Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Good,Good Father - John 3:16 - Jesus' Last 7 Words



 This is Namma for Christ with the eightieth inspirational  message dated Wednesday, March 23rd, 2016. The title of this message is: "Good, Good Father - John 3:16 - Jesus' Last 7 Words". This message is based on the below scripture text from the sixteenth verse of the third chapter of John as found in the New Testament:


John 3:16

King James Version (KJV)

16 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.


 This was first written by me on March 24th, 2013 - I want to share this message "again" with you:

 Please enjoy the song and video (with lyrics) at the the end of the message entitled, "Good, Good Father" - by Chris Tomlin - sung with passion and anointing


 I wanted to share with all of you the below message, "The Last 7 Words of Jesus" (written by Mary Fairchild for About.com Christianity). I found this article to be inspirational and written in a manner that is easy to read and understand. I pray that it may be a blessing to you as it was to me.  


Please remember that JESUS IS OUR BREAD OF HEAVEN, OUR SAVIOR, OUR REDEEMER, OUR INTERCESSOR, OUR KING OF KINGS given to us by our "GOOD, GOOD FATHER" IN HEAVEN and never forget that John 3:16 reminds us of God's great love for us in giving us His One and Only Begotten Son, that "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE!"



7 Last Words of Jesus

What Were the Seven Final Phrases of Jesus on the Cross and What Did They Mean?

By Mary Fairchild, About.com Guide

Jesus Christ made seven final statements during His last hours on the cross. These phrases are held dear by followers of Christ because they offer a glimpse into the depth of His suffering to accomplish redemption. Recorded in the Gospels between the time of  His crucifixion and His death, they reveal His divinity as well as His humanity. As much as possible, given the approximate sequence of events as portrayed in the Gospels, these seven last words of Jesus are presented here in chronological order.

1) Jesus Speaks to the Father
Luke 23:34
Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (NIV) In the midst of His excruciating suffering, the heart of Jesus was focused on others rather than Himself. Here we see the nature of His love—unconditional and divine.

2) Jesus Speaks to the Criminal on the Cross
Luke 23:43
"I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise." (NIV) One of the criminals who was crucified with Christ, had recognized who Jesus was and expressed faith in Him as Savior. Here we see grace poured out through faith, as Jesus assured the dying man of his forgiveness and eternal salvation.

3) Jesus Speaks to Mary and John
John 19:26-27
When Jesus saw His mother there, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." (NIV) Jesus, looking down from the cross, was still filled with the concerns of a son for the earthly needs of His mother. None of His brothers were there to care for her, so He gave this task to the Apostle John. Here we clearly see Christ's humanity.

4) Jesus Cries Out to the Father
Matthew 27:46 (also Mark 15:34)
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (NKJV) In the darkest hours of His suffering, Jesus cried out the opening words of Psalm 22. And although much has been suggested regarding the meaning of this phrase, it was quite apparent the agony Christ felt as He expressed separation from God. Here we see the Father turning way from the Son as Jesus bore the full weight of our sin.

5) Jesus is Thirsty
John 19:28
Jesus knew that everything was now finished, and to fulfill the Scriptures He said, "I am thirsty." (NLT)  Jesus refused the initial drink of vinegar, gall and myrrh (Matthew 27:34 and Mark 15:23) offered to alleviate His suffering. But here, several hours later, we see Jesus fulfilling the messianic prophecy found in Psalm 69:21.

6) It is Finished
John 19:30
... He said, "It is finished!" (NLT) Jesus knew He was suffering the crucifixion for a purpose. Earlier He had said in John 10:18 of His life, "No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from My Father." (NIV) These three words were packed with meaning, for what was finished here was not only Christ's earthly life, not only His suffering and dying, not only the payment for sin and the redemption of the world—but the very reason and purpose He came to earth was finished. His final act of obedience was complete. The Scriptures had been fulfilled.

7) Jesus' Last Words
Luke 23:46

Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit." When He had said this, He breathed His last. (NIV) Here Jesus closes with the words of Psalm 31:5, speaking to the Father. We see His complete trust in the Father. Jesus entered death in the same way He lived each day.


 Please enjoy the song and video (with lyrics) below entitled, "Good, Good Father" - by Chris Tomlin - sung with passion and anointing


(I do not own the rights to this song.)


BE BLESSED!


Saturday, March 12, 2016

Rise Up! - Arise & Shine: Isaiah 60:1



This is Namma for Christ with the seventy-ninth inspirational message dated Sunday, March 13th, 2016. The title of this message is: Rise Up! -  Arise & Shine: Isaiah 60:1. This message is based on the below scripture text from the first verse of the sixtieth chapter of Isaiah as found in the Old Testament - where the writer, the Prophet Isaiah, informs God's people of what they should do:


Isaiah 60:1
New International Version (NIV)

60 “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.


The above Old Testament scripture was spoken by Isaiah when God’s people had returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile. They had struggled to believe that God was “still” working in their midst. The returned exiles faced serious problems. Part of the reason was that the people had allowed sin to pervert their mission as God’s people. In this sixtieth chapter of Isaiah, the prophet RENEWS the PROMISES of a NEW DAY for the “COMMUNITY OF FAITH”. The Prophet Isaiah REASSURES the people that GOD – HAS NOT FORGOTTEN THEM and that THEIR MISSION – AS A LIGHT TO THE WORLD…HAS NOT CHANGED!

THE NEW EVENTS TRANSPIRING IN THEIR LIVES MARK THE BEGINNING OF GOD’S NEW DAY" FOR HIS PEOPLE!

THE SAME MESSAGE APPLIES TO US, TODAY:

RISE UP! ARISE AND SHINE!

We are GOD’s CHOSEN PEOPLE - whom God wants to use!

2 Corinthians 5:20

New International Version (NIV)

 

20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

THE NEW EVENTS TRANSPIRING IN “OUR” LIVES MARK THE BEGINNING OF GOD’S NEW DAY" FOR “US” - HIS PEOPLE!

God has not forgotten us! He LOVES US as 1 John 4:19 states:

1 John 4:19

New International Version (NIV)

 

19 We love because He first loved us.

God wants what is BEST for YOU!

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version (NIV)

 

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Because JESUS is OUR SAVIOR and THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD as John 8:12 states…WE WILL HAVE THE LIGHT OF LIFE!

John 8:12

New International Version (NIV)

 

12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

He wants YOU to SHARE “HIS” LIGHT – and tell others about HIM and what He has done for YOU! Be the BEST that you can be - to give God  the glory and praise! LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE! – as Matthew 5:16 informs us:

Matthew 5:16

King James Version (KJV)


16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

RISE UP! ARISE AND SHINE: BE WHO GOD MADE YOU TO BE! – as found in Psalm 139:14 –

Psalm 139:14

King James Version (KJV)

 


14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.


Please enjoy the below inspirational song and video of  “Rise Up” (with lyrics) as sung by Andra Day.


(I do not own the rights to this song.)
BE BLESSED!