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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Three pillars of Biblical Grace are critical supports for this important concept of Christian faith. And you must embrace them to appreciate its full transforming power. Let’s examine them.
Three pillars of Biblical Grace. The corruption of sin.
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned. (ESV, Romans 5:12)
When Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, that disobedience was sin And it corrupted their unspoiled human nature. Since then, this sinful corruption has spread and infected the entire human population.
Although many people do not see themselves as a sinner.
In fact, you seldom hear “sin” used in secular culture. It’s simply a church word for religious people. Sure. Most people admit they make mistakes and aren’t perfect. They just consider themselves more perfect compared to others. However, sin is more than a mistake. It’s intentional disobedience to God.
Furthermore, God measures us by His standard. And that standard of absolute perfection is way beyond our reach.
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and test the mind,to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds. (ESV, Jeremiah 17:9-19)
Until you see the wickedness in your heart and accept yourself as one totally corrupted by sin, you’ll never fully grasp or appreciate how undeserving you are of God’s grace. Or understand the magnitude of the grace God offers.
Three pillars of Biblical Grace. God as Judge.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. (ESV, 2 Corinthians 5:10)
We demand justice when we’re the victims, but expect something different from God. After all. Isn’t He love? So shouldn’t we get an exception?
Unfortunately, this idea misunderstands God’s character. Yes, He is perfect love. But He is also perfectly just. And one does not supersede the other. The idea that God holds us accountable for our sins is unpopular. But it is a clear teaching in scripture.
It is only when you understand that judgment is both impending and deserved that you can fully appreciate God’s grace. Because that is exactly what it means. That you DON’T get what you DESERVE.
Three pillars of Biblical Grace. Jesus Christ is God’s provision for sin.
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (ESV, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
God sent Jesus Christ to die in our place and pay the penalty for sin. By asking Jesus for forgiveness and following him as Lord, God’s standard for perfect justice is met. Because Jesus was the perfect sacrifice. And when those who follow Jesus appear for judgment, Jesus will extend to them grace.
Therefore, Jesus Christ is God’s provision of grace. The gift of a perfect, loving father who satisfies the demands of a perfectly just God. And that’s what it means to be redeemed people of God. And saved by grace.
It’s good to remember that grace is both undeserved and free. But it was not cheap.
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.
Looking for a Bible Study for yourself or small group??
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