V.I.P.s

V.I.P.s

When you hear about V.I.P.s, what comes to your mind?  Celebrities, super stars, rich people, private jets, mansions?  V.I.P.s are considered very important people.  Very important people for what?  According to Wikipedia, a V.I.P is a person who is given special privileges due to their status or importance.  These people are given special treatment for various reasons.  This treatment involves separation from common people and a higher level of comfort or service e.

Now based on that definition, this is true for a child of God.  As a child of God, you have certain privileges other people can’t get.  You’re separated from the world to fulfill the plan God specifically has for you.  With the worldly standards, a V.I.P is an acronym for:

Very

Important

Person

As children of God, we can be considered very, important people.  But that kind of thinking can lead to feelings of self-satisfaction and self-service; wanting people to do for us instead of us being of service.  So……let’s consider God’s definition for a V.I.P.

Victorious in Christ

Identified in Christ

Prosperous in Christ

Notice the words “in Christ” after each word.  That automatically separates us from the worldly definition.  However, the real question is “what does it mean to be ‘in Christ’?”

To be “in Christ” means that we have accepted Jesus’ sacrifice as payment for our sins so that we may have eternal life with God.  There is no self-cleansing that can make us pure enough to get forgiveness and a relationship with God.  The bible says that in our natural, sinful state we are enemies of God.  When we accept Jesus’ sacrifice, he exchanges our list of sins for his perfect account that is totally pleasing to God.

So let’s look at this V.I.P. status.  How are we victorious in Christ?  In short, victory in Christ is God getting his will done in our lives for his glory.

What is our identity in Christ?  Let’s look at a scripture first.

“Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” (II Corinthians 1:21-22 KJV)

What does that mean?  It means that we stop accepting what others have said about us or how others label us and accept what God says about us. 

“You aren’t defined by your feelings, other people’s opinions, your successes or failures nor your possessions.  You are defined or identified by God alone.  You are who God says you are and no one else dictate that.” (Pastor Rick Warren)

Lastly, prosperous in Christ.  First, let’s define what “prosperous” means.  According to the dictionary, it means to be rich and successful.  We think it is all about money, right?

What does the bible say about the word “prosperity”?  Biblical prosperity means being blessed by God.  God wants us to prosper but does not necessarily want us to be rich.  If some immature Christians are to become rich, it can destroy their relationship with God.  Being rich is a great temptation because it is very tempting to rely more on the money than on God.

Many people teach “prosperity” to mean having good success without lack and then go on to talk about money.  Let’s look at some scriptures.

“There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing:
    there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.” (Proverbs 13:7 KJV)

 ^“He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. ¹¹ When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes? ¹² The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 KJV)

God is not a slot machine nor are his blessings all about money.  Blessings and prosperity are more than just money.  According to “Strong’s Complete Concordance of the Bible”, the Hebrew word for “prosperity” is “shalom” which means “peace”.

God’s thoughts on peace and prosperity are much higher than we can imagine.  It is His desire to bless and prosper us, give us His grace, favor and protection.

Replica

Replica

When God created mankind (man and woman) in his image, he purposed them to mirror Him in certain ways and share certain, divine privileges.  Having the image or likeness of God means that we are to reflect Him.  The image of God refers to the spiritual part of man.  It sets him apart from the animal world.  We are in his likeness mentally, morally socially and spiritually.

Social Likeness

-         God, who is love, created mankind with a social nature and a need for love.

-         Socially, mankind was created for fellowship.  This reflects God’s triune nature and his love.  Back in the Garden of Eden, mankind’s main relationship was with God.  Whenever we marry, make a friend or attend church, we are demonstrating that we are created in the likeness of God.

Besides,

“And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” (Genesis 2:18 KJV)

If God says it is not good to be alone, then that’s saying a lot!

Moral Likeness

-         Out of all God’s creation, mankind has a God-consciousness; that is the ability to know God and have spiritual communion through prayer, praise and worship.  Mankind was made not only without sin but positively holy; otherwise Adam could not have had communion with God.

-         Morally, mankind was created in righteousness and perfect innocence, a reflection of God’s holiness.

-         We are morally responsible because God is a moral being.

Mental Likeness

-         God gave mankind intelligence which was far superior to any animal.  Not only was mankind given intelligence but the ability to choose right or wrong.

-         Mentally, mankind was created with the ability to think and make their own decisions (whether good or bad).  Anytime we invent something, write a book, name a pet, come up with an idea, paint a landscape, we are announcing that we are made in God’s image.  We are creative because God is creative.

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." (Genesis 1:1 KJV)

-         God is a creative being. Every human makes things. Artists make art, poets write poetry, writers write stories, songs or plays.  Philosophers and lawyers make things with ideas and the compelling use of words.  Manufacturers make things with raw materials, and chefs make food from raw ingredients. Every human being has the capacity to make things because we are all made in the image of a creative God.  Isn’t that beautiful?

Spiritual Likeness

-         Even though God is spirit and has no body, he appeared to mankind in the form of a human body.

-         We are spiritual because God is spirit.  Every human being has spiritual abilities and capabilities.  The spiritual nature is as real as the physical nature.  Caring for the spirit is just as important as caring for the physical body.

When God makes up for our faults, he begins to restore us back to our original image of God creating a new self.  Salvation is available only by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Now even though all humans have these God-like abilities, everyone expresses them differently.  God’s image has been marked on every individual uniquely.  So we should not have to feel like we need to compete against anybody.

Lastly, we are able to communicate because God can.  Given the fact that humans can speak and write sets them apart from animals.  Humans have the ability to think and reason, use language, symbols and art.  When we think about being a replica of something, that means that we are a close but not an exact copy of the original.  We may not have all the capabilities of God, but we can certainly appreciate what he has given us.

Old School

Old School

Written thousands of years ago, in the original languages of Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic, some people believe the Bible is irrelevant today.  In today’s modern world we can rest assured that the Bible is not some ancient, ordinary book to bore us to death.  The Bible is God’s word.  God is the word.  God is an eternal being. The word will always be alive and relevant regardless of how old it is.

Yes, the Bible was written by men but not just by men.  The writers were chosen by God and had the Spirit of God within them which guided them in saying exactly what God wanted to say.  That’s why the prophets were able to predict the events that would occur centuries later.

 ^“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (II Peter 1:21 KJV)

Purposes of the Bible

The Bible shows us how to heal and start over after life’s disappointments.  The Bible provides wisdom for broken friendships, marriages and relationships between parent and child.  Throughout God’s word, He says that He’ll be a father to the fatherless, a mother to the motherless and a friend to the repentant heart.

“A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.” (Psalms 68:5 KJV)

“Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 14:15 KJV)

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” (James 4:8 KJV)

The Bible exposes the tricks of the enemy.  There is nothing new under the sun.  It helps believers know what to look out for and what to avoid.  The enemy has no new tricks to throw at us and the Bible exposes all of his old ploys.  The Bible points to a higher purpose.  Our lives on this Earth are not an accident but are lined with a purpose by an Almighty God.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV)

God’s plan for eternal life is explained.  Regardless of how long we live on this Earth, the Bible tells us that there’s so much more to look forward to.  We, as human beings, are flawed, finite creatures but we can be made perfect by being born again and accepting Jesus as our personal savior.

“ For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23 KJV)

The Bible tells us about how we live our lives.  If we apply what we read, our lives would change for the better.  Here are a few examples.

Many people live very busy lives rushing from assignment to assignment without taking a break.  The Bible tells us that we should rest one day a week.  Obeying the word can give us the much needed rest we need.

“Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: ¹⁰ but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:” (Exodus 20:9-10 KJV)

Having plenty of money and possessions fail to make us happy.  The simple joy that comes from generosity is indescribable.

 “I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. ³⁴ Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. ³⁵ I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:33-35 KJV)

The Bible gives us something that no other source has been able to do in human life.  It reveals the meaning of life.  The theory of evolution tells us that life is pointless.  The Bible reveals a much, greater truth.  We are not on Earth by accident.  We are individual human beings in whom God has taken personal interest.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: ⁷ casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (I Peter 5:6-7 KJV)

God did not randomly create mankind to just take up space.  We were created for a purpose and he wants us to become members of his eternal kingdom.

“in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:” (Ephesians 1:11 KJV)

“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:” (Matthew 25:34 KJV)

The Bible is no random, old-fashioned, obsolete book to sit on the shelf and collect dust.  It is a book that reveals how to improve our relationships, how to live our lives and most importantly……..THE MEANING OF LIFE!  It is just as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago.

Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis

When we are born in this world, we inherit the sinful nature from our parents.  When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior we become “born again”.  As God’s Holy spirit dwells in our bodies, we have a new nature and become a new creature.

As new creatures, we are transformed through the power of the Holy Ghost.  Once the sinner comes to Jesus, the Holy Ghost gives that person the power to change.  Without the Holy Ghost, it is impossible to please God.

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” (Romans 8: 9-10 KJV)

Sanctification is the process whereby we become more like Christ.  The Holy Ghost living within us gives up power over our old nature to resist the temptation to yield to the old nature.  Here is a quick table of characteristics of the new man.

Fruit of the Spirit	Works of the Flesh
Love, joy, peace	Adultery, fornication
Longsuffering, kindness	Lewdness, uncleanness
Goodness, faithfulness	Idolatry, hatred, envy
Gentleness, self-control	Drunkenness, murder

And speaking of fruits, we need to be good soil.  What does that mean?  We need to remove the things that prevent us from having a victorious life.  First, we need to make a decision to want to be fruitful.  We have a limited time here on Earth so we need to make our every effort count.  Second, we need to take action on our decisions.  Give up the things in our lives that hinder our relationship with God.  We need to allow God’s spirit to rule in our bodies.

When a person is saved and filled with the Holy Ghost, it begins to transform them.  The Holy Ghost is non-other than the spirit of God within us.  It works in several ways.

Inner workings: character and competence

-         He renews and regenerates our hearts.  He allows us to gain knowledge of God and of ourselves.  He changes our wills, emotions, attitudes and perspectives and develops the fruit of the Spirit within us.  The Holy Ghost encourages us to live in faithfulness before God and makes us people of character and competence in Him.

Outer workings: impacting the world

-         Each believer and the community of God’s people have the responsibility of showing the world the glory of God.  The work of the Holy Ghost through us to impact the world can be considered in proclamation and demonstration.

The Holy Ghost goes beyond proclamation and calls us to demonstration.  The beatitudes in Matthew 5: 3-12 outline the kind of lifestyle that is committed to justice and mercy.  This demonstration in the power of the Spirit transforms us as well as the world around us and serves the common good.

^“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.  Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.  Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matthew 5:3-12 KJV)

The Holy Ghost releases his power the moment we take a step of faith.  Obedience unleashes God’s power.  God waits for us to act first.  Moving ahead doing the right thing in spite of, cooperates with the Holy Ghost and is how we build character.

The Bible compares spiritual growth to a seed, a building and a child growing up.  Seeds must be planted and cultivated, buildings must be built and children must eat and exercise to grow.

While effort has nothing to do with our salvation, it has much to do with our spiritual growth.  We don’t just sit around and wait for it to happen.  Paul explains our three responsibilities to become more like Christ.

1.     We need to let go of the old ways of acting.

“that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;” (Ephesians 4:22 KJV)

2.     We need to change the way we think.

“and be renewed in the spirit of your mind;” (Ephesians 4:23 KJV)

 ^“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2 KJV)

3.     We need to put on the character of Christ by developing new, godly habits.

“and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24 KJV)

J.E.S.U.S. C.H.R.I.S.T.

Jesus

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29 KJV)

Emmanuel

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matt. 1:23 KJV)

Savior

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”                                                (John 3: 16 KJV)

Unified Body of Christ

“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”             (I Cor. 12: 12-13 KJV)

Son of God

“And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, “Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:9-11 KJV)

Comforter

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will shew you things to come.” (John 16:13 KJV)

Head of the Church

“For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body.” (Ephesians 5:23 KJV)

“But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.”

(I Corinthians 11:3 KJV)

Rock

“This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.” (Acts 4:11 KJV)

Immanuel

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14 KJV)

Sovereign

“Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.” (Psalms 135:6 KJV)

Teacher  

“And it came it pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” (Matthew 8: 28-29 KJV)

Formal Invitation

From: Creator of the Universe

To: all mankind 

Dear mankind,

I

, God Almighty, am writing this letter to all mankind as an invitation to join my glorious kingdom of Heaven one day.  Heaven is the perfect place of unspeakable joy where there is no sadness, no tears, no pain, no sickness, no death, no rain nor any type of negativity that exists on this Earth.  It is a place that cannot be described and goes far beyond any human being’s comprehension.

I want as many souls as possible to come to my kingdom to live with me throughout eternity.  I hope you find it within the depths of your heart to accept this invitation and reap the benefits of being one of my children.  While I am not there in person to send you this letter, I am there in spirit via the Holy Ghost to be with you all.  This is the perfect opportunity for you to get to know me and love me for who I truly am……your Creator.

I understand that you human beings have lives of your own and are very busy.  However, I know that you can make some time for the one who created you, right?  Isn’t that an honor?  So please, don’t just read this letter, but accept it into your life.

Sincerely,

God Almighty

Double Digest

Double Digest

It is very important to study the Bible.  There are several reasons but, let’s consider the benefits of studying God’s word period.  Or better yet, let’s look at the qualities of God’s word.

First, the Bible is;

●Infallible in its totality.

- It is inerrant.

- It is complete.

- It is authoritative and final.

●The Bible is sufficient for our needs.

●The Bible accomplishes what is promises.

●The Bible provides assurance of salvation.

Let’s look at some keywords that we may not be familiar with. 

Inerrant: free from error

Infallible: unfailing

Sufficient: carries the right to dictate beliefs and actions

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s consider the benefits.  Believe me, there is a ton of benefits when it comes to knowing God’s word.

Purpose

-         In the Bible, we will find the truth that sets us apart as believers for a particular purpose to do what God wants and to hate what God hates.

Victory

-         When we know the Bible, it can be our weapon to defeat the devil.

Growth

-         As we learn more and more about God through His word, our love for Him increases over time.  This creates a never-ending hunger or thirst for the truth.  As we feed this never-ending hunger, we begin to grow in our love of God and truth.

Power

-         In the message of the Gospel, we will discover God’s omnipotence which means that he is all-powerful.  It is His power that overcomes mankind’s sinful nature and gives him new life.

Guidance

-         God’s word opens our eyes to the truth and the light so we can avoid stumbling.

Bread of Life

-         The Bible is real soul food.  As we read and study it every day, we receive health and strength for the body and soul. 

Enjoyment

-         We can feel joy in reading God’s word.  Even his instructions bring us joy because it is for our own good.

Inspiration

-         God’s word inspires faith for salvation, hope, the future and love for others.  Inspiration is influence that leads to good ideas or actions.

Assurance of Salvation

-         Saving faith comes from hearing the message about Jesus.  Without the word, how would we know for sure we are saved through faith in Christ alone?

Teachings

-         The Bible contains the total truth necessary for living.  It is the basis for our confidence in the standards of doing right and wrong.

Warnings

-         When we study the Bible, we inform and strengthen yourself so that when temptations come, we will be strong enough to do what is biblically right.

Protection

-         The key to overcoming sin is to treasure God’s word in our hearts.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalms 119:11 KJV)

Stabilization

-         Many “Christian” legislators come and go because they fail to meditate on the word.  This makes them like chaff which the wind blows away.  They are double-minded and unstable in their ways.

Phew, that was quite a list of benefits, but there’s still more.  So, why is it important to study the Bible?  Studying the word of God is a privilege.  Why? 

God is;

The King of Kings

The Lord of Lords

The One and Only True and Living God

If we are saved, we are children of God which makes us part of a royal family.  That in itself is a privilege.  We can become his children by accepting Jesus as our personal Savior.  It is a privilege and an honor to learn about God and his promises through Bible study.

And lastly, where did I get the title “double digest”.  Well, I thought about how you need to eat and digest physically; so why not spiritually as well.  We eat and digest God’s word by studying it.  So that makes it a double digest.