TO KNOW?

TO KNOW?

Sunday, December 06, 2015

John 1:1-13 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he 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.

Titus 2:14-15 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

1Peter 2:9-10 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

  “To know?” is question that has arisen again, and correctly so as eternity is forever, life here very brief.

  Those following Jesus during His earthly ministry also wondered. (Jn.14:5) This has not changed. People, as then, still approach The Word living and written comparatively examining from personal, cultural, and religious point of reference based in education familial and formal, emotions and experiences included, apart from Scripture; relating the Bible to what they know; not examining their knowledge to what the Bible says, including Christ’ words.

  Let us begin with the truth that God’s children are distinctively different; “peculiar” says the wording in KJV; Jesus’ parable in Matthew 13, verses 24-30, highlighting this distinction as being quite recognizable, weeds looking stalks apart from golden ripe stalks of wheat.    

  The Apostle Paul speaks of this disparity of birth and growth in 2Corinthians GW 5:14-21. “Clearly, Christ's love guides us. We are convinced of the fact that one man has died for all people. Therefore, all people have died. 15 He died for all people so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for the man who died and was brought back to life for them. 16 So from now on we don't think of anyone from a human point of view. If we did think of Christ from a human point of view, we don't anymore. 17 Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence. 18 God has done all this. He has restored our relationship with him through Christ, and has given us this ministry of restoring relationships. 19 In other words, God was using Christ to restore his relationship with humanity. He didn't hold people's faults against them, and he has given us this message of restored relationships to tell others. 20 Therefore, we are Christ's representatives, and through us God is calling you. We beg you on behalf of Christ to become reunited with God. 21 God had Christ, who was sinless, take our sin so that we might receive God's approval through him.”

  So, thus far we see God’s people: 1.) Walk with the Light in the light away from darkness. 2.) Are peculiarly different, but not by our mind or strength resulting in change, but regenerate and guided by Christ, The Word. 3.) Have an uncommon attitude toward people and life. 4.) Are a new creation as dissimilar as weeds compared to golden wheat.

   To know? Oh yes, the truth can be and is known.  EBB4