(2015 SIH Christmas 18-Part Devotional Series)

INTRODUCTION TO OUR SERIES:

Throughout this series we will be looking at a Biblical character described as “the Word”.

Who was “the Word”?

This is a title given to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We can clearly see this by taking a look at just a few of the verses we will be covering in this series:

In these verses, we are told that “the Word”…

John 1:1 – “was God” (Matthew 1:23)

John 1:2 – “was in the beginning with God” (Colossians 1:17)

John 1:3 – “all things were made by Him” (Hebrews 1:2)

John 1:4 – “in Him was life” (John 3:16)

John 1:10 – “the world knew Him not” (Isaiah 53:2-3)

John 1:11 – “came unto His own” (Philippians 2:5-8)

John 1:12 – “as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (Galatians 3:26)

John 1:13 – “was made flesh and dwelt among us” “was full of grace and truth” (John 1:17)

Etc. etc.

We can easily see from these quotes from our devotional text, and the corresponding references from other parts of the Bible, clearly, without any doubt, our Lord Jesus is the One that is given the title “the Word” in this devotional text.

Why was Jesus given the title “the Word”?

The Greek word for “word” is the word “logos” – one of the definitions of this Greek word is “an expression” or “something that is said”.

In other words, Christ expresses God to man. Through Christ we have God revealed to us. This is much like our words that reveal our thoughts and intents to others. This is the basic reason why Christ is described as “the Word”.

This same truth is brought out in the text of our devotional series as well as throughout the remaining portions of God’s Word…

John 1:18 KJV – “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”

Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV – “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high…”

TODAY’S TEXT:

Joh 1:18 KJV – “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:

…he hath declared him

Although God is unable to be seen with our physical eyes, (18a – “No man hath seen God at any time”), The Word, Jesus, can reveal God to us.

The Word shares a very close, intimate relation with His Father (18a – “the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father”), which allows Him to perfectly know His Father. This allows The Word to “declare” (reveal, unfold) the Father for all of us to see…

Mat 11:27 KJV – “All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.”

The Word declared that He was revealing His Father to us in three ways…

1. The works of The Word were the works of the Father (John 5:36)

2. The Word declared the identity of the True God (John 17:26)

3. The Word’s words are the words of God (John 14:10)

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

Folks, do we want to enjoy an intimate relationship with God Himself? Then look to The Word, Jesus Christ, His birth, His life, His death and His resurrection.

In Christ, we will not only be able to learn about the Father, but we will find the way to a relationship with God, forgiveness of sin and the possession of eternal life…

Joh 14:6 KJV – “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

1Pe 3:18 KJV – “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:”

For those of us who have come to a living relationship with God through Jesus Christ… may we use this holiday season as an opportunity to share Christ with those around us. It is during this time of year that the lost world seems to be the most open and receptive to listen and receive our testimony of Christ and all He has done for us.

Let all of us hold forth the testimony of the Christians of John’s day…

1Jn 4:14 KJV – “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.”

May we all have a blessed holiday season knowing our sins have been forgiven and we are enjoying a close relationship with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Homepage…  http://www.settledinheaven.org

Text Blog…  http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com

Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com

(2015 SIH Christmas 18-Part Devotional Series)

INTRODUCTION TO OUR SERIES:

Throughout this series we will be looking at a Biblical character described as “the Word”.

Who was “the Word”?

This is a title given to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We can clearly see this by taking a look at just a few of the verses we will be covering in this series:

In these verses, we are told that “the Word”…

John 1:1 – “was God” (Matthew 1:23)

John 1:2 – “was in the beginning with God” (Colossians 1:17)

John 1:3 – “all things were made by Him” (Hebrews 1:2)

John 1:4 – “in Him was life” (John 3:16)

John 1:10 – “the world knew Him not” (Isaiah 53:2-3)

John 1:11 – “came unto His own” (Philippians 2:5-8)

John 1:12 – “as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (Galatians 3:26)

John 1:13 – “was made flesh and dwelt among us” “was full of grace and truth” (John 1:17)

Etc. etc.

We can easily see from these quotes from our devotional text, and the corresponding references from other parts of the Bible, clearly, without any doubt, our Lord Jesus is the One that is given the title “the Word” in this devotional text.

Why was Jesus given the title “the Word”?

The Greek word for “word” is the word “logos” – one of the definitions of this Greek word is “an expression” or “something that is said”.

In other words, Christ expresses God to man. Through Christ we have God revealed to us. This is much like our words that reveal our thoughts and intents to others. This is the basic reason why Christ is described as “the Word”.

This same truth is brought out in the text of our devotional series as well as throughout the remaining portions of God’s Word…

John 1:18 KJV – “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”

Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV – “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high…”

TODAY’S TEXT:

Joh 1:18 KJV – “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father,…”

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:

No man hath seen God at any time;

The Bible is clear that God cannot be seen…

Col 1:15 KJV – “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:”

1Ti 1:17 KJV – “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Why is God invisible? It is because He is a spirit being with no material body…

Joh 4:24 KJV – “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

During Biblical times, God has shown representations of Himself to His people in visions and dreams (ie: Exo 33:23, 2 Chron 18:18, Isa 6:1, Rev 4:2). Although men saw these similitudes (representations, likenesses) of God, they did not actually see God, Himself…

Num 12:7-8 KJV – “My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?”

No one can, or will, see the actual being of God.

the only begotten Son,

The Word, Jesus, is the only begotten Son of God. He is the only One that came forth directly from God the Father being born of a virgin in Bethlehem (Isa 7:14)…

1Jn 4:9 KJV – “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.”

Joh 3:16-18 KJV – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

The Word is the One that is the sole, exclusive, Son of God that clearly showed God to man by being sent in human flesh….

1Ti 3:16 KJV – “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

which is in the bosom of the Father,

The Word, being God, continually exists in the closest possible communion with His Father…

Joh 10:30 KJV – “I and my Father are one.”

Joh 17:11 KJV – “And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.”

Joh 17:21 KJV – “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”

1Jn 5:7 KJV – “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

The Word, Jesus Christ, possesses a very special relationship with the invisible God…

He is the only One that proceeded directly from His Father to a sinful, lost, and dying world while retaining the closest possible, unhindered, relationship with His Father.

It is this same Word that was given by His Father to be sacrificed for the salvation to His people. From His birth in Bethlehem, through His ascension to the right hand of the Father, we have the love of the Father clearly revealed to all of us. What great love!

1Jn 4:9 KJV – “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.”

May the love of the Father be constantly in our minds as we celebrate the birth of Christ into this world!

Homepage…  http://www.settledinheaven.org

Text Blog…  http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com

Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com

(2015 SIH Christmas 18-Part Devotional Series)

INTRODUCTION TO OUR SERIES:

Throughout this series we will be looking at a Biblical character described as “the Word”.

Who was “the Word”? 

This is a title given to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  We can clearly see this by taking a look at just a few of the verses we will be covering in this series:

In these verses, we are told that “the Word”…

John 1:1 – “was God”  (Matthew 1:23)

John 1:2 – “was in the beginning with God” (Colossians 1:17)

John 1:3 – “all things were made by Him” (Hebrews 1:2)

John 1:4 – “in Him was life” (John 3:16)

John 1:10 – “the world knew Him not” (Isaiah 53:2-3)

John 1:11 – “came unto His own” (Philippians 2:5-8)

John 1:12 – “as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (Galatians 3:26)

John 1:13 – “was made flesh and dwelt among us” “was full of grace and truth” (John 1:17)

Etc. etc.

We can easily see from these quotes from our devotional text, and the corresponding references from other parts of the Bible, clearly, without any doubt, our Lord Jesus is the One that is given the title “the Word” in this devotional text.

Why was Jesus given the title “the Word”? 

The Greek word for “word” is the word “logos” – one of the definitions of this Greek word is “an expression” or “something that is said”.

In other words, Christ expresses God to man.  Through Christ we have God revealed to us.  This is much like our words that reveal our thoughts and intents to others.  This is the basic reason why Christ is described as “the Word”.

This same truth is brought out in the text of our devotional series as well as throughout the remaining portions of God’s Word…

John 1:18 KJV – “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”

Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV – “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,  Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;  Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high…”

TODAY’S TEXT:

Joh 1:16-17 KJV – “And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.  For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:

And of his fulness have all we received, 

Christ, the Word, revealed the fullness of the Godhead clearly to mankind. (see previous devotion on John 1:16-17a)

and grace for grace.

Please keep in mind the word “for” in this verse refers to “for the purpose of”.

An illustration of this usage would be the sentence “I gave them the money for the car”.  In other words, “I gave them the money for the purpose of the car” … (giving money for buying a car or repairing a car based on the context of the sentence).

First grace:

In the context, The first “grace” God gave to man… This was the revelation of the fullness of the Godhead in Christ was an act of God’s grace being given to fallen mankind.

This first act of grace was given by God for a specific purpose, for man to receive the second “grace” God gave to man…

Second grace:

In the context, the second “grace” God gave to man…is mankind coming to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior and receive salvation for their sins and the many blessings that go along with their salvation experience.

In other words, God gave us the grace of the knowledge of Christ as the fullness of the Godhead “for the purpose of” receiving the grace of faith in Christ and the receipt of His many blessings in our lives.

This is grace (His fullness shown to all mankind) for grace (faith in Him).

The first grace is an absolute necessity for the second grace to be received.  Until we come to a knowledge of Christ, His person and His work, we can never come to a saving faith in Him…

Rom 10:14-17 KJV – “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?  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

The law was given to show us our need of salvation, whereas knowledge of the person and work of the Savior is shown to us by Christ, the fullness of the Godhead.  He is the source of grace and truth that will lead a man to salvation.

The law shows us our need, whereas Christ shows us the remedy for that need.

Gal 3:24-25 KJV – “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.”

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

Folks, may we praise and honor the Father for sending His Son to reveal himself to us.  And may we also, praise and honor the Son for willingly humbling Himself and coming to the earth to reveal Himself to us as the true God and Savior of His people.  Without His first coming, and his revelation of Himself and His work to us, we could never be saved.

For those who are saved, may we share Christ with others over this holiday season, realizing that without a knowledge of Christ, no man can be saved.

For those who have never come to a knowledge of their sin and need of forgiveness, please consider the law of Moses and the revelation of Christ.  In the law you will find your sinful condition and need of forgiveness, while in Christ you will find the way of forgiveness and the receipt of eternal life.

2 Th 2:13-14 KJV – “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:  Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

May the Lord’s name, person and works be glorified in our lives this holiday season.

Homepage…  http://www.settledinheaven.org

Text Blog…  http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com

Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com

(2015 SIH Christmas 18-Part Devotional Series)

INTRODUCTION TO OUR SERIES:

Throughout this series we will be looking at a Biblical character described as “the Word”.

Who was “the Word”?

This is a title given to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We can clearly see this by taking a look at just a few of the verses we will be covering in this series:

In these verses, we are told that “the Word”…

John 1:1 – “was God” (Matthew 1:23)

John 1:2 – “was in the beginning with God” (Colossians 1:17)

John 1:3 – “all things were made by Him” (Hebrews 1:2)

John 1:4 – “in Him was life” (John 3:16)

John 1:10 – “the world knew Him not” (Isaiah 53:2-3)

John 1:11 – “came unto His own” (Philippians 2:5-8)

John 1:12 – “as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (Galatians 3:26)

John 1:13 – “was made flesh and dwelt among us” “was full of grace and truth” (John 1:17)

Etc. etc.

We can easily see from these quotes from our devotional text, and the corresponding references from other parts of the Bible, clearly, without any doubt, our Lord Jesus is the One that is given the title “the Word” in this devotional text.

Why was Jesus given the title “the Word”?

The Greek word for “word” is the word “logos” – one of the definitions of this Greek word is “an expression” or “something that is said”.

In other words, Christ expresses God to man. Through Christ we have God revealed to us. This is much like our words that reveal our thoughts and intents to others. This is the basic reason why Christ is described as “the Word”.

This same truth is brought out in the text of our devotional series as well as throughout the remaining portions of God’s Word…

John 1:18 KJV – “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”

Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV – “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high…”

TODAY’S TEXT:

Joh 1:16-17a KJV – “And of his fulness have all we received,…”

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:

And of his fulness have all we received,

When The Word came to the earth and dwelled with sinful mankind, He revealed Himself in all of His fullness. Jesus, through His teachings, lifestyle and works clearly revealed Himself as God, Perfect Man, Creator, Lord, and Savior… the list goes on and on.

Those who were true followers of Him, came to an understanding of His true person and nature. They came to see Him for who He truly is…

Col 1:14-20 KJV – “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

Col 2:1-9 KJV – “For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge….

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:”

This the our Lord in all His fullness. This is the One that presented Himself to all of mankind, yet sadly, many despised and rejected Him by denying His rightful place in their lives.

Luk 19:12-14 KJV – “He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.”

May we all see Jesus not only as the babe in the manger but also the King of Kings and Lord of Lords of our lives, the God over us!

Homepage…  http://www.settledinheaven.org

Text Blog…  http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com

Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com

(2015 SIH Christmas 18-Part Devotional Series)

INTRODUCTION TO OUR SERIES:

Throughout this series we will be looking at a Biblical character described as “the Word”.

Who was “the Word”?

This is a title given to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We can clearly see this by taking a look at just a few of the verses we will be covering in this series:

In these verses, we are told that “the Word”…

John 1:1 – “was God” (Matthew 1:23)

John 1:2 – “was in the beginning with God” (Colossians 1:17)

John 1:3 – “all things were made by Him” (Hebrews 1:2)

John 1:4 – “in Him was life” (John 3:16)

John 1:10 – “the world knew Him not” (Isaiah 53:2-3)

John 1:11 – “came unto His own” (Philippians 2:5-8)

John 1:12 – “as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (Galatians 3:26)

John 1:13 – “was made flesh and dwelt among us” “was full of grace and truth” (John 1:17)

Etc. etc.

We can easily see from these quotes from our devotional text, and the corresponding references from other parts of the Bible, clearly, without any doubt, our Lord Jesus is the One that is given the title “the Word” in this devotional text.

Why was Jesus given the title “the Word”?

The Greek word for “word” is the word “logos” – one of the definitions of this Greek word is “an expression” or “something that is said”.

In other words, Christ expresses God to man. Through Christ we have God revealed to us. This is much like our words that reveal our thoughts and intents to others. This is the basic reason why Christ is described as “the Word”.

This same truth is brought out in the text of our devotional series as well as throughout the remaining portions of God’s Word…

John 1:18 KJV – “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”

Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV – “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high…”

TODAY’S TEXT:

Joh 1:15 KJV – “John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.”

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:

John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake,

John the Baptist, gives testimony on behalf of The Word, identifying Jesus, as the One that he was speaking about as he ministered to the Jews. John the Baptist’s ministry was to prepare the way for Jesus to come to the earth…

Mat 3:3-4 KJV – “For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.”

How did he do this? By identifying Jesus as the true Messiah and appealing to Jews to accept and follow Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Joh 1:33-37 KJV – “And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.”

He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.”

John the Baptist was born before The Word’s birth in Bethlehem and he began his ministry before The Word’s ministry began. It is in both of these senses that Jesus, The Word, “cometh after” John.

This is whom John is referring to in this verse. John goes on and says that this same Word “is preferred before me, for He was before me”. In other words, Jesus would take precedence over John the Baptist because, as God, Jesus existed before John.

John claims The Word “cometh after” him and then states that The Word was “before” him.

What a seeming contradiction! But is it really a contradiction?

1. On one hand, John said he came before Jesus, meaning that his physical birth and the beginning of his ministry took place before that of Jesus.

2. While in the next breath, he says that in reality, as God, Jesus existed long before him, as Jesus has existed from eternity past.

As long as we recognize that Jesus is God Himself, sent to the earth as a man, we can understand these sayings of John as making perfect sense with no contradiction. It is only if we mistakenly see Christ as only a man who was born into this world, that we must believe John’s sayings are contradictory.

What does Christ say about this truth?

Jesus explains that He existed before and of God’s creation existed…

Joh 17:5 KJV – “And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.”

And He clearly states that He is One with God the Father…

Joh 10:30 KJV – “I and my Father are one.”

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

Christ, The Word, when He came into the world was given the title “Immanuel” which means “God with us”…

Isa 7:14 KJV – “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

Mat 1:23 KJV – “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

Folks, God Himself came down to man in the person of Jesus Christ, The Word, that was sent from heaven. May we all bow down to, worship and serve Him!

Homepage…  http://www.settledinheaven.org

Text Blog…  http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com

Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com

(2015 SIH Christmas 18-Part Devotional Series)

INTRODUCTION TO OUR SERIES:

Throughout this series we will be looking at a Biblical character described as “the Word”.

Who was “the Word”?

This is a title given to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We can clearly see this by taking a look at just a few of the verses we will be covering in this series:

In these verses, we are told that “the Word”…

John 1:1 – “was God” (Matthew 1:23)

John 1:2 – “was in the beginning with God” (Colossians 1:17)

John 1:3 – “all things were made by Him” (Hebrews 1:2)

John 1:4 – “in Him was life” (John 3:16)

John 1:10 – “the world knew Him not” (Isaiah 53:2-3)

John 1:11 – “came unto His own” (Philippians 2:5-8)

John 1:12 – “as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (Galatians 3:26)

John 1:13 – “was made flesh and dwelt among us” “was full of grace and truth” (John 1:17)

Etc. etc.

We can easily see from these quotes from our devotional text, and the corresponding references from other parts of the Bible, clearly, without any doubt, our Lord Jesus is the One that is given the title “the Word” in this devotional text.

Why was Jesus given the title “the Word”?

The Greek word for “word” is the word “logos” – one of the definitions of this Greek word is “an expression” or “something that is said”.

In other words, Christ expresses God to man. Through Christ we have God revealed to us. This is much like our words that reveal our thoughts and intents to others. This is the basic reason why Christ is described as “the Word”.

This same truth is brought out in the text of our devotional series as well as throughout the remaining portions of God’s Word…

John 1:18 KJV – “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”

Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV – “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high…”

TODAY’S TEXT:

Joh 1:14c KJV – “And the Word was…full of grace and truth.”

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:

“And the Word was…full of grace and truth.”

The Word is full of grace and truth. In other words, Jesus is the overflowing source of all the grace and truth that enters into our world… Joh 1:17 KJV – “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

He cleared exhibited this when He came to the earth at His first coming:

1. “full of grace” – During His earthly ministry we saw Him set the example of perfect loving graciousness towards others. But more importantly, when He died on the cross, He completed all the work that was necessary to bring grace into this fallen sinful world.

1Ti 1:14-16 KJV – “And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.”

2. “full of truth” – During His earthly ministry, Christ presented the truth to mankind in many differing forms. He presented the truth about His Father and Himself through His teachings, His actions, and His person. In Christ we see absolute, undisputable Divine truth being presented to all whom His life had touched.

Col 2:2-3 KJV – “…and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

When the Word was sent by the Father and became flesh for us, He came with the express purpose of saving us from our sins….

Luk 2:11 KJV – “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

1Jn 4:14 KJV – “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.”

May we all remember this is the true message of Christmas… it is God sending His Son to be the Savior of the world. To accomplish this task the Lord Jesus came and ministered unto man bringing to them both grace and truth.

May the Lord grant you His saving mercies this holiday season. My desire for you is the same as the Apostle John, who said…

2Jn 1:3 KJV – “Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.”

Homepage…  http://www.settledinheaven.org

Text Blog…  http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com

Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com

(2015 SIH Christmas 18-Part Devotional Series)

INTRODUCTION TO OUR SERIES:

Throughout this series we will be looking at a Biblical character described as “the Word”.

Who was “the Word”?

This is a title given to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We can clearly see this by taking a look at just a few of the verses we will be covering in this series:

In these verses, we are told that “the Word”…

John 1:1 – “was God” (Matthew 1:23)

John 1:2 – “was in the beginning with God” (Colossians 1:17)

John 1:3 – “all things were made by Him” (Hebrews 1:2)

John 1:4 – “in Him was life” (John 3:16)

John 1:10 – “the world knew Him not” (Isaiah 53:2-3)

John 1:11 – “came unto His own” (Philippians 2:5-8)

John 1:12 – “as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (Galatians 3:26)

John 1:13 – “was made flesh and dwelt among us” “was full of grace and truth” (John 1:17)

Etc. etc.

We can easily see from these quotes from our devotional text, and the corresponding references from other parts of the Bible, clearly, without any doubt, our Lord Jesus is the One that is given the title “the Word” in this devotional text.

Why was Jesus given the title “the Word”?

The Greek word for “word” is the word “logos” – one of the definitions of this Greek word is “an expression” or “something that is said”.

In other words, Christ expresses God to man. Through Christ we have God revealed to us. This is much like our words that reveal our thoughts and intents to others. This is the basic reason why Christ is described as “the Word”.

This same truth is brought out in the text of our devotional series as well as throughout the remaining portions of God’s Word…

John 1:18 KJV – “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”

Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV – “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high…”

TODAY’S TEXT:

Joh 1:14 KJV – “…(and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,)…”

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:

and we beheld his glory,

Those who accompanied The Word during His first coming clearly saw His glory.

What is meant by the term “glory”? In the Bible the term “glory (when it refers to the glory of God), refers to one of three ideas.

All of these three were present in the life of Jesus:

All three Biblical aspects of God’s glory were clearly revealed through Christ’s life. All who accompanied Christ during His first coming to the earth were graced to see God’s glory revealed in Christ.

the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,

The glory that Christ possessed in His life was the same type of glory that is possessed by God. the type of glory shared by The Word and the Father is the glory of Godliness …

1Ti 3:16 KJV – “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

1. God was manifest in the flesh, – Christ’s birth as a man.

2. justified in the Spirit, – The testimony of the Spirit revealing Christ as the sinless God.

3. seen of angels, – The presence of the angels at His birth, temptation, prayer in Gethsemane, resurrection

4. preached unto the Gentiles, – The ministry of Peter, Paul and their companions in the Gentile world

5. believed on in the world, – Those coming to faith in Christ

6. received up into glory. – The ascension of Christ to the right hand of the Father.

Christ is described as “the only begotten of the Father” because Christ is the Only One that was brought into this world with the same divine nature as God which is proven via His miraculous, virgin birth….

1Co 15:47 KJV – “The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.”

Adam, the first man, and all his descendants find their origin in this fallen earth brought about through male/female human conception. The second man, Christ, stands apart from Adam and his descendants. As God, He finds His origin in heaven being sent to the earth via a virgin birth.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

In Christ, the Word, we find a clear understanding of the True God and the source and way of eternal life…

1Jn 5:20 KJV – “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.”

During this holiday season, may we all bring honor and glory to Christ, the One born of a virgin, sent by God to reveal to us the way of life found in the True God of the Universe.

Homepage…  http://www.settledinheaven.org

Text Blog…  http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com

Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com

(2015 SIH Christmas 18-Part Devotional Series)

INTRODUCTION TO OUR SERIES:

Throughout this series we will be looking at a Biblical character described as “the Word”.

Who was “the Word”?

This is a title given to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We can clearly see this by taking a look at just a few of the verses we will be covering in this series:

In these verses, we are told that “the Word”…

John 1:1 – “was God” (Matthew 1:23)

John 1:2 – “was in the beginning with God” (Colossians 1:17)

John 1:3 – “all things were made by Him” (Hebrews 1:2)

John 1:4 – “in Him was life” (John 3:16)

John 1:10 – “the world knew Him not” (Isaiah 53:2-3)

John 1:11 – “came unto His own” (Philippians 2:5-8)

John 1:12 – “as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (Galatians 3:26)

John 1:13 – “was made flesh and dwelt among us” “was full of grace and truth” (John 1:17)

Etc. etc.

We can easily see from these quotes from our devotional text, and the corresponding references from other parts of the Bible, clearly, without any doubt, our Lord Jesus is the One that is given the title “the Word” in this devotional text.

Why was Jesus given the title “the Word”?

The Greek word for “word” is the word “logos” – one of the definitions of this Greek word is “an expression” or “something that is said”.

In other words, Christ expresses God to man. Through Christ we have God revealed to us. This is much like our words that reveal our thoughts and intents to others. This is the basic reason why Christ is described as “the Word”.

This same truth is brought out in the text of our devotional series as well as throughout the remaining portions of God’s Word…

John 1:18 KJV – “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”

Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV – “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high…”

TODAY’S TEXT:

Joh 1:14a KJV – “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,…”

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:

And the Word was made flesh,

Rom 8:3-4 KJV – “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

God the Father sent His son, Jesus (the Word),“ in the likeness of sinful flesh”. This teaches us two great truths about the first coming of Jesus to the world:

1. “in the likeness of sinful flesh” – Jesus was given a fleshly body.

2. “in the likeness of sinful flesh” – Jesus’ body looked like any other human, sinful, fleshly body; however, in reality, Jesus’ body was not tainted by sin.

Christ possessed a truly human body, one that was made of human flesh. However, His body was absolutely perfect in every way, not possessing a fallen nature, nor being touched by sin.

and dwelt among us,

Not only did Jesus come to Bethlehem in a human fleshly body, but He also came and lived His in the midst of sinful mankind. He was not “too good” to live among the poor, sick, or unlawful, He willing came and lived His life among His created ones.

Php 2:6-8 KJV – “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

Why did The Father send Christ into the world as man? Why did Christ willingly humble Himself when He came to the earth as a perfect, sinless man?

Heb 2:14-17 KJV – “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.”

It was so that Christ could become our Great High Priest (Redeemer and Intercessor)…

1. Christ became man so that He could die on the cross thereby destroying Satan, his power and his works among men.

2. Christ had to be man to intercede before God on behalf of sinful mankind.

3. Christ had to be made under the law so that He could bear the sins of those who were under in the bondage of sin.

4. Christ had to be a man to make reconciliation for the sins of His chosen people.

Folks, when we see Jesus and think about His birth in a manger, His humble life, His suffering and death, His resurrection and His ascension, may we always remember that He was a man. He humbled Himself willingly and came as a man so that He could become our great High Priest and Redeemer.

Homepage…  http://www.settledinheaven.org

Text Blog…  http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com

Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com

(2015 SIH Christmas 18-Part Devotional Series)

INTRODUCTION TO OUR SERIES:

Throughout this series we will be looking at a Biblical character described as “the Word”.

Who was “the Word”?

This is a title given to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We can clearly see this by taking a look at just a few of the verses we will be covering in this series:

In these verses, we are told that “the Word”…

John 1:1 – “was God” (Matthew 1:23)

John 1:2 – “was in the beginning with God” (Colossians 1:17)

John 1:3 – “all things were made by Him” (Hebrews 1:2)

John 1:4 – “in Him was life” (John 3:16)

John 1:10 – “the world knew Him not” (Isaiah 53:2-3)

John 1:11 – “came unto His own” (Philippians 2:5-8)

John 1:12 – “as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (Galatians 3:26)

John 1:13 – “was made flesh and dwelt among us” “was full of grace and truth” (John 1:17)

Etc. etc.

We can easily see from these quotes from our devotional text, and the corresponding references from other parts of the Bible, clearly, without any doubt, our Lord Jesus is the One that is given the title “the Word” in this devotional text.

Why was Jesus given the title “the Word”?

The Greek word for “word” is the word “logos” – one of the definitions of this Greek word is “an expression” or “something that is said”.

In other words, Christ expresses God to man. Through Christ we have God revealed to us. This is much like our words that reveal our thoughts and intents to others. This is the basic reason why Christ is described as “the Word”.

This same truth is brought out in the text of our devotional series as well as throughout the remaining portions of God’s Word…

John 1:18 KJV – “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”

Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV – “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high…”

TODAY’S TEXT:

Joh 1:12-13 KJV – “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Based entirely upon the person and work of Christ, He gives sinners the right of entrance into God’s family, becoming His child…

Gal 3:26 KJV – “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”

Not all sinners gain entrance into God’s family. It is only those who exhibit the characteristics of:

1. “as many as received Him” – those who have accepted Christ.

2. “to them that believe on His name” – those who have placed their faith in Christ as their Lord and Savior.

If sinners do not accept Christ, by exercising faith in Him as their Lord and Savior, they will not be adopted into the family of God. This is why all who are saved make up the spiritual family of God which is called the “household of faith”…

Gal 6:10 KJV – “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Those who are given spiritual life are adopted into His family. The receipt of spiritual life comes upon those who are spiritually dead not because they willed themselves to life, but only because the Lord chose to give them life.

They are not given spiritual life due to:

1. “of blood” – not due to their physical ancestry nor nationality.

2. “the will of the flesh” – not due to their natural fleshly desires (like hunger, thirst, sexual desires etc)

3. “the will of man”- not due to an exercise of their higher intellect (purposefully choosing spiritual life based upon our intelligence or reasoning)

None of these are the basis of our receipt of spiritual life and adoption into the family of God.

Joh 5:39-40 KJV – “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.”

Rom 8:7-8 KJV – “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”

What caused these wonderful blessings to enter our life?…

“of God” – the will of God is what brought these things to come to pass our lives. It is because God chose to give us these wonderful blessings and then intervened in our lives and brought us to Him!

Joh 6:44 KJV – “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”

Eph 1:5 KJV – “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,”

To make certain we understand that our salvation and adoption into the family of God is not merited by the works of man, John reminds us that those who come to Christ by faith, do so only because the Lord has chosen to bring them to Himself and enables them to come to Him.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

This same baby that was born in Bethlehem, is the same God and Creator, that brings those that accept Him as their Lord and Savior into the family of God…

Gal 4:4-5 KJV – “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”

May we all celebrate this holiday season with a recognition that God Himself came to the earth for His people; choosing to love them, enable them and bring them to Himself; making them members of His family…. the family of God!

Homepage…  http://www.settledinheaven.org

Text Blog…  http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com

Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com

(2015 SIH Christmas 18-Part Devotional Series)

INTRODUCTION TO OUR SERIES:

Throughout this series we will be looking at a Biblical character described as “the Word”.

Who was “the Word”?

This is a title given to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We can clearly see this by taking a look at just a few of the verses we will be covering in this series:

In these verses, we are told that “the Word”…

John 1:1 – “was God” (Matthew 1:23)

John 1:2 – “was in the beginning with God” (Colossians 1:17)

John 1:3 – “all things were made by Him” (Hebrews 1:2)

John 1:4 – “in Him was life” (John 3:16)

John 1:10 – “the world knew Him not” (Isaiah 53:2-3)

John 1:11 – “came unto His own” (Philippians 2:5-8)

John 1:12 – “as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (Galatians 3:26)

John 1:13 – “was made flesh and dwelt among us” “was full of grace and truth” (John 1:17)

Etc. etc.

We can easily see from these quotes from our devotional text, and the corresponding references from other parts of the Bible, clearly, without any doubt, our Lord Jesus is the One that is given the title “the Word” in this devotional text.

Why was Jesus given the title “the Word”?

The Greek word for “word” is the word “logos” – one of the definitions of this Greek word is “an expression” or “something that is said”.

In other words, Christ expresses God to man. Through Christ we have God revealed to us. This is much like our words that reveal our thoughts and intents to others. This is the basic reason why Christ is described as “the Word”.

This same truth is brought out in the text of our devotional series as well as throughout the remaining portions of God’s Word…

John 1:18 KJV – “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”

Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV – “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high…”

TODAY’S TEXT:

Joh 1:11 KJV

(11) He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:

He came unto his own,

When the Word came to the earth as a babe in Bethlehem, He came as a human being…

Php 2:5-8 KJV – “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

more particularly, He came as a physical Jew…

Heb 7:14 KJV – “For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.”

Christ, who was God Himself, humbly came as a human being who was a descendent of the tribe of Judah, in an effort to save us from our sins. For Christ to come as a human was an absolute necessity for Him to be our Saviour. He had to be a human to suffer the saem temptations as we did and to give His physical life on the cross…

Heb 4:15-16 KJV – “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

1Pe 3:18 KJV – “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:”

and his own received him not.

When physical Jews, and mankind in general, rejected Christ they had absolutely no excuse.

He had come as one of them, not as a foreigner, or alien that would be naturally rejected by man.

He came as One to be naturally received and accepted, however, due to man’s sin nature, He was still “despised and rejected of man”. And all mankind stands without excuse for the rejection of Christ. The very ones He had come to save, apart from His gracious intervention, would exclude, ridicule and discard Him as a useless stranger.

King David gave us a prophetic glimpse at our despised Lord…

Psa 69:19-20 KJV – “Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee. Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.”

This same rejection was clearly displayed in a parable taught by the Lord Himself…

Luk 20:13-15 KJV – “Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him. But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours. So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?”

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

As we hurry through the hustle and bustle of this holiday season, may we all take time out to consider our standing before Christ…

Have we ever come to a point in our lives where we have seen our need to accept the person, work and teachings of Christ?

Have we come to a knowledge of our sinful condition and willingly turned from those sins, by faith, accepting Christ as our Saviour?

Have we ever accepted Christ as our Lord, by willingly submitting to His leadership in our lives?

May we all come to this point in our lives this holiday season and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. May we never be like the lost Jews who outwardly proclaimed their hatred and rejection of Christ when they said…

Luk 19:14 KJV – “But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.”

Homepage…  http://www.settledinheaven.org

Text Blog…  http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com

Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com

(2015 SIH Christmas 18-Part Devotional Series)

INTRODUCTION TO OUR SERIES:

Throughout this series we will be looking at a Biblical character described as “the Word”.

Who was “the Word”?

This is a title given to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We can clearly see this by taking a look at just a few of the verses we will be covering in this series:

In these verses, we are told that “the Word”…

John 1:1 – “was God” (Matthew 1:23)

John 1:2 – “was in the beginning with God” (Colossians 1:17)

John 1:3 – “all things were made by Him” (Hebrews 1:2)

John 1:4 – “in Him was life” (John 3:16)

John 1:10 – “the world knew Him not” (Isaiah 53:2-3)

John 1:11 – “came unto His own” (Philippians 2:5-8)

John 1:12 – “as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (Galatians 3:26)

John 1:13 – “was made flesh and dwelt among us” “was full of grace and truth” (John 1:17)

Etc. etc.

We can easily see from these quotes from our devotional text, and the corresponding references from other parts of the Bible, clearly, without any doubt, our Lord Jesus is the One that is given the title “the Word” in this devotional text.

Why was Jesus given the title “the Word”?

The Greek word for “word” is the word “logos” – one of the definitions of this Greek word is “an expression” or “something that is said”.

In other words, Christ expresses God to man. Through Christ we have God revealed to us. This is much like our words that reveal our thoughts and intents to others. This is the basic reason why Christ is described as “the Word”.

This same truth is brought out in the text of our devotional series as well as throughout the remaining portions of God’s Word…

John 1:18 KJV – “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”

Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV – “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high…”

TODAY’S TEXT:

Joh 1:10 KJV – He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:

He was in the world,

The Word came into this world. His entrance into this world, along with the life He lived and the death He suffered on the cross, is the greatest act of selflessness motivated by love that is known to mankind.

Php 2:5-8 KJV – “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

and the world was made by him,

This same Word, who came into this world as a man, is the Creator of all. One of the great ways that God has spoken to us, is through the first coming of Christ, His person, teachings and actions.

Heb 1:2-3 KJV – “Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;”

and the world knew him not.

When the Word, the Creator of the universe, came to dwell with man, He was not recognized as the One sent by God, nor was He seen as the Creator. Instead He was rejected, mistreated, ridiculed, shamed and murdered by mankind…

Isa 53:2-4 KJV – “For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.”

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

During this season, let us all stop and consider not only the child that was born in Bethlehem, but also the suffering Savior who died to save those He loved. This gives us a more complete picture of the unmatchable gift that was given to us by God to meet our great spiritual need…

Joh 3:14-17 KJV – “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

Homepage…  http://www.settledinheaven.org

Text Blog…  http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com

Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com

(2015 SIH Christmas 18-Part Devotional Series)

INTRODUCTION TO OUR SERIES:

Throughout this series we will be looking at a Biblical character described as “the Word”.

Who was “the Word”?

This is a title given to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We can clearly see this by taking a look at just a few of the verses we will be covering in this series:

In these verses, we are told that “the Word”…

John 1:1 – “was God” (Matthew 1:23)

John 1:2 – “was in the beginning with God” (Colossians 1:17)

John 1:3 – “all things were made by Him” (Hebrews 1:2)

John 1:4 – “in Him was life” (John 3:16)

John 1:10 – “the world knew Him not” (Isaiah 53:2-3)

John 1:11 – “came unto His own” (Philippians 2:5-8)

John 1:12 – “as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (Galatians 3:26)

John 1:13 – “was made flesh and dwelt among us” “was full of grace and truth” (John 1:17)

Etc. etc.

We can easily see from these quotes from our devotional text, and the corresponding references from other parts of the Bible, clearly, without any doubt, our Lord Jesus is the One that is given the title “the Word” in this devotional text.

Why was Jesus given the title “the Word”?

The Greek word for “word” is the word “logos” – one of the definitions of this Greek word is “an expression” or “something that is said”.

In other words, Christ expresses God to man. Through Christ we have God revealed to us. This is much like our words that reveal our thoughts and intents to others. This is the basic reason why Christ is described as “the Word”.

This same truth is brought out in the text of our devotional series as well as throughout the remaining portions of God’s Word…

John 1:18 KJV – “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”

Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV – “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high…”

TODAY’S TEXT:

Joh 1:9 KJV – That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:

That was the true Light,

John the Baptist was sent to bear witness to the Word, the Light (1:8). The Light of the Word was that “true light” ie it was the “deception and error free Light”.

Folks, the light which is revealed in the person, teaching and works of Christ is composed entirely of truth. We can rest assured that every aspect of the life of Christ revealed divine truth about His Father. This same truth proceeded directly from His Father…

Joh 7:16 KJV – “Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.”

Joh 3:11 KJV – “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.”

Joh 6:38 KJV – “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.”

which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Christ, the True Light, is the One that has given truth every man. He did this through the divine revelation of nature which reveals the Creator God to every individual that is born into this world.

Rom 1:19-20 KJV – “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:”

Psa 8:3-4 KJV – “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?”

The same Word who gave us the light of nature, is the same Word who later came to this world and presented increased light of knowledge of His Father through His person, teachings and actions…

Joh 1:14 KJV – “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

Joh 1:18 KJV – “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

Just as the revelation of nature around us clearly reveals much about the person and attributes of the Creator, so too, the life, teachings and actions of Christ reveal reliable truths to us about His Father.

What a gracious act of love of the part of our Lord. He came to the earth with the express intent to reveal His Father to all of mankind. He did not come selfishly to receive the praise and acclaim of men, He came to give direct all of the attention and glory to His heavenly Father. Beginning with His virgin birth, continuing in His life and ministry, and finally being consummated in His death, resurrection, ascension and exaltation, Christ’s life stands as a testament of glory and honor to His heavenly Father.

Luk 2:10-14 KJV – “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Homepage…  http://www.settledinheaven.org

Text Blog…  http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com

Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com

(2015 SIH Christmas 18-Part Devotional Series)

INTRODUCTION TO OUR SERIES:

Throughout this series we will be looking at a Biblical character described as “the Word”.

Who was “the Word”?

This is a title given to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We can clearly see this by taking a look at just a few of the verses we will be covering in this series:

In these verses, we are told that “the Word”…

John 1:1 – “was God” (Matthew 1:23)

John 1:2 – “was in the beginning with God” (Colossians 1:17)

John 1:3 – “all things were made by Him” (Hebrews 1:2)

John 1:4 – “in Him was life” (John 3:16)

John 1:10 – “the world knew Him not” (Isaiah 53:2-3)

John 1:11 – “came unto His own” (Philippians 2:5-8)

John 1:12 – “as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (Galatians 3:26)

John 1:13 – “was made flesh and dwelt among us” “was full of grace and truth” (John 1:17)

Etc. etc.

We can easily see from these quotes from our devotional text, and the corresponding references from other parts of the Bible, clearly, without any doubt, our Lord Jesus is the One that is given the title “the Word” in this devotional text.

Why was Jesus given the title “the Word”?

The Greek word for “word” is the word “logos” – one of the definitions of this Greek word is “an expression” or “something that is said”.

In other words, Christ expresses God to man. Through Christ we have God revealed to us. This is much like our words that reveal our thoughts and intents to others. This is the basic reason why Christ is described as “the Word”.

This same truth is brought out in the text of our devotional series as well as throughout the remaining portions of God’s Word…

John 1:18 KJV – “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”

Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV – “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high…”

TODAY’S TEXT:

John 1:6-8 KJV – “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.”

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

Our attention is now drawn away from the Word, to the man who was authorized by God to be the forerunner and witness of the Word…. John the Baptist.

John the Baptist’s ministry was very important. So important, that we find OT prophecies referring to his ministry. Malachi prophesied of an Elijah that was to come….

Malachi 3:1 KJV – “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.”

Malachi 4:5-6 KJV – “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.”

These prophecies were fulfilled in the coming of John the Baptist

Matthew 11:13-14 KJV – “For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.”

Matthew 17:10-13 KJV – “And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?” And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.”

The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

John’s ministry is described as “bearing witness of the Light”. In other words, John the Baptist was sent by God to testify (or report by giving evidence) that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the Word sent by God to redeem His people. He did this to encourage others to become followers of Christ through faith …

John 1:29 KJV – “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.”

John the Baptist made it plain to all his followers that he was not the Christ, but was the one sent by God to point others to Christ. Seeing others come to Christ was the source of his joy and the fulfillment of his divine ministry…

Joh 3:26-29 KJV – “And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.”

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

John the Baptist’s ministry is characterized by unselfishness. His ministry was not about gaining fame, and a great number of followers for himself. Instead, he submitted himself to his Lord and Messiah, by exalting Christ in his ministry and seeking to lead others to become followers of Christ.

Although John set a good example of selflessness for each one of us, there is another Biblical character that has set a perfect example for us to follow, the Word. Christ’s selflessness was on display throughout His entire life on earth. His willingness to come as a man in a sinful world, face the rejection of those around Him, went through an unjust trial with false accusations abounding and, most importantly, suffered on the cross giving His life for His people.

Php 2:5-10 KJV – “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;”

In all this, the Word has shown to us the great need of self-sacrifice for the benefit of others. This holiday season, may we all carry with us the same wonderful attitude of selflessness that Christ was shown to us by possessing a willingness to come to the earth and given His life for those who despised and mistreated Him.

Homepage…  http://www.settledinheaven.org

Text Blog…  http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com

Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com

(2015 SIH Christmas 18-Part Devotional Series)

INTRODUCTION TO OUR SERIES:

Throughout this series we will be looking at a Biblical character described as “the Word”.

Who was “the Word”?

This is a title given to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We can clearly see this by taking a look at just a few of the verses we will be covering in this series:

In these verses, we are told that “the Word”…

John 1:1 – “was God” (Matthew 1:23)

John 1:2 – “was in the beginning with God” (Colossians 1:17)

John 1:3 – “all things were made by Him” (Hebrews 1:2)

John 1:4 – “in Him was life” (John 3:16)

John 1:10 – “the world knew Him not” (Isaiah 53:2-3)

John 1:11 – “came unto His own” (Philippians 2:5-8)

John 1:12 – “as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (Galatians 3:26)

John 1:13 – “was made flesh and dwelt among us” “was full of grace and truth” (John 1:17)

Etc. etc.

We can easily see from these quotes from our devotional text, and the corresponding references from other parts of the Bible, clearly, without any doubt, our Lord Jesus is the One that is given the title “the Word” in this devotional text.

Why was Jesus given the title “the Word”?

The Greek word for “word” is the word “logos” – one of the definitions of this Greek word is “an expression” or “something that is said”.

In other words, Christ expresses God to man. Through Christ we have God revealed to us. This is much like our words that reveal our thoughts and intents to others. This is the basic reason why Christ is described as “the Word”.

This same truth is brought out in the text of our devotional series as well as throughout the remaining portions of God’s Word…

John 1:18 KJV – “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”

Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV – “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high…”

TODAY’S TEXT:

John 1:5 KJV – “And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:

And the light shineth in darkness;

The Word, “the light of men” (1:4), came and brought light into the sin darkened world. Christ, when He came into this world, enlightened the world with the light of truth.

These truths were revealed by the Word through His teachings and life. These truths included information about:

1. His Father;

2. Himself;

3. The Holy Spirit;

4. Mankind;

5. Sin and its results;

6. His Work, to redeem mankind;

7. and the Blessings awaiting His people throughout eternity.

Christ, as He illuminated these truths to mankind, stood in direct opposition to the false teachings and sin that has engulfed the world. By illuminating these truths, He was giving sinners the opportunity to come to faith in Him…

John 12:34-36 KJV – “The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.”

and the darkness comprehended it not.

Based upon Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden, the darkness of sin entered into this world, bringing with it spiritual blindness upon all mankind. Jesus, at His first coming, came to give a way of deliverance from sin and the blindness that it brought upon man…

John 3:19-20 KJV – “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.”

1 Corinthians 2:14 KJV – “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

Prior to His birth in Bethlehem, John the Baptist’s father, Zachariah, recognized that the coming Messiah would be the source of light to His people…

Luke 1:78-79 KJV – “Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

During this Christmas season, may we all see Jesus as the only One through whom we can receive spiritual enlightenment through faith in Him. May we use every opportunity to share Christ with others during this Holiday season.

Homepage…  http://www.settledinheaven.org

Text Blog…  http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com

Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com

(2015 SIH Christmas 18-Part Devotional Series)

INTRODUCTION TO OUR SERIES:

Throughout this series we will be looking at a Biblical character described as “the Word”.

Who was “the Word”?

This is a title given to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We can clearly see this by taking a look at just a few of the verses we will be covering in this series:

In these verses, we are told that “the Word”…

John 1:1 – “was God” (Matthew 1:23)

John 1:2 – “was in the beginning with God” (Colossians 1:17)

John 1:3 – “all things were made by Him” (Hebrews 1:2)

John 1:4 – “in Him was life” (John 3:16)

John 1:10 – “the world knew Him not” (Isaiah 53:2-3)

John 1:11 – “came unto His own” (Philippians 2:5-8)

John 1:12 – “as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (Galatians 3:26)

John 1:13 – “was made flesh and dwelt among us” “was full of grace and truth” (John 1:17)

Etc. etc.

We can easily see from these quotes from our devotional text, and the corresponding references from other parts of the Bible, clearly, without any doubt, our Lord Jesus is the One that is given the title “the Word” in this devotional text.

Why was Jesus given the title “the Word”?

The Greek word for “word” is the word “logos” – one of the definitions of this Greek word is “an expression” or “something that is said”.

In other words, Christ expresses God to man. Through Christ we have God revealed to us. This is much like our words that reveal our thoughts and intents to others. This is the basic reason why Christ is described as “the Word”.

This same truth is brought out in the text of our devotional series as well as throughout the remaining portions of God’s Word…

John 1:18 KJV – “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”

Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV – “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high…”

TODAY’S TEXT:

John 1:4 KJV – “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.”

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:

“In him was life;

Wow, this statement teaches us so many different, but related, truths about the Word.

“In Him (Jesus) was life” teaches us:

1. The Word possessed life within Himself (John 5:26).

Jesus, when He came to the earth as a babe in the manger, possessed physical life but, of course, because He was God, He also possessed eternal divine life that was only shared with His Father and the Holy Spirit.

2. The Word is the source and sustainer of our physical life (Acts 17:28).

It is only through Jesus that we exist, we possess human life, and our life continues on from day to day.

3. The Word is the source of our resurrection life (John 11:25).

Although for most of us our physical life will come to an end, through Christ, our spirit will someday be reunited with our bodies at the final resurrection. This is another type of physical life that is given to us through Christ.

4. The Word is our source of spiritual life (John 14:6)

Jesus is the One through whom we can receive spiritual life which includes: giving of life to those who are spiritually dead; removal from sin bondage and made servants of Christ; opening of sin blinded eyes; granting communion and fellowship with God and other saints; adoption into the family of God; becoming joint-heirs with Christ… etc etc etc

5. The Word is the source of eternal life (1 John 5:11)

It is through Jesus, that we receive the blessing of living in the presence of God throughout eternity.

Because Jesus is the source of every type of life possessed by God and man…

John 6:33 KJV – “For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.”

He describes Himself as “the Life”….

John 14:6 KJV – “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

and the life was the light of men.”

This same Jesus, who is “the life”, is also the light that has enlightened the world. By following this light, mankind will find life in Him…

John 8:12 KJV – “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

Prior to His birth in Bethlehem, John the Baptist’s father, Zachariah, recognized that the coming Messiah would be the source of light, life and peace to His people…

Luke 1:78-79 KJV – “Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

During this Christmas season, may we all see Jesus as the only One through whom we can receive the light that leads us to eternal life with our Lord.

Homepage…  http://www.settledinheaven.org

Text Blog…  http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com

Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com

(2015 SIH Christmas 18-Part Devotional Series)

INTRODUCTION TO OUR SERIES:

Throughout this series we will be looking at a Biblical character described as “the Word”.

Who was “the Word”?

This is a title given to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We can clearly see this by taking a look at just a few of the verses we will be covering in this series:

In these verses, we are told that “the Word”…

John 1:1 – “was God” (Matthew 1:23)

John 1:2 – “was in the beginning with God” (Colossians 1:17)

John 1:3 – “all things were made by Him” (Hebrews 1:2)

John 1:4 – “in Him was life” (John 3:16)

John 1:10 – “the world knew Him not” (Isaiah 53:2-3)

John 1:11 – “came unto His own” (Philippians 2:5-8)

John 1:12 – “as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (Galatians 3:26)

John 1:13 – “was made flesh and dwelt among us” “was full of grace and truth” (John 1:17)

Etc. etc.

We can easily see from these quotes from our devotional text, and the corresponding references from other parts of the Bible, clearly, without any doubt, our Lord Jesus is the One that is given the title “the Word” in this devotional text.

Why was Jesus given the title “the Word”?

The Greek word for “word” is the word “logos” – one of the definitions of this Greek word is “an expression” or “something that is said”.

In other words, Christ expresses God to man. Through Christ we have God revealed to us. This is much like our words that reveal our thoughts and intents to others. This is the basic reason why Christ is described as “the Word”.

This same truth is brought out in the text of our devotional series as well as throughout the remaining portions of God’s Word…

John 1:18 KJV – “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”

Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV – “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high…”

TODAY’S TEXT:

John 1:3 KJV – “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:

“All things were made by him;

The Word was not only present with God in the beginning (creation) of all things (John 1:2). But He was also active in the creation process as well. As a matter of fact, the Word (God the Son), is referred to as being the source of all things (“by whom are all things”)…

1 Corinthians 8:6 KJV – “But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.”

Hebrews helps to show us that the Son was the instrument of God’s creative process…

Hebrews 1:1-2 KJV – “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;”

and without him was not any thing made that was made.”

Here, the Word is reaffirmed to be the instrument of every part of God’s creation. Nothing exists apart from the Word’s creative workings and his sustaining intervention on their behalf.

Colossians 1:16-17 KJV – “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

The Word, Jesus Christ is not only our Lord and Savior, but He is also our Creator.

In the last days God has spoken unto His people through this same Word. God did this by:

1. appointing Jesus as His divine heir of all things; (Jesus as Son of God)

2. establishing Jesus as the instrument of His creative acts; (Jesus As Creator)

3. sending Jesus to the earth; (Jesus as Messiah or Christ)

4. revealing Himself through Jesus’ person and life; (Jesus as Sinless Messenger)

5. establishing all things through Jesus, the Word; (Jesus as Sustainer of World)

6. purging the sins of His people through Jesus’s work on the cross; (Jesus as Savior)

7. and then exalting Jesus over all, placing Jesus at His right hand. (Jesus as Sovereign Lord)

It is through this series of events, that God clearly reveals Himself to mankind through the person, life and work of the Word, Jesus….

Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV – “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;”

As we think about the baby born in a manger this Christmas season, may we always remember He is “the One that made the worlds”, who then humbled Himself by visiting His fallen creation, to save His people from their sins!

Matthew 1:20-21 KJV – “But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Homepage…  http://www.settledinheaven.org

Text Blog…  http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com

Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com

(2015 SIH Christmas 18-Part Devotional Series)

INTRODUCTION TO OUR SERIES:

Throughout this series we will be looking at a Biblical character described as “the Word”.

Who was “the Word”?

This is a title given to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We can clearly see this by taking a look at just a few of the verses we will be covering in this series:

In these verses, we are told that “the Word”…

John 1:1 – “was God” (Matthew 1:23)

John 1:2 – “was in the beginning with God” (Colossians 1:17)

John 1:3 – “all things were made by Him” (Hebrews 1:2)

John 1:4 – “in Him was life” (John 3:16)

John 1:10 – “the world knew Him not” (Isaiah 53:2-3)

John 1:11 – “came unto His own” (Philippians 2:5-8)

John 1:12 – “as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (Galatians 3:26)

John 1:13 – “was made flesh and dwelt among us” “was full of grace and truth” (John 1:17)

Etc. etc.

We can easily see from these quotes from our devotional text, and the corresponding references from other parts of the Bible, clearly, without any doubt, our Lord Jesus is the One that is given the title “the Word” in this devotional text.

Why was Jesus given the title “the Word”?

The Greek word for “word” is the word “logos” – one of the definitions of this Greek word is “an expression” or “something that is said”.

In other words, Christ expresses God to man. Through Christ we have God revealed to us. this is much like words reveal our thoughts and intents to others. This is the basic reason why Christ is described as “the Word”.

This truth is brought out in the text of our devotional series as well as throughout the remaining portions of God’s Word…

John 1:18 KJV – “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”

Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV – “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high…”

TODAY’S TEXT:

John 1:2 KJV – “The same was in the beginning with God.”

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:

“The same was in the beginning with God.”

The Word (Jesus) that…

1. existed in the beginning (1:1a)

2. was with God (1:1b)

3. was God (1:1c)

… is the same Word that was present with God when the all of creation came into existence. God was not alone during the creation process, the Word was present, and active, with Him.

Genesis 1:26 KJV – “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: …”

Genesis 3:22 KJV – “And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us,…”

During the creation process, God was present in all three persons of the Godhead. This is why, as He speaks, He refers to Himself in the plural “us” and “our”. God, being present in all three persons during creation is also presented in Job 35:10 …

Genesis 1:1 KJV – “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

The word God here is the Hebrew “Elohim” which is plural in number. This refers to the singular God who was present in the 3 persons of the Godhead.

Another related verse is:

Job 35:10 KJV – “But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;”

Many scholars believe that the Hebrew word for “maker” is actually in the plural and it should read ‘Where is God my makers…”. This also could be a verse that supports the idea that “God” (singular) was present in all three persons during creation, “the makers” (plural).

The testimony of Scripture makes it plain that the Word, God the Son, was present with the Father and the Holy Spirit at the very beginning of the creation process. In our next devotional we will see that the Word is credited with bringing God’s creation into existence.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

What a wonderful blessing for us to understand that Jesus was present with His Father and the Spirit when this world was created.    Christ is a part of the eternal workings of God.  He was active before, during and after the creation process and remains active in the lives of men even to this day.

His creative act brought about our existence and His continuous intervention in our lives allows us to continue to exist…

Colossians 1:17 KJV – “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”

May we thank and honor Him for continually intervening in our lives and workings out His plan for each one of us!

Of course, the greatest act of intervention by Jesus into this world, to date, was when He was born into this world at Bethlehem.  The life He then led on earth, His teachings, His miracles, and His great sacrifice made on behalf of His people resulted in eternal blessings for all who come to faith in Him.

During this time of year, may we all think on his intervention in our world, opening the way of salvation to for sinners such as you and I.

Isaiah 53:1-5 KJV – “Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?  For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.  He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.   Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.  But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

Homepage…  http://www.settledinheaven.org

Text Blog…  http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com

Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com

(2015 SIH Christmas 18-Part Devotional Series)

INTRODUCTION TO OUR SERIES:

Throughout this series we will be looking at a Biblical character described as “the Word”.

Who was “the Word”?

This is a title given to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We can clearly see this by taking a look at just a few of the verses we will be covering in this series:

In these verses, we are told that “the Word”…

John 1:1 – “was God” (Matthew 1:23)

John 1:2 – “was in the beginning with God” (Colossians 1:17)

John 1:3 – “all things were made by Him” (Hebrews 1:2)

John 1:4 – “in Him was life” (John 3:16) John 1:10 – “the world knew Him not” (Isaiah 53:2-3)

John 1:11 – “came unto His own” (Philippians 2:5-8)

John 1:12 – “as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (Galatians 3:26)

John 1:13 – “was made flesh and dwelt among us” “was full of grace and truth” (John 1:17)

Etc. etc.

We can easily see from these quotes from our devotional text, and the corresponding references from other parts of the Bible, clearly, without any doubt, our Lord Jesus is the One that is given the title “the Word” in this devotional text.

Why was Jesus given the title “the Word”?

The Greek word for “word” is the word “logos” – one of the definitions of this Greek word is “an expression” or “something that is said”.

In other words, Christ expresses God to man. Through Christ we have God revealed to us. this is much like words reveal our thoughts and intents to others. This is the basic reason why Christ is described as “the Word”.

This truth is brought out in the text of our devotional series as well as throughout the remaining portions of God’s Word…

John 1:18 KJV – “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”

Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV – “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high…”

TODAY’S TEXT:

John 1:1 KJV – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:

In the beginning was the Word,

Before the world began, before the act of creation had started our Lord Jesus Christ existed. This is one of the many proofs we have that Jesus is God. He eternally existed from eternity past and was present at the very beginning of all the created world.

Hebrews 13:8 KJV – “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

and the Word was with God,

Before the world began, and during the course of the history of this world, we find that Christ was, and is, in the very presence of God the Father.

This truth separates Christ from all God’s created beings. From the very beginning, immediately prior to creation, Christ existed as a distinct being, different from God the Father.

John 16:28 KJV – ”I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.”

and the Word was God.

Not only did Christ exist eternally, and a companion of God the Father, but He was God Himself.

In this verse, the mystery of the Trinity is clearly presented to us. We are told that Christ “was with God” and also “was God”.

Christ, while He is God, is a separate person from the Father… He is God the Son.

1 John 5:7 KJV – “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”

John 10:28-33 KJV – “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.”

John 17:11 KJV – “And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.”

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

in this beginning verse of our devotional series, we see Christ clearly presented as a part of the Godhead. He existed eternally, as a person separate from His Father, yet, a full part of the divine Godhead. What a wonderful glorious Lord that we serve.

He is not only our Savior and our Lord, but He is truly our God as well. May we all bow down and worship Jesus Christ as our God… the One who deserves all of our allegiance.

Revelation 5:12-14 KJV – “Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.”

This same Lord is the One that was born into this world to a virgin named Mary and became the Savior of His people…. God with us!

Matthew 1:18-25 KJV – “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.”

Homepage…  http://www.settledinheaven.org

Text Blog…  http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com

Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com