Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Identity in Christ

IDENTITY IN CHRIST

1 Peter 1:1-5

Vv.1-2: “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect...who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling of His blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.”

Did you hear that Peter called you God’s elect? Peter was addressing people who were being persecuted (PER-see-CUTE-d means mistreated) around year 60. (Around 1,950 years ago). This must have encouraged those people, and it should surely encourage us today.

When the Wise Men found baby Jesus, news spread like wildfire that He came for the Jews, and for Gentiles! January’s devotions centered on “Jesus” topics, and this last one is to encourage you. Jesus is for you. The Father sent Jesus to die, so that your sins may be forgiven, AND to teach you about Himself, through His Son. Those who believe in Jesus—and appoint Him Lord of their lives—the indwelling Holy Spirit empowers and seals as God’s possession (Ephesians 1:13). God has great things planned for you. That’s pure love. What three things remind believers of their identity in Christ?

Believers are chosen in Christ. Everyday is a good time to remind ourselves who we are in the Lord, AND Whose we are. This means, that where every person is offered the free gift of salvation in Jesus—only those who believe in Him are the elect—on the basis of free will (John 3:16, Romans 1:20). God wants you. God chose you. You belong to Him.

Salvation is purely an act of mercy. Titus 3:5 says, “...He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.” No one can claim their good works earned them a place in heaven.

Believers in Christ are protected. Psalm 34:7 says, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.” The only way hardship can touch us is what the Lord allows. Hardship (what ends up as discipline) is for our own good: to grow, to learn, to mature in Christ. Psalm 23:4 assures us, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me;...”

Those whose identity is in Christ succeed and prevail with joy.

Take Home Nugget

These are trying times. When we focus upon who we are in Jesus Christ—Who purchased our lives with His blood—we stand tall and firm. Let us live boldly, as victorious, chosen, assured, protected, and beloved adopted children of the most High God!

Because God’s really there,

We can endure anything.

He reveals love, mercy, and care

As we depend on Him for everything.

J.D. Griffith




A personal, private lesson experience with our staff








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Friday, January 27, 2012

Progressive Intimacy

PROGRESSIVE INTIMACY

John 16:7-15

Vv. 7-8: “But I tell you the truth; It is for your good that I that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. When He comes, He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:...”

God created people to have relationships with us. The more intense we seeking Him, the more intimate He becomes (IN-tim-at means warm private closeness). At first, with Adam and Eve, God walked in the garden in the cool of the day (Genesis3:8). They enjoyed an easy, comfortable relationship. God found friendship in Moses, and even allowed him to see His back (Exodus 33:19-23). Jehovah, or Yahweh was never far from His sinful people. He kept them safe from harm, and after punishing their wickedness, rescued them from bondage (Exodus 12:31-50). That’s a God Who loves His creation.

Then God moved even closer. The human/divine baby Jesus came to earth as God incarnate (in-KAR-nat means in the flesh). Jesus was only limited physically (His humanity) while on earth by being in one place at a time. But at least now people could experience God the Father through His Son. And what close friendships the disciples developed with their Lord Jesus! They hated His death. They certainly didn’t want to lose Him again as He ascended to heaven. But Jesus promised them a radically different intense relationship soon.

Then God sent His Spirit to come and live inside Jesus’ followers. That is what indwelling means. The Counselor gives us divine wisdom, insight (truth), and power. The scared disciples met privately together in locked rooms after Jesus’ ascension. Acts 2 compares these frightened people to transformed powerhouses after the Holy Spirit rushed into their lives (sounding like fierce wind). They became bold. They confidently preached the gospel of Christ, and even were willing to suffer when identified as Jesus’ disciples.

Whoever believes in Jesus as Savior receives God living within! This is the closeness that God always wanted to have with believers. But He also wants us to accomplish great things. By the Spirit’s supernatural indwelling, believers are empowered—to produce His fruit, and accomplish His work. The Holy Spirit seals us as God's kids (Ephesians 1:13).

This paints you as God’s victorious poster child!

Take Home Nugget

Think of the amazing opportunity that God’s offering you. What an honor it is to partner with the creator of the Universe! Naturally, at first we feel lacking in ability, intimidated for such overwhelming tasks—but the Holy Spirit is greater than any obstacle we face (1John 4:4).

When we see all God’s provisions, we trust Him for what is unseen.

J.D. Griffith




A personal, private lesson experience with our staff


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Tuesday, January 24, 2012

The Name Jesus

THE NAME JESUS

Matthew 1:18-23

V. 21: “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”



“Is it true” Shakira asked her 3rd-grade Sunday school teacher, “that ‘Jesus’ is a common name?”

Mrs. Dugan answered, “Yes. The name Jesus was, and still is a pretty common name, even if people pronounce it differently. But there’s nothing common about our precious Jesus. The name Jesus, means The Lord is salvation. That is why Jesus came to earth.”

Timmy asked, “Is ‘Christ’ Jesus’ last name?”

“No, Timmy. Christ is Greek for the Hebrew word, Messiah. That word means The Anointed One.” Mrs. Dugan said. “There has never been—even in other religions—another Christ.”

“Names are very important. Parents spend considerable time naming their children. They often choose family names, like when a son is given his father’s name. Or names of a beloved relative, a cherished friend, or even a respected leader can be chosen for a child. Parents hope that the baby will be like, or take after the person whose name they chose.”

“Names are so personal and individual, that they end up defining a person. Distinct qualities identify a person’s personality. Are they hopeful or negative, creative or need precise instructions, do they lead or follow, do they care for others or can’t be bothered with other’s problems? There is so much to consider when naming a child. A person’s name tags him or her for life....What name comes after, “Oh Come, Oh Come...?” Mrs. Dugan sang the beginning of a Christmas carol.

“Emmanuel!” the class responded together.

“Right! This name for Jesus means God with Us. Now you know three names: one identifies Jesus, another shows on Whose authority He came, and the third describes His purpose. Emmanuel or Immanuel tells us that Jesus is God. Christ, or Messiah, shows Who sent Him. The name Jesus claims His work, as Savior. He willingly became human flesh—while preserving His divinity—and offered Himself as sacrifice for our sins when He died on the cross.”

“But God cannot die!” Luis objected.

Take Home Nugget

“That is precisely why Jesus had to be born as a human, Luis” Mrs. Dugan explained. “He had to be human, (but without sin), so that His blood and death would pay for our sins. But He defeated death, so that we won’t die for eternity. His resurrection and ascension to heaven prove that whoever believes in Jesus will rise from the dead (John 6:40). Those same believers will live forever in heaven!”

Jesus’ glory in a manger lie,

Was born so that we won’t forever die.

Born to give us second birth,

Born to raise children of earth!

J.D. Griffith




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Friday, January 20, 2012

Unique God-Man

UNIQUE GOD-MAN

Matthew 16:1-28

V. 9: “Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?”

vv. 15-16: “‘But what about you? ‘Who do you say I am?’

Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’”

v. 27: “For the Son of Man is going to come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will reward each person according to what he has done.”



Pastor Jobst read the opening Scripture to the 3rd grade classroom. (See Super Best Friend devotion). Pastor commented, “Who could do such things? I noticed hesitation about making Jesus Lord of your lives. Why?”

Bianca spoke up, “Pastor, it’s my life! I don’t even like Mom and Dad correcting me. I know they love me, same as Jesus, but I want to decide for myself how to be.”

“That’s very honest, Bianca” Pastor said. “Let me try to convince you why He’s better than even you to be in charge of your life. For one thing, Jesus is unlike any other. He’s not only man, but He’s God. He had an earthly Mother, but a Supernatural Father. His birth was announced by angels.”

“My Mom calls me an angel—when I’m good.” Devon said.

“Your Mom flatters you, Devon. How wise are you? Jesus spent three days with rabbis when He was twelve years old. They concluded that He had uncommon Biblical understanding. When He was baptized—although He’d never sinned—God claimed Him as His Son.”

“I hadn’t sinned when I got baptized” Karmen said.

“I have to be honest with you Karmen, you were born into sin. Could you have been tested by the devil for forty days, resist temptation when you’re starving, and not sin?” Pastor asked.

“Probably not” Karmen admitted.

“Jesus challenged religious traditions, healed people, and even raised Lazarus from the dead. Who do you know can forgive sins?”

The kids at the table lowered their eyes, everyone silent.

“Luis said Jesus is his Super Best Friend. I agree with him. This God-Man is unique” (u-NEEK means one of a kind). Jesus wants to be your personal friend, involved deeply in your lives. This is the message He wanted me to give you today. I hope that you’ll take His offer seriously.”

Take Home Nugget

Jesus was never merely human, as a prophet or teacher. Sending Jesus is how our Father chose to show His love for us. Jesus showed His love for us by dying on the cross, and offering us eternal life. Who’s Lord of your life?

Everyone has a Lord who’s in charge of life. If you don’t choose Jesus, who then? You?

J.D. Griffith


A personal, private lesson experience with our staff


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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Super Best Friend

SUPER BEST FRIEND

John 15:9-17

Vv. 13-16: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead have called you friends, for everything I have learned from My Father, I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” Words chalked on the 3rd-grade Sunday school blackboard.

The song, What a Friend We Have in Jesus rang out from the 3rd-grade Sunday school classroom when Pastor Jobst entered and sat down in a chair at their round table. He smiled at each child, individually. He placed a plate of cookies on the table, and said, “Help yourselves!”

While kids scrambled for cookies, Pastor said, “That song always makes me smile because it’s soooo true! I pray that you never stop singing that song, because it will carry you throughout life with a smile on your face.” The kids munched cookies, listening intently.

“I come as God’s partner to tell you something specific today. We both work hard to show you His goodness, mercy, and faithfulness. We hope that this will motivate you to make Him Lord of your lives. Because He wants what’s best for you in all situations, He’ll never fail you. His plan for your lives is better than you can imagine. As absolute ruler over all creation, don’t you think that He deserves to be Lord in your lives too?”

Seeing kids’ nodding heads, Pastor continued, “Do you tell your friends secrets?” The kids continued nodding their heads. “Let me tell you a secret” Pastor said. Leaned forward, he whispered, “Jesus wants to be your friend....Why do you think Jesus wants to be your friend?” Pastor asked.

“Is Jesus lonely?” Shakira asked.

Pastor smiled. “In fact, Shakira” he said, “Jesus is only lonely for those who don’t believe in Him. He came to save all kids. He wants to be your buddy, going with you everywhere, and helping you through the hard stuff.” He pointed to the blackboard and said, “Jesus said that to His disciples one day. He has secrets to tell you, too, if you’ll listen.”

“Jesus is my Super Best Friend!” Luis said, clapping his hands.

Take Home Nugget

Are modern-day disciples too “grown up” to sing that song? We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to learn God’s ways through Jesus, Who knows all the Father’s secrets. Jesus is God, and He’s also your buddy. How cool is that?

Hallelujah! What a friend!

Jesus is with me until the very end.

J.D. Griffith


A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

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Friday, January 13, 2012

Kurios

KURIOS

Luke 6:46-49

V. 46: “‘Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?’”

Benjy yelled, “Lord, please give us snow!”

“Be careful how you use the Lord’s Name, Benjy.” his Mom counseled. “Is the weather important enough to you that you cry out to the Lord?”

8-year old Benjy gulped. He remembered his older cousin, Jeremy’s warning about how to follow Jesus, since He’s Lord, and came for Benjy. (See Jesus 4 Us and Jesus’ Lordship devotion). “Jeremy said that how I respond to Jesus being Lord of my life is my decision. I decided to let Jesus call the shots in my life now. He came for me, you know. I was just asking Jesus for snow, so that we’d have another long weekend from school...like during Christmas.”

“Oh.” Benjy’s Mom said. “Well honey, that’s great! But using the word "Lord" should not be used carelessly, or in casual conversation. Jesus is God. He has supreme power over all creation—the whole universe! We use Jesus Name, "Lord" in crying out to Him for help in emergencies, Benjy. Not necessarily for a long weekend from school.”

Benjy’s Mom is correct. The Greek word for Jesus’ title is kurios—One Who rules the lives of others for their own good. Aren’t we lucky to serve such an amazing God? Benjy knows this, and is why he turned to Jesus for another long weekend.

With too many of God’s kids, embracing Jesus as Lord of their lives only comes in emergency situations. We’re to be careful by how we speak casually with such power. Even so, let us always tuck Jesus’ Lordship and what that means in the front of our hearts and minds. It’s fine to call Jesus "Lord" in prayer, for example, but certainly not as a curse, or as an exclamation of emotion.

Jesus’ point, in the opening Scripture is that too many who embrace Him as Lord of their lives do not obey Him. This is the person who does whatever he wants, without regard to the Lord’s will. When things go badly, that person can’t handle the problems that arise, and freaks out. But the person who follows the Lord leads a life that can weather any storm—with confidence—all the way to victory. That’s the difference between building a house (life) on rock (Jesus) or sand (self).

Won’t you decide to find victory in a life filled with confidence instead of forever fighting raging storms?

Take Home Nugget

Those who say they’ll obey Jesus—"when."..or "if"...even "but"...invent reasons why they refuse to obey—defy His Lordship. Let us prepare to obey Him without resistance in everything.

It’s no small thing to trust and obey,

But oh what glory He sheds on our way!

J.D. Griffith


A personal, private lesson experience with our staff




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Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Jesus' Lordship

JESUS’ LORDSHIP

Romans 14:7-12

Vv. 7-8: “For none of us lives to himself alone, and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

Benjy, 8 years old, wasn’t done asking his 10 year-old cousin Jeremy, questions. (See Jesus 4 Us devotion). “I think it’s so cool that Jesus came for me, Jerm. But what does that mean, like, how am I supposed to react?”

Great question, Benjy! Every person—especially Christians—ought to ask that! Everybody assumes that one’s future is solely up to him, or her. But that’s not true. Destiny, or one’s fate isn’t up to chance, either. One’s future isn’t determined by the number of spaces on the game board of life. Who gets to throw the dice that numbers your steps? Life is not a game!

It ought to be very comforting to know that Jesus is the One Who’s in charge. He loves you unconditionally, completely, and totally apart from your behavior. He wants your very best. And He’s got a plan to bring you victory, with hope and a real future (Jeremiah 29:11). His authority isn’t limited only to those who claim Him as King: He’s King to those who dismiss Him as unimportant—whether they know it or not! The whole universe is subject to Jesus’ authority. His Lordship cannot be ignored.

Rejecting Jesus Christ as Lord will cost people plenty. Those who build their houses (lives) on the solid rock of Christ withstand all storms. Those who recognize Jesus’ Lordship—claim Him as King and live according to His will—obey His every command. In turn, their surrendered lives are blessed with joy, peace, and victory (Romans 15:18, Philippians 4:7).

It’s true that God’s gift of free will allows His kids to rebel against Jesus’ Lordship, if they so choose. Sometimes, God’s rebels succeed. This is when Jesus says that they’ve received their reward in full (Matthew 6:5). But often, rebels' lives fail miserably.

How is Jeremy supposed to answer Benjy’s question?

Take Home Nugget

Kneeling before Jesus Christ as Lord of our lives is the wisest decision we’ll ever make. The sovereign Lord of the universe chose you, formed you (Jeremiah 1:5), and wants your best—of all possibilities—blessing you every day.

Jeremy said, “Benjy, I choose to follow and obey Jesus. That’s my decision. Only you can decide how to respond to Jesus’ Lordship. But, I urge you to consider carefully. Eternity is forever, and I want you to be with me in heaven.”

More of Jesus; less of me

Life of full surrender is how I choose to be.

J.D. Griffith


A personal, private lesson experience with our staff




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Friday, January 6, 2012

Jesus 4 Us

JESUS 4 US

Revelation 1:4-8

Vv. 7-8: “Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen. ‘I am the Alpha and Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘Who is, and Who was, and Who is to come, the Almighty.’”

Eight year-old Benjy asked his cousin, ten year-old Jeremy, what Epiphany (e-PIF-a-nee) means. Jeremy said, “Epiphany is when the Wise Men found baby Jesus. This shows that Jesus came for us Gentiles, as well as for Jews.” (Epiphany means a sudden understanding. It means “WOW,” like an “a-ha” moment of “I get it.”)

“What’s Gentiles (JEN-tilz)?” Benjy wondered.

“Gentiles are non-Jews, like us. Everyone who is not a Jew is a Gentile.”

Jeremy is correct. The word “Gentiles,” usually plural, refers to a people, many different peoples, or entire nations. Originally, it stood for those who don’t believe in the One True God. The Wise Men, or Magi, were not Jewish, yet God created a star that would guide them directly to Jesus. They presented Jesus gifts fit for a King (gold), a Priest (incense), and a Redeemer (myrrh). (Matthew 2:2, 11).

That is vital information. It screams, “Jesus is for us!” After the Wise Men found Jesus, they announced Him to all people in the whole world—whom He came to save. Jesus’ life demonstrated God the Father’s personality. We learn His ways from watching Jesus—and from the Bible. Jesus’ miracles confirm that He is God’s Son.

Jesus, the first-born, is older brother to everyone who believes in Him. He shows us how to live perfectly—despite the fact that we cannot—regardless of how hard we try. He took our sins, our blame, and our shame to the cross and died, so that we might live. Since the Father raised Jesus from the dead, believers will live after we die, too.

Jesus, as the King of kings, determines who gets to rule on earth. Believers have access to the throne room, where Brother Jesus works on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25). We claim God’s promises, and get His best when we pray in Jesus’ Name.

Take Home Nugget

Jesus loved us long before we knew Him. As God-man, Jesus gets our trouble, pain, and sorrow. He willingly shed His blood and died on the cross in our place. The opening Scripture is present tense! He’s alive, and is coming soon. He offers us salvation, and eternal life. That’s His personality, divinity, and power all rolled into one.

Jesus is definitely for us! Don’t you feel lucky to serve such an awesome Savior?

Jesus—Who’s always there,

We’re grateful for His care!

J.D. Griffith


A personal, private lesson experience with our staff



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Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Saint or Aint

SAINT OR AINT

1Corinthians 1:1-9

V. 2: “To the church in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Emphasis mine.

Saints Benjy and Danny, twin 3rd graders, fool many into believing they’re anything but saints. But those who know Who’s raising them dare to believe the truth about two mischievous boys.

Apostle Paul makes it clear that anyone who believes in Jesus as Lord is a saint. We may not be obvious saints, because the sanctifying (SANK-ti-fy-ing means making holy) work isn’t complete—yet.

Webster’s dictionary defines a saint as a near-perfect person, now dead. True, heaven is full of saints, because God doesn’t invite aints. Who is correct, Paul or Webster?

Many people made resolutions (res-o-LU-shuns means promises) to begin 2012. We can change our attitude about ourselves in the new year too. Since everyone who’s a Christian is a new creature in Christ, Jesus is our King (2Corinthians 5:17). Becoming holy and living righteous lives takes a lifetime, happening day by day—through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Do you consider yourself as a sinner saved by grace, or a saint who sometimes sins? A sinner saved by grace stresses the word sinner. A saint who sometimes sins weighs saint heavier than the sin. The devil counts on your thinking of yourself as a sinner, and reminds you of that every day.

Every person on earth can be sorted into one of two groups, saints or aints. We either belong to God, or we don’t. Those who belong to Jesus Christ is a saint—set apart (from the aints) for God’s purpose on earth. Saints belong to two kingdoms. While our physical address is on earth, our spiritual address is “in Christ Jesus.” Because saints are bought with the blood of Jesus, He’s the One we serve. We live as aliens on earth because our true citizenship is in heaven.

Saints believe the Bible, and willingly obey God. Building a relationship with King Jesus, saints receive blessings like peace, joy, and contentment. We can change the way we view ourselves today. The devil wants to keep us earthbound by our sins. Don’t allow him the victory that rightfully belongs to you! Our lives will show our true selves when we believe that we’re saints.

Are you God’s child, or are you earthbound? A saint or an aint?

Take Home Nugget

Benjy and Danny are being raised by the Holy Spirit, Who’s grooming them as saints. They’re sure not aints!

Following Christ has two requirements: Believing and acting like it.

J.D. Griffith




A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

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