Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: "Apostle Tom" <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sun, 05 Aug 2007 16:32:12 -0500
To: pressingon@hotmail.com
Subject: Morning Manna (Aug. 6); BP: Eph. 2:11-22; RBTTY: Rom. 8:22-39; Ps. 70-71
August 6 “Christ, Our Peace”
“But now in Christ Jesus you, who sometimes were far off, are made nigh by
the blood of Christ—for He is our peace, Who has made both one and has
broken down the middle wall of partition between us. . .and that He might
reconcile both unto God in one body by the Cross, having slain the enmity
thereby.”
Ephesians 2:13-14, 16
There’s only one Bridge to God and one Builder/Bringer.
When Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no man comes
unto the Father but by/through Me” (Jn. 14:6), did He mean it? Did He mean
He’s the ONLY way or just one of many ways?
The world would have us believe there are many ways to God. No doubt
we’ve all heard “We’re all striving for the same place—we’re just taking
different routes to get there.” While this sounds quite open-minded and
inclusive, the fact remains it’s in direct contradiction to Jesus’ words.
And, if we disagree with Him, then basically we are calling into question
the very essence of the Gospel with regards to Who He is and what He
accomplished here on earth.
The Apostle Paul, who prided himself on his physical pedigree,
religious zeal and achievements (Phil. 3:3-6) came to realize all of these
were sinful, self-centered attempts to reach God or earn His salvation. It
was only after His encounter with the Risen Lord on the road to Damascus
that he began “counting as dung or rubbish” (Phil. 3:8) all of these things.
Likewise, as the Holy Spirit began opening his spiritual eyes and
fertile mind, all the pieces of the prophetic puzzle began falling into
place for Paul. Suddenly, he realized that Jesus was truly the “fulfillment
of the Law, not its negation” (Mt. 5:17) and it’s only IN HIM that we are
able to be one with God the Father.
That’s why in today’s Manna he says “But now IN Christ Jesus you, who
sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” Just before
that he showed how everyone “without Christ is a stranger from the covenant
of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (v.12).
Some key words in our Manna are “made nigh”—which means we were brought
to God by His initiative and invitation—and “the blood of Christ.” Just as
Adam and Eve’s flimsy, handmade coverings of leaves had to be replaced by
“coats of skin” (Gen. 3:21) . . .which shows there had to be “the
shedding of blood” (Heb. 9:22). . .so is it impossible for us to be right
without God apart from Jesus’ death on the Cross.
Paul knew this. That’s why he said “for He (Jesus) is our peace.” He
was/is our “Peace Offering”—our “Passover Lamb”—and it’s only through His
death on the Cross that we’re able to be “one with God” and each other.
And, praise His Holy Name, His Sacrifice tore down “the middle wall of
partition” between us, God and our fellow man. May we spend some time right
now giving thanks for this wonderful reality.
_________________________________________________________________
Find a local pizza place, movie theater, and more….then map the best route!
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&ss=yp.bars~yp.pizza~yp.movie%20theater&cp=42.358996~-71.056691&style=r&lvl=13&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=950607&encType=1&FORM=MGAC01
No comments:
Post a Comment