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Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Today: The same Jesus?
Passage: Philippians 2
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!(Phil 2:5-8, NIV-emphasis added)
When people celebrate Christmas, are they celebrating the same Jesus, of whom Paul is writing to the Philippians?
What we see and hear many people preaching today: “is it the same Jesus that is mentioned in the Bible?
There is reason to think so, and we will find out that many are preaching a “different Jesus” today
When Jesus was answering heaven’s call to come down to this earth,
He was making a decision that cost Him so much
He left the glory of heaven, emptied himself of all that is in heaven and came to this lowly world, knowing that He was not going to be accepted here
If some of us go to Africa or India for ministry, we will have someone to receive us and help us. We may even get a “royal reception”
But when Jesus came here, Mary and Joseph had to run all over the land, to find a place where Mary could deliver the baby
This Jesus came to suffer and die; He came for others, not for Himself
He is our model; if we preach the true Jesus, we preach a gospel that is unwelcome for the world
Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, and the devil did not appreciate it
So, if we are preaching the same Jesus, devil will not welcome our gospel either
Otherwise, we will have to “modify” our gospel so that , which is what many Pastors and preachers are doing today
They put together a ministry that won’t hurt the devil that much
This way, no one is hurt and everybody (including the devil) will be blessed
The real Jesus, who came down into the world, is knocking at the doors of many churches, asking if He can come in (Rev 3:20, 21)
And the Church is like “Wait Jesus; don’t rush. We are busy worshipping”
The crown that Jesus promised, comes in the end
But we are used to “immediate benefits” and so, we are after that which gives immediate rewards. The Church is into business, but is not about God’s!
Jesus came into the world like a seed that falls on the earth and dies-from which a tree comes up, bearing fruit and giving shade and comfort to so many
He came down to our level so that we can go up to His!
When we are properly attached to Him, we will not be like how we are today
We will bear much fruit for Him
Many people will come to us and get really blessed
Many of us are tied-up to many things like our job, family and other stuff
Jesus once told the disciples to untie a colt so that He can ride on it
Are we ready to carry this Jesus-making Him known?
Jesus released us from the bondage of sin and He removed the yoke that the enemy had put on us
It is time to take His yoke upon us; it is time to take Jesus to where people are
God bless you day
BG
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you left the glory of heaven and emptied yourself, to be with us. You came to our level and to our neighborhood. Help to take you to those places and people who have not seen you yet. I’m sure they will be blessed. Amen