Wellington Church of Christ

In a recent lesson, I was making the point that God doesn’t need us, but that He wants us.  I was trying to make the point that being wanted was better than being needed, but I’m not sure that I communicated what was in my heart fully regarding this wonderful truth.

As is often the case, sometime later I though of what I wished I would have said.  I’d like to share that now along with some additional thoughts.  I hope it is beneficial to you.

One of the worst impressions that a Christian can give to an unbeliever is the impression that if they follow Jesus, things in their life will be better.

Of course, I would also say that it’s a true statement that anyone’s life is better for following Christ, but the danger lies in the way that we define “better.”

There are some things that we have the ability to change ourselves.  And if we are having trouble making changes, there are probably a hundred thousand books and articles that will supposedly tell you how.

But there are some things that we do not have the ability to change ourselves.  There are some changes that only God can make.  For instance, no matter what we do, we do not have the ability to save our own soul.  God had to do something to make that change a possibility for us, the change from damned to saved.

All members of the church are uniquely different.  Some have more in common than others, but the vastness of our differences will always exceed our similarities.

Differences are a good thing.  God created us uniquely different so that we would fulfill uniquely different destinies doing uniquely different service for God (Ephesians 2:10).

The reading the Bible is unlike the reading of any other book in existence.  It’s the only book that is alive.  It’s the only book that reveals the three persons of God.  It’s the only book that has the power to transform us eternally.  It’s the only place that answers the most important questions of our existence.

Have you ever been tempted to skip past the long lists of genealogies in the Bible?  Let me encourage you to go ahead and read them anyway.

Within the long lists of genealogies, there is often times hidden jewels of knowledge.  For instance, the fifth chapter of Genesis is an entire chapter devoted to naming the descendants of Adam and Eve.

Sovereignty in the Garden

I’m so excited to be reading through the Bible this year.  We have opted at my house to read through together and do a chronological reading plan.  I love all of the things that constantly are brought to my understanding by the Holy Spirit as I seek God in His Word.

One of the things that stood out to me this last week was Genesis 3:14-15, which says,

As is our annual tradition, let’s have some fun in anticipation of 2024 by looking at all the books of the Bible that have twenty chapters and twenty-four verses – maybe one will particularly stand out to you.

Exodus 20:24 You shall make an altar of earth for Me, and you shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen; in every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you.

Good Song…but Wrong Thinking

I couldn’t help but notice a line in the famous song, “Away in a Manger,” this week that I’ve never really paid attention to before. The third verse says,

The cattle are lowing

The poor baby wakes

But little Lord Jesus

No crying He makes

I have no problem believing that a cow may have awakened the Lord Jesus, but the, No crying He makes, is the line that takes it a bit too far for me.

When the Spirit opens our eyes, we can see Jesus throughout the entire Bible. 

The first reference that we receive for his future death on the cross and resurrection is found in Genesis 3:15, which says,