True Peace, 3of4

 ~ 3 Locations of True Peace ~

Peace In Heaven (Christ my peace)  ~  “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.  And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.  For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:14-28).     

Peace On Earth (Christ my pattern)  ~  “Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.  For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.  For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently?  But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.  For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: ‘Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth’; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Peter 2:18-23).   

Peace Inside Me (Christ my power)  ~  “And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.  Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.  And He [Jesus Christ] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’  Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake.  For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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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. 

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Bible Mystery, 15of17

 ~ The Mystery of The Incarnation ~

Introduction  ~  Do you love a good mystery?  If so, then you should love reading the Bible. The Scriptures are full of good mysteries!  An important factor to keep in mind when exploring Biblical mysteries is that the word mystery in Scripture has a root meaning of previously withheld.  Biblical mysteries were previously unexplained—but now are revealed to God’s immediate family. 

Scripture  ~  “These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.  And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory” (1 Timothy 3:14-16).

Comment  ~  The primary issue here is the incarnation of Jesus Christ.  Born of a virgin, becoming a man, and going on to live a sinless life.  “And the Word [Jesus Christ] became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.  John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, ‘This was He of whom I said, “He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me”.’  And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.  For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:14-17).

The Bottom Line  ~  Will you study the Word of God and apply it to your life?  Or will you waste your time on earth and the many opportunities which God gives to you.  The mysteries of Scripture are revealed to the children of God who seek to please Him.  As you comprehend the mysteries contained in the Word of God you will possess understanding and wisdom with regard to current world events.  Time is short, if you are not already on God’s side, I urge you to climb on board before it is forever too late. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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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/ .

 

Spiritual Gifts, 4

 ~ A Common Misconception~

Opening Comment  ~  “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.  Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures” (James 1:16-18). 

Backdrop  ~  In my many years as a Christian and in a variety of Christian organizations I have observed an non-Biblical concept to be widespread.  It is often stated.  “All believers have at lease one spiritual gift.”  While true in a pure literal sense it implies that some believers have only one spiritual gift!  That would be impossible to prove from Scripture. 

Look first at the obvious fallacy.  Few mature Christians would argue against the Biblical teaching that we as we mature are to become more and more like our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Did He have only one spiritual gift?  While we may have one or a few strong spiritual gift at conversion as we grow we should be growing all the spiritual gifts.  Usually, we should minister initially in an area where one of our stronger gifts is required, while developing all the spiritual gifts. 

There is a parallel in Natural Abilities.  While some individuals are blessed with athletic bodies many are not – and regardless of the amount of dedication or practice are unable to perform at the highest physical level.  The same can be said about other natural abilities such as intellectual ability or musical talent.   But would anyone say that some individuals only have one natural ability? 

An Example  ~  One time at lunch with one of my spiritual mentors, “Dr. R.” I remarked that I so admired his merciful and graciousness.  He chuckled and replied, that the gift of mercy was one of his weakest spiritual areas but he had been working with God’s help to improve in that specific area.  It obviously was working since he fooled me!

Scripture  ~  At the end of 1 Corinthians 12 one of the key passages in Scripture about Spiritual Gifts we read: “But earnestly desire the best gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31a).  Does not this imply seeking to be more than we are… to increase our spiritual gifting? 

One of my favorite passages of Scripture is, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18).  If we are becoming more like Christ do you suppose our weaker gifts are strengthening? 

Closing Comments  ~  “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.  Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.  Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.  Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.  Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine.  Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:12-16).

“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:6-7).

“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

Be an insider!  Sign up for his author NEWSLETTER and receive occasional news and special offers.  His books have won national and international literary awards.  Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift.  Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way.  You can easily unsubscribe at any time. 

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/ .