Archive for August, 2006

This month we’re taking a closer look at Jesus the King and His Kingdom.

As we live in an age with very few Kings ruling over us if any at all, it is hard to see Jesus as our King and what that really means to us who find ourselves serving in his Kingdom.

One thing to remember is that unlike other Kings , Jesus does not force us to do his will, rather He reigns over those who willingly accept him as their King!

We’ll focus on 4 sections this month :

* Old Testament Prophecies of Jesus as King
* Jesus and Pontius Pilate – John 18
* The King of Revelation
* The Kingdom - Now and Then

Use the verses to really try build an image of Jesus as King in your mind this month. Humility in response to a King is the key here!

Luke 18:14:
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted

Blessings

Kiera

Truth is a funny thing, something’s we can know and understand the truth about and other things not.

This is where faith steps in. We just need to trust in Jesus, follow Him and trust he will lead us on the correct path.

Go back to John 10. He is the shepherd and we must just follow his voice.

Just believe!

Take another look through the Apostles’ Creed.

Are there things there that you’ve realized you struggle with? Things you do not believe with your whole heart.

Ask Jesus to forgive your unbelief and ask him to show you the truth and change your heart.

Remember we need to be standing on solid rock not shaky ground.

‘All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.’ – Galileo Galilei

‘In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after Truth.’ – Mahatma Gandhi

‘What is absolutely true is always correct, everywhere. All the time, under any condition. An entity’s ability to discern these things is irrelevant to that state of truth.’- Steven Robiner.

‘After all. When it comes to issues of purpose and eternity, we really can’t afford to be wrong.’ – Daniel Jarvis

Daniel Jarvis – Absolute Truth.net

There is nothing worse than trying to communicate with a person who is closed-minded.  Each of us should be willing to learn and consider new concepts, so that we can grow in our understanding of what life is all about.

How to Have an Open Mind

• Value the truth more than your own pride.  (Winston Churchill said: “I’d rather be right then consistent.”)
• Be honest with the facts you have, and be honest about the fact that you don’t have all the facts.
• Growth equals change.  For you to grow in your understanding of truth, you’ll have to change.  If the first time you heard everything and thought over it, you ended up 100% correct, then change will be unnecessary for you.  But if you share humanity with the other 7 billion of us, chances are you need to grow…and growth equals change.
• Remember that there are usually two sides to every story.  “The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.” Prov. 18:17 NIV
• Never be afraid of the idea that you might be wrong.  You probably are.  Therefore, always be willing to consider a different point of view.

11. THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY

Read 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

Philippians 3:21

‘will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.’

The truth of a new body. Mary didn’t even recognize Jesus in his!

No sickness, no defects, no problems whatsoever!

Run any marathon you want, walk through walls!

There are no limits to the our new resurrected bodies! How exciting!

11. THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY

Read 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

Philippians 3:21

‘will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.’

The truth of a new body. Mary didn’t even recognize Jesus in his!

No sickness, no defects, no problems whatsoever!

Run any marathon you want, walk through walls!

There are no limits to the our new resurrected bodies! How exciting!

10. THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS

Matthew 9:2

‘When Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, “Take heart , son; your sins are forgiven.’

Hebrews 10:22

‘Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.’

If you’ve come this far and believe all to be absolute truths, then believing that our sins are forgiven should be an easy one?

Why do we struggle so though? We carry about such unforgiveness of others and for ourselves.

Lord, Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors.

9. I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH; THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS.

Matthew 18:20

‘For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.’

John 17:23

‘May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me’

Hebrews 10:25

‘Let us not give up meeting together, as some are In the habit of doing.’

Do you believe in the concept of ‘church’, ‘fellowship’?

What do you feel are advantages and disadvantages?

Why do you go to church? Guilt? Obedience? Teaching? Worship?

8.  I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

John 14:26

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.’

Acts 1:8

‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem.’

Do you believe there is a Holy Spirit?

A Holy Ghost?

What is your relationship like with the Holy Spirit?

Can you sense his lead? Is this proof for you of his existence?