Tuesday 21 January 2014

The Truth Will Set You Free

Posted by Admin GoodNews2Us | Posts under : Perkongsian

The Truth Will Set You Free

Posted: 20 Jan 2014 08:17 AM PST

Many people today don't believe that they are captive to sin, that they are in the power or grip of sin. They might admit that sometimes they do wrong, and that they have a few bad habits which they cannot break. 'I'm not perfect, I sometime do wrong, but I'm a good person, ya know?'; 'It's not a sin, it's only bad habits. Think positive please'; anything but sin. They don't like the idea of being a slave of sin (even this title is offensive to them).

Ya know what? That's nothing new. People in Jesus' day didn't like the idea and that sort of talks either. They objected strongly when Jesus said that they could be set free by His word, by the truth. They said: "We… have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" (John 8:33, NIV). But Jesus replied: "[Everyone] who sins is a slave to sin… if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (v.8:34-36).

Another gospel writer told a parable by Jesus in Luke 18:9-14 which illustrates this. Two men went to the Temple to pray. One of them, a Pharisee, was proud of being better, more religious than the people around him. The other one, a tax collector, "beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner."' Jesus explained later that the tax collector, the one who asked for God's mercy and confessed himself a sinner, went home justified and forgiven – but the proud self-deceived Pharisee did not. The first knew that he was a slave to sin; the second was deceived about his real spiritual state.

People who believe that they are free from sin will not feel any need to ask for forgiveness. However, those who know that they are sinners and turn to the merciful God will not be disappointed – their sins will be forgiven. Jesus is the answer to our offensive sins against God. "You will know the truth [Jesus Himself], and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32).

It's hard to admit that we're slaves to sin.

But only the one who "know the truth" and

admits he's a slave to sin is forgiven.

What is your respond after reading this?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Sunday Reflection on the Reason Luke 23:32-43 was Written

Posted: 18 Jan 2014 11:11 PM PST

Paint by Kendall Beachey

"Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him [Jesus] to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals – one on his right, the other on his left" (Luke 23:32, NIV).

Jesus was crucified between the two criminals. Right at the end of His earthly life He was still among sinners, the people He had come to save. Jesus was always like that. He hangs out in fellowship with the poor, the rich, the religious leaders, the shepherds, the fishermen, the tax collectors, the soldiers, the Jews and gentiles, children – all kinds of people – but especially, the sinners. Even now, He hangs out on the cross with criminals.

One of them asked Jesus to remember him when he came into His kingdom. He said: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (v.42). Like Zacchaeus and the others 'unclean' people in previous chapters, this criminal turned to Jesus in his hour of need.

He, I think, wasn't sure precisely what he was asking – he needs help that's all. He didn't use theological language or jargons. He didn't use prayer formulas. He didn't take his guitar and begin to praise and worship. He has no time to think positive, doing yoga or use a set form of words. He simply knew that Jesus could help him. Right on the spot.

And one verse away, the forgiving God-incarnate, Jesus, dying on the cross, promised that the ex-criminal would be with him in paradise, that very day. "Jesus answered him, 'Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise'" (v.43).

There were no conditions. This is not a cheap-grace-without-repentance teaching. The moment he called upon Jesus for help, he already changed his mind (repentance); knowing his need for savoir in his own sinfulness and receiving God's grace and forgiveness. Jesus received the criminal as he was, and Jesus promised him more that he asked for ('remember me'), more than he hoped for ('today you will be with me'), and far more than he expected ('be with me in paradise').

Do you know what the implication of knowing
and understand this truth for you today?

It can happen to you too! Now!
It's no different for anyone of us today.

"Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation"
(2 Corinthians 6:2).

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.