The Only Begotten Son- The Son of God
- Emmanuel
- The First to Conquer Death
- Alpha and Omega
- The Seed of the Woman
- The Savior of the World
The Only Begotten Son
(John 3:16 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.
We know that Resurrection (Easter) Sunday is right around the corner. Last year we studied the last sayings of Jesus on the cross. This year I feel led to share some of the different names of Jesus in the Bible in the days leading up to the most significant day on the Christian calendar. The more we understand the multi-faceted Jesus, the better we get to know Him. The more we know Him, the more we will trust Him. Remember that we only really trust those that we really know.
The first name we investigate is “The Only Begotten Son.” The Holy Spirit through John teaches us a key aspect of Jesus’ humanity and divinity in this one phrase. In the original language, the phrase is the Greek word monogenes. This is a compound word. Mono – meaning singular and Genes – referring to DNA. To understand this statement we must understand Jesus’ birth. Remember that Mary was a virgin and experienced what is commonly referred to as the ‘Immaculate Conception.’ The Holy Spirit touched her womb and fertilized her egg. She never had sex with a man, but was pregnant from God, with God! The DNA of this child then, was not tainted with the chromosomes of a man, but rather anointed from God. We can now see how Jesus was the only child ever born with God’s DNA. I often times say that He was the only child with blood type “G.” He was not O Positive – to be a universal donor; nor was He O Negative – to be a universal recipient; He was born with “G” blood to be a Universal Savior!
So what does this mean to you today? A couple of things:
1. His Humanity enables Him to relate to us: The Hebrew writer said, (4:15 CEV) Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! God actually stepped out of eternity into time to live like we live and experience what we experience and He did it all without ever sinning. Application: No matter what you are going through this morning and no matter how strong the temptation may be to fall into sin, we can find peace in knowing that the Only Begotten Son was human enough to experience temptation and overcome it. He knows what we are going through and can relate to us at our level. Whatever is heavy on your heart, take it to the Lord in prayer!
2. His Divinity enabled Him to Deliver us: Paul said, (Ro 5:17 CEV) Death ruled like a king because Adam had sinned. But that cannot compare with what Jesus Christ has done. God has been so kind to us, and he has accepted us because of Jesus. And so we will live and rule like kings. Jesus came as a King to re-establish His Kingdom (Mat 4:17) in the earth and delivers us from the bondage of sin, so that we could be kings and He could be the King of the kings! Application: Adam caused sin to rule us, but the Only Begotten Son delivered us from that same sin. We now can walk in the freedom, liberty and power that Jesus has given us. We do not have to be slaves to sin!
Confession for this day: Lord God. You sent Your Only Begotten Son into the world to deliver me from sin. He paid that price on Calvary’s cross and enabled me to walk in Peace, Dominion, Power, Protection, Might and Victory today and everyday! I can overcome anything that comes my way, because the Only Begotten Son died for me! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
The Son of God (top of page)
(John 20:31 KJV) But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
This morning we continue our journey towards ‘Knowing God More in 2004’ by learning another name of Jesus — The Son of God. There are many scriptures that support this truth, but we will confine our search to the gospel of John. In John (1:34), John the Evangelist records the testimony of John the Baptist, “I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.” Later on Jesus began to round up his disciples. As soon as Nathaniel came in contact with Him, he said, (1:49) “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” In John’s 10, Jesus is in a discussion with the Jews. He clearly told them, (10:30) “I and the Father are one.” At that point, they picked up stones and wanted to kill Him. They were exceedingly upset and said that He should not every claim to be God. Jesus replied, (10:36) “… Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’?” In the next chapter we find the story of Lazarus and how he had been dead for four days. When Jesus encounters Martha (Lazarus’ sister) He says, (11:25-27), “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she told him, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.” And finally, John the Evangelist wrote our main text for this morning. John 20:31 is the crux of the gospel of John. The entire gospel rises and falls on this one verse. (20:31) But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
The Holy Spirit through John paints a vivid and clear picture of Jesus being the Son of God. We heard it this morning through the testimonies of: John the Baptist, Nathaniel, Jesus Himself, Martha, and John the Evangelist. More importantly, however, is our personal testimony. We must know in our heart that Jesus was not a mere man, but rather God incarnate. He was God in the flesh and came, lived a sinless life, healed the sick, raised the dead, caused the blind to see, the lame to walk; suffered, was crucified and buried, and then risen again from the dead with all power in His hand! Yes, we must have a peace in knowing who Jesus was. He was and is the Son of God and not a mere prophet.
So what does this mean to you today? It means that He was 100% man, but also 100% God. It means that He was not just another man, nor just another prophet. It means that His life was significant and His death super-substantial. His teachings were not just good, there are the Word of God. His principles were not temporary, but eternal. His blood was not common, but pure and holy, and blood that cleansed the world from sin. And His resurrection was true and the most significant event in the history of history. Yes, Jesus was and is the Son of God and John wrote these things that we might believe and that believing, we might have eternal life in His name.
Do you know who Jesus is? If not, you should immediately repent of your sin and accept Him into your life. If you do, you should face this day with the power that comes from being in a covenant relationship with the Son of God!
Confession for this day: Lord God. I have the boldness that comes from being covered by the blood of Your Son Jesus. I have the confidence that I can face this day in victory and triumph because the Son of the Living God lives in me. I have the peace in knowing that I have eternal life in Christ. I confess and believe in the name of Your Son — In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
Emmanuel (top of page)
(Mat 1:23 MSG) Watch for this–a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son; They will name him Emmanuel (Hebrew for “God is with us”).
This morning we continue our journey towards Knowing God More in 2004 and preparing for the upcoming Resurrection (Easter) Sunday morning, by learning another name for Jesus — Emmanuel. Isaiah prophesied (7:14) some 700 years before Christ and Matthew testifies of that same event in the past tense. They both speak of a virgin birth and of the arrival of God in the flesh. God literally stepped out of eternity and into time, wrapped Himself up in a flesh and blood suit, confined Himself to the limitations of humanity and dwelt among us. The first night that baby Jesus went to sleep was the first time that God ever slept. The first time baby Jesus shed a tear was the first time that God ever cried. He literally came and lived like we live. We will celebrate His victory over death on Sunday, but let’s remember His life today. God, the creator of the universe, had to learn how to walk, just like all other babies. He fell down and got back up again. He scraped his knees and like all other little boys. He teacher of all things and the answer of every question actually went back to school. He had to wait to go to Jerusalem for Passover until He was twelve, just like all the other little boys. He grew up and learned a trade. He worked like all other men worked. He was a carpenter. Could you imagine Jesus coming and fixing your roof or working on your dining room table? Yes, God came down in the form of a man and lived with us, just like us.
So what does this mean to you today? It means that we do not serve a distant, nor despondent God. We serve a God that understands everything we are going through. We serve a God that is connected to us in the Spirit (divinity), but we also serve a God that can relate to our every situation (humanity). He understands every temptation, every struggle, every issue, and every fear. He experienced everything we will experience and came out victorious.
The Good News is that not only was He with the disciples, Emmanuel is with us too! How, you may ask? Well, he walked with them; but He is IN (Col 1:27) us! The Holy Spirit lives inside of every Born-Again believer. We do not have to face this day alone. This is a brand new day and the beginning of a brand new week. We can enter this day and this week with the peace and confidence of knowing that Emmanuel is with us!
Confession for this day: Lord God. You are my very present help. You were touched with the feelings of our infirmities. You understand my weaknesses and my concerns and are IN me to enable me to overcome them all. I do not walk into this day alone. Emmanuel lives inside of me and equips me to win in every situation. I receive the peace that comes from Your presence. I receive the Power that comes from Your Spirit. I receive the protection that comes from Your angels. I am not alone. Emmanuel is with me and will be with me, all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
The First to Conquer Death (top of page)
(Rev 1:5: CEV) May kindness and peace be yours from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness. Jesus was the first to conquer death, and he is the ruler of all earthly kings. Christ loves us, and by his blood he set us free from our sins.
This morning we continue our journey towards Knowing God More in 2004. In preparation for the upcoming Resurrection (Easter) Sunday morning, we learn another name for Jesus — The First to Conquer Death. To really understand what Jesus did and why Jesus came we must first understand Adam. Adam was created by God to live forever. He was in perfect peace and enjoyed perfect health. The transgression of Adam introduced both SIN and DEATH into the world and created a breach between our Holy God and fallen man. Because of sin, an animal (probably a lamb) was slain and the skins of it used to cover the sin of Adam and Eve. The death of that animal, however, could only cover sin, but not repair the breach. This would be the pattern of the entire Old Testament. To deliver the nation of Israel from the last and most powerful plague against the Egyptians, the Lord commanded Moses to have the people kill another lamb. They were to take the blood of the lamb and put it over their doorposts and this blood would save them from a visit from the death angel. This blood would save them (temporarily) from death. After the Law was established, the High Priest (once a year, on the Day of Atonement) would kill a lamb and place the blood of the lamb over the Ark of the Covenant as a price for sin. This blood would save the Israelites (temporarily) from sin. Jesus came as the ultimate sacrifice. He came as the Lamb of God (John 1:36) that would take away the sin of the world. We understand how He came to deal with the sin problem, but remember that Adam introduced both SIN and DEATH into the world. Not only did Jesus come to conquer SIN, but He also came to take the sting out of DEATH (1 Cor 15:55). God rose Him from the dead and He became the First to Conquer Death. Yes, others before Him where raised from the dead, but they wound up dying again. He was the First to actually conquer the Death problem and restore the breach between fallen man and a Holy God — once and forever!
So what does this mean to you today? It means that if you are a Born-Again believer, you don’t have to be a slave to sin, nor death. You don’t have to allow sin to rule you, nor death to terrify you. Death is simply a tool by which believers are translated from labor to reward. Death is simply the door by which we step out of time and into eternity. Death is merely the vehicle God uses to usher us into his eternal presence. Yes, Jesus conquered death so that we could do the same.
As a believer, you can enter this day with confidence and with peace. Knowing that sin has no strain over you and death has no victory. Walk in the liberty of the Holy Spirit and the peace of God!
Confession for this day: Lord God. You delivered me from sin and death. I walk in the Spirit and will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. I am delivered from the eternal curse of sin and walk in the newness of life in Christ. Death has not victory over me. You were the first to conquer death, so that I could do the same. I am Born-Again and covered by your blood. I am anointed by Your Spirit. I am called according to Your divine plan for my life. I enjoy Your peace and Your confidence this day and every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
Alpha and Omega (top of page)
(Rev 1:8: CEV) The Lord God says, “I am Alpha and Omega, the one who is and was and is coming. I am God All-Powerful!”
This morning we continue our journey towards Knowing God More in 2004. In preparation for the upcoming Resurrection (Easter) Sunday morning, we learn another name for Jesus — Alpha and Omega. John declared (Rev 1:7) that Jesus would come back with the clouds in such a manner that everyone will be able to see Him; even the ones who stuck a sword into Him. Yes, everyone will see Him and He is coming back again. Jesus then says, “I am Alpha and Omega, the one who is and was and is coming. I am God All-Powerful!” Jesus reassures us through John that He is coming back again. He will finish what He started. God is not a God that starts something and then leaves it half-way done. He came to redeem the world of sin and will come back again to judge those that did not receive His redemption. In the mean while, however, He is in the business of perfecting us until He comes. Paul said it this way, (Phil 1:6 AMP) And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.
So what does this mean to you today? In baseball terms it means that Jesus is working in us in both the 1st and the 9th innings. In football terms it means that Jesus is working in us in both the 1st and the 4th quarters. But in reality it means that Jesus destined us before we were born and will be waiting on us after we die. He is not confined by time because He created time. He was before the beginning and will be after the end. He knew the plans He had for us (Jer 29:11) before we were born and is faithful to help us fulfill our destiny every step of the way. He is not only the author of our lives, but He is also the finisher (Heb 12:2) of our faith.
Are you down this morning? Are frustrated with the way things are going? Do you feel alone? Do you feel like Jesus is not there? Well, our text tells us that He is there and always has been. He was and is and is coming back again! He said that (Heb 13:5) will never leave us nor forsake us. We can gain Comfort in knowing that He is there. We can gain Confidence in knowing that He has all things in and under control. We can gain Courage in knowing that the All-Powerful God will stick with us until the end. He is our Alpha and Omega!
Confession for this day: Lord God. You are the Alpha and the Omega. You are the beginning and the ending. You are the first and the last. You are the all and all. You were before my beginning and will be after my end. I walk in Comfort, Confidence, and Courage; knowing that the Alpha and Omega, the All-Powerful God is with me, this day and every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
The Seed of the Woman (top of page)
(Gen 3:15 CEV) You and this woman will hate each other; your descendants and hers will always be enemies. One of hers will strike you on the head, and you will strike him on the heel.”
This morning we continue our journey towards Knowing God More in 2004. In preparation for the upcoming Resurrection (Easter) Sunday morning, we learn another name for Jesus — The Seed of the Woman. Our journey takes us back to Genesis this morning and we find ourselves in the Garden of Eden. In the text, Adam and Eve have just sinned and caused a Spiritual separation between man and God. God is now pronouncing judgment on them. The woman would have to endure great pains in childbearing and the man would have to painfully work to eat from the ground. But before God judged Eve (v.16) and judged Adam (v.17), God judged the serpent (satan) in our text for this morning. God declared and all-out war between His children and the children of satan. He then fast-forwards several thousand years and declares a special promise about a very special Seed of the Woman. This Seed would come to strike a head-blow to the enemy and he would simply strike the bottom on The Seed’s foot. This connotes that the satan is under the feet of Jesus and therefore, under our feet as well — as we are joint-heirs (Ro 8:17) with Jesus Christ!
So what does this mean to you today? A couple of things:
1. God Destined the Seed of the Woman (Jesus) to win over the serpent (satan): God’s words are final. They are eternally settled in heaven (Ps 119:89). Jesus came, lived, suffered, bled, and died to fulfill that prophesy. When the first drop of blood hit the ground — satan was defeated!
Application: Jesus was born to die. He knew what He was here for and lived a life of discipline and purpose towards that end. He would not let anything — even Himself (in the garden of Gethsamane) — stand in the way of purpose. We must do the same. Remember, I shared some time ago that we must (1) Find, (2) Follow, and (3) Finish God’s plan for our lives. Just like Jesus, we are destined for a purpose. Once we find that purpose, we must seek to fulfill it, at all costs.
2. satan’s plan to kill Jesus simply sealed His own fate: I can imagine it now. The enemy and all his hellish imps were rejoicing when Jesus was taken from mock trial to mock trail. They were having a party when the soldiers were slapping Him in the face. They were going plum crazy when the nails were driven through His hands and feet. The devil and his demons actually thought they had won. They actually thought they conquered Jesus by killing Him, but they were actually helping to fulfill prophesy and seal their own fate. Paul said that the princes of this world did not really understand the plan of God (1 Cor 2:8). If they had, they would not have killed the Lord of Glory.
Application: Just like Jesus, we are destined. Just like Jesus, we receive attacks from the enemy. And just like Jesus, those attacks often times usher us into our destiny. If the enemy was smarter, he would leave us alone. It sometimes seems like the more he messes with us, the more we are blessed. Like the Seed of the Woman — we are destined for Greatness!
Confession for this day: Lord God. You are the Seed of the Woman and You have bruised the head of satan. He has simply bruised your heal. He is under Your feet. I am under Your blood and therefore satan is under my feet as well. I enter into this day in Victory as I seek to fulfill my Destiny! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
The Savior of the World (top of page)
(1 John 4:13-15 CEV) God has given us his Spirit. That is how we know that we are one with him, just as he is one with us. God sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. We saw his Son and are now telling others about him. God stays one with everyone who openly says that Jesus is the Son of God. That’s how we stay one with God.
This morning we continue our journey towards Knowing God More in 2004. In preparation for the upcoming Resurrection (Easter) Sunday morning, we learn another name for Jesus — The Savior of the World. This morning is what many refer to as ‘Good Friday’ and the day that the death of Jesus is broadly celebrated. Now, although it is debatable whether or not Jesus died on a Friday, the fact that He did die for the remission (Heb 9:22) of sin is not. Sin entered the world through one man (the 1st Adam) and Redemption for that same sin would come into the world through Jesus the Christ (the last Adam). Jesus came to repair the breach and restore the relationship between fallen man and a Holy God through the restoration of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. He saved the world by restoring the access to the Father through the Son in prayer and also by restoring the fellowship with the Father through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
So what does this mean to you today? Let’s take a closer look:
1. The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit was taken from man because of the original sin and Jesus came to save us from that separation and from its result — damnation. When the Holy Spirit was taken from man it left a gaping hole that we all try to fill with worldly things until we repent and accept Jesus Christ as Lord. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit comes in to take His rightful place in our lives and for the first time ever, we are complete! We finally have the peace we had been looking for and our text tells us that once we have the Holy Spirit, we know that we are one with God. Jesus saved us from that emptiness.
2. Jesus the Christ: Jesus died on Calvary’s cross for us, in spite of us. Even when the world rejected Him, even when we denied Him, even when they tortured Him; He looked beyond their faults (and ours) and saw the need of a dying and decaying world. He knew that we were people that needed saving, even when we did not fully understand that ourselves. He looked beyond our actions and became the Savior of all mankind. If you have not accepted Jesus as Your personal Lord and Savior — don’t wait another minute. Repent of your sin and receive Him into your life today. Jesus came as the Savior of the World!
3. Our Testimony: The text says that we should now tell others about Him and that God stays one with everyone who openly says that Jesus is the Son of God. If you deny Him, He will deny you. If you understand what Jesus did when He died for you, have accepted Him as your Lord and Savior, and have received the Holy Spirit (filling the empty hole you were born with); why wouldn’t you want to tell someone else about it? People all over the world will be discussing ‘Good Friday’ today. Take the opportunity to explain to someone that doesn’t know what the ‘Good News’ about ‘Good Friday’ really is — that Jesus came as the Savior of the World!
Confession for this day: Lord God. I repent of my sin and make a vow to follow You and Your commandments all the days of my life. You are my Lord and my Savior. You are my redeemer. You are my strength. You are my source. You are my life. You are my all-in-all and I will not deny You before men. I will tell the world of the Son of God, who came as the Son of Man; so that the sons of men, could become the sons of God! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!