The magnificent excellency of Christ can be summed up in this powerful verse: “In Him was LIFE (zōē : the absolute fulness of life devoted to God), and the life was the LIGHT (phōs: the power of understanding) of men.” (John 1:4)
WE CAN BECOME ENERGIZED BENITA, BY RECEIVING;
- LIFE: We, “…were DEAD in our transgressions and sins, in which we used to live when we followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air (the devil), the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” (Eph. 2:1-2) Why were we dead? Because, “…ALL (every one of us) have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (Rom. 3:23) What are the consequences of our sin? “…the wages of sin is DEATH (eternal separation from God)…” (Rom. 6:23a) Thankfully, God has a gift for us, “…the gift of God is ETERNAL LIFE in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23) So, how do we get this LIFE? “REPENT therefore and be converted, that YOUR SINS MAY BE BLOTTED OUT, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…” (Acts 3:19) This is what is so wonderful about the Lord, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him SHOULD NOT PERISH BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him MIGHT BE SAVED.” (John 3:16-17)
WE ARE ENERGIZING BY BEING;
- LIGHT: “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that YOU MAY BECOME BLAMELESS AND HARMLESS, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you SHINE AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD, holding fast the word of life.” (Phil. 2:14-16)We shine as lights because, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill CANNOT BE HIDDEN. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it GIVES LIGHT TO EVERYONE in the house. In the same way, LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:14-16)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham