Year: 2011

“Faith is…” Series, Pt. 7 | Faith is… Consummating the Mission of God

“24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. (Colossians 1:24-29)

What does it mean to consummate? Webster defines consummate in this way: “To finish, complete, make perfect or achieve.” So the question that we have to ask ourselves is this: In what way, or in what sense, does God’s Mission need to be completed. What is lacking? Continue reading ““Faith is…” Series, Pt. 7 | Faith is… Consummating the Mission of God”

Thank God For “Unhappy” Blessings

You did not misread the title. Before I tell you what an unhappy blessing, I want to brag on a couple of the young ladies in my youth group. They led us in bible study during last night’s youth meeting and their subject was “Blessings.” They talked about the things that they were thankful to God for and the reasons that they saw these events, moments and situations as blessings. The other members participated and it was interesting to hear what they had to say.

They then turned the conversation to those events, moments and situations that do not feel like blessings when they are happening, but because of them we are drawn closer to God. They talked about how they struggled with what to call this and finally settled on the phrase “unhappy blessing.” Continue reading “Thank God For “Unhappy” Blessings”

9 Things That Would Have To Be True If God Became a Man

I just finished reading John Blanchard’s booklet “Why on Earth Did Jesus Come?” I found it to be refreshing and enlightening. (You can read my quick review here.)

One of the questions that Blanchard asks about God coming to earth in the form of a human being, in Jesus of Nazareth is this: “If God did become a man, what kind of man would he be?” That is a really good question. Blanchard provides nine. There may be others, but the nine that he gives are powerful and thought-provoking. I thought you might enjoy them.

If God became a man…

1. …he would be able to explain the Old Testament.

“21 You have heard … 22 But I say to you …” (Matthew 5:21-22)

“45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:45)

Continue reading “9 Things That Would Have To Be True If God Became a Man”

Book Review | Why On Earth Did Jesus Come?

In the booklet “Why on Earth did Jesus come?” John Blanchard tackles the long asked question about Jesus mission. The forty pages really do pack a punch. The discussion begins by exploring the Church’s selection and use of December 25th as the day to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Blanchard explains that the question surround Jesus birthday did not pick up momentum until the third century. For the next one hundred years eight dates were suggested with December 25 being selected because it served as a counter to a “Roman feast held on that day in honour (sic) of the pagan sun god” (pg. 4). Overall the book is a quick read and provides a succinct overview of some important doctrines and misconceptions surround Jesus’ life, ministry and mission.

The book covers many of the major issues regarding the birth of and the purpose for Jesus coming to earth. Here are is a short list of the subjects addressed

  1. The Virginity of Mary
  2. The Immaculate Conception of Mary
  3. The Incarnation of Christ (Theological and Biological Reflections)
  4. The Identity of Jesus (Prophetically, Biblically, Personally)
  5. The Biblical Doctrine of Sin and Depravity
  6. The Act and Process of Redemption in Christ

This is a wonderful resource for anyone that is interested in exploring any of the above topics. The life of Jesus is not something that we can learn enough about. The more we know about him the greater our understanding of his mission and victory over sin. And the more our love for our Savior grows.

Blanchard does not waste words trying to convince you of something that is false. Rather, there is a simple progression through the key ideas and challenges to the work and life of Jesus. While the content is rich, it does not get bogged down in technical jargon. I would strongly recommend this book for a new believer or even a maturing believer that is looking to be reminded of the miraculous life of Jesus.

Exit mobile version
%%footer%%