Jesus Teaches About the New Life

John 3

Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. – John 3:5

Were you baptized when you were an infant? I was. Did it make you a true believer and a disciple of Christ? I doubt it. For it really takes a spiritually mature person to decide when he or she should be baptized.

When I was submerged in water, looking back, I’m not really sure if I have entered the kingdom of our Father. Or, if ever I was completely born again. This is so, because I continued to live like the rest of the world. I didn’t show I was a new being. Though I was certain of my salvation, something was missing. It was the Holy Spirit. It wasn’t with me because I was still living sinfully. I wasn’t seeking it the way a new being should.

When was the last time you reminded yourself that you are a spirit? Have you acknowledged the existence of the kingdom of God? When was the last time you called the Holy Spirit to your aid? Are you now living spiritually and for eternity?

Glory to the Father.

Received Jesus as the only way to salvation on September 25, 2010.

Baptized on June 18, 2011

Related articles

• “Unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (worryisuseless.wordpress.com)
• Monday (April 16): “Unless one is born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (shechina.wordpress.com)
• Have You Been Born Again Yet? You Will Never See Heaven Without The New Birth! (soulrefuge.org)

Filed under: 30 Day Walk with Christ, Christianity, Reflections, Spirituality, Christ, Christianity, Church, glory to the father, God, HolySpirit, Jesus, John, Kingdom of God, religion, Religion and Spirituality, spirituality, true believer, way to salvation

Jesus Fulfills the Law

Matthew 5:17-20; Romans 8:1-4

The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. – Romans 8:3

Jesus did fulfill the purpose of the Moses’ laws and did not abolish it like what the Pharisees are accusing Him of. I believe the purpose of the said law is to help us to be righteous for our Father. However, because of our weaknesses (sinful nature), the law alone cannot help us. And because our Father love us so much, He decided to help us further. He sent His son as a sacrifice for our sins.

What an awesome Father He is, don’t you think? But, have you accepted our Father’s sacrifice as your way to salvation? Are you a believer?

When I was younger I believe the world’s view mostly. I believe that I can save myself through good works. Much like what the monks do. For a time I became a monk. Believing that my good works or zen state will lead me to a happier life. I always believed: “the person who sinned should be the one to pay for it… and no can pay for your own sins…”

To cut the long story short, it didn’t work. Though the monks taught me to meditate, focus, let go (be unattached to this world) and be mindful, I really needed a Savior. This is the only way I can truly let go. I need to trust our Father that He has the best of intentions for me.

Ok this post has become way too long already. I think you get my point already. May I suggest you surrender to our Father now?

Glory to God.

Related articles

• [Love Fulfills the Law] Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. (richardangulo.wordpress.com)
• I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. (tvaraj2inspirations.wordpress.com)
• The Law of Love (bibletweets.wordpress.com)
• The Law: Weak Through The Flesh (answersfromthebook.org)

Filed under: 30 Day Walk with Christ, Christianity, Reflections, Spirituality, best of intentions, Epistle to the Romans, glory to god, God, Jesus, law, Matthew, Matthew 5:17, Moses, Pharisee, religion, sinful nature, theology, way to salvation

Signs and Miracles of Authority

Matthew 9:1-8; Luke 13:10-17

Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.” – Matthew 9:2

Do you sometimes feel paralyzed because of your current situation? Have faith, call on Him for encouragement and pardon. Jesus has indeed authority over all our afflictions.

I sinned. I got in to debt. I’m slowly paying for it. Because of this bondage, I can’t move. I really feel like a paralytic! But, God is good. He offered a way out of it. He was Jesus. Just so I can go on living and move, I had to have faith in His Word and somehow get encouragement from it. Meanwhile, I also had to seek pardon and mercy from Him. Isn’t our heavenly Father awesome! Even though we are broken, we’re still given hope. Because of His grace we can move and have a life!

What’s keeping you paralyzed to do God’s work? Have you seek Him for encouragement and pardon? If not, do it now. May I suggest you allow Jesus to work a miracle in your life? And let everyone witness Jesus’ triumph over your failures.

Glory to God.

Related articles

• Week 9.5 Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man pt 1 (dailybiblestudy.com.au)
• The miracles are not about the miracles (wordsofgrace.wordpress.com)
• Your Sins Are Forgiven. (dougthemystery.wordpress.com)
• Freedom from Bondage! (fblanker.wordpress.com)
• Miracles (epicgranola.wordpress.com)

Filed under: 30 Day Walk with Christ, Christianity, Reflections, Spirituality, afflictions, Christianity, faith, glory to god, God, God the Father, Gospel of Matthew, heavenly father, Jesus, Matthew, Paralysis, paralytic, religion, Sin

The Word Became Flesh

John 1:1-18

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. – John 1:14

God promised us a Savior. He delivered Jesus. Jesus lived with us. We witnessed His triumph over evil. We were so blessed to have him as role model. For He was both very graceful and truthful. Traits that we should try to emulate.

Our Heavenly Father revealed to me today that His Words are life. It is something we can use to triumph over the enemy. The Word becoming flesh (Jesus) symbolizes that if we listen and use our Father’s Word, we can live like Jesus. Just like Jesus, we can triumph over the deceiver. Jesus lived among us so that we can learn from Him. What are we doing with His teachings?

This verse is an awesome reminder that God’s Word become true. The Word happened. And all His Word in Revelations will happen. So, we better be mindful.

When I see a baby, I remind myself that there was this one time that our Heavenly Father lived among us. And just like a baby who lights up a home, He illuminated a path to our salvation. Have you accepted His way to your salvation? Have you received Jesus as your Savior?

Glory to God.

Filed under: 30 Day Walk with Christ, Christianity, Reflections, Spirituality, Christ, Christianity, glory of the father, glory to god, God, God the Father, Jesus, jesus jesus, John, John 1:1, religion, Savior, Word, word becoming flesh

An Eternal King Promised

Jeremiah 23:1-6, Isaiah 9:6-7, Zechariah 9:9-10

And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth. – Zechariah 9:10

Where you there when Jesus arrived? Probably not. But, our Father promised us an Eternal King to rule all His people. Are you one of His people? Are you excited to welcome Jesus for His second coming?

I believe Zechariah 9:9 talked about Jesus’ first coming while Zechariah 9:10 talks about His second coming. What do you think?

Anyway, if Isaiah accurately predicted (500 years before Jesus came) Jesus’ first arrival, why would we doubt His second coming? Are you ready for His next arrival? Do you think the event would look like the photo above? Exciting, don’t you think?

What are you doing today to prepare for His next arrival?

Glory to God.

 

Filed under: 30 Day Walk with Christ, Christianity, Reflections, Spirituality, Ephraim, eternal king, faith, God, Isaiah, isaiah 9, Jeremiah, Jerusalem, Jesus, jesus first, Mount of Olives, religion, theology, Zechariah

What Every Catholics Should Know

Every good Catholic wants to please God in this present life and, when life on earth is over, hopes to live with Him forever. It’s a noble goal based on their personal beliefs about God and how they seek to know Him.

But noble intentions and personal beliefs about God don’t guarantee results—or eternal life. I urge you to do what I did after 22 years as a Dominican priest—make sure your beliefs have a solid foundation in the Bible. These questions will help you do that.

Whose word is truth?

The Catholic Church teaches…

The Pope’s word is truth.

“The Supreme Pontiff, in virtue of his office, possesses infallible teaching authority…” (Canon 749*).

*All Catholic canons quoted are from the Post Vatican Council II Code of Canon Law, published by the authority of Pope John Paul II, 1983. Bible quotes: TheNew American Bible for Catholics.

The Bible teaches…

Every word of God is true.

Jesus prayed to God His Father, “Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17).

Jesus said, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). “All Scripture is inspired by God” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Holy Bible stands alone as a God-breathed book. Christ Himself warned that to elevate other writings and traditions to the level of God’s words is to “nullify the word of God in favor of your traditions that you have handed on” (Mark 7:13).

Should we have sacred images?

The Catholic Church teaches…

Yes, we can have images.

“The practice of displaying sacred images in the churches for the veneration of the faithful is to remain in force…” (Canon 1188).

The Bible teaches…

No, we are not even to make sacred images!

“You shall not carve idols for yourselves…you shall not bow down before them or worship them” (Exodus 20:4-5). Yet the Roman Catholic Church encourages “veneration,” the act of bowing down to sacred images, which the Pope himself does.

Is the sacrifice of the cross to be continually offered?

The Catholic Church says…

Yes, it is.

“Remembering that the work of redemption is continually accomplished in the mystery of the Eucharistic Sacrifice, priests are to celebrate frequently…” (Canon 904).

The Bible says…

One Person offered one sacrifice once for all and is now seated in glory.

“When Jesus had taken the wine, He said ‘It is finished.’ And bowing His head, He handed over the spirit” (John 19:30). “Every priest stands daily at his ministry, offering frequently those same sacrifices that can never take away sins. But this one [Jesus Christ] offered one sacrifice for sins, and took His seat forever at the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:11-12).

Is there a need for priests?

The Catholic Church says…

Priests are necessary.

“They [the priests] are in fact sharers of the priesthood of Christ Himself…to celebrate divine worship and sanctify the people” (Canon 835).

The Bible says…

All believers are part of the royal priesthood to bring praise to God and to serve Him faithfully.

“You are…a royal priesthood…that you may announce the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).

Every believer has direct access to God and needs no intermediary but Jesus Christ, our High Priest.

“There is one God. There is also one mediator between God and the human race, Christ Jesus, Himself human, who gave Himself as ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:5-6).

Does baptism save?

The Catholic Church teaches…

Salvation begins at baptism.

“Baptism, the gate to the sacraments, is necessary for salvation in fact or at least in intention, by which men and women are freed from their sins, are reborn as children of God, and conformed to Christ…” (Canon 849).

The Bible teaches…

Faith in Christ alone will save you, not your good works!

The work of reconciliation was completely finished by Jesus Christ when He died on the cross and rose again. Nothing we add to what God the Son has already done could merit God’s favor. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

“This is the work of God, that you believe in the one [Jesus] whom He [God] sent” (John 6:29). “But if by grace, it is no longer because of works, otherwise grace would no longer be grace” (Romans 11:6).

How then can we be saved?

The Bible says…

Recognize that by nature you are a sinner and unrighteous.

“We are all sinful [before God]; all of us have become like unclean men, all our good deeds are like polluted rags” (Isaiah 64:4-5). “More tortuous than all else is the human heart, beyond remedy” (Jeremiah 17:9).

Admit that you are separated from God because of your sins.

As a result, we are spiritually dead, separated from God, and condemned forever: “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a). There is nothing of merit in ourselves that could ever help earn our salvation.

Acknowledge your need for a substitute.

Once and for all time Christ took the death penalty for our sins. “[Christ] Himself bore our sins in His body upon the cross” (1 Peter 2:24). He must be believed in as your righteous substitute or you cannot be saved.

Cry out to God for His free gift of salvation.

“All have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God. They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24). If you are convinced that salvation is only through trusting in Christ’s substitutionary death in your place—based solely on what the Bible says—express your heartfelt belief directly to God. “This is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son” (1 John 5:11).

Then, having received the gift of eternal life, live your life for God in praise and thanksgiving.

Richard Peter Bennett

Copyright Literature Ministries International, 1997, 2005

Filed under: Christianity, PLDM, Roman Catholic, Spirituality, Baptism, Bennett, Bible, Catholic, Catholic Church, Christ, Christianity, Church, code of canon law, Dominican, God, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Peter, Pope, pope john paul, Priest, religion, Richard, Salvation, theology, vatican council ii

The Sin of the People

Ezekiel 20:5-26

“‘But the children rebelled against me: They did not follow my decrees, they were not careful to keep my laws–although the man who obeys them will live by them–and they desecrated my Sabbaths. So I said I would pour out my wrath on them and spend my anger against them in the desert. - Ezekiel 20:21

Did you ever wonder why people commit the same sin from generation to generation? When will people learn that disobedience to any law, especially God‘s, results in punishment or bad consequences?

Being a parent is indeed a huge responsibility. One should be mindful of all their actions. They should be a great model to their children. If children watch their parents disobey, chances are they will do the same. What are you showing your children?

Here’s an encouragement: Please show them that you’re obedient to our heavenly Father‘s decrees. They will return the favor. They will do the same.

Glory to God!

Filed under: 30 Day Walk with Christ, Christianity, Reflections, Spirituality, Christ, Christianity, Ezekiel, Family, generation to generation, glory to god, God, God the Father, Holy Spirit, Jesu, religion, sabbaths, Sin, theology