Friday, April 26, 2013 -- A Valid Claim (3)
Friday April 26, 2013
For a few days we've been looking at some of the claims of Jesus Christ -- that He was the Son of God, lived a sinless life, would die and rise again, and would go back to heaven to be with His Father. He told the crowds that unless they believed He was God and could forgive their sin as they trusted in Him, that they would die without hope. He either was a liar, a lunatic, or truly Lord. As people around Him listened to Him, His words resonated with them as truth. They began to affirm that they believed Him.
Then many who heard him say these things believed in him. Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:30-32 NLT) We hear many things. Lots of ideas seem to make sense on the surface. When we think deeper and look at these ideas beside other facts, we sometimes come to see that these claims are not what they seem to be. Jesus is inviting us to investigate more deeply all He is saying. He said the way to do that was to follow His teachings and see how the evidence would confirm what He was saying.
Whenever we rely on what God says, and act accordingly, we find that God's word is reliable. We also find peace, joy and security growing inside us as we acknowledge that God is our Higher Power and He is faithful. We begin to enter into that rest that He alone can give.
Whenever we rely on what God says, and act accordingly, we find that God's word is reliable. We also find peace, joy and security growing inside us as we acknowledge that God is our Higher Power and He is faithful. We begin to enter into that rest that He alone can give. Jesus called his followers, including you and me, not to stop at knowing some facts about a historical person, but to enter into a life of relationship with God through Him. It's a day by day, moment by moment, surrendering of what we know, and what we don't know, to the God we are coming to understand. It's coming to believe something that is beyond our ability to fully comprehend, but something that is completely reliable and foundational for life.
Jesus claims to be "the way, the truth, and the life". We will only establish that truth in our own lives by believing and obeying God’s word. It's a great challenge and a wonderful invitation. How will I respond today?
More information on this and other related topics @ www.partnersinhope.ca/resources
Jesus claims to be "the way, the truth, and the life". We will only establish that truth in our own lives by believing and obeying God’s word. It's a great challenge and a wonderful invitation. How will I respond today?
More information on this and other related topics @ www.partnersinhope.ca/resources
Audio for Friday, April 26, 2013 -- A Valid Claim (3)
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