Abide…

Abide…

I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. ~ John 15:5

The word ABIDE has several descriptive definitions – none of which is without significance within the context of our verse. Consider these thoughts as you contemplate what it means to abide:

To remain stable or fixed in a state
To continue in a place
To conform to
To accept without objection
To wait for
To endure without yielding
To bear patiently

Jesus affords us a great metaphor on what it means to abide in Him … to remain in closest relationship with Him. Our search for the deepest meaning of life is satisfied in this one word: ABIDE. For when we abide in Jesus … when we come forth as an extension (branch) of His life-giving being (vine) … we will have a meaningful life that bears fruit in the likeness of Him. Apart from Jesus, we will become lifeless and dead. He said, “No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” (John 15:4)

Jesus began His teaching with this: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” (John 15:1-2) So, we understand that the work of God is to promote the growth of each branch in the vine. The Father desires fruit that will bring Him glory! As Paul expounded: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

The question arises: “How do we abide in Jesus? How do we continue to remain in His presence? Well, Jesus Himself provides the answer:

John 14:15-18 (NKJV)

If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter), that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

John 14:23-24 (NKJV)

If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.

Notice there are branches (plural) in the Vine. All the branches are interconnected to the same life-giving source. Yes, all are dependent upon Jesus to give them true life in Him and with one another. Indeed, we see John reinforcing this truth:

1 John 3:23-24 (NKJV)

And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. Now the one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

My friends, to have a meaningful, purposeful life, we must abide in Jesus. And the grace of abiding in Him requires obedience to His commandment – to love one another as He has loved us. I will leave us with this thought: Abiding Through Love

1 John 4:12-16 (NKJV)

No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in Him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

It is my prayer this mediation will encourage you … in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Have a Blessed Day!

Thoughts…

Thoughts…

For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. ~ 1 Corinthians 2:11-12

Thoughts are mental cognitions – our ideas, opinions, and beliefs. They are framed by what we perceive through our senses and our human experience in this world. And yet, there is a much deeper component found within the spirit God breathed in each of us. (Cf. Genesis 2:7) As the text indicates, our thoughts find their origin within our spirits … the “essence” that animates us and gives us “life”. And through human speech or language, we have the capacity to express our thoughts; and therefore, express what resides within our individual spirits. And it is the expression of thoughts through our words and actions that reveals the nature of our true spirits in relational terms.

When we examine the “sin nature” of man, it is rooted in our spirits. Genesis 6:5 states: “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.” It is the depravity of our spirits that God calls into account. As Jeremiah noted: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10) The Prophet Amos confirmed as well: “He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals His thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth— the Lord God Almighty is His name.” (Amos 4:13)

I am thankful our merciful God has expressed His thoughts on these matters through His Spirit to the Prophet, Isaiah, and provided this instruction:

Isaiah 55:7-9 (NIV)

Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on them, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

As Paul explained in our text, the thoughts of God reside with His Spirit; and it is through the expression of His Spirit in words and actions that His thoughts are revealed. Indeed, as Paul notes, until we are regenerated (born-again) by the Spirit of God (Cf. John 3:3-8), our spirits will not be joined with His so that we may understand what the Father has freely given us. Indeed, “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 2:14) And perhaps I should add: “The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the Gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4)

My friends, the core message here is that as image-bearers of the Triune God, our thoughts reside within our spirits as well. And our thoughts are expressed through words (and actions). But the unfailing love of God has afforded us a solution for our depravity: His Thoughts! Our Creator has revealed His thoughts through His Spirit. It is known to us as the “Word of God.” Yes, when we are born-again of the Spirit, we receive the mind of Christ. We are able to process and understand spiritual thoughts (the words of God) because the Spirit explains spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words! (1 Corinthians 2:13) And Jesus confirms the Word of God is Truth! (John 17:17) Further, Jesus affirmed: “I AM the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) I pray we will embrace the Word of God and its power to transform and renew our minds! (Romans 12:2)

Have a Blessed Day!

Deliver…

Deliver…

Look on my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law. Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according to your promise. ~ Psalm 119:153-154

King David penned some wonderful words for those who are suffering in affliction and hardship; and I feel led to share them this morning:

Psalm 34:15-20 (NIV)

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cry; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; He protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.

We can look back through the OT Scriptures and see the hand of God Almighty deliver His people … His treasured possession … from those who would oppress them with hardship and afflict them with injustice. Yes, the righteous cry out for the tender mercies of God to deliver them from their troubles, and His ear is attentive to their sighs and prayers. Have you ever prayed like David did?

Psalm 31:2-5 (NIV)

Turn Your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since You are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for You are my refuge. Into Your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.

Psalm 18:1-2 (NIV)

I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my sovereign shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Oh, my friend, do you not know today that the Lord is the Mighty God who delivers you? It is He who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. (Psalm 103:3) The Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3) And Jesus is calling you today to come to Him. For He will deliver you! He will heal you! He will set you free! Jesus asks you to trust Him and to believe. For He is full of compassion and ready to deliver you from all your affliction. Yes, He says: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Seek the Lord this morning … while He may be found. He is your refuge and strength; an ever-present help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1) He declares to you: “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. (Isaiah 46:4) Indeed, “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” (Psalm 103:2) Amen.

Have a Blessed Day!

Affliction…

Affliction…

But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. ~ 2 Timothy 4:5

Affliction … a cause of persistent pain or distress. It can be the source of hardship or great suffering. We associate it with difficulty, trouble, trial, tribulation, agony, and travail. In other words, affliction is most uncomfortable and we desire to avoid it at all costs. And yet, for believers, affliction and hardship … trial and tribulation … serve a purpose in the development and growth of our faith.

As Paul and Barnabas made their missionary rounds, they spent time strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. They reminded new converts and local leadership, “We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22) Indeed, a follower of Christ should expect to endure afflictions of all kinds is their service to Him. As Jesus taught: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)

Jesus said in the end times His followers would be not only persecuted but put to death … hated by all nations because of Him. (Matthew 24:9) Yet, Paul would later pose: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” (Romans 8:35) No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Indeed, many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. (Psalm 34:19) And we would do well to remember the afflictions we suffer are often used by the Lord to correct and discipline us. (Hebrews 12:4-8)

James advised: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4) This is easier said than done; however, the end result will be worth it. As Peter encouraged: “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter:6-7)

My friends, do not loose heart as you endure affliction in this life. “Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. So, we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

This is my comfort in my affliction: Your word has revived me and given me life. ~ Psalm 119:50 (Amplified)

Have a Blessed Day!

Consider…

Consider…

But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you. ~ 1 Samuel 12:24

The Word of the Lord came to Ezekiel: “Son of man, how is the wood of a vine different from that of a branch from any of the trees in the forest?” (Ezekiel 15:1) It is an interesting question to consider given that the nation of Israel was viewed as the vineyard of the Lord Almighty, and the people of Judah His delighted vines. (Cf. Isaiah 5:7) So, is there anything different about the composition of the wood in a vine than that of a tree?

I believe there is only one thing that distinguishes the vine from the tree. What makes believers different from world is the kindness and grace of God Himself. There is nothing different in our own nature than any other woody plant. But God, who is rich in mercy, uprooted us from the world and made us alive with Christ. (Ephesians 2:1-5) He cultivated the soil of our hearts; planted the seed of His Word; and nurtured us into a productive, fruitful vine. Jesus affirmed this familiar metaphor when He declared: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” (John 15:1) He said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Are you humbled by these words? Do you ever take time to consider what your life might have been had God not redeemed you from the forest of this world and planted you in His vineyard? What would you be without the life-giving sap of God flowing within you? Would you be able to bear any fruit if the Holy Spirit were not abiding in you? Take a moment to look back on who you once were. Consider what you would have been had the grace of God not encountered you and brought you to the true vine. “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Corinthians 4:7)

My friend, let us remember the days of long ago; meditate on all the works of God, and consider what His mighty hand has done for those who believe. (Psalm 145:5) “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:8-10) Indeed, there is no place for pride to be rooted in our hearts; rather, let us consider with deep humility that our names have been written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Revelation 21:27) Amen.

Have a Blessed Day!

Open…

Open…

And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. ~ 2 Kings 6:17

What an incredible experience it must have been for the servant to have the Lord open his eyes to the unseen … to peer into the heavenly realms and encounter spiritual realities hidden from our view. What incredible grace God bestows upon His people … to open our eyes to see those things that elude our natural sight.

In Genesis 21:19, God opened the eyes of Hagar, and she saw a well of water. She went and filled a skin with water to revive her thirsty son. In Numbers 22:31, the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with his sword drawn. Indeed, there are times when the Lord enables us to see the supernatural in order to reveal with His will and to align us with His purposes. But as I study the Word of God today, my heart has been drawn to and identifies with the Psalmist who wrote: “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” (Psalm 119:18) Yes Lord, “Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.” (Psalm 119:34)

In Luke 24, we have the story of two disciples who were walking along the road to Emmaus and discussing the crucifixion of Jesus just three days prior. A stranger approached them and began to walk with them; listening to their unfolding of recent events and observing their downcast hearts. Then He said to them: “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter His glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself.”

The stranger expounded on the ancient scriptures to explain their prophetic revelations regarding the Messiah. He affirmed to them that Jesus was indeed the Messiah – the Holy One of Israel. And as He lingered to eat a meal with them that evening, Jesus opened their eyes so that they could recognize Him. In astonishment they asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us? (Luke 24:28-32)

Later that same night, after the two had returned from Emmaus with their amazing news, Jesus appeared to the disciples as they were gathered in conversation. They were startled and afraid at His sudden appearance. Jesus said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. (Luke 24:44-45)

My friends, most assuredly, the Lord Jesus Himself is our Master Teacher! Our Savior fulfills every word declared through Moses, the Prophets, and His Spirit. (Hebrews 1:1-3) Indeed, the Spirit of Truth guides us into all the Truth. (John 16:13) And the Truth is Jesus Himself – the Word of God! (John 1:1; 14:6; John 17:17) Oh, how I pray that Jesus would open our eyes to see all the Scriptures concerning Himself; give us burning hearts to receive and understand them; and endue us with His power to believe them! Amen.

Have a Blessed Day!

Crown…

Crown…

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize! Everyone who competes in athletic competitions will exercise strict self-discipline. They do it to obtain a crown that will perish, but we do it to receive a crown that will last forever. ~ 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

A crown is the reward for victory! It is the mark of honor! A gold or ornate crown is often worn by royalty as a symbol of their sovereignty and authority. A crown represents the highest position … the zenith of accomplishment! And yet, all the crowns that might be achieved in this world are temporal. Like the laurel wreaths awarded to the winners of the Olympic Games of old, they will wither and perish. Their accolades will soon fade and be remembered no more….

I love the metaphor that Paul used here to compare the marathon of faith with the athletic competitions of the ancient world. He observes the determination of the competitors … their strict training and self-discipline to master their physical conditions. All of the energy and preparation is focused on one goal: winning the race. His analogy is worth pondering because the same principles of winning an earthly reward can be applied to the self-denial required to pick up our crosses daily and to follow Jesus for the long run. (Cf. Luke 9:23)

Our God is a most gracious God; and He adorns us with various crowns as we walk with Him during our journey of faith. Human beings were made a little lower than the angels; and yet, God crowns us with glory and honor … to exercise dominion over the earth. (Cf. Psalm 8:5-6) The humble He rewards with a crown of victory. (Psalm 149:4) Those who attain wisdom, He presents with the crown of knowledge. (Proverbs 4:9) Those who practice righteousness, He crowns with blessings. (Proverbs 10:6) Indeed, the wealth of the wise is their crown; gray hair is a crown of splendor; and grandchildren are a crown to the aged. (Proverbs 14:24; 16:31; 17:6)

My friend, what crown are you pursuing in this life? The crown of wealth or fame? The crown of power or preeminence? Do you chase after the things of this world, but neglect the crown of redemption God has provided for you? Have you so soon forgotten that the One who has bestowed so many gracious crowns upon you wore a crown of thorns upon His own head? Does the blood that oozed from each pierce of His brow not penetrate your very soul as well?

It is my prayer that we will exercise self-discipline and persevere in faith to receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12) Indeed, all those who long for His appearing will be awarded the crown of righteousness on that Day. (2 Timothy 4:8) And when He appears, believers will receive the crown of glory! (1 Peter 5:4) Therefore, let us be faithful to the Lord Jesus, even to the point of death, for we will receive eternal life as our victor’s crown. (Revelation 2:10)

Have a Blessed Day!

Redeemed…

Redeemed…

Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. (1 Peter 1:17-19)

Is there anything better for believers than the knowledge they have been redeemed? Do we truly understand redemption – the redeeming love of God in Christ? We have been redeemed from the wages of sin and death! We have been redeemed from the power of sin and its empty life! We have been released from the shackles of guilt and the chains of darkness! Indeed, we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that we may proclaim the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. (1 Peter 2:9-10)

Let us understand the significance of the redemption He accomplished! “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” (Cf. Deuteronomy 21:22-23)He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promised Holy Spirit.” (Galatians 3:13-14) Yes, we who trusted in Jesus, after we heard the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation; in Him, having believed, we were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory! (Ephesians 1:13-14)

Let us understand the necessity of the redemption He accomplished! In Jesus we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of God’s grace! (Ephesians 1:7) For God rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of His Beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14) Indeed, we have been freely justified by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. So, let us not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom we have been sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30) Rather, let us praise the One who paid our debt and raised us from the dead!

My friends, do you understand what it means to be redeemed? If so, then by faith, wrap yourself in the white linen that is to be our everlasting garment and give Him all the glory! Yes! Let us worship Christ Jesus, who entered the Most Holy Place with His own blood, and obtained for us eternal redemption! (Hebrews 9:12)

Have a Blessed Day!

Refuge…

Refuge…

I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:1-2)

I have been under the weather with influenza this week; and a dear friend and prayer warrior shared a prayer that reminded me: “God is my refuge.” It was a timely word … a needed word … to encourage me as I walk through this valley. As I deal with the symptoms and malaise of this virus, I have found that my time of isolation has proven fruitful. I have taken time to meditate on what it means to have God as my refuge and my strength. For indeed, He is a shield … a protective cover … for all who make their refuge in Him. (Psalm 18:30)

If you or someone you know are being oppressed by a spirit of infirmity, I encourage you to read these verses below and let them settle on your heart:

Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God. ~ Psalm 31:3-5

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. ~ Psalm 36:7-9

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. ~ Psalm 46:1

Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. ~ Psalm 57:1

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. ~ Psalm 59:16

My salvation and my honor depend on God Most-High; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. ~ Psalm 62:7-8

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most-High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” ~ Psalm 91:1-2

My friends, let us take all of our infirmities in prayer before the Lord and His throne of grace. Let us find our refuge in Him … our ever-present help in times of trouble. In the shadow of His wings, we will find mercy and strength for the day. Indeed, His love is unfailing, and He is the fountain of life for all who drink.

Have a Blessed Day!

Witness…

Witness…

My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long— though I know not how to relate them all. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone. Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come. (Psalm 71:15-18)

What a powerful witness of our Sovereign God the aging King David became as ruler of the nation of Israel. God chose Israel to be His treasured possession of all the peoples of the earth; and it was His purpose that Israel would be His witness to all nations. Their testimony of His awesome power and mighty deeds in the land of Egypt; their victories in the land of Canaan; and the ordinances of their worship in the tabernacle would be proof of the Almighty God who redeemed them and chose them:

“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am He. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no Savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed— I, and not some foreign god among you. “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God.” (Isaiah 43:10-12)

But Israel became hardened and did not fulfill their calling from God. (Cf. Romans 10-11) Therefore, God sent His Son to be a light to His people and to the nations. The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. (Cf. John 1:14) And He, Jesus, testified to the truth! As a faithful witness, Jesus revealed the Father. (Cf. Revelation 1:5; 3:14) And after His resurrection, Jesus sent His disciples into the world to be faithful witnesses as well:

Then Jesus opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:45-49)

My friends, we have been empowered to proclaim repentance for the forgiveness of sins in His Name. As Spirit-filled believers, we are witnesses of the atonement for sin accomplished in Jesus. Like the Apostles, we are called to be faithful witnesses of the Gospel of grace and reconciliation. Yes, it is my prayer that others will find assurance of eternal life in Christ.

Have a Blessed Day!