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"We proclaim to you GOOD NEWS
that you should turn from these idols,
these useless things, to the LIVING GOD,
who made heaven and earth..."
Acts 14:15
What are idols?
People, things, we make more important
than God.
We all have idols of one sort or another.
Any person or thing
we make
more important than God is an idol.
In other translations, we
read
"turn away from vain or foolish things,
vanities, useless things".
This broadens the scope.
I can think of a lot of things I do
that can be
put under this heading!
"Whoever believes in me,
will do the works that I do;
and will do greater works than these
because I am going to the Father."
John 14:12
Was this about miracles?
That every believer would do greater
miracles than walking on water,
multiplying bread, raising the dead
from the grave?
But 1 Cor.12:29-30 distinctly states
that not all in Christ's body will have
the gift of miracles or healing.
So what "greater works" is Jesus referring to?
Although we are apt to focus on the miracles,
Jesus only used the miracles like an advertisement.
So that people would come, listen to Him,
be forgiven, be baptized, follow Him,
and then spread the message of salvation.
But wasn't Jesus' message of salvation
still to be completed?
Wasn't His message still an anticipation
of what He was going to do?
will do the works that I do;
and will do greater works than these
because I am going to the Father."
John 14:12
Was this about miracles?
That every believer would do greater
miracles than walking on water,
multiplying bread, raising the dead
from the grave?
But 1 Cor.12:29-30 distinctly states
that not all in Christ's body will have
the gift of miracles or healing.
So what "greater works" is Jesus referring to?
Although we are apt to focus on the miracles,
Jesus only used the miracles like an advertisement.
So that people would come, listen to Him,
be forgiven, be baptized, follow Him,
and then spread the message of salvation.
But wasn't Jesus' message of salvation
still to be completed?
Wasn't His message still an anticipation
of what He was going to do?
John Piper says, "My suggestion is this:
What’s new and greater is that
never before in the history of the world
had anyone ever been forgiven by faith
in the already crucified, already risen,
already reigning, already indwelling Christ."
"So I think Jesus would have said,
Even when I have forgiven sinners
during my earthly life,
I have forgiven them in anticipation of that.
But you will forgive them in my name
on the finished basis of that.
The Spirit in you will be the
Spirit of the crucified and risen Christ.
The message you preach will be
the message of not of a promised ransom
but a paid ransom, a complete payment,
a finished propitiation."
What’s new and greater is that
never before in the history of the world
had anyone ever been forgiven by faith
in the already crucified, already risen,
already reigning, already indwelling Christ."
"So I think Jesus would have said,
Even when I have forgiven sinners
during my earthly life,
I have forgiven them in anticipation of that.
But you will forgive them in my name
on the finished basis of that.
The Spirit in you will be the
Spirit of the crucified and risen Christ.
The message you preach will be
the message of not of a promised ransom
but a paid ransom, a complete payment,
a finished propitiation."
I find a lot of inspiration
visiting here:
So many WONDERFUL blogfriends
to discover!
Hey Patsy ... I am seeing you here and there this morning ... and to be met with these glorious shades, these beautiful images is a lovely start to my day.
ReplyDeleteSuch beauty here. Idolatry, vanity...those days are among us.
ReplyDelete*Found you through Unforced Rhythms.
Patsy, the scripture and art are wonderful, each enhancing the other. Thank you for dropping in to visit us at Word Art Wednesday today with this beautiful art. Blessings, Carole
ReplyDeleteYes! A life of both loving and being loved is greater proof than any miracle, I think. Thank you for linking this lovely post at Unforced Rhythms.
ReplyDeleteI love the you are finding some inspiration for your drawings at a fashion magazine. Great job! We are blessed that you joined our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday. I want to encourage you with God's Word in Ephesians 6:7 which says, "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people."
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings,
JO ANN
http://jatterburycreations.blogspot.com