Wednesday, February 29, 2012

EXCLUSIVE: LENTEN REFLECTION BY WHITNEY REED!


THE INCARNATION....Why did the Father choose to send His Only Son to Earth

WHITNEY IS THE FOUNDER/OWNER OF CHRISTIANCOLLEGES.org

As we continue through this Lent season, let us turn to the scripture to remind us of the sacrifice the Father made when he sent his only Son to be crucified for the sins of mankind.

There are a number of verses that I choose to meditate on during this time. Each verse helps me realize even more the truth of Christianity and reminds me why I need to continue spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ to the world.

John 3:16 is perhaps one of the most popular Bible verses. It states that “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” From this verse, we know that Jesus Christ was crucified to give those who believe in him eternal life. What does “eternal life” mean, though?

In John 14:1-4, Jesus tells his disciples that he will be leaving them soon and to comfort them he says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Thomas answers Jesus by saying, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

In John 14:6, Jesus replies by saying, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

These verses tell me that I must believe in Jesus Christ and follow his teachings, in order to receive eternal life with God.

In 1 Corinthians 15:56-57, we are told “the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” These verses reiterate that, without Jesus Christ, we would have no victory, no salvation from sin.

Jesus Christ was sent to walk on Earth with man to save us through his crucifixion, but he also brought to us the teachings of love, forgiveness and meekness.  Below are a few favorite verses of Jesus’ teachings in truth. We tend to take these things for granted; viewing them as common place values. However, these were original teachings of Jesus Christ (and were originally thought to be radical and illogical by many of those who heard him teach). 

Matthew 5:21-22
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”
Matthew 5:27-28
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Matthew 5:38-39
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
Matthew 5:43:45
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

God bless you through your Christian journey. May you find enlightenment through these teachings and continue to seek the truth through the Word of God.

Whitney Reed

No comments: