To work out your own salvation …

I titled this post “To work out your own salvation …” because mostly when the Gospel is communicated, people work it out in accordance with their doctrine …

So, I had to balance it out with the truth.

“It Is Finished": The Grace-Powered Outworking of Our Salvation

Philippians 2:12, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling," often stands as a stark challenge. Yet, when we view it through the liberating lens of Jesus's triumphant declaration on the cross, "It is finished" (John 19:30), a profound shift in understanding occurs. Suddenly, the daunting task becomes a grace-filled journey.

When it is finished, it is finished!

Logic is all we need

The Word Made Flesh: Experiencing Logos as Grace in Our Lives

In the IT world we define “logic” as a system of reasoning used to design, develop, understand and maintain a system of intelligence and operations. It's the foundation for processing information and making decisions based on underlying principles.

I asked AI for some English language expressions where the word "logic" is used to get some sort of understanding of how we humans see "logic". Here is the result:

A sound mind in a sound body.

Logic is the gatekeeper of reason.

Logic is the foundation of truth.

Logic is the bridge between the known and the unknown.

Logic is the tool that allows us to understand the world around us.

Logic is the key to solving problems and making sound decisions.

Logic is the antidote to irrationality and prejudice.

Logic is the light that guides us through the darkness of uncertainty.

Logic is the compass that points us in the right direction.

Logic is the foundation of all human progression.

… and it struck me that logic is basis for soundness, truth, knowledge, understanding, survival, certainty, and even life. There is a distinct correlation between our understanding of “logic” and Logic Himself!

The Blueprint in the genealogy of Jesus

In the previous post we looked at the gematria construct of Matthew 1:1-17 and the balance of probabilities that any heptadic narrative anywhere in the world could have been written in this way. We discovered that it is not humanly possible. In fact, we discovered that it is beyond the computing abilities of a thousand ultra-futuristic advanced supercomputers working together to achieve this. And that was just on the construct!

In this post we’ll focus more on the genealogy and the meaning of names of the ancestral human lineage of Yah’shua (Jesus). We’ll look at the prophetic meaning of these names, how history is really His-story and how Matthew 1 was cleverly constructed.

The Divine Blueprint: A Closer Look at Matthew 1:1-17

Despite many caveats, the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1 continues to fascinate and intrigue. The meticulous structure, the specific names, the construct itself and the underlying numerical patterns suggest a divine hand at work. The heptadic structure, in particular, is striking and points to a deliberate, divine design.

However, it's important to remember that the Bible is the written word of God, whilst Jesus is the living Word of God abiding within. First and foremost we should hear Him. Also, the Bible as a book of faith and revelation, is not primarily intended to be a mathematical textbook. While numerical patterns and symbolic meanings can enhance our understanding of the text, they should never overshadow the core message of the gospel.

The ultimate purpose of the genealogy in Matthew 1 is to establish Jesus' messianic lineage, to follow the lineage leading to Him and stand in awe of the Old Testament prophecies and promises culminating in Grace manifested in the flesh. The genealogy and its very construct, is a testament to God's faithfulness and His plan for redemption.

By studying the genealogy of Jesus and the underlying numerical patterns, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate details of the biblical text. However, it is essential to approach such studies with humility and a willingness to hear from the Word Himself.

Let’s get really technical!

Life vs death

The eternal battle between life and death is a theme that has captivated humanity for millennia.

In the Bible, this theme is central to the Christian narrative.

It is a story of life overcoming death, of hope triumphing over despair, a beginning and a hopeful end.

… and in accordance with the Word of God, life has a name.

His name is Yah’shua, Jesus!

Spirit of bondage vs Spirit of Adoption

The concept of the Spirit of bondage versus the Spirit of adoption has provoked theological debate for centuries. Both spirits are at work in this world and it is crucial to understand their distinct natures together with their implications for believers.

Can you say: “Daddy, Daddy!”?

Krino, krisis and krima - Judged according to works

 The Grace Judgement

The concept of being judged according to one's works often raises questions and concerns among believers. Some fear that this might contradict the doctrine of salvation by grace alone. However, a careful examination of the Bible reveals that judgement according to works is not a denial of grace but rather a manifestation of God's righteous and loving character.

Romans 2:6 makes it clear that God “will render to every man according to his deeds”.

Well, there is the judgement right there, isn’t it?

Lambanō and dechomai - personal and objective

The Challenge of Resistance

Throughout history, the Gospel has faced resistance from those who cling to their own beliefs and traditions. This resistance can manifest in various forms, from outright persecution to subtle forms of opposition.

The problem has always been to encourage the bride of Christ in the face of obnoxious hostility rebelling against the Gospel.

Let's not be surprised to learn that this is by no means a modern day problem.

Wherever whosoever - looking back

Years ago we started a ministry. We shared the Gospel, prayed for people in hospital and fellowshipped the way we knew how. wwm celebrated this ministry journey of witnessing wherever and whenever the opportunity arose. The world around us was our platform as we ministered to the sick in hospital and saw countless healed, shared the Gospel in street ministries and saw many come to Jesus, witnessed at social fellowships and experienced concordance in worship. We were geared to share our experiences and the incredible power of God's grace and authority.

Ordinary people, who knew they were deeply loved by Abba and chose to walk boldly in His grace and authority. As miracles unfolded before our eyes, we marveled at the extraordinary works of our Lord Jesus Christ, exceedingly and abundantly more than what we asked or imagined. Our Gospel was the only thing that we knew - the finished work of our Jesus. We proclaimed nothing outside of His mercy, grace, patience, goodness, kindness, truth, and unwavering love.

Our Purpose

Hewn from the Rock

The Mirror

Isn't it remarkable how children often mirror their parents? A son might resemble his father, and a father may desire his son to think and act like him. Similarly, a mother often hopes her daughter will follow in her footsteps. When you observe them together, their similarities are striking.

In Genesis 1:26, God declares, "Let Us make man in Our image and likeness." This declaration implies that God intended for humanity to reflect His nature, to behave like Him, to think like Him, and to rule like Him.

The divine declaration, "I Am that I Am," is followed by the creative act of making man in His likeness. This suggests that God desires humans to embody His very essence.

Dug out