New Hope, there are a host of factors that people use in selecting a home. If there is no pre-existing home built already, the potential homeowners will more than likely choose their new plot of land based on the land value and the neighborhood that they will be living in. If there is an existing home already built, an entire litany of factors affect whether the home becomes a realistic option for purchase. The foundation and structure, size, layout, amenities, bonus features, landscaping, any pre-existing conditions, potential for growth, closet space, current wall painting, appliances, garage, neighborhood factors, and so on. All of these comprise what we call the living conditions.
Most of us, if not all of us, have a standard that we expect regarding our living conditions. We just wouldn’t accept anything nor would we be comfortable inviting others over into living conditions that appear subpar.
The same way that we have a standard for our living conditions, Jesus has a standard for His living conditions. Isn’t it amazing that nowhere in scriptures is it detailed “specifically” what happened between the time when Jesus was buried and the discovery of the stone being rolled away? I think it is amazing that God doesn’t provide those details and that could be an endless theological discussion, but I think that all of us who believe in the resurrection would agree that DEATH was a living condition that Jesus just couldn’t accept.
Even from his life, he was clear that everything about him was allergic to death, darkness, and defeat. His entire life purpose repelled it. This was his message, his methods, and his mission. It was repeated over and over again throughout the Gospels. John 10:10 (NIV) he says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” He even went further and said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10, NIV). The Father was clear on why He was sending His son as such a great sacrifice. John writes, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” (John 3: 17, NIV)
All of these, along with a host of other scriptures, paint a clear picture that Jesus was a magnet for life, living, light, and love. And He repelled death, darkness, and defeat.
If he was a magnet for these things, we should be as well. Our spiritual, mental, and emotional living conditions should have this standard. It should be clear from our perspective, lifestyle, and mentality that we have adopted the same living standards as Jesus. Paul encourages us, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:” (Philippians 2:5, NIV)
As you pick your relationships, business deals, engage in meetings, run towards personal pursuits, spend your money, participate in talking and other communications, and set life goals, they should reflect your living standard. The same way that we wouldn’t put new, expensive furniture in a house that we’ve yet to live in that’s full of termites or bugs, we shouldn’t infect our spiritual houses with things that decay our spirits and destroy our minds. Your living conditions are reflected through what you do and how you do it. If Jesus cannot live there, you shouldn’t either.
Scripture of the Day: "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." - Matthew 28:6 (NIV)
Artis L. Smith - Pastor, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
Most of us, if not all of us, have a standard that we expect regarding our living conditions. We just wouldn’t accept anything nor would we be comfortable inviting others over into living conditions that appear subpar.
The same way that we have a standard for our living conditions, Jesus has a standard for His living conditions. Isn’t it amazing that nowhere in scriptures is it detailed “specifically” what happened between the time when Jesus was buried and the discovery of the stone being rolled away? I think it is amazing that God doesn’t provide those details and that could be an endless theological discussion, but I think that all of us who believe in the resurrection would agree that DEATH was a living condition that Jesus just couldn’t accept.
Even from his life, he was clear that everything about him was allergic to death, darkness, and defeat. His entire life purpose repelled it. This was his message, his methods, and his mission. It was repeated over and over again throughout the Gospels. John 10:10 (NIV) he says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” He even went further and said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10, NIV). The Father was clear on why He was sending His son as such a great sacrifice. John writes, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” (John 3: 17, NIV)
All of these, along with a host of other scriptures, paint a clear picture that Jesus was a magnet for life, living, light, and love. And He repelled death, darkness, and defeat.
If he was a magnet for these things, we should be as well. Our spiritual, mental, and emotional living conditions should have this standard. It should be clear from our perspective, lifestyle, and mentality that we have adopted the same living standards as Jesus. Paul encourages us, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:” (Philippians 2:5, NIV)
As you pick your relationships, business deals, engage in meetings, run towards personal pursuits, spend your money, participate in talking and other communications, and set life goals, they should reflect your living standard. The same way that we wouldn’t put new, expensive furniture in a house that we’ve yet to live in that’s full of termites or bugs, we shouldn’t infect our spiritual houses with things that decay our spirits and destroy our minds. Your living conditions are reflected through what you do and how you do it. If Jesus cannot live there, you shouldn’t either.
Scripture of the Day: "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." - Matthew 28:6 (NIV)
Artis L. Smith - Pastor, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
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