Saturday, September 22, 2012
Transforming Heart Required in New Birth
Superficial, benign, religion is not part of the kingdom.....
September 22 - Nicodemus’s Inquiry: What Is the Kingdom?
by letters@gty.org (Grace to You)
Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” - John 3:1-3
Nicodemus came to Jesus as one of those superficial believers mentioned in John 2:23–25. But the Lord refused to accept Nicodemus’s profession, which was based on the signs he had witnessed (v. 2).
Jesus went straight to the real issue—the transformation of Nicodemus’s heart by the new birth, which is the act of God by which He imparts eternal life to those who are “dead in . . . trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1). Jesus answered his unasked question, “Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
By the “kingdom of God,” Jesus is speaking specifically of the kingdom of salvation, the spiritual realm where those who have been born again by divine power through faith now live under the rule of God mediated through His Son. Nicodemus, like his fellow Jews, eagerly anticipated that glorious realm. But they believed that being descendants of Abraham, observing the law, and performing external religious rituals would gain them entrance into that kingdom. As Jesus made clear, no matter how religiously active someone might be, no one can enter the kingdom without experiencing the personal regeneration of the new birth.
Ask Yourself
What are some questions you commonly hear that purport to be genuine interest toward Christian discipleship, but in reality are dodges and smokescreens that disguise a rebellious, disinterested heart? What’s the best way to respond to comments like these? What can you learn from Jesus’ dealings with Nicodemus?
From Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Vol. 1, John MacArthur. Copyright © 2008. Grace to You Used by permission of Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL 60610, www.moodypublishers.com . Please refer here for the original post on Grace to You.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Vegetables and Brussel Sprouts
I do believe that I am going to try to deliver this message for Upward's this Year,....in spite of the fact that I do not like public speaking.
A couple years ago, God told me, in my soul, to call someone that very day,...at that very time. I didn't follow the leading because frankly, I hate conflict. Most of the communications that I had with that person for the preceding weeks had been extremely uncomfortable with shouts, attacks and inappropriate comments. I was being verbally abused. But, I knew that we were at a pivotal point in some conflict; and, I just wanted to continuing running away. This person and I had boundary issues as long as I can remember. But, that may be a story for another time, not today.
The reason for this prelude is just that I learned that when God tells me to do something, I need to listen and obey. How do I know it is God? I don't always know with 100% assurance. Sometimes, I feel pretty sure it is, other times, not so much. If the instruction would align with God's directions in the bible, I try to listen and obey. Since that day of disobedience, I have gone out on a limb a few times with some crazy but good directives. Here is my latest:
Vegetables.
Vegetables are good for us.
The bible. God's word.
The bible is good for us.
2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV), All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
Brussel Sprouts.
Brussel Sprouts are good for us. I hate Brussel Sprouts. But, they are good for me. They are good for us.
God's word that teaches, rebukes, corrects and trains in righteousness.... sometimes, I don't like it so much. Sometimes, I want to do what I want to do even though I know it is not good for my soul.
I know that I never want to eat Brussel Sprouts even though they are good for my body.
Lord, help us to see that your word, your commandments, your directives are truly for our best. Help us to consider and obey as it is good food for our soul.
A couple years ago, God told me, in my soul, to call someone that very day,...at that very time. I didn't follow the leading because frankly, I hate conflict. Most of the communications that I had with that person for the preceding weeks had been extremely uncomfortable with shouts, attacks and inappropriate comments. I was being verbally abused. But, I knew that we were at a pivotal point in some conflict; and, I just wanted to continuing running away. This person and I had boundary issues as long as I can remember. But, that may be a story for another time, not today.
The reason for this prelude is just that I learned that when God tells me to do something, I need to listen and obey. How do I know it is God? I don't always know with 100% assurance. Sometimes, I feel pretty sure it is, other times, not so much. If the instruction would align with God's directions in the bible, I try to listen and obey. Since that day of disobedience, I have gone out on a limb a few times with some crazy but good directives. Here is my latest:
Vegetables.
Vegetables are good for us.
The bible. God's word.
The bible is good for us.
2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV), All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
Brussel Sprouts.
Brussel Sprouts are good for us. I hate Brussel Sprouts. But, they are good for me. They are good for us.
God's word that teaches, rebukes, corrects and trains in righteousness.... sometimes, I don't like it so much. Sometimes, I want to do what I want to do even though I know it is not good for my soul.
I know that I never want to eat Brussel Sprouts even though they are good for my body.
Lord, help us to see that your word, your commandments, your directives are truly for our best. Help us to consider and obey as it is good food for our soul.
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