Here are two new Bible memory verses to work on this week.
Psalm 8:9 -- "O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth."
I John 1:9 -- " If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Friday, January 15, 2016
Weekend Sermon -- "Apostles' Creed" -- "I Believe in God"
Welcome to this edition of the Weekend Sermon. Thank you for reading the blog. I pray that everyone is doing very well and that everyone has had a good week.
This has been a good week for me. I received a good performance review at work, and I was awarded a year end bonus. I just want to thank the Lord for allowing me to have a job after being without for so long. I actually got a lot of writing work done this week. Please pray that I can continue with this.
In prayer this week, please pray for an end to the terrorism that is becoming so prevalent in our world. Also, let us continue to pray for peace. Pray for peace in Syria, Israel, Iraq and Central African Republic. Let us also pray for the message of Jesus to reach Indonesia, Maldives, Mongolia and Myanmar.
In last week's message, we examined the first creed of the early church which was "Jesus is Lord." This powerful statement means so much. I pray that Jesus is the Lord of your life.
Today, we are beginning a new series of messages on the Apostles' Creed. In the next few weeks, I want to take the Creed phrase by phrase and examine what it means. Although the Creed is short, it contains the essential elements of the Christian faith that we need to grasp and comprehend.
First of all, what is the Apostles' Creed . The Creed derives its name due to the fact that some believed that the 12 Apostles actually wrote the Creed. There really isn't any historical evidence for this. Instead, the Creed is really called the Apostles' Creed because it reflects the fundamental beliefs and the teachings of the Apostles, It is a statement of the essential beliefs of the church.
One thing that we should notice right away when when look at the Creed is its Trinitarian structure. There are sections regarding the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Also, the Apostles' Creed is not the only important creed developed by the early church. It is one of the most basic. Other important creeds that developed Christian belief were the Nicene Creed, the Chalcedonian Creed and the Athanasian Creed.
The first phrase of the Apostles' Creed sets everything up. It says, "I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth." Let's just look at the first part of this, "I believe in God", today.
Most people around the world believe in some sort of supreme being. There is something within people that wants to reach out to something that is bigger than they are. Here in my country, the United States, about 80 percent of the people claim to believe in God. There is a growing number of atheists and agnostics here in the United States and in Europe. I know that here in the United States, many atheists are becoming extremely hostile to any expression of faith, and there is a rapidly growing secularism in American culture.
When a Christian says that they believe in God. what does that mean. God has revealed Himself to posses certain attributes. First a note about the language we use to speak about God. Some want to use gender inclusive language when we speak about God. I will always refer to God as He because that is the way that He reveals Himself in Scripture. God is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. If God revealed Himself as He, that is how I will refer to Him. However, God is not a man. God is Spirit, and those that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth.
As I said, God has revealed Himself in Scripture as possessing certain attributes. One of these attributes is Omnipotence. This means that God is all powerful. Psalm 8 is a great passage of Scripture that speaks of the might and power of God. Various passages of Scripture refer to God as Almighty, and this too is reflected in the Creed.
God is also Omnipresent. This means that God is present everywhere. A wonderful passage expressing this is found in Psalm 139:7-12 where the Psalmist writes that there is no place that he can go where God's presence is not found.
God knows all things. He is omniscient. Jeremiah 1:5 is just one verse that speaks about how God knows all. God tells Jeremiah that before the prophet was formed in the womb, God knew him. Also, Romans 8:29 speaks of the omniscience of God. God foreknew from eternity past everyone who would call upon the name of Jesus to receive salvation.
One other important attribute of God is His immutability. This means He does not change His essential character and nature. In Malachi 3:6 God says, "I am the Lord, I change not." Hebrews says about Jesus, who is God come in the flesh that, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever."
This just barely scratches the surface of who God is. God is the awesome King of the universe. May His name be forever honored and praised.
There is one question that I would like to ask though. Do we really believe in God? I am not convinced that that many people really do believe in God. I think that there are many practical atheists because many people live in such a way that they don't seem to believe that God really does exist.
If we really believed that God sees and knows all, would we really live the way that we do thinking that there are no consequences for sin. Maybe we think that God really doesn't see.
Also, God is the Supreme Being. He is the absolute lawgiver, and He has revealed Himself in His word and ultimately through the person and teachings of Jesus the Son. However, very few even attempt to follow the life and teachings of Jesus.
I think that the statement "I believe in God" is something that all of us really need to think about before we just say that we believe it. We need to examine ourselves and see if we really do believe in God and if Jesus Christ really is our Lord.
Next week, I want to look more deeply into the fact that God is Almighty and that He is the creator of Heaven and Earth. The verses will be posted on Tuesday this week due to the Martin Luther King holiday here in the United States. I hope to have a review on Wednesday. May God bless you all. Amen.
This has been a good week for me. I received a good performance review at work, and I was awarded a year end bonus. I just want to thank the Lord for allowing me to have a job after being without for so long. I actually got a lot of writing work done this week. Please pray that I can continue with this.
In prayer this week, please pray for an end to the terrorism that is becoming so prevalent in our world. Also, let us continue to pray for peace. Pray for peace in Syria, Israel, Iraq and Central African Republic. Let us also pray for the message of Jesus to reach Indonesia, Maldives, Mongolia and Myanmar.
In last week's message, we examined the first creed of the early church which was "Jesus is Lord." This powerful statement means so much. I pray that Jesus is the Lord of your life.
Today, we are beginning a new series of messages on the Apostles' Creed. In the next few weeks, I want to take the Creed phrase by phrase and examine what it means. Although the Creed is short, it contains the essential elements of the Christian faith that we need to grasp and comprehend.
First of all, what is the Apostles' Creed . The Creed derives its name due to the fact that some believed that the 12 Apostles actually wrote the Creed. There really isn't any historical evidence for this. Instead, the Creed is really called the Apostles' Creed because it reflects the fundamental beliefs and the teachings of the Apostles, It is a statement of the essential beliefs of the church.
One thing that we should notice right away when when look at the Creed is its Trinitarian structure. There are sections regarding the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Also, the Apostles' Creed is not the only important creed developed by the early church. It is one of the most basic. Other important creeds that developed Christian belief were the Nicene Creed, the Chalcedonian Creed and the Athanasian Creed.
The first phrase of the Apostles' Creed sets everything up. It says, "I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth." Let's just look at the first part of this, "I believe in God", today.
Most people around the world believe in some sort of supreme being. There is something within people that wants to reach out to something that is bigger than they are. Here in my country, the United States, about 80 percent of the people claim to believe in God. There is a growing number of atheists and agnostics here in the United States and in Europe. I know that here in the United States, many atheists are becoming extremely hostile to any expression of faith, and there is a rapidly growing secularism in American culture.
When a Christian says that they believe in God. what does that mean. God has revealed Himself to posses certain attributes. First a note about the language we use to speak about God. Some want to use gender inclusive language when we speak about God. I will always refer to God as He because that is the way that He reveals Himself in Scripture. God is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. If God revealed Himself as He, that is how I will refer to Him. However, God is not a man. God is Spirit, and those that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth.
As I said, God has revealed Himself in Scripture as possessing certain attributes. One of these attributes is Omnipotence. This means that God is all powerful. Psalm 8 is a great passage of Scripture that speaks of the might and power of God. Various passages of Scripture refer to God as Almighty, and this too is reflected in the Creed.
God is also Omnipresent. This means that God is present everywhere. A wonderful passage expressing this is found in Psalm 139:7-12 where the Psalmist writes that there is no place that he can go where God's presence is not found.
God knows all things. He is omniscient. Jeremiah 1:5 is just one verse that speaks about how God knows all. God tells Jeremiah that before the prophet was formed in the womb, God knew him. Also, Romans 8:29 speaks of the omniscience of God. God foreknew from eternity past everyone who would call upon the name of Jesus to receive salvation.
One other important attribute of God is His immutability. This means He does not change His essential character and nature. In Malachi 3:6 God says, "I am the Lord, I change not." Hebrews says about Jesus, who is God come in the flesh that, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever."
This just barely scratches the surface of who God is. God is the awesome King of the universe. May His name be forever honored and praised.
There is one question that I would like to ask though. Do we really believe in God? I am not convinced that that many people really do believe in God. I think that there are many practical atheists because many people live in such a way that they don't seem to believe that God really does exist.
If we really believed that God sees and knows all, would we really live the way that we do thinking that there are no consequences for sin. Maybe we think that God really doesn't see.
Also, God is the Supreme Being. He is the absolute lawgiver, and He has revealed Himself in His word and ultimately through the person and teachings of Jesus the Son. However, very few even attempt to follow the life and teachings of Jesus.
I think that the statement "I believe in God" is something that all of us really need to think about before we just say that we believe it. We need to examine ourselves and see if we really do believe in God and if Jesus Christ really is our Lord.
Next week, I want to look more deeply into the fact that God is Almighty and that He is the creator of Heaven and Earth. The verses will be posted on Tuesday this week due to the Martin Luther King holiday here in the United States. I hope to have a review on Wednesday. May God bless you all. Amen.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Review -- "Paddington"
Today, I am not reviewing a book. Instead, I would like to recommend a DVD I watched last week that I really enjoyed. I'd never read any of the Paddington Bear books when I was a child. I don't know why since they were available. However, I saw the newer film about Paddington Bear in the library, so I decided to watch it last week on one of my days off.
I really enjoyed this movie. I thought the story was good and humorous. This film makes good family viewing for all ages. The two main human stars in this movie are Hugh Bonneville best known from his work on "Downton Abbey" and Nicole Kidman. Bonneville is the father of the family who looks after Paddington in London after Paddington arrives from Peru. Kidman plays the films villain who wants to add a talking bear to her collection in the natural history museum.
I've heard that a sequel is planned to this film, so that is something to look forward to.
I really enjoyed this movie. I thought the story was good and humorous. This film makes good family viewing for all ages. The two main human stars in this movie are Hugh Bonneville best known from his work on "Downton Abbey" and Nicole Kidman. Bonneville is the father of the family who looks after Paddington in London after Paddington arrives from Peru. Kidman plays the films villain who wants to add a talking bear to her collection in the natural history museum.
I've heard that a sequel is planned to this film, so that is something to look forward to.
Monday, January 11, 2016
Verses For the Week
I hope everyone was able to memorize the verses from last week. Here are this week's verses.
Psalm 46:1 -- "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
James 1:27 -- "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."
Psalm 46:1 -- "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
James 1:27 -- "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."
Friday, January 8, 2016
Weekend Sermon -- "The First Creed"
Welcome to this edition of the Weekend Sermon. I hope and pray that all of you are having a wonderful start to the new year.
I have taken a couple of days off from work at the beginning of the year. I am feeling better, and I am hoping for a good 2016.
As we go to prayer this week, please pray for those suffering as a result of the flooding in the United States and Great Britain. Here in my country, many people have lost their homes as a result of the floods. Let us also continue to pray for peace in the world. Pray for peace in Libya, Syria and Iraq.
Let us also continue to pray for the spread of the message of Jesus around the world. This week, let us pray for the nations of Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Chad.
As I mentioned last week, I have several series of messages that I plan to deliver here on the blog in 2016. The first series of messages is going to be on the Apostle's Creed. However, before we start that series, I want to bring a message today on what was the first creed of the early church. It is a simple statement, but it has profound meaning.
The first creed of the early church was a three word statement, "Jesus is Lord." This three word statement of belief changed the world, and it still changes lives today.
First of all, what does that title Lord mean? One of the meanings of this title is ruler. To be the lord over something means that you rule over it. You have authority over it. If you are the lord over something, it also means that you are the master over something. You have the power over it. To accept someone's lordship means to accept their leadership over your life. They have your allegiance and obedience.
Jesus said that He was the Lord. In John 13:13, Jesus says, "You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am." The disciples also called Jesus Lord, and He never told them that He was not the Lord.
After the Apostles were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, Peter rose up to speak to the people that had gathered. In Acts 2:36 Peter proclaimed Jesus' Lordship by saying, "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this; God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah." The Apostle's proclaimed Jesus as Lord of all.
Now what does it mean when we say "Jesus is Lord." It means two things at least. On the personal level when we declare that Jesus is Lord, we are saying that our allegiance now belongs to Jesus Christ. We have pledged our faith and our obedience to Jesus.
Before we came to faith in Jesus, our loyalty was to another leader. We were all part of the kingdom of darkness. We followed the the prince of this world the father of lies.
However, when the Holy Spirit convicted us of sin, we realized who Jesus is and what He had come to do for us. We repented of our sins and turned to Jesus in repentance and faith. We believed in the power of His death and resurrection to transform our lives. We turned from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of His glorious life and light.
Coming to Jesus is not just accepting Him as Savior. When we come to Jesus, we must accept Him as the Lord of our lives as well. We must accept Him as our Sovereign. We must be willing to obey Him and follow in the way that He leads. We are no longer our own. We belong to Christ.
Now the question on a personal level is this, is the statement "Jesus is Lord" just an empty statement, or does it really mean something in your life? Jesus said that there would be many people at the last judgment who would say to Him "Lord, Lord". However, Jesus will say to them, "Depart from me, I never knew you."
The fact of Jesus as Lord of our lives is evidenced by our willingness to follow Jesus. As Jesus says in Luke 6:46, "Why do you call me Lord, Lord, but you don't do the things that I say?" Having Jesus as Lord means acknowledging Him and turning from all others. This was something that had profound meaning for those in the early church.
In the early days of the church, the Roman emperors thought that they were gods. They demanded that people say "Caesar is Lord." This is something that true Christians could not and would not say. Christians will only acknowledge that Jesus is Lord. Because of their refusal to acknowledge Caesar as opposed to Jesus as Lord, thousands of early Christians were killed for their confession of Jesus Christ.
On a personal level, when we say that "Jesus is Lord", we are saying that we pledge our allegiance to Jesus Christ above anything and everyone else. We will follow Jesus even if it means that we must go against our nation and our friends. It may cost us our very lives to acknowledge only Jesus as Lord.
Now, the statement "Jesus is Lord" also has a meaning on a cosmic level. Because Jesus accomplished all that the Father gave Him to do, Jesus has been exalted to the Father's right hand. Philippians 2:9 says that Jesus has been given the name that is above every name. This name is the name Lord. Jesus is Lord of all the universe right now whether people acknowledge Him as their Lord or not.
Revelation chapters 4 and 5 show the glory and honor and power that rightfully belongs to Jesus who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
One day, when Jesus comes again in power and great glory, something marvelous will happen. Philippians 2:10-11 describes it this way, "At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father."
At some time, every one will bow the knee to Jesus and proclaim Him as Lord. Jesus will rule and reign in righteousness forever and forever. That will truly be a wonderful day.
"Jesus is Lord." What a powerful statement. I hope that you have made Jesus Christ the Lord of your life. If not, please do so today. Maybe you are a Christian, but you have slipped away from what you know Jesus would really want you to do. Turn back to Him, and let Him lead you today.
On Monday, we will continue with our Bible memorization project. I will post a review on Wednesday, and we will begin our series in the Apostle's Creed in the next Weekend Sermon. May God bless you all. Amen.
I have taken a couple of days off from work at the beginning of the year. I am feeling better, and I am hoping for a good 2016.
As we go to prayer this week, please pray for those suffering as a result of the flooding in the United States and Great Britain. Here in my country, many people have lost their homes as a result of the floods. Let us also continue to pray for peace in the world. Pray for peace in Libya, Syria and Iraq.
Let us also continue to pray for the spread of the message of Jesus around the world. This week, let us pray for the nations of Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Chad.
As I mentioned last week, I have several series of messages that I plan to deliver here on the blog in 2016. The first series of messages is going to be on the Apostle's Creed. However, before we start that series, I want to bring a message today on what was the first creed of the early church. It is a simple statement, but it has profound meaning.
The first creed of the early church was a three word statement, "Jesus is Lord." This three word statement of belief changed the world, and it still changes lives today.
First of all, what does that title Lord mean? One of the meanings of this title is ruler. To be the lord over something means that you rule over it. You have authority over it. If you are the lord over something, it also means that you are the master over something. You have the power over it. To accept someone's lordship means to accept their leadership over your life. They have your allegiance and obedience.
Jesus said that He was the Lord. In John 13:13, Jesus says, "You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am." The disciples also called Jesus Lord, and He never told them that He was not the Lord.
After the Apostles were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, Peter rose up to speak to the people that had gathered. In Acts 2:36 Peter proclaimed Jesus' Lordship by saying, "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this; God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah." The Apostle's proclaimed Jesus as Lord of all.
Now what does it mean when we say "Jesus is Lord." It means two things at least. On the personal level when we declare that Jesus is Lord, we are saying that our allegiance now belongs to Jesus Christ. We have pledged our faith and our obedience to Jesus.
Before we came to faith in Jesus, our loyalty was to another leader. We were all part of the kingdom of darkness. We followed the the prince of this world the father of lies.
However, when the Holy Spirit convicted us of sin, we realized who Jesus is and what He had come to do for us. We repented of our sins and turned to Jesus in repentance and faith. We believed in the power of His death and resurrection to transform our lives. We turned from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of His glorious life and light.
Coming to Jesus is not just accepting Him as Savior. When we come to Jesus, we must accept Him as the Lord of our lives as well. We must accept Him as our Sovereign. We must be willing to obey Him and follow in the way that He leads. We are no longer our own. We belong to Christ.
Now the question on a personal level is this, is the statement "Jesus is Lord" just an empty statement, or does it really mean something in your life? Jesus said that there would be many people at the last judgment who would say to Him "Lord, Lord". However, Jesus will say to them, "Depart from me, I never knew you."
The fact of Jesus as Lord of our lives is evidenced by our willingness to follow Jesus. As Jesus says in Luke 6:46, "Why do you call me Lord, Lord, but you don't do the things that I say?" Having Jesus as Lord means acknowledging Him and turning from all others. This was something that had profound meaning for those in the early church.
In the early days of the church, the Roman emperors thought that they were gods. They demanded that people say "Caesar is Lord." This is something that true Christians could not and would not say. Christians will only acknowledge that Jesus is Lord. Because of their refusal to acknowledge Caesar as opposed to Jesus as Lord, thousands of early Christians were killed for their confession of Jesus Christ.
On a personal level, when we say that "Jesus is Lord", we are saying that we pledge our allegiance to Jesus Christ above anything and everyone else. We will follow Jesus even if it means that we must go against our nation and our friends. It may cost us our very lives to acknowledge only Jesus as Lord.
Now, the statement "Jesus is Lord" also has a meaning on a cosmic level. Because Jesus accomplished all that the Father gave Him to do, Jesus has been exalted to the Father's right hand. Philippians 2:9 says that Jesus has been given the name that is above every name. This name is the name Lord. Jesus is Lord of all the universe right now whether people acknowledge Him as their Lord or not.
Revelation chapters 4 and 5 show the glory and honor and power that rightfully belongs to Jesus who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
One day, when Jesus comes again in power and great glory, something marvelous will happen. Philippians 2:10-11 describes it this way, "At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father."
At some time, every one will bow the knee to Jesus and proclaim Him as Lord. Jesus will rule and reign in righteousness forever and forever. That will truly be a wonderful day.
"Jesus is Lord." What a powerful statement. I hope that you have made Jesus Christ the Lord of your life. If not, please do so today. Maybe you are a Christian, but you have slipped away from what you know Jesus would really want you to do. Turn back to Him, and let Him lead you today.
On Monday, we will continue with our Bible memorization project. I will post a review on Wednesday, and we will begin our series in the Apostle's Creed in the next Weekend Sermon. May God bless you all. Amen.
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Book Review -- "Poirot and Me"
One of my favorite mystery television programs was Poirot which aired on PBS here in the United States. David Suchet is a great actor, and he has provided the best portrayal of Agatha Christie's detective that has ever been done.
In "Poirot and Me", David Suchet goes into great detail about his time playing the role of the Belgian detective. Suchet gives insight on how he was first chosen for the role, and he relates how the episodes were produced.
What I found most interesting in the book was Suchet's description of the way that he prepared for the role. He read all of Agatha Christie's Poirot books and stories. He then prepared a list of all of the important characteristics of Poirot that he wanted to bring out in the episodes. Suchet demonstrates how a serious actor prepares and takes his work to heart.
One thing that I would have like to have read more of in the book is about the relationship between Mr. Suchet and the other actors who were regulars in the earlier episodes. We are given some information, but I was left wanting more. I thought that Hugh Fraser did an excellent job as Hastings, and I would have liked to have read more about him.
I enjoyed reading "Poirot and Me" very much. If you have never watched any of the Poirot films with David Suchet, I urge you to watch them. There are 13 seasons of episodes. Suchet filmed every Poirot book and story penned by Agatha Christie.
In "Poirot and Me", David Suchet goes into great detail about his time playing the role of the Belgian detective. Suchet gives insight on how he was first chosen for the role, and he relates how the episodes were produced.
What I found most interesting in the book was Suchet's description of the way that he prepared for the role. He read all of Agatha Christie's Poirot books and stories. He then prepared a list of all of the important characteristics of Poirot that he wanted to bring out in the episodes. Suchet demonstrates how a serious actor prepares and takes his work to heart.
One thing that I would have like to have read more of in the book is about the relationship between Mr. Suchet and the other actors who were regulars in the earlier episodes. We are given some information, but I was left wanting more. I thought that Hugh Fraser did an excellent job as Hastings, and I would have liked to have read more about him.
I enjoyed reading "Poirot and Me" very much. If you have never watched any of the Poirot films with David Suchet, I urge you to watch them. There are 13 seasons of episodes. Suchet filmed every Poirot book and story penned by Agatha Christie.
Monday, January 4, 2016
Verses For the Week
Today, we are going to start on a year long effort to memorize 100 verses from the Bible. We will work on two verses per week. Some of the verses will be very familiar. You may already have them memorized. If so, it will be a good refresher. For our memory purposes, I am going to use the New King James Version of the Bible which is my favorite.
Genesis 1:1 -- "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
John 1:1 -- "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
Genesis 1:1 -- "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
John 1:1 -- "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
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