Christian Thoughts – Page 35

Repent And Believe The Good News!

Mark 1:15 NIV

“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Mark 1:15 NIV

What does Mark 1:15 mean?

Mark’s first direct quote of Jesus is the announcement that God’s kingdom has arrived. The gospel message includes a sense of urgency, especially with Jesus live and in-person among those He taught. They are no longer to look forward to a future fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies; Jesus is now on the scene fulfilling God’s words among God’s people (Galatians 4:4). Scholars number hundreds of prophecies in the Old Testament about the coming of Israel’s savior. Despite this, the Jews had a very inaccurate idea of what the Kingdom of God was and what the Messiah would do for them. They believed the Messiah would lead them into political independence, civil peace, and personal prosperity. Instead of a military champion, Jesus came as meek as a lamb (John 1:29), not to remove the barrier between the Jews and prosperity, but to remove the barrier between all of humanity and God Himself.

John the Baptist’s message was to repent and believe that salvation was coming. Jesus’ message is to repent and believe in the salvation that is now here. To repent, from the Greek metanoeo, is to change one’s mind and agree that one’s sins are abhorrent. It is not only remorse for sin but also a changed attitude that chooses to live for God. To believe, from the Greek pisteuo, means to be fully convinced. To “believe” and to “repent” go hand in hand. It is impossible to fully believe in Jesus’ message of salvation and not turn away from our sins (1 John 3:4–6). Christians will never be perfect on this earth, but our inclination to live a sinful life changes into a desire to live for God.

https://www.bibleref.com/Mark/1/Mark-1-15.html

What Does Love Look Like?

John 13:34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
John 13:34

Take a minute to pause and think about what words you’ve said (or typed) this past week. Would you say you’re known for how you love others?

This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
1 John 4:10

As Christ followers, we have a unique opportunity to bring hope where there is chaos, and to spread love where there is hurting.

Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.
1 John 4:11

Right now, reflect on God’s unconditional love for you, and then share this Verse Image. Today, let’s cover the internet with reminders of God’s love.

There’s A Desire For “Approval” In All Of Us

We need to feel liked, appreciated, understood and esteemed by people around us. Especially those we look up to. One could say it’s “normal” to want that.

But which is stronger ? The desire to be approved by men or by God?

At some point… we’ve all chosen to please people above the Lord.

As long as we seek the approval of people above the approval of God we’ll compromise in our Christian walk.

The desire to be “esteemed” needs to die. It’s a tough one… but it needs to be “put on the altar.”

The need to be respected and acknowledged… best we let go of that… it gets in the way of serving the Lord.

So then what? We become downtrodden losers? No, not at all!

We grow in the freedom of the Lord “to be ourselves.” Striving less to please people, but somehow having more of God’s heart for people.

Mark Saunders

You Are Not Alone

When Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
Matthew 14:30

You are not alone.

Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water next to Jesus. But after a while, the storm grew stronger and, overwhelmed by a situation he couldn’t control, Peter began to sink.

Immediately, Jesus saves Peter. But then He asks one question:

“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

When storms in life happen, it’s easy to act like Peter. We can become so fixated on the problems around us that we lose sight of our Savior standing beside us.

But even when hope seems lost, Jesus is near. His constant presence is our confident assurance that during life’s storms, God is, and always will be, in control.

Whatever you’re going through right now, be encouraged: Christ is your anchor, He is able to do the impossible, and He will not let you drown. Hold onto hope by fixing your eyes on Him.

https://www.bible.com/app

The Lord Accepts Me As I Am… So You Must Too. Don’t Judge Me!

Whooah… just a minute… we’ve all said that and we’ve all heard that… but it’s a really bad attitude to have.

True the Lord does accept me as I am, but it doesn’t mean that I can stand on that to justify my weaknesses.

Our weaknesses and failings are certainly not an issue to the Lord if we sincerely want to grow, mature and have the victory over them through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

But, if I expect that you must “just put up with me” cause “that’s who I am” and you must “just live with it” then that’s a really inconsiderate attitude which doesn’t reflect the heart of the gospel at all.

We can’t change ourselves… that’s very clear… but we can’t be selfish and simply impose these issues on others.

Rather, with humility and brokenness we bring these issues to the cross… not condemning ourselves but trusting Jesus to deliver us from “this body of death”… which, in His time, He is more than able to bring the life of the Spirit to.

That’s Christian life… daily bringing our lives, in faith, to the cross so that more of His life in us can shine through us as we’re changed bit by bit to His image.

Mark Saunders