)
Our founding fathers recognized and declared that without a faith in God, our government will not work. It is Jesus Christ and our relationship with Him that makes our nation the great nation that it is.
Most, if not all of you, have noticed how our nation has declined since we allowed the atheists and ACLU to intimidate us, take God, the Bible, prayer and the Ten Commandments out of our schools. Since those days we have had the sexual revolution which has brought more divorce, abortion, rape, pornography, homosexual immorality, pedophelia and a host of sexually transmitted diseases - especially AIDS. You have alson noticed an increase in lying, cheating and corruption in our businesses and government. Do I really need to go on?
No matter who we elect in federal, state or local government, they are imperfect, sometimes motivated by their imagined power and selfish for their own jobs and agendas. They cannot solve our problems.
Most of you recognize and agree that our nation's greatest problem is that we have gotten away from following the teachings of Jesus Christ. We have gotten away from the Gospel.
I will declare to you, and stake my life, my reputation and future on this fact - the solution to the United States greatest problem is for CHRISTIANS to return to studying and applying the life and teacings of Jesus in their lives. That will strengthen our churches, homes, communities and government and nation. That will restore marriages, reduce all kinds of sexual immorality because Christians will stand up like Christ, live like followers of Christ and declare sin as sin.
Could you use some help in teaching those around you about how to be more like Jesus? Getting To Know Jesus is a turnkey, non-denominational Bible study of every event in Jesus life so we can become more like Him.
Let's work together to build Christians who will stand up to the ACLU and atheists. Let's work together to build Christians who will be role models of Christ. Let's work together to build Christians who will run for office, get involved in government and return this nation to it's founding principles.
Are you in? You can get started right NOW by going to www.gettingtoknowjesus.org ordering your Getting To Know Jesus Bible study materials.
Do if for your familiy. Do it for your community. Do it for your church. Do it for your nation. DO IT FOR JESUS!
God Bless
Monday, May 21, 2012
If Christians would stand up and be Christians - in word, work and deed, the atheists would be outnumbered and relegated to believe their beliefs in relative silence.
If Christians would stand up and be Christians - in word, work and deed, the activist judges would not be able to enforce policies that violate the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Christians would be free to believ...e and speak about their belief.
If Christians would stand up and be Christians - in word, work and deed, the ACLU would not be able to press one case in court.
If Christians would stand up and be Christians - in word, work and deed, the homosexual activists would be keeping their sinful behavior private and not trying to force it into our culture, get the government to "legalize" it and silence Christian's freedom to speak out against homosexual behavior.
If Christians would stand up and be Christians - in word, work and deed, there would still be God, prayer and the Ten Commandments in our classrooms.
If Christians would stand up and be Christians - in word, work and deed, the Muslims would not be successful in trying to impose Sharia Law in the United States.
If Christians would stand up and be Christians - in word, work and deed, the Church would be a much more effective in evangelism.
If Christians would stand up and be Christians - in word, work and deed, then we would know the difference between a Christian and a non-christian by their words, work and deeds.
If Christians would stand up and be Christians - in word, work and deed...
Thursday, May 3, 2012
I'm entitled!
I'm entitled to work for my money and decide how I want to spend it.
I'm entitled to choose which causes I want to contribute to and which ones I don't want to support.
I'm entitled to NOT have the government taking my money and wasting it on charities or causes that violate my strongly held religious beliefs.
I'm entitled to pay less taxes and have more money to spend or invest in m...y own family and future.
I'm entitled to be free from government mismanagement and corruption.
When Jesus talked about giving to those who are less fortunate, He meant it as an individual responsibility and choice. He never meant for government to do it for us.
It is time to reject big government and return my money and freedom to the people who earn it. Allow them to choose how much and to whom they want to give it.
Government has proven over and over again that they don't know how to manage money. Look at the welfare system. Look at the Post Office. Look at Social Security. Look at Amtrak. Look at every government bureaucracy running today. They are extrememly overpaid and extremely wasteful with MY money.
I'm entitled to speak out against government waste and mismanagement and speak for freedom of finances, freedom of religion and freedom of speech.
God Bless America.
I'm entitled to work for my money and decide how I want to spend it.
I'm entitled to choose which causes I want to contribute to and which ones I don't want to support.
I'm entitled to NOT have the government taking my money and wasting it on charities or causes that violate my strongly held religious beliefs.
I'm entitled to pay less taxes and have more money to spend or invest in m...y own family and future.
I'm entitled to be free from government mismanagement and corruption.
When Jesus talked about giving to those who are less fortunate, He meant it as an individual responsibility and choice. He never meant for government to do it for us.
It is time to reject big government and return my money and freedom to the people who earn it. Allow them to choose how much and to whom they want to give it.
Government has proven over and over again that they don't know how to manage money. Look at the welfare system. Look at the Post Office. Look at Social Security. Look at Amtrak. Look at every government bureaucracy running today. They are extrememly overpaid and extremely wasteful with MY money.
I'm entitled to speak out against government waste and mismanagement and speak for freedom of finances, freedom of religion and freedom of speech.
God Bless America.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow
to the point of death.”
to the point of death.”
We often use words as expressions of our thoughts and feelings because they seem to sound good. But how often do you really think about what you are saying or seriously mean it when you say it?
“If you don’t…, I’m going to kill you”, is often said with absolutely no intention of doing so. How about, “I’m dying of thirst” or “I could eat a horse”? Of course we know that neither of these are true but how often do we say things that express a thought but don’t communicate the actual thought.
Just moments before He was to be betrayed by Judas, Jesus said, …“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.”
When Jesus said that, He wasn’t talking carelessly. He knew that in less than 24 hours, He would be dead and He didn’t really want to die. Jesus knew that in approximately twelve hours, nails would be driven through His hands and feet and He would have to endure the excruciating pain and feeling of that foreign object present in His body, suspending Him between Heaven and earth until death finally took over and relieved Him or His life on this earth and the pain finally ceased.
Jesus wanted to live, but knowing what was ahead, but also knowing that this was what must take place in order to obey His Father’s will, Jesus needed some time alone. He needed some time with His Father to prepare Him to endure the pain, agony, rejection, disrespect, hatred… that was ahead. He needed to focus on why He was enduring this inhumane act. He needed to gather up the internal strength and resolve to face what came, not turn back, but suffer what He is going to have to suffer, even die for those who hated Him, rejected Him and were trying to get Him killed.
“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” I can only try to imagine, knowing what I know Jesus knew at this point, how He felt. Like a criminal on death row or someone captured by an enemy or felon who has indicated that he is going to kill them, Jesus has to come to grips that death is inevitable. He has to face the horror that His death is going to be long, slow, full of ridicule, abuse, mocking, shame, exposure, humiliation, PAIN, rejection by man and by God the Father.
He loved you so much that He prepared His mind and then He went forward to be arrested, tried, beaten, mocked, ridiculed, condemned and crucified FOR YOU!
When you say, “JESUS”, what do you mean by that word? Are you declaring Him whose “…soul was overwhelmed…” for YOU as your Lord and Savior or are you mocking Him and using His name as a by word?
When you say, “Oh My God!”, are you really declaring God as yours or are you treating Him, who loved you so much that He sent His only Son to die for your sins, as a casual byword?
When you see the trouble that this world, our nation, your state, your city, your neighborhood is in, do you think about what Jesus did for you and ask God to help you communicate by your work, words and ways, so that others will see Jesus in you and want to follow Him?
Consider carefully the words of Jesus as He poured out His heart for YOU! “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” He was speaking the truth of how He felt, not just verbalizing some phrase of exasperation. He was overwhelmed by His having to pay for what you and I have done.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Why I am not a Liberal
Why I am not a Liberal
In the discussion below, I am much more concerned about being a Christian than being a conservative or a liberal. Jesus is the King of a Kingdom that is older, bigger, more powerful and longer-lasting than all of the governments that have ever existed on this earth. My purpose is not to deal in politics but to stand up for Jesus Christ and what He teaches about right and wrong. Sometimes I may get caught up in condemning the sin, but my desire is to lead the sinner to repent, not label him as incorrigible. If we truly believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, we are saved by His grace, not by whether we label ourselves one way or another. That said, here is why:
I am not a liberal -
1. Liberals believe that government should and can control everybody in an effort to make things equal. However, they repeatedly show that they can’t even control themselves and they obviously can’t control anyone else. Otherwise they could tell criminals to stop committing crimes and there would be no more crime. If God isn’t in control, no one is in control. Most liberals don’t acknowledge God’s supremacy.
2. Liberals advocate "the government taking from the rich and giving to the poor". I have noticed several rich liberals who are not giving any of their money to the poor. To me, that is hypocrisy. Jesus NEVER taught that the government should force redistribution of wealth. He did teach that I, as an individual, should give according to my means and my heart's desire to help those less fortunate. Giving to the poor should be an individual thing, out of love and compassion, not a government mandated thing, giving to people or cause that violate my strongly held Christian beliefs.
3. Liberals advocate abortion is a woman's right to end an unwanted pregnancy. I contend that abortion is only a cover up that she and some man have had sex outside of marriage and they know it was wrong so they kill the baby in an attempt to cover up their sin. I have a problem with “women’s rights” not advocating the right to say, “NO” to sex outside of marriage. Sex outside of marriage is wrong. When liberals start advocating abstinence and stop promoting immorality, they we will have more in common.
4. Liberals advocate homosexual immorality is okay. They believe that homosexuality is a “race” not a choice. Science has not found a “homosexual” chromosome because there is none. God does not make mistakes. If He gave you male sex organs, then you are not a female. Too many homosexuals have left that lifestyle for me to believe that they were “born that way”. The Bible teaches that any kind of sex outside of marriage is sin.
5. Although there are many liberals who are Christians, most liberals tend to be less respectful of God, Jesus Christ and Christians than conservatives. The prevailing liberal ideology does not recognize God and His Word as final and authoritative.
I am a conservative –
1. I am a conservative because I believe that most conservative policies adhere more to the teachings of the Bible more than most liberal policies.
2. I am conservative because I believe that we are freer with less government interference.
3. I am a conservative because I would rather teach a man how to fish and give him a fishing pole than give him a fish.
4. I am conservative because most conservatives recognize that marriage is the union of one man and one woman and that sex is between one husband and one wife for life. Most conservatives do not condone sexual immorality of any kind.
5. I am conservative because I realize that the Bible teaches that homosexuality, abortion and a host of other sexually immoral actions are wrong and destructive to those who engage in them and to victims who are impacted by their behavior.
This is by no means complete and conclusive, but an attempt to communicate my thoughts on the items discussed above.
Regardless of how you choose to label yourself, I pray most of all that you will endeavor to read and study every event in the life and teachings of Jesus and build a more passionate, personal and powerful relationship with Him.
In the discussion below, I am much more concerned about being a Christian than being a conservative or a liberal. Jesus is the King of a Kingdom that is older, bigger, more powerful and longer-lasting than all of the governments that have ever existed on this earth. My purpose is not to deal in politics but to stand up for Jesus Christ and what He teaches about right and wrong. Sometimes I may get caught up in condemning the sin, but my desire is to lead the sinner to repent, not label him as incorrigible. If we truly believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, we are saved by His grace, not by whether we label ourselves one way or another. That said, here is why:
I am not a liberal -
1. Liberals believe that government should and can control everybody in an effort to make things equal. However, they repeatedly show that they can’t even control themselves and they obviously can’t control anyone else. Otherwise they could tell criminals to stop committing crimes and there would be no more crime. If God isn’t in control, no one is in control. Most liberals don’t acknowledge God’s supremacy.
2. Liberals advocate "the government taking from the rich and giving to the poor". I have noticed several rich liberals who are not giving any of their money to the poor. To me, that is hypocrisy. Jesus NEVER taught that the government should force redistribution of wealth. He did teach that I, as an individual, should give according to my means and my heart's desire to help those less fortunate. Giving to the poor should be an individual thing, out of love and compassion, not a government mandated thing, giving to people or cause that violate my strongly held Christian beliefs.
3. Liberals advocate abortion is a woman's right to end an unwanted pregnancy. I contend that abortion is only a cover up that she and some man have had sex outside of marriage and they know it was wrong so they kill the baby in an attempt to cover up their sin. I have a problem with “women’s rights” not advocating the right to say, “NO” to sex outside of marriage. Sex outside of marriage is wrong. When liberals start advocating abstinence and stop promoting immorality, they we will have more in common.
4. Liberals advocate homosexual immorality is okay. They believe that homosexuality is a “race” not a choice. Science has not found a “homosexual” chromosome because there is none. God does not make mistakes. If He gave you male sex organs, then you are not a female. Too many homosexuals have left that lifestyle for me to believe that they were “born that way”. The Bible teaches that any kind of sex outside of marriage is sin.
5. Although there are many liberals who are Christians, most liberals tend to be less respectful of God, Jesus Christ and Christians than conservatives. The prevailing liberal ideology does not recognize God and His Word as final and authoritative.
I am a conservative –
1. I am a conservative because I believe that most conservative policies adhere more to the teachings of the Bible more than most liberal policies.
2. I am conservative because I believe that we are freer with less government interference.
3. I am a conservative because I would rather teach a man how to fish and give him a fishing pole than give him a fish.
4. I am conservative because most conservatives recognize that marriage is the union of one man and one woman and that sex is between one husband and one wife for life. Most conservatives do not condone sexual immorality of any kind.
5. I am conservative because I realize that the Bible teaches that homosexuality, abortion and a host of other sexually immoral actions are wrong and destructive to those who engage in them and to victims who are impacted by their behavior.
This is by no means complete and conclusive, but an attempt to communicate my thoughts on the items discussed above.
Regardless of how you choose to label yourself, I pray most of all that you will endeavor to read and study every event in the life and teachings of Jesus and build a more passionate, personal and powerful relationship with Him.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
The Madness of Materialism
The Madness of Materialism
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.
Welcome to the Getting To Know Jesus weekly devotion. I’m Glen Copple, Minister of the Word.
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.
25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”
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.”
28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”
29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
The Madness of Materialism
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?
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do it for Jesus.
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.
These comments are taken from the “Getting To Know Jesus” Bible study series are supported by your gifts.
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.
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..
Thank you for partnering with us as we fulfill the Great Commission.
God bless you and have a great week.
New Hope GOSPEL Ministries
http://www.gettingtoknowjesus.org/
Thank you for partnering with us as we fulfill the Great Commission.
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.
Welcome to the Getting To Know Jesus weekly devotion. I’m Glen Copple, Minister of the Word.
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.
25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”
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.”
28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”
29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
The Madness of Materialism
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?
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do it for Jesus.
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.
These comments are taken from the “Getting To Know Jesus” Bible study series are supported by your gifts.
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.
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..
Thank you for partnering with us as we fulfill the Great Commission.
God bless you and have a great week.
New Hope GOSPEL Ministries
http://www.gettingtoknowjesus.org/
Thank you for partnering with us as we fulfill the Great Commission.
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