God’s promise to his people in 2 Chronicles 7:14 is a popular and frequently discussed Bible verse. Here are some lessons it offers us today.
God’s promise to his people. Keep it in proper context.
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (ESV, 2 Chronicles 7:14)
It took around seven years for King Solomon to build God’s temple described in 2 Chronicles 3-6. And the dedication service for it described in chapter seven featured animal sacrifices and celebrations that lasted seven days. It concluded with a solemn assembly where Solomon offered a prayer of dedication to God. And God responded with a promise to Solomon and the people of Israel.
God spoke the promise directly to King Solomon and specifically mentioned the people of Israel. They were the only ones considered “His people” at the time. Therefore, we should not pull it from that historical context and arbitrarily apply it to the United States in a like manner.
The promise alludes to Israel’s history of faithfulness and unfaithfulness. They had a pattern of turning away from God and returning when things went bad for them. Therefore, the promise was conditional to their faithfulness. And required action steps on their return. And while the promise itself is not meant for America, the prescription and spiritual benefits still apply.
God’s promise to his people begins with humility.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (ESV, Isaiah 53:6)
Humility is base camp. The launching pad for God’s promise. Both as individuals and a body of believers. And it involves honest, self-examination of our spiritual condition as a sinners before a Holy God. Through humility we recognize the absolute holiness of God. And that even in our best moments of righteousness, we stand unholy and condemned before Him.
However, Satan covers our eyes with the pride of self-righteousness. And the soft whisper that little sins are okay. Just beware of the big ones. Those committed by really bad people who aren’t like us.
And yet, all sins–even the little ones–are unacceptable to a perfect God. And they collect like a measles outbreak. Random spots at first that eventually cover from head to toe. But little sins collect steadily, although perhaps, slowly. Like a gentle current drifting away from the presence of God.
God’s promise to his people involves a prayerful pursuit of God.
A prayerful pursuit of God is intentional and requires daily care and regular attention. But it’s easy to neglect when things are going well. And simply coast on spiritual auto pilot.
However, this lulls us into complacency. And lets Satan quietly plant dandelions in our spiritual lawn. Weeds acting as flower posers that overrun the lawn and create an eyesore.
Therefore, the prayerful pursuit of God requires diligence. A regular routine of spiritual disciplines. Essential worship of the church body. And support and accountability in a community of believers. To form a body of Christ-followers that serve as a lighthouse to the community.
God’s promise to his people embraces repentance.
The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. (ESV, Mark 1:15)
We often associate repentance with the emotion of feeling sorry. But it’s more than that. Because saying you’re sorry can be meaningful or meaningless words. Your actions that follow define which one.
The Greek word for “repent” in Mark 1:15 is mĕtanŏĕō, which means to think differently, reconsider, or feel compunction. And it involves an action. To turn from and turn towards. It requires exercising your will followed by purposeful actions that support it.
Furthermore, repentance is not a one time act. Because even God’s faithful people turn from and break God’s law. But when we confess our sin, repent, and turn back to God, He extends His grace and restores us.
God’s promise to his people includes hearing and healing.
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (ESV, Ephesians 2:13)
The recipients of the Old Testament promise eagerly awaited the coming Messiah while today, we celebrate the saving work Jesus completed. Old Testament people looked ahead. New Testament people look back. But it’s towards the same, significant event. And in both cases, we must repent and seek God,
When we do, God’s promise is the same for everyone on both sides. He hears and spiritually heals. And it includes us all as God’s people.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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Who is a child of God? Are you? Am I? Although every human being is a unique creation, dearly loved by God, that doesn’t make us His child. Here are three Bible teachings on what it means to be a child of God and how to be in the family.
Who is a child of God? Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (ESV, John 1:14)
Jesus Christ is God’s only true child. Who scripture calls the Son of God. Conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. And who was both fully God and man.
Jesus lived a perfect life, free from sin. Furthermore, he taught and demonstrated God’s love and compassion for all humanity. And how we should live in a manner that pleases the God. He died a sacrificial death on a Roman cross and rose from the grave three days later. And conquered the power of sin and death. Therefore, all who call on his name and follow him experience a spiritual transformation. And become a new creation.
Who is a child of God? You become a child of God by receiving Jesus as Savior and Lord
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (ESV, John 1:12-13)
Every person is uniquely created and loved by God. But a child of God is more than that. Something different and unique. And it involves another step. An individual, decision and act of personal faith. And a spiritual transaction of believing in and receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
After this, God grants us a right to become a child of God.
But it is an unearned right on our part. Additionally granted and initiated by the will of God. And not because we deserve it. But because God desires it. However, it comes with extraordinary benefits. Because our severed relationship with God is restored to a new level of intimacy.
Who is a child of God? When you receive Jesus you are adopted into the family of God
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ… (ESV, Romans 8:16-17)
But you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father! (ESV, Romans 8:15)
As his children, God now invites us to call Him by a more familiar name. The Greek word Abba is the same word Jesus used when praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, the night before his crucifixion. And it’s a designation of intimate respect. Because “God” is no longer the name that best describes our new relationship. Although correct, it seems stale and impersonal. Because He has moved us from strangers and made us family.
It’s an adoption where we’re granted full rights as children and heirs to eternal life. Our severed relationship with God is restored to a new level of intimacy. And we may call God, Heavenly Father with full privileges as family members. Rather than fear, it’s a relationship characterized by trust and a secure sense of destiny, purpose, and belonging.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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Three Bible Truths for a Godly life. God’s Word offers a healthy prescription for us to follow. And these three Bible truths help us follow in a Godly manner.
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (ESV, Micah 6:8)
Three Bible Truths for a Godly life. Do justice.
“That’s not fair!” We’ve all said it. Because there’s an inherent sense of right and wrong in all of us. Play fair. Share your toys. Treat others the way you want to be treated. The Hebrew word for justice is “mishpat” and means divinely righteous action. Or in today’s context, do the right thing. But what exactly does that mean? Because many people believe it all depends on the circumstances.
God’s Word, however, provides explicit instructions on God’s law–what he considers righteous behavior. And much of it is straightforward and ignores situational ethics. It’s found in the Ten Commandments, Old Testament instructions, and Jesus’ teachings along with other New Testament writers.
Therefore, we pursue righteousness and strive to imitate Jesus in order to show our devotion and love for God rather than earn good behavior points. As a result, it pleases God and creates a more harmonious and virtuous society.
Three Bible Truths for a Godly life. Love kindness
The Hebrew word for “kindness” is kheh´-sed and is also translated mercy, which I think better represents Christian teaching. Why? Because kindness offers benevolence and charity. But mercy offers it even when it’s undeserved. And includes exercising restraint and responding in kindness when provoked by others without cause.
Mercy is at the heart of the Gospel. As sinners, we deserve God’s punishment. But God affords us mercy through the saving work of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we in turn, should generously offer it to others.
This means giving people the benefit of the doubt when offended since we don’t know what difficulties they’re going through. To avoid knee jerk reactions. Show compassion. And consider walking in another person’s shoes. It acknowledges that we’re all guilty before God. And that none of us deserve it, but we all need mercy.
Three Bible Truths to guide your life. Walk humbly with your God.
We naturally compare ourselves to others. As if entrance to heaven is a moral test graded on a curve. And we get in by morally scoring higher than others. It’s an approach that naturally leads to pride. Because the higher our virtuous score is above others, the more we pat ourselves on the back for our moral superiority.
Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. Because our standard for comparison is not other people, but a perfectly holy and righteous God. And on that report card we all fall miserably short.
However, when we acknowledge our best efforts are as filthy rags before a perfectly, holy God the appropriate response is humility. And when we individually and corporately humble ourselves and seek salvation through his Son, Jesus Christ, God’s faithfulness follows. And we will be spiritually healed as individuals and as a people.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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Why Jesus’ Ascension matters. Because it demonstrated that Jesus’ mission was complete, he intercedes for us before the Father, and he will return the same way he left.
Why Jesus’ Ascension matters. Because it demonstrated that Jesus’ mission was complete
And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God. (ESV, Luke 24:50-53
For most Christians, the birth, death on a cross, and resurrection of Jesus gets top billing. After all, that was his mission. And the heart of the gospel. But the ascension of Jesus is important too. Why? Because it’s an exclamation point. The declaration that his mission was fully and successfully complete. An announcement that the path for a renewed relationship with God is now open through Jesus Christ.
The ascension was a dramatic event that occurred 40 days after the resurrection. And during that time Jesus appeared to his disciples several times and to over 500 other eye witnesses. He continued teaching them the significance of what he had just accomplished. And then, after final instructions on their mission Jesus ascended to heaven in a dramatic exit.
He was taken up in bodily form demonstrating his resurrection as a physical human and not an ethereal spirit. And it signifies that as followers of Jesus, our victory over death is also bodily.
Why Jesus’ Ascension matters. Because he now intercedes for us before the Father
Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. (ESV, Romans 8:24)
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. (ESV, Hebrews 4:15)
Christianity is unique among all world religions. For not only does it present a God that love us. But He cared enough to enter our human condition through his Son, Jesus Christ. And He knows us, not just as His creation, but as one who experienced human life as one of us.
So, He understands our hopes. Dreams. Fears. And most of all, our plight against sin.
He was tempted too, but didn’t sin. And yet, rather than condemn us, he intercedes for us before the Father.
One day Jesus will return the same way he left.
But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. (ESV. Matthew 24:36)
Jesus promised a return the same way he left–visibly in the air. And while he predicted signs that would precede an imminent return, his appearance would still surprise everyone.
There are different viewpoints on the unfolding and order of events. But they all agree Jesus will return. And it will mark the end of his spiritual kingdom and the beginning of his physical, earthly kingdom.
Therefore, Christ-followers should remain vigilant as we eagerly anticipate his return with confident hope.
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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The awkward truth about God’s wrath makes it an unpopular topic. Because, well…the thought an Almighty God is angry and might punish us is frightful and something we’d rather not talk about. But scripture mentions it frequently. So here are three things to keep in mind about it.
The awkward truth about God’s wrath. God’s thoughts and emotions are higher than ours
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (ESV, Isaiah 55:8-9)
We are made in God’s image with His emotions and relational character traits. Along with a will and conscience to distinguish between right and wrong. Furthermore, we have intelligence and the ability to observe God’s existence demonstrated through His creation.
But God is infinite and we are finite. Furthermore, our image is marred due to sin. Therefore, our thoughts and emotions are capricious and unpredictable. And our wrath is often uncontrolled, which leads to irrational actions with disastrous consequences.
But not so with God. He is perfectly holy, righteous, and just. Absolutely consistent in all His ways.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. (ESV, Romans 1:18-19)
So what exactly is God’s wrath? It is His divine anger towards and sovereign will to punish sin. What the Bible calls ungodliness and unrighteousness. All who embrace sin and reject God’s provision, Jesus Christ, must face it.
Even so, God’s wrath is not capricious and out of control like ours. Nor does He seek personal vengeance. But His wrath and judgment are individually measured and appropriately dispensed.
That’s the bad news. But there’s good news too.
God’s wrath is received at the end of this life
What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction. (ESV, Romans 9:22)
God loves us and is patient. He doesn’t fidget on his throne, gleefully rubbing his hands together in anticipation…eager to zap us with lightning bolts. He gives us an entire earthly life to see His truth and respond to Jesus Christ. And many opportunities to seek Him.
However, keep in mind that God is equally love and just. And while He lovingly waits for us to respond, His absolute justice won’t be denied. Furthermore, His absolute wrath and judgment are perfectly measured and administered according to His perfect character. We get exactly what we deserve.
The awkward truth about God’s wrath. It is turned away by God’s grace.
And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. (ESV, 1 Thessalonians 1:10)
Jesus Christ was God’s gift to us and an expression of His love. As the Son of God, Jesus lived a perfect life, died on a cross for our sins, and resurrected from the dead three days later. When we ask Jesus to forgive our sins and accept him as Lord, we receive God’s grace instead of wrath.
And arejustified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, received by faith. (ESV, Romans 3:24-25a)
The Greek word for “propitiation” is hilastēriŏn, which means an atoning victim. In other words, Jesus’ sacrificial death atoned for our sins and satisfies God’s requirement of perfect justice. Because Jesus was a perfect sacrifice.
Till then, God’s wrath bears down on us like a speeding locomotive. Standing firm on the tracks means facing God’s wrath. But we can step off by accepting God’s grace. The choice is up to each of us. Those covered by the atonement of Jesus will receive grace. And enjoy an eternal homecoming. Those who reject Jesus will experience an awkward realization and an awful reality. Just don’t blame the train if you chose not to move.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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