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NASB | John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 1:12 But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name-- [Is 56:5] |
Subject: How do we receive Him? As Guest/Owner? |
Bible Note: Jeff, returning to my original contemplation, this is way I see it: Just as there was no room at the Inn, Jesus is not a guest. He was born into this world surrounded by His creation, not into the comforts that man had made . . . Also, regardless of whether we look at this picture from the perspective of a believer or an unbeliever, the principle is the same: Just as He stands at the door and knocks, does He do so as a Guest or as Owner of the house? According to Scripture, there is none who seeks God. All have gone their own way . . . Last I looked, one becomes a guest at the invitation of a host. Who is inviting who here??? It is God who seeks us - we are His invited but alas, not all respond to His invitation. Jesus is Master of the house; all belongs to Him and He set His house in order at the cross . . . no wonder Jesus warned us that the Kingdom of God is at hand, for indeed it is; the Judge is standing at the door and only those who have received Him will be welcomed in. All roads lead to God but only one Way leads to the Father. That Way, God in flesh appearing, was laid in a manger on a bed of straw. And that same Man was also no less God when He willingly laid Himself down on a wooden cross . . . paid the penalty for all sin and triumphed over death when He rose from an earthen grave . . . giving all other "earthen graves" the hope of redemption and new life in Him. God does all the work - He saves us not in response to us but for the sake of His name (Eze 36) Note also, "He restores my soul for HIS name's sake." It is all about God. As soon as I begin to think that it is about me in anyway, I exalt myself. (Did God really say . . .? comes to mind here.) God has given us everything we need for life and godliness, yes, He serves us. (Unless I wash you comes to mind here . . . also Jesus as "guest" at the wedding of Cana certainly did not act as a guest. He responded to the deficiency of the "host" and provided what was needed for all.) And now, all He asks is that use what He has given us to believe - for without faith it is impossible to please Him. Even the tough times, the trials the misunderstandings can be used for His glory if we would but use these as opportunitites to trust, to simply continue to believe IN HIM. Everything we do apart from this faith IN Him is for naught. Our motives can come from two sources: the natural man (the flesh) or the Holy Spirit (the new heart). Those that come from the heart of the believer will always glorify God. Apart from the working out of the Spirit, our service, even these postings, serves only self . . . a little knowledge does indeed puff up, so I'd rather not be wise in my own eyes . . . however, I do believe that God is more than able to redeem our futile efforts and direct our hearts and minds to Him. As our Master and our Host, God gives us Himself. Whatever that is to you, it is sufficient for the day. I do not challenge the Potter here. So yes, please extend to me the same courtesy, as clay in process. mommapbs |