“Blessed” is a word that we Christians often use to describe how we’re feeling anytime we are particularly aware of how good God has been to us. But as often as the word gets used, how might you define a “blessing” to someone who doesn’t go to church or doesn’t even believe in God? Jesus’ opening words in his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) offer us some guidance in answering this question. First, you will notice that all the people Jesus mentions, are blessed because of something they have received from God rather than achieved for Him. Blessings are always gifts – freely given. Therefore, blessing rules out the possibility of boasting (1 Corinthians 1). Second, you will notice that all the blessings spoken by Jesus (except the final two) are in the future tense. They are based on a future promise that has not yet been fully realized. Many of our greatest blessings are hidden in circumstances that may be outwardly painful and hard — like grief, financial hardship, and unresolved conflict. So often it’s only in these lowest moments in life when our vision of heaven comes into focus and our hope of eternal life becomes strong. Understanding this definition of blessing as a hidden gift from God -freely given and future focused- helps us keep a right perspective on life. Even on our worst days, we remain richly and deeply blessed.
This message was preached by Dr. Earl Johnson, Jr. at Grace Bible Baptist Church. We are located at 1518 N. Rolling Road, Catonsville, Maryland 21228 (410-788-6132). Everyone is welcome to attend all services and events. We also invite you to view our weekly television program, The Everliving Story, Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. on Channel 54 and Cable Channel 14. For more information, log on to www.GraceBibleBaptist.org.
The Devil went down to Jerusalem (Matthew 4:1-11) 1. The Devil has a plan for your life! Matthew 4:1-4 (NIV84) 2. The Devil is a theologian Matthew 4:5-6 (NIV84) Matthew 4:7 (NIV84) 3. Don't be the Devil's spokesperson Matthew 4:8-9 (NIV84) Matthew 4:10-11 (NIV84) 4. Humanity has already failed the test...
The gift of human life is a precious gift from God. Despite our frailties and fallings, God wants us to be his hands and voice for those who are most in need and vulnerable in our society today. We are to cherish God's children because they are precious to him.
Why do Christians suffer? Suffering is a part of God's plan for us. It is not intended to make us fail but to make our faith stronger in God. If you are going through something that is painful in your life, you can be sure that God understands your pain. He desires for you to drew nearer to Him and to trust in Him to deliver you. Humbly seek Him in prayer, wait patiently on Him and He will incline His ears to you cry. He will deliver you!
Some people would say that the way to succeed is to recruit the best, biggest, and brightest. But Jesus chose ordinary, middle class fisherman to spread his Gospel throughout the world.
Jesus came to the Jordan to fulfill all righteousness, to find out who he was, and to take away OUR sins. This event was God's way of telling the world who Jesus was and his purpose for being on earth. Most Christians are concerned that is is our failures that will define who we were during our earthly lives. But through baptism, God is telling us that we have been saved and all our failures have been forgiven in Jesus' name.
Part 3 of a 4 part series on Christian Liberty, delivered by me in March of 1990. I find it constantly amazing that statements made in 1990 are so fresh for today. However, the nature of man doesn't change nor does God or His remedy for man's sinful nature.
1 Introduction 2 Is it a sin to eat unclean meat? 3 clean and unclean for the Jew only? 4 What goes in does not defile a man
Everyone always wants to get healthier right? I have a close friend who had a weight problem, digestive problems, and bowel problems. When he accepted the truth of this simple Biblical diet (which is not a diet as we would think of a diet for losing weight), his digestive issues are gone, his bowels are back to normal, he lost over 11 pounds quickly, and he says he feels better all around.
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