May 27, 2014
The saying goes, “everyone is entitled to his/her opinion”. In many areas of life, opinions are personal and inconsequential. But, there are some crucial areas where personal opinions carry far more weight than many realize. And there is one that is top of the list.
“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist; and others,Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ ” (Matthew 16.13-15)
What others think about Jesus is interesting, but what we personally conclude is of the utmost importance. And, it is imperative that our answer be the same as Peter’s: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16.16)
Much controversy surrounds the true nature and identity of Jesus. Most doctrinal statements adhered to by denominations and churches bear little resemblance to this simple and God-inspired confession. And yet, this is the first, and truly authentic, statement of faith. Nothing must ever negate or displace it. To be the Son of God is radically different that being God, the Son. And, lest we think this is all a matter of personal opinion or preference, consider the priority Jesus Himself attaches to it: “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17.3)
The key point is this: do not allow doctrinal statements, church tradition, or the opinions of others determine your conclusion as to who Jesus is. Make certain that you diligently search the Bible, and humbly pursue this issue in a spirit of prayer, because God alone provides the insight (“flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 16.17)
This key conclusion as to Jesus’ identity is the starting point. From here, our goal must be to personally know and walk with this Jesus whose identity God reveals to us. As the apostle Paul so well said, “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3.10-11)
May today be an important day of discovering and walking with the Christ that our Father wants to truly reveal to us.
©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
“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist; and others,Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ ” (Matthew 16.13-15)
What others think about Jesus is interesting, but what we personally conclude is of the utmost importance. And, it is imperative that our answer be the same as Peter’s: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16.16)
Much controversy surrounds the true nature and identity of Jesus. Most doctrinal statements adhered to by denominations and churches bear little resemblance to this simple and God-inspired confession. And yet, this is the first, and truly authentic, statement of faith. Nothing must ever negate or displace it. To be the Son of God is radically different that being God, the Son. And, lest we think this is all a matter of personal opinion or preference, consider the priority Jesus Himself attaches to it: “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17.3)
The key point is this: do not allow doctrinal statements, church tradition, or the opinions of others determine your conclusion as to who Jesus is. Make certain that you diligently search the Bible, and humbly pursue this issue in a spirit of prayer, because God alone provides the insight (“flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 16.17)
This key conclusion as to Jesus’ identity is the starting point. From here, our goal must be to personally know and walk with this Jesus whose identity God reveals to us. As the apostle Paul so well said, “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3.10-11)
May today be an important day of discovering and walking with the Christ that our Father wants to truly reveal to us.
©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 @ 9:28 AM
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