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Speak To It

Posted on by Rob Collins in Messages


In my previous post I talked about “A Time to Speak and a Time to be Silent.” In this post I want talk to you about “Speaking to It.” Declaration, proclamation, adoration; making our needs, petitions, and requests known by prayers are all words that proceed from our mouth. I believe there is a time to speak and a time to listen. But, I also believe there is a time to pray and prepare. I believe there is a time to pray and prepare. But, I also believe there is a time to declare! The Bible says, man should always pray and never faint. But, it also says, “we are to speak to the mountain.” Your mountain only responds to your voice because you created it with your mouth or God has put it in your life for you to open your mouth and by faith declare it to move. There are many mountains in our lives that need to move. However, I believe we must stop talking about them and start speaking to them. You are already talking about it; why not “speak to it” and see what happens. The Proverb writer gives many scriptures about our words. Here are a couple of those verses: “Your reward depends on what you say and what you do; you will get what you deserve.” Proverbs‬ ‭12:14‬ ‭GNT‬‬ and “Be careful what you say and protect your life. A careless talker destroys himself.” Proverbs‬ ‭13:3‬ ‭GNT‬‬

Here’s the difference in “Speaking to It” verses “Speaking About It.”

– Speaking about it declares what you see.

– Speaking to it declares what you desire to see.

– Speaking about it declares what you know.

– Speaking to it declares what is not yet been identified.

– Speaking about it declares the facts.

– Speaking to it releases your faith.

Here is an example of something you or I might say in comparison of “speaking to it” or “speaking about it”:

Speaking about it: “that’s the way it’s always been and that’s the way it will always be because they won’t change!”

Speaking to it: “I declare that things are about to change. I agree with the word of God and declare that things will be different and anyone can change. I believe You can make all things new and everything and everyone can be different. In Jesus Name! *(Pray and declare in Jesus name)

– God spoke to the darkness and it became light. (He didn’t speak about the darkness. He said, “let there be light.”)

– God gave man dominion on the earth.

How do we take that dominion? 

– by Prayer

– by the Power of the Holy Spirit

– by Standing on the Word

– by Declaration and Proclamation

You have been given dominion and you have authority to speak to the mountains in your life….

– Jesus spoke to the fig tree.

– Jesus spoke to the winds and the waves.

– Jesus spoke to the infirmities.

– Jesus spoke to the evil spirits.

– He spoke to people and their needs.

– He looked up and blessed the bread. That means He spoke well of it.

– David spoke to the giant.

– Jesus told us to speak to our mountain.

Speak to your mounatain. Your mountain responds to your voice because you probably created it with your mouth to begin with.

Speak to your mounatain. Your mountain responds to your voice because God created you to move it by faith with your mouth.

Speak to your mountain. You are already speaking “of it” why not “speak to it” and see what God does.

There’s A Time to Speak and a Time to Be Silent 

Posted on by Rob Collins in Messages


“a time for silence and the time for talk.” Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:7‬ ‭GNT‬‬

 

 

Practical Insights in Regards to Speaking or Being Silent:

 

A Time To Speak

1. When you’ve been spoken to.

2. When you enter someone’s personal space.

3. When you have something to say that’s worth hearing.

4. When you need to express what someone needs to hear.

5. When you need to comfort, encourage, or praise someone.

6. When you need to welcome someone or make them feel comfortable, wanted, or needed.

7. When you know the truth and you know it needs to spoken.

8. When the Holy Spirit prompts you.

9. When injustice has been done and the victim or recipient needs a voice that they don’t have.

10. When you are trying to build a relationship.

11. When you speak out of a heart of love with the right motive.

12. When something needs to be said.

 

A  Time To  Be Silent

1. When nothing else needs to be said.

2. When someone needs you to listen more than they need to hear what you have to say.

3. When someone else is talking.

4. When you really don’t have anything to say.

5. When you’re angry.

6. When your motive is wrong.

7. When you don’t know all the facts.

8. When the Holy Spirit is talking to you.

9. When you’ve not earned the right to speak into the situation to the person’s life.

10. When you need to think about what you are wanting to say.

11. When you need to give yourself or the person you are in conflict in a minute to get over the hurt or rejection that is being felt.

12. When God tells you to not say anything.

All You have is All God Needs

Posted on by Rob Collins in Blog

In II Kings Chapter 4 a widow of a prophet approaches the prophet Elisha with a request for help. Elisha responds with a question, “What do you have in your house?” The widow replies, “Absolutely nothing! Expect, for a little flask of oil.” Elijah tells her to go to her neighbors and borrow as many empty jars as you can find. He instructs her to take the oil she has and start pouring it into these empty jars until they are all filled. She filled enough jars of oil to incur enough money to pay off all her debt. And, she still had enough left over for her and her sons to live off of.

Now let me ask you a question: “Who had the oil?” The widow did, right? Let me ask you another question: “Who made the oil pour in abundance?” “That’s right, God did!”

There was another widow in the book of I Kings Chapter 17 that had a little flour and a small amount of oil. There was a drought that came on the land that Elijah had declared. Nevertheless, he ask her for some water to drink and for a small morsel of bread to eat. She swore by the Lord that she only had enough flour and oil to bake a small cake for her and her son. She was going to gather some sticks for a fire to bake the cake. She told Elijah that her and her son would eat the cake and die. She thought this would be her last meal because it was all she had.  Elijah said, “Do as you said, but make me a cake first. Afterwards, make you and your son a cake. If you do this, as sure as the Lord God lives, your flour and oil will not run out.”

Let me ask you a question: “Who had the flour and oil?” That’s right, the widow of Zarephath did. Let me ask you another question: “Who made the flour and oil not run out?” “That’s right, God did!”

There is another story of a little lad who had some bread and fish packed for his lunch. He just happened to be among thousands of people who were hungry and didn’t have anything to eat. Jesus had instructed, helped, and healed the people in the crowd that day. But, the hour was getting late and the people were hungry. So Jesus asked His disciples what there was for the people to eat. His disciples reported: “Nothing! Except, for a couple pieces of bread and a few small fish.” There was no food in sight, except for the little lad’s lunch. Jesus said, “Bring it to me.” He took the loaves and fish and gave thanks and blessed it. This meant He was thankful for what He had, even though it wasn’t enough. The words “blessed it” means that He spoke well of it, even though it was not enough to feed the crowd gathered. The story tells us that Jesus had compassion on the crowd. This word compassion is used five times in the Bible where Jesus performed other miracles. It is the same word that is used in the story of the Good Samaritan. Compassion is when your passion compels you to do what you normally wouldn’t do. When you don’t have enough, begin to be thankful and bless what you do have. Then stand back and watch God begin to multiply it. As a side note the little lad didn’t eat his lunch until he gave it away. God is a God of more than enough! And all you have is all He needs!

Now let me ask you a question: “Who had the fish and bread?” The little lad did, right? Let me ask you another question: “Who blessed the fish and bread?” “That’s right, Jesus did!” And one more question: “Who multiplied the fish and bread?” “That’s right, God did! 

ALL YOU HAVE IS ALL GOD NEEDS!!! Nothing less and nothing more. In all of these stories what the people had, appeared  to them as “not enough.” As a matter of fact when they were asked what was available or what they had, they all said, NOTHING!Except  for a little __________. The problem is you look at what you have as insignificant; because it’s not all you need or desire. But I want to remind you today, that all you have is all you need, because you serve a God of more than enough!

  1. Your access to more is only limited by your capacity to receive. *(note the widow with the empty jars). When she ran out of empty jars, the oil stopped.
  2. What you have the faith to give away will become what someone else has the opportunity to receive. *(note the little lad with the lunch). The little lad blessed everyone with their own lunch that day. *(plus twelve baskets full left over)
  3. You only access more and give away what you have in a act of faith, not in a moment of fear. *(note the widow of Zarephath). She was afraid that her and her son would just eat and die. But, when she fed the prophet first, her obedience paid off for her and her son later. When you feel like what you have is not enough, it will usually produce fear.

Here’s what fear will do:

  • Fear will keep from doing anything about the problem.
  • Fear will keep you from finding a way to change your situation.
  • Fear will make you believe there’s not an alternative to access more.
  • Fear will cause you to hold on to what you have; ultimately keeping you from more.

I want you to know today: “ALL YOU HAVE IS ALL GOD NEEDS!!!”

Going Nowhere on the Way to Somewhere

Posted on by Rob Collins in Messages

Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience. Col. 1:11

I had several weeks of therapy where I looked at this staircase. Immediately I noticed that these steps didn’t lead anywhere. As a matter of fact, they set against a wall. One day during therapy I told my therapist, “I’m going to write a blog about these stairs.” The staircase that leads nowhere, but develop steps and strength for all who endeavor to climb them.

Here are some questions I pondered as I looked at these steps each week: Do you ever feel like you are going nowhere? Do you ever feel like you are hitting a wall? Do you ever sense what you are doing is not making a difference? I think we all do at times. Most of us desire to live a life of significance while doing those things that produce the results we truly desire. Nonetheless, in reality it is often the most insignificant experiences, or, the most common routines, that usually produce the most significant results in our lives. 

I was in therapy for my shoulder, not my legs. Therefore, I never walked up those steps that led to nowhere. However, I did gently push against a wall with my arm and wrist. And, I also took a towel on that same wall, wiping in a continuous circular motion. At the time these activities seemed redundant, nonproductive, and ineffective. I’m sure that those who walked up and down the steps that led to nowhere, felt the same way at some point too. But, nevertheless, I went from gently pushing and wiping on a wall, to eventually lifting weights. 

Sometimes the purpose is found in the process. Many times it’s the process that develops our progress. Sometimes it’s the daily routines and disciplines of life that develop us. Sometimes it’s the mundane movements of the moment, that create miraculous results over time. Although these steps lead to nowhere, they will eventually help develop someone’s steps, through a rigorous routine of redundancy. They will help strengthen someone’s stability over time. They will help establish someone’s balance, while producing strength, to climb up stairs somewhere, someday. You see these stairs weren’t designed to lead somewhere. They were designed to help develop someone’s strength, so they can walk up stairs again someday.  The staircase that leads to nowhere is not meant to give access. It’s meant to develop one’s balance and increase one’s steps. 

Here’s my point. In life there are many times when you will feel like what you are doing is leading nowhere, while producing minimal results. Here are some biblical examples that should encourage you. Jesus lived thirty years of his life in a community, a classroom, and a carpenter’s shop. He did this before He ever forgave a sin, spoke to a storm, or made the lame to walk.  John the Baptist lived in the wilderness in obscurity eating wild locust and honey. He did this before he proclaimed the way of our Lord and eventually baptizing Jesus. David tended to his father’s sheep on the backside of a mountain and delivered cheese sandwiches to his brothers and Saul on the battle lines. He did this before he defeated the giant with a sling and a stone. 

The steps in this picture that lead to nowhere will allow someone to gain stability and  balance over time. This will eventually enable them to walk with strength out of the facility that these steps set in. The steps that appear to be leading nowhere, are ultimately leading someone, somewhere. They are ultimately enabling a person to be able to walk up the stairs of a business one day, or even the stairs of their home someday. The key is: keep stepping, keep walking, and keep developing your stability and strength. This in time, will produce a constancy to overcome. 

You may be closer than you think you are! And you are probably doing better than you think you are too! The things that you may discount, or despise, are the very things that are developing you into the person you need to be. They are also leading you to the very place you need to be as well. And, when you arrive you will be equipped with everything you need. I can now move my arm with ease and sleep with minimal pain. But, it all began by gently pushing on a wall.

Keep reading your bible even when you feel like it’s not making a difference. You are hiding the living word of God in your heart and establishing it in your mind. Keep attending church even when you don’t feel like it. You are developing a divine discipline that will create a defining testimony in your life, and in the lives of others. Keep praying even when you don’t see the manifestation of your desired results. Your prayers are being heard and you are coming into agreement with heaven. You are invoking God, your creator and maker, in whom, nothing is impossible! 

Don’t despise small beginnings. Don’t overlook the daily routines of your life. God may be using them to develop you. Keep walking. Keep striving. Surrender. Stay open. Be obedient. It may look like you are going nowhere; but, you are on your way to somewhere. You are being  strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.

The Power of the Cross

Posted on by Rob Collins in Blog

THE CROSS

The instrument of a slave’s death, associated with the ideas of pain, guilt, and disgrace. “The very name,” writes a Rabai, “ought to be excluded not merely from the body, but from the thought, eyes, and ears of Roman citizens.” The Hebrews, having no term for it as not being a punishment in their nation, called it “warp and woof.”

Scourging generally preceded crucifixion: so Jesus foretold in Isa 53). Pilate had probably hoped the Jews would be content with this scourging, and still let Him escape crucifixion. Jesus bore His own cross toward Golgotha outside the city, but sinking exhausted probably He was relieved, and it was transferred to Simon of Cyrene; prefigured in Isaac carrying the wood (Gen 22:6; and in Isa 9:6, “the government shall be upon His shoulder”). Jesus’ sacred and lacerated body was raised aloft, the hands nailed to the transverse beam, the feet separately nailed to the lower part of the upright beam so as to be a foot or two above the ground (others think the two feet were pierced by one and the same nail). He would meet suffering consciously. Near death, to fulfill Ps 69:21, He drank of the sour wine or vinegar kindly offered Him on a sponge. His death was hastened by rupture of the heart (see Mark 15:23; compare John 19:28; Matt 27:48). The sour wine called posca was the common drink of the Roman soldiers. Pilate marveled at His speedy death, crucifixion often not terminating in death for days. The approach of the Passover sabbath, one of peculiar solemnity, led to his permitting the Jewish law to be carried out which forbids bodies to hang after sunset (Deut 21:22-23). His legs could not be broken, because the Passover type must be fulfilled (Ex 12:46).

The agony consisted in: (1) the unnatural position of the body, causing pain at the least motion; (2) the nails being driven through the hands and feet, which are full of nerves and tendons, yet without a vital part being directly injured; (3) the wounds so long exposed bringing on acute inflammation and gangrene; (4) the distended parts causing more blood to flow through the arteries than can be carried back through the veins; (5) the lingering anguish and burning thirst.

The Power of the Cross Produced:

  1. Restitution
  2. Restoration
  3. Redemption
  4. Healing
  5. Hope
  6. Freedom
  7. Forgiveness
  8. Resurrection
  9. Renewal
  • RESTITUTION- Restoring to the rightful owner something that has been taken away, stolen, lost, or surrendered.
  • RESTORATION- To return to a former state; to bring back to spiritual health.
  • REDEMPTION – In the Old Testament redemption was applied to property, animals, persons, and the nation of Israel as a whole. In nearly every instance, freedom from obligation, bondage, or danger was secured by the payment of a price, a ransom, bribe, satisfaction, or sum of money paid to obtain freedom, favor, or reconciliation.

In the New Testament, redemption refers to salvation from sin, death, and the wrath of God by Christ’s sacrifice. In the Old Testament, the word redemption refers to redemption by a KINSMAN rescue or deliverance and ransom In the New Testament it refers to loosing and loosing away.

The New Testament emphasizes the tremendous cost of redemption: “the precious blood of Christ” which is also called an atoning sacrifice, “a propitiation by His blood” Believers are exhorted to remember the “price” of their redemption as a motivation to personal holiness. The Bible also emphasizes the result of redemption: freedom from sin and freedom to serve God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

  1. You Can’t be Redeemed Without a Redeemer.
  2. There is no Redeemer if There is no Need For One.
  3. A Redeemer Does What Only a Redeemer Can Do.
  • HEALING -Lit., in its meaning of making whole or well, as in Ecclesiastes 3:3. In this way it occurs in prayers for restoration to health (Numbers 12:13; Psalms 6:2; Jeremiah 17:14); and also in declarations as to God’s power to restore to health (Deuteronomy 32:39; 2 Kings 20:5-8). Isaiah 53:5 – But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.

TYPES OF HEALING:

  1. Physical
  2. Emotional
  3. Relational
  4. Eternal
  • HOPE – is “Confident expectancy”. In the Bible, the word hope stands for both the act of hoping and the thing hoped for. Hope does not arise from the individual’s desires or wishes but from God, who is Himself the believer’s hope: “My hope is in You” (Ps 39:7). Genuine hope is not wishful thinking, but a firm assurance about things that are unseen and still in the future. In contrast to Old Testament hope, the Christian hope is superior.

(Romans 8:24-28] Hope IN:

  1. Who He IS
  2. What He DID
  3. And What He CAN DO
  • FORGIVENESS – the action or process of forgiving or being forgiven.
  • FREDOM – the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved.

Forgiveness is not an easy thing to talk about, nor is it an easy thing to do. 1) Jesus talked about forgiveness with His mouth. 2) Jesus demonstrated forgiveness with His life. 3) Jesus demonstrated forgiveness with His life. 4) Jesus manifested forgiveness in His death. Jesus manifested and demonstrated forgiveness at the most difficult time of His life (emotional, physical, and spiritual]. Jesus gave forgiveness to those who didn’t deserve it. Jesus talked about when He gave the Lord’s Prayer and He says it again from the cross.

“Jesus was God’s son. Everything He accomplished was because of God’s love and the Spirit that empowered Him.” The Power of the Cross produced ‘Redemption & Restoration’ – ‘Hope & Healing’ and ‘Forgiveness & Freedom’. The Spirit empowered Christ to say 7 things from the Cross. But when He said, “Father forgive them” it produced “Forgiveness and Freedom for all. There is freedom in forgiveness: 1) Christ forgave those who did not deserve it. 2) Those who did Him wrong. 3) Those who falsely accused Him. 4) Those that forsook Him.

HOW DID JESUS FORGIVE?

  1. He Confessed It.
  2. He Quoted Scripture.
  3. He Talked to God His Father.

FORGIVENESS IS A MUST!

  1. Forgiveness is a must for you to have unhindered relationships [God & man].
  2. Forgiveness is a must for you to have peace [it’s for you, not them].
  3. Forgiveness is a must for you to have freedom [it holds you captive not them].
    1. Forgiveness is for you.
    2. Forgiveness is for others.
    3. Forgiveness has to be given.
    4. Forgiveness has to be received.
    5. Forgiveness comes from God.
    6. Forgiveness brings FREEDOM!
  • RESURECTION – the action or fact of resurrecting or being resurrected:
  • RENEWAL – an instance of resuming an activity or state after an interruption:the state or process of being made spiritually new in the Holy Spirit.

THE CROSS PRODUCED RESURRECTION & RENEWAL – but the most amazing thing about Resurrection and Renewal is He has to “APPEAR” or “SHOW UP” to accomplish either or both. The most amazing part of the Resurrection is that: “HE APPEARED Mark 16:9 says; “Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared…”

He appeared to Mary Magdalene who He cast 7 demons out of… He appeared to the 2 on the Damascus Road who were hopeless and helpless. He appeared to James His brother who truly didn’t understand Him. He appeared to Paul who persecuted and killed Christians. And who was against the Christian church. He appeared to Thomas who doubted. And he appeared to Peter who denied Him three times (do you love me three times). The appearances are so important because it shows Christ alive, but it also shows how we can relate to all if not all these people and situation and it also shows God’s desire to relate to us… He keeps showing up! His appearance produced Resurrection and Renewal… Jesus resurrected their hope and renewed their belief.

Jesus Appearing Was:

  1. Personal (He appeared to people and related to them where they were)
  2. Patient (He kept showing up-even when people didn’t believe or expect it)
  3. Pertinent (logical evidence that pertained to Christ’s resurrection)
  4. Passionate (He was emotional and intense – “It is I” – “touch me”)
  5. Real (He met them where they were – He ate with them)
  6. Reassuring (He calmed – He didn’t condemn)
  7. Revealing (He shared and showed – they talked and touched)

He kept showing up and Jesus appearing “Resurrected” their Hope and “Renewed” their belief in Him. And He wants to do the same for you today!

This One Thing I Do

Posted on by Rob Collins in Blog

We have a membership at our local YMCA. Every year from January to about the second week of February the place is “jam packed” with people we usually don’t see on a regular basis. The cardio machines and nautilus equipment are seldom at a standstill and usually have a line waiting to use them. However, after February the place returns to normal and you can pretty much use any piece of equipment with no line or wait. I guess I might be speculating, but I think the increase of people at the YMCA probably has to do with New Year’s resolutions. Now I’m not making light of anyone’s effort. As a matter a fact, I believe any attempt at exercise or a healthier lifestyle is better than no attempt at all. Exercise is a great New Year’s resolution. However, for most of us its not about knowing what we should do to get the results we want. It’s about getting the desire to consistently do what we know we should do; so we can see the results we truly desire.

 I’m not one to set New Year’s resolutions or to always look at a New Year as a new beginning. Nonetheless, I do feel extremely excited for 2017 and the possibilities I sense it has for me and my family. But, with this in mind I truly believe that each day is an unfolding gift from God and every year is an opportunity for those days to unfold with endless possibilities. Nonetheless, I still pray that all your resolutions are fulfilled. For a resolution to be fulfilled it has to be more than just a wish list. It must have a plan of action. A resolution is made to create a result or resolve something until a different expectation is met. Paul give us a great “Spiritual Exercise” that will create great results and cause unlimited resolve if we will just heed to it’s words and apply it to our lives.

These words are found in Philippians 3:13-14: 13 Of course, my friends, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead. 14 So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God’s call through Christ Jesus to the life above. In this passage Paul says, “this one thing I do.” Maybe you are trying to hard? Maybe you are trying to many things at once? Don’t focus on everyone or everything. Focus on the things you are truly responsible for. Put effort into those things that you can change. Paul is very transparent in this passage. He tells us that he hasn’t already won the battle or totally obtained anything; but he still does this one thing! He forgets what is behind him. That’s the one thing he does. But, in these two verses he gives a formula for how to do it. This is a formula that will bring resolution and create lasting results.

Here it is: (1) Forget (2) Reach and (3) Run.

(1) Forget: to lose out of one’s mind by neglect; to not rehearse or recall continually. When you forget where you put your keys or parked your car; you forget by accident. If you are going to have peace you will have to forget on purpose!

(2) Reach: to stretch or strain until obtained or achieved.                                                        The reason must of us don’t receive what we desire is because we give up to easily. You may be closer than you think. Don’t give up on what God hasn’t given up on. And always remember: Because He is… You can… You will… and You are!

(3) Run: to press in; run swiftly in a race; to run away to flee or to run towards and catch. You will never obtain what you desire if you constantly run away form what matters or if you continually run towards what doesn’t! Don’t run after everyone or everything. You need to save your energy for the things and people that matter most.

Thoughts To Ponder As You (1)Forget, (2)Reach and (3)Run: 

  • You won’t lay hold of what’s next if you’re always looking back.
  • You won’t forget what you constantly talk about.
  • You won’t look to the future with hope if you are looking to the past in regret.
  • You won’t have peace for the future if you don’t have closure on the past.
  • You won’t possess “what is” if you always focus on “what could have been”.
  • You won’t find “right thing” if you are always focused on the “wrong thing”.
  • You won’t maximize the potential of a result if you minimize the probability of it coming to pass.

What the Birth of Christ Proves

Posted on by Rob Collins in Blog

“Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. I know for many this is not the case. However, no matter your view or reason why it is, or it is not, I pray that you and your family celebrate the true meaning of this season. It is also my prayer that you will receive the peace and love of God in a new and fresh way this year! During this time of the year I always read and reflect on the accounts of the birth of Christ.

Here are a few things that was revealed to me this year:

  • The Birth of Christ Proves Something Supernatural Can Come Upon Something Common and Make it Supernatural. Mary was a common maiden girl but when the Angel of the Lord overshadowed her with the favor of God; she became highly favored among all women.You and I have received Christ by grace through faith. He overshadowed us with His love and lives on the inside of us. Although we are common “flesh and blood” we are favored and blessed. The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives inside of you!
  • The Birth of Christ Proves God’s Redemptive Plan for His Creation. In the garden of Eden creation sinned through disobedience. God spoke and said, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; they shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise their heel.” What was sown in disobedience in the garden was going to be broken by Mary’s obedience by saying, “Nevertheless at thy word Lord.” The prophecy of the seed led to the promise of a savior! Jesus sealed that promise through His obedience saying, “Nevertheless not my will, but thy will be done.” God redeemed humankind through the seed of obedience and by an act of love.
  • The Birth of Christ Proves God’s Love For His Creation. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. God did not send His Son into the world to condenm us but that trhough Him we might be saved.” – John 3:16-17 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His Glory full of Grace and Truth. God revealed Himself to us through Christ. It was God’s love for His creation that sent Jesus to be born in a manger, with the purpose of dying on a cross for you and me. The wise men revealed this truth in the gifts they brought to Jesus: Gold – for The King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Frankincense – for our eternal and final High Priest; giving us access to God’s merciful throne of Grace. Myrrh – this is the oil used to anoint the bodies of the dead. He came in the form of a baby… Lived a sinless life as a man… Surrendered to death and rose victorious… He is seated at the right hand of God always making intercession on your behalf… He is for you… not against you… He was born for you… He died for you… And He lives for you… He loves you!
  • The Birth of Christ Proves God Doesn’t Want Anyone to Live in Fear. The first time fear was mentioned was in Genesis when Adam and Eve disobeyed. It says, “They were naked and afraid.” They hid themselves and clothed themselves with leaves from the trees; and every since that day mankind has been trying to cover themselves with man made coverings of camouflage called justification. In the Gospel accounts that record the birth of Christ it says several times, “Do not be Afraid.” It was spoken to Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Zechariah and to The Shepherds, “Do Not Be Afraid!” It was as if God was saying, “I am here now, you have no reason to fear.” God became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His Glory full of grace and truth. The truth is God’s grace was revealed and he covers us in His righteousness putting us in right standing with God. In the book of 1st John it says, “Perfect love casts out all fear.” There is no reason to hide. There is no reason to fear. His name shall be called Jesus for he shall save His people from their sin. He is Emanuel, God with us!

i am persuaded…

Posted on by Rob Collins in Blog, Messages

 

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In Romans 8 Paul ends this powerful chapter by saying he is persuaded that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Here is how the word persuaded is defined in the greek: Persuade– g3982. πείθω peithō; a primary verb; to convince (by argument); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); to assent (to evidence or approve), to rely (by inward certainty): — agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax), trust, yield.

Paul is persuaded that nothing can separate us! Romans 8 is convincing enough in and of its self. Here are some highlights: There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do God did by sending His own Son. The Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. For we were saved in this hope. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all.  It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither 1. death nor life, 2. nor angels nor principalities nor powers, 3. nor things present nor things to come, 4. nor height nor depth, 5. nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

After condensing thirty nine verses into the words above I want to look at v. 39. Paul says, “For I am persuaded that nether.” Neither means: that not one or not the other of two particular things. Paul is contrasting two extremes and he is persuaded because his comparison reveals the absolute. In other words: life and death and angels and demons and things that are happening, and things that are going to happen, and height and depth are all the absolute opposites and are extreme contrasts to one another in comparison. Paul is saying that life and death are extreme opposites and likewise with angels and demons, and today and tomorrow, and height and depth. He is saying that not one or not the other can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Nor anything in between! He is doing this through analogy and argument of contrast and is persuaded that neither can separate us.

Let’s look at the five comparisons in this *analogy– (*a comparison of two things): 1. Life can be frustrating and disappointing. Death can be somewhat dreadful because of the separation from loved ones and the unknown of eternity; but neither can separate you from the love of God. 2. Angels are powerful and do the work of God. Demons are evil and use fear and intimidation; but neither can separate you from the love of God. 3. Today (the things present) can offer its own challenges, and tomorrow (the things to come) can cause uncertainty; but neither can separate you from the love of God. 4. The highest height and the lowest depth are infinite and unknown; but neither can separate you from the love of God. Now Paul adds one more thing without comparison: 5. Any created thing. We humans are created in God’s image. Nothing that God has created, especially A PERSON can separate you from the love of God. People sometimes create are greatest problems. But nevertheless, NO ONE or NO THING can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus your Lord! Which brings me to my last point: Paul says, “In Christ Jesus our Lord.” If Jesus Christ is your Lord, He should be Lord of all, and if He is Lord of all, He is Lord over all! Therefore, He is Lord over anything that will try to come against you. Paul was persuaded by the personal evidence of his own experience. How about you?

1. When you are persuaded no one has to convince you.

2. When you are persuaded you will desire to persuade others.

3. When you are persuaded it will bring peace.