All posts by Larry

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Colossians 3:9-10 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

The greatest difficulty for historical Jews to overcome in seeing Jesus was this great mystery; how could God lower Himself to become man? It was and still is a great stumbling block of offense for many.

God says there was no other way. Man would never come to know the great mystery of His will if He did not do it Himself.

John 14:8-9 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

This was Christ’s example set before us in which we, being born again, a new creature, are expected to do the same. As hard as it was for the Jews to see God the Father in Christ Jesus, it seems difficult also for us to see and show Christ in ourselves. Yet that is what is expected.

Put of the old guy, put on the new, like it is clean clothes. Sounds great in principle but you are still you. We change, but we are still that human being that has the capacity to sin. This is true, but what Paul is asking of us here in Colossians 3 is to follow our inclinations. A new mind, and a new heart means a change in character, in inclination and intent.

I recognize that my nature is to be difficult, much more so if I have not had enough sleep. It is on days when I am tired that I have to take steps to not allow old habits to infect present relationships. That’s me, I recognize my weaknesses and try and avoid hurting others.

But I am not perfect in practice so it becomes necessary for my family to recognize my condition. This is why we need to show ourselves to our brothers and sisters in Christ that we fellowship with. To see and show Christ is easier if we can be seen for who we are as the imperfect person, all else is Christ.

 

Practical Christianity

Practical can be defined as; that which is in common practice.

Christianity can be defined as; living life as a Christian.

Put those two words together and I think that there would be a great debate as to exactly what then entails. If there was a general consensus on the matter we wouldn’t have so many denominations and a large segment of non-denominational denominations. We don’t all practice being a Christian the same way.

What I would like to put forth here in this devotional is a practical Christianity which works for everyone.

Given that Christ died so that we might have a personal relationship with God, make it personal. Take personal responsibility for your relationship. It is YOUR relationship, not mine.

Given that God is everywhere, you can worship God anywhere. You do not have to claim a label.

Since grace is the only thing given without measure, do not allow your relationship be defined by a measure of faith, talent, understanding, gifts, callings or title.

None of us are perfect. Take the full measure of effectiveness in forgiveness. It is given to remain in relationship.

God is perfect love. He cares more about you than anything you have done or can do.

To know who Christ is in you, you have to know who you are, so be honest with yourself about yourself. That does not mean to put yourself down when you fail, it means own up to it, get up and take the next step towards Christ.

There is nothing God doesn’t already know about you. There is a whole bunch of good stuff we do not know about God. If you love someone, don’t you want to get to know them better?

If anyone tells you that you have to do more than this to be righteous in God’s eyes, ask God to confirm that information. You have the right to ask.

1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

And verse 15 says He answers us.