The Continuing Ministry of Jesus: God With Us

Scripture: “Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish.” Isaiah 46:9-10

A mathematician once calculated that eight predictions of Christ's coming (like the ones we shared in last week's mail) had one chance in ten "quadrillion" (10,000,000,000,000,000) of being fulfilled in one person. Why did God go to such dramatic lengths to prove Himself?

He did it to “pitch His tent” with us

John 1:1-18 sums up the mission of Jesus. He needed to become a man to live among us. Verse 14 literally says He "tabernacled," or "pitched His tent" with us. So that He could represent us before His Father, “He was tempted in every way that we are, but he didn't sin.” (Hebrews 4:15) “Because Jesus experienced temptation when he suffered, he is able to help others when they are tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18)

He did it to make us God’s children

God became a human child to make children of God out of those who believe in Him. (John 1:12) He "made peace through the blood of his cross." (Colossians 1:19-20) The only way eternal God could die was by becoming flesh and blood like us. It showed us He "is not ashamed to call [us] his brothers and sisters." (Hebrews 2:10-15) This is one reason the celebration of what we have in common ("communion") with Him is so meaningful. (1 Corinthians 10:16)

He did it to “explain Himself”

Becoming human was the way God made Himself plain to us. Without Jesus' sacrifice, no one was worthy to be in the presence of God; "But God the only Son is very close to the Father, and he has shown us what God is like." (John 1:18)

He did it so we could remain and continue His work

He wanted us to be fully convinced. “Who overcomes the world? Is it not the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:5) Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” (John 20:21) In His earnest prayer before His arrest, Jesus asked that His followers could “be with Me where I am and to see My glory,” (John 17:24) Why are we not yet there? We have been left here to continue the public ministry of Jesus: “God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!’” (2 Corinthians 5:20)

The Coming of Jesus: A Story Told Throughout the Bible

Scripture: “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Luke 24:44

What did Jesus mean when He said to the Jewish leaders of His day, “Examine the scriptures, since you think that in them you have eternal life. They also testify about me.” (John 5:39) As Christmas gets closer, let’s think about what His coming meant for us…and how true these words are.

What Moses says

When the first couple sinned, God’s judgment on their tempter was the first hint of Jesus’ coming: “I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed.” (Genesis 3:15)

God gave Abraham a ram instead of allowing him to kill his son. Afterward, Abraham named the place “Yahweh-Yireh.”(Genesis 22:14) It showed he somehow knew God would see to it that a fitting sacrifice would be provided. He believed God when He promised, “All the nations of the earth will be blessed through your offspring, because you have listened to my voice.” (Genesis 22:18)

What the Prophets say

Isaiah tells more: “The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’) (Isaiah 7:14). And Micah even predicts where He would be born: “O Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are but a small Judean village, yet you will be the birthplace of my King who is alive from everlasting ages past!” (Micah 5:2) Zechariah even announces Palm Sunday in advance: “your King is coming; He is righteous and able to save. He comes seated humbly on a donkey…” (Zechariah 9:9)

What the Psalms say

King David welcomes us to the very foot of the cross in Psalm 22. For our sake, Jesus is forsaken by His Father,surrounded by mockers, hanging with His hands and feet pierced and His bones out of joint while people gamble for His clothing. The next Psalm (23) shows us the sheep’s proper attitude toward the Good Shepherd.

Throughout the Old Testament, the law required a person’s redeemer to be related by family. When Isaiah 44:6 calls God the “Redeemer” who says, “besides me, there is no God,” it literally meant God Himself would become part of the family of mankind. He was the offspring of (only) a woman. So in the same way Adam’s sin had brought us all into judgment, (Romans 5:12), Jesus became the one who could humbly suffer the shame, rejection, and weight of sin for us all to offer us redemption.

Being Thankful When Family Disappoints You

Scripture: “Giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20

God knows we often grumble and complain so he reminds us throughout scripture to give thanks. When we focus on the things we lack, we can forget to appreciate what we have. God wants us to give thanks for everything! How can we be thankful for our spouse, children and parents when they don’t meet our expectations? Here are three reasons:

1.God is Good

“Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His faithful love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1).

When we give thanks we confirm God is good. It acknowledges we are placing our hope in a good God Who has given us these relationships for a purpose. Even if your spouse or children do not believe in Jesus Christ, (1 Corinthians 7:16), God may work through you to save them.

Even if you have a poor relationship with your parents, God will always be there for you—ready to show His unfailing love as your Heavenly Father. If your family has accepted Jesus Christ, then you can truly thank God that he promises to complete what he started. God can use our relationships to lead us to Him and strengthen our faith.

2. It is God’s Will for You

“Give thanks” is written as a command over and over in scripture. It is not a suggestion or a feeling. It takes a deliberate choice. “Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Paul sang praises and thanked God even while he was in prison. We too can give thanks “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” who has given us salvation, eternal hope, and everything else good in our lives, including our family.

3. The Holy Spirit Fills Us

God never commands us to do something without giving us the power to do it. “...Understand what the Lord’s will is. …..be filled by the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making music from your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for everything to God …..” (Ephesians 5:17-20). The key is being filled with the Spirit! Ask God to help you give thanks and fill your heart with joy.

It’s easy to dwell on the annoying things our loved ones do instead of rejoicing over the blessing they are to us. Keep your thoughts focused on good things that are worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8) Say the words, “I’m so thankful for you.” Appreciation lightens the heart, (Psalm 138:1), and spreads to those around us bringing peace, love and unity. (Colossians 3:12-17)

Starting Your Day with a Thankful Heart

Scripture: He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done... Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine?..” Luke 17:12-17

One day, Jesus healed 10 lepers of their disease. As loving and kind as our Savior is, He noticed that only one leper thanked Him. Do you ever forget to tell God thank you?

Don’t forget what Jesus has done for you

Sometimes we pray for months or years to the Father asking for a job, a home or a child. Year after year Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin, longed to be a mother. Finally, the blessing came and God gave her John the Baptist as her son. Her husband, Zechariah, gave God thanks and praise in this prayer: “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel...And you my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way of the Lord.” Luke 1:68, 76.

Once we receive a blessing, we can be so involved with the gift that we forget to thank God—just like nine of the lepers did. But “One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” Luke 17:15 Each day, sit down and think about the great things God has done for you. Then, go back to Him and give thanks.

How do you begin your day?

I want to start my day and end my day with appreciation and thanksgiving to the Lord Jesus. Ephesians 5:20 tells us to“...give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Do you add praise to your thanksgiving prayer?

When God does amazing things, it reminds us of how great He is. When that happens, we can add praise to our thanksgiving. A great prayer of praise and thanksgiving is Mary’s song of praise. Mary, an ordinary woman, was scorned by many as she carried Jesus in her womb. Though her situation was not ordinary, she gave thanksgiving and praise to the Lord by saying: “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For He took notice of His lowly servant girl...generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and He has done great things for me.” Luke 1:46-49

Did you say a prayer of thanksgiving after Jesus answered your last prayer?

God in the Midst of the Storm

Scripture: “….We found trouble all around us. We had fighting on the outside and fear on the inside.” 2 Corinthians 7:5

Times like this feel like a gathering storm. News of attacks around the world, claiming innocent lives, plane crashes in the Sinai Peninsula, bombings in Beirut, and attacks on the streets of Paris make us wonder--when will it all end?

Confusing times require honest questions

These brutal attacks took us by surprise. Any of us could have been among the victims who lost their lives or their loved ones in a moment.

Where is God in all of this? Does He even care about the innocent victims, or that people are scared, traumatized, lost and insecure? Where do we go for answers? For protection? How do you ride out such a storm, knowing you’re so vulnerable?

Calling on God–and finding Him close at hand

Twelve men faced an overwhelming storm over 2,000 years ago - one that threatened to end their lives. They were out at sea in an open boat, when a great storm suddenly arose. As the waves crashed over the boat, threatening to sink it, they remembered that they were not alone: Jesus was also there. He was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. They shook him awake, demanding, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38)

We may ask that same question in the midst of the storm we’re witnessing. “God, do you not care that we are perishing?” As we read on in the story of the disciples’ storm, we find out that God does care, for Jesus rebuked the wind and waves with just a word: “Peace. Be still!” (Mark 4:39) The wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Asking His help for the troubled world and the troubled heart

When we see the storms raging around us, we can become overwhelmed by storms of fear and insecurity. Such storms can only be calmed by that same soothing voice of God: “Peace, Be Still. I am in the boat with you.”

What is Worship?

Scripture: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30

This verse describes true worship. Do you worship your Maker? We need to know what worship is, what it isn't, and why it matters so much to our God and to our souls.

What Worship Is

God defines worship as "love": "Love the Lord your God." Love is a verb, an action word. It requires doing, not just attending church, listening to a sermon, singing hymns, or giving money. You've only worshipped when you've loved, adored, and honored. And it is about loving God in every way a human can love.

With all our hearts: our emotions and senses.

With all our souls: the life force itself, that which gives our bodies life, our essence. Worship involves a passionate love for God.

With all our minds: We are to have no ungodly thoughts, or songs, or movies, or television shows, or books in our minds (see Psalm 101:3). We are to think about our faith, to study God's word, to engage intellectually in the worship of God.

With all our strength: We love God with our actions, not only on Sundays. God is looking for Monday Christians, Monday worshippers, Monday disciples.

How to Worship

You can love God the same way you love anyone else. You can spend the day with him—talking to him, thinking about him. Ask him for what you need, and thank him for what he gives. Spend the day with Jesus. Love him. Worship him. This is his first commandment for every day.

Worship is not performance, entertainment, therapy, or even evangelism.

Worship is not about us. It is about loving God, every moment of every day.

We were created for worship. He gave us free will so we could choose to worship him. Nothing else fulfills us.

Worship provides the power to serve God. If you want God's power for your life, you must worship God every day.

Why Do We Worship?

Because God deserves our worship. “We love him because he first loved us“ (1 John 4:10). He created and redeemed us, and made us a place in his perfect heaven forever. He watched his Son die on the cross, to save our souls and purchase our salvation. He gave everything for us. He deserves our worship.

Are You A Refugee?

Scripture: “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1 (NLT)

The “Islamic State” is wreaking terror over large parts of Iraq and Syria. Boko Haram carries out attacks in Nigeria and neighboring states. Governments oppress their own people across Africa, while some countries persecute minorities on a massive scale. Those being oppressed are often forced to flee their homelands. Are you one of them?

God Still Loves You

Did you know that Jesus Himself was a refugee? Within the first couple years of His life, Jesus and His family were forced to “flee to Egypt” (Matthew 2:13), because King Herod the Great of Judaea gave orders that would have resulted in Jesus’s death. God allowed His infant Son to experience what you are experiencing right now. Although it might feel like no one cares about you right now – if you have been robbed, tortured, or persecuted – remember that “The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble” (Psalm 9:9).

Seek God’s Comfort

When Jesus began His ministry, He announced, “The Spirit of the Lord has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor, to proclaim... that the oppressed will be set free” (Luke 4:18-19). Even in your earthly misery, you can still claim the promises of the Lord. You can take comfort in knowing that God loves you and people in your situation. The Bible promises that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed” (Psalm 34:18).

What Can You Do?

Even though you might be overwhelmed – with pain, the struggle to survive, anger, and fear – you can let God raise your spirits right now by remembering that the Lord “loves righteousness and justice” (Psalm 33:5). Even though it might be difficult to consider now, one day you can “forgive those who sin against you” (Matthew 6:14), which will bring even more healing to your life.

Finally, know that God has called you, even in your misery, “to do what is right, to love mercy” (Micah 6:8). This can mean sharing God’s love with fellow refugees, seeking justice for them as well as for yourself, and treating the weakest amongst you with godly respect and encouragement. It can also mean behaving gracefully and with patience toward the people in countries that are receiving you.

What to do When Your Money is Gone

Scripture: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Unemployment can disrupt our plans to buy a home, pay for school or help a parent. Few people make plans for job loss. Some might save a percentage of their money with hopes of earning more in the future. We’re tempted to lose hope and give up on future plans when we lose our jobs. Even though their situation looked hopeless, God told the Israelites inJeremiah 29:11 about His good plans for hope for their lives. Isn’t that great? Jesus loves you so much He has a plan for your life.

Have I been responsible?

Have you ever been laid off from a job? It feels like being fired, even though you are not. After all, the result is the same: being without a job. I go to my Father in Heaven asking, Lord was there anything I could have done to prevent losing my job? Then, I repent of things I know I did wrong and the sins I didn’t realize I committed. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Is it time for a change?

“Hear my prayer, O Lord, Give ear to my supplications! Answer me in Your faithfulness, in Your righteousness!” Psalm 143:1. As I seek the Lord to hear my cry, I set aside time to hear Him. I turn off the phone, the radio, and the television. I sit in quietness as I pray, worship and listen for Him. Jesus is able to bless you in your current profession or change your life as He did for the disciples. Mark 1:16-18, “As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.’”

If God is Good, Why Don’t I Have Enough Money?

Scripture: “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

It’s shameful when someone says, “You are poor because you do not have enough faith.” The Bible says when they make godliness a way to get rich, they have “corrupt minds” and “have turned their backs on the truth.” (1 Timothy 6:5-6) David did say, “I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous abandoned or his children begging for bread.” (Psalm 37:25) But there’s a big difference between “wealth” and “begging for bread.” How can you keep from missing out on all your loving Father has for you?

Put His Kingdom First

“God will supply all your needs” was the Apostle Paul’s promise to those supporting his missionary work. He went to plant a church elsewhere and they sent him money more than once. (See Philippians 4:15-16) We can’t claim that promise in every case. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” (Matthew 6:33). There’s a condition: God wants to come first in your life — every part it. Including finances, relationships and entertainment.

Watch How He Provides For Others

Another great provision promise is in 2 Corinthians 9. This also is for those who put His Kingdom first: “Now the One who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. ” (2 Corinthians 9:10-11). In other words, they can watch how God provides for His work to see that He will provide for them as well.

Ask How Much Is Really Enough

Desire for riches is a snare. (1 Timothy 6:9-10) Following Jesus begins with embracing a cross. (Luke 9:23) “...the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.” (Luke 9:58) Although Jesus had His physical needs met, He was poor (2 Corinthians 8:9) by this world’s standards. Here He told His followers that the things others think are “essential” are not part of any guarantee for the righteous. But we, through His poverty, become rich with “an eternal inheritance, held in reserve in heaven, that will never fade or fail.” (1 Peter 1:4)

If you really seek what pleases God, will He keep back anything from you? If He did, why would He?