Christianity challenges our natural ideas of success and gain - consistent Christian living must result in our decrease. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we must be made nothing, so that people would see not us, but Christ in us.
Christianity challenges our natural ideas of success and gain - consistent Christian living must result in our decrease. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we must be made nothing, so that people would see not us, but Christ in us.
One of Scripture’s most famous passages is John 3:16, and it is packed with depth. Not only do we see the atonement as perfect evidence of God’s love for His people, but we also get insight into Christ’s authority and His work in salvation.
In our sin and in our pride, we would like to think that we have some part in our salvation. Jesus teaches that the opposite is true - being born again is all of grace and is all of God. We don't have the power to win souls for Christ. The Lord saves whom He will, but as Christians we must proclaim the Gospel as He gives us opportunity, we must pray for the lost, and we must place our confidence in Jesus Christ to change hearts as only He is able to do.
Jesus’ cleansing of the temple tells us much about his person and work. His authority as God the Son is on display, in bringing judgement upon false religion and hypocrisy; the temple itself points to the ultimate work of Christ, bringing people into the presence of God.
Oct 28, 2018Signs: The Pattern & Purpose of Miracles
There are a number of misconceptions about miracles, which typically come in two extremes: embarrassment over affirming miracles, or downplaying their majesty. Miracles are a direct act of God in the natural world, essential to the Christian faith, which serve to validate the message of redemption.
As Jesus calls his first disciples, the testimony about who he is remains consistent. He is the obedient Lamb of God, the great teacher, the Messiah, the fulfillment of the Old Testament, the Son of God, the King of Kings, the only way to God, and the Son of Man; God Himself.
John the Baptist’s testimony regarding Christ ought to be ours. We humbly tell others about Christ, tell about the work of Christ, and point people away from ourselves, that they may follow Jesus.
At the incarnation God the Son truly, fully put on humanity. He identified with us completely, withstood every temptation perfectly, and bore the punishment, as a man, for us. This is why He is the only means of our salvation.
The responsibility of every Christian is not to attract any attention to ourselves, nor is it to water down the gospel in order to make it easier; our job is to direct people to Christ, and give the fullness of the gospel. He is the true light, and the only one who can transform the sinful heart and cause us to receive life in him.