In Revelation 6:9-11 "the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held" are crying out with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"
In Revelation 7:9-17 these same souls are no longer"under the altar" (Revelation 6:9). Now they are "before the throne and before the Lamb" (Revelation 7:9). They are still crying out with a loud voice mind you. Here what they are saying now: "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" (Revelation 7:10).
Before they were in "great tribulation" (Revelation 7:14). Now "they are before the throne of God," serving Him, dwelling with Him (Revelation 7:15). They no longer hunger or thirst, suffer, or cry tears (Revelation 7:16-17). The Lamb shepherds them and leads them "to living fountains of waters" (Revelation 7:17).
From under the altar to before the throne because of the Lamb. The Lamb delivered these souls. He will deliver yours too.
Jason Cicero
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Hidden in My Heart
Then He said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me." (Luke 24:44; NKJV)
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Sunday Morning Starters
Made a Little Lower. In eternity, the Word submitted to the will of the Father. In the first century, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. He "was made a little lower than the angels" (Hebrews 2:9; NKJV).
Lifted Up. The Word became flesh for the purpose of being "lifted up" (John 3:14). The process of crucifixion was efficient. A hole was dug in the Earth. The cross was laid on the ground. The victim was laid on the cross where he was then nailed to it. The cross was then "lifted up" and dropped into the Earth. The Word "was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death"(Hebrews 2:9; NKJV).
Exalted. The death of Jesus on the cross is not the end of the story. The I AM raised up His Servant and "Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins" (Acts 5:30-31; NKJV). When He, "by Himself purged our sins," He then "sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high," exalted (Hebrews 1:3; NKJV).
Is He exalted in your life?
Jason Cicero
Lifted Up. The Word became flesh for the purpose of being "lifted up" (John 3:14). The process of crucifixion was efficient. A hole was dug in the Earth. The cross was laid on the ground. The victim was laid on the cross where he was then nailed to it. The cross was then "lifted up" and dropped into the Earth. The Word "was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death"(Hebrews 2:9; NKJV).
Exalted. The death of Jesus on the cross is not the end of the story. The I AM raised up His Servant and "Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins" (Acts 5:30-31; NKJV). When He, "by Himself purged our sins," He then "sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high," exalted (Hebrews 1:3; NKJV).
Is He exalted in your life?
Jason Cicero
Friday, October 28, 2011
Knowing GOD'S Majesty
The true and living GOD is "clothed with majesty" (Psalm 93:1; NASBU). Majesty has to do with beauty, glory, ornament, and splendor. Simply stated, majesty means "great." GOD is great and when we speak of His majesty we speak of His greatness!
See His Majesty. Moses requested to see GOD'S greatness at Mount Sinai and the I AM granted His request. What Moses saw with his own two eyes GOD would have us to see by faith. Make Paul's prayer for the Ephesians your own: "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know...the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe" (Ephesians 1:18-19; NASBU).
Respond to His Majesty. When Moses saw GOD'S greatness he responded to it by bowing his head and worshiping. To see GOD'S greatness is to also see one's own smallness. To bow in deference with reverence from the depth of one's heart is the proper response to "the high and exalted One Who lives forever, whose name is Holy" (Isaiah 57:15; NASBU).
Magnify Him in My Life. Let there be no mistake - GOD is great. But is he great in my life? To magnify Him is to make Him great, to exalt Him, to give Him is rightful place in my life. He longs to "be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death" (Philippians 1:20; NASBU). He is worthy of my exaltation because He is great!
See His majesty, respond to His majesty, magnify Him in your life!
See His Majesty. Moses requested to see GOD'S greatness at Mount Sinai and the I AM granted His request. What Moses saw with his own two eyes GOD would have us to see by faith. Make Paul's prayer for the Ephesians your own: "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know...the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe" (Ephesians 1:18-19; NASBU).
Respond to His Majesty. When Moses saw GOD'S greatness he responded to it by bowing his head and worshiping. To see GOD'S greatness is to also see one's own smallness. To bow in deference with reverence from the depth of one's heart is the proper response to "the high and exalted One Who lives forever, whose name is Holy" (Isaiah 57:15; NASBU).
Magnify Him in My Life. Let there be no mistake - GOD is great. But is he great in my life? To magnify Him is to make Him great, to exalt Him, to give Him is rightful place in my life. He longs to "be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death" (Philippians 1:20; NASBU). He is worthy of my exaltation because He is great!
See His majesty, respond to His majesty, magnify Him in your life!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Preach the Word
Preaching is an important part of GOD'S eternal purpose. The Spirit asks, "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14). Those who "preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things" are blessed. And those who hear and believe the gospel they preach are blessed too.
Preach. To preach is to proclaim openly something which has been done. Officials would send heralds before them when traveling to proclaim their impending arrival. Jesus has sent forth preachers to proclaim something which has been done. Namely, His death, burial, and resurrection. To preach Jesus is to openly proclaim all that He lived and taught and one's proper response to Him. Preaching is intended to help folks prepare for His second arrival.
The Word. The Word of GOD reflects His nature, His character, and His will. To"preach the word" is to preach the Author of the Word. To help others to know the Lord, His nature, His character, His will is the high aim of preaching. Preaching must be centered on the Word of GOD because the Word is where GOD is seen.
Sufficient. The primary purpose of preaching is to glorify GOD. Secondly, preaching is intended to edify GOD'S people. Finally, preaching is intended to convict lost souls. The Word of GOD is sufficient to glorify GOD, edify GOD'S people, and convict lost souls!
"Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." (Colossians 1:28; NKJV)
Preach. To preach is to proclaim openly something which has been done. Officials would send heralds before them when traveling to proclaim their impending arrival. Jesus has sent forth preachers to proclaim something which has been done. Namely, His death, burial, and resurrection. To preach Jesus is to openly proclaim all that He lived and taught and one's proper response to Him. Preaching is intended to help folks prepare for His second arrival.
The Word. The Word of GOD reflects His nature, His character, and His will. To"preach the word" is to preach the Author of the Word. To help others to know the Lord, His nature, His character, His will is the high aim of preaching. Preaching must be centered on the Word of GOD because the Word is where GOD is seen.
Sufficient. The primary purpose of preaching is to glorify GOD. Secondly, preaching is intended to edify GOD'S people. Finally, preaching is intended to convict lost souls. The Word of GOD is sufficient to glorify GOD, edify GOD'S people, and convict lost souls!
"Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." (Colossians 1:28; NKJV)
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
GOD is Love
Types of Love. The Greeks had a number of words that described the concept of love. Phileo has to do with brotherly love. Storge has to do with loving affection.Eros speaks of erotic love and is never used in Scripture. Agape is the love most often spoken of in GOD'S Book.
Agape. Decribed as "the greatest of these," agape is not an emotion, but rather an act of the will. Agape choses to love, to act in the best interests of others. It is a sacrificial love. Agape is a provider and a protector. Indeed, agape is love of the highest order.
GOD is Agape. We know this love because we know GOD. The great I AM is not loving, mind you. He is love - "for God is love" (1 John 4:8, 16). At the core of His being and nature is agape. He is the source of "the greatest of these" (1 Corinthians 13:13).
Agape. Decribed as "the greatest of these," agape is not an emotion, but rather an act of the will. Agape choses to love, to act in the best interests of others. It is a sacrificial love. Agape is a provider and a protector. Indeed, agape is love of the highest order.
GOD is Agape. We know this love because we know GOD. The great I AM is not loving, mind you. He is love - "for God is love" (1 John 4:8, 16). At the core of His being and nature is agape. He is the source of "the greatest of these" (1 Corinthians 13:13).
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
He Did Not Look Up
Operation Deliverance. When Moses was forty years old it "came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel" (Acts 7:23; NKJV). Problem was, the I AM had not put this on His heart. It was GOD'S will for the Israelites to be freed from Egyptian slavery, but it was not GOD'S time. Moses was dedicated to the will of GOD, but not to the GOD whose will it was. In Exodus 2:12, Moses"looked this way and that way," but Moses failed to look up! Operation Deliverance was energized by the flesh and therefore it failed.
I try, I fail. For forty years Moses reflected on his thinking that led to his action. The Spirit tells us that Moses "supposed that his brethren would have understood that God would deliver them by his hand" (Acts 7:25; NKJV). Moses learned a valuable lesson about doing GOD'S will without GOD'S help - I try, I fail.
I trust, He succeeds. Forty years later it is GOD'S time. He calls Moses "to be a ruler and a deliverer" (Acts 7:35; NKJV). Moses is broken from the Operation Deliverance experience, but it is GOD'S time and it is GOD who gives Moses the strength to do His will. At the burning bush, in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and at Mount Sinai Moses learns a second valuable lesson - I trust, He succeeds!
"...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13; NKJV)
Jason Cicero
I try, I fail. For forty years Moses reflected on his thinking that led to his action. The Spirit tells us that Moses "supposed that his brethren would have understood that God would deliver them by his hand" (Acts 7:25; NKJV). Moses learned a valuable lesson about doing GOD'S will without GOD'S help - I try, I fail.
I trust, He succeeds. Forty years later it is GOD'S time. He calls Moses "to be a ruler and a deliverer" (Acts 7:35; NKJV). Moses is broken from the Operation Deliverance experience, but it is GOD'S time and it is GOD who gives Moses the strength to do His will. At the burning bush, in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and at Mount Sinai Moses learns a second valuable lesson - I trust, He succeeds!
"...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13; NKJV)
Jason Cicero
Monday, October 24, 2011
Is the Bible Relevant to Me?
Perhaps the single greatest challenge GOD'S people have today is to take GOD'S book, the Bible, and help people to see the relevance of it to their lives. GOD'S word is practical. It speaks to the issues of everyone's life.
The Bible is relevant to you because of what the Bible is - The Word of GOD. Scripture is "inspired by God" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible did not originate in the mind of man. Scripture originated in the mind of GOD. Men"moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God" and were guided to put His word in written form (2 Peter 1:21). "For the word of God" is from Heaven, not from Earth (Hebrews 4:12). Written by our Creator, Sustainer, and Savior, the Bible is relevant to us!
The Bible is relevant to you because of the nature of the Word of GOD -Living, Powerful, Piercing, and Discerning. Nature is a thing's essential qualities or character. "For the word of God is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12; NKJV). The Word of GOD speaks to the heart of man about the issues of the heart (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
Is the Bible relevant to me? Read it and see!
Jason Cicero
The Bible is relevant to you because of what the Bible is - The Word of GOD. Scripture is "inspired by God" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible did not originate in the mind of man. Scripture originated in the mind of GOD. Men"moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God" and were guided to put His word in written form (2 Peter 1:21). "For the word of God" is from Heaven, not from Earth (Hebrews 4:12). Written by our Creator, Sustainer, and Savior, the Bible is relevant to us!
The Bible is relevant to you because of the nature of the Word of GOD -Living, Powerful, Piercing, and Discerning. Nature is a thing's essential qualities or character. "For the word of God is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12; NKJV). The Word of GOD speaks to the heart of man about the issues of the heart (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
Is the Bible relevant to me? Read it and see!
Jason Cicero
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Hidden in My Heart
"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." (1 Timothy 1:17; NKJV)
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Sunday Morning Starters
John "was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day" when He saw Him...
Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death." (Revelation 1:12-18; NKJV)
Will you see Him tomorrow?
Jason Cicero
Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death." (Revelation 1:12-18; NKJV)
Will you see Him tomorrow?
Jason Cicero
Friday, October 21, 2011
And They Ridiculed Him
The folks at Jairus' house were in an uproar. There was weeping and wailing. Jairus' daughter was dead.
Jesus came into the house. He asked a question: "Why make this commotion and weep?" He made an observation: "The child is not dead, but sleeping."
The folks at Jairus' house "ridiculed Him." They literally"laughed Him to scorn." Because of their response to Him, He put them all outside.
Face to face with God, they mourned as those who have no hope. Face to face with God, they did not believe His word. Face to face with God, they laughed in His face.
See Him. Hear Him. Believe Him. Be amazed by Him:"Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement" (Mark 5:43; NKJV).
Jason Cicero
Jesus came into the house. He asked a question: "Why make this commotion and weep?" He made an observation: "The child is not dead, but sleeping."
The folks at Jairus' house "ridiculed Him." They literally"laughed Him to scorn." Because of their response to Him, He put them all outside.
Face to face with God, they mourned as those who have no hope. Face to face with God, they did not believe His word. Face to face with God, they laughed in His face.
See Him. Hear Him. Believe Him. Be amazed by Him:"Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement" (Mark 5:43; NKJV).
Jason Cicero
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Who Then Is This?
Jesus and the twelve were in a boat on an evening after a long day of teaching. A wind storm came upon them and the boat began filling with water. Jesus was in the stern. Asleep. On a cushion. The disciples woke Him and said,"Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"(Mark 4:38; NASBU).
Jesus got up. He rebuked the wind. He said to the sea,"Hush, be still" (Mark 4:39; NASBU). The wind died down. The sea "became perfectly calm" (Mark 4:39; NASBU).
Jesus then spoke to the twelve. He asked two, what must have been, confusing questions. "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:40; NASBU). As the boat filled with water the hearts of the disciples filled with fear. Fear for their lives. Now Jesus is asking them why. And He is asking them about their faith.
All of this served to unnerve them even more: "They became very much afraid..." (Mark 4:41; NASBU). In response to Jesus' two questions they raise one among themselves: "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?" (Mark 4:41; NASBU).
Who then indeed. That seems to be the question of questions. Once the twelve answered this question everything else fell into place for them.
By the way...The more I come to know Him...the more my fear is replaced with faith.
Jason Cicero
Jesus got up. He rebuked the wind. He said to the sea,"Hush, be still" (Mark 4:39; NASBU). The wind died down. The sea "became perfectly calm" (Mark 4:39; NASBU).
Jesus then spoke to the twelve. He asked two, what must have been, confusing questions. "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:40; NASBU). As the boat filled with water the hearts of the disciples filled with fear. Fear for their lives. Now Jesus is asking them why. And He is asking them about their faith.
All of this served to unnerve them even more: "They became very much afraid..." (Mark 4:41; NASBU). In response to Jesus' two questions they raise one among themselves: "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?" (Mark 4:41; NASBU).
Who then indeed. That seems to be the question of questions. Once the twelve answered this question everything else fell into place for them.
By the way...The more I come to know Him...the more my fear is replaced with faith.
Jason Cicero
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
With Him
Jesus set apart twelve men for a number of reasons. I am most envious of the one I read about in Mark 3:14. He chose these men to "be with Him."
What I do by faith, they did in the flesh. They saw Him with their eyes. They heard His voice with their ears. Their hands touched Him. They walked with Him. They worked with Him. They played with Him. They were"with Him."
Oh, how I want to be with Him! My joy is full knowing what awaits. "They shall see His face..." (Revelation 22:4).
Jason Cicero
What I do by faith, they did in the flesh. They saw Him with their eyes. They heard His voice with their ears. Their hands touched Him. They walked with Him. They worked with Him. They played with Him. They were"with Him."
Oh, how I want to be with Him! My joy is full knowing what awaits. "They shall see His face..." (Revelation 22:4).
Jason Cicero
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
The Great Physician
Jesus was eating at Levi's house. So were many tax collectors and sinners. This did not sit well with the scribes and Pharisees. "How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners," they asked. When Jesus heard their question He put things in perspective: "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance" (Mark 2:17; NKJV).
It helps me to know that Jesus ate with sinners because I am one. It helps me to know that He came to meet the needs of those who are sick because I am sick. It helps me to know that He came to call sinners to repentancebecause I have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
What I most desperately need...He is.
Jason Cicero
It helps me to know that Jesus ate with sinners because I am one. It helps me to know that He came to meet the needs of those who are sick because I am sick. It helps me to know that He came to call sinners to repentancebecause I have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
What I most desperately need...He is.
Jason Cicero
Monday, October 17, 2011
Do I Do What He Did?
To be a disciple of Jesus Christ is to discipline oneself to be like Him. Jesus prayed without ceasing. He kept the converstation with His Father going.
"Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed" (Mark 1:35; NKJV).
Jesus had the same amount of time in a day that I have. Jesus needed sleep as much as I do. Jesus had a greater purpose that I do.
His time, His needs, and His purpose did not keep him from getting away from it all to talk to His heavenly Father. Do mine? Then He said to me, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny Himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Luke 9:23; NKJV).
Jason Cicero
"Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed" (Mark 1:35; NKJV).
Jesus had the same amount of time in a day that I have. Jesus needed sleep as much as I do. Jesus had a greater purpose that I do.
His time, His needs, and His purpose did not keep him from getting away from it all to talk to His heavenly Father. Do mine? Then He said to me, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny Himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Luke 9:23; NKJV).
Jason Cicero
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Hidden in My Heart
"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." (1 Timothy 1:17; NKJV)
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
The Human Experiment
Humankind's greatest problem is sin. All have transgressed His high and holy law. Mankind's greatest need is to get back to GOD.
The Jews. GOD gave the Jews the Law of Moses. Law condemns. The purpose of the Law was to demonstrate to the Jews the impossibility of obeying themselves to glory.
The Gentiles. The Gentiles sought GOD through wisdom. This search was designed by GOD to demonstrate to the Gentiles the impossibility of reasoning themselves to glory.
The Answer. The answer to the human problem of sin is not perfect law keeping, nor perfect understanding of things pertaining to wisdom and knowledge. The answer is Jesus. The Law points to the need of Jesus. Wisdom and knowledge both find their source in Him. He is the way, the truth and the life. He is what we need to get back to GOD.
"...and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity." (Ephesians 2:16; NKJV)
Jason Cicero
The Jews. GOD gave the Jews the Law of Moses. Law condemns. The purpose of the Law was to demonstrate to the Jews the impossibility of obeying themselves to glory.
The Gentiles. The Gentiles sought GOD through wisdom. This search was designed by GOD to demonstrate to the Gentiles the impossibility of reasoning themselves to glory.
The Answer. The answer to the human problem of sin is not perfect law keeping, nor perfect understanding of things pertaining to wisdom and knowledge. The answer is Jesus. The Law points to the need of Jesus. Wisdom and knowledge both find their source in Him. He is the way, the truth and the life. He is what we need to get back to GOD.
"...and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity." (Ephesians 2:16; NKJV)
Jason Cicero
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Conversion to Christ
Jesus said, "Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3; NKJV). Conversion has to do with change. It involves a turning from something and a turning to something. There are three basic changes involved in conversion to Christ.
One's Heart. Conversion involves changing one's mind about one's self, GOD, sin, and state. Conversion recognizes one's need for GOD, one's need to repent of sin, and one's state of separation from the One who has been sinned against. The prodigal son got it right: "Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight..." (Luke 15:21; NKJV).
One's Action. Many change their mind about themselves, GOD, and their sin, but never change their action. Maybe they stop a sin because of the negative consequences only to begin participating in a different sin. Conversion to Christ involves a turning from sin and a turning to GOD. The Thessalonians got it right:"...and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God..." (1 Thessalonians 1:9; NKJV).
One's Relationship. Some change their mind and their behavior, but never have a relationship with GOD. Conversion to Christ involves changing one's mind about Jesus, conforming one's thinking, speech, and behavior to His, and beginning a relationship with Him. Throughout the New Testament those in relationship with Jesus are spoken of as being "in Christ." The Galatians got it right: "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27; NKJV).
"Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord..." (Acts 3:19; NKJV)
Jason Cicero
One's Heart. Conversion involves changing one's mind about one's self, GOD, sin, and state. Conversion recognizes one's need for GOD, one's need to repent of sin, and one's state of separation from the One who has been sinned against. The prodigal son got it right: "Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight..." (Luke 15:21; NKJV).
One's Action. Many change their mind about themselves, GOD, and their sin, but never change their action. Maybe they stop a sin because of the negative consequences only to begin participating in a different sin. Conversion to Christ involves a turning from sin and a turning to GOD. The Thessalonians got it right:"...and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God..." (1 Thessalonians 1:9; NKJV).
One's Relationship. Some change their mind and their behavior, but never have a relationship with GOD. Conversion to Christ involves changing one's mind about Jesus, conforming one's thinking, speech, and behavior to His, and beginning a relationship with Him. Throughout the New Testament those in relationship with Jesus are spoken of as being "in Christ." The Galatians got it right: "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27; NKJV).
"Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord..." (Acts 3:19; NKJV)
Jason Cicero
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Faith
Conviction of the Mind. GOD would have us believe that He is. We must come to Him convicted intellectually that He is there. To be unsure in one's mind is not faith. GOD has given us enough evidence that we can see to help us accept by faith those things we cannot see.
Trust of the Heart. As we stand upon the mountain of evidence that we can see, GOD would have us to trust Him enough to step off the mountain into His awaiting arms. Just as a child trusts His parent to catch him when he jumps into the water, GOD would have us trust Him concerning those things we cannot see. He will catch us. We can trust Him (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Surrender of the Will. The demons are convicted in their minds that GOD is (James 2:19). And yet, they do not trust Him. Nor do they serve Him. Faith involves the surrender of one's will to Him. It is not enough to believe intellectually. One must trust His heart that His will is what is best and then do that will (James 2:14-26).
"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith (conviction of the mind, trust of the heart, surrender of the will - JHC)" (1 John 5:4; NKJV).
Jason Cicero
Trust of the Heart. As we stand upon the mountain of evidence that we can see, GOD would have us to trust Him enough to step off the mountain into His awaiting arms. Just as a child trusts His parent to catch him when he jumps into the water, GOD would have us trust Him concerning those things we cannot see. He will catch us. We can trust Him (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Surrender of the Will. The demons are convicted in their minds that GOD is (James 2:19). And yet, they do not trust Him. Nor do they serve Him. Faith involves the surrender of one's will to Him. It is not enough to believe intellectually. One must trust His heart that His will is what is best and then do that will (James 2:14-26).
"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith (conviction of the mind, trust of the heart, surrender of the will - JHC)" (1 John 5:4; NKJV).
Jason Cicero
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Is the Bible Relevant to Me?
Perhaps the single greatest challenge GOD'S people have today is to take GOD'S book, the Bible, and help people to see the relevance of it to their lives. GOD'S word is practical. It speaks to the issues of everyone's life.
The Bible is relevant to you because of what the Bible is - The Word of GOD. Scripture is "inspired by God" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible did not originate in the mind of man. Scripture originated in the mind of GOD. Men"moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God" and were guided to put His word in written form (2 Peter 1:21). "For the word of God" is from Heaven, not from Earth (Hebrews 4:12). Written by our Creator, Sustainer, and Savior, the Bible is relevant to us!
The Bible is relevant to you because of the nature of the Word of GOD -Living, Powerful, Piercing, and Discerning. Nature is a thing's essential qualities or character. "For the word of God is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12; NKJV). The Word of GOD speaks to the heart of man about the issues of the heart (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
Is the Bible relevant to me? Read it and see!
Jason Cicero
The Bible is relevant to you because of what the Bible is - The Word of GOD. Scripture is "inspired by God" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible did not originate in the mind of man. Scripture originated in the mind of GOD. Men"moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God" and were guided to put His word in written form (2 Peter 1:21). "For the word of God" is from Heaven, not from Earth (Hebrews 4:12). Written by our Creator, Sustainer, and Savior, the Bible is relevant to us!
The Bible is relevant to you because of the nature of the Word of GOD -Living, Powerful, Piercing, and Discerning. Nature is a thing's essential qualities or character. "For the word of God is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12; NKJV). The Word of GOD speaks to the heart of man about the issues of the heart (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
Is the Bible relevant to me? Read it and see!
Jason Cicero
Monday, October 10, 2011
The Forerunner
Who He is, what He did, and how I respond is what life is all about.
The Trailblazer. A forerunner is one who runs forward, who goes in advance. Not only did Christ go ahead, He blazed the trail. He has made it possible for those who accept His forgiveness to "enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus"(Hebrews 10:19). Because of Him there is a blood stained trail that leads to Heaven.
The Choice. The wisest choice of all is to follow Jesus. He calls me to deny myself, to take up my cross daily, and to follow Him. When I've come to the end of the way I do not expect to be disappointed. The hope I have in Him is an anchor for my soul that is "both sure and steadfast" (Hebrews 6:19). He has gone to where we want to be.
"...where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus..." (Hebrews 6:20; NKJV)
Jason Cicero
The Trailblazer. A forerunner is one who runs forward, who goes in advance. Not only did Christ go ahead, He blazed the trail. He has made it possible for those who accept His forgiveness to "enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus"(Hebrews 10:19). Because of Him there is a blood stained trail that leads to Heaven.
The Choice. The wisest choice of all is to follow Jesus. He calls me to deny myself, to take up my cross daily, and to follow Him. When I've come to the end of the way I do not expect to be disappointed. The hope I have in Him is an anchor for my soul that is "both sure and steadfast" (Hebrews 6:19). He has gone to where we want to be.
"...where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus..." (Hebrews 6:20; NKJV)
Jason Cicero
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Hidden in My Heart
"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." (1 Timothy 1:17; NKJV)
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Sunday Morning Starters
"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." (Hebrews 12:28)
We need grace in order to serve God acceptable. We need reverence. We need godly fear.
What we need, He gives.
Jason Cicero
We need grace in order to serve God acceptable. We need reverence. We need godly fear.
What we need, He gives.
Jason Cicero
Friday, October 7, 2011
The Devil's Desire and Me
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world." (1 Peter 5:8-9)
Four things to do in light of the Devil's desire:
1. Be sober - to abstain from wine (Strong's).
2. Be vigilant - to watch, i. e. give strict attention to, be cautious, active (Thayer's).
3. Resist him - stand against, oppose (Strong's).
4. Be steadfast in the faith - firm, solid, compact, hard, rigid (Thayer's).
Jason Cicero
Four things to do in light of the Devil's desire:
1. Be sober - to abstain from wine (Strong's).
2. Be vigilant - to watch, i. e. give strict attention to, be cautious, active (Thayer's).
3. Resist him - stand against, oppose (Strong's).
4. Be steadfast in the faith - firm, solid, compact, hard, rigid (Thayer's).
Jason Cicero
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Lift Up Your Eyes and Look
Do you not say, “There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest?” Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. (John 4:35)
1. The world is drowning in sin - John 4:35
2. Only the Gospel of Christ can save - Romans 1:16
3. You have the sword in your hand - Ephesians 6:17
Jason Cicero
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
The Sacrifice of the Lion
The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, did not conquer through strength or kingly might (See Revelation 5:5-7).
Neither will we (See Revelation 12:11).
1. Consider His sacrifice for you.
2. Accept His sacrifice.
3. Sacrifice yourself for Him.
4. Sacrifice yourself for others.
Jason Cicero
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Sacrificial Love
“And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” (Ephesians 5:2; NKJV) —
—Sacrifice – thusia – primarily denotes "the act of offering"; then, objectively, "that which is offered” (Vine’s).
—
He offered Himself…
He offered Himself…
Jason Cicero
Monday, October 3, 2011
The Lion is the Lamb
—“Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals." —And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth." (Revelation 5:5-6; NKJV)—
Lions – strength, authority… — —
Lambs – weakness, passivity… — —
The Lion of the tribe of Judah allowed Himself to be slain!
Jason Cicero
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Hidden in My Heart
"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." (1 Timothy 1:17; NKJV)
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Sunday Morning Starters
5 But one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals."
6 And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.
7 Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.
Revelation 5:5-7; NKJV
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)