THE BIBLE EXPERIENCE
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Saturday, October 28, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Give The Gospel
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." Romans 1:16
Good News--this is the "power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1:16)! Good news--this is the story about Jesus. Good news--this is what men are to preach. Good news is what people need to hear and will listen to when preached. Good news is what Christians are to rejoice in and to share with the world. Oh, that all Christians entered into the joy of their salvation and the wonderful joy of passing on this good news to others.
To be specific, what is the "gospel," this good news about Christ? Simply put in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, it is "how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures." The good news one needs to hear is that someone loved him and has already paid the penalty of his sins. The essential essence of the gospel is that "Christ also hath once suffered for sins" (1 Peter 3:18), "Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8), "Christ died for our sins" (1 Cor. 15:3). Paul said that "the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God" (1 Cor. 1:18). The cross, the suffering, the shedding of Christ's blood, the death as pictured by all the animal sacrifices must be presented for people to hear the good news. The proof, the seal, the glory of this whole story is "that he rose again" (1 Cor. 15:4). Discover how the apostles emphasized this (Acts 2:24, 32; 3:15; 4:10).
If you wanted to convince a Christian of the need of separation you would not just tack on a verse about separation to a message on some other subject and expect people to respond. But this is about all the gospel that is included in many sermons and tracts or in much personal witness. Notice carefully, it is almost mentioned, but alas, it is omitted or just tacked on in a sentence or a verse. No wonder so few come to Christ.
Not only does the gospel need to be given but given joyfully. How long has it been since you saw someone become excited and preach joyfully this good news. Oh, to break through the barrier of reluctance and cheerfully tell the good news wherever we go.
Good News--this is the "power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1:16)! Good news--this is the story about Jesus. Good news--this is what men are to preach. Good news is what people need to hear and will listen to when preached. Good news is what Christians are to rejoice in and to share with the world. Oh, that all Christians entered into the joy of their salvation and the wonderful joy of passing on this good news to others.
To be specific, what is the "gospel," this good news about Christ? Simply put in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, it is "how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures." The good news one needs to hear is that someone loved him and has already paid the penalty of his sins. The essential essence of the gospel is that "Christ also hath once suffered for sins" (1 Peter 3:18), "Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8), "Christ died for our sins" (1 Cor. 15:3). Paul said that "the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God" (1 Cor. 1:18). The cross, the suffering, the shedding of Christ's blood, the death as pictured by all the animal sacrifices must be presented for people to hear the good news. The proof, the seal, the glory of this whole story is "that he rose again" (1 Cor. 15:4). Discover how the apostles emphasized this (Acts 2:24, 32; 3:15; 4:10).
If you wanted to convince a Christian of the need of separation you would not just tack on a verse about separation to a message on some other subject and expect people to respond. But this is about all the gospel that is included in many sermons and tracts or in much personal witness. Notice carefully, it is almost mentioned, but alas, it is omitted or just tacked on in a sentence or a verse. No wonder so few come to Christ.
Not only does the gospel need to be given but given joyfully. How long has it been since you saw someone become excited and preach joyfully this good news. Oh, to break through the barrier of reluctance and cheerfully tell the good news wherever we go.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Who Am I?
Not too long ago, a hurting brother wrote the following post in one of the user groups I belong to. I feel prompted by the Holy Spirit that someone in my readership needs this word today.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I have come to the point in my life where I feel that I?m done, I feel that there's no hope in my life, I feel that I?m alone in this world even though I'm surrounded by family I still feel alone, I feel like no cares for me I know this is not true but it's what I feel, I feel like I have been living a lie, telling people that God loves them, when I feel like he doesn?t even love me. I'm sick of church, I go and it's like the best part of the service is the praise and worship, I need a word from God, praise and worship is awesome but I need more for me, am I being selfish? I don't think I am, I need more than a Wednesday and Sunday God, I need to know that God is with me always, I know the word says he is but I need to know for myself, is there anyone that can help me? I feel like it's over and God is done with me, I feel like my life is over and all I?m waiting for is to die, what am I supposed to be doing? just go to church they say, but that?s my problem I go but I don't receive anything, and I?d like to go to give something but it's like there's no room for me anywhere I go, I'm afraid if I continue in this way that I?m headed for destruction, please I need help I've come to the end of myself, and I?ve just let go' I have casted away all restraints and find myself doing things that I thought I would never do please pray for me I'm afraid if things don't change soon everyone will be hearing about me in the news.
Ready to give up
Dear "Ready",
I have seen countless numbers of Christians in the years of the ministry that God has given me that seem to live below their Spiritual potential. Through personal encounters, e-mails, letters, or phone calls, men and women share their hearts with me about the fact that something is missing in their walk with Christ. I hear questions like; ?Why do I keep failing when I try so hard??; ?Why can't I stop this destructive habit??; ?Is church all there is to the Spiritual life?? These and hundreds of others give me an idea that there are an abundant number of God's people who see themselves as failures. The Word of God says that in order for you and me to move on in Spiritual maturity and overcome destructive tendencies or deadness in our walk for Christ, we must see ourselves as Christ sees us. This list will show you how Christ sees you; IN HIM! Then, after you meditate on them for a while, praise him for showing you afresh what His sacrifice did for you! Check it out and be blessed.
Who Am I?
I am the salt of the earth (Matt.5:13)
I am the light of the world (Matt.5:14)
I am a child of God (John 1:12)
I am a part of the true vine, a channel of Christ's life (John 15:1,5)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15)
I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit (John 15:16)
I am a slave to righteousness (Romans 6:18)
I am enslaved to God (Romans 6:22)
I am a son of God; God is spiritually my Father (Romans 8:14,15; Gal. 3:26; 4:6)
I am a joint heir with Christ, sharing His inheritance with Him (Romans 8:17)
I am a temple a dwelling place of God. His Spirit and His life dwells in me (1 Cor. 3:16, 6:19)
I am united to the Lord and am one Spirit with Him (1 Cor.6:17)
I am a member of Christ's Body 1 Cor. 12:27; Eph.5:30)
I am a new creature (2 Cor. 5: 17)
I am reconciled to God and am a minister of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5: 18,19)
I am a son of God and one in Christ ( Gal. 3: 26,28)
I am an heir of God since I am a son of God (Gal. 4:6,7)
I am a saint ( Eph. 1:1; 1Cor. 1:2; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:2)
I am God's workmanship-His handiwork-born anew in Christ to do His work (Eph. 2:10)
I am a fellow citizen with the rest of God's family ( Eph.2:19)
I am a prisoner of Christ (Eph. 3:1; 4:1)
We all feel alone at times. When we depend on others to determine our value, then we place ourselves in a position to be disappointed. Go to the Word Of God. He is our only help!
In His Service!
Rev. Frank Coleman aka FroggyZ
Path Of Life Ministries
http://www.pathoflifeministries.net
http://patholife.blogspot.com/
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I have come to the point in my life where I feel that I?m done, I feel that there's no hope in my life, I feel that I?m alone in this world even though I'm surrounded by family I still feel alone, I feel like no cares for me I know this is not true but it's what I feel, I feel like I have been living a lie, telling people that God loves them, when I feel like he doesn?t even love me. I'm sick of church, I go and it's like the best part of the service is the praise and worship, I need a word from God, praise and worship is awesome but I need more for me, am I being selfish? I don't think I am, I need more than a Wednesday and Sunday God, I need to know that God is with me always, I know the word says he is but I need to know for myself, is there anyone that can help me? I feel like it's over and God is done with me, I feel like my life is over and all I?m waiting for is to die, what am I supposed to be doing? just go to church they say, but that?s my problem I go but I don't receive anything, and I?d like to go to give something but it's like there's no room for me anywhere I go, I'm afraid if I continue in this way that I?m headed for destruction, please I need help I've come to the end of myself, and I?ve just let go' I have casted away all restraints and find myself doing things that I thought I would never do please pray for me I'm afraid if things don't change soon everyone will be hearing about me in the news.
Ready to give up
Dear "Ready",
I have seen countless numbers of Christians in the years of the ministry that God has given me that seem to live below their Spiritual potential. Through personal encounters, e-mails, letters, or phone calls, men and women share their hearts with me about the fact that something is missing in their walk with Christ. I hear questions like; ?Why do I keep failing when I try so hard??; ?Why can't I stop this destructive habit??; ?Is church all there is to the Spiritual life?? These and hundreds of others give me an idea that there are an abundant number of God's people who see themselves as failures. The Word of God says that in order for you and me to move on in Spiritual maturity and overcome destructive tendencies or deadness in our walk for Christ, we must see ourselves as Christ sees us. This list will show you how Christ sees you; IN HIM! Then, after you meditate on them for a while, praise him for showing you afresh what His sacrifice did for you! Check it out and be blessed.
Who Am I?
I am the salt of the earth (Matt.5:13)
I am the light of the world (Matt.5:14)
I am a child of God (John 1:12)
I am a part of the true vine, a channel of Christ's life (John 15:1,5)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15)
I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit (John 15:16)
I am a slave to righteousness (Romans 6:18)
I am enslaved to God (Romans 6:22)
I am a son of God; God is spiritually my Father (Romans 8:14,15; Gal. 3:26; 4:6)
I am a joint heir with Christ, sharing His inheritance with Him (Romans 8:17)
I am a temple a dwelling place of God. His Spirit and His life dwells in me (1 Cor. 3:16, 6:19)
I am united to the Lord and am one Spirit with Him (1 Cor.6:17)
I am a member of Christ's Body 1 Cor. 12:27; Eph.5:30)
I am a new creature (2 Cor. 5: 17)
I am reconciled to God and am a minister of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5: 18,19)
I am a son of God and one in Christ ( Gal. 3: 26,28)
I am an heir of God since I am a son of God (Gal. 4:6,7)
I am a saint ( Eph. 1:1; 1Cor. 1:2; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:2)
I am God's workmanship-His handiwork-born anew in Christ to do His work (Eph. 2:10)
I am a fellow citizen with the rest of God's family ( Eph.2:19)
I am a prisoner of Christ (Eph. 3:1; 4:1)
We all feel alone at times. When we depend on others to determine our value, then we place ourselves in a position to be disappointed. Go to the Word Of God. He is our only help!
In His Service!
Rev. Frank Coleman aka FroggyZ
Path Of Life Ministries
http://www.pathoflifeministries.net
http://patholife.blogspot.com/
CHOOSE YOUR PATH . . .
A young man went to his father and told him about his life and how things were so hard for him. He didn't know how he was going to make it and wanted to give up. He was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
His father took him to the kitchen. He filled three pots with water. In the first, he placed carrots, in the second he placed eggs, and in the last he placed ground coffee beans. He let them sit and boil without saying a word. In about twenty minutes he turned off the burners. He fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. He pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then he ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to his son, he asked, "Tell me, what do you see?"
"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," came the reply. He brought him closer and asked him to feel the carrots. He did and noted that they had gotten soft. The father then asked him to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, he observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, the father asked the son to sip the coffee. The son smiled as he smelled its rich aroma, and then asked, "What's your point?"
His father explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity -- boiling water -- but each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water they had changed the water.
"Which are you?" he asked his son. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"
Which am I?
Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship, or some other trial have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?
Or am I the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor.
If you're like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate to another level? How do you handle adversity?
-Author Unknown
His father took him to the kitchen. He filled three pots with water. In the first, he placed carrots, in the second he placed eggs, and in the last he placed ground coffee beans. He let them sit and boil without saying a word. In about twenty minutes he turned off the burners. He fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. He pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then he ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to his son, he asked, "Tell me, what do you see?"
"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," came the reply. He brought him closer and asked him to feel the carrots. He did and noted that they had gotten soft. The father then asked him to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, he observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, the father asked the son to sip the coffee. The son smiled as he smelled its rich aroma, and then asked, "What's your point?"
His father explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity -- boiling water -- but each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water they had changed the water.
"Which are you?" he asked his son. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"
Which am I?
Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship, or some other trial have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?
Or am I the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor.
If you're like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate to another level? How do you handle adversity?
-Author Unknown
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Confessing Christ
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus?and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:9-10
Confession is to be of Jesus as Lord or deity. It is not a vague belief in God, but "confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord" (Rom. 10:9, NASB), for "no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost" (1 Corinthians 12:3). When others looked only on the outward appearance of Christ, Peter with discernment from God said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. 16:16). Upon this confession, Christ said, "I will build my church" (v. 18). With this must be the desire to turn from our sin (repent) and believe in our heart that Christ suffered for our sins and "God hath raised him from the dead" (Rom. 10:9).
"Confess me before men" (Matt. 10:32), said Jesus. This has to be openly, not in secret. As soon as someone has received Christ he should be encouraged to tell another Christian what he has done. A little over a week ago I had the joy of leading a man to Christ in his home. Immediately I asked him to tell his wife what he had done. We went into the kitchen and very clearly he said, "Honey, I just accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. I'm saved." They embraced and wept for joy. Now this couple is in a church and he was just going through the motions until he was confronted with his sin and shown that repentance is the first step in salvation. Next and very effective and meaningful is for the new Christian to confess Christ publicly in church. In many evangelical churches such an invitation is given.
The effect this has on the Christian himself is often remarkable. Because of his obedience to do it, he is often deeply moved and blessed emotionally. At this point is when many receive the emotional experience they have sought. The sight of a weeping, yet rejoicing, new Christian can melt a whole congregation. Many are reminded of the day when they were saved. Very vividly it shows God is still saving people. Often it encourages others to make the same decision. Nothing will start fires of revival quicker than seeing people saved and confessing Christ.
"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth . . ." (Rom. 10:9). "Every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:11) is God's ultimate demand. Men have put Christ to open shame with their tongues; now God says with the same tongues they shall openly confess Him. Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise!
Confession is to be of Jesus as Lord or deity. It is not a vague belief in God, but "confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord" (Rom. 10:9, NASB), for "no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost" (1 Corinthians 12:3). When others looked only on the outward appearance of Christ, Peter with discernment from God said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. 16:16). Upon this confession, Christ said, "I will build my church" (v. 18). With this must be the desire to turn from our sin (repent) and believe in our heart that Christ suffered for our sins and "God hath raised him from the dead" (Rom. 10:9).
"Confess me before men" (Matt. 10:32), said Jesus. This has to be openly, not in secret. As soon as someone has received Christ he should be encouraged to tell another Christian what he has done. A little over a week ago I had the joy of leading a man to Christ in his home. Immediately I asked him to tell his wife what he had done. We went into the kitchen and very clearly he said, "Honey, I just accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. I'm saved." They embraced and wept for joy. Now this couple is in a church and he was just going through the motions until he was confronted with his sin and shown that repentance is the first step in salvation. Next and very effective and meaningful is for the new Christian to confess Christ publicly in church. In many evangelical churches such an invitation is given.
The effect this has on the Christian himself is often remarkable. Because of his obedience to do it, he is often deeply moved and blessed emotionally. At this point is when many receive the emotional experience they have sought. The sight of a weeping, yet rejoicing, new Christian can melt a whole congregation. Many are reminded of the day when they were saved. Very vividly it shows God is still saving people. Often it encourages others to make the same decision. Nothing will start fires of revival quicker than seeing people saved and confessing Christ.
"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth . . ." (Rom. 10:9). "Every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:11) is God's ultimate demand. Men have put Christ to open shame with their tongues; now God says with the same tongues they shall openly confess Him. Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise!
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