The challenges for civilization today are overwhelming. The Joy of Jesus is seeking to bring into sharp focus the need and source of love. We are looking for one-million people to join this movement with any obligation.
The Joy of Jesus has so many services for people to access. We offer centers in; education,health,jobs,peace,green technology,business, and parenting. There is also a Christian Education Center as well.
The Joy of Jesus On-line Church needs one-million people to place their best hopes in love. Join this group by visiting http://thejoyofjesuschurchonline.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Bible Study Christian Comfort
No Condemnation
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus"
Romans 8:1
"There is therefore now no condemnation." The eighth chapter of the epistle to the Romans concludes the first section of that wonderful epistle. Its opening word "Therefore" ("There is" is in italics, because supplied by the translators) may be viewed in a twofold way. First, it connects with all that has been said from 3:21. An inference is now deduced from the whole of the preceding discussion, an inference which was, in fact, the grand conclusion toward which the apostle had been aiming throughout the entire argument. Because Christ has been set forth "a propitiation through faith in His blood" (3:25); because He was "delivered for our offences and raised again for our justification" (4:25); because by the obedience of the One the many (believers of all ages) are "made righteous," constituted so, legally, (5:19); because believers have "died (judicially) to sin" (6:2); because they have "died" to the condemning power of the law (7:4), there is "therefore now NO CONDEMNATION."
But not only is the "therefore" to be viewed as a conclusion drawn from the whole of the previous discussion, it is also to be considered as having a close relation to what immediately precedes. In the second half of Romans 7 the apostle had described the painful and ceaseless conflict which is waged between the antagonistic natures in the one who has been born again, illustrating this by a reference to his own personal experiences as a Christian. Having portrayed with a master pen (himself sitting for the picture) the spiritual struggles of the child of God, the apostle now proceeds to direct attention to the Divine consolation for a condition so distressing and humiliating. The transition from the despondent tone of the seventh chapter to the triumphant language of the eighth appears startling and abrupt, yet is quite logical and natural. If it is true that to the saints of God belongs the conflict of sin and death, under whose effect they mourn, equally true is it that their deliverance from the curse and the corresponding condemnation is a victory in which they rejoice. A very striking contrast is thus pointed. In the second half of Romans 7 the apostle treats the power of sin, which operates in believers as long as they are in the world; in the opening verses of chapter eight, he speaks of the guilt of sin from which they are completely delivered the moment they are united to the Saviour by faith. Hence in 7:24 the apostle asks "Who shall deliver me" from the power of sin, but in 8:2 he says, "hath made me free," i.e. hath delivered me, from the guilt of sin.
"There is therefore now no condemnation." It is not here a question of our heart condemning us (as in 1 John 3:21), nor of us finding nothing within which is worthy of condemnation; instead, it is the far more blessed fact that God condemns not the one who has trusted in Christ to the saving of his soul. We need to distinguish sharply between subjective and objective truth; between that which is judicial and that which is experimental; otherwise, we shall fail to draw form such Scriptures as the one now before us the comfort and peace they are designed to convey. There is no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus. "In Christ" is the believer’s position before God, not his condition in the flesh. "In Adam" I was condemned (Rom. 5:12); but "in Christ" is to be forever freed from all condemnation.
"There is therefore now no condemnation." The qualifying "now" implies there was a time when Christians, before they believed, were under condemnation. This was before they died with Christ, died judicially (Gal. 2:20) to the penalty of God’s righteous law. This "now," then, distinguishes between two states or conditions. By nature we were "under the (sentence of) law," but now believers are "under grace" (Rom. 6:14). By nature we were "children of wrath" (Eph. 2:2), but now we are "accepted in the Beloved" (Eph. 1:6). Under the first covenant we were "in Adam" (1 Cor. 15:22), but now we are "in Christ" (Rom. 8:1). As believers in Christ we have everlasting life, and because of this we "shall not come into condemnation."
Condemnation is a word of tremendous import, and the better we understand it the more shall we appreciate the wondrous grace that has delivered us from its power. In the halls of a human court this is a term which falls with fearful knell upon the ear of the convicted criminal and fills the spectators with sadness and horror. But in the court of Divine Justice it is vested with a meaning and content infinitely more solemn and awe-inspiring. To that Court every member of Adam’s fallen race is cited. "Conceived in sin, shapen in iniquity" each one enters this world under arrest – an indicted criminal, a rebel manacled. How, then, is it possible for such a one to escape the execution of the dread sentence? There was only one way, and that was by the removal from us of that which called forth the sentence, namely sin. Let guilt be removed and there can be "no condemnation."
Has guilt been removed, removed, we mean, from the sinner who believes? Let the Scriptures answer: "As far as the east is from the west so far hath he removed our transgressions from us" (Ps. 103:12). "I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions" (Isa. 43:25). "Thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back" (Isa. 38:17). "Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more" (Heb. 10:17).
But how could guilt be removed? Only by it being transferred. Divine holiness could not ignore it; but Divine grace could and did transfer it. The sins of believers were transferred to Christ: "The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Isa 53:6). "For he hath made him to be sin for us" (2 Cor. 5:21).
"There is therefore no condemnation." The "no" is emphatic. It signifies there is no condemnation whatsoever. No condemnation from the law, or on account of inward corruption, or because Satan can substantiate a charge against me; there is none from any source or for any cause at all. "No condemnation" means that none at all is possible; that none ever will be. There is no condemnation because there is no accusation (see 8:33), and there can be no accusation because there is no imputation of sin (see 4:8).
"There is therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." When treating of the conflict between the two natures in the believer the apostle had, in the previous chapter, spoken of himself in his own person, in order to show that the highest attainments in grace do no exempt from the internal warfare which he there describes. But here in 8:1 the apostle changes the number. He does not say, There is no condemnation to me, but "to them which are in Christ Jesus." This was most gracious of the Holy Spirit. Had the apostle spoken here in the singular number, we should have reasoned that such a blessed exemption was well suited to this honored servant of God who enjoyed such wondrous privileges; but could not apply to us. The Spirit of God, therefore, moved the apostle to employ the plural number here, to show that "no condemnation" is true of all in Christ Jesus.
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." To be in Christ Jesus is to be perfectly identified with Him in the judicial reckoning and dealings of God: and it is also to be one with Him as vitally united by faith. Immunity from condemnation does not depend in any-wise upon our "walk," but solely on our being "in Christ." "The believer is in Christ as Noah was enclosed within the ark, with the heavens darkening above him, and the waters heaving beneath him, yet not a drop of the flood penetrating his vessel, not a blast of the storm disturbing the serenity of his spirit. The believer is in Christ as Jacob was in the garment of the elder brother when Isaac kissed and blessed him. He is in Christ as the poor homicide was within the city of refuge when pursued by the avenger of blood, but who could not overtake and slay him" (Dr. Winslow, 1857). And because he is "in Christ" there is, therefore, no condemnation for him. Hallelujah!
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus"
Romans 8:1
"There is therefore now no condemnation." The eighth chapter of the epistle to the Romans concludes the first section of that wonderful epistle. Its opening word "Therefore" ("There is" is in italics, because supplied by the translators) may be viewed in a twofold way. First, it connects with all that has been said from 3:21. An inference is now deduced from the whole of the preceding discussion, an inference which was, in fact, the grand conclusion toward which the apostle had been aiming throughout the entire argument. Because Christ has been set forth "a propitiation through faith in His blood" (3:25); because He was "delivered for our offences and raised again for our justification" (4:25); because by the obedience of the One the many (believers of all ages) are "made righteous," constituted so, legally, (5:19); because believers have "died (judicially) to sin" (6:2); because they have "died" to the condemning power of the law (7:4), there is "therefore now NO CONDEMNATION."
But not only is the "therefore" to be viewed as a conclusion drawn from the whole of the previous discussion, it is also to be considered as having a close relation to what immediately precedes. In the second half of Romans 7 the apostle had described the painful and ceaseless conflict which is waged between the antagonistic natures in the one who has been born again, illustrating this by a reference to his own personal experiences as a Christian. Having portrayed with a master pen (himself sitting for the picture) the spiritual struggles of the child of God, the apostle now proceeds to direct attention to the Divine consolation for a condition so distressing and humiliating. The transition from the despondent tone of the seventh chapter to the triumphant language of the eighth appears startling and abrupt, yet is quite logical and natural. If it is true that to the saints of God belongs the conflict of sin and death, under whose effect they mourn, equally true is it that their deliverance from the curse and the corresponding condemnation is a victory in which they rejoice. A very striking contrast is thus pointed. In the second half of Romans 7 the apostle treats the power of sin, which operates in believers as long as they are in the world; in the opening verses of chapter eight, he speaks of the guilt of sin from which they are completely delivered the moment they are united to the Saviour by faith. Hence in 7:24 the apostle asks "Who shall deliver me" from the power of sin, but in 8:2 he says, "hath made me free," i.e. hath delivered me, from the guilt of sin.
"There is therefore now no condemnation." It is not here a question of our heart condemning us (as in 1 John 3:21), nor of us finding nothing within which is worthy of condemnation; instead, it is the far more blessed fact that God condemns not the one who has trusted in Christ to the saving of his soul. We need to distinguish sharply between subjective and objective truth; between that which is judicial and that which is experimental; otherwise, we shall fail to draw form such Scriptures as the one now before us the comfort and peace they are designed to convey. There is no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus. "In Christ" is the believer’s position before God, not his condition in the flesh. "In Adam" I was condemned (Rom. 5:12); but "in Christ" is to be forever freed from all condemnation.
"There is therefore now no condemnation." The qualifying "now" implies there was a time when Christians, before they believed, were under condemnation. This was before they died with Christ, died judicially (Gal. 2:20) to the penalty of God’s righteous law. This "now," then, distinguishes between two states or conditions. By nature we were "under the (sentence of) law," but now believers are "under grace" (Rom. 6:14). By nature we were "children of wrath" (Eph. 2:2), but now we are "accepted in the Beloved" (Eph. 1:6). Under the first covenant we were "in Adam" (1 Cor. 15:22), but now we are "in Christ" (Rom. 8:1). As believers in Christ we have everlasting life, and because of this we "shall not come into condemnation."
Condemnation is a word of tremendous import, and the better we understand it the more shall we appreciate the wondrous grace that has delivered us from its power. In the halls of a human court this is a term which falls with fearful knell upon the ear of the convicted criminal and fills the spectators with sadness and horror. But in the court of Divine Justice it is vested with a meaning and content infinitely more solemn and awe-inspiring. To that Court every member of Adam’s fallen race is cited. "Conceived in sin, shapen in iniquity" each one enters this world under arrest – an indicted criminal, a rebel manacled. How, then, is it possible for such a one to escape the execution of the dread sentence? There was only one way, and that was by the removal from us of that which called forth the sentence, namely sin. Let guilt be removed and there can be "no condemnation."
Has guilt been removed, removed, we mean, from the sinner who believes? Let the Scriptures answer: "As far as the east is from the west so far hath he removed our transgressions from us" (Ps. 103:12). "I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions" (Isa. 43:25). "Thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back" (Isa. 38:17). "Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more" (Heb. 10:17).
But how could guilt be removed? Only by it being transferred. Divine holiness could not ignore it; but Divine grace could and did transfer it. The sins of believers were transferred to Christ: "The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Isa 53:6). "For he hath made him to be sin for us" (2 Cor. 5:21).
"There is therefore no condemnation." The "no" is emphatic. It signifies there is no condemnation whatsoever. No condemnation from the law, or on account of inward corruption, or because Satan can substantiate a charge against me; there is none from any source or for any cause at all. "No condemnation" means that none at all is possible; that none ever will be. There is no condemnation because there is no accusation (see 8:33), and there can be no accusation because there is no imputation of sin (see 4:8).
"There is therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." When treating of the conflict between the two natures in the believer the apostle had, in the previous chapter, spoken of himself in his own person, in order to show that the highest attainments in grace do no exempt from the internal warfare which he there describes. But here in 8:1 the apostle changes the number. He does not say, There is no condemnation to me, but "to them which are in Christ Jesus." This was most gracious of the Holy Spirit. Had the apostle spoken here in the singular number, we should have reasoned that such a blessed exemption was well suited to this honored servant of God who enjoyed such wondrous privileges; but could not apply to us. The Spirit of God, therefore, moved the apostle to employ the plural number here, to show that "no condemnation" is true of all in Christ Jesus.
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." To be in Christ Jesus is to be perfectly identified with Him in the judicial reckoning and dealings of God: and it is also to be one with Him as vitally united by faith. Immunity from condemnation does not depend in any-wise upon our "walk," but solely on our being "in Christ." "The believer is in Christ as Noah was enclosed within the ark, with the heavens darkening above him, and the waters heaving beneath him, yet not a drop of the flood penetrating his vessel, not a blast of the storm disturbing the serenity of his spirit. The believer is in Christ as Jacob was in the garment of the elder brother when Isaac kissed and blessed him. He is in Christ as the poor homicide was within the city of refuge when pursued by the avenger of blood, but who could not overtake and slay him" (Dr. Winslow, 1857). And because he is "in Christ" there is, therefore, no condemnation for him. Hallelujah!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
The Fullness of God
Have you ever wondered how everything started? Have you ever gazed out into space and thought about the vastness of outer space? when young people study science, they quickly realize just how much there is to know and also how little we do know. God is all knowing.
All wisdom and knowledge is found in Jesus Christ. People are beginning to look at religion as just another problem. Yet, God and Jesus are not necessarily religions per-se. God is a spirit. We must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.
God is the power we need to move the elements in the universe to His perfect will. God gave us Jesus to place our faith in His love. Jesus died on the cross for our sins. God raised Jesus from the grave so that we may live forever in perfect peace and love forever. We thank God and Praise for everything that He has done for us for The Joy of Jesus. We must recognize the fullness of God in all that we do in life.
All wisdom and knowledge is found in Jesus Christ. People are beginning to look at religion as just another problem. Yet, God and Jesus are not necessarily religions per-se. God is a spirit. We must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.
God is the power we need to move the elements in the universe to His perfect will. God gave us Jesus to place our faith in His love. Jesus died on the cross for our sins. God raised Jesus from the grave so that we may live forever in perfect peace and love forever. We thank God and Praise for everything that He has done for us for The Joy of Jesus. We must recognize the fullness of God in all that we do in life.
Monday, July 19, 2010
The Joy of Jesus is Concerned about You
Jesus is Leading The Way for Us.....
Scripture Reference:
Matthew 14:22-33. This story is also told in Mark 6:45-52 and John 6:16-21, however, the account of Peter walking on the water is not included in these references.
Jesus Walks on Water - Story Summary:
After feeding the five thousand, Jesus sends his disciples ahead of him in a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee. Several hours later in the night, the disciples encounter a storm. Jesus comes to them, walking on the water. This terrifies the disciples and they think they are seeing a ghost. Jesus tells them in verse 27, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
Peter replies, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." So Jesus invites Peter to come. Peter gets out of the boat and begins walking on the water toward Jesus. But when Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and sees the wind and waves, he begins to sink. Peter cries out to the Lord and Jesus immediately reaches out his hand and catches Peter. As they climb into the boat together, the storm ceases. Then the disciples worship Jesus, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Points of Interest from the Story:
• Jesus sends the disciples away so he can get alone on the mountainside and pray. Even in his busy schedule, spending time with God is a priority for Jesus.
• The disciples, even though they have spent much time with Jesus, don't recognize him in the storm. Sometimes we don't recognize the Lord when he comes to us in the middle of our "storms."
• Peter doesn't begin to sink until he starts looking around at the wind and the waves. Taking our eyes off Jesus, and focusing on the difficult circumstances will cause us to get under our problems. But when we cry out to Jesus, he catches us by the hand and raises us above the seemingly impossible surroundings.
• Peter starts out with good intentions, but his faith falters. This does not, however, end up in failure. Peter, even in his fear, cries out to the Lord, the only one who can help him.
• When Jesus gets in the boat, the storm ceases. When we have Jesus "in our boat" the storms of life will be calmed and we can worship Him.
Question for Reflection:
Though we may not walk across water, we will go through difficult, faith-testing circumstances. Are you sinking into despair or are you looking to Jesus and his miraculous power for help?
Overcoming Difficulties
Scripture Reference:
Matthew 14:22-33. This story is also told in Mark 6:45-52 and John 6:16-21, however, the account of Peter walking on the water is not included in these references.
Jesus Walks on Water - Story Summary:
After feeding the five thousand, Jesus sends his disciples ahead of him in a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee. Several hours later in the night, the disciples encounter a storm. Jesus comes to them, walking on the water. This terrifies the disciples and they think they are seeing a ghost. Jesus tells them in verse 27, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
Peter replies, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." So Jesus invites Peter to come. Peter gets out of the boat and begins walking on the water toward Jesus. But when Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and sees the wind and waves, he begins to sink. Peter cries out to the Lord and Jesus immediately reaches out his hand and catches Peter. As they climb into the boat together, the storm ceases. Then the disciples worship Jesus, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Points of Interest from the Story:
• Jesus sends the disciples away so he can get alone on the mountainside and pray. Even in his busy schedule, spending time with God is a priority for Jesus.
• The disciples, even though they have spent much time with Jesus, don't recognize him in the storm. Sometimes we don't recognize the Lord when he comes to us in the middle of our "storms."
• Peter doesn't begin to sink until he starts looking around at the wind and the waves. Taking our eyes off Jesus, and focusing on the difficult circumstances will cause us to get under our problems. But when we cry out to Jesus, he catches us by the hand and raises us above the seemingly impossible surroundings.
• Peter starts out with good intentions, but his faith falters. This does not, however, end up in failure. Peter, even in his fear, cries out to the Lord, the only one who can help him.
• When Jesus gets in the boat, the storm ceases. When we have Jesus "in our boat" the storms of life will be calmed and we can worship Him.
Question for Reflection:
Though we may not walk across water, we will go through difficult, faith-testing circumstances. Are you sinking into despair or are you looking to Jesus and his miraculous power for help?
Overcoming Difficulties
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Why we need The Peace of God Today
Scripture: Philippians 4:7 >>
New International Version (©1984)
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Message: Have you ever desired something in your life that you were uncertain about and everything appeared to be blurred to the point you could not understand it? These are common feeling regarding our present situation and generally all concerns regarding the future. There is a means of thinking that will indeed point us in the path of righteousness today.
Our word today informs us that peace is a vital component to our well being for all practical matters. God's Peace is what we need more-so than ever. Sure we can appreciate the artificial peace that our governments can establish with waring factions,yet the peace of God is everlasting. How does one obtain such peace?
Jesus gave His life on the cross so that we who believe and have faith in Him shall never die.
Why do we need peace?
the powers of this world are not working for the greater good of society. There is simply too much greed. There are too many people suffering while a few are overly rewarded for things that have no intrinsic meaning as to the questions of life. Jesus will return just as The Power of God raised Jesus from the grave of life. We too may share in this wonderful Joy. We praise God for all peace in Christ Jesus today and forever. This is our Prayer in Jesus name. A-men.
Jesus is the prince of peace. He came into the world to save it from sin.
New International Version (©1984)
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Message: Have you ever desired something in your life that you were uncertain about and everything appeared to be blurred to the point you could not understand it? These are common feeling regarding our present situation and generally all concerns regarding the future. There is a means of thinking that will indeed point us in the path of righteousness today.
Our word today informs us that peace is a vital component to our well being for all practical matters. God's Peace is what we need more-so than ever. Sure we can appreciate the artificial peace that our governments can establish with waring factions,yet the peace of God is everlasting. How does one obtain such peace?
Jesus gave His life on the cross so that we who believe and have faith in Him shall never die.
Why do we need peace?
the powers of this world are not working for the greater good of society. There is simply too much greed. There are too many people suffering while a few are overly rewarded for things that have no intrinsic meaning as to the questions of life. Jesus will return just as The Power of God raised Jesus from the grave of life. We too may share in this wonderful Joy. We praise God for all peace in Christ Jesus today and forever. This is our Prayer in Jesus name. A-men.
Jesus is the prince of peace. He came into the world to save it from sin.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
The Power of God in Christ Jesus
Prayer: We pray for the full power of God in Christ Jesus. Our faith is fully in The Lord of our Salvation. People are in such need. We pray for their souls in Jesus name. We thank God for all spiritual blessings in Christ jesus.
Glory to God in the highest. We pray for the jobless. We pray for peace. Our hope is all in the lord. We pray for healing for all in need.
The Power of God is all found in Christ Jesus. The blood that was shed on the cross has the power of salvation for all who believe. Glory to Glory to God. Praise Father , Son and holy Ghost in Jesus name. We ask that everyone can give, donate and support The Joy of Jesus in His name we pray. A-men...
Glory to God in the highest. We pray for the jobless. We pray for peace. Our hope is all in the lord. We pray for healing for all in need.
The Power of God is all found in Christ Jesus. The blood that was shed on the cross has the power of salvation for all who believe. Glory to Glory to God. Praise Father , Son and holy Ghost in Jesus name. We ask that everyone can give, donate and support The Joy of Jesus in His name we pray. A-men...
Friday, July 16, 2010
God Answers Prayers from The Joy of Jesus
Convocation: We praise god each day for all that He has done in Christ Jesus. The Gulf has been capped so far. We praise God for all of His Glory found in the faith we have in Jesus.
The Joy of Jesus realizes all of the work that was done on the cross. Jesus grace His life for the sins of the world. God and His Glory raised Jesus from the grave. Jesus will return to set all things right in the universe. We are to be always prayerful with the hope that God is love and Jesus will give us eternal life.
Praise God with us. Show your love through an offering. Bless our sponsors and all who support our work of love. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Bless all of our members. We pray for jobs for all families. We pray for a better world in the name of Jesus. Blessed is the name of the Lord of our salvation. In Jesus name we pray.
The Joy of Jesus realizes all of the work that was done on the cross. Jesus grace His life for the sins of the world. God and His Glory raised Jesus from the grave. Jesus will return to set all things right in the universe. We are to be always prayerful with the hope that God is love and Jesus will give us eternal life.
Praise God with us. Show your love through an offering. Bless our sponsors and all who support our work of love. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Bless all of our members. We pray for jobs for all families. We pray for a better world in the name of Jesus. Blessed is the name of the Lord of our salvation. In Jesus name we pray.
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Scripture: Psalm 100 (New International Version) Psalm 100 A psalm. For giving thanks. 1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Worsh...
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