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One and Only Great God

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On February 8, 2010

In Christian, Movie Motions, Super Bowl Christianity

After the Super Bowl XLIV game (February 07, 2010) was over, one of the final statements in Super Bowl XLIV, made by the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Quarterback Drew Brees of the winning New Orleans Saints team, was amidst all the celebration a one-liner, wherein he said, “God is Great”. In the movie, “Slumdog millionaire”, the brother of the main character, as he is shot in the end, takes his last dying breath by expressing “God is Great”.

One of the definitions for the word “great” according to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary is “chief or preeminent over others”. God is chief. God is preeminent over all others. What’s more is that the God of the Bible, God in three Persons as Yahweh, Jesus and the Holy Spirit is the One and Only Great God, who does wondrous things. The Psalmist avers this is Psalm 86:10.

Point(s) to ponder:

  1. Do you/I know this One and Only Great God?
  2. Is He the chief of all things in your life and mine?
  3. Is He preeminent over all things in your/my life?

Psalm 86:10 (KJV)
10 For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.

Never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity

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On February 5, 2010

In Christian

(Late) Abba Eban, Diplomat, U.N. representative, Foreign minister, Ambassador, Master of 10 languages, whom Israeli Foreign Minister Binyamin Netanyahu described as the “founding father of Israeli diplomacy” and who is one of Israel’s most quotable politician is attributed to have said one of the most famous quotes that the Palestinians “never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity“.

Apostle Peter counsels us to have the same mindset in 1 Peter 3:15, where he states that we must be always ready. What a powerful force we would be, if each of us who are followers of Christ Jesus had that same mindset. Always ready. Never missing and opportunity. Never missing an opportunity to snatch people from the gates of hell; Never missing an opportunity to give the answer to everyone who asks about the Hope we have in Jesus; Never missing an opportunity to be a faithful servant of God.

We must never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity for Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 3:15 (KJV)
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Jesus’ Evangelistic Style

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On February 4, 2010

In Christian

The testimony that was said of him by Cleopas and his friend on the road to Emmaus was not that He (Jesus) was a prophet of God, who was mighty in not just His preaching (word), but in His actions (deed) as well. Interestingly, His actions (deeds) went hand in hand with his preaching (word), and He was not mediocre in either, but mighty in both.

We often get excited about preaching the word of God. We ought not to be merely enthusiastic about preaching the word of God but our lives (actions) must reflect the same. Interestingly, in the response that was given to Jesus, it was reference to His deeds that was mentioned first. His deeds came before His words. Someone once said, that your life may be the only Bible that someone reads.

The second part of that testimony was that Jesus was mighty in deed and word before both God and man. It was not just before man that Jesus was mighty in his actions and preaching. It was before God as well. Author of Life’s Little Instruction Book, H.  Jackson Brown, Jr. once said “Our character is what we do when we think no one is looking“. We often seek man’s approval and try to be mighty before them, (sometimes putting on a show), but before God, our sinful lives are exposed and shameful. We must strive to be first mighty in deed and word before God and only then before men.

Point(s) to ponder:
As imitators of Jesus Christ, we must strive to be like He was, mighty in deed first and then word, before God first and then all his people! Think about ways that this can come true in our life.  What an accolade it would be when we meet Jesus face to face and He tells of us, “Well done, my good and faithful servant, you were mighty in deed and word, before me and all my people“.

Luke 24:19 (KJV)
19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:

Follow or Get out of the way

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On February 3, 2010

In Christian

One of the games we used to play when growing up was called “Follow the leader” or the “Copycat” game. You are probably familiar with this game. One of the group members (designated as the guesser) is asked to leave the room while the rest in the group select a person (as their leader) whose actions they will mimic. When the guesser returns, the guesser will have to figure out who the leader is. The game would usually turn out hilarious when the selected leader chooses to do something wacky or funny.

Today’s corporate world glorifies leadership and often discounts service and servanthood to be weak. Corporate culture today can be summarized into the maxim, “Lead, Follow or Get out of the way”, which sadly is not entirely the model to emulate according to the Bible for the followers of Christ. The Christian model really is “Follow or get out of the way”. There is no “lead” in Christian life. The leader is One and that is Jesus Christ. All in His family should be imitators a.k.a. mimickers/followers of God (Ephesians 5:1). Unfortunately, many in the family of God (including Churches) today, think of themselves to be the leader, without an ounce of humility or an attitude of servanthood. They expect to be mimicked instead of following Christ and encouraging others to do the same. Jesus said, “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19; 8:22; 9:9). Apostle Paul, God’s chosen servant, did not say “Follow me” but instead said, “Follow me as I follow Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).  It is Christ (the ONE and Only Leader) whom we should be following. Additionally, there are many among us, who seek preeminence amongst their peers and God’s people. They focus on their individual goals and aspirations and stand in the way of God, who is working in His people to accomplish His will in their lives. The self seeking spirit of Diotrephes (3 John 1:9) is in them instead of the Spirit of Demetrius (3 John 1:12). They pursue after man’s accolades (a running after the wind) instead of God’s approval (a solid foundation). For such, the counsel is “get out of the way” before God removes you (as he did Saul).

At this juncture, I must also assure that I am not anti-leadership or anti-Christian leadership. I am the first to admit that Christians need to be leaders in the secular world (as well as in God’s Church), so that they can be influential in reaching many who do not have access to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But when Christians are given a position of power or authority (in their homes, work or in the Church), they must treat that privilege (which can be taken away anytime) with a heart of humility and an attitude of servanthood. Otherwise, the world will end up guessing as to who truly the leader is and if it is anyone other than Christ Jesus that they guess, then these leaders have missed the mark. Furthermore, if they end up living wacky lives, then those observing these leaders will find it funny, and this is no laughing matter.

Point(s) to ponder:
If the world sees you and me and our life (thoughts, words, and deeds), will they guess that our Leader is Jesus Christ, whom we ought to be imitators (mimickers/followers) of?

Jesus “REALLY” wept

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On February 2, 2010

In Christian

When we hear the word, Jesus wept, we usually think about it,  in the context of Him, expressing a human emotion at the death of his friend, Lazarus (as recorded in John 11:35). Additionally, this verse’s claim to fame is that it is the shortest verse in the King James Version of the English Bible.

But there was another time that Jesus wept, which is recorded in the Bible. This is recorded in Luke 19:41-44. In this instance, Jesus wept over the city (Jerusalem) as He triumphantly entered it.  Why? Because the people of the city did not know of the time of God’s visitation. God had visited them through the voice of the prophets, and now was visiting them in the person of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ and yet the people did not want to accept Him as God and King (Luke 19:14,38).

Jesus wept for his friend Lazarus who was only in a state of ephemeral physical death. But I believe, Jesus “really” wept over the people of the city, who were in a state of eternal spiritual death. There were some in the city, whom Jesus anguished over as they were caught up in their own self-righteousness, as if they needed no repentance (Luke 3:8), rejecting him as the King over them (Luke 19:38).

Point(s) to ponder:

  1. Are we weeping for and over those in our city, who are in a state of Spiritual death? If not, we should be and should start taking action by telling them about God visiting them through Jesus, His only begotten and beloved Son. To be in a state of physical death is better than to be in a state of Spiritual death in God’s kingdom.
  2. Are people coming to know the time of God’s visitation through our voices and lives?

Luke 19:41-44 (KJV)

41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,
44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

Time to have an EGO

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On February 1, 2010

In Christian

Visiting Pastor Samuel Chacko from North India challenged the members attending the Austin Christian Fellowship of India Church to fix their eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). One particular statement that germinated a thought in me was , “IF YOU LOVE PEOPLE, IF YOU REALLY LOVE PEOPLE, THEN YOU WILL NOT ALLOW SATAN TO TAKE THEM TO HELL”. What a statement  – “love people”, “really love people”, “not allow satan”. I must admit that this triggered a response in me to want to be a witness for Jesus, to love people and not let satan have anyone, no not one. But for this to happen, I realized that I must first look unto Jesus and second be obedient to His commission, which is to be His witness (Acts 1:8, Matthew 28).

To fix my eyes on Jesus is to learn of Him for His word (The Bible) and have a renewal of my mind to conform to His image (Philippians 2) and to be obedient to His commission is to have an EGO mission. Now is the time to have an EGO, i.e., a mission in which EACH GETS ONE. Acts 6:7 states that the number of disciples multiplied. To multiple means that 1 becomes 2, 2 becomes 4, 4 becomes 8 and so on… With Each Getting One (EGO), the 12 disciples multiplied to 24 disciples, who in turn got 24 more and the word of God increases, snatching people from under the bondages and clutches of satan so they can be free.

Jesus said, you will be my witnesses (Acts 1:8). The word used for witness in Greek is interestingly ‘Martyr’; we must be martyred to self, and to sin and be willing to be martyred for Jesus Christ. Our mission should be EGO, reflecting obedience to the faith and a means by which we can say that we love people, we really love people.

Acts 6:7 (KJV)
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Bible in 3 verses

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On January 29, 2010

In Christian

With all of the denominations and doctrines that are prevalent and with false prophets (ravenous wolves) who distort the glorious truth of a God who is indescribable, yet so personal to each one of us, I sometimes wish that the Bible was merely three verses.

First verse – Genesis 1:1 – In the beginning, GOD (reflecting his Sovereignty, eternal existence, priority and preeminence)
Second verse –  John 19:30 – It is finished (reflecting the Salvation of God; no other work is necessary as Jesus is the perfect and pleasing offering, in our stead, accepted by God)
Third verse – Revelation 22:21 – Come Lord Jesus, Amen (reflecting his imminent Showing up to rule as King (Sovereign) with all those who have believed that it is truly finished (accepting his Salvation) and over those who haven’t)

Enough said !

Jesus in the OT :: Genesis – Malachi

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On January 28, 2010

In Christian, Jesus in the O.T.

We have come to the end of our study of Jesus in the Old Testament. Now that we know Him from the Old Testament of the God inspired Scripture, let us make Him known to those who don’t know Him. But more importantly, let us live of lives as if we really do know who Jesus is. Otherwise, we will be mere professors of knowing God (with our lips) and not practitioners of walking with Jesus in the Spirit (denying Him in our lives). When we profess with our lips and deny Him with our works (life), we are abominable, disobedient and unto every good work reprobate (Titus 1:16).

In summary, Jesus Christ, in:

  1. Genesis is the Creator, Elohim God and a Priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, the King of Righteousness and Peace
  2. Exodus is the manna, our bread of life
  3. Leviticus is the acceptable Offering to God who sanctifies us
  4. Numbers is the One lifted up and all who look at him on the Cross will be saved when they believe in Him and
  5. Deuteronomy is our Teacher
  6. Joshua is Commander and Chief of the armies of the Lord
  7. Judges is a righteous Judge
  8. Ruth is the kinsman redeemer wanting to come into your life and mine to be our friend and to associate with us
  9. 1 Samuel is the shepherd made ruler of all men
  10. 2 Samuel is the Abishai, the gift of God.
  11. 1 Kings is greater than Solomon and the King who rode on a donkey bring Salvation the first time, and He will be the King returning riding on a white horse executing Judgment (Revelation 19:11).
  12. 2 Kings  is the one who stretches out his hands and touches our heart, cleansing us from the leprosy and filth of sin.
  13. 1 Chronicles is the One and Only Omnipotent God
  14. 2 Chronicles is the Word of God found in the House of God, bringing about a spiritual revival in our hearts
  15. Ezra is the faithful Scribe, writing grace and forgiveness in our stony hearts
  16. Nehemiah is in profession, the cup bearer of the wrath of God and in provision, the provider of Rest (the Sabbath)
  17. Esther is our Intercessor and Salvation (for such a time as this, for such a people)
  18. Job is the Persecuted One who will Come Back as King of kings and Lord of lords
  19. Psalms is the Grace of God, to be kissed and embraced; He is the rejected servant and THE Good Shepherd, worthy of all our praises; praises from all that have breath
  20. Proverbs is Wisdom and all who ask for Wisdom (Him) will receive Him
  21. Ecclesiastes is the Speaker before the Assembly. We ought to fear God and keep His commandments, for that is the whole duty of man
  22. Song of Solomon is the Bridegroom waiting for you are me, who are engaged to Him
  23. Isaiah is the Agnus Dei, The Lamb of God
  24. Jeremiah is the Righteous BRANCH, a Weeping GOD hoping that all who hear His voice, will see Him and How God visits man through Him
  25. Lamentations is the Faithful One, the ever Faithful one
  26. Ezekiel is the True Shepherd, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the diligent Servant, Son of Man, and the Son of God with a new covenant
  27. Daniel is the Ancient of days and He is not only the protecting Son of God but He is also the PRESENT Son of God, in the midst of the fire of our lives
  28. Hosea is the faithful one who ransoms us from death and redeems us from the grave, in spite of our unfaithfulness (adulterous life)
  29. Joel is the Spirit of God, who is poured into the hearts of all, who pardons all bloodguilt and saves
  30. Amos is our burden bearer, who carried the cross and He will carry us as well
  31. Obadiah is the deliverance from Zion, the Holiness of God, who is to be worshipped and served
  32. Jonah is the one who went to the GRAVE because of His GRACE and who wants no one to perish
  33. Micah is the ruler from Bethlehem, the man of peace
  34. Nahum is the Yoke breaker and bearer, the one who sets those in bondage free
  35. Habakkuk is anointed one, the God of our Salvation
  36. Zephaniah is THE SACRIFICE prepared by God, who hides us from the wrath of God
  37. Haggai is the desire of all nations, the one who not only cleanses the temple and restores the glory of the house of God, but is also the very glory of God in the temple; He is the Prince of Peace
  38. Zechariah is the High Priest and riding King that was priced and pierced for us
  39. Malachi is the Messenger of the covenant, in whom God delights

Behold, Jesus Christ in the Old Testament.

Titus 1:16 (KJV)
16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Jesus in the OT :: Malachi

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On January 27, 2010

In Christian, Jesus in the O.T.

The book of Malachi gives us a glimpse of who Jesus is in the Old Testament (O.T).

This is the last book of the Old Testament and it means Messenger. Interesting in this book entitled Messenger, we have two (2) messengers who are explicitly called out. One messenger is with a cause, the other is of the covenant. Malachi 3:1 reads Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the LORD, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. God is silent for the next 300 to years between the Old Testament and the New Testament, and His silence is broken by this messenger.

Messenger #1 is the Messenger with a Cause which was to prepare the way of the Lord (referring to the voice in the wilderness, John the Baptist – Luke 3:4).
And Messenger #2 is the Messenger of the Covenant whom God delights in (referring to Jesus Christ, the Lord). God delights in Jesus. He announced it not once but twice, when he said This is My BELOVED Son, in whom I am well pleased (in whom I delight) at the baptism of Jesus (Luke 3:22) and the transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:5).

In Malachi, Jesus is the Messenger of the covenant, in whom God delights.

Jesus in the OT :: Zechariah

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On January 26, 2010

In Christian, Jesus in the O.T.

The book of Zechariah gives us a glimpse of who Jesus is in the Old Testament (O.T).

Zechariah  means “Yahweh Remembers” i.e., God remembers his covenant (He will be their God and they will be His people). There are many instances in this book that has a direct reference to the Savior and Messiah (the anointed/chosen One), Jesus Christ.

Zechariah 6:12-13 talks about the coronation of Joshua (a variant of Yeshua a.k.a. Jesus) as priest who will rebuild the temple, bear the glory and shall sit and rule upon his throne as King.  In Hebrews 8:1 we see Jesus Christ, THE High Priest who sits at the right hand of the Majesty in the heavens, who reigns.

Zechariah 9:9 talks about a King riding on a donkey. In Luke 19 we see Jesus riding on a donkey as He enters into Jerusalem.

Zechariah 9:10 talks about a King riding on a horse. In Revelation 19, we read about Jesus who will come riding on a white horse.

Zechariah 11:12 states that the price for the staff of the shepherd (LORD), called Beauty, that the people will agree to pay would be thirty (30) pieces of silver. In Matthew 26:15, we read that Judas covenanted to betray Jesus, the Beautiful staff of God (the Good Shepherd), for thirty (30) pieces of silver.

Zechariah 12:10 states that they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, …. In John 18:34-37, we see that Jesus was pierced on the Cross.

In Zechariah, Jesus is the High Priest and riding King. He rode once on a donkey, He will  ride as King on the horse. Jesus is the Beauty of the LORD, the Staff of the Good Shepherd. He was priced and pierced for us, because Yahweh remembered his covenant with man, to be their God so that they could be His people.

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