When we want to learn a new language, perhaps the first thing we do is go buy a book and learn some of the words. But this method is kind of stale, boring and takes a long time.
We then might go out and buy tapes/CDs on the language and listen to it, which seems better than the book.
But if we are really going to learn the language, experts all agree that the best way to become knowledgeable of the language is to do one thing. That is immersion. What is immersion? In this case it is to fully put yourself in the culture of the language. Surround yourself with people that speak that particular tongue. The more you do this and immerse yourself daily, over long periods of time, you will best pick up the language.
When it comes to living as a Christian, putting on the new life in Christ, the same principle comes into play.
Of course we could read books about being a Christian (not bad to do); or we could listen to tapes/CDs of teachings of our new life in Christ (better yet).
But if you really want to live like Christ walked, you need to immerse yourself into being around others who walk the Christian talk; you need to attend fellowships where not only do you learn more about living the love of God, but you see it and can even exercise it yourself with others. In other words, throw yourself into the lifestyle by not only reading God’s Word or listening to it, but get involved with believers who want to grow and live the Christians lifestyle. Immerse yourself with others in fellowships (be it meetings or informal gatherings of the saints).
Don’t stick your big toe in the water if you want to get wet. Jump in and really get wet with Christ. Put Him on all the time.
Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Colossians 3:10, 12 & 14: And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
Hebrews 10:24 & 25: And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Agape,
Bob
God invented something so perfect, we could not mess it up. And what is so marvelous is how it can benefit the believer in so many “credible” ways.
Think about it... If the Creator of the Heavens and Earth initiated a whole new way to communicate with Him and introduced it for the very first time on the Day of Pentecost, it must be monumental. Keep thinking about it...God is perfect, so if He invented something, it would be perfect.
How would you like to pray or communicate to the Heavenly Father perfectly?
How would you like to make perfect intercession for your loved ones and fellow saints?
How would you like to edify yourself perfectly?
How would you like to give thanks well perfectly to the Heavenly Father?
How would you like to talk divine secrets?
How would you like to have the perfect assurance that you are a son of God?
How would you like to magnify God perfectly?
What is this grand invention that allows you to do all these things? Speaking in Tongues.
God in His matchless Word encourages everyone to speak in tongues (I Cor.14:5) and commands that no one forbid it (I Cor.14:39). And why not speak in tongues much in light of what God has done to make it available and to benefit the relationship between the believer and God.
I think about the Old Testament means of connecting with God and all the rigmarole that came with it. They had to have this huge building, with special curtains and furniture. Only a special few people were even allowed to approach God; and only on special times.
Today all I need to do to perfectly connect with God is speak in tongues.
Now do you see why I am always encouraging people to speak in tongues?
Thank you Heavenly Father for your grand invention!
Agape,
Bob
Little members can teach big lessons. This was the case with my wife’s little toe.
A number of weeks ago, Jeanie unfortunately jammed her foot into the corner of a table. The results was a painful, bruised little toe. It really bothered her for over a week, until she finally went to the doctor to be informed it was broken.
What was the solution to fixing it? Nothing really, except to let it heal itself. There was one suggestion that really had healing results. That was to tape it to the toe next to it. By doing this, the little toe had a splint that protected and kept it from being moved around impeding its healing.
What can we learn from this parable? Whenever you are hurt, attach yourself to someone in the body that can give you support and encouragement to heal. The reality is, we are all members of the one Body of Christ.
I Corinthains 12:14-18, 22 & 23:
For the body is not one member, but many.
If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
by, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
Romans 12:5
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
What have we learned? We belong to the one Body of Christ. If anyone has a problem, they should seek out help—a bigger toe—to help overcome their situation.
Agape,
Bob
I wonder how many words have been spoken around the world? Many of them are insignificant, others are significant enough to determine life and death for many people. Having checked the dictionary for the largest number, the result was centillion. This number is 100 with 100 zeroes behind it!. I am sure this number pales to what man has communicated over time to one another.
Considering all the words that have ever been spoken, there are two phrases consisting of nine words that have changed the course for all mankind.
The first phrase consist of words: "He is risen!" This was stated by an Angel to Mary at the grave site of Jesus Christ.
The resurrection is the most magnificent act God did to benefit mankind up to that time in history. Jesus Christ gave up His life on Calvary to save all mankind. God raised Him from the dead, to offer the gift of eternal life with the Heavenly Father. The resurrection is the crux of Christianity.
I Peter 1:3,4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
There are no greater, powerful, life giving words than "He is risen."
What about the second phrase? These four words give man the most awesome and expectation possible!
These words were spoken again by an Angel, when Jesus ascended to be at the right hand of the Father.
"He is coming back."
Acts 1:11
which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Nothing, absolutely nothing, can over shadow, negate or prevent Christ coming back for us.
This should cement our conviction to stand for the Heavenly Father. No greater assurance exist then: "He is coming back." This should motivate us for a lifetime.
As we use words to communicate, do not forget the seven fantastic words that affirm our salvation and give an assuredly for the rest of our life.
Agape,
Bob and Jeanie
Weight loss in 30 days, weight gain in 30 days, intellectual advancement in 30 days, grow larger muscles in 30 days, grow more hair in 30 days, replace all your cells in 30 days, on and on - Wow there are many challenges to enhance our lives, just in 30 days!
There is one 30 day challenge we have been doing in San Diego that is more beneficial than all of the above ones.
It is called the 30 Day Bible Journaling Challenge by Jan Magiera. As you open up this file you will see 30 verses, one for each day. This is how to do it:
That is it. There is actually more she had us do. You can check our website for the March Sunday teachings by Jan Magiera and see what they are.
This is a wonderful way to get God's Word in your head.
Ah, I almost forgot. She encouraged us to use the verse of the day for that day. In other words, look to do it or be it or share it with others.
EXAMPLE: Colossians 3:15: And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, [We only did this part of the verse].
And: also, in connection with,
Let: allow, give permission to,
he peace: that quiet acquiescence, restfulness, satisfying easy feeling,
of God: by the Heavenly Father, the Creator of the Heavens and earth, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
rule: measurement of excellence take place, have place, govern,
in your: within your being, in me, myself and I,
hearts: inner self, inner being where I believe and think, my place of passion,
My "amplified" translation: "Also in connection with (after putting on the love of God and letting the peace of God rule in my heart) allow or give permission for the quiet acquiescence of my Heavenly Father Who created the heavens and earth, govern or have place in my inner being of where I think and believe."
The point is, to have fun with this and really get into what words mean and then take them to heart.
Enjoy working God's Word!
Agape,
Bob