Tag: redeem

God Our Redeemer

For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth (Job 19:25)

This says it all. This is who God is. This is who Jesus Christ is. He is Our Redeemer (Gaal). He took on our sin, our debt, and paid for them. All of them. Read the story of Ruth. This is a story that demonstrates what Christ would do one day. Naomi and Ruth were widows; Ruth was the daughter-in-law of Naomi. Naomi was a Hebrew and Ruth was from Moab, an “outsider.” But she was faithful and stayed with Naomi even in the hardest of times. Boaz was a righteous man who was a relative of Ruth’s late husband. He took her in, he was kind to her and he would be what they called, a “kinsmen-redeemer.” In Jewish custom, a man (if he so chose) would take his dead relative’s wife to take care of her and to continue the family line. It was a great sacrifice, and it was a great act of kindness and honor. Read the book of Ruth. It is an enlightening story of love and redemption. There would come a day in which God, through His Son (in the family line of Boaz and Ruth), would redeem all of us. He would be the Savior of the world, our Redeemer. He would be the Light of the world, fully God and fully human to give us grace. Our salvation can only be through Him and no other. Praise God!

Continue reading “God Our Redeemer”

I Commit My Spirit

In the final moments of Jesus’ life on earth, He surrenders His spirit to the Father.  His trust is in the Father.  This is another example He sets for us…to put our trust in the Lord and surrender to Him.  He is our strength.  He is our Redeemer. Continue reading “I Commit My Spirit”

Redemption by Propitiation

How did Christ redeem us?  What does it mean that Jesus is our propitiation?  More of those big words (as we discussed in the last few posts) that is so important to the gospel.  Because of our sin, because of God’s righteousness and justice, the penalty needs to be paid, a sacrifice.  God the Father provided that through His Son, Jesus Christ.  Jesus is “a propitiation by His blood” We are redeemed through Him.  So what exactly do these words mean? Continue reading “Redemption by Propitiation”

The Angel of the Lord…The Lamb of God

Jesus reveals Himself throughout the Bible…even in the Old Testament.  The Old Testament points us to Christ.  Throughout the OT, God shows that we are sinners.  He also shows that He loves us and provides a sacrifice for our sins, a way to eternal life.  He shows us that He desires our heart.  He is a God of mercy and love.  The covenant He made with Abraham goes far beyond His Chosen People, the Israelites.  He will bless all the nations through His Son, who would be the Lamb of sacrifice for us. Continue reading “The Angel of the Lord…The Lamb of God”

Tolerance vs. Being Judgemental

There is a lot of talk about being tolerant in today’s society.  What does that mean? When Jesus said, “Judge not” what odes that mean?  And what is the context of it?  As Christians, we are to love all people.  Does that mean to accept what they are doing even if we know biblically it is wrong?  How do we talk to that person without being judgemental?  What does it mean when someone says, “love the sinner, hate the sin?”  Why is this offensive to some people?  Where do we draw the line between being self-righteous, judgemental, or “fruit inspectors” and being tolerant and compromising?

I had a person talk to me about churches and she was looking for a good church that isn’t “holier than thou” as she put it.  We both agreed that God is a loving God and we are saved by grace.  She talked about tolerance.  I mentioned that some churches are too tolerant (and compromising) and do not want to teach about sin.  We parted ways when she asked me my stance on gay marriage.  She said churches should be tolerant and welcome all people.  I agreed we are to welcome all people, including homosexuals.  But, we are also to teach the truth and Romans 1 is very clear on this subject.  She told me that I almost convinced her to come to my church until we talked about gay marriage.

So, how do we handle these touchy issues?  Most people will quote Matthew 7:1 to basically tell Christians to mind their own business.  I think many times they are right.  We are also to share God’s word.  I believe we must show God’s truth (we must teach and learn all of scripture, not just the part we are comfortable with), but our attitude must be in a loving manner but without compromising our faith and belief. Continue reading “Tolerance vs. Being Judgemental”