Throw off the Old, Put on the New

Ephesians 4:17,18,21-24

"This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; [If] indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness."

As Christians, we are graciously gifted with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We no longer have to follow the corruptness of the flesh in darkened ignorance, but instead we can put off our former life and put on the new life which God has mercifully given us. Our new life is to be fashioned after the example set by Christ.

Don't live life treading the line, don't trade darkness for obscure shadows and dim light, instead live in the pure radiant light of God and let His glory and righteousness shine into every darkened area of your life so that He can guide you to become mature in the faith and filled with His holiness. Let His love fully permeate your life so that others can't help but see God through you. In all areas of your life, seek to glorify Him. Now that you, as a born-again believer in Christ, are given the strength and power of God to say no to the world and its sinful desires, stand strong in the Word of God and grasp firmly to the truth of the Cross in order that you can throw off your former life once lived in darkness and obscurity and grasp hold of your new life in the glorious light of Christ!

True Beauty of Christmas

The birth of a child, is there anything more wondrous? But a child born that would one day save mankind from sin’s unrelenting grasp, is there anything more miraculous? One child, one infant soul born: innocent, trusting, dependent upon another’s tender care. One child, which would change the world from the moment He was born. One child: poor, humble, and of lowly place, the world never noticing His arrival and not prepared with riches, honor, and glory due to Him. Their hearts were cold and souls dead to the Word of God come to earth. The most precious gift ever, sent from a Father who loves His children with immeasurable love, went unwanted and rejected. He was forced from riches, love, and praise to a lowly, forgotten, and despised man. 

One could feel pity for such a child, but that would be forgetting the loving purpose with which the child was sent. The choice He, Himself, made to come and the acceptance of becoming common instead of being adored by thousands. The child who loved man, though man was sinful, fallen, and ungrateful. The child who willingly chose to bring hope to a dying people by dying Himself. The child coming, though He knew He would be rejected and trampled upon. Is there anything more Beautiful?

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Saviour is given.”

Bless His Holy Name

Come Boldly to the Throne!

Hebrews 7:24-26

"But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore, He is also able to save to he uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens;"

Such is Christ for us. No longer do we need to rely on the intercessory prayer of another man plagued with his own sinful nature, but we are now recipients of the very
righteousness of God's own Son and may come to our Heavenly God freely to fellowship, pray, worship, and adore Him. We may tremble at His awesome power, but we are filled with boldness knowing that our God has welcomed us into His heaven, not as mere citizens, but as His beloved children. 

Hebrews 4:16

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."