Re: Verse reading—John 15:1-17 (day seven)
” You have already been cleansed (pruned) by the word I have spoken to you”–v 3. Truth hurts! Sometimes. Maybe this is why the Bible describes the Glorious Christ as having a “sharp two-edged sword coming out of his mouth”–Revelation 1:16. What He has to say is usually not pleasant to hear! In another place, the Bible describes itself with the same words. “The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword”–Hebrews 4:12. None of us should be surprised, then, if hearing Christ is uncomfortable. The disciples had certainly experienced this discomfort. His words had pruned their attitudes and values, challenged their unbelief and self-centeredness. In the same way, His word convicts us and calls us to reach toward the eternal purposes of Holy God. Comfortable? No. Loving? Yes. He uses His sharp knife to cut away all that is inconsistent with His glory and our good. And all the people said, “Ouch”!
Tag: Holy God
Attributes of God
Tenth Day of Advent
1 TIMOTHY 1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Attributes, qualities, characteristics. When you read the Word of God do you look to see who God is in the passage or do you get caught up in “What is God trying to say to me?” and fail to see WHO GOD IS? In the above passage, you could get caught up in thinking about sin and how you have sinned against God. But look closer into this passage. Do you see Christ … Jesus … Savior …mercy … patience … eternal life … King … immortal … invisible … the ONLY God?! In focusing on the attributes of God, you will find yourself in worship, immersed in the presence of Holy God. You will acknowledge your great need for mercy … salvation … eternal life. You will find yourself in a state of gratefulness and humility, knowing the great provision of an eternal home with Holy God. The next time you open up the Word of God, look for WHO GOD IS and see how through worship he will speak clearly to you about who you are to Him.
Larry L. Boggs
Re: Verse reading – John 3:1-21