Tag Archives: Christ

Jan 18 2018
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IMS607, John

Eyewitness Testimony

 

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In a court of law an eyewitness account is often the most trustworthy and reliable source of testimony. Also known as a percipient witness, this person testifies to what they perceive through his or her senses, through seeing, hearing, smelling or touching. Testimony by hearsay does not hold as much weight as an eyewitness account, you would know this well if you have ever played the “telephone” game.

Let me go on the record and make this statement, “I believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God given to man, recorded by many, so that we can grow in our understanding of who He is.” The Gospel of John reveals to us the authority and person of Jesus Christ as both The Son of God and our redeemer. John’s gives us his testimony of who Jesus is through these words in chapter 1:33, “I have seen and testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” (also translated as “The Son of God”) He says it again in verse 1:29, “When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (our redeemer). With the knowledge and understanding that these words are trustworthy and true, we have before us a written eyewitness statement (testimony or confession) that reveals the incredible truth of who Jesus is.

God reveals himself to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. When you read scripture this fact becomes abundantly clear. John witnessed with his own eyes the incredible act of the Holy Spirit anointing Jesus for the continued work in his ministry and mission. If that wasn’t incredible enough, it is written that “a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” God reveals himself to us, he speaks to us today primarily through His word, have you taken taken the time to hear from Him today?

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Dec 08 2017
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2 Corinthians, IMS708

Drawing the Line…

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Photo Credit: Garry Firth

If someone knows where to draw the line, they know at what point an activity or situation stops being reasonable and starts to be unacceptable. If you draw the line at a particular activity, you would not do it, because you disapprove of it or because it is so extreme. When we visit a tropical beach like the one pictured here we can without a doubt know where the shallow waters and the deep waters meet, you have a clear indication when you’re getting into deep waters.

The Apostle Paul draws a line for the Corinthian church near the end of his letter in 2 Corinthians. Paul uses language that is reminiscent of the Old Testament prophets who warned the people of Israel of God’s “razor sharp” justice in response to their disobedience of His laws and commands. “I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others, since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. (13:2-3) Paul speaks with authority and confidence through Christ and the work of the Spirit in his life. His genuine concern is that the church (the people) are falling into the catches of sin in their lives; there is jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder taking over the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control they are called to live in together through Christ.

The “line” in the water is the created by the contrast of light and dark. This picture or metaphor in scripture often highlights the life we live in Christ (light) and the life we live in sin (darkness). There is a transparent and reflective quality to the “light waters” of life in contrast to the mysterious and hidden “dark waters”. Paul’s concern for the church comes as he sees them heading into deeper, darker waters, and how this will lead them into the hands of a powerful and just God. Paul’s closes his letter with these final words of encouragement that bring hope, reconciliation and unity for the church, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (13:14) If Paul was here today, I am confident that he would have the same concerns and words for us as a church.

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Jan 21 2017
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IMS507, Revelation

Something Even Greater

Waiting in Line

There are so many things in life that we wait for. Kids and parents alike often can’t wait for Christmas to come; kids more than parents can’t wait for their next birthday. We wait expectantly for a child to be born and we often wait with mixed emotions about our mortality. Many wait in anticipation for their wedding day and some wait patiently for “the one” to come into their life. We wait in line at banks, grocery stores, doctors’ offices and for our turn to get on a plane for that well-deserved holiday. What is it in life that you wait for?

When you take the time to think about the incredibly powerful visions and imagery found in the book of Revelation that John records for us, you can’t help wonder or be curious about what God has planned for us. There is one particular passage in John’s writing that has stuck with me this past week, one that made me curious, excited and wanting while waiting. Found in Revelation 22:1-5, subtitled “Eden Restored” we get an glimpse into heaven. John describes what the angel showed him, “the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb… on each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” Can you imagine the beauty these words portray? Do you believe that one day this will be a reality? I do. I get goosebumps just thinking about it.

There is something else, something even greater than the crystal-clear rivers, trees and bountiful harvest of fruit that I find in this passage.  Verse 4 of chapter 22 talks about you and I, it says, “They will see his face.” (read that quote again) To see His face means we will one day walk with God, our creator, just as Adam and Eve did. This incredible promise is a picture of restoration, a renewal of the intimate relationship our Heavenly Father intended to have with us. With his own breath, He created us so we could walk with Him and talk with Him, to be one with Him. If you are not on the edge of your seat in anticipation of this incredible promise, WAKE UP. God wants you to know that this is His greatest desire, a desire that I have put all my hope and trust in today. Through His Son, through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we will one day meet him face to face. So, will you wait with me? We have so much to look forward to.

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