‘See how great He is!’(Hebrews 7:4). These words refer to Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:1-3; Genesis 14:18-20). Melchizedek has ‘neither beginning of days nor end of life’. He ‘continues a priest for ever’. He ‘resembles the Son of God’. He is ‘like the Son of God’ (Hebrews 7:3). Let your thoughts move from Melchizedek to the Lord Jesus Christ – ‘See how great He is’! Jesus Christ is ‘the Beginning and the End’ (Revelation 21:6; 22:13). ‘Jesus lives for ever’and ‘has a permanent priesthood’ (Hebrews 7:24). He is our great Saviour: ‘He is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him’ (Hebrews 7:25). We look beyond Melchizedek. We look to our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. We look to Him and we say, ‘There’s no greater Name than Jesus, Name of Him who came to save us’ (Mission Praise, 684). Let Jesus be your great Saviour. Come to Him and receive His great salvation.
Showing posts with label jesus christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jesus christ. Show all posts
Christ Has Won The Victory Over the devil. He Has Won This Victory For Us
The devil is at work. He seeks to sow seeds of doubt into the heart of God’s people. He suggests to us that God’s gracious foundation for our faith can be destroyed. This is nothing new. It’s as old as Genesis 3:1 – “Did God say … ?“ The devil says to us, “Has God really forgiven your sins?” He says, “Has God really saved you?” The devil wants to get us on the run. He wants us to run away from him. We must not let him get the upper hand. We are to resist him in the strength of Christ’s victory over him. When we “resist the devil” in the strength of Christ’s victory, “he will flee from us” (James 4:7). To believe the devil is to believe the lie. The truth is that, when take our stand in Christ, the devil has no alternative but to ruin from us. Christ’s victory over the devil becomes our victory over Christ has won the victory over the devil. Through faith in Christ, His victory becomes our our victory over the devil.
Here are three important lessons concerning this victory.
1) Through His death on the Cross, Christ has won the victory over the devil. He has won this victory for us . 2) On the basis of the victory that Christ has won for us, we can stand our ground against the devil. 3) When we take our stand in Christ, the devil can do nothing else but flee from us. He is strong when we try to stand against him in our own strength. When, however we remind him of Christ’s victory over him, he can do nothing but bow before Christ’s superior power. Rejoicing in the victory that Christ has won for us, let’s remind the devil that he’s a defeated enemy.
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God’s Way of Salvation (Psalm 11)
Jesus Is Risen From The Dead!
What does the New Testament teach us concerning Christ’s resurrection?
- (1) The resurrection was predicted in the ministry of Christ.
- (2) The resurrection was presented as a miracle of God.
- (3) The resurrection was proclaimed in the message of the Church.
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* How does a hopeless end become an endless hope? The answer is found in these wonderful words, which announced Christ’s resurrection - “He is not here. He has risen!” (Luke 24:6).
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(1) The Person of Christ – who He is.
(2) The Purpose of Christ – why He came.
(3) The Presence of Christ – how He continues to bless us today.
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How are we to do the work of the Lord? – “with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).
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Here's a link to the full post from which these thoughts have been taken.
Make It Personal!
Read the words of John 3:16 and Romans 10:9. Put your name into these great verses. Make it personal - Jesus is my Saviour. Jesus is my Lord.
Believe In The Lord Jesus, And You Will Be Saved.
‘Restore us, O God, make Your face shine upon us, that we may be saved’ (Psalm 80:3). This prayer for salvation is repeated with a growing sense of God’s greatness - ‘O God Almighty’ (Psalm 80:7), ‘O Lord God Almighty’ (Psalm 80:19). To those who are asking the question of salvation - ‘What must I do to be saved?’ - , God gives His answer - ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved’ (Acts 16:30-31). What does the Lord say to those who look to Christ for salvation? - ‘The Lord will bless you and watch over you. The Lord will smile on you and be kind to you. The Lord will look on you with favour and give you peace’ (Numbers 6:24-26). Let us worship Him: ‘Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Through Christ, God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing that heaven has to offer’ (Ephesians 1:3).
Jesus Christ – Our Strength
We read the words of the prophet Zechariah and our thoughts turn to Jesus Christ, our Saviour. In Him, we have God’s fulfilment of the promises given by God through the prophet Zechariah – “I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph … I will strengthen them in the Lord …” (Zechariah 10:6, 12).
The Holy Spirit Glorifies Jesus Christ.
‘No one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit’ (1 Corinthians 12:3). ‘In Jerusalem’, on ‘the day of Pentecost’ there are ‘Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven’ (Acts 2:1, 5). They are ‘amazed’ at what they hear - ‘we hear them telling in our own tongue the mighty works of God’ (Acts 2:7-11). The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus Christ (John 16:14). ‘To God be the glory! Great things He hath done!’ (Church Hymnary, 374). Speaking ‘as the Spirit gave them utterance’, the apostles pave the way for Peter’s bold proclamation: ‘God has made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified’ (Acts 2:36). Empowered ‘by the Holy Spirit’, this message - ‘Jesus is Lord’- is still God’s way of bringing people to Himself. Preach Christ. Pray for the Spirit’s power. Look to God for His blessing (Acts 2:41-47).
God's Love Is A Holy Love.
Luke 11:33-12:7
Each of us must choose - light or darkness? (Luke 11:33-36). When we read Jesus' words, we have a powerful reminder that choosing light rather than darkness means more than outward religious observance. Jesus wants to change us on the inside. This is where real change comes from. The right attitude leads to right living. We walk in the light when we follow Jesus. Those who walk in darkness show their true nature by their reaction to Jesus (Luke 11:53-54). When we, like Jesus, face opposition from those who choose darkness rather than light, we must not be afraid (Luke 12:4, 7). We are not to fear men. We are to fear the Lord (Luke 12:5). The fear of the Lord is to be a very positive thing in our life. It is the deep appreciation of God's love as a holy love. When we know that we are loved by God, we know that we are remembered by Him (Luke 12:6) and valued by Him (Luke 12:7). When, in the fear of the Lord, we remember that the God of perfect love is also the God of perfect holiness, we do not take God's love for granted. We rejoice, with great joy, in the wonder of His love.
Each of us must choose - light or darkness? (Luke 11:33-36). When we read Jesus' words, we have a powerful reminder that choosing light rather than darkness means more than outward religious observance. Jesus wants to change us on the inside. This is where real change comes from. The right attitude leads to right living. We walk in the light when we follow Jesus. Those who walk in darkness show their true nature by their reaction to Jesus (Luke 11:53-54). When we, like Jesus, face opposition from those who choose darkness rather than light, we must not be afraid (Luke 12:4, 7). We are not to fear men. We are to fear the Lord (Luke 12:5). The fear of the Lord is to be a very positive thing in our life. It is the deep appreciation of God's love as a holy love. When we know that we are loved by God, we know that we are remembered by Him (Luke 12:6) and valued by Him (Luke 12:7). When, in the fear of the Lord, we remember that the God of perfect love is also the God of perfect holiness, we do not take God's love for granted. We rejoice, with great joy, in the wonder of His love.
The Forgiveness Of Sins
The forgiveness of sins - What a wonderful blessing this is! This is the great message which comes to us from the story of Jesus being anointed by "a woman who had lived a sinful life" (Luke 7:37). This woman had been touched by the love of Jesus. She had received forgiveness from the Lord Jesus. Here, we see her expressing her love for Jesus. Here, she shows her gratitude to Jesus. We recall the description of Jesus given to us in Luke 7:34 - Jesus is the Friend of sinners. What a wonderful statement this is - Jesus is the Friend of sinners. What a marvellous declaration of the Gospel this is - Jesus is the Friend of sinners. This is the amazing grace of Christ's Gospel. It was amazing grace for the sinful world. It is still amazing grace for us - Jesus is the Friend of sinners. What a blessing it is to know that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners! What a blessing it is to know that Jesus Christ receives sinners!
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Here's a link for the rest of this sermon - Sermons on Luke's Gospel - Luke 7:36-50
New Life In Christ
The dramatic transformation of Saul of Tarsus on the Damascus Road was marked by a change of name. He was no longer Saul of Tarsus. He became Paul the Apostle. Here, we read of another man whose life was transformed. this great change was marked by a change of name. He was levi. He became Matthew. In the letters of the name, "Levi", we have the story of the great change. Levi was evil. He followed Jesus, and he really began to live. ... Here's a link to the rest of this sermon: Sermons on Luke's Gospel - Luke 5:27-32
Discipleship, Depth And Devotion
Matthew 20:29-21:17
Four times, Jesus is called ‘the Son of David’ (30-31, 9,15). Christ is greater than David. He is David’s ‘Lord’ (22:41-46). Christ is not only ‘the Son of David’. He is also the Son of God (Romans 1:3-4). We rejoice with the Psalms of David. We rejoice even more in the Gospel of Christ. Our response to Christ is to be marked by discipleship, depth and devotion. Discipleship - The blind men ‘received their sight and followed Him’ (34). They did not receive their sight and then forget about Him. Grace is to be followed by gratitude. Those who have received grace are to give themselves to the Lord in gratitude. Depth - The crowds were enthusiastic (8-9) but superficial (27:20-23). Pray for depth, a true and lasting response to Christ. Devotion - Pray that the spirit of praise will overcome the spirit of pride (15).
“True wisdom … “
True wisdom is centred on Christ, trusts Christ and gives glory to Christ.
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Job 27:7-28:28
'The fear of the Lord -that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding’ (28:28). True wisdom is centred on Christ. He is ‘our wisdom.’ He is ‘the wisdom of God’ (1 Corinthians 1:30,24). True wisdom leads us to put our faith in Christ. Through ‘the Holy Scriptures’, we receive the wisdom which leads us to receive ’salvation through faith in Christ Jesus’ (2 Timothy 3:15). True wisdom leads us to become ‘mature in Christ’, living a Christlike life: ‘The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peaceloving, gentle, obedient, full of mercy and good deeds, straightforward and sincere’ (Colossians 1:28; James 3:17). True wisdom gives glory to Christ. Our ‘faith’ does ‘not rest in the wisdom of men.’ It rests ‘in the power of God.’ ‘Let him who boasts, boast of the Lord’ (1 Corinthians 2:5; 1:31).
"Make Time To Worship Jesus ... "
Make time to worship Jesus. There is nothing more important than this!
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Luke 2:8-20; Matthew 2:1-12
The shepherds and the wise men seem so different from us! Everything seems so long ago and so far away! Are they really any different from us? Can we dare to forget the lessons we learn from the shepherds and the wise men? Some may say, ‘It was different back then. Life was so simple. Now, there are so many distractions. There are so many other things for us to do’. Listen to this kind of talk, and you are listening to the voice of Satan! The devil will fill our lives with all kinds of things. He will keep us so busy that we forget all about worshipping Jesus! More than ever before - in our world of so many distractions - we need to learn from the wise men and the worshipping shepherds. Make time to ‘worship Jesus’ (2). There is nothing more important than this - ‘glorifying and praising God’ (20).
Christ Is Our Wisdom. We Will Never Be Wise Unless We Build Our Lives On Him.
Scripture speaks of different kinds of ‘wisdom’. In Proverbs, wisdom is closely associated with godliness. In Ecclesiastes, wisdom - viewed as mere human intelligence - is described as ‘meaningless, a chasing after the wind’ (Proverbs 1:12-18). This contrast is continued in the New Testament, where Paul describes Christ as our ‘Wisdom’, contrasting this Wisdom with ‘the wisdom of the world’ (1 Corinthians 1:18-25,30). The purpose of Proverbs is set out in its opening verses. Notice the vital connection between ‘understanding’ and ‘doing’ (Proverbs 1:2-3). We are to be ‘doers’ as well as ‘hearers’ of God’s Word (James 1:22). We are to ‘keep what is written’ in God’s Word (Revelation 1:3). The great theme of Proverbs is stated in 1:7 - ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge’. Christ is our Wisdom. We will never be wise unless we build our lives on Him (Matthew 7: 24-27).
When We Sin, We Must Trust In Our ‘Redeemer’ - The Lord Jesus Christ
‘If you have sinned’ (Job 35:6). Let’s think about Job, Jesus and ourselves. (a) ‘Job feared God and shunned evil’ (Job 1:1). He was not being singled out for special punishment - because he was much more sinful than anyone else. This does not mean he had never sinned (Job 7:21; 13:26). (b) There is only One Man ‘without sin’ - our Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:14-16). Did this mean that Jesus did not suffer? No! - ‘He suffered for us...He bore our sins...He died for us...He died for our sins’ (1 Peter 2:21-24; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3). (c) There’s no ‘if’ about it! When we sin - What are we to do? Like Job, we must trust in our ‘Redeemer’ - the Lord Jesus Christ (Job 19:25). He gives ‘quietness’ and ‘songs in the night’ (Job 34:29; 35:10). ‘Be still and know that He is God. Shout for joy to Him’ (Psalms 46:10; 98:4).
"God speaks to us ... "
God speaks to us of His love. He tells us that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
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Job 38:39- 40:14
"I am unworthy - how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth...I have no answer...I will say no more" (40:3-5). God speaks to us about our sin: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." He tells us that "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags." Why does God speak to us like this? He speaks "so that every mouth may be silenced" (Romans 3:23, 19; Isaiah 64:6). We must stop talking about our own righteousness and start listening to what God is saying to us. He speaks to us of "His love." He tells us that, "while we were sinners, Christ died for us." This is Good News - "the blood of Jesus, God's Son, cleanses us from all sin." No more excuses - "I'm not such a bad person. I'm really quite good!" Let's "confess our sins" and receive God's forgiveness (Romans 5:8; 1 John 1:7-10).
"In Every Human Heart ... "
In every human heart, there is a God-shaped blank. It can only be filled by Jesus Christ.
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"God Speaks To Us ... "
God speaks to us of His love. He tells us that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
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"I am unworthy - how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth...I have no answer...I will say no more" (Job 40:3-5). God speaks to us about our sin: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." He tells us that "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags." Why does God speak to us like this? He speaks "so that every mouth may be silenced" (Romans 3:23, 19; Isaiah 64:6). We must stop talking about our own righteousness and start listening to what God is saying to us. He speaks to us of "His love." He tells us that, "while we were sinners, Christ died for us." This is Good News - "the blood of Jesus, God's Son, cleanses us from all sin." No more excuses - "I'm not such a bad person. I'm really quite good!" Let's "confess our sins" and receive God's forgiveness (Romans 5:8; 1 John 1:7-10).
"Christ Leads Us ... "
Christ leads us in His victory - "At the Name of Jesus, Satan's legions flee... "
"Jesus Christ Has Brought Us ... "
Jesus Christ has brought us a great salvation. This is Good News of great joy - for all the people, for all generations.
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