Month: April 2017

heaven eternal perspective

Has The New Creation Already Started?

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The reason we ask this provocative question is because of some mysterious passages in the New Testament that make us wonder when the New Creation starts. One of the most striking passages is Ephesians 2:6: “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” (NIV). Notice that “raised” is in the past tense. Christians have already been raised in some way. But even more important is the fact that we have been raised “with Christ”. Thus, we are joined with Jesus in his resurrection. And because we are joined with him part of us is currently dwelling in heaven! So what does this have to do with the New Creation to come? The answer is that Jesus’ resurrection is the beginning of the New Creation. And in the Old Testament the idea of resurrection was connected with the new ideal Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

We Are Sitting With Jesus In Heaven – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” Eph. 2:6 (NIV). Hmmm, we are seated in the heavenly realms with Christ? When did that happen? What is Paul talking about? It sounds like he is saying that Christians were resurrected with Christ and ascended into heaven with Christ. But obviously we don’t see this physically. Yet, we do see this spiritually, because “we fix our eyes not on what is seen but what is unseen,” II Cor. 4:18. So God is teaching us in Ephesians that we are already spiritually resurrected and ascended with Christ! And we are sitting with Him! This is the reality we live in now. It is a mystery, but it is true biblical mysticism. It may be mind-blowing but it is real. This truth has a radical effect on our spiritual formation and discipleship! It Continue Reading →

what should we be doing?

What Are We Supposed To Be Doing?

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What is the Christian life all about? Sometimes we find ourselves wondering “What am I supposed to be doing in my Christian life?” Who can deny that it is important to have a general idea of what discipleship and spiritual formation are all about. What are we supposed to focus our energies on in the Christian life? And what is spiritual formation according to scripture? One place we can find this in scripture is in Paul’s prayers for the churches. One particularly helpful prayer for spiritual growth is at Philippians 1:9-11: “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” (NIV) Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

Our Commander Is Supreme – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,” Eph. 1:22 (NIV) This verse explains why we can trust in Jesus for all our needs. All things are under Jesus’ feet. The previous verse says that God placed him “far above…every name.” And Jesus is the head of the body of believers. The one who is supreme above all other authorities is also our leader. Thus, these words are encouraging because we know that God’s goodness will prevail in our lives. Jesus has the authority to do it, he is our leader, and he will give us the victory of righteousness. May you reflect on these words of encouragement throughout your week. You Can Withstand The Trial – Weekly Words Of EncouragementApril 15, 2024Create Meaningful Conversations – Imitation of Christ Chapter TenApril 12, 2024God Will Restore Those Who Suffer – Continue Reading →

gong

“Without Love You Ain’t Nothing” – Larry Norman

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“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” I Cor. 13:1-2 (NIV) The title of this post is from a Larry Norman (Christian music pioneer) song of the 1970’s, and he was echoing the words from I Cor. 13:2. He sang them because these are some of the most important words in Christianity. This passage shocks us with the surprising truth that even if someone has great spiritual gifts they are nothing without love! In fact, they are a nuisance, like a noisy gong. They are not a true disciple. What is surprising is that God would give spiritual gifts Continue Reading →