Tag: Creation

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The Creator Among Us: Insights from John 1:10

On By Ben JenningsIn DevotionalLeave a comment

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

Explain

The term world is used in several ways in John and the Bible.

The term “the world” can speak of creation itself.  How amazing is the idea that the One who made the World became like those He created, in the place He created.  He designed mankind.  He made the idea of reproduction and human development, and then He entered into that process of human development as a baby.  He created the idea of thirst and drinking.  He created the idea of hunger and eating.  He came up with the idea of instinct and drives, and he came and became subject to those same ideas.

The term world can also speak of the world system.  Satan is called the “prince of this world”.  The idea is that of what John calls “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.”  It is speaking of the things that Satan uses and emphasizes through unregenerate people to keep them blinded in their sin.

The term world can also speak of people.  I believe that this verse speaking of people that were among what He created.  He was among the people that He created, and they did not recognize Him as Creator.  This is an incredible reality that He came from eternity where no one doubts His identity, and everyone treats Him with the Honor and Worship, to come to earth where people did not know or recognize HIm for who He is.

Think about it- He was an unknown Creator coming to be Savior.

Apply

There are still many who do not know Him.  Many know Him merely as a cuss word.  To many He is merely a thought leader in the west.  There are many who have never heard the name of Jesus.  May we never keep him to ourselves.  I should speak of Him as a good steward of the manifold grace of God.

Respond

  1. How can you help get the name and message of Jesus out to the world?
  2. How can you help get the name and message of Jesus into your neighborhood?
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Understanding the Pre-existence of Jesus Christ in Creation (John 1:2)

On By Ben JenningsIn DevotionalLeave a comment

In this text we see something about the pre-existence of Jesus Christ.

“The same was in the beginning with God.”
(John 1:2)

Explain

“The same” refers to “the Word”.  You see in this text the elements of deity, trinity and pre-existence that was seen in the previous verse.  Clearly, the person that knows Genesis 1:1, sees the connection.

1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Genesis 1:1-2

In Genesis 1:1-2, we see God pre-existing creation, causing creation, and as Trinitarian in the sense that there is God named in verse 2, and the “Spirit of God” named in verse 2.  These are not two God’s, but 1.  They are two persons named here but one God.

Also, in verse 3 we see the means by which God created.

3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
Genesis 1:3

“And God said…”.  It is intersting that Genesis tells us that God created by saying.

Colossians says this about Jesus Christ.

Colossians 1:14-17

14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

16 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:

17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Again, we see the pre-existence of Christ.  We see the creative, revealing power of Christ.  We see Christ as active at Creation.  

Application

If He was in the beginning of creation, and He was at the beginning of me, He knows everything about me, and still loves me.  This Creating God has become a quickening Spirit for me both in my physical life and my Spiritual life!  I should obey Him.  I should submit to Him.  His way is better.

Response

Praise be to God for His beginning work.  Praise the Lord that He finishes what He started.  God give me the endurance and power to obey what He said, and give me the boldness to proclaim Him to everyone!

Galatians Day 4- Not Man Made

On By Ben JenningsIn DevotionalLeave a comment

medium_5653503758Have you ever seen an incredible sunset? What about a moutainscape that just took your breath away? My wife is from Boise, Idaho, and so when we go there every year usually during the summer. A couple of times we’ve gone to McCall, Idaho- this incredible moutain town- and the drive from Boise to McCall is incredible. There are mountain scapes, and scenic rivers. It’s so beautiful, especially to this south Florida guy whose drives down our interstate are all billboards and trees on either side. My point is, some things are so beautiful it’s obvious that man didn’t make it. Whenever I see those sights I am  in awe of what God did with His Words in Creation.

It is obvious with creation, but it’s also obvious with the Gospel!

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother. Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. And they glorified God in me. (Galatians 1:10–24)

In today’s text Paul makes 2 arguments.

1. The Gospel isn’t a man made message.
“The gospel which was preached of me is not after man…”
Paul goes over his history with the Galatians. He spoke of how he received the revelation of the gospel from Christ Himself, and how that He did not confer with any men to try to come up with this message.

2. The Gospel finds its’ source in Jesus Christ.
“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood…”

Paul says that God had an incredible plan for his life to share this incredible message with Him so that He could share it with those who he used to despise. Incredible!

Why are these arguments so important?
If the Gospel comes from God, is about God, and should glorify God then I don’t have a right to change that message.

How do we change the message?

  • When we keep it to ourselves we are saying it’s not for everyone.
  • When we try to earn it by good works, we’re saying the Gospel is not enough.
  • When we add something other than Jesus to the gospel it becomes another gospel.

Today, Pray that God will give you the opportunity to share His meessage with someone!