Born of a virgin? A sinless life?

The baby - the Boy - the Man - Jesus 

My meditations on the Lord Jesus Christ are progressing slowly. We do well to pause in this busy world, to check the foundations, to be sure of the validity of our hope in Jesus Christ our Lord.

John the Apostle pointed to Jesus when he wrote “the Word (Logos) became flesh and lived among us”  (John 1.14)

We do well to ask then ‘if God came to live among us, how did He come and what was He like? Human reasoning might suggest that He should suddenly appear in dazzling light or as a superstar leader.

Who is He?

The crucial question of all time –‘Who is this man?’ 

This question was asked about Jesus of Nazareth 2000 years ago. It remains the pivotal question today and I wonder what you would say!

I was delighted recently by the wording of a statement of faith:

‘We believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, God manifest in the flesh, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles and atoning death.’

We as Bible readers must check the compass of scripture to see if it is true. Keep reading to see my very brief Bible referencing of these statements.

Who is God?

A recent contention in the USA has highlighted the need to revisit the question ‘Who is God?’ Some ask what is He like? Others ask what is our concept of God?

Our world is full of gods, created by human imagination. In this review, I shall be referring to the God presented in the Bible.

The God of the Bible

The Bible begins with God creating. His design, His wisdom, His intelligence and His power are all very evident in the world around us. I love the science of discovery. Not just the big and powerful, like an exploding star, but also the fine detail in things like DNA (Described by one prominent scientist as the ‘Language of God’)

God's Words

"Through Bible reading we have the opportunity to learn directly from the Master Teacher, the Holy Spirit. As helpful and profitable as it is to learn from the teaching of others, there is an unmatched joy in having the Holy Spirit speak to us directly from the pages of His Word."
Quote from 'The practise of Godliness' by Jerry Bridges.

And I agree  - John McKee

Is the Bible Important?

The greatest moral teacher of all time told a story -  ‘A man built a house on sandy soil. The storm came and the flood washed the house away because it was built  on sand and not on a solid foundation.’

You might well remember that story. The explanation by Jesus was “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock”

Who we  listen to and what we believe does affect us and also shapes society. Who do we believe and who shapes our behaviour? The TV? the newspaper, the internet? the education system? University values? The religious ideology of our preference? The popular voice of musicians? The persuasive arguments of clever orators? Whether we admit it or not, we are influenced by some source outside ourselves. This directs our lives, our relationships and our hope for the future. It is very Australian to ‘go with the flow’, but where is it going?

HOPE

Recently I was listening to the radio, and emphasis was made on the value of ‘hope’. This is an important part of life and often gives meaning to life.

The Oxford dictionary defines hope as “expectation and desire”.

For us who live in the West, our expectations and desires are often focused on having much, living long and doing what we choose. Many hope to find meaning in a good education, a well paying job, a small family and a happy retirement. What shall I say for the many in other lands where such desires are unrealistic?

What does the Bible point to as the substance of hope? In the Bible, ‘hope’ is not wishing for things we want. Bible ‘hope’ is directed by the promises of God. This is not a matter of misusing texts to claim what we want, but rather claiming the promises, so as to fulfill what God wants for us.

Let me quote  Bible some verses on this subject: 

Keeping festival with God

The journey’s of the Israelites was intended by God to be a journey of festivals.

Numbers chapter 28 and 29, gives the description of the people connecting with God at certain times of the year, to celebrate His mercy and grace, His greatness and love. 

First, God was to receive His gifts and offerings and then the portions and pleasure for the people. Each festival had a significance connected with the experiences of the emerging nation.

 Although He was then ( and now) a holy God of justice, He intended that the people should be glad and able to sing praise unto their Saviour God.