Yes, Jesus Christ Still Exists!

"Faith for my deliverance is not faith in God. Faith means, whether I am visibly delivered or not, I will stick to my belief that God is love. There are some things only learned in a fiery furnace."  - Oswald Chambers in Run Today's Race

The most basic of questions regarding God is: Did Jesus really exist? There is a great deal of evidence concerning this subject, and we have a surprise joining us on the witness stand! (Note: read John 1:1-14).

Jesus is known by people all around the world. He isn't confined to certain continents or countries. So, wherever you are in this great big world, know that you probably have someone close by you who knows Jesus.Where should we start? Before discussing the question "Did Jesus really exist?" lets address the question Who is Jesus Christ?

People who love Jesus Christ learn about him by reading the Bible. The Bible tells us all about him, and the great things he did for us. The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. As the Son of God he was given the privilege of creating all things - including you and me! He loves his creation very much, and longs for the day when we can all be together in one wonderful place. We can't see Jesus yet, but he is with us in Spirit.

The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. As the Son of God he was given the privilege of creating all things - including you and me! He loves his creation very much, and longs for the day when we can all be together in one wonderful place. We can't see Jesus yet, but he is with us in Spirit.

Did Jesus really exist? You may need some proof that Jesus lived, and I perfectly understand. Let's start with our greatest source of information, and the largest selling book in history, the Holy Bible.

Is the Bible true? The Bible proves itself an accurate account of the history of Jesus Christ in at least three ways:

• The Bible contains many fulfilled prophecies. A Bible prophecy is a prediction about Jesus Christ. Hundreds and sometimes thousands of years before Jesus was born Bible writers were predicting that he was coming. They were right!
• The cohesive message of the Bible is an amazing testament for its truthfulness. From the Bible's first book, Genesis to it's last book, Revelation it tells us about God, and his Son, Jesus Christ. Many people wrote the Bible over hundreds of years, but God is the true Author, because he breathed the words that the men wrote.
• The many scientific claims the Bible presents have been proven with modern science. For instance, Christopher Columbus had to sail the ocean to prove the world was round. Many people before that time thought the world was flat. However, the Bible writer Isaiah wrote that the earth was round 700 years before Jesus was born (Isaiah 40:22). The Bible is perfectly truthful in all it speaks to, including the life of Jesus Christ.

Eyewitness Accounts

Did Jesus really exist? The Bible contains records which give direct evidence of Jesus Christ. Luke wrote, "Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you,...so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught" (Luke 1:1-3).

Paul, another writer of the Bible, stated in 1 Corinthians 15:5-8 that the risen Jesus Christ was seen by all the disciples, as well as more than 500 people! Paul directly met the risen Jesus, and then later sought to record other eyewitnesses who had previously met Jesus Christ. Both of these men were very thorough in their investigations.

The books of the New Testament are the written accounts of Jesus' life. Jesus' apostles, God-fearing and noble men themselves, wrote the letters and books that form the New Testament. God used these men to speak his words of truth (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21). Eyewitnesses had ample opportunities to refute any part of these writings from the beginning. If errors were recorded the books would have been immediately deemed worthless by the testimonies of the witnesses.

The Holy Spirit testifies to all people that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The Father holds every person accountable for this supernatural testimony of his precious Son. You, me, and everyone who has ever lived, has heard this witness from God. No exceptions, no excuses.

A person must accept this testimony as true, and believe it fully in their heart, so much so, that he/she devotes their life in full to God. Again, no exceptions, and no excuses. To walk away from the evidence, or to deny the evidence, amounts to calling God the Father a liar (1 John 5:10). To deny the Spirit's testimony is blasphemy against the Spirit, and an accusation of sin against God the Father.

Did Jesus really exist? You better believe it!! God witnesses to your heart, through the Bible, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Please listen to God's testimony for his Son. Jesus Christ, A Surprise Witness!

God loves YOU and wants to know YOU! The reason I mention this biblical truth here is because Jesus Christ proves himself. He says, "Of course, I have no need of human witnesses, but I say these things so you might be saved" (John 5:34). Jesus doesn't need evidence from Josephus or Tacitus, or even the Bible writers, who he gave his words to, anyway! (2 Timothy 3:16). Jesus is alive, and working throughout our world introducing himself, by his Spirit and word, to many people. Jesus is his own witness, and reveals himself to a person's heart. Did Jesus really exist? He says so!!

Faith in Jesus

Faith comes from hearing the words of God (Romans 10:17). The Bible is God's Word. I want God's own living word to witness about his Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 11:4a). Faith means that you believe in Jesus without seeing him (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is trusting in God's Word, and in the reality of Jesus Christ. Expressing faith in him as your only Savior opens up the door to your life (Revelation 3:20). Jesus will enter and you will personally come to know him. We have an amazing God!

There is more than enough evidence to confirm the existence of Jesus Christ. The final answer to the question "Did Jesus really exist?" is a resounding "Yes, of course!" But, there is even greater news for you - Jesus Christ STILL exists, and he wants to meet you! Tell him you want to believe in him.

-Special thanks to Brad Johnson

Additional Bible verses: Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:5; Hebrews 11:6

Study Questions:

1) Why does a cohesive message prove God's word to be truthful?
2) Jesus says he builds a person's faith by hearing his word. Are there other ways he builds faith
in people? (John 10:38; Romans 1:19-20)
3) What does "faith in God" mean? (Hebrews 11:1-3)

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be a blessing today. Use me to bring happiness to those you love. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Arianna

Patience Can Be Acquired!

In ancient wars, it wasn't unusual for a powerful army to win very quickly. But it also wasn't unusual for a battle to take a long time - especially when besieging a city, it could take years. Those soldiers needed to have a lot more than strength, they needed staying power. Patience props up your faith when you don't immediately get what God promised you.

One only has to read Romans 2:7 to learn the importance of patience. It is a must! We also see times in our lives when we fail to exhibit patience; like the times we...

• Stopped praying, 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
• Grew weary in well-doing, Galatians 6:9.
• Might have failed to remain faithful, Hebrews 6:11.

You and I know we don’t always have patience, so how do we develop it? How do we acquire patience?

First,  patience begins with obedience.We make a decision to be patient as in: They continued stedfastly, Acts 2:42;  In order to gain the victory we must be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding…, 1 Corinthians 15:58; We must be faithful unto death, Revelation 2:10; Colossians 1:23; 2 Peter 3:17. Additionally, obedience is coupled with a promise, Revelation  3:21; 21:7.

Secondly, patience continues with edification. Paul’s example edifies us. Look at what he went through and remained patient, 2 Corinthians 11:24ff. His example also edifies us by: His attitude, “crucified with Christ, Galatians 2:20; His expectation having been patient, 2 Timothy 4:6-8. Paul says it’s up to us because nothing else can separate us from the love of God, Rom. 8:35-39. Also, Christ’s example edifies us... We are to run with patience, “looking to Jesus” who ran with patience, Hebrews 12:1-3. Why, even our brethren today edify us!

Thirdly, patience finishes with trial. You see, Christians ARE going to be persecuted, 2 Timothy 3:12. That’s just the way it is. The Bible says that, “It takes trial to make a Christian perfect or complete in Christ”, James 1:2-4.

Without patience, there would have been no “father Abraham” without “get thee out of thy country… unto a land that I will shew thee” (Genesis 12:1) or “Take now thy son … and offer him there” (Genesis 22:2). There would have been no “prophet Moses” without standing before Pharaoh (Exodus. 5:1) or the wilderness wanderings. Need some more examples? How about the following: There would have been…

• No Joshua without the battles in Canaan.
• No David without Goliath and his flights from Saul.
• No Daniel without the lions.
• No apostles without persecutions; or
• No Jesus without the cross.                                                                                                               

In closing, my friends, the question that is certain to be asked by many is, "How does one acquire patience?" According to what we read in the Bible, one acquires patience...

• By obedience.
• By edification.
• By trial.

Although circumstances in your life may seem bleak at present, there's a better day coming. Beyond the world of sight there is a Judge keeping watch over His own, waiting to answer every plea and avenge every wrong. God hates injustice and will vindicate us in due time. Just remain patient....

Prayer: Father in heaven, surround me with good and righteous company. Protect my character and name. By the Holy Spirit I receive your grace. Give me the wisdom to know when to flee and when to stand as well as when to be silent. In the name of Jesus I praise you this day, Amen. 

God loves you!

KayCee

Has Apathy Taken Root In Your Life?

The following is a synopsis of an article by the two writers.

Since 2005, Americans calling themselves "religious" dropped by almost 18 percent, while those claiming to be "atheist" rose from 1 percent to 5 percent. Why?  One commentator observed, "the young are leaving conservative churches because they disagree with traditional views on homosexuality." He even calls this event a "widespread falling away," pointing out that many leaving "organized Christianity" are choosing to remain "spiritual" but to do it on their own time and in their own location.

"If God expects nothing of you but to be nice and to be happy, why roll out of bed on Sunday morning, even for the most progressive of liturgies?" About 17 percent of Americans are of the "stay-at-home" persuasion. Among 18-29 year-olds the number is 30 percent! In recent years, conservative evangelicals have been labeled judgmental, anti-homosexual, hypocritical, and out of touch. Many believe church attendance will continue to decline unless churches "change" enough to stay popular.

God's people should never purposefully give offense (1 Corinthians 10:32). But Jesus Christ taught that His message and His Church would not be popular (Matthew 10:22; John 15:18). God expects His Church to teach the Truth regardless of its popularity. This Truth, when believed and practiced, will finally set humanity free (John 8:32). -BBC Magazine , August 21, 2012, Rod Dreher and David Ellis Dickerson

Apathy is not so much a physical issue, nor is it merely a symptom of boredom, as it is a problem within our spirit. It is a collapse of the will to vigorously press forward under the burdens of contrary forces and constant repetition of tasks until we either no longer care about activities or their outcomes, or we mechanically go through the motions in a state of sleepwalking where we perform the tasks necessary but are not really consciously involved as we ought to be. What can easily be a danger in the workplace has become a subtle poison in the work of the Lord and the life of the local Church.

Consider, if you will, the pastor who has conceded the vigor of the ministry for a state of apathy. He preaches a good textual sermon, but his heart is not in it. He has done all the homework, all the academic preparation, as he has always done before for many years, but his passion for the Word has grown stale and his empathy towards the people has become paternal and more distant than before.

Other duties and roles have encroached on his time sufficiently that preaching is no longer the priority or the pleasure it once was, and his own high standards for what he preaches have been surrendered for a pragmatism of lesser expectations. He demands less of himself as do his people.

This lapse in spirit is mirrored in the congregations that suffer the same malaise. There are those for whom attending church is only a duty to be performed. It matters less what songs are sung. It matters somewhat what the Pastor preaches, so long as he doesn’t preach too long or probe too deeply. They have reached a comfort level where attending Sunday morning is enough to ease the conscience but not so much as to disturb the heart.

Their fellowship with others tends more towards their social calendar than with any strangers who appear in the services. Their social network is growing more around interests shared outside of the church than those within. Apathy even touches those who have faithfully served in our churches over the years.

Much has been written about overcoming the problems of apathy, and there are several Scripture passages that relate to the problem and its symptoms. For example, we should recognize that attitudes, like a critical spirit, indulging in gossip or slander, becoming a divider of God’s people, are all soundly condemned in God’s Word; but do we realize that these are also some of the ways apathy can rear its ugly head in a local church? The focus of apathetic people is centered upon themselves. Their observations about what other people do, fail to do or might/might not be doing are all about how the words and actions of others affect them.

Apathy has no time for the tender heart of a selfless servant. Instead you will find a stony heart that is waiting to be served by others. They will gladly sit in impatient judgment of everyone but themselves. Such people can undermine the work of the Lord in any church because they have moved from being the problem-solvers and solution-finders to becoming part of the problem and expecting everyone else to find the solution. There is this myopic sense of having done so much for so long, presumably without receiving anything back in return, that it is now someone else’s problem.

The uncommitted are no longer just the strangers and visitors. They are a growing number of core people who have decided they’ve done enough. Sadly, people like this fail to realize how far they have slipped spiritually. They have lost sight of their Savior and the fact that their own purpose in life must center about Him and not themselves.

The battlefronts to overcome apathy are many, but they are not unknown. We can begin with a culture that is making its people ever more passive. The “cradle-to-grave” promises of government have cultivated this passive mindset now for many years. There is also the cult of laziness that has grown along with the passivity.

But these are still symptoms, effects, and not the real causes. Speaking of believers and our churches, apathy takes root where we are unwilling to grow spiritually. Being committed to a ministry, whether by our service, time, talent, resources has become passé despite the clear teaching of Scripture. The real root of this, however, is our regard for the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Scriptures warn us against lukewarmness and press us to encourage one another in our faith and in the work of the Lord. God’s Word honestly notes the problems of physical and mental weariness that significantly contribute to apathy, and laziness is soundly condemned. But more than many of these weaknesses, the lapse of memory, especially about spiritual things, has brought many to a “care less” state of mind.

-Special thanks to Dr. Charles L. Dear 

Scripture: Revelation 3:16; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Revelation 3:2; Ephesians 6:10-12; Romans 12:11; Hebrews 11:6; Romans 4:20-25  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I not confuse my life with rebellion, but through thy guidance find peace. Help me through the perplexities that may keep me from the quietness of to-day. Keep me in sight of the great plan of life, that I may grow steadfastly toward thee. Amen.

May God bless you always,

Sunny

God's Boundless Stores of Grace...

A man can no more take in a supply of grace for the future than he can eat enough today to last him for the next six months or take sufficient air into his lungs at once to sustain life for a week to come. We must draw upon God's boundless stores of grace from day to day as we need it. -D.L. Moody

The roots of a godly man must be cemented in the warehouse of God' grace. We might think of a godly man as fully occupied keeping from the touches of the world through self control, but this is not godliness. A negative portrait of godliness is like believing there are only negative numbers in the world.

Godliness is better described as the person who lets the person of God transform him by the glorious truths God has revealed in this world. Jesus was full of grace and truth. He lived life to the fullest. Each step in Christ's life was overflowing with the goodness of God pouring out so that others would also come to experience God's goodness.

Grace astounds us with its powerful story of God's love. Grace shines through all the pages of scripture amazing us with an awesome but puzzling picture of God. Grace is a truth which is like a sea where we cannot reach the bottom. The more we understand grace, the more we stand humbled in its shadows convinced we will never well understand it.

Graciousness is a character quality born from a true understanding of grace. Although the Reformers had rediscovered grace, we hear of many cases where God's grace was not extended in the form of graciousness. Many today are proclaiming grace from their pulpits, but the willingness of many to tolerate bitterness and politics in the church embarassingly reveal how little we know of God's grace.

What is a good functional definition of grace? How about this: Grace is bringing God's goodness into the life of the undeserving.

To Thee I lift up my eyes, O Thou who art enthroned in the heavens!
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, 
As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress; 
So our eyes look to the LORD our God, Until He shall be gracious to us
(Psalms 123:1-2).

Prayer: My Lord and my Friend, I pray that my sympathy may be sincere and comforting, and with a glad heart I may bring rejoicing to my friends. May I learn from thee how I may be a permanent friend. Amen.

May God Bless You,

Lindsey

God's Overwhelming Love for Us!

 Scripture: 1 John 4:7-12

Andrew Murphy, 16, was a protective older brother who loved church, family and had a skilled ear for music. One evening while playing at a park with his 14-year-old sister and friends, Andrew saw a man point a gun at his sister. He did what any older brother would do - he rushed to protect her. Phoenix police officers found Andrew shot in his chest near the restroom and he later died that night at the hospital. The sister he would give his life to protect rushed to his side after the shot rang out, heard him mumbling, but she was able to make out one word, his last word, "Amen."  
-The Arizona Republic, September 14, 2012, Ashton Buccola 

In the above illustration, Andrew displayed the ultimate act of love. He gave, or sacrificed, his own life so that his sister might live. Our heavenly father did the same for us when He sent his Son to give his life so that we might have a chance at eternal life. There is nothing like the love of God! It is the most overwhelming thing I have ever encountered in my life. It is the greatest thing God ever did for any of us! The reason I can say that is this, because He loved us, He was moved to do everything else that He has done. Allow me to say today that John's epistle has a 4-fold purpose:

That our joy might be full. (1 John 1:4)
That we might not sin. (1 John 2:1)
That we might know that we have eternal life. (1 John 5:13)
That we ourselves might love others. (1 John 4:11)

1 John is the great book of love. It is mentioned 46 times in 135 verses. It was written to combat a heresy known as Gnosticism. The Gnostic believed that knowledge was power. They felt that they had a special knowledge of God and His ways. John is writing to put them into their place! And, as he does, he tells the rest of us about a great God with a great love for great sinners.

In 1 John 4:7-11, this love is described in the context that...

A. It Is Unspeakable - I can't understand it, or why, but I know I have experienced it and I can never be separated from it - Romans 8:38-39
B. It Is Unending - Jeremiah 31:3…I have loved you with an everlasting love! God's love is eternal!
C. It Is Unselfish - (Romans 2:4; 1 John 4:19)
D. It Is Unmerited - Cannot be earned or deserved!. (Matthew 23:37.)
E. It Is Unconditional - It is not based on what we can or cannot produce, it comes from the heart of God. Man can never reach a place when he will not be loved by God! God loved us first, He loved us anyway and He loves us eternally!
F. His love is Supernatural, it is Sacrificing, it is Satisfying!

In 1 John 4:10, this love was demonstrated at Calvary and showed us that...

A. God's love can never be fully understood, but it can be seen! It is best seen at the cross!
B. He Stood In The Gap (2 Corinthians 5:21)
C. He Saved Us From Hell (1 Peter 1:18-19; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; Hebrews 9:12-14; Revelations 1:5)

In 1 John 4:11-12, this love is displayed in the Christian by the following...

A. It will be visible if it is possessed!
B. Notice throughout the Bible, there have been men who demonstrated God's love:
1. Forgiving Love (Genesis 45:1-8)
2. Redeeming Love (Hosea 3:1-3)
3. Compassionate Love – Peter denied Him ….lied about Him…Yet Jesus still said…On this Rock I will build my church!
4. Healing Love (Psalm 103:1-4 )
C. When the love of God is present in the life of a believer, it will be visible in 5 different areas.
1. Love For The Savior (John 14:15; Revelations 2:4)
2. Love For The Scriptures (John 5:39)
3. Love For The Sanctuary (Hebrews 10:25)
4. Love For The Saints (1 John 4:20-21; 1 John 5:1-3; John 13:35; 1 John 4:12)
5. Love For The Sinners -. Jesus had a heart for sinners.

Conclusion: We ought to praise the Lord today for His overwhelming love! We can shout, we can run, we can turn flips and act like crazy little monkeys, but the best means we have of thanking Him for His love is by letting Him love through our lives and reach others for Jesus.

I invite you to join me today as I ask the Lord to help me to love like Jesus. I thank Him for loving me, and I am sure you do too. Today let's show that love for God by doing His will and being what He would have us be, and by loving like He would have us love. By loving others exactly as we have been loved by God. (Matthew 22:39)

Prayer: Heavenly Father I will incline my ears and hear the words of the wise, and apply my heart to your knowledge; for it is a pleasant thing if I keep them within me. I will fix them upon my lips and my trust will be in You Lord! In Jesus name I pray, Amen. (Proverbs 22)

Have a blessed week!

The Coffeehouse Bible Ministry

The Gospel Is the Good News!

How would you define the gospel? How would you sum it up? D.L. Moody once said, "I can write the gospel on a dime." Michael Horton describes the results of a recent survey in Christian Century that asked mainline pastors and theologians to summarize the gospel in seven words or less. Here are some typical (and less than stellar) responses: "We are the Church of Infinite Chances"; "To dwell in possibility"; "In Christ, God's yes defeats our no."

The one attempt that really caught Horton's attention was from Dr. Lamin Sanneh, a Gambian scholar teaching at Yale: "God was in Christ, reconciling the world." Horton offers a penetrating critique of what he calls the gospel of "God loves you anyway." -The White Horse Inn Blog, September 5, 2012, Michael Horton

So, "What is the Gospel?" According to Faith Facts, Gospel is a term used over 75 times in the New Testament. While it has various nuances of meaning, it's most fundamental meaning from the Greek is "good news." But good news of what? According to the Evangelical Dictionary of Theology edited by Walter Elwell, "the gospel is the joyous proclamation of God's redemptive activity in Christ Jesus on behalf of man enslaved by sin."

Another usage for the term is to refer to specific books in the Bible that set forth the life and teaching of Jesus, for example the Gospel of Matthew, etc.

The importance of the gospel cannot be overstated. Indeed, it is the culminating concept of the entire Bible. So as the biblical writers proclaimed this good news to all, so we in turn proclaim it to our readers. As it says in the most famous of all Bible passages:

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

The gospel is something to be preached and to be believed (1 Corinthians 15:11). The gospel is the proclamation of the glory of Christ rather than something we proclaim about ourselves (2 Corinthians 4:4-6). Yet the gospel has implications for our obedience.

Since the gospel is delivered by belief, more light on this can be shed by what is meant by “believe in” in such passages as John 3:16: “Whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” The word in (Greek eis) really means “into” or “unto.” Since we do not have an idiom in English “to believe into” or “to believe unto” it is translated “believe in.” But the meaning is deeper than mere intellectual assent (James 2:14-19). It implies that we believe so deeply in Jesus that we will commit our whole being and obedience to him.

The gospel, by the way, is the same in the Old Testament as in the New Testament. See Romans 1:1-3, Galatians 3:8, Isaiah 52:13-53:12.

Now, let's take a  moment and comment on what the gospel is not.

• It is not, "Have your best life now"—as a popular TV preacher proclaims.
• It is not, "Jesus came to be your best friend."
• It is not sacramental. Paul specifically states in 1 Corinthians 1:17-18 that the gospel does not include baptism.
• It is not placing one's trust in the church but rather in Christ's finished work on the cross.
• It is not something that we must do.
• Further, it is not the so-called social gospel. (The social gospel is a response by certain liberal Christians who began to doubt the Bible and its miracles, including the bodily resurrection of Christ. Left with no gospel at all, these professing Christians turned to social action in society as their focus and redemption.) 
• Nor is the gospel the whole of the New Testament, which some Christians who tend toward legalism think.

For the apostle Paul, the gospel was the reason for his existence. That there would be no doubt about exactly what the gospel means, Paul specifically defines it in his first letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 15:1-8). This passage offers the clearest definition of the gospel. It is indeed perhaps the most important passage of the entire Bible.

In subsequent verses (1 Corinthians 15:9-58), Paul goes on to explain the significance of the resurrection event. Because of Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection, we all have hope of eternal life. He stakes everything on the resurrection being an actual historical event. He insists that unless Christ's resurrection really and truly happened, our faith is in vain.

Here is your take-away for today:  The gospel is the good news that Christ lived a perfect life, died on the cross, and rose from the dead to satisfy God's wrathful judgment on the world. Because of Jesus' payment in full for OUR debt, it is now possible for anyone to receive salvation through a living faith in Christ.

Prayer: Father whatever we do, it is because Jesus Christ's love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for everyone, we also believe that we have all died to the old life we used to live. In Jesus name we pray, Amen (1Cor 5:14) 

-Special thanks to Faith Facts

Have a blessed day!

Erika

Are You Loyal To Christ?

Rose Syracuse is retiring as the longest-serving employee in Macy's history. The 92-year-old started working at Macy's in New York in 1939.

“This was my first job and I didn’t go anyplace else,” Syracuse, told The Daily News. “I was happy here.”

Syracuse always worked behind the scenes at the flagship store, where she got her job after passing a math and typing test. She went on to work for decades in the store’s phone and mail order department, until the Internet made her job obsolete.

For the last three years she has worked on archival projects for the department that organizes the parade and other special events. A broken hip sustained in a fall months ago forced the brand's oldest employee into retirement.
- ABC 7 Denver, September 7, 2012

The illustration above exemplifies one type of loyalty: an employee's loyalty to a company. But there is an even more important type of loyalty that I would like to discuss today. Loyalty to Christ! Loyalty to Christ begins in the heart. We must love him supremely. "He who loves father or mother more than me—is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me—is not worthy of me." Nothing makes worthy discipleship, if love is lacking.

In these days, Christian activity is emphasized and required. Never was the church of Christ as active as it is now. This is beautiful. But with all our activity, we fear lest we are not loving Christ as we should. - J.R. Miller

In one of the epistles to the seven churches, Jesus commends the church of Ephesus for many things—its works, its toil, its patience and that it could not bear evil men. "But," he adds, "I have this against you— that you have left your first love." With all its activity and self-sacrificing service—it did not love Jesus as it used to do.

Loyalty means first of all—heart devotion. Has Christ really the highest place in your heart? It is not your work he wants most—it is you! It is beautiful to do things for him—it is still more beautiful to make a home for him in your heart!

If there is true, supreme love in the heart—there should be a holy life and character. Here again we need to guard against devotion to the work and service of Christ—while in the life the world sees there are so many flaws and blemishes, that the impression is not to the honor of Christ. He is very patient with our infirmities and our stumblings. If he were not, who of us ever could hope to please him?

We are inexperienced, mere learners, at first. We misspell our words. We blunder in our grammar. We sing out of tune. Some of us are just beginning our Christian life, and are discouraged already because we have failed to be what we meant to be, and to live as beautifully as we were sure we would live. Christ is patient with us—when he knows that we are true in our heart, that we really want to be faithful.

Christ never forgets how frail we are. But he does not want us ever to give up. Though we stumble when we are learning to walk, he wants us to get up and try again. Though we are defeated in our battle tomorrow, he wants us to rise at once and keep on fighting.

A true soldier may be wounded, may be beaten in many battles—but he never is a deserter, never is a traitor. He is always loyal. It is only when we desert Christ, turn away from him, become false to him—that we really fail. You never can fail—if you are true, if you are faithful.

Loyalty to Christ! There really is nothing else in religion.

Helpful Bible Verses: Matthew 24:45-47; Proverbs 6:16-19; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; Proverbs 18:24; Philippians 4:7; Acts 5:29; 1 Peter 3:15; John 13:37; John 10:28

Prayer: Dear Lord, Even though we have suffered much hardship, you can restore us to abundant, fresh life. You are the God of all restoration. So Lord, we ask today that you would restore any areas within our lives and within our family that may be desolate and fruitless. Amen   -Special thanks to J.R. Miller

May God bless you,

Marlene

Without Jesus, We are Lost!

Last week in Iceland, a woman tourist was reported missing after she supposedly failed to return to the tour bus. The driver waited for an hour and then notified the police. Search and rescue teams were sent to the area, but the rescue efforts were called off at 3 A.M.

It turns out the missing woman had been on the bus the whole time. She even participated in the search for herself. Apparently, before re-entering the bus she changed clothes and freshened up so the other passengers didn't recognize her.

The local chief of police said that she didn't recognize the description of herself and she "had no idea that she was missing."

Did you know that a person could be very religious, but still very lost? Did you know that everywhere churches are filled with people who come each Sunday thinking they are going to heaven, but in reality, they aren't? These people are like the elder brother in the story of the Prodigal Son. They have never truly been born again, but are religiously lost!

On this note, allow me to submit the following questions to you. What motivated Jesus to save the lost? What prompted Him to come to this earth? What drove Him to go from city to city with the gospel of the kingdom? What motivated Him to endure the shame and pain of dying on the cross?

Several factors could be listed:

a. His strong sense of purpose (to do His Father's will) - John 6:38
b. The Father's love (which He wanted to share) - John 1:9; 17:26
c. The potential condemnation those He sought to save (of which He warned) - Matthew 10:28
d. The joy set before Him (helping Him to endure the cross) - Hebrews 12:2

Each of these factors can help motivate us as well.

Let's take a closer look at His compassion for the lost. This is mentioned on numerous occasions, for example:

a. The crowds in Matthew 9:36
b. Prior to feeding the five thousand - Matthew 14:14
c. Prior to feeding the four thousand - Matthew 15:32
d. Toward various individuals, such as:
1) A leper - Mark 1:40-41
2) A demon-possessed man - Mark 5:1-20 (cf. verse 19)
3) The widow of Nain who had lost her son - Luke 7:11-15
4) Two blind men - Matthew 20:30-34

He was moved with compassion when He saw people weary and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd, and suffering from diseases, demon possession, and hunger.

His compassion moved him:

1. To heal the sick and demon-possessed, raise the dead, and feed the hungry
2. To personally teach those in need of a Shepherd - cf. Mark 6:34
3. To call upon His disciples to pray for more laborers - Matthew 9:37-38
4. To send out His disciples as laborers - Matthew 10:1-7

Clearly, Jesus was truly moved by compassion for the lost. Thus motivated, He did what He could to meet their needs, especially their need for salvation!

Prayer: May the example of our Lord Jesus, the true Word of God, whose
compassion moved Him to save us, burn in our hearts. Amen

Have a blessed week,

Mary Beth

Summer Hiatus 2012!

Good News!

The Coffeehouse Bible Ministry will return in September 2012! We hope you have enjoyed your summer, and were able to enjoy this beautiful gift called "life" that we have been most graciously given by our Lord and Savior. The summer months are always used by our wonderful ladies to spend time with God, family and friends, participate in ministry work, and refresh their spiritual lives!

I invite you to keep checking back as our ministry bloggers will return very soon with new, soulful, and uplifting messages for all of you. As always, thank you for joining us and we look forward to sharing God's love with you again!

May God bless you always,
~Eve