Christ’s Advent: The Climax and Conflict of History. The advent of Christ, under the reign of Caesar Augustus, was the anticipated climax of redemptive history. by David Orton CHRIST OR CAESAR — But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law Galatians 4:4 He … [Read more…]
We see the kingdom of God by the Holy Spirit, for the kingdom of God is in the Spirit (Romans 14:18). During His 3 years of ministry on this earth, Jesus preached the kingdom and taught the relational characteristics and heart attitudes of the kingdom. Yet, even with the help of the Holy Spirit, to … [Read more…]
Joy in the kingdom of God comes by God’s grace. “For the Kingdom of God does not consist of eating and drinking, but of right conduct, peace and joy, through the Holy Spirit; and whoever in this way devotedly serves Christ, God takes pleasure in him, and men highly commend him.” Romans 14:17-18 WNT This how … [Read more…]
The traditional and modern sources of identity – found by looking outward to society, cultural roles, and affirmation or inward, following one’s desires and finding affirmation there, are unsatisfactory … inherently insecure. The traditional model can be suffocating, while the modern model is crushing. In contrast Tim Keller (Making Sense of God: An Invitation to … [Read more…]
THE MYSTERY THAT IS IN CHRIST IS BEYOND HUMAN CARNAL KNOWLEDGE UNDERSTANDING, COMPREHENDING AND EXPLANATION UNLESS THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT OF THE INVISIBLE GOD INTERPRETS THE NEW COVENANT BIBLE ORDINANCE’S OF LIGHT TO REVEAL THE MYSTERY THAT IS IN CHRIST IN YOUR SOUL. 2 Cor 3: 5-6, 7-12, 13-15, 1 John 2: 7-8, … [Read more…]
Jesus came, preaching perfect kingdom relationships in perspective of eternity. He clearly taught eternal life in the kingdom that is to come in contrast to being cast into hell. In that vein, Jesus began His Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. … [Read more…]
A culture founded on rock and one built on Sand was what Messiah Jesus taught about in conclusion of His Sermon on the Mount. The one built on a rock resembles a wise man who builds a firm foundation for his of life by hearing and acting on Jesus’ teachings. It withstands heavy winds and … [Read more…]
ACCORDING TO JESUS, WHO IS OUR NEIGHBOR? As followers of Jesus, we know we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Yet there are major misconceptions in Christianity regarding neighbors. Our American culture causes many of God’s people to consider non-neighbors as their own neighbors. This error brings unwarranted pangs of guilt, shame and self … [Read more…]
David wrote:“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Ps 51:10 KJV). Although he wasn’t a prophet, his Psalm gives us a prophetic picture of the spiritual blessings God blessed us with in Christ Jesus. One is; God created us in Christ Jesus and gave us a clean … [Read more…]
Good character is motivated by our desire to please God our Father. Christ is our example of proven character and our leader. God’s grace helps us grow up in all ways into Christ. The Holy Spirit helps us walk in the way of our Lord. The community of His people is conducive to character development. … [Read more…]