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Lessons from the 3 Hebrew men :: What’s in a Name?

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On September 20, 2010

In 3 Hebrew Men, Christian

If I was to ask you, what are the names of the three Hebrew boys who defied king Nebuchadnezzar, and refused to bow to His image, even if it meant that their life could end, chances are that most of us will respond, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego”. Even our beloved 4 year old son, Reuben, has this Veggietales DVD entitled “Rack, Shack and Benny” which is a rendition of the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abenego. Unfortunately, most of us are familiarly acquainted with this fantastic 3 by their Babylonian names but their real Hebrew names were Hannaniah, Mishael and Azariah. Why is this important?

With one’s name is closely tied that individual’s identity. This is why we have rechristening which often includes a name that signifies that we belong to Christ. The Babylonians had changed the names of these faithful worshippers and servants of the One true God (Yahweh), to names that had ties to the gods of Babylonia (Shadrach purportedly means the command of aku, a Babylonian moon god; Meshach supposedly means the servant of a Chaldean god and Abednego means the servant of Nabu/Nego, another Babylonian god).

But from the 3 Hebrew boys, we learn that while the world may rename us or know us by names that it gives us, our true identity must be as one bearing the name of Jesus Christ, the one TRUE God. And when we recognize that, we can be confident that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. Hannaniah (Shadrach) means ‘Yahweh is gracious’, Mischael means “Who is like Yahweh?” and Azariah means “Yahweh has helped”.  Shadrach must have known, that God was true to His Name and that God was gracious. Meshach must have known that there was no one like Yahweh and interestingly Abednego must have recognized that God has helped. Note, Azariah does not mean God will help, but God has helped.

What do people know you as? And when they call us by our name, does it reflect on the One who has the Name above all names?

Faith and Action – 2 sides of the same coin

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On September 17, 2010

In Christian

In the beginning was Jesus – the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God (John 1:1). Faith comes from hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). In other words, faith comes from the word of God and this means that the source of our faith is Jesus Christ – the Word of God.

But since faith OPERATES by works (actions), we are to OVERTLY respond to the will of God and OBEY the word of God. The Bible tells us that  faith without works (actions) is dead. Faith and action are akin to the two sides of the same coin, in the Hand of God. It is not mere preaching (VERBAL Faith) but practicing (VISIBLE Faith) that God seeks from all who believe in Him. Jesus is not only the PROVISION OF our faith, but He is also the PURPOSE OF our faith.

The Bible leaves the following question unanswered,”When the Son of man (Jesus) comes [again], will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). Think about it and act on it by faith.


Eternal Life in Christ Jesus – Priceless

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On September 16, 2010

In Biblical Mathematics, Christian

The investor’s manual would tell you that the Return on Investment (ROI) for any investment is computed by determining the difference between what was gained and the cost of the investment, over the investment itself. Mathematically, it can be represented as ROI = (Gain – Investment)/Investment. In layman’s terms, this means that the value of an investment is the profit over price, i.e., what you gained over what you paid. We often make this determination when it comes to getting the best value for the price we pay for the things we buy for ourselves. Not only do we give it considerable thought before purchasing an item of value, but we also take ardent care of the item, carefully protecting it and cherishing it once we have bought it, if it is something that we determine as valuable.

On the spiritual front, when it comes to eternal life that is given to all who believe in the Son of God, in Jesus Christ, is it possible for us to put a value on it? Things we don’t value, we often don’t give it much thought and if we don’t value eternal life, then we wont cherish it. So what is the value of eternal life?

If Value = Profit/Price; then the value of Eternal life which is profit to all who believe in Jesus Christ will be equal to Eternal Life divided by what we paid for it. Since Jesus paid it all for us, we pay nothing for eternal life. Mathematically, this would mean that Value = Eternal life/Nothing or Zero which amounts to a value that cannot be defined, for anything divided by zero is undefined. In other words, the value of eternal life cannot be defined, but even the whole world is lesser in value than what one gains when they accept and believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior (Mark 8:36).

The songwriter aptly put it in the song, “Here I am to worship”, “I will never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that Cross“. If MasterCard was to make a commercial about Eternal Life, they would probably resort to something like “Eternal Life in Christ Jesus – Priceless” and they would not be incorrect.

Mark 8:34-37 (KJV)
34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.
36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Jesus’ Sacrifice, our sacrifice

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On September 15, 2010

In Christian

Jesus’ Sacrifice set us apart (sanctified) us in Him (Hebrews 13:12; John 17:19).
Our sacrifice must set Jesus apart  in us (John 17:19; Romans 1:1). This fulfills the first commandment. You shall not have any other gods before me, says God (Exodus 20:3).

Jesus’ Sacrifice demanded His life for us (Hebrews 10:1-18).
Our sacrifice MUST demand our life for Him. We must present ourselves as a living sacrifice to Him (Romans 12:1-2).

Point(s) to ponder:
Is our sacrifice for Jesus, as His is for us?

John 17:15-19 (KJV)
15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Faith Actions

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On September 14, 2010

In Christian

From the book of James we learn a lot about Faith. In fact, except for the first 18 verses, the book of James is all about faith. While studying this book in the Holy Bible, I learned that the product of faith is Wisdom (James 3:13-18; James 4:19-20) and Humility (James 4:1-12). I also learned and found it useful to summarize the main themes using the acrostic FAITH.

Faith

  • plays no FAVORITES (James 2:1-13)
    • It does not discriminate
  • proves itself by ACTION (James 2:14-26);
    prays for the AFFLICTED (James 5:13-18)

    • Faith without works is dead
  • prevents IMPULSIVENESS (James 3:1-12)
    • Controls the tongue
  • promotes TRUST and dependence on God (James 1:19-27; James 4:13-5:6)
    • Obeys the word
  • pins one’s HOPE for the return of Jesus Christ (James 5:7-12)
    • Endures awaiting Christ’s return

Let it not be said of us, “Oh ye, of little faith!” but instead let the Lord be able to tell of each one of us, that “faith like ours has not been seen in all of our city!”

Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Image Copyright: Leap of Faith by Steven Mitchell

Lame duck devil

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On September 13, 2010

In Christian

In political office, a lame duck is an official who is approaching the end of his or her term, especially an official whose successor has already be elected. The god of this world. i.e, the devil (2 Corinthians 4:4) is a lame duck. His term is finite and is approaching an end. The one who is coming to reign as THE GOD of the world and the one to come is already elected of God and His name is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is made ruler over all, subduing all unto himself (Philippians 3:21). Jesus Christ is the destroyer of the devil (Hebrews 2:14). He destroyed the devil and power of bondage that the devil had over people. (Hebrews 2:15). Let us eagerly await for the return of Jesus Christ so that the lame duck devil will be completely removed from having any control whatsoever over the world or its people because God says that in the better covenant, that He has established through His son, He will be our God and we shall be His people (Hebrews 8:6,10,12)

Hebrews 2:14-15 (KJV)
14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Becoming then Being a follower of Jesus Christ

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On September 10, 2010

In Christian

Becoming a follower of Jesus Christ is easy. All one needs to do is A-B-and-C i.e., Acknowledge that Jesus is the Only begotten Son of God, and Believe in Him and Confess our sins, for God is faithful to forgive us all our sins and cleanse us of all our unrighteousness. This is how one is saved and is the only means to Salvation. One is saved purely by grace and grace alone. However, once one is saved, then what? We are saved by grace, created as a new creation in Christ Jesus, unto good works. In other words we are saved by grace, and called to Do good works. While the saving comes from the becoming a follower of Christ, our stipend (reward) come from being a follower of Christ. To be a follower of Christ is to walk in His footsteps. Walk as He did.

Let us not forget to “do” that which God has called us to “do” once we have acknowledged and believed in the righteous one and confessed our unrighteousness. Faith without works is dead! (James 2:20)

Ephesians 2:10 (KJV)
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Praise without ceasing!

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On September 9, 2010

In Christian

Well, the Bible commands us to “PRAY” without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), but have you had anyone ask you to “PRAISE” without ceasing? Jonah prayed and the Lord heard him (Jonah 2:1-2) but after he offered his praises with a voice of thanksgiving, declaring that Salvation is of the LORD, the Lord spoke to the fish that had swallowed him, to release him from his bondage (Jonah 2:9-10). Many times we pray for our needs but seldom do we praise with thanksgiving, before or after its fulfillment. Jesus offered his thanksgiving before He performed the miracle of feeding the five thousand. We are to follow suit as well.

The Psalmist records that seven times a day, he praised God because of God’s righteous judgments (Psalm 119:164). Seven times a day would entail the following: dawn, morning, brunch, lunch, twilight, evening and night. This in other words means “ALL DAY LONG“. Just as we are to pray without ceasing, we are to be praising as well, without ceasing, ALL day long. Let’s not just stop with praying, but let it be accompanied by our praises, for God inhabits the praises of his people (Psalm 22:3). In other words, when we praise, God’s presence is with us and He will command that which is enslaving and drowning us, to set us free. Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord (Psalm 150:6); Praise without ceasing!

Psalm 119:164 (KJV)
164 Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.

Hebrews 13:15 (KJV)
15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Bobo Doll Christianity

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On September 8, 2010

In Christian, Doll Christianity

The sole purpose of a Bobo doll is to bounce back up when knocked over; but it does not do this on its own strength. Instead, the center of gravity works in restoring the Bobo doll back into a standing position.

In our Christian faith walk, we often grieve the Holy Spirit as we backslide and yield to sinful and selfish desires. The question that Apostle Paul poses to the Romans is the same I ask of myself “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Thankfully the Holy Scripture provides us with THE ANSWER. I thank God [that such a victory is only possible] through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 7:24-25) The Spirit is willing, the flesh is weak; but praise be to God the Father, for His Only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who is the ONLY ONE able to deliver us from the body of death, and to present us blameless before the throne of a Just God (Jude 1:24).

We may succumb to temptation and fall and be knocked down because of our own selfish and sinful desires, or by the adversary of God (Satan), who like a roaring lion preys on our negligence (1 Peter 5:8), but praise be to God that like a Bobo doll, we can always revert to a standing position before God, not on our own strength, but by Jesus Christ, if we have Him as the Center of Gravity of our lives. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth in his ways. Though he falls, [though he falls], he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord (Jesus Christ) upholdeth him in His hands (Psalm 37:23-24).

Romans 7:18-25 (KJV)
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Psalm 37:23-24 (KJV)
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

Cyclist Christianity

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On September 7, 2010

In Christian

Once while on a journey to preach in a village in the district of Malkangiri, in the state of Orissa, in India, I was looking out of the window of the jeep we were in and noticed a cyclist with a heavy load in the back of his bicycle. He was struggling as he pushing his cycle uphill. Soon afterward, I noticed another cyclist riding alone on his bicycle. It was not too long afterward, when I saw a another cyclist cycling, but this man had his wife sitting in the back of the bicycle as they merrily rode.

It was then I realized that the gospel of Jesus Christ had been presented to me, in a quaint and profound way. Before we meet and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are like the first cyclist struggling with the load of sin, making our every effort to reach our destination, an arduous, grueling and impossible undertaking. After we meet Jesus and we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, our sins are washed away and the burden and guilt of sin is removed once and for all, making us like the second cyclist who was riding his bike without any load behind him. But then as Christians, we are saved by grace, but called to do good works; such as bringing others to Christ Jesus. After we have come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, it does not do us well to remain a solitary Christian. We must be like the third cyclist, bearing one another and carrying others with us to Christ.

Psalm 38:4 (KJV) – Verse of the first Cyclist
4 For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.

Galatians 5:1 (KJV) – Verse of the second Cyclist
1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Galatians 6:2 (KJV) – Verse of the third Cyclist
2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

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