Jesus Is…, 55

~ Jesus Christ Is A Member of The Triune God ~

Introduction  ~  God is unique in that He is simultaneously One God yet three distinct persons—each with a distinct personality.  Some say the word Trinity is not in the Bible.  They are right!  But the concept of the Trinity is clearly throughout the Scriptures and interestingly there are three passages where all three are mentioned.

Passages  ~  “When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.  And suddenly a voice [The Father] came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased’” (Matthew 3:16-17).

“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen” (Matthew 28:18-20).

“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God [Father] will call’” (Acts 2:38-39).

Significance  ~  Each member of the Trinity has a unique personality.  While all three are fully God they each have a different role.  All three had a role in creation—see a previous “Abundant Life Now” post entitled “Creation—Trinity” published on January 9, 2018.  All the members of the Trinity are also involved in the salvation of an individual—see a previous ALN post entitled “Triune Redemption” published on March 31, 2016. 

Comment  ~  The Christian has the great privilege of fellowshipping with all three members of the Trinity.  See a previous ALN post entitled “Christ—Fellowship” published on May 31, 2015.

additional remark:  For a different look and fuller understanding of the Trinity see chapter 18, entitled “Three Parameters” in the international award-winning book GOD LIGHT: Sunlight Sonlight (find details by clicking on the God Light tab above).

the key question:  “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15).  This is the most important question you will ever answer.  If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

Salvation, 12

~ 3 Aspects of Salvation ~

Salvation is not a Reward for the Righteous.

It is an available Gift for those who understand their Guilt!

Salvation Worked Out By Jehovah (God is the Initiator) ~  “And Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid.  Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today.  For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.’  …  Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided” (Exodus 14:13, 21).  “Though Jesus was the Son of God, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.  And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:8-9). 

Salvation Appropriated By Faith (individuals may respond)  ~  “So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.  …  But the children of Israel had walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left” (Exodus 14:22, 29).  “O Lord, I will praise You; though You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me.  Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘for Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation’” (Isaiah 12:1-2).   

Salvation Results In Praise (benefits are huge)  ~  “Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the Lord, and spoke, saying: ‘I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously!” (Exodus 15:1).  “Thus Israel saw the great work which the Lord had done in Egypt; so the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord and His servant Moses” (Exodus 14:31).  “He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:3).  

Closing Thought  ~  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).  “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

Learn From Gideon, 48

~ Man’s Heart Is Desperately Wicked ~

The Biblical account of the life of Gideon provides for one of the most interesting character studies in all of Scripture.  In this series we will discover practical lessons for living the Christian life today.  

Scripture  ~  “So it was, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel again played the harlot with the Baals, and made Baal-Berith their god” (Judges 8:33).

Learn From Gideon  ~  Do you know your own heart?  Do you understand your own behavior? 

1. It’s been the same old story that is repeated since the Garden of Eden.  Man has a propensity to forget the lessons of history.
2. Here is a summary of mankind’s cycle:  
1. Serving God >>
2. Allowing sin and evil (entering into spiritual slavery) >>
3. God forsakes them >>
4. Turning to false gods (and religions) >>
5. God allows them to enter physical slavery >>
6. In distress they call out to God >>
7. They repent >>
8. God raises up a spiritual leader >>
9. (The cycle repeats!)

Challenge For Us  ~  This cycle is not just with nations but also plays out in individuals.  Where are you right now in this cycle? 

concluding comment  ~  We learn about Gideon primarily from Judges 6-8, but also Isaiah 9:1-7, and Hebrews 11:1-3, 32-34.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .