March 5, 2014
The best way to avoid the counterfeit is to be very familiar with the genuine. That’s good advice for banking and retail work, as well as for followers of Christ.
"By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world." (1 John 4:2-3)
Plenty is said about the activity of Holy Spirit. Some would tell us it’s manifested in miracles of healing, unknown language, and frenzied activity. John reminds us that it will be associated with a truthful confession of Jesus. A variance from this true Jesus originates, not with the Spirit of God, but with the spirit of antichrist. As such, it behooves us to be discerning in what we embrace and believe about God’s Son.
Historically, there has been great fascination with antichrist. The Books of Daniel and Revelation, as well as many other passages, focus on a human figure who will embodying the role of an antichristian tyrant. It seems every generation of Bible students have sought to speculate on the leading candidate of the times for that role. But, amidst such speculation, a great concern is easily overlooked: the “spirit of the antichrist … already in the world”.
It is not unreasonable to state that there is a deliberate, well-orchestrated conspiracy to cover up the true identity of Jesus. Two extremes are prevalent: portraying Him as overly human so as to be no different from any human or, making Him God, the Son - Creator Father in flesh. Both are serious variations.
The issue of Jesus’ true identity is not to be relegated to theological debate. This is an intensely personal and serious matter. Personal belief in Jesus is at the very heart of our faith. There is danger in believing in “another Jesus” (2 Corinthians 11:4; Galatians 1:6-7), so it is vitally important that we have personal faith based upon the best biblical information available to us - regardless of creed or tradition.
So, who is the real Jesus? Is He the Jesus portrayed by Rembrandt, and other famous artists? Is he the traditional Christian Jesus, the Muslim Jesus, the Mormon Jesus, the Catholic Jesus, the Jewish Jesus? Who is He, as revealed in the pages of the Bible, and on whom you place personal faith? I’ll dare say no issue or question is more important.
I’ve tried to diligently learn the Jesus of the Bible. But, I’ve also tried to “practice His presence” in my daily life, which is at least as challenging. What I know ABOUT Him is important, but knowing Him PERSONALLY, in daily experience, is also vital.
The Spirit of God is active in revealing the true identity of God’s Son to His people. In both experience and scripture study, may we participate with God’s Spirit in best knowing His incomparable Son.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
"By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world." (1 John 4:2-3)
Plenty is said about the activity of Holy Spirit. Some would tell us it’s manifested in miracles of healing, unknown language, and frenzied activity. John reminds us that it will be associated with a truthful confession of Jesus. A variance from this true Jesus originates, not with the Spirit of God, but with the spirit of antichrist. As such, it behooves us to be discerning in what we embrace and believe about God’s Son.
Historically, there has been great fascination with antichrist. The Books of Daniel and Revelation, as well as many other passages, focus on a human figure who will embodying the role of an antichristian tyrant. It seems every generation of Bible students have sought to speculate on the leading candidate of the times for that role. But, amidst such speculation, a great concern is easily overlooked: the “spirit of the antichrist … already in the world”.
It is not unreasonable to state that there is a deliberate, well-orchestrated conspiracy to cover up the true identity of Jesus. Two extremes are prevalent: portraying Him as overly human so as to be no different from any human or, making Him God, the Son - Creator Father in flesh. Both are serious variations.
The issue of Jesus’ true identity is not to be relegated to theological debate. This is an intensely personal and serious matter. Personal belief in Jesus is at the very heart of our faith. There is danger in believing in “another Jesus” (2 Corinthians 11:4; Galatians 1:6-7), so it is vitally important that we have personal faith based upon the best biblical information available to us - regardless of creed or tradition.
So, who is the real Jesus? Is He the Jesus portrayed by Rembrandt, and other famous artists? Is he the traditional Christian Jesus, the Muslim Jesus, the Mormon Jesus, the Catholic Jesus, the Jewish Jesus? Who is He, as revealed in the pages of the Bible, and on whom you place personal faith? I’ll dare say no issue or question is more important.
I’ve tried to diligently learn the Jesus of the Bible. But, I’ve also tried to “practice His presence” in my daily life, which is at least as challenging. What I know ABOUT Him is important, but knowing Him PERSONALLY, in daily experience, is also vital.
The Spirit of God is active in revealing the true identity of God’s Son to His people. In both experience and scripture study, may we participate with God’s Spirit in best knowing His incomparable Son.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 8:34 AM
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