Do you know Him?

Matthew 7: 21-23 is the most uncomfortable passage in the Bible. What is being described here is the truth that many who profess faith are actually faithless.

Jesus says to these nominal Christians " I never knew you." The Greek word here is γινσκω . It denotes intimacy on par with the sexual intimacy experienced between a married couple.

Here we learn that faith which leads to eternal life is not a mere intellectual assent to facts about Jesus. Faith is trusting our life into the hands of God completely.

We can be assured that we have true faith if we treasure Jesus above all things, if we maintain consistent fellowship with him in prayer & study, if we seek to obey his commands, and if we die to ourselves everyday for his glory.

Ephesians - 3

Paul reveals the mystery that Jews and Gentiles are fellow heirs to the kingdom of God. Graced from God to preach about the purpose of Christ, he thereby brings light to this mystery that through the church people may know of the wisdom of God.

We bow before the Father requesting strength and power through his gracious Spirit. Thus Christ may dwell in us through faith providing the ability to understand the immeasurable love of God.

God knows better than us and he provides even as we need. He gets all glory and honor in the church and thru Jesus forever.

Biblical Theology

I want to expound on my last post.

Theology is important. But it must be biblical theology. The vain philosophical speculations of this world are foolishness. Biblical theology is the drawing out of themes in Scripture, the logical organization of these meanings, and the (in)formal codifying of those beliefs into doctrine.

We use biblical theology everyday. Each time you use the word "Trinity" you are being theological. "Trinity" is not found anywhere in the Bible. However, it is the natural outworking of the text when properly read in its fullness.

So, look into the realm of theology, just be sure its based on Gods Word and not man's dumb ideas.

Colossians 2:8

Theology is not a bad word.

Lots of Christians think that studying theology is (at best) for academics or (at worst) dishonoring the emotional nature of relationship with God. Theology is at neither extreme.

Theology is the study of God, his character, his will, and his actions. It is the foundation of practical application.

No doctor operates on a patient without medical knowledge. No lawyer argues a case without an understanding of legal matters. Likewise, no one preaches the Gospel correctly or effectively without understanding what it is.

Not knowing (or misunderstanding) God and his message leads to many well-intentioned but false teachings.

Dig into God. Study Scripture and Theology.

Jeremiah 4:22

For further study: FAITHFULNESS: A PRESCRIPTION FOR THEOLOGY by Craig Blaising http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3817/is_200603/ai_n17175359/print

Ephesians - 2

We were spiritually dead - objects of God’s holy wrath by nature. God, in mercy, regenerated our rebellious hearts and made us adopted children. Now we shall sit with Jesus in heaven and experience his grace forever.

By grace alone, through our faith alone we have been saved. By Gods preordained election of us, with no works of ours having influence, we are blocked from boasting…and God gets all glory.

Christ came not only for Jews. But by his blood we might all have access to God as one people in the new temple, which is our body after rebirth.

Ephesians-1

(This post begins a 6 part series that will attempt to capture the primary emphasis of Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus, chapter by chapter)

Before time God put together a redemptive plan. For the purpose of showing his grace and glory, he chose us to hear the Gospel, to believe, and to have forgiveness of sin. By this act of love, expressed in Christ’s death, we may have great hope in our future inheritance.

As other believers understand this truth we should give thanks to God for opening hearts to himself. Our future hope, spiritual riches, and imparted power have been granted by the authority of the resurrection of Jesus. With Christ’s name exalted above all others, we have a king above all others.

The Gospel

What’s the Gospel? Here is a basic biblical explanation of the “good news.”

Adam sinned and we sin against a holy God. Yet, in his mercy the Lord loves us and wishes to fellowship again with his people. So he graciously subjects his sinless son to the wrath/ death which we deserve that we might be, instead, clothed with the perfect nature of Christ. This “great exchange” of penal substitutionary atonement is what makes us right with God and what most ultimately shows his glory and his justness.

This is the wondrous message we must proclaim and live out everyday.

2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Matthew 28:19-20

Supernatural

Our God is supernatural. The Flood, the Red Sea, Lazarus, etc...

He works in ways outside of natural laws. He can heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out demons.

But he doesn't always do these things. Sometimes he lets the cancer remain, the dead stay dead, and the demons hang around. Why?

Because, as he is glorified by the faith which follows supernatural acts...he is equally, if not more, glorified when we trust in his goodness while facing continuous suffering.

And the grace he provides when the pain endures is just as supernatural as healing a leper.

John 20:29
2 Corinthians 12:9