OzThoughts – Wednesday 16th September 2009

OzThoughts – Wednesday 16th September 2009

What are the essential things of our faith?

Paul writes to Timothy:

1 Timothy 3:14-16 (The Message)
14-16I hope to visit you soon, but just in case I'm delayed, I'm writing this letter so you'll know how things ought to go in God's household, this God-alive church, bastion of truth. This Christian life is a great mystery, far exceeding our understanding, but some things are clear enough:

He appeared in a human body,
was proved right by the invisible Spirit,
was seen by angels.
He was proclaimed among all kinds of peoples,
believed in all over the world,
taken up into heavenly glory.
Now, I am sure that Paul has given a longer list than this on other occasions. I remember, too, when Paul’s list was much shorter. Remember what he wrote to the Corinthians and reminded them of his simple and focused theme in his preaching and teaching.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (The Message)
1-2You'll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God's master stroke, I didn't try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did—Jesus crucified.
3-5I was unsure of how to go about this, and felt totally inadequate—I was scared to death, if you want the truth of it—and so nothing I said could have impressed you or anyone else. But the Message came through anyway. God's Spirit and God's power did it, which made it clear that your life of faith is a response to God's power, not to some fancy mental or emotional footwork by me or anyone else.

[Listen: Male Voice: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4521.mp3
or
Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_117.mp3 ]

Jesus, the name high over all,
In Hell or earth or sky;
Angels and men before him fall,
And devils fear and fly.

Chorus
We have no other argument,
We want no other plea;
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that he died for me.

Jesus, the name to sinners dear,
The name to sinners given;
He scatters all their guilty fear;
He turns their hell to Heaven.

Jesus the prisoner's fetters breaks,
And bruises Satan's head;
Power into strengthless souls he speaks,
And life into the dead.

O that the world would taste and see
The riches of his grace;
The arms of love that compass me
Would all mankind embrace.

His glorious righteousness I show,
His saving truth proclaim;
'Tis all my business here below
To cry: Behold the Lamb!

Happy, if with my latest breath
I may but gasp his name,
Preach him to all, and cry in death:
Behold, behold the Lamb!
Author: Charles Wesley (1707-88) (verses)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 60

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