When Jesus taught us, his followers, to address God as Father by implication we also identified ourselves as his children. Therefore, the fact that we are children of God impacts our relationship to his kingdom. Paul declared to the Philippians that we are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20), therefore citizens of God’s kingdom, but theContinue reading “The Kingdom of God”
Tag Archives: Jesus
Delegated Authority
Several years ago, I remember riding in the car with my sister, whose husband was an officer in the Air Force. When we drove onto the base, the guard saluted her. I asked her why, because she was not in the military nor was any of us in the car. She explained that their carContinue reading “Delegated Authority”
The Privilege of Children
Most of us, if ever invited into the powerful atmosphere of the Oval Office, would hesitate to bring our young children (or grandchildren). If we did dare to bring small children, propriety would dictate that we require them to sit quietly before the president. However, there is a photograph taken in the early 1960’s ofContinue reading “The Privilege of Children”
The Deceptive Power of Fear
In John 12:42-43 John revealed a curious aspect of men. After encountering Jesus, many of the religious leaders believed in Jesus, but refused to admit it because they were afraid of what others would do and losing their standing in society. For these men, fear was the driving force in the decision making. Fear canContinue reading “The Deceptive Power of Fear”
Who is God; Who are we?
Jesus’ revelation of God as his Father was radical in his day as well as ours, in fact it was one of the reasons he was persecuted. Furthermore, Jesus revealed his followers as children of God, therefore heirs and co-heirs with Jesus. As children of God, we now share in the family business of Father’sContinue reading “Who is God; Who are we?”
Implications of Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer
Because of Jesus’ teaching on prayer, the believer does not come to Father as a beggar hoping to convince him to do what is right or good. Rather, the believer comes as a beloved child whom God the Father loves and delights in providing for. Jesus is not in any way describing a formal relationship,Continue reading “Implications of Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer”
Jesus’ Identity
I was reflecting on Jesus’ identity. Even when he was a boy of 12, he understood who he was. Mary and Joseph had taken him to the temple (Luke 2) for the festival. When they left they didn’t realize that Jesus wasn’t with them so they began a frantic several day search for him. WhenContinue reading “Jesus’ Identity”
Controversial Jesus
When Jesus lived he consistently created controversy, not because he intended to, but because what he said challenged the mainstream beliefs of the day. He was the Jewish Messiah, whom Christians call Christ, but he didn’t fit the Messiah theology of that day. While he did the works of God, like in John 9 whenContinue reading “Controversial Jesus”
The Problem of Dogmatism
Jesus’ conversation with the religious leaders in John 8 gives insight into the power of our beliefs. The Jews affirmed that their father was Abraham. However, Jesus pointed out a contradiction. While they claimed to be Abraham’s children, they also plotted to kill Jesus. Jesus explained to them that if they were truly Abraham’s childrenContinue reading “The Problem of Dogmatism”
Jesus’ Love
In John 13 Jesus gave a “new command’ to his disciples. He told them that they were to love one another as he had loved them. Jesus’ statement indicated that this new command was different from all the other commands and instructions that they had received before including those they had received from him. ThatContinue reading “Jesus’ Love”
David Freitag 