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Showing posts from November, 2022

Faith Exists: Substance and Evidence of Things Unseen

Now faith exists assurance, hope, proving of things not seen. For in these the elders testified (Hebrews 11:1-2) Faith exists assurance, ὑπόστασις ( hypostasis , from hypo "under' and histemi "stand"), meaning support, substance, steadiness, and assurance. Assurance is defined as the act of assuring; a declaration tending to inspire full confidence; that which is designed to give confidence. * Also as the state of being assured; firm persuasion; confidence or trust; freedom from doubt; certainty. Faith exists assurance which is the act of assuring, designed to give confidence and trust.  Confidence is defined as the act of trusting, or putting trust in. There is a difference between assurance and confidence. Faith's assurance is designed to give confidence in God but confidence by itself can be a state of mind characterized by one's reliance on self, and circumstances, having a feeling of self-sufficiency and assurance which leads to a feeling of security; s...
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Hidden In Christ

For you have died and your life is hidden together of Christ in God (Colossians 3:3) We have died with Christ, "you also have died to the law through the body of Christ that you might belong to another, the one raised from the dead" (Romans 7:1-6). We were buried with him through baptism so also as Christ was raised we would walk in newness of life (Romans 6:1-5). But what does it mean that we are hidden together with Christ? Is it related to our being raised with Christ? This word for hidden κέκρυπται ( kekryptai ) is only found in this verse. It has mostly been translated as "your life has been hidden with Christ" but also as "kept or laid up together with Christ." Let us look at why the latter seems more fitting. therefore, if raised with Christ seek that above where Christ exists seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1) When we look at the word hidden in context we see Paul say something amazing, "if you have been raised with Christ, mindf...
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What is Believing?

I am the bread of life, the ones coming to me, not one hungers and the ones believing to the extent of me not one thirsts (John 6:35) We see in the scriptures the connection between belief and salvation, the people asked "what must I do to be saved?" and they responded "believe upon the Lord Jesus and be saved.." (Acts 16:30-31). In John 6 we see the connection between believing and eating and drinking, Jesus said that which gives life is real food and real drink. Certainly, one must believe but what is believing, what can one do to believe and be saved? rather what does it say, 'the word is near you in that your mouth and in your heart, this exists the word of faith that we proclaim (Romans 10:8) The word mouth is στόμα ( stoma ) and has a deeper meaning than just speaking words. "... for from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34). Jesus said, the heart determines what comes out of the mouth, thus how can evil speak good? How ca...
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Faith Made Effective Through Love

for in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor un-circumcision strengthens anyone rather faith made effective through love (Galatians 5:6) The word translated above as counts is strengthens (ἰσχύω,  ischuō , to be strong, have strength; strengthen). What strengthens us in Christ? Surely, as we will see it is not going back to the Old Testament and trying to be strengthened with that which does not give strength. What strengthens is faith made effective (ἐνεργέω, energeō , in work; energized; made effective; effectual) through love. The English word energized has its root in this Greek word made effective. Energy is defined as the capacity of acting or being active; the power of operating; power exerted; effectual operation; efficacy; strength or force producing the effect. *  There is a strength produced by faith working or energized or made effective through love.  you have made yourself ineffectual in Christ, whoever justifies himself in the law, fallen from grace (...
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Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

 turn your eyes upon Jesus, the author and maturer of your faith... (Hebrews 12:2) Fix your eyes, fix your gaze, turn your eyes upon these are all translations of this Greek word, ἀφοράω ( aphoraō ; from apó , "away from" and horáō , "see") This simple word and act is the basis of how we have faith. It is the part we must do. Call it what you like trusting, putting confidence in, we can only turn our eyes upon Jesus, he is the author and maturer of our faith. just as it is written how timely are the feet of the one preaching the good news (Romans 10:15) At the right time, some one preached the gospel, and believing in our hearts we were made righteous (Romans 10:10). There was a righteousness from the Law that Moses declared, "the person doing these live in them" (Roman 10:5). Obey the Law and live but the righteousness from faith declares sometime different, not what you do but that something is done to you, "the word in near you, in your mouth and i...
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Popular Posts this year

The New Living Way

The New Living Way "... Now, at the present released from the Law, having died in that which held us captive, so that we serve in newness of Spirit and not the old written code " -- Romans 7:16 Paul states that we are now united to Christ in his death and also raised with him into newness of life. What held them captive was sin but also the Law, it was a guardian until the appointed time God would send a Messiah (see School Master ). Paul uses the metaphor of marriage to describe how we are released from the Law; like a wife whose husband dies, now she is released from the Law and can marry another, so also have we died with Christ and are released from the Law and bound to Christ in a new covenant. The purpose of this is that we live in a new living way of the Spirit and not fleshly through the old written code or Mosaic Law. " So then brothers, you also have died to the Law through the body of Christ to the extent you exist by creation of another, the one raising you f...
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New Testament Growth in Christ: From Foundation to Fullness

  New Testament Growth in Christ: From Foundation to Fullness The New Testament presents a vibrant and multifaceted picture of spiritual growth, not as a static event but as a dynamic, lifelong journey for the believer. This journey, with emphasis on a strong foundation, progresses through a transformative process of maturity forged by endurance, ultimately aiming for the profound goal of experiencing the "fullness of God in Christ." The Foundation: A New Creation The inception of growth in Christ is marked by a radical spiritual new birth, a foundational shift that defines the Christian experience. It is not merely a moral reformation, but a divine act of creation. The apostle Paul declares this truth in 2 Corinthians 5:17 : " Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come ." This new creation is initiated by faith in Jesus Christ, where believers are justified and reconciled to God through His sacrifice. ...
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Putting On the New Self

Putting On the New Self Theme: Spiritual Growth & Identity in Christ Key Scripture: “And to put on the new man, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” — Ephesians 4:24 (ESV) 🕊️ Day’s Reflection The Christian journey is not about becoming a better version of our old selves. It is about walking in The New Living Way , putting on the new man created in the likeness of God. Scripture calls us to put on the new man , and this call is not symbolic or abstract. It is a command grounded in spiritual truth and lived out in daily walking as Christ walked. 📜 Scripture for Meditation 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Ephesians 4:22–24 (ESV) “To put off your old man, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new man, created after the likeness of...
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Called According to His Purpose: A Biblical Examination

  Called According to His Purpose: A Biblical Examination 📖 Introduction The phrase “called according to His purpose” appears in Romans 8:28 (ESV), a foundational verse that reads: “And we know that for those loved of God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” This statement gives comfort and more—it is a declaration about identity, destiny, and divine intent. To be “called according to His purpose” means participating in God’s sovereign, redemptive plan. God's plan is being manifested through the church through the "new covenant in his blood" as it was established by the death of Jesus, his blood. The calling is not arbitrary or based on human merit, but is rooted in God’s purpose, eternal will and love. 🔍 The Nature of the Calling In Scripture, God's calling is effectual—that is, it accomplishes what He intends. Paul writes: "...those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also...
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Word Of Life

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life. " 1 Jesus is the Word, He was in the beginning with God. 2  All things were made through Him. He is the Word and Light of men, the way, the path, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." 4  Thus we can say as the Psalmist, Jesus, the Word, is a Lamp unto my feet, and a Light unto my path. 5  "In him was life, and the life was the light of men." 6  Concerning the Word of Life, " the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life ," Proclaimed, that our joy may be complete, a glory like that in the beginning, fellowship with the Father, with one another, and with his Son Jesus Christ, the Word of Life. "You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot...
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One Grace

" moreover,  One, to each of us has been given Grace, according to the measure of the gift of Christ ." 1 Grace is a founding principle of Christianity. It is by Grace we grow into the fullness of Christ through faith; " to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. " 2  Without Grace we will never reach this fullness. The weakness in the Law was it attempted to do it in the flesh, and people failed over and over, so God in His infinite wisdom, unveiled this mystery, through faith in Christ we have grace to boldly approach His throne of Grace, to receive grace and mercy as needed! This gift of Grace is properly understood by examining this verse in three parts;  moreover,  One Grace, to each of us has been given, according to the measure of the gift of Christ . First, we understand,  One   grace, it is easy to miss the  One,  and this verse is translated in different ways, I believe it says One Grace and i...
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The Tripartite Nature of Humanity: Spirit, Soul, and Body

The Tripartite Nature of Humanity: Spirit, Soul, and Body in Biblical Understanding The human being, as depicted in the Bible, is a multifaceted creation, often understood through the distinct yet interconnected components of spirit, soul, and body. While some theological perspectives lean towards a bipartite view (soul and body), which we do see in the Old Testament, a careful examination of the New Testament scripture reveals a compelling case for a tripartite understanding, where each is divided into or composed of three parts. Let’s explore the biblical distinction between spirit, soul, and body. The Body: Our Earthly Vessel The body is the physical form that interacts with the material world. From the very beginning, Genesis 2:7 states, " Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being ." This verse clearly establishes the body's origin from the earth, emphasizing its connec...
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New Testament Love: Loving One Another as Christ’s Brethren

🕊️ New Testament Love: Loving One Another as Christ’s Brethren 📖 Introduction Love is the defining mark of the New Testament church. While outreach and evangelism are vital expressions of Christian witness, the New Testament places a profound emphasis on inward love—love among believers, especially toward the “least” of Christ’s brethren. This love is not sentimental or abstract; it is sacrificial, covenantal, and rooted in the very character of Christ. Jesus and the apostles consistently taught that the authenticity of our faith is revealed in how we treat fellow members of the body. 💬 Jesus’ Command: Love One Another as I Have Loved You Jesus inaugurated a new ethic of love within the community of His disciples: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. ” —John 13:34–35 (ESV) This command is not generic humanitar...
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True Widows: A Biblical Perspective

True Widows: A Biblical Perspective Throughout Scripture, God's compassion for widows is evident. He is portrayed as their defender, provider, and source of justice. The Bible repeatedly calls believers to care for widows, reflecting God's own heart for the vulnerable. However, in his letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul provides a specific definition of a "true" widow, emphasizing the church's responsibility in supporting those who are genuinely in need. God's Compassion for Widows The Old Testament is rich with passages that reveal God's concern for widows. In Exodus 22:22, God commands, "You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child." This verse underscores His protective nature, ensuring that widows are not mistreated or neglected. Similarly, Deuteronomy 10:18 declares, "He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing." Here, God is depicted as a just and loving prov...
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Those He Calls He Equips

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen . Hebrews 13:20-21 When God calls us he equips us, the God of Peace, the one who brought us from the dead by the blood of the Eternal Covenant, will equip you so to do his will. So in this concept of being equipped, we see the calling being irrevocable. "For it is God who works in you to Will and to act on behalf of his good pleasure" ( Philippians 2:13 ).  God called you, he's working in you equipping you to work on behalf of his good pleasure. "So that the man of God may be complete fully equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:17 .  In Hebrews 12 we read God disciplines those he loves, so that we share in his holy character. As the scrip...
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