JC Blog

Jesus prayed an amazing thing for us in His High Priestly prayer in John 17. "I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me" ( John 17:22-23 ). Jesus showed us the glory of God. The Greek word for glory is Doxa, which signifies an "opinion, estimate, and hence, the honor resulting from a good opinion” (Vines Dictionary). God is the originator of every good thought. Jesus is saying that the thoughts, opinions and estimate of what God thinks about Jesus is what God also thinks about us. This is incredible!

Jesus came to reveal this truth to us. He prayed that we would understand this. He wasn't just praying for His disciples but everyone who would believe in Him through their message ( John 17:20 ). God thinks highly of us. He is the originator of every good thought toward man. He loves us, created us for relationship and didn't spare His own son so that we could be reconciled to Him. This is a powerful thing to consider when understanding the reason He came to earth was to destroy sin and the power of death that had held us captive ( Hebrews 2:14-15 ).

Angels Long to Look into These Things

"Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things" ( I Peter 1:10-12 ).

We live in an amazing time period because we live after the time when Christ came to earth. As believers, we experience everything that the prophets foretold would happen after the Messiah came. We are born again with the Spirit of God inside of us, no longer having a sin nature ( Romans 6:6-7 ), this changed everything. In fact David saw this and called us blessed. "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him" ( Romans 4:7-8; Psalm 32:1-2 ). God deals with us according to what Jesus did and not according to what we do. Peter said even the angels long to look into this wonderful salvation that has been given to mankind.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ" ( Ephesians 1:3-10 ).

Tomorrow we look at Hebrews 2:17: Jesus Reached Out to Give Us A Helping Hand

As Christians we look forward to a time when Jesus will come back for us and we are united with him. We frequently sing songs to that end... "when we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!" While it is okay to look forward to this time, the reality is, that we have already been united with Christ and we are currently living a new life in Him. The Bible teaches that these things concerning a new glorious life are past tense. Meaning that they have already happened and we are living a present tense version of this truth. Born again believers currently have a new life in Christ Jesus, it is not something we are waiting for.

Paul teaches us in Romans, that when we died with Christ, we were also raised with him. This took place the moment that you accepted Christ as your Savior. He said the same thing in Ephesians 2, "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus..." ( Ephesians 2:4-6 ). Ephesians concurring that this event happened in the past and is not something we are waiting for when we all get to heaven.

I remember the first time I read this and took notice of it. It caused me to stop and meditate on these verses until I understood what Paul was saying. Understanding came when I looked at these passages with spiritual eyes because that is the only way for this to make sense. Understand that there is more to life than just what you can see, touch and experience in the natural world. We are made up of one-third spirit, one-third soul and one-third body. ( I Thessalonians 5:23 ) Now your body is just the physical shell of who you are. It will go along with whatever you let rule you. Your soul, for simplicities sake is your consciousness. Your attitude, your thoughts, your personality, it is everything that makes you unique. Your spirit is what gives you life. It is the part of you that is sealed and redeemed and raised with Christ and seated in the heavenly realm. When you are born again, you currently possess this new spirit of Christ and if you currently possess it, then you have it. If your spirit was raised with Christ to newness of life, then so are you. It is one-third of your make -up.

Therefore, since this is accomplished in your spirit, you cannot look at what you can see. You have to go along with what you know to be true. For instance, do you feel saved or do you know? If I look at the physical realm then I look like a filthy sinner. That is why I cannot look there to know that I am born again. I have to look into the my spirit and see the righteousness that God has bestowed upon me. Then, I can look in to the word and confirm what I know in my spirit. I know it is who I am because the Bible tells me so. If I rely on feelings and letting them dictate what I know, then I am in trouble. I will doubt my salvation, I will question whether or not I'm worthy of it, I will focus in the areas that I fail constantly. But if I am settled and assured in the truth of what God has said, then physical circumstances do not matter... you can't talk me out of the fact that I am saved. Overall, the church has done a good job of teaching this, so that we understand when we ask Christ into our lives, we are saved and our circumstances and unworthiness do not matter.

However, this same process is true for this truth. The fact is, you have been raised with Christ Jesus and are seated with him in the heavenly realm. You have a new life through association with him. If I look around and decide this isn't true because of what you see, then you will get into unbelief and doubt and that will keep you from experiencing this new life that Paul is talking about. In your spirit, you are raised with Christ and have new life. To the degree that you think, believe, and act like who you are in your spirit, to that degree you will experience the life of Christ in your flesh as well.

There is no need to sing a song celebrating a future event that has already taken place. We can look forward to heaven, but God wants us to experience eternal life right now on this earth. Jesus said in John 17:3, "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." ( John 17:3 ) and since we can experience Jesus, God the Father and God the Holy Spirit in this world, then we can rejoice in where we are right now, seated with Christ and made alive through his death on the cross. We don't have to wait until we get to heaven to experience this.

So how do we practice this? Paul said in Colossians, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:1-3) We can experience this resurrection life that Paul describes by adjusting our minds and setting our hearts on kingdom things, where Christ is the center. And then you will see the result of this truth in the natural realm. See how important this is? Today, I pray that you are so blessed by this revelation. May it change your entire life. God bless you!

Paul's message of grace was hard to swallow for the Jew of this time and even for many Christians today. His revelation on grace and faith was unrivaled among his peers. He constantly had to defend the gospel of grace to nay-sayers and critics. This passage of scripture is no exception.

On the one hand, Paul is saying that the argument that our sin glorifies God's mercy, is completely carnal and self-seeking. Basically seeking permission to engage in their desires while imputing God's character as an unfair judge. Paul maintains that God alone can judge and is completely reasonable and just in doing so. Therefore, argument against being condemned as a sinner is full of holes. While, it is true that our sin does illuminate how gracious God is to us, it still doesn't excuse the sin. God never wanted us to know or experience sin, so we know that our sin is never a good thing.

On the other hand, Paul had to defend himself against critics who slandered him constantly. Paul's revelation of grace was so dependant on what God had done, that it cause many people to accuse him of encouraging people to sin. His response... 'Their condemnation is deserved." Meaning that these accusations were completely false and utterly unfounded.

Today, I pray that you realize that God's mercy is not permission to go and live a life of sin. Romans 2:4 says, that it is God's kindness leads to repentance. Repentance is simply to turn and go the other way. So instead of continuing on in the way of sin, I hope you recognize God's abundant mercy and grace poured out upon you through His son Jesus. And for that knowledge to propel you into living a life worthy of your calling.

This passage is talking about God's final judgment at the end of the world. If you look at this passage it looks like God will judge you based on your actions and reward according to your works. However, Paul builds the case for Jesus throughout the entire book of Romans. And how we need to be saved by grace and faith in Him along. If we understand that, then verses appear to contract the theme of the book of Romans. However, we know that scripture does not oppose it's self, therefore we view these verses in light of what Paul is saying overall.

This passage, in context of the entire expose to the Romans, Paul maintains that we are saved by grace ( Romans 3:23-24 ), that no one will be declared righteous by observing the law ( Romans 3:19-20 ) and finally, that we will only be justified through faith in what Jesus did for us. ( Romans 3:24-28 ). Therefore, the only action that will be rewarded with eternal life is the action of faith not of works.

We have a choice in this life. The choice we have in this life is the choice of faith in Jesus. Faith is what saves us, not individual good works. We must put our faith in Jesus and that alone is the only thing that God will judge in determining eternal life verses wrath and anger.

What Paul is describing is that faith is an action. James says, that true faith has actions. "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."  Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do." ( James 2:17-18 ). Paul is attesting to this, He is saying that for those whose faith is so real, it causes them to continue to do well... 'seeking glory, honor and immortality'... the result is eternal life. On the other hand, for those who reject the truth, the truth of what Jesus did for them, and follow in the ways of the world, then there will be destruction. It all boils down to a choice and the corresponding actions associated with believing that choice.

Today, it is my prayer that as you make this choice to trust Jesus with your life, you will continue on into the fullness of Christ. By knowing Him, the choices you make in life will spur you onto good deeds out flowing from His goodness and love. Paul says, the result is eternal life with our Lord and Savior! Amen!

Paul had such an amazing perspective on things. He warned us that throughout this life we would face hardship and persecution at the hands of the world, but throughout all of it, he encourages us that this suffering does not even compare with the glory that has been revealed in us as God's children. He makes light of the afflictions endured at the hands of the world because he knew that what is inside us is so much greater in every way imaginable

In II Corinthians 4, he wrote about this very thing, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" ( II Corinthians 4:17-18 ). Oh to have an eternal perspective on the things of this earth. When we get a glimpse of eternity with our Lord and Savior in comparison to our earthly dwelling then the things that seem really important in this life lose their grip on us. We enter into a new reality, a true and lasting reality.

This reality starts with understanding that we are children of God. This is Paul's whole point! Nothing compares to being a son or daughter of the Lord. He loves us so much. Nothing can quite match up to the glory we have in abundance living inside of us. Not persecution, not trouble and not hardship. They shouldn't even be a comparison to knowing Jesus. As God's children we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us to confirm this truth to us over and over.

Today, it is my prayer that you gain an eternal perspective in life. May you understand that your present situation is temporary. Whatever comes your way, I pray that you weigh it against the amazing gift of knowing God and being called a son or daughter of the most high king. Amen.

Through faith we were born into God's family. He has given us a new name, a new spirit and a new future to testify to this very fact. We are heirs of God and co-heir with Christ Jesus. God has withheld nothing from us. Ephesians says, "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will" ( Ephesians 1:4-5 ). All of this eternal blessing grew out of His love for us. Before Christ we were helpless and hopeless without God, but through the blood of Christ we have been brought near and included in the covenant of promise ( Ephesians 2:12-13 ).

This is an amazing thing. Understanding this truth will change your entire perspective in life. But with revelation and heart change comes resistance on behalf of the world. Paul said in today's passage that "...we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory" ( Romans 8:17 ). He is talking about persecution. Paul knew from experience that sharing the gospel and seeing lives changed ignited opposition to it. He bore marks on his body over and over giving evidence to this very fact. He is saying that sometimes we will suffer ridicule, slander and pain on the account of Christ from unbelievers but this can't deter us from walking in the glory reveled to us through Christ Jesus.

Jesus said something similar, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." ( John 15:18-19 ). Jesus suffered persecution at the hands of mankind as well. This happened not only because he was different but because it was evident that he spoke on behalf of God. He was the light of the world and the darkness could not comprehend it so they tried to destroy it.

Throughout the scriptures we are warned about this. John said, "Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you" ( I John 3:13 ). James said, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds..." ( James 1:2 ). Peter said, "...do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you..." ( I Peter 4:13 ). And lastly Paul said, "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered" ( Romans 8:36 ). These men knew suffering at the hands of the world and yet each one of them said and demonstrated that knowing Jesus and His power outweighed anything that the world threw their way.

That is an encouraging word for today. Even if the world hates you on the account of Christ, who cares. The glory that we are apart of overshadows persecution and trials in every way. Paul was so convinced of this fact that He went on to say, "...in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us" ( Romans 8:37 ). He was beat, publicly humiliated, flogged and stoned near death and yet none of these thing deterred him. He gave up everything for the pursuit of Christ Jesus and the gospel. That was his driving force, nothing else mattered. His mission statement clear and focused..."I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith" ( Romans 1:16-17 ).

Sharing in Christ's suffering at the hands of unbelievers means that you are counted among his dear children. Peter said, "if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name" ( I Peter 4: 16 ). And that is exactly what Paul is saying in today's passage, we will share in suffering at the hands of the world because we are God's children and co-heirs with Christ. Now rejoice because this is temporary compared to the surpassing glory that will be revealed in us. Paul was a great example of faith in action. He knew God and he understood the coming glory that will be revealed in us the further we walk with Christ. Paul said, "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith" ( Philippians 3:7-9 ). This is our goal. Not caring what the world says, not caring what the world does, but considering their foolishness completely lost to us that we may know Christ and understand the righteousness we have as his children.

Today, I am blessed to be called a daughter, a sister, a friend and wife of my beloved Lord. He has used all of these descriptive relationships to state that I am everything to him. He says the same about you! He loves you so much. May his love permeate your entire spirit, soul and body today. May renewing your mind to this amazing truth change your future. Amen.

It is amazing that Paul stops shortly after finishing his radiant expose of where the Jews fit into God's salvation plan to praise God for who he is. Taking a moment to reflect and think through how this plan has unfolded since the beginning of time warrants a thankful heart toward God. Nothing in all of creation has ever caught God off guard because his judgments and unfathomable wisdom have proved to be perfect in all things.

God's plan of redemption was brilliant. From the very beginning of time He utilized Christ to reconcile the world to himself. Even before there was a world, mankind or sin, Christ was purposed and foreordained as the perfect spotless lamb of God to be our sin substitute ( I Peter 1:19-20 ). God knew what would happen with the creation of man, sin would seep in and ruin the paradise He created, but even despite this knowledge He chose to create us. God knew Israel would reject him as their Messiah, but he still sent Jesus to the cross as the ransom for many.  Because in his infinite wisdom and knowledge he had the plan all worked out, he knew the end from the beginning and he knew what he would do to bring the world back to himself.

Reflecting over this amazing word will bring you to where Paul was, the point of celebrating God. Understanding everything he has done for us creates the desire to thank him and rejoice in him in all things. Everything he planned and purposed for our benefit from the beginning of time, no one understood. They watched them unfold and saw through prophecies what would be given through Christ Jesus. Many looked forward in anticipation to this time, calling those who lived after Christ, blessed and highly favored because of the infinite grace we have received through Jesus ( Psalm 32:1-2, Romans 4:6-8 ).

Now these hidden mysteries that were kept secret for generations are now revealed to us through the Holy Spirit. "However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"- but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God" ( I Corinthians 2:9-10 ). Now through Christ, what was once hidden and kept secret is freely revealed to us by God's spirit living inside us. We can now look at the things he has done and understand them a completely different way. "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ" ( I Corinthians 2:16 ). This enables us to freely understand God's purpose and plan for our lives. We can also read the truth of the word and understand it on this basis, that the Holy Spirit searches the deep things of God and reveals them to our spirit so we can understand what God has freely given us. We have the mind of Christ to lead us into all truths.

What a fabulous God we serve; so amazing, so complete and so loving. No wonder Paul started to praise God after writing this wonderful word and remembering all of the magnificent things he has done in bringing mankind back to himself. "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen" Today, I join with Paul and the millions of saints rejoicing in God our Father through the Lord Jesus Christ for the riches of blessings we have received in him, amen and so be it!