Unveiling the True Purpose of Jesus' Mission: From the Law of Moses to Eternal Salvation

Jesus’ objective on the earth was to initially save His people from their sins. His people were the Jews, who were trying to obey the Law of Moses. The Law of Moses was the Ten Commandments, which later included 613 laws that derived from the original ten.

Although it sounds like an oxymoron, when God gave the Ten Commandments, it wasn’t intended to make the people good. The Law’s ultimate objective was to show people their sins, and demonstrate their need for a Savior (Romans 3:20, Galatians 3:19, AMP).  In doing so, it brought sin to the forefront, amplifying the sinfulness of the people. The Law illustrated a glaring separation between God—Who is perfect—and human beings, who are not (2 Corinthians 3:7, 8). The Law was impossible to obey.  For instance, if a person broke just one of the laws, he was guilty of breaking them all (James 2:10). And when he did, curses, death, guilt, condemnation, and various punishments followed (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). The Jewish people sacrificed animals as sin offerings, which temporarily atoned for sin, but it did not permanently bridge the gap between God and mankind (Hebrews 9:11-29).  

The Law is good, perfect, and just because it came from God, Who is good, perfect, and just (Romans 7:7-14). However, the problem with the Law is that it cannot make people good. It constantly shows people their weaknesses, sins, and flaws. Thank God for Jesus being our Savior! “But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons”(Galatians 4:4-5).
Jesus laid down His life as the final and eternal sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:13-14). He took upon His body all the wrath and judgment due to mankind. In other words, He traded places with us. Now, we are eternally loved and forgiven because of Jesus. He serves as the bridge between a perfect God and us. Jesus walked the earth as the personification of grace and truth. When He was born, sin and death reigned upon the earth, but now because of His sacrificial death, grace and truth reigns!

Does this truth give us liberty to continue in sin with no consequences? (Romans 6:1-2, AMP). Of course not! Sin brings upon us all kinds of natural consequences, and causes us to lose confidence in our relationship with God. Sin makes us feel guilty and condemned. It causes us to want to hide from Jesus. However, His grace is sufficient. It gives us the strength to not sin. Ultimately, God’s love and grace turns us away from sin. 
Another powerful benefit of the eternal sacrifice of Jesus is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Once we are saved, the Holy Spirit dwells within us and sheds abroad the love of God in our hearts (Romans 5:5). He is our Guide, and when we yield to His leadership, we will no longer have the desire to sin (2 Corinthians 3:18). 

Jesus’ eternal sacrifice freed us from the Law forever! And whom the Son sets free is free indeed!

Exploring the Attributes of God: Understanding the Eternal, All-Powerful, Good, Near, Loving, and Holy Nature of God

In our faith journey, it is essential to understand the nature of God. He is the foundation of our belief, and a deeper understanding of who He is can bring greater meaning and purpose to our lives. In this blog post, we will explore six attributes of God that are essential to know and understand.

1. God is eternal. He is not limited by time and is not subject to change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He said, "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14). Moses wrote: "Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God" (Psalm 90:2).

2. God is all-powerful. He is the creator of all things and possesses infinite power and authority. He said to Abram, "I am God Almighty" (Genesis 17:1). God's power is shown by His speaking the earth into existence. "Let there be light," and there was light" (Genesis 1:3).

3. God is good. He is the source of all good things, and His goodness is reflected in all of His creations. "He himself gives all men life and breath and everything else" (Acts 17:25). Our English words "God" and "good" are related. "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" (James 1:17).

4. God is near. He is not distant or removed from us but is always present and available to us. "For in him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). "He is not far from each one of us" (Acts 17:27).

5. God is love. He is the embodiment of love and demonstrates it through His actions. He sent His only begotten Son down to our world to live among us and to die for us on the cross. Love gives, and "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

6. God is holy. He is perfect and righteous, and He requires holiness from His followers. "Without holiness, no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14). He will correct those who are not holy, but this is for our own good and to lead us closer to Him. God warns us of the dangers of not living right, and this He does because He does not want us to be destroyed by our own stubborn wills.

In conclusion, understanding the attributes of God can bring greater depth and richness to our faith. As we meditate on His eternal, all-powerful, good, near, loving, and holy nature, we can come to know Him more fully and experience the abundant life that He desires for us. May we continue to seek Him with all our hearts, and in doing so, experience the fullness of His love and grace.

Discover the Transformative Power of Salvation through Faith in Jesus Christ

The message of salvation is at the heart of Christianity, and it is a message that is truly life-changing. In the Bible, we see that God sent His son Jesus to be the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, so that we can be made right with Him. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, we have the opportunity to be born again as sons and daughters of God, and to live our lives in righteousness.

John 1, Hebrews 2, and 1 John 3 all talk about the Son of God becoming the Son of Man, so that we can be born as sons of God. In a sense, we change places with Jesus - He takes our place in death, so that we can take our place with Him in life. This is the message of salvation that is offered to us through the grace of Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:21 says that Jesus takes our sins so completely that we "become the righteousness of God." This is a powerful statement that speaks to the transformative nature of salvation. Through faith in Jesus, we are made holy and perfect forever. Hebrews 10:10 and 14 also reinforce this message, stating that we have been made holy through the sacrifice of Jesus' body, and that He has made us perfect forever through one sacrifice.

However, this message of salvation is not about us being at the center of our religion. It is not about depending on ourselves and our own works to please God. In fact, when we do this, our sins and pride make us the target of God's anger. As Jeremiah 17:5 states, "Cursed is the one who trusts in man." The key to salvation is stepping away from this curse by depending on the grace of Christ. We must let Him into the center of our lives, and trust in His sacrifice to save us.

Titus 3:4-5 states, "When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." This passage reminds us that our salvation is not based on our own efforts or works, but on the mercy and love of God. It is through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit that we are saved.

In conclusion, the message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is truly life-changing. It offers us the opportunity to be born again as sons and daughters of God, to live in righteousness and to be made holy and perfect forever. It is not about us, but about trusting in the sacrifice of Jesus and depending on His grace to save us. Let us embrace this message and let Jesus into the center of our lives.

Uncovering the Unique Characteristics of Jesus Christ: Understanding the Savior of the World

Jesus Christ is a central figure in Christianity, and there are many unique characteristics of Jesus that set Him apart from all other religious figures. The Bible provides us with a clear understanding of who Jesus is and what He accomplished for us. In this blog post, we will explore 7 unique characteristics of Jesus Christ, supremacy and sufficiency as outlined in the Bible.

1. The image of God: Colossians 1:15 states that Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. This means that Jesus is the exact representation of God, and that in Him, we can see the nature and character of God.

2. The firstborn of all creation: In Colossians 1:18, we see that Jesus is the firstborn of all creation. This means that He is the first and the most important of all that God created. In Him, all things were created, and He is the foundation of all that exists.

3. The eternal one: Colossians 1:17 states that Jesus is eternal and that nothing began before Him. He is the eternal God, who has always existed and will always exist.

4. The head of the church: Colossians 1:18 states that Jesus is the head of the body, the church. This means that He is the leader and the foundation of the church, and that He holds all authority in the church.

5. The firstborn from the dead: Colossians 1:18 also states that Jesus is the firstborn from the dead. This means that He is the first to rise from the dead, and that He is alive and will never die again.

6. The Creator: Colossians 1:16 states that Jesus is the Creator, and that all things were created through Him and for Him. This means that He is the one who brought all things into existence, and that He is the source of all life and beauty.

7. The conciliator: Colossians 1:19-20 states that Jesus is the conciliator, who reconciled all things to God, whether on earth or in heaven, through His death on the cross. This means that He is the one who made it possible for us to be reconciled to God, and that He is the only way to have a right relationship with God. He is the fullness of God, He is God in the flesh, and all the fullness of the deity dwells in Him, in bodily form.

In conclusion, Jesus Christ is a unique figure in history and in the world of religion. The Bible provides us with a clear understanding of who He is and what He accomplished for us. He is the image of God, the firstborn of all creation, eternal, the head of the church, the firstborn from the dead, the Creator, and the conciliator. These characteristics of Jesus make Him the only way to have a right relationship with God. He is the only one who can save us from our sins, and give us eternal life

Taking Responsibility for Your Life: How the Bible Teaches Us to Become Champions

Becoming a champion is not an easy task, but with the right mindset, focus, and discipline, it's possible to achieve success. Achieving success requires more than just hard work and determination, it requires a change in perspective and a understanding of the principles that lead to victory. Here are 10 steps to becoming a champion, all of which are based on biblical teachings.

Exercise proclamation:

Proclamation means positive talk. In order to achieve success, you must first believe in yourself and your abilities. This is reflected in 1 Samuel 17:45, where David says to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied."

Winners are persistent:

Don't give up, keep trying until something happens. Winners don't let their past mistakes cripple them.

Recognize the power of partners:

Having a support system is crucial to achieving success. Jesus had 12 disciples, as reflected in Mathew 18:19, "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." And as Ecclesiastes 4:12 states, "And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him--a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

Be clear why you are here:

Knowing your purpose is essential to achieving success. Living a life without a purpose is a shortsighted goal, be clear on your purpose here on earth.
Take 100% responsibility for your life: Don’t blame other people for where you are. In Romans 14:12, it states "So then each of us will give an account of himself to God." And in 1 Corinthians 11:28, "Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup." This means that we must take full responsibility for our actions and the choices we make in life.

Develop a winning mindset.
Your mindset is a powerful tool that can either propel you to success or hold you back. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and always strive to improve and learn. Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.

Set specific and measurable goals.
Having a clear idea of what you want to achieve is essential to becoming a champion. Set specific and measurable goals for yourself, and work towards them consistently. Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

Learn from failures.
Champions don't shy away from failure, they learn from it and use it to improve themselves. Failure is a necessary step on the road to success. James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Stay focused and disciplined.

Becoming a champion requires discipline and focus. It's important to stay focused on your goals, and to be disciplined in your actions and habits. 1 Corinthians 9:27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Celebrate your successes.

Champions don't just focus on the end goal, they also celebrate the small wins along the way. It's important to take time to celebrate your successes, and to acknowledge the hard work and effort you've put in.

Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

By implementing these principles, you will be well on your way to becoming a champion in your own right. Remember, success is not a destination, it's a journey. Keep working hard, stay focused, and trust in the Lord to guide you on your path to greatness.

7 Traits of a True Friend: A Bible-Based Guide to Friendship

When it comes to friends, there are a few characteristics that truly define what it means to be a "good" friend. Here are some key traits to look for in a true friend, along with relevant Bible verses:

1. Comfort and support during difficult times. One of the most important roles of a friend is to offer comfort and support during difficult times. Whether it's a breakup, a loss, or a tough time at work, a true friend will be there to offer a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. As it states in Job 2:11, "Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, they came each from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They made an appointment together to come to show him sympathy and comfort him."
2. Devotion. A friend should be someone who is dedicated and devoted to their relationship with you. This means they'll be there for you, even when things get tough or you're feeling down. As stated in Job 6:14, "A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, even though he forsakes the fear of the almighty
3. Unconditional love. A true friend loves you for who you are, without any conditions or expectations. They accept you for who you are and don't try to change you. John 15:13 states "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
4. Transparency and honesty. A good friend should be open and transparent in their communication with you. They should be willing to speak honestly and constructively, even if it may be uncomfortable. Proverbs 27:6 states "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy."
5. Help and support when you're down. A friend should be there to help and support you when you're going through a tough time. They'll offer a helping hand and be there to lift you up. Proverbs 17:17 states "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
6. Intimate knowledge of your affairs. A true friend has a deep understanding of your life and experiences. They know you well and are able to offer valuable advice and guidance. John 15:15 states "No longer do I call you servants,[1] for the servant[2] does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."
7. Making your life better. A friend's presence in your life should make it better. They offer good advice and counsel that can improve your life. Proverbs 27:9 states "Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel."

In conclusion, a true friend is someone who embodies all of these qualities and more. They offer comfort and support during difficult times, are devoted to their relationship with you, love you unconditionally, communicate openly and honestly, help and support you when you're down, have intimate knowledge of your affairs, and make your life better through their presence and advice. It is important to surround ourselves with people who have these characteristics as they are the ones who will be there for us in good and bad times. As Proverbs 18:24 says "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

Catching a Vision: A Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding and Achieving God's Will for Your Life

Vision is a personal revelation of God's plan for your life. It is different from ambition, which is driven by your own desires and goals. Vision requires obedience to God and is achieved through His power.

There are many benefits to having a clear vision for your life. Some of these include:

1. Vision is the starting point for great journeys and accomplishments. With vision, nothing can stand in your way and you will stand out from the crowd.
2. Vision provides a picture of the future and gives you access to the blessings and promises God has for you.
3. Vision gives you insight into what God wants you to do with your life. In Jeremiah 1:11-12, the Lord says to Jeremiah, "You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it."
4. Vision helps you stay focused and choose the right friends and associates, as you will be drawn to those who share your vision and goals.
5. Vision opens the door to divine favor and blessings.

To catch a vision for your life, there are certain steps you can take:

1. Ask God for His plans for your life. In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus says, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."
2. Cultivate a strong desire for God's plan for your life. Proverbs 7:7 says, "I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgement."
3. Spend time in fellowship with the Word of God and constantly read the Bible. In Luke 4:17, we see Jesus reading from the scroll of Isaiah.
4. Develop a meek and teachable spirit, as God directs the meek.
5. Seek fellowship with the Holy Spirit and be open to His leading and guidance. In Acts 13:2, the Holy Spirit speaks to the church and sets apart Barnabas and Saul for a specific work.
6. Work on maintaining a quiet spirit and stillness before God. In Ezekiel 1:1, the prophet Ezekiel sees visions of God while by the Chebar canal among the exiles.
7. Cultivate an unquenchable love for God, as this will be the foundation for all else.

By following these steps, you can gain a clear vision for your life and move forward in the direction that God has for you

Walking in Righteousness: The Power of Desire

In today's world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and lose sight of what truly matters. However, as believers in Jesus Christ, it's important to have a desire to walk in righteousness and to strive to live a life that pleases God.

One way to do this is by hungering and thirsting for righteousness. As Matthew 5:6 states, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." When we have a deep desire for righteousness, we will be filled with the truth and guidance that we need to live a godly life.

Another important aspect of living a righteous life is feeding on God's word. Psalms 119:9 reminds us that we can keep our way pure by living according to God's word. This means taking the time to read and study the Bible, and allowing it to shape our thoughts and actions.

Prayer is also an essential part of living a righteous life. Hebrews 5:7 tells us that Jesus offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. By following Jesus' example and pouring out our hearts to God in prayer, we can experience the same kind of salvation and redemption that Jesus did.

Another important aspect of living a righteous life is applying the blood ordinance. Hebrews 9:12-14 reminds us that Jesus entered into the holy places once for all by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. Through the blood of Jesus, we can be purified from dead works and serve the living God with a pure conscience.

Finally, sincerity is essential for living a righteous life. It's important to approach our relationship with God with an open and honest heart, being truthful and transparent in our thoughts, words, and actions. When we are sincere in our faith, we can be sure that we are pleasing God and living a life that is in line with his will.

In conclusion, as believers, we should strive to walk in righteousness of God, by desire, feeding on God's word, prayer, application of blood ordinance and sincerity. This will help us to live a life that pleases God and brings us closer to him

The Power of God's Word in Demolishing Spiritual Strongholds

Stronghold refers to a spiritual fortress where Satan and his followers hide to protect themselves. These strongholds can exist in our thinking patterns and ideas that govern individuals, churches, communities, and missions. In order to claim victory, these strongholds must be dismantled. The powerful weapons of the word of God and the spirit of God can effectively destroy these strongholds.

On one hand, a stronghold can serve as protection for us against the devil, as when the Lord becomes our stronghold (Psalm 18:2). However, in the context of the mind, a stronghold can also serve as a defense for the devil, where demonic or sinful activity is defended within us by our sympathetic thoughts towards evil.

A demonic stronghold is a type of thinking that elevates itself above the knowledge of God, giving the devil a secure place of influence in an individual's thoughts and life.

Deliverance

This comes when we humble our minds. As Matthew 12:43-45 states, "When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation."

It is important to note that our mind should not be left unoccupied. The demon we are fighting uses our thoughts to protect its access into our lives. We can combat this by dealing with carnal thought systems that act as strongholds for the enemy (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). Every form of habit of sin in a believer has its roots in carnal, unholy thinking, thereby keeping demonic activities in the area of such life where Satan feeds on sin. The process of dismantling these strongholds begins with repentance (Mark 6:12-13).

How to maintain a healthy mind

It is important to constantly meditate on the word of God, confess God's word loudly, walk in the consciousness of God's presence, be aware of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, and walk in the fear of God by saying no to sin. Philippians 4:8 advises, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.”