Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Reflection - Remember Jesus Christ

Source (book): "Faithful to the end", Question 3, Page 80.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012

 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David
PHOTO: "Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David" (2 Timothy 2:8). This statement points to both the divinity and the humanity of the Lord. This dual emphasis on the divinity of Jesus proven by His resurrection and His humanity as a descendant of David.
Painting by Greg Olsen, Lost no more, Never Alone
Jesus Christ, The Good Shepherd, IN THE WORLD, NOT OF THE WORLD by Greg Olsen
Posted by Helena Lehman on Sunday, 02 February 2014 at 2:57 AM
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbg7-BVoRnJn_4MTzNCBndnwurCCnFKiSbVl4GO54TZaB6Kw6z9xuAZRBGNffFwhpNN41aCUjiggK-445y_Lu3rBwzNGEq1u_BM8pI7P09iF17qHdHzV9LiQghOnggG9I3B1wokuywTk8/s1600/greg-olsen-good-shepherd.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrdnMai43dIdFXqEiWAwIyEMWW-WF0IAfmWg2yRrNozakTJMLk-IWEX5S_bvHU58k_ziT29ATgOKfagwvI5jNBhNIQYr_uw7OQ63qR1Boyx-RHwHOFRdhG2YW8ktyfduiBXwQa307yjU/s1600/greg-olsen-good-shepherd.jpg
http://pillarofenoch.blogspot.sg/2014/02/a-sheep-without-shepherd-or-shepherd.html


"Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David" (2 Timothy 2:8). Why is it important to remember Jesus Christ? How do we do this? What happens when we forget or marginalise Him? Reflect on the divinity and humanity of Christ. Why is this truth so important for Christian doctrine and practice? Do your own research about heresies in the early church that arose from misunderstanding who Jesus is (e.g. Ebionitism, Gnosticism, Arianism). Response in prayer to this question of Jesus: "Who do you say I am?" (Matthew 16:15).

"Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David" (2 Timothy 2:8). Why is it important to remember Jesus Christ?
An Exhortation (encouragement) to be Faithful [1]
We are not excused from exerting (applying) human effort if we desire the blessing of God's insight
With these three powerful metaphors (The Devoted Soldier, The Disciplined Athlete, The Diligent Farmer) of the Christian life and ministry, Paul urged Timothy to be faithful. He asked the younger man: "Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this" (2 Timothy 2:7). Even here, Paul puts together human reflection and divine illumination. We are not excused from exerting (applying) human effort if we desire the blessing of God's insight.


We are not excused from exerting (applying) human effort if we desire the blessing of God's insight

PHOTO: We are not excused from exerting (applying) human effort if we desire the blessing of God's insight
"Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this" (2 Timothy 2:7).
Paintings by Ron Dicianni, "The Cross"
Posted by footsoldiers4christ
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3jOCwbmqYA5hia44o2x7lUnhswITH8yjm8VURJRBGD0Y3-wGxY1z1iVJg2x3IgOBRGKZgfTJjOkX0aIhdH0vL1uXmJLw9U58WfY30VRJ4aNSQCR6JpGR4Ts6xB0YP-6wrB96oH53TFo/s1600/thecross.jpg
https://footsoldiers4christ.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/thecross.jpg
https://footsoldiers4christ.wordpress.com/2012/06/21/


"The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them" (Psalm 25:14)
No one becomes biblically insightful without effort put into Bible study and reflection. There is no spiritual comprehension for the person who does not spend time prayerfully mulling over spiritual truths. Unhurried thought and prayer will be rewarded with God's counsel and wisdom. Paul was speaking from experience, for he had gained his insights of the gospel as he studied the Scriptures and spent unhurried time in the presence of God. Surely, God's promise in Psalm 25:14 is true - "The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them".


The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his convenant known to them

PHOTO: "The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them" (Psalm 25:14)
No one becomes biblically insightful without effort put into Bible study and reflection. There is no spiritual comprehension for the person who does not spend time prayerfully mulling over spiritual truths.
Posted by hkbible.com, Bible study materials
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqt5cjQYb4rtKgv6p1vvFzk74Mf929kRU43geqE1xUn702PrlZzkHqDIp8mTMpebRLNYlTHskdrgAzM7abWG-wnVmAnB1ruT-cr04hWRv-McqA8eKB1gl8mmcoXYWTA15wSeNEhTEUk0/s1600/11.HTM2.gif
http://www.hkbible.com/SystematicTheology/11.HTM2.gif
http://www.hkbible.com/SystematicTheology/11.htm


Proper perspective of things will help us to be devoted to our Lord, and be disciplined and diligent in all that we do for Him
Timothy was to spare no effort in digging into God's truths, exercising self-disciplined responses to God's grace, and applying all due diligence in his pastoral labour. What was the Lord saying to Timothy through Paul? Doing ministry and serving the Lord is not a luxury cruise. This is especially a message that must be applied in our day where we find increasing evidence of religious consumerism. The Christian life is not a luxury cruise but a rescue boat. This proper perspective of things will help us to be devoted to our Lord, and be disciplined and diligent in all that we do for Him.


Proper perspective of things will help us to be devoted to our Lord, and be disciplined and diligent in all that we do for Him

PHOTO: Proper perspective of things will help us to be devoted to our Lord, and be disciplined and diligent in all that we do for Him
The Christian life is not a luxury cruise but a rescue boat.
Posted by Yetenek Avcisi
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sHTft40gKrliGQJrL9JQWbJaRMJWt928wNNktjBVNAYOMc5MdI9yEcXd8BGycp8eZeheRRrkaYSZ9XBRTU1c4GzamblvVWINaw9-ZeKW65VLK4FG2_udEOemtXSI0t8nV77p_eZD3Ks/s1600/False-media.jpg
http://yetenekavcisi.com.tr/media/342/646/551/False-media.jpg
http://yetenekavcisi.com.tr/tr/blog-4.html


Develop a profound understanding of Jesus and the triune God as well as His eternal rescue plan
It is easy to slacken and forget our mission. Hence Paul urged Timothy to "remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David" (2 Timothy 2:8). This statement points to both the divinity and the humanity of the Lord. This dual emphasis on the divinity of Jesus proven by His resurrection and His humanity as a descendant of David is repeated in Romans where Paul made  a similar summary of the gospel of Jesus (Romans 1:1-4). Paul confidently states it as "my gospel" for which he was chained as a criminal (2 Timothy 2:8). No suffering or earthly ignominy could diminish the lofty truths about Jesus, the deep reflection of which will help us to develop a profound understanding of Jesus and the triune God as well as His eternal rescue plan. Time spent meditating on Jesus is time well spent. [1]


Develop a profound understanding of Jesus and the triune God as well as His eternal rescue plan

PHOTO: Develop a profound understanding of Jesus and the triune God as well as His eternal rescue plan
"Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David" (2 Timothy 2:8). This statement points to both the divinity and the humanity of the Lord. This dual emphasis on the divinity of Jesus proven by His resurrection and His humanity as a descendant of David.
Posted by Exiled Preacher, Guy Davies on Thursday, 07 October 2010
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRuOxQZYOBe1U-TPXhSH6FTTwdFHYf48Yvo7rkh6uRkoUdPjpg97qJlDOTB5OTP-QF4bqNqX51FMD65NT7dA0vps6cTH4b8Wls6kwR8knMF7h6qtMgZXsax_wfBlSkFr2g73YZqCai-U/s1600/Who+is+jesus.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIdWKq74URhyphenhyphensWimOuYos98LS_RrfTCei9dg-iOfv6pTNDyT0Blz7LjLJZJxVx4uotwqktpOUp0HyyKqEGZxJRS6sUyWIkTToghekX_0ZTgfz7re4ZaY0AW5xFltzLN4x1NRR7mhOoAg/s1600/Who+is+jesus.jpg
http://exiledpreacher.blogspot.sg/2010/10/pts-evangelistic-leaflet-who-is-jesus.html


How do we do this (remember Jesus Christ)?
Endure everything (suffering) [1]
We are therefore called to "remember Jesus Christ". Are we not supposed to do this at the Lord's table? Yet, how often do we truly remember Jesus at the table? Have we instead treated the sacrament too lightly or as merely a ritual? We are to remember Jesus like Paul, who looked at his chains amid deep thoughts about Jesus and His gospel and wrote poignantly (touching): "I am suffering . . . But God's word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything" (2 Timothy 2:9-10). God's messenger can be imprisoned, but not God's message! Paul would be very disturbed if he were to visit some modern churches and find little of such life-changing and radical remembering of Jesus, and little of such suffering and enduring.


Endure everything (suffering)

PHOTO: Endure everything (suffering)
Sometimes you may feel like giving up, but those are the times when you must remember that Jesus Christ is walking along with you all the way, and that you just don’t realize it, but He is there to turn to whenever you need help. He’ll help you up the steepest hills and over the thorny parts of the road. He’ll hold your hand when you’re too tired, and He’ll carry you when you’re exhausted. He’ll tell you which path to choose when you come across a fork in the road and don’t know which path to continue.
Painting by Greg Olsen, "Be Not Afraid"
Posted by Stenila (Pure Faith) on 28 October 2012
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN97liDdm1xy_83lK_i5-nJVrQyrFpyzx0qon5Ov70E7taFALULo74pIbmwrB2b_D1Nbp1fJCpGXqeY547V0lrCrIk50x7fzYjpz-Q-h6RD2affG6Hz2_KLwZYeEPCOfp6qKsao0ewMng/s1600/jesus20helping.jpg
https://stenila.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/jesus20helping.jpg
https://stenila.wordpress.com/2012/10/


Lean on God's mercy and grace
This deep remembering and tough resilience do not come by sheer mental strength or moralistic duty. They are possible only by the grace of God. Hence Paul urges Timothy to "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:1; one of 25 times that Paul urges Timothy to be strong). It is His grace that makes us strong, resilient, tough, and have a no-nonsense attitude to the ministry Christ has called us. Even, and especially, timid Timothy could lean on God's mercy and grace as he remembered God's promises. "He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might, He increases strength . . . those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength" (Isaiah 40:29, 31 NKJV).


Lean on God's mercy and grace


PHOTO: Lean on God's mercy and grace
This deep remembering and tough resilience do not come by sheer mental strength or moralistic duty. They are possible only by the grace of God. His grace that makes us strong, resilient, tough, and have a no-nonsense attitude to the ministry Christ has called us.
Paintings by Gyula Benczúr in the Hungarian National Gallery, Christ on the Mount of Olives, 1919, Category:Agony in the Garden
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-SjNEILzfd0s57fA47l-z0rXeGtIti3BsLp97R-o5S7iXaPOTNRLJFHFwjZ6WUoIlNMo7l6djQxykmw9z0BR8a555K7UAL6eIGFQZmQ7vM1Osy-qFNHnC_mISyne-lIkq_XyYSQvcJ0/s1600/Bencz%25C3%25BAr_Christ_on_the_Mount_of_Olives_1919.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0a/Bencz%C3%BAr_Christ_on_the_Mount_of_Olives_1919.jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bencz%C3%BAr_Christ_on_the_Mount_of_Olives_1919.jpg


Die to the self and entrust ourselves to Christ in whom we find new life (baptism)
The grace of God is further illustrated in the "trustworthy saying" Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:11-13. This is a series of four statements (a quatrain -  four lines, especially one having alternate rhymes), probably taken from an early Christian hymn [11]. The first sentence: "If we died with him, we will also live with him", deals with our conversion and baptismal experience (Romans 6:8) when we die to the self and entrust ourselves to Christ in whom we find new life. For Paul, this would have taken on an added significance as he prepared to die for Christ and looked forward to spending eternity with the Lord.


Die to the self and entrust ourselves to Christ in whom we find new life (baptism)

PHOTO: Die to the self and entrust ourselves to Christ in whom we find new life (baptism)
 "If we died with him, we will also live with him".
Painting by Yongsung Kim, The Hand of God, "Calling"
Posted by Catholic, spirituality
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFCSurP-YonMVlIvnnNPcCj0VP8XJ_eylRfW-M2v7agbbULGr0P8kfiUF1Iu8DvNnV9I4gKH0cUw58kChQSwwl5DBB5iJVxk8bXEerE-nq3VpaDat80oi1bOoQoBoyBQbDYss0mveJX0/s1600/8e9231933abde8552faf3851009b2fd4-1.jpg
https://melaniejeanjuneau.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/8e9231933abde8552faf3851009b2fd4-1.jpg?w=716&h=932&crop=1
https://melaniejeanjuneau.wordpress.com/2014/08/01/learning-to-have-fun-again-in-7-quick-takes/


Endure suffering and remain faithful to the Lord
The second statement deals with the need to persevere through the inevitable suffering that comes upon believers: "If we endure, we will also reign with him." Paul had repeatedly urged Timothy to endure suffering and remain faithful to the Lord. Now, he himself looked forward to the glorious experience of reigning with his Lord. [1]


Endure suffering and remain faithful to the Lord

PHOTO: Endure suffering and remain faithful to the Lord
"If we endure, we will also reign with him."
Posted by Sthe, Photo taken on 03 July 2013
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgE9nQrKP6ASiy3KmF0Y4Z-9hy0xA4f4HMXFZI9X2vk_4Q6lwushwKIm3yYd1_a8jhEVayNszepYdM6ctg923TpwZe-s2iAYkq27LcQeiDK6l3yAcHXwO524rcV7YBlUcd939rRfTSyo/s1600/9201890402_c0bfe964ea_c.jpg
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5492/9201890402_c0bfe964ea_c.jpg
https://www.flickr.com/photos/29653141@N05/9201890402


What happens when we forget or marginalise Him?
"If we disown him, he will also disown us." [1]
The third phrase sounds a warning to believers who do not endure and persevere. It states: "If we disown him, he will also disown us." Timothy would have been reminded of similar words said by the Lord himself - "But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven" (Matthew 10:33). It would be the most terrible experience if, on that day, the Lord disowns us by declaring "I never knew you" (Matthew 7:23) or "I don't know you" (Luke 13:25; Matthew 25:12).


If we disown him, he will also disown us

PHOTO: "If we disown him, he will also disown us"
The Lord himself said - "But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven" (Matthew 10:33). If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us (2 Timothy 2:12).
Posted by fatherofloveandmercy on 10 March 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqih9ClbbUfAhJU8aMniTf-WpyqqWBLQzy8EJNLhOIFwD7J2LG7cmI3AJ22Givlf-PJBzJ1vLCqMv0U8E59sKmC33mR5WYdZ4KRAt7jLjZSII5KSf5giDkSgHZOfx_QUOXoKjwHxbLQA/s1600/one_nation_under_god1.jpg
https://fatherofloveandmercy.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/one_nation_under_god1.jpg
https://fatherofloveandmercy.wordpress.com/2015/03/10/the-holy-bible-will-become-almost-impossible-to-find/


"If we are faithless he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself." [1]
The final statement id the most difficult to interpret. "If we are faithless he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself." If one become apostate (renounces a religious), what would God do to him? Some interpret "he will remain faithful" as God would be true to His righteous character and justly punish those who become faithless. Other suggest that the fourth line, while it does sound a warning, actually ends on an encouraging note. Though we may be faithless, God's grace would overcome our unfaithfulness, when "our reliability, our stickability, our resolve, our determination to remain 'faithful' in the sense of 'loyal' - will waver and wobble from time to time" [12]. Even so, this must "never be taken as an escape clause for apostasy (the abandonment or renunciation of a religious)" [13]. Or as New Testament Scholar Gordon Fee suggests, God's "overall faithfulness to his gracious gift of eschatological (The department of theological science concerned with 'the four last things: death, judgment, heaven and hell') salvation for his people is not negated by the unfaithfulessness of some . . . Some have prove faithless, but God's saving faithfulness has not been diminished thereby." [14]


If we are faithless he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown (deny) himself.

PHOTO: "If we are faithless he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown (deny) himself." (2 Timothy 2:13)
Though we may be faithless, God's grace would overcome our unfaithfulness. We will waver and wobble from time to time [12]. God loves you whether you like it or not. This must "never be taken as an escape clause for apostasy (the abandonment or renunciation of a religious)" [13].
Posted by Daily Devotionals on 14 December 2012
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6ppwrafJxoXw8ZqB97YZAB9eh_NXU3KsPJpNtMlOG9uV4BS1PTtVbj_ufX_pjDODfl5Tt3-4uy62Ox7M_qAYIfA4_x-ASUBTb79b8CD_n8x3Dbb6t0fUx4Vm4NbBuSmy_GyV4Hbg6U/s1600/god.jpg
http://bocsupportnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/admin/2726/14/god.jpg
http://bocsupportnetwork.com/advantage-2-gods-faithfulness-romans-33-4/


Reflect on the divinity (godly) and humanity of Christ. Why is this truth so important for Christian doctrine and practice?
These truths warn (that unfaithfulness will be punished), encourage (we will not be able to thwart God's larger plan), and inspire (by God's purposes and plans)[1]
Paul's "trustworthy saying" points to the faithfulness of Christ, that He will fulfill His promises, Faithfulness and suffering for him in this life will be rewarded in the next. Unfaithfulness will be punished, but will not be able to thwart His larger plan. For Paul, these must have been comforting truths as he felt his chain and the cold damp floor, and as he thought about those who fled and those who were threatening the church with false teachings. As he remembered Christ and His purposes and plans, his heart would found rest. He wanted these truths to likewise warn, encourage, and inspire Timothy to persevere and remain faithful to the gospel of Jesus.


These truths warn (that unfaithfulness will be punished), encourage (we will not be able to thwart God's larger plan), and inspire (by God's purposes and plans)

PHOTO: These truths warn (that unfaithfulness will be punished), encourage (we will not be able to thwart God's larger plan), and inspire (by God's purposes and plans)[1]
Posted by Lucia Yamila Partain on Wednesday, 29 July 2015 at 12:03 PM
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujA8WOajgkn9yjBuX3B0MmOfvBfOUomlOHezsVScP-whobFG05JwBLKEN1iyUdvLsLMLGdypJ3Dv5WTPKJUZGNm5dlmG9KA8_fUyLdckk2eFijdFq9ALTcv52K8XacIr_hO3ryN6oDag/s1600/adamandevefamily.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCeNDiE4zDbILwU0QIALT5PenxyDbZj-2C1taw3D_Qszb6hKyuHpxXlxUMSRvvGSC6cMA6LiGrdpb3wtlnVTHBYAJdHKUnV5juTP2DsMGKdlaQt8UMKWEdNb9zu4bXFiEQFpHQMMzUDWHu/s1600/adamandevefamily.jpg
http://www.luciasblog.com/2015/07/homosexuality-part-two-biblical-ethic.html


To guard the gospel (truth) entrusted and to pass it on to others by Mentoring - so we need to know this truth [1]
Paul urged Timothy to guard the gospel that had been entrusted to him. He was to pass it on to others by nurturing and disciplining them. He was to mentor them as he was mentored by Paul. For this he needed to be strong and resilient, totally committed to Jesus, self-disciplined and diligent in his work. Paul wanted to make sure that the gospel was in safe and committed hands that were willing to suffer for the sake of Christ. We, too, are called to show forth these attitudes as we serve Christ. And we need to ask ourselves whether we are building up the lives of other people in the church. Mentoring is not only reserved for the elite or the old. Everyone can mentor a younger person. There should be a series of mentoring relationships from one age group to another, from the oldest member in church to the children. In this way, the church will remain true and strong, and the gospel would bear much fruit through its ministry.


Entrusted and entrusting the gospelPHOTO: To guard the gospel (truth) entrusted and to pass it on to others by Mentoring - so we need to know this truth [1]
There is a whole series of entrusting going on here. It is like the passing of the Olympic torch from person to person till the last point, and requires effective and faithful mentoring.
Posted by Paul Chappell on 24 October 2011, Trusted with the Gospel
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiy8MXJoYP5PMTUx2YHAPSiR8YEmlZpkdtY5swj6EHp6xy8KMtK_PuA7ZvTFJIMk-0LRX9vvCFeB5q9p3oaQAI08ukahOIxLOvdMJ1AiWuWxTH-_Uv7KIucwCw33Yq300jIDxe-LHNlPo/s1600/stewarding-the-gospel.jpg
http://www.paulchappell.com/wp-content/uploads/Stewarding-the-Gospel.jpg
http://www.paulchappell.com/tag/missions/page/5/


Why is the Divinity of Jesus Important?
Revealing and declaring the Father [7]
As God, Jesus truly reveals and declares the unseen reality that is the heart of God. He makes known what was hidden to an extent. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known (John 1:18). He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation (Colossians 1:15). For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, (Colossians 2:9).
"If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” (John 14:7). "Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves." (John 14:11).


Revealing and declaring the Father

PHOTO: Revealing and declaring the Father
As God, Jesus truly reveals and declares the unseen reality that is the heart of God. He makes known what was hidden to an extent.
Posted by Evelyn Poeppelmeier on Monday, 19 January 2015 at 11:26 PM
Painting by Derek Hegsted, I will be near you (I will not Fail Thee)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEils4-qQtE557BofoVVz0HReskUK66MmBDrmMsvls5agH9HZxzArbEq_6HfQPOJBYyTHgmSH4Fh33O9J68NY10Q6Ybxe9esmMnrMFikjdu8i6qnVKYf0p4MzH0v6rlupETtVLsdNSEoQtc/s1600/CJ_003_Jesus-Mestre.jpg
http://www.comentariojovem.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/CJ_003_Jesus-Mestre.jpg
http://queenofpoepp.blogspot.sg/2015_01_01_archive.html


One of the greatest hindrances for people of Jesus’ day was to believe that when they saw this Jewish man, they were seeing what God was like. It is also our greatest hindrance. We must not make the same mistake and miss one of the main reasons for the incarnation: Jesus came to show us what the Father is like; all we see Him doing is what the Father was doing, all He said is what the Father was saying.


One of the greatest hindrances for people of Jesus’ day was to believe that when they saw this Jewish man, they were seeing what God was like.

PHOTO: One of the greatest hindrances for people of Jesus’ day was to believe that when they saw this Jewish man, they were seeing what God was like.
Painting by Mark Missman, Path of Life
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecTSG-S8VbmoFU8V7GwxfREUWa7npQnOryPIqbtam3YZ3dlMGZX02oO24TO4C0S1cljb5ogE9lyw1PT6wDjsl7wEfnlzzzvXM0fbNiXos05EFyuzMeI9AOWxwHT4W7sPoP71DRwI5Jz0/s1600/e7765565dde815122c6f81ad5ba6a06b.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/e7/76/55/e7765565dde815122c6f81ad5ba6a06b.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291115563387729738/


When we see Jesus interact with “sinners”, forgive, heal, moved with compassion, angered by hypocrisy and grieved by hard hearts, we see what God is like and how He responses to situations and needs. Jesus is perfect theology and tells us accurately what God is like.


Jesus interact with 'sinners', forgive, heal, moved with compassion, angered by hypocrisy and grieved by hard hearts, we see what God is like and how He responses to situations and needs

PHOTO: Jesus interact with “sinners”, forgive, heal, moved with compassion, angered by hypocrisy and grieved by hard hearts, we see what God is like and how He responses to situations and needs
Posted by kattikko on 28 April 2012, Welcome to Hugs From Above
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-hTDYc3sh5gi8PJZJiuPePHa6fYBVQGWDdoo8P3Hc_DaVV3APJOG_1r34wgLWcqIFpj0euz1BZwiWrZo7bYz9nwdjQLwyKSxsIAO81-mLCoL50i7XrscQgVy77BLGgy1YB5KF5TFkF0/s1600/767008960_7001.jpg
https://hugsfromabovedotcom.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/767008960_7001.jpg
http://hugsfromabove.com/2012/04/28/welcome-to-hugs-from-above/


Within scripture Jesus continued to declare the mystery of the incarnation and the union of deity and humanity.  We must give our hearts to the study of this mystery. He would say “The Father and I are one” or “If you see Me you have seen Him”. These are major statements.


The Father and I are one

PHOTO: “The Father and I are one” or “If you see Me you have seen Him”
The words of Genesis: "A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and they become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24) . If it is understood that marriage unites two into one in the power of love, so is the Father and the Son are also one by the Holy Spirit.
Posted by Cefas on 26 May 2013
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtUOvEmXZ1e93QH3Y5ZeJr6SIcqyPhdIW94WvpN_2HzR1xaNuiiIuenxDpvGSaHphZ_atuqiZFtp5bZZWz2fwtu6LTiVUBILZmbwMsjBe25jXvtKRQwoCBFwyTybhDJQBFyESbxQDXXw/s1600/19trind2.jpg
https://construtoresdoreino.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/19trind2.jpg
https://construtoresdoreino.wordpress.com/2013/05/26/santissima-trindade-tres-pessoas-um-unico-deus-2/


A mediator is one who represents 2 parties to one another to bring reconciliation. Jesus perfectly showed us the Father, and perfectly represented us before the Father. He is the God-man, fully God yet fully man.


Jesus is the God-man, fully God yet fully man

PHOTO: Jesus is the God-man, fully God yet fully man.
We believe that Jesus Christ is the only true God, our Creator, from eternity past, who had no beginning and will have no end, the second Person of the Trinity, who in time took on a full human nature as well through Holy Spirit conception of the virgin Mary so that He is now Fully God and Fully Man but one Person and will remain so forever; who came to die for our sins on the cross, who was bodily resurrected from the dead on the third day as absolute proof to these claims and ascended bodily alive to heaven and will return bodily alive in His second coming to judge and rule over the living and the dead forever.
From Bible Internet, Quick References, Chapter 4, Jesus Christ's NATURE
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3_dWd-65H_I3JFDnMb2njUivsgInjGZrdAtKES6X01V27dIJPbX1s4RokiqjUc10gWc1t4NFLAJFNCkr5nUdsyuWGM981rZ80U9vdhLx171XSKwJfoYoSb9cwVVhogvvs1Rjpuxetl8/s1600/godman.jpg
http://www.layevangelism.com/qreference/images/godman.jpg
http://www.layevangelism.com/qreference/doctrines-&-beliefs/5.htm


His Word is final as the “Sent One/Messenger of the Father”
If Jesus is God, then His Words, teaching and values must be approached differently, with a measure of weight and obeyed. If He is a prophet, teacher or moral person, He holds a perspective or a view on the way toward enlightenment, salvation, “god”. However, if He is God, then He holds ultimate perspective and final authority in opinion. "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.'" (Matthew 28:18). "I and My Father are one.” (John 10:30).  For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son (John 5:21-22).


His Word is final as the 'Sent One/Messenger of the Father'

PHOTO: His Word is final as the “Sent One/Messenger of the Father” 
"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." (Matthew 28:18).
Interview Howard Lyon (Mormon Artist) by Candela Rice on April 2014
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50Pj_tXHR58HHNdBjG5X5QG8LVXLrfCd5DBoxuoKBdy74CHXUITEmE0Bw0y-EH9snSY5IKCNRswkeW102Ul04jQzmGc2CuoAuiiF6EAL-IDHG983xkABv6qdK5aKGotMxCpz_lUWFCrs/s1600/howard-lyon-02.jpg
http://mormonartist.net/images/interviews/howard-lyon/howard-lyon-02.jpg
http://mormonartist.net/interviews/howard-lyon/


Jesus was the “Sent One” of God, or the Servant of the Lord.  He therefore represented God truly in word, deed and attitude.  We must have this mindset to properly receive and respond to Christ.

Jesus continually reiterated that what He spoke was not based upon His opinion, viewpoint or even His teaching, but it was based upon what the Father was speaking/spoke.  He only spoke what the Father said and sent Him to say/do.  Therefore, if we believe that then we must approach His words differently not as a man or morality, but the law of God Himself.   He was not speaking simple illustrations or good ideas, but the eternal, unchanging words of God Himself.


We must approach His words differently not as a man or morality, but the law of God Himself.   He was not speaking simple illustrations or good ideas, but the eternal, unchanging words of God Himself.

PHOTO: We must approach His words differently not as a man or morality, but the law of God Himself.   He was not speaking simple illustrations or good ideas, but the eternal, unchanging words of God Himself.

After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:46-49).
Painting by H. Hofmann (1824-1911), Christ and the Doctors of the Law
Hoffman (1926) shows lawyers in the four stages of their careers learning from the boy Jesus.
Posted by James Apple
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdePsm-BQnhi_kcq_SGNzxfRV_PkMAzH17wr-MNreVdHcPwCxKYfLsx2sRs9hB_9_i5SydF3bm3iSEbJAZLYBke6-MX8gZ5V5Ocf0id8QhYtKeQezpDLIvwnYLmFLc8eCrzvghv7pGQg/s1600/ArtBook__034_034__BoyJesusInTheTemple____-1.jpg
http://www.jamesapplejr.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ArtBook__034_034__BoyJesusInTheTemple____-1.jpg
http://www.mychristianresource.org/tag/mary/


Jesus stated this in John 12:47-48 when He said that the words that He speaks will judge us at the last day.  This is crucial in our understanding of His Word, our response to His words. "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day." (John 12:46-48).

Man’s opinion will not judge us, Jesus’ truth will.


Braemer, a Dutch 'Christ Among the Doctors (lawyers)' of c. 1600

PHOTO: Braemer, a Dutch "Christ Among the Doctors (lawyers)" of c. 1600 -- the books scattered on the floor are part of the scene, emphasizing that all their arguments (lawyers') have been exhausted.
Posted by Newark Central
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BrGuNRSsbb_l2DfqqKeeygNPWMb6z1cLaUjSVOycMUr8nsi5igsD3tRj27EOtj7JQG9g4QZy2TbTLMvDHzky38twREPRTKtELbu2cvFIqIZXhcPQfpl_uwynM9mLD8lUfwaZRRco9jU/s1600/6991866_orig.jpg
http://www.newarkcentralchristian.org/uploads/1/2/8/3/12833263/6991866_orig.jpg
http://www.newarkcentralchristian.org/our-life-of-christ-windows.html


He alone is our solution for sin and separation [7]
As God, He alone is our substitute, mediator and Savior; our solution for sin. Without Him we are dead in sin, separate from God and have no hope. No other creature or being can truly mediate between God and man, no other creature can bear the full wrath of God and absolve sin, no one but God alone.


He alone is our solution for sin and separation

PHOTO: He alone is our solution for sin and separation
Without Him we are dead in sin, separate from God and have no hope. No other creature or being can truly mediate between God and man, no other creature can bear the full wrath of God and absolve sin, no one but God alone.
Painter Holman Hunt (1800s), symbolism and storytelling in Christian art. Mary on the lower left is looking into a box with the gifts, carefully preserved, from the Magi, and then looks up horrified at young Jesus' shadow, as he straightens up from his work as a carpenter and stretches . . . Holman Hunt's title of this work is "The Shadow of Death."
Posted by Newark Central
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0tbUBvg_vMlJRpvGjYO2jCNXIl-xFd4Sfc1iMKstUbNbVHOTvIcidbPAlbiH0Rbo9ALZrkBfNqYtL0i6eHkMmZpVDREqxP6nq07mUU4Ysw9IuDeZXdzbJVc0c8b2RqUYxEbEaiVsuLo/s1600/813563_orig.jpg
http://www.newarkcentralchristian.org/uploads/1/2/8/3/12833263/813563_orig.jpg
http://www.newarkcentralchristian.org/our-life-of-christ-windows.html


The premise (conclusion) behind this is that because God alone created all things [Creational Monotheism - belief that there is only one God the sole creator], He alone can deal with the sin of His creation [Sovereign Monotheism - God has absolute sovereignty]. Sin is primarily against God as it breaks His law or standard; therefore God alone must deal with it.


The premise (conclusion) behind this is that because God alone created all things [Creational Monotheism - belief that there is only one God the sole creator], He alone can deal with the sin of His creation [Sovereign Monotheism - God has absolute sovereignty]. Sin is primarily against God as it breaks His law or standard; therefore God alone must deal with it.

PHOTO: The premise (conclusion) behind this is that because God alone created all things [Creational Monotheism - belief that there is only one God the sole creator], He alone can deal with the sin of His creation [Sovereign Monotheism - God has absolute sovereignty]. Sin is primarily against God as it breaks His law or standard; therefore God alone must deal with it.
Picture from bible film The Passion of the Christ
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVUr7BFWgxwWhvB5WbzNjmg0dSk-0cavmDskCF8WkuszfUMgAqEXNM_IrSQJN8Cm7MsFadSFJiS-fvpu_EEGQoQgkdWBlQToLVUNP4XLaoYZDGyOBWHVKpq8p7WNT73DHv5d8nEMGYZo/s1600/passion-christi-die-23-rcm0x1920u.jpg
http://www.kino.de/wp-content/gallery/die-passion-christi-2004/passion-christi-die-23-rcm0x1920u.jpg
http://www.kino.de/film/die-passion-christi-2004/


There is no one who can satisfy the debt of sin but God alone, and there is no one who should satisfy the debt of sin but man alone, therefore our Savior was the God-man.


There is no one who can satisfy the debt of sin but God alone, and there is no one who should satisfy the debt of sin but man alone, therefore our Savior was the God-man.


PHOTO: There is no one who can satisfy the debt of sin but God alone, and there is no one who should satisfy the debt of sin but man alone, therefore our Savior was the God-man.
Mary Magdalene had seen a live display of the mercy with an angel sitting on each side of the place where the sacrifice of Jesus was finally offered.
Posted by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. on Sunday, 13 April 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZVb9Gl-wQwqmN-C9j09R373akf_pwGGkegUp7Zbpye01uWItx_Be-KD5Rgu8KNwdrDrM0vxw_Bbvp4uayIz-lGtTDwP1q8vU9UJrLghf3U2GFzVYsZEQbsA7brTImtkeJ88Rmje3eDw/s1600/easter_lg.jpg
https://www.lds.org/bc/content/ldsorg/church/events/Washington-DC-Events/easter_lg.jpg
https://www.lds.org/church/events/washington-dc-events/night-of-music-and-inspiration?lang=eng


He is our Savior, the One who delivered us from our sin.  He is our High Priest, the One who represents us to the Father and He is our sacrifice, the One who took our place and cancelled our debt.


Isaiah 25:6-9

PHOTO: Isaiah 25:6-9
On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine - the best of meats and the finest of wines.
On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth.
The Lord has spoken.
In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”
Posted by Groups gallery on 06 March 2011 at 12:45, Jesus, the shephard.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJZrWv_ym06JgZVwgUrzj_lw2em_ajNSu6Z60sWnDzLLHLKW0hfPaKsj6e5kObvoTd0b0OL3aFesAcggwZHu6h-q9K6IGg9V-Lzg3XLKlTBAsGfk2bYicezaA3AgLSZOR_KR9vb8BvGg/s1600/78de4e8a4e.jpeg
http://photos.nasza-klasa.pl/33211155/10/main/78de4e8a4e.jpeg
http://nk.pl/grupy/34144/galeria/10


Why is the humanity of Jesus important? [10]
The humanity of Jesus is as equally important as the deity (divinity - godly) of Jesus. Jesus was born as a human being while still being totally divine. The concept of the humanity of Jesus co-existing with His deity is difficult for the finite mind of man to comprehend. Nevertheless, Jesus’ nature - wholly man and wholly God - is a biblical fact. There are those who reject these biblical truths and declare that Jesus was a man, but not God (Ebionism). Docetism is the view that Jesus was God, but not human. Both viewpoints are unbiblical and false.


Jesus was born as a human being while still being totally divine.

PHOTO: Jesus was born as a human being while still being totally divine. The humanity of Jesus is important; He accomplished our redemption on the cross, exchanging our sin for His perfect righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Painting by simon dewey, "Woman, why weepest thou?",  Mary and the resurrected Jesus Christ (Happy Easter), Courtesy Aitus Fine Art
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylVKn7aPWaqmTmN-iUs5SxgFxul3K5WcD1x8U5lL8Z58qB-rwT6gV5ksOa9QqLOh9c9cXPY7ShqMmh980TnTAyzFNT_z677P8xSUGXaUr7JePAyQ51xvMJDpMZujXUx2E4Or2z85kQaY/s1600/Jesus.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDi3rRTb7wjvEXybtDUrT9wPGnJFlERFL7GVVC8z-_3oPNFpor7DwQhRqoS3vec2uMqF5HuLauJj-vbBg1FT2_St-ZN_Z_qqEgKPiDnRVlQFTOgQTHNy3PaDWnHO9NF5vg9xi1nlG1lJ1G/s1600/Jesus.jpg
http://galleryhip.com/happy-easter-black-jesus.html


Jesus had to be born as a human being for several reasons. One is outlined in Galatians 4:4–5: “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.” Only a man could be “born under the law.” No animal or angelic being is “under the law.” Only humans are born under the law, and only a human being could redeem other human beings born under the same law. Born under the law of God, all humans are guilty of transgressing that law. Only a perfect human - Jesus Christ - could perfectly keep the law and perfectly fulfill the law, thereby redeeming us from that guilt. Jesus accomplished our redemption on the cross, exchanging our sin for His perfect righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).


Jesus had to be born as a human being for several reasons.

PHOTO: Jesus had to be born as a human being for several reasons. When the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.
Painter Holman Hunt painted a "Noli Me Tangere" (Do not touch me) of the moment when Mary turns to discover Jesus -- this is the scene in the window of the narthex of Central Christian Church in Fairmont, WV
Posted by Newark Central
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggpalmVhJUzeNrb0aTdT5h49Mm2gTEJ644p9PmrliFUYirmF7j9oH2RPGBJewGYLTYde8eHWcm5obxeGNONiG2UpFKftAZ9IATz_NmQHuIPWcgCCtDTRdXDrh9hcEnrf-NpuosB4MFQk/s1600/1026581_orig.jpg
http://www.newarkcentralchristian.org/uploads/1/2/8/3/12833263/1026581_orig.jpg
http://www.newarkcentralchristian.org/our-life-of-christ-windows.html


Another reason Jesus had to be fully human is that God established the necessity of the shedding of blood for the remission of sins (Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22). The blood of animals, although acceptable on a temporary basis as a foreshadowing of the blood of the perfect God-Man, was insufficient for the permanent remission of sin because “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4). Jesus Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, sacrificed His human life and shed His human blood to cover the sins of all who would ever believe in Him. If He were not human, this would have been impossible.


Jesus had to be fully human is that God established the necessity of the shedding of blood for the remission of sins (Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22)

PHOTO: Jesus had to be fully human is that God established the necessity of the shedding of blood for the remission of sins (Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22)
Jesus on the Cross Sheds His Blood. This sacrifice was required for the forgiveness of our sins.
Posted by Magno At on 04 June 2015
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https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LXrf6q4KaSQ/VXBottADXoI/AAAAAAAAF-o/ABRfMUPeZIs/w700-h588/the_hour_of_mercy_596114432.jpg
https://plus.google.com/wm/www.gif.ly-sucks-off-sam-breed/113124279268197912826/posts/4gLecB4VEbM


Furthermore, the humanity of Jesus enables Him to relate to us in a way the angels or animals never can. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Only a human could sympathize with our weaknesses and temptations. In His humanity, Jesus was subjected to all the same kinds of trials that we are, and He is, therefore, able to sympathize with us and to aid us. He was tempted; He was persecuted; He was poor; He was despised; He suffered physical pain; and He endured the sorrows of a lingering and most cruel death. Only a human being could experience these things, and only a human being could fully understand them through experience.


The humanity of Jesus enables Him to relate to us in a way the angels or animals never can.

PHOTO: The humanity of Jesus enables Him to relate to us in a way the angels or animals never can. One who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses and temptations. Jesus was subjected to all the same kinds of trials; temptations, persecution, physical pain, sorrows, poverty, despisal, lingering and most cruel death.
Picture posted by imgarcade.com
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1r6mKpx-B3pY8OOIjlAhUN2psBUmgmJJFR2olAZETBoPpUDzjQVdlXYKw8T5UpKCPnf-U46y53eqzWQTu1owXzPMNKtHBD5HGJerROhRt_X2woJODfmT0gcpe87R-usdbYmOMZEj9QoM/s1600/mormon-third-temptation-of-christ.jpg
http://ldsimages.org/files/2013/08/mormon-third-temptation-of-christ.jpg
http://imgarcade.com/1/jesus-being-tempted-lds/


Finally, it was necessary for Jesus to come in the flesh because believing that truth is a prerequisite for salvation. Declaring that Jesus has come in the flesh is the mark of a spirit from God, while the Antichrist and all who follow him will deny it (1 John 4:2-3). Jesus has come in the flesh; He is able to sympathize with our human frailties; His human blood was shed for our sins; and He was fully God and fully Man. These are biblical truths that cannot be denied.


It Was necessary for Jesus to come in the flesh because believing that truth is a prerequisite for salvation.

PHOTO: It Was necessary for Jesus to come in the flesh because believing that truth is a prerequisite for salvation. Declaring that Jesus has come in the flesh is the mark of a spirit from God, while the Antichrist and all who follow him will deny it (1 John 4:2-3). Jesus has come in the flesh; He is able to sympathize with our human frailties; His human blood was shed for our sins; and He was fully God and fully Man.
But as many as received him, to them HE GAVE POWER TO BECOME THE SONS of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Posted by Ray Joseph Cormier on 01 February 2014
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https://ray032.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/christ-vs-anti-christ.jpg
http://ray032.com/2014/02/

Recommended Resources: The Moody Handbook of Theology by Paul Enns and Logos Bible Software.


Do your own research about heresies in the early church that arose from misunderstanding who Jesus is (e.g. Ebionitism, Gnosticism, Arianism).

Heresy is a departure from the truthPHOTO: Heresy is a departure from the truth
False teaching that destroys souls and brings darkness. Much was at stake, because if the gospel were distorted or compromised, God's eternal plan of salvation would be compromised, and the salvation of human beings affected. To guard the integrity of the gospel is not a matter of leisurely intellectual debate or ecclesial power politics. It is a life and death issue that affects the salvation of people.
Picture from :La Etnnia's Photos 
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuU9h6LblfGS-L9IeTibRFLI64i40uWcSilKvhNL0_I-zc-BviFt-sXCSkIYB0outmg9RZ6b67WzqV7J0mvHiWruu6cNK1OMD5mNMshl4eytkjFP0I1BFkzaWotohnVvdMDL-fqsEsRYs/s1600/10608211_10152604701642954_456891302108956941_o.jpg
http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t31.0-8/10608211_10152604701642954_456891302108956941_o.jpg
https://www.facebook.com/LAETNNIA527/photos/pb.34295217953.-2207520000.1412072045./10152604701642954/?type=1&source=42



Heresies [4]
Adoptionism - God granted Jesus powers and then adopted him as a Son.
Albigenses - Reincarnation and two gods: one good and other evil.
Apollinarianism - Jesus' divine will overshadowed and replaced the human.
Arianism - Jesus was a lesser, created being.
Docetism - Jesus was divine but only seemed to be human.
Donatism - Validity of sacraments depends on character of the minister.
Ebionitism - Jesus was a man, not God.
Gnosticism - Dualism of good and bad and special knowledge for salvation.
Kenosis - Jesus gave up some divine attributes while on earth.
Marcionism - An evil God of the O.T., good God of the N.T. 11, books in the Canon
Modalism - God is one person in three modes.
Monarchianism - God is one person.
Monophysitism - Jesus had only one nature: divine.
Nestorianism - Jesus was two persons.
Patripassionism - The Father suffered on the cross.
Pelagianism - Man is unaffected by the fall and can keep all of God's laws.
Semi-Pelagianism - Man and God cooperate to achieve man's salvation.
Socinianism - Denial of the Trinity. Jesus is a deified man.
Subordinationism - The Son is lesser than the Father in essence and or attributes.
Tritheism - The Trinity is really three separate gods. [4]
 

Response in prayer to this question of Jesus: "Who do you say I am?" (Matthew 16:15).
The answers to "Who do you say I am?" (Matthew 16:15): [6]
I am God. (John 8:58; 10:30; 20:28)
I am the Door to God. (John 10:9, KJV)
I am the Good Shepherd. (John 10:11)
I am the One who lays down his life for those I love. (John 10: 11)
I am the Resurrection and the Life. (John 11:25)
I am the Way to God. (John 14:6)
I am the Truth. (John 14:6)
I am the Life of God. (John 14:6)
I am the True Vine. (John 15:1)
I am the who died on the cross and rose from the dead. (John 19-20)
I am the Rock upon which you can build your life. (1 Corinthians 10:4)
I am the One before whom every knee will bow and tongue confess that I am Lord. (Philippians 2: 9-11)
I am the One who will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13.5)
I am the Beginning and the End. (Revelation 22.13)


What is our response? [7]
We cannot remain neutral concerning our response and belief about Jesus. He is either who He declared Himself to be or He is not, there is no middle ground nor can there be. Christ is either God or godless.

Jesus emphatically stated that our response to Him, who He is and His Word is the dividing line of eternity.


We cannot remain neutral concerning our response and belief about Jesus.

PHOTO: We cannot remain neutral concerning our response and belief about Jesus. He is either who He declared Himself to be or He is not, there is no middle ground nor can there be. Christ is either God or godless.
Jesus emphatically stated that our response to Him, who He is and His Word is the dividing line of eternity.
Posted by Maria Merola (Double Portion Inheritance) on Monday, 7 October 2013
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http://doubleportioninheritance.blogspot.sg/2013/10/pre-tribulation-or-post-tribulation.html


These three areas [revealing the Father, the Sent One of the Father and our solution] are vital in our faith and without understanding we will live a powerless and shallow Christian life.

Romans 10:9 is not simply a model prayer for altar calls, but the essentials to salvation: a belief in the deity of Christ and His resurrection that validates all His claims. The good news of our Christian gospel is that God has acted, He has come to us and reconciled us to Himself, and there is a way of salvation and it is solely found in Christ. The gospel message is primarily that Jesus is God not some of the benefits of Jesus’ deity. The good news is the Coming One has come and delivered us and restored us.


Romans 10:9

PHOTO: Romans 10:9 is not simply a model prayer for altar calls, but the essentials to salvation: a belief in the deity of Christ and His resurrection that validates all His claims.
The gospel message is primarily that Jesus is God not some of the benefits of Jesus’ deity. The good news is the Coming One has come and delivered us and restored us.
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Our response to this message is humility, faith, trust and brokenness knowing we did nothing to deserve it and everything to exclude ourselves from it. God in His mercy and love has come and made Himself known to a creation that was blinded in darkness and hated His ways.


Our response to this message is humility, faith, trust and brokenness knowing we did nothing to deserve it and everything to exclude ourselves from it. God in His mercy and love has come and made Himself known to a creation that was blinded in darkness and hated His ways.
PHOTO: Our response to this message is humility, faith, trust and brokenness knowing we did nothing to deserve it and everything to exclude ourselves from it. God in His mercy and love has come and made Himself known to a creation that was blinded in darkness and hated His ways.
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http://www.marsingnaz.org/site/cs/editorial.asp?page=4


Our response is to wholeheartedly pursue and know the One who has accomplished all of this, the One in whom are all the hidden riches and treasures of wisdom and knowledge of God (Colossians 2:3). God has invested the mystery of eternity in the person of Christ Jesus, this will be our pursuit and our fascination for all of eternity. We will look upon the Lamb of God, who is perfectly God and Man, who abolished death and sin, who overcame the devil and restored all things, and worship with awe.


Our response is to wholeheartedly pursue and know the One who has accomplished all of this, the One in whom are all the hidden riches and treasures of wisdom and knowledge of God (Colossians 2:3).

PHOTO: Our response is to wholeheartedly pursue and know the One who has accomplished all of this, the One in whom are all the hidden riches and treasures of wisdom and knowledge of God (Colossians 2:3).
We will look upon the Lamb of God, who is perfectly God and Man, who abolished death and sin, who overcame the devil and restored all things, and worship with awe.
Art by Dona Gelsinger
Posted by olgapilkatkacheva on Monday, 7 January 2013 at 12:25
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Prayer to this question of Jesus: "Who do you say I am?" (Matthew 16:15)
Lord,
We pray with the same answer as Peter's, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16).

And as Thomas said to You, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)

We confess with Peter, “Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

We also declare as in Romans 10:9 that “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead, so that we will be saved.

We pray that we remember and understand the three areas [revealing the Father, the Sent One of the Father and our solution], which are vital in our faith and our Christian life.

We pray that we accept salvation with humility, faith, trust and brokenness knowing we did nothing to deserve it and everything to exclude ourselves from it.

We pray that we will look upon the Lamb of God, who is perfectly God and Man, who abolished death and sin, who overcame the devil and restored all things, and worship with awe.

Let Your will be done, Lord.
Amen, Lord.

Reflection - Remember Jesus Christ
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
 

Who do you say I am?
PHOTO: "Who do you say I am?" (Matthew 16:15)
We pray with the same answer as Peter's, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16).
And as Thomas said to You, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).
Art by Dona Gelsinger
Picture posted by olgapilkatkacheva on Monday, 7 January 2013 at 12:25
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Reference
[1] From "Faithful to the end" A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, Copyright © 2014 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-1-62707-241-0, PART TWO: USEFUL TO CHRIST, Chapter 5 "Our Attitude to Ministry" (2 Timothy 2:1-13), Page 76 - 80.

[2] Definition of Heresy, http://christianity.about.com/od/glossary/a/Heresy-Definition.htm, by Jack Zavada © 2015 About.com.
Basic teachings of the faith - http://christianity.about.com/od/christiandoctrines/a/basicdoctrines.htm
Apostles' Creed - http://christianity.about.com/od/christiandoctrines/qt/apostlescreed.htm
Nicene Creed - http://christianity.about.com/od/christiandoctrines/qt/thenicenecreed.htm
Christian beliefs - http://christianity.about.com/od/denominationscomparison/ss/comparebeliefs1.htm
Persecution - http://christianity.about.com/od/glossary/a/JZ-Persecution.htm
Popes - http://catholicism.about.com/od/popes/Popes.htm
Inquisitions - http://www.gotquestions.org/inquisitions.html
Jesus Christ - http://christianity.about.com/od/newtestamentpeople/p/jesuschrist.htm
God - http://christianity.about.com/od/biblefactsandlists/qt/biblefactsgod.htm
Gnosticism - http://christianity.about.com/od/glossary/a/Gnosticism.htm
TRinity - http://christianity.about.com/od/glossary/g/trinitydoctrine.htm
gotquestions.org - http://www.gotquestions.org/inquisitions.html
carm.org - http://carm.org/heresies

[3] Reflection - Heresy,  By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012, http://www.veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2015/06/reflection-heresy.html


[6] Imaginative Prayer for Youth Ministry, Copyright ©2006 by Jeannie Oestreicher and Larry Warner, ePub Edition June 2009 ISBN: 978-0-310-83164-8, https://books.google.com.sg/books?id=hT_boMint64C&pg=PT89&lpg=PT89&dq=Response+in+prayer+to+this+question+of+Jesus:+%22Who+do+you+say+I+am?%22&source=bl&ots=1tSCtoaTct&sig=MFKRxQceZAKMdl6ulJUxUd1Tb74&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CBsQ6AEwAGoVChMI-pmMirOyyAIVxj6OCh3giQhz#v=onepage&q=Response%20in%20prayer%20to%20this%20question%20of%20Jesus%3A%20%22Who%20do%20you%20say%20I%20am%3F%22&f=false

[7] Why is the Divinity of Jesus Important and Worth Studying? [PDF], http://www.newcreationwoc.org/files/teaching%20notes/Divinity%20of%20Jesus%202.pdf

[8]  The Moody Handbook of Theology by Paul Enns, http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1011693&item_no=411981

[9] Logos Bible Software, https://www.logos.com/gotquestions

[10] Why is the humanity of Jesus important?, Posted by Got Questions ministries, http://www.gotquestions.org/humanity-of-Jesus.html

[11] Fee, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, 245.

[12] Wright, The Pastoral Letters,104.

[13] Mounce, Pass It On, 1 and 2 Timothy, 124.

[14] Fee, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, 251.

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