Word in Christ

We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us (2 Corinthians 4:7). Eastern kings of ancient times used to store all their treasures in earthen pots. A crude tin lamp can cast a bright light and a tattered book can contain lofty thoughts  − in the same way these plain earthen pots became the bearers of precious treasures. This is exactly what it is like in the kingdom of God: plain fishermen became disciples; the bearers of God's treasures. Paul compares our lives to these earthen vessels in which we carry the glorious message of the Gospel of Christ. Life surrounds us with problems and obstacles, while Christ surrounds us with His glory. The earthen vessel is the image of human frailty and mortality, of fallibility, contamination and impurity, but it is also an image of the Potter's ability to recreate our lives with His hands, to the glory of God. When God calls us as disciples, we shrink back because we are so intense...

"Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). Far too often God's Word is read haphazardly, even by His committed children. It is almost as if the Bible has become a good luck charm or just a document. Treating the Bible in this disrespectful and disconcerting way has not only impoverished the church, but has also resulted in spiritual shallowness in many believers. It is the direct result of disobedience and lack of discipline. The Bible is not an anthology containing interesting proverbs and speculative theological suggestions. No, it is God's Word, conveying a true message and it should be read in a disciplined, logical manner. It comes directly from God and His power emanates from it when it is fully understood. Amos R. Wells expressed it as follows: I supposed I knew my Bible, reading piecemeal, hit and miss, Now a bit of John or Matthew, now a snatch of Genesis; certain chapters of Isaiah, certain Psalms (t...

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). Just before our Lord's ascension He was deeply aware of His disciples' sadness at the prospect of His departure. They were stunned but Jesus understood man's need and He promised them a Helper,  "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever  – the Spirit of truth" (John 14:16-17). Sadness and sorrow are concrete realities. How well do we not know that! That is why these words spoken by the Lord are such a glorious comfort. He was indeed the Man of Sorrows, who was well acquainted with grief. Is there need or shortage in your home? Jesus didn't even have a place where He could lay His head (Luke 9:58). Have friends disappointed you? His friends betrayed Him (Luke 22:48 and 58). Do you battle with sorrow? In Gethsemane Jesus experienced such anguish that His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground (Luke 22:39-46). Are ...

Celebrate Jesus John 13:1-17 Jesus reveals a new way of exercising authority through love, service and humility. In this dramatic way, he bridges the gap between those in leadership and those under their leadership. Forgiveness the washing and cleansing is a sign of forgiveness  − cleansing from sin. Foot-washing is a picture of what Jesus is about to do on the cross for them (v.7). Through Jesus' death for you, you are totally forgiven. Why then does Jesus teach us to pray regularly for forgiveness? I find the most helpful analogy and picture is the one given here. When Jesus moved to wash Peter's feet, Peter said, "No, you shall never wash my feet," Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me" (v.8). Peter replied, in effect, 'Well, in that case, wash my whole body.' Jesus said, 'Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean' (v.10). This is a picture of forgiveness. When y...

The Lord Forgives And Forgets Praise the Lord, who forgives all our sins and heals all your diseases (Psalm 103:2-3).  Billy Graham said that God casts our sins into the depths of the ocean. But we take a boat and row to that spot to do some fishing! I gratefully accept Your forgiveness, O Lord. I remind myself continually of this fact and cannot stop thanking You. Amen. Solly Ozrovech

Luke 24:39 'Look at my hands and feet.' Even after his resurrection he still carries the scars of his suffering into eternity.   Nicky Gumbel