Created By Jesus Christ

"God, ... created all things by Jesus Christ:" - Ephesians 3:9

Essential it is to realize God, the almighty, created all things by Jesus Christ.

Paul wasn't the only one teaching this, the apostle John wrote:

"In the beginning was the Word ... through him all things were made ... though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him ... the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us" John 1 (NIV)

Just as the physical body is our method of interacting in this world and each other so Jesus is, and always has been, God's way of interaction with his Universe.

Paul clarifies that it was not just "Christ" but "Jesus Christ" who is one and the same.

Think about that the next time someone tries to tell you Jesus was just a prophet, teacher, or good man.

- fritz

What Does God's Face Look Like?

"[A]s many as received [Jesus], to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born ... of God. And the Word was made flesh ..." - John 1:12-14

"God has a face and it looks like your face and my face. If people want to know what he looks like they will be looking at you and me ... People are looking at you and me to see if the word of God has any flesh on it."

- Fr. Desmond Gooneskera, Rector, St. Cuthbert Episcopal Church, December 26, 2010

The Apostle Paul put it this way,

"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. - 1st Corinthians 12:27

- fritz

No immigrant!

"The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. - Psalm 87:6

I am no immigrant in the Kingdom of God; I am born there!

[T]o all ... who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God ... born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. - John 1:12-13

We all want a reward, let's admit it!

The idea true Christians are to act from purely ⁽¹⁾altruistic motives is popular but NOT Biblical and not realistic, either!

God doesn't expect it of us. Jesus tells us "why" we are to rejoice when persecuted, give a cup of cold water to the needy, fast and pray in secret, and even love our enemies:

"For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye?" - Matthew 5:46 (KJV)

The Sermon on the Mount mentions "reward" no less than nine (9) times - check it out. And compare that with the Bible's definition of real faith:

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" - Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)

Many believe in God (even the devil believes) they just don't think diligently seeking God will give them what they want right now.

The desire for a reward is God-Given! It keeps us seeking, pushing, longing, looking until we find something that satisfies. It's the itch that only God can scratch, and He's not afraid to match his "rewards" with anyone.

He's the giver of "living" water, the maker of better "wine", the ladder that connects heaven and earth (John 1:51; Genesis 28:12) and His is the adventure that never grows old.

We all want a reward, I'll admit that and go for it!

- Fritz

1. altruistic - the quality of unselfish concern for the welfare of others