Toggle navigation Search Browse The Bible Toggle Dropdown Search The Bible Find it! 5 Reasons We Still Need the Old Testament Today Bible / Bible Study / Topical Studies Share Tweet Save Meg Bucher Wednesday, September 9, 2020 “… the name by which he is called is The Word of God” (Revelation 19:13b). The Old Testament records the history of God’s people before Jesus was born on earth, but the story of our redemption didn’t start with the Savior’s first cry on earthly soil. From the first line of Genesis to the last in Revelation, Jesus is. “At his coming,” the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible explains, “the world will finally realize that Jesus himself is divine.” Jesus came to fulfill the law, not re-write it. His life fulfilled over 300 Old Testament prophesies, according to a count from CBN. “The Old Testament is precious and wonderful and useful for our Christian life today,” wrote John Piper. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/kevron 2001 Is the Old Testament Still Applicable for Us Today? “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:1-5). God’s Word is alive and active. It meets us in our daily lives to encourage, teach, convict, and nurture God’s wisdom and truth within us. God’s plan, from the very beginning, was to rescue us from the imprisoning nature of sin. Jesus’ one time, perfect sacrifice, is forever enough. Time in God’s Word is core curriculum. When we read the Old Testament scriptures with this in mind, it allows us to learn more about the character of our great God. “The Bible is relevant to all peoples, all cultures, all ages,” wrote Liz Kanoy for Crosswalk, “and it is relevant on its own accord.” What Is the Old Testament About? “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16). The Old Testament begins with the creation of the world and humanity. It tells the tale of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and how Eve’s sin sent humanity whirling into a curse we are still reeling from today. Faith in what we cannot see does not mean God asks us to put blind faith in Him. The New Bible Commentary explains, “the very nature and character of God have been perfectly revealed in Jesus Christ; in him the invisible has become visible.” We read God’s repetitive restoration of His people, despite their consistent failure to follow His laws. Old Testament Scripture helps us understand humanity’s dire need for a Savior. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Jerry Grugin 5 Reasons the Old Testament Is Still Applicable for Christians Today 1. The Old Testament Illustrates Our Need for Jesus “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). The Old Testament reminds us of our need for a Savior, in Christ Jesus. The prayers of our Old Testament heroes and the miracles God performed in their lives, the stories of redemption and the compassion of our great God on display, all point to the coming of Christ Jesus. In Christ, we get to read ancient prose still alive and active in our lives, today. Many of the New Testament authors refer to Old Testament texts as they began to make the connection between what they originally understood of the Scripture, to how it had changed their individual lives through Christ. 2. The Old Testament Reveals God’s Faithfulness “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world” (Hebrews 1:1-2). The Old Testament accounts remind us our humanity and God’s divinity! God sits sovereign over the world as it spins out of control, but He is also present with us, personally. Old Testament Scriptures help us understand why Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross was both necessary and final. Humanity falls short of the glory of God. There is nothing we can do to earn God’s love, grace, or forgiveness. “Jesus fulfilled the moral law by His perfect righteousness,” wrote Dr. Roger Barrier. Our salvation is a gift. The choice is ours to receive salvation through Jesus Christ – a choice that didn’t exist in Old Testament times. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Rawpixel 3. The Old Testament Gives Relevant Advice for Modern Life “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). The divine, supernatural power of the Word of God to remain relevant today was described by the author Hebrews as living and active. “When Jesus Christ came into the world as the long-expected Messiah of the Old Testament, a profound and dramatic change happened in the way we handle the Old Testament,” wrote John Piper. “This is because Jesus was the fulfillment – that’s the key New Testament word, the fulfillment – and the goal of so much Old Testament religion.” God, who knit us in our mothers’ wombs, knows our hearts better than we ever will. King David wrote, “For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness” (Psalm 33:4). We can rely on the truth of His word, Old Testament and New, to meet us where we are at, each day. 4. The Old Testament Connects Us as God’s Family “Know therefore, that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations” (Deuteronomy 7:9). A thousand generations is hard to comprehend, just like the faithfulness and compassion of our great God. In the Old Testament, God’s family were a chosen people. Jesus came, not only for the God’s chosen people. “How could we understand the new covenant that God instituted with His people the Jews in Jeremiah 31:31, if we didn’t have the records of the prophets who wrote about it?” wrote Diane M. Hoffman for Belief Net. Christ Jesus came to swing the doors wide open, to both Jews and Gentiles. Paul wrote to the Roman Church, “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, besting his riches on all who call on him” (Romans 10:12). The rich history of the Old Testament reminds of the gravity of our freedom in Christ, who came for all of us. A thousand generations! Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Aldo Murillo 5. The Old Testament Allows Us to Understand the New Testament “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished” (Matthew 5:17-19). Jesus came so we would have a complete understanding of our salvation. Neither the Old Testament or the New, alone, give us a complete picture of salvation. But together, we see the full scope of God’s gracious plan. “If space says anything, the OT matters to God, who gave us his Word in a book,” wrote Jason S. Derouchie for TGC. “In fact, it was his first special revelation, which set a foundation for the fulfillment we find in Jesus in the New Testament.” Biblical scholars still study prophecies of Scripture that have yet to come to pass! We can know they will, because of what has happened so far in the history of the world. God has never failed to keep a promise. Jesus will return again, as written in the pages of Scripture. Jesus Christ makes the Old Testament relevant today because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Paul wrote, “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11). God’s plan all along was to rescue His beloved, and when we read the Old Testament Scriptures in the context of the Father’s love, we get to experience the relevant wisdom of our great God. Photo credit: Pixabay/Congerdesign Meg writes about everyday life within the love of Christ as an author, freelance writer, and blogger at Sunny&80. Her first book, “Friends with Everyone,” is available on amazon.com. She earned a Marketing/PR degree from Ashland University but stepped out of the business world to stay at home and raise her two daughters. Besides writing, she leads a Bible Study for Women and serves as a Youth Ministry leader in her community. She lives in Northern Ohio with her husband, Jim, and two daughters. 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What Does Galatians 2:20 Mean?
Touching Lives with James Merritt DAILY DEVOTIONAL EMAIL Subscribe to receive the daily devotional from Dr. James Merritt right into your inbox SUBSCRIBE One Way to Live September 10, 2020 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20 There is a phenomenal quote from the movie “Braveheart” that says, “Every man dies, but not every man truly lives.” There is so much truth in this statement, because the vast majority of people who live on this earth will live and die in slavery and bondage – in bondage to lust, pornography, jealousy, anger, bitterness, pride, or arrogance. In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he talks about how to be free – free from sin, free from self, and free from shame. He explains that this kind of freedom can only be found in Christ, saying, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me,” (Galatians 2:20). Simply put, Paul is saying the only way to live is to die, but when you die, you really live. In Galatians 2:20, we learn something that, once believed and acted upon as if they are true, we will experience the only way to live, and that is to die to yourself and your past. Two people had to die in order for an unbeliever to become a believer. Jesus had to die for you, but then you have to die to you as well. This happens when you surrender your life to Christ. Everything you were, everything you used to be, everything in your past, every sin, every failure, every mistake, and every regret died with Jesus on the cross. The reason why all of that dies is because the old you died when you choose to become a follower of Jesus. Have you died to yourself and to your past? Or are you still holding onto sins and behaviors that are keeping you from living in the fullness of Christ? My prayer is that if you haven’t completely died to yourself, that you would ask the Lord to forgive you and free you from your past so you can move forward into the future He has for you. Dear Lord, thank you for offering me freedom from all of my sin and past mistakes. Help me to live in the freedom that can only be found in a relationship with you and help me to no longer cling to my past. Amen. Topics: Sin Bible Reference Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. About Contact Us Jobs Pastor Resources Prayer Request Privacy Policy Copyright © 2019 Touching Lives, Inc. | 1800 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA 30097 | United States | 800-413-1131 Touching Lives is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization
Integrity
Today’s Scripture “I will walk with integrity of heart within my house…” (Proverbs 4:23, NIV) Be a Person of Integrity Solomon said, “A good name is worth more than great riches.” Your reputation is one of the most valuable things you have, and it is built on the foundation of your personal integrity. A person of integrity does the right thing when no one is watching. You can have talent, determination, and vision, but without integrity, you won’t reach your full potential. Where does it start? In today’s Scripture, David was saying, “Starting in my private life, when I could compromise, give in to temptation, cheat people, instead I’m going to do the right thing. I’m going be a person of excellence and show God that He can trust me.” He went on to say, “I will not look at anything impure. I won’t watch things that are going to poison me. I will not have anything to do with crooked dealings, things that are shady, not ethical.” Your name is too important to let it become tarnished by not having integrity. A Prayer for Today “Father, thank You that down at the foundation of my life I can be a person of integrity, someone who’s true to You no matter what. Thank You that as I honor You, You are a shield of protection to me. I will not let small things keep me from Your big blessings. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.” REBOOTING: A FRESH START 3 Unique Ministry Tools from Joel! Through these resources, I hope to give you the fresh reboot that you’ve been looking for. This has been a year like nothing we’ve experienced in our lifetimes, but I believe God, even now, is using it all to accomplish His purpose in our lives. OUR THANKS FOR A GIFT OF ANY AMOUNT REQUEST YOURS NOW! ► Follow Us This email is intended for hopkinsanthony33@gmail.com. To unsubscribe from this email list, click remove. To ensure delivery to your mailbox, please add devotional@goto.joelosteen.com to your address book of approved senders. View this email online. Share this email © 2020 Joel Osteen Ministries | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE
What Does John 1:38 Mean?
Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day John 1:38 ◄ What Does John 1:38 Mean? ► And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?” John 1:38(NASB) Picture courtesy of Good News Productions Int. Verse Thoughts On two consecutive days, we read that John the Baptist pointed people to Jesus with the words, “Behold the Lamb of God..” The first time he added the phrase, “Who takes away the sin of the world.” On the second occasion, he said it directly to two of his own disciples. John had received confirmation from above, that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God, for at His baptism, he heard the voice of God the Father testifying of Jesus, and saw the Holy Spirit descending upon Him in the form of a dove, and resting upon Him. These two men (Andrew and John) had become disciples of John the Baptist. They had responded to his fiery call to repent and be baptised. They had heard him preaching of the coming Messiah and already knew about Jesus, Who like them, had been following John from the start of his ministry. They were probably surprised to discover that one of John’s own disciples was now being heralded as the Lamb of God and Israel’s promised Messiah. John had already born witness that someone in their company was much greater than he. He even testified that he was not worthy to untie the latchet of His shoe, for had been given confirmation from God that Jesus was the Christ. It was as John was standing with the two disciples that he again pointed them to the Lamb of God and the men were so curious that they left the Baptist and started to follow Jesus at a distance. They did not question John about the Lord Jesus, even though he had given such a stunning testimony about Him. Instead, they immediately left him and started to follow Jesus. The Lord knew that He was being followed, “And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, ‘What do you seek?’ They said to Him, ‘Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?'” On the surface, it is a logical and obvious question to ask someone who is following you, but there is a much deep meaning behind His question. Jesus wanted to know what they were seeking. He needed to know if they were searching for the way, the truth, and the life, or if they had some superficial motive in latching on to Him. Christ’s question to these two men is the same challenging question that is put to every one of us. Are we wanting to know the most important answer in life about the Person and Work of Jesus or are we simply giving Him a cursory glance before moving on to the next interesting passer-by. Jesus knew what was in their hearts, but He wanted these two men to consider the motive behind their action. Were they following Him out of idle curiosity or did they understand that He was the anointed Lamb of God, Who had come from His Father in heaven, to take away the sin of the world. Did they acknowledge Him as the incarnate Word of God, or were they simply looking for a next thrilling exploit, following their time with John. It seems that the two did not know exactly what they were seeking, but they realised that the answer was in the Man, Whom John had called the Lamb of God, and so they replied with a question, that would ensure that a conversation with Jesus ensued. They said to Him, “Rabbi, where are You staying?” – They wanted to know where He was abiding. They did not want to lose sight of the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world. Andrew and John made it clear that they had already started to transfer their loyalty from John the Baptist to the Lord Jesus, by calling Him Rabbi – or Teacher. They knew in their heart, that Jesus held the answers to all of life’s questions and their simple reply demonstrated that they needed Him to answer many more issues that were on their hearts. Like many today Andrew and John did not know what they were looking for but they found their answers in Jesus, and they responded by transferring their allegiance from John to Jesus. Their wise decision resulted in the Lord summoning both of them to “Follow Me.” Jesus is willing to invite anyone and everyone who truly desires to know Him, to come and follow Him, and the more we get to know Him, the more we stand in awe of Who He is and what He has done. My Prayer Dear Lord and Heavenly Father, thank You that whosoever will, may follow Jesus and find the answer to every question they have, in Him. Thank You that Jesus is the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world, and He is the Lamb on the throne Who has secured our redemption through His sacrificial work on the Cross. Thank You for the example of John the Baptist who pointed people to Jesus and for the two disciples that discovered he held the answer to every aching question they had. May I not only follow Jesus but point others to Him – in Whom are the words of eternal life. This I ask in Jesus’ name, AMEN. Picture courtesy of Good News Productions Int. ◄ Previous: John 1:34 Next: John 2:4 ► Choose a Verse from John 1 123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051 Genesis 2:2 1 Samuel 15:22 Luke 2:11 2 Peter 2:4 Follow us John 1:38 Further Study John 1:38 in the Parallel Bible John 1:38 in the Thematic Bible John 1:38 Cross References John 1:38 Treasury of Scripture Knowing John 1:38 Sermons John 1:38 Prayers John 1:38 Images John 1:38 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals Open Heaven Jeremiah 32:39 Isaiah 40:31 Birth: Saviour; Growth: Spirit Real Missionary Material Knowing The Truth – Perfect MAN Eternal SON (24) Our Sufficient Saviour Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us © Copyright [2011 – 2020] Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved
The Meaning of Colossians 3:9-10
The Meaning of Colossians 3:9-10By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins Good Day Everyone!! How are all of you doing today? Fine, I hope. I want to inform all of you that I am still a Work in Progress!! I want to begin this essay off by saying that I love all of you very much. I have a question to ask all of you. Could someone please tell me whether making this complete change is related to our behavior and conduct? It is very true that we are not supposed to lie to each other. I want to know how you put off the old sinful nature to a new man. For me personally, I am still learning about the Bible. I want everyone to know that this change is going to take a very long time. This is a complete change in our overall behavior. We have to learn how to a new creature in Christ Jesus. I know that I had to take anger management in the past. I used to have a problem with myself and with others. My disposition has changed tremendously since becoming new again. I am learning how to be perfect when it comes to the new man that the Book of Colossians is talking about.Next, I want to inform all of you that I had to completely eliminate all of my secular music from my Mp3 Player. I have sermons and worship music on it right now. I also want to inform all of you that I have a mental illness. I was only drowning out the voices that I was hearing. These voices use vulgarity on a daily basis. This is the reason why I am willing to allow Jesus to literally enter my heart and mind. I need a complete makeover. I want to inform all of you that I am praying and fasting right now. I have not eaten anything since yesterday. I know that this might sound radical in nature, but I am trying to fast in the same way that Jesus Christ did.Also, I want to place emphasis on the Old Man for a change. I want to say to everyone that the old me was a lustful and very carnal person. I want to say that even though I attended church, I was affiliated with lewd women. I have spent too much money on sex and pleasure. I used to be an alcoholic. I was drinking and smoking marijuana. I did this just to cover up my emotions. I really need all of your prayers because I want this old man of myself to be completely out of my life. I do not want to go back into the world. Even though I live inside of the world, I have to change my behavior.In Addition, I want to say that the new man will be discussed right now. The new man is Christ-like. The new man that is inside of me is a very gentle person. I will admit that I have changed for the better because I have been clean and sober for 29 years now. The new person inside of me attends church on a regular basis. The new person inside of me reads the Bible and pray every single day of the week. The new person inside of me is waiting for Jesus Christ to come back. I know that Jesus Christ can completely heal me from all of my health problems. Every time I hear worship songs, it makes me cry inside. I can bear to see the man that I have been. You know something, my neighbors inside of my apartment building have been talking about me. I will admit that I used to be a hoarder. Whenever, I feel sad and depressed, I do not eat anything. There was a period of time that I used to neglect myself. Currently, I want to hear God’s Voice. I also will admit that I have been responding to internal stimuli. I am trying my very best to change from the inside out. It is that; I have been responding to internal stimuli for almost 10 years now. The voices that are inside of my head always putting me down every single day. This is the reason why I attend Church on a regular basis as well as AA Meetings. God is working inside of me indirectly. I know this because He gives me the instructions that Job 33:14-16 states. I have been reading the entire Bible and meditating on God’s Word. God does speaks to all of us, even while we are sleeping. This is the truth because it enables me to maintain a positive attitude. I will admit that I am a very emotional person. What I am doing right now is setting my mind on things above rather than on earth. This is the reason why Jesus has revealed Himself to me in many ways. It is that I am thirsty for the Living Water from Jesus Christ. When it comes to the new man, it requires a complete change in conduct and behavior. The friends that I used to have, I no longer hang around them. The truth is: I feel much better right now than I did 10 years ago. I do not harbor resentments like I used to. I do not dwell on the past, unlike my siblings. I feel much better right now because I know that God is watching over me. God is also counting my steps. I feel much better because I am losing weight. I used to weigh 310 pounds. I weigh 279 pounds right now. I tend to meditate a whole lot. I also read the Bible out loud because I want God to talk to me.
Matthew 8:22
Could Someone Please Tell Me Whether Matthew 8:22 and Matthew 22:32 Goes Hand in Hand?
By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins
Good Day Everyone!! I would like to ask everyone a very important question. Could someone please tell me whether Matthew 8:22 and Matthew 22:32 goes hand in hand? I am asking this question because I am concerned about those who are spiritually dead and lost. If someone is spiritually dead, they do not believe in God or Jesus Christ. Matthew 8:22 says: But Jesus said unto them, follow me; and let the dead bury their dead. Jesus is giving us a choice to follow Him. I would follow Jesus Christ and serve Him for the rest of my life. I guess I was misquoting the scriptures; but I was making a point to one of my family members because she has been placing too much emphasis on dead people all of her whole life.
She was getting me to send her obituaries of people that she did not know. It is making me frustrated because she can do this work for herself. In Matthew 22:32 says: I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. I am only trying to gently admonish someone for placing emphasis on dead people all of the time. Am I wrong for telling someone to stop emphasizing the dead? My point that I am trying to make is that God is a God of the Living only. I can understand that people can be spiritually dead and spiritually blind simultaneously. There is a difference between spiritual death and being spiritually blind. All I am simply saying is that there is a time and a season for everything. There are some people, who do not have anything constructive to do, but emphasize death and especially collect obituaries of dead people.
It is okay to mourn. However, it becomes an obsession to place emphasis on the death of others. I want to give the definition of the words spiritual death and spiritual blindness. First, the definition of the word spiritual death is another, narrow, “purified” meaning of “spiritual death” is “death in a spiritual way”, “to die being a spiritual person, not being an atheist”. Thus this means that “spiritual death” relates to two self’s: soul (real self, which is eternal), and ego (false self, which is temporary or material). Whereas, spiritual blindness is Author has 560 answers and 551.4k answer views. That’s a great question. Strictly speaking — “Spiritual blindness” refers to a spiritual state where you hold fast to unbiblical teachings and beliefs and as a consequence quickly dismiss true biblical teachings because they conflict with yours.
For those people, who have a preoccupation with death, I will have to pray for you. The question that I have to ask is are you satisfied with not having an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ? For me personally, I would rather have a relationship with Jesus Christ, than to place emphasis on death. I am completely satisfied with my relationship with Jesus Christ. I need to pray more each day.
I am very sorry, but I do not endorse death, nor do I have a preoccupation with the death of others. I am very concerned about my family members, who have this issue because I am getting slightly irritated because it is like she wants me to get involved in her activities. I will admit that I think about my mother and family members, who are not here with me. I have had fond memories of everyone that I know. It is that Jesus Christ is my personal Savior right now, and I am content with going to heaven.
2nd Corinthians 4:3-4 says: But even if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. All of this means that Satan is capable of causing some people to be spiritually blinded and completely confused until the gospel of Christ Jesus shines on them.
This is a very serious problem that has to be resolved immediately.
Please read this information
Toggle navigation Search Browse The Bible Toggle Dropdown Search The Bible Find it! 3 Ways Satan Tries to Lure Us Away from Christ Bible / Bible Study / Topical Studies Share Tweet Save Michael Jakes Pastor, writer Wednesday, September 2, 2020 From the very dawn of human history, Satan has made his intentions clear. Man has been the object of his intense hatred. As he conversed with Eve in the garden through the serpent, his purposes become quickly evident. With the words, “…did God say?” (Genesis 3:1), we are stunned by the sheer audacity of it all. This impudence is surpassed three verses later when he announces, “You will not surely die.” Questioning God and calling Him a liar? Satan’s opening salvo on our first parents would set the stage for what is one of the most momentous events in history: the Fall. It is momentous in its far-reaching and detrimental effects on the world at-large, but most specifically, on the crowning achievement of God’s creation: man. God would ultimately respond to Satan’s actions with these words: “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel” (Genesis 3:15). Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Brian A Jackson Does Satan Have Power Against Us? These glorious words of prophecy would only serve to intensify Satan’s vitriol against mankind and give him a new and more predominant object to target: the coming Christ, who would spell his demise and in the fullness of time, strip him of his power. But what is the connection? Two verse of Scripture in particular I am sure “stick in the craw” of Satan. These scriptures, along with many others, express the absolute deliverance that takes place when one is born-again: “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). When a person responds to the call of salvation, and becomes born-again, Satan awaits. Because of your union with Christ, He will now extend all of his energies to mar, frustrate, and otherwise destroy your life. These “energies,” which are the modicum of power he is allowed to retain, will prove to be inconsequential to the one whose faith is anchored in the Lord through His blood. “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished” (Romans 3:25). At the Cross, Satan’s power was more than simply censured or reduced; it was taken away! We read this is Colossians 2:14-15. This then was and is the effect of the cross on Satan; Christ wrought a complete victory over Satan and his minions. So while Satan in essence has no power over the blood-bought child of God, we are not to underestimate him by any means. All that we can gather from Scripture tells us that he is subtle, deceptive and an opportunist. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Koldunova_Anna 3 Things Satan Wants for Your Life In 2 Corinthians 2:11 we read “In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” There is no doubt that by purely diabolical and devious means Satan seeks to undermine the plan and purposes of God through His people. As we deal with the wickedness and corruption that abounds in this world, it is important to realize that the systems of this world are under his control. Once again we read: “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one” (1 John 5:19, emphasis added). With all of these factors in place, we ask this question: What exactly does Satan want from your life? Please understand that your life is important to the enemy of your soul. You are an integral piece of the crucial organism which is the Church – an organism he continually seeks to bring down. If he can bring you down, or cause you to be ineffective in your calling through either frustration or condemnation, he will have done his job. He cannot kill you, but he can cause much misery in the life of the believer, if they are caught unaware. I believe that there are three things in particular that Satan wants from every child of God. Let’s take a look at these goals, and some of the different ways that Satan will try to deceive us away from our Savior, Jesus Christ. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Kesu01 1. Satan Wants Your Attention While we should not be ignorant of his devices, as stated previously, we also should not spend any undue or unnecessary time or effort worrying about him. We should not adopt a “demon under every rock” mentality. This is a mind-set that believes that Satan is behind every wrong or divisive thing, every evil event, or sinful notion. While it is true, as the saying goes, that “the devil is busy,” we must be careful not to assign to him more power than he actually has; especially as it pertains to the Christian life. When this happens, we unwittingly allow him to wield power over us that he does not have. By ascribing to him that which he has not done, we give him the attention that he craves. He actually does not have the power that many assign to him. For instance, Satan cannot force you to sin. I have heard it stated that he can make you do what you do not want to do. Satan forcing a Christian to sin, in essence, gives him a place of dominance that he just does not have. It would be as if he has the proverbial gun to our head, while telling us to sin or else. Whatever sin that happens in your life, whether it be by commission, or by omission — it is by choice. We may succumb to temptation, or be deceived in some matter, or even make a bad decision in the heat of a moment — but the choice is yours. Secondly, Satan cannot read your mind. He is not omniscient, and only knows what he sees. The thought that he has some sort of dossier on each of us is not as far-fetched as it may sound. Satan and his minions know where to tempt and attack you personally, because of observation. They watch and have seen, maybe through trial and error, and come to a “knowledge” of how to deal with us. But this is not foreknowledge. His temptations can be thwarted, by using God’s way of escape. “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Finally, and most importantly, Satan cannot do whatever he pleases. We should bless the Lord daily that he is not a free agent. With all that he does do, and all that he is responsible for, God has him on a leash. This is language that he does not appreciate, and is offensive to him. But are we in Christ, trying not to offend the devil? I think not. Satan does nothing concerning you unless God permits him. The point being, as stated, we are not to give him the attention he does not deserve. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/fizkes 2. Satan Wants Your Allegiance This is not something that any Christian does with their eyes wide open. But it can happen when our eyes are open but our spirit is undiscerning. One of the ways that Satan can procure our allegiance is through false doctrine. “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” (1 Timothy 4:1). These doctrines of demons are teachings that veer from biblical truth. If we accept every teaching simply because it has Jesus’ name attached to it, and if we do not carefully scrutinize the word as we receive it, we can find ourselves aligning ourselves with the enemy. I know many may not view accepting false teaching in this manner, but it is a serious matter. Allegiance speaks of loyalty and commitment. When it comes to the Word of God, we are to commit ourselves, and also express loyalty to it. The apostle Paul speaks about this loyalty and commitment to the Word: “As you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain” (Philippians 2:16). David the Psalmist also writes concerning this: “I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word” (Psalm 119:15-16). This type of love and commitment to God’s Word, and the doctrines in it must not be given to that which is false. If he can undermine God’s Word in you, he will have gotten a measure of allegiance that he should not have. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/eternalcreative 3. Satan Wants Your Worship Of all the things Satan desires, this may be what he wants the most. Listen to what he said to Jesus: “Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ‘All this I will give you,’ he said, ‘if you will bow down and worship me’” (Matthew 4:8-9). Doesn’t it almost sound as if he is begging the Lord to worship Him? This is how bad he wants honor, glory, and devotion. From ages past, this has been the case: “You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High” (Isaiah 14:13-14). These five “I will” statements express the ultimate desire of his heart: Satan wants worship. I realize than none of us would ever do this, but just as in the case of giving him attention, worship takes it a step further by ascribing worth to him. We are not to do what he wants or what he likes. Satan promised Jesus “stuff” in order to get praise from Him; he will do the same to you — deceptively. We must always keep the Lord before us, and always keep His will at the forefront of our lives. Doing this gives the devil what he hates — total allegiance to the Lord. Photo credit: Unsplash/Naassom Azevedo Michael Jakes is an Associate Pastor, Bible teacher, and writer. He is co-founder of That’s The Word! Ministries, a distinctly Cross-centered outreach. He has also been active in youth ministry for over 30 years, and hosts two live weekly podcasts, “The Bible Speaks Live,” and “The Cutting It Right Bible Study.” Michael is the author of, The Lights In The Windows, a book concerned with the need for the Church to evangelize. Michael and his wife Eddye have been married for 40 years, and reside in New York. You can follow him on Youtube and listen to his podcasts on Spreaker. Share This Recently Featured 3 Ways Satan Tries to Lure Us Away from Christ Michael Jakes What Is Liturgy and Why Is it Important in the Church? Lucas Hagen The Cautionary Tale of the Sanhedrin Heather Adams What Is Legalism and Why Is it Dangerous to Your Faith? Ashley Hooker Popular Articles 3 Ways Satan Tries to Lure Us Away from Christ Michael Jakes What Is Liturgy and Why Is it Important in the Church? Lucas Hagen The Cautionary Tale of the Sanhedrin Heather Adams What Is Legalism and Why Is it Dangerous to Your Faith? Ashley Hooker 4 Beautiful Truths about Who God Is Clarence L. Haynes Jr. Why Do We Need the Old Testament? Sonya Downing Featured Verse Topics Healing Bible Verses Worry and Anxiety Bible Verses Prayer Bible Verses Bible Verses for Overcoming Grief Comforting Bible Verses Bible Verses About Protection God’s Promises – Verses in the Bible Bible Verses For Faith in Hard Times Encouraging Bible Verses Hope Bible Verses Friendship Bible Verses Forgiveness Bible Verses Strength Bible Verses Love Bible Verses Inspirational Bible Verses About Online Bible Sitemap Link to Us Advertise with Us Feedback Proud member of Salem Media Group. Copyright © 2020, Bible Study Tools. All rights reserved. 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What Does Psalm 139:16 Mean?
Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day Psalm 139:16 ◄ What Does Psalm 139:16 Mean? ► You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psalm 139:16(NLT) Sponsored by Advertising Partner Sponsored Video Watch to learn more SEE MORE Verse Thoughts We are fearfully and wonderfully made for we are the work of the Father’s hand. What a comfort and joy to know that although we do not see the Lord He not only sees us but knows us intimately and has each of one us in His thoughts constantly. He fashioned and formed us – He selected our parentage and scheduled every day of our lives. Each one of us can say with certainty: Your eyes saw me in my mother’s womb, before my body was even formed and You have scheduled every one of my days – everything about me is written in Your book and planned before I was even born. There is nothing for us to fear – nothing to concern our hearts, for whether we ‘feel’ it or not His word is true. We are the children of the omniscient, omnipotent God of the universe. He has searched our hearts and He knows us, He knows our every move and each fleeting thought that passes through our hearts, He knows whether we are waking or sleeping and understands our inner thoughts and the desires of our hearts. He is before us and He is behind us. He is within us and He dwells in the inner recesses of our heart. He is our guard and He is our guide and wherever we go and no matter whatever happens to us – He is there to lead and to guide to comfort and to succour. When we know what we believe and believe what we know we should have no fear for He is with us – His rod and His staff are our comfort for he knows and cares for You and for me with a blessed intimacy. My Prayer Thank You Father that You saw me before I was born. Thank You that every day of my life was recorded in Your book and every moment of my life is laid out before You– praise the Lord O my soul and all that is within me praise His holy name. AMEN. ◄ Previous: Psalm 139:13 Next: Psalm 139:23 ► Choose a Verse from Psalm 139 123456789101112131415161718192021222324 Genesis 12:3 1 Peter 2:2 Luke 2:32 Hebrews 2:17 Follow us Psalm 139:16 Further Study Psalm 139:16 in the Parallel Bible Psalm 139:16 in the Thematic Bible Psalm 139:16 Cross References Psalm 139:16 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Psalm 139:16 Sermons Psalm 139:16 Prayers Psalm 139:16 Images Psalm 139:16 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals 2016-09-04 The Prisoner of Christ Psalm 27:14 Psalm 23:2 The Sacrament Of Sacrifice Eternal Son and Unique Man – Perfect MAN Eternal SON (16) Reconciled to God Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us © Copyright [2011 – 2020] Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved ×
What Does Proverbs 20:9 Mean?
Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day Proverbs 20:9 ◄ What Does Proverbs 20:9 Mean? ► Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin”? Proverbs 20:9(NASB) Verse Thoughts “Who can say, ‘I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin?'” is a question asked in Proverbs, but the tenor and temperature of this question is such that the answer must be, NO ONE! Nobody can say “I have cleansed my heart and am pure from sin.” This may be the boast of the self-righteous moralist or deeply religious-minded Pharisee. Many foolishly consider they are ‘good enough’ when they compare their ‘upright’ life with the ungodly practices of their degenerate neighbour. However, the writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins, and 1 John 1:8 clearly states, “if we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.” There are those who boast of their integrity and overstate their own worthiness, because of the good works they carry out in the flesh. They try to justify their false claims by comparing themselves with others whom they consider less-wholesome and far-more unworthy than they! But no one can boast that they have made their heart clean. No one can declare that they are pure from their sin. No one can claim to have a heart that is not stained with sin, for all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. No one can claim purity of heart for none are perfect and pure. God alone is holy, and He alone is good… and all humanity stands guilty before the righteous eyes of our thrice-holy God. Indeed, it is not only the heart that is stained with sin but the mind, the conscience, the emotions, the will, and the inner being of all human-kind. Anyone with the audacity to claim that they have cleansed their heart and made themselves pure from sin, is greatly deceived. Anyone who claims such a thing is deluding themselves, for an honest, self-assessment of one’s own actions and attitudes would quickly collapse this unfounded assessment. But this is a rhetorical question. God is not seeking an answer from man, for He can read the very thoughts of our hearts before they are formed in the mind. He is the all-knowing God Who can interpret the imaginations of our mind and read the secret motives behind our choices, before they germinate into thoughts, or develop into actions or a habit. God is not expecting a reply from the lips of sinful man when asking… “Who can say, ‘I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin?'”… for every mouth is silenced before our holy and righteous God. Every boastful thought withers before His purity. But neither is this a cruel accusation from God. He knows we are born into a sinful race and are incapable of changing the blackness of our sinful nature or cleansing our heart from its inner darkness. God in His grace has made a way to cleanse man’s heart and forgive man’s sin. Cleansing the heart and purity from our sin only comes through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross, Who paid the penalty for our sin. God in His grace provided a way for our hearts to be washed clean – through the cleansing power of Christ’s precious blood. He alone can purify us from sin – by covering us in Christ’s righteousness, which only comes through faith in Him. But He has given us volition. God has endowed us with a free-will to choose between good and evil. We have the autonomy to humbly admit we are sinners in need of salvation or refuse to accept that we are dead in our sins and at enmity with God. We have the freedom to acknowledge the Lord as Redeemer and humbly accept His free gift of salvation by grace. This question in Proverbs 20:9 is designed to help man recognise he is a sinner in need of cleansing. It is to make each one of us realise our heart is not clean before God, and that no one is pure from their sin or innocent before Him. It is a schoolmaster to point us to Christ for only the Lord can cleanse the heart of the sinner. No amount of self-effort or self-cleaning can wash away the guilty sin that enchains each one of us. God alone can declare the guilty sinner righteous – but God will only proclaim a man righteous when they trust in Christ as the propitiation for their sins and saviour of their soul. But too often, the proud-heart of rebellious man, will not admit his sin, or acknowledge his need of salvation preferring to trust in his own self-righteous acts to cleanse his conscience and wash away his sin! My Prayer Loving Father, how I thank You that through the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus on the Cross, You have cleansed my heart, forgiven my sin, and have made me pure within. I thank You that because of Him, I am accepted in the Beloved and clothed with His righteousness. It is in His name I pray, AMEN. ◄ Previous: Proverbs 18:24 Next: Proverbs 20:27 ► Choose a Verse from Proverbs 20 123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930 Sponsored by Verizon Wireless Save with our best deals. Get a great deal on a new phones. On the network more people rely on. Shop online. SEE MORE 1 Thessalonians 3:12 2 Peter 2:3 Deuteronomy 5:29 Psalm 19:1 Follow us Proverbs 20:9 Further Study Proverbs 20:9 in the Parallel Bible Proverbs 20:9 in the Thematic Bible Proverbs 20:9 Cross References Proverbs 20:9 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Proverbs 20:9 Sermons Proverbs 20:9 Prayers Proverbs 20:9 Images Proverbs 20:9 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals Love One Another Galatians 5:22 Luke 9:23 Wonder Of Weakness Destiny Of Holiness Seed of Abraham – Perfect MAN Eternal SON (15) Your Choice Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us © Copyright [2011 – 2020] Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved
What Does Proverbs 20:9 Mean?
Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day Proverbs 20:9 ◄ What Does Proverbs 20:9 Mean? ► Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin”? Proverbs 20:9(NASB) Verse Thoughts “Who can say, ‘I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin?'” is a question asked in Proverbs, but the tenor and temperature of this question is such that the answer must be, NO ONE! Nobody can say “I have cleansed my heart and am pure from sin.” This may be the boast of the self-righteous moralist or deeply religious-minded Pharisee. Many foolishly consider they are ‘good enough’ when they compare their ‘upright’ life with the ungodly practices of their degenerate neighbour. However, the writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins, and 1 John 1:8 clearly states, “if we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.” There are those who boast of their integrity and overstate their own worthiness, because of the good works they carry out in the flesh. They try to justify their false claims by comparing themselves with others whom they consider less-wholesome and far-more unworthy than they! But no one can boast that they have made their heart clean. No one can declare that they are pure from their sin. No one can claim to have a heart that is not stained with sin, for all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. No one can claim purity of heart for none are perfect and pure. God alone is holy, and He alone is good… and all humanity stands guilty before the righteous eyes of our thrice-holy God. Indeed, it is not only the heart that is stained with sin but the mind, the conscience, the emotions, the will, and the inner being of all human-kind. Anyone with the audacity to claim that they have cleansed their heart and made themselves pure from sin, is greatly deceived. Anyone who claims such a thing is deluding themselves, for an honest, self-assessment of one’s own actions and attitudes would quickly collapse this unfounded assessment. But this is a rhetorical question. God is not seeking an answer from man, for He can read the very thoughts of our hearts before they are formed in the mind. He is the all-knowing God Who can interpret the imaginations of our mind and read the secret motives behind our choices, before they germinate into thoughts, or develop into actions or a habit. God is not expecting a reply from the lips of sinful man when asking… “Who can say, ‘I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin?'”… for every mouth is silenced before our holy and righteous God. Every boastful thought withers before His purity. But neither is this a cruel accusation from God. He knows we are born into a sinful race and are incapable of changing the blackness of our sinful nature or cleansing our heart from its inner darkness. God in His grace has made a way to cleanse man’s heart and forgive man’s sin. Cleansing the heart and purity from our sin only comes through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross, Who paid the penalty for our sin. God in His grace provided a way for our hearts to be washed clean – through the cleansing power of Christ’s precious blood. He alone can purify us from sin – by covering us in Christ’s righteousness, which only comes through faith in Him. But He has given us volition. God has endowed us with a free-will to choose between good and evil. We have the autonomy to humbly admit we are sinners in need of salvation or refuse to accept that we are dead in our sins and at enmity with God. We have the freedom to acknowledge the Lord as Redeemer and humbly accept His free gift of salvation by grace. This question in Proverbs 20:9 is designed to help man recognise he is a sinner in need of cleansing. It is to make each one of us realise our heart is not clean before God, and that no one is pure from their sin or innocent before Him. It is a schoolmaster to point us to Christ for only the Lord can cleanse the heart of the sinner. No amount of self-effort or self-cleaning can wash away the guilty sin that enchains each one of us. God alone can declare the guilty sinner righteous – but God will only proclaim a man righteous when they trust in Christ as the propitiation for their sins and saviour of their soul. But too often, the proud-heart of rebellious man, will not admit his sin, or acknowledge his need of salvation preferring to trust in his own self-righteous acts to cleanse his conscience and wash away his sin! My Prayer Loving Father, how I thank You that through the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus on the Cross, You have cleansed my heart, forgiven my sin, and have made me pure within. I thank You that because of Him, I am accepted in the Beloved and clothed with His righteousness. It is in His name I pray, AMEN. ◄ Previous: Proverbs 18:24 Next: Proverbs 20:27 ► Choose a Verse from Proverbs 20 123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930 Sponsored by Verizon Wireless Save with our best deals. Get a great deal on a new phones. On the network more people rely on. Shop online. SEE MORE 1 Thessalonians 3:12 2 Peter 2:3 Deuteronomy 5:29 Psalm 19:1 Follow us Proverbs 20:9 Further Study Proverbs 20:9 in the Parallel Bible Proverbs 20:9 in the Thematic Bible Proverbs 20:9 Cross References Proverbs 20:9 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Proverbs 20:9 Sermons Proverbs 20:9 Prayers Proverbs 20:9 Images Proverbs 20:9 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals Love One Another Galatians 5:22 Luke 9:23 Wonder Of Weakness Destiny Of Holiness Seed of Abraham – Perfect MAN Eternal SON (15) Your Choice Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us © Copyright [2011 – 2020] Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved
