| |
| |
|
Religion Information |
|
|
|
Is Your Life Significant?
"I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it." - Matthew 16:18 (NASU) The words of Jesus above spoken to Peter conveyed many meanings. They were not only an utterance of prophecy. They were meant also to build up and to give Peter a life of significance. Peter was a man given to impulse, a characteristic that belied an obvious need to be esteemed. There are many like Peter, people who desire a life of significance. Yet, in this world of increasing materialism, instant gratification and compromised morals, finding significance is more like a search for the Holy Grail. Still, living a life of significance is possible. It begins with four thoughts we can find in the verse quoted above. 1. KNOW YOU ARE SPECIAL ("...You are Peter"). Jesus wasn't merely reminding Peter of his name. He was, in effect, saying, "You are somebody. In fact, you're no longer Simon the fisherman, but Peter the rock!" God doesn't create junk. He created you with a perfect and eternal plan in mind that, when fulfilled, will reveal the profound love God has for all mankind. He's given you skills, talents and gifts so you can do your part in that divine plan. 2. KNOW YOUR PURPOSE ("...upon this rock I will build My church"). God's divine plan is fulfilled when we realize that we are in this world for a purpose. Certainly that purpose isn't confined in building our own home, owning the latest car model or wearing the most expensive jewelry. Our purpose would definitely have something to do with other people. Thus, we must find our purpose in serving others or meeting their needs. A purpose that seeks to benefit others is not only noble, it is divine. 3. KNOW YOUR WEAKNESSES ("...and the gates of Hades will not overpower it"). What defeats divine purpose is our weaknesses, because weaknesses tend to feed the self and cause problems (e.g. Peter's denial of Jesus). Yet, when we admit our weaknesses and seek to correct them, we consequently mature and become more of a blessing to those we serve or relate with. In turn, we also help others mature. We must not go through life with a defeatist but a victoriuos attitude. This means we must first conquer our weaknesses. 4. KNOW WHO GOD IS ("I also say to you..."). It was Jesus who was addressing Peter, therefore he was trustworthy and believable. But, more than this, he was the Son of God! And this is the crux of the matter: It is within a relationship with God that we can find significance in our lives. It's not about religion; it's not about doctrines and dogma; it's not about church and denomination. It's about relationship. In our mundane world, we need to be able to touch the divine. To do so is to begin to live a life of significance. Copyright © 2004 DF Mapa DF Mapa has been writing for over 20 years and his articles have appeared in various online and offline publications. He is the Associate and Youth Pastor of Banilad Alliance Fellowship (http://baniladalliance.org).To subscribe to receive these weekly messages, send a blank e-mail to: fromthewilderness-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or visit our website.
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Ministry Idea: How to Stop Pre-Marital Sex Planetary Alignment Planetary Alignment is said to have magical powers. Some believe during these rare occurrences those living in that time-period have the ability to change things. Fall of a Nation Jeremiah 51:6-51:18 Babylon is Fallen. Is the United States, Spiritual Babylon?Jer. The Face of Deceit Jeremiah 14:14-14:14. What is Deceit? The intentional misleading or beguiling of another; in Scripture represented as a companion of many other forms of wickedness, as cursing (Psa 10:7), hatred (Pro 26:24), theft, covetousness, adultery, murder (Mar 7:22; Rom 1:29). Compassion and Plenty He Showed 'Compassion'He made lots where there was only little. He exceeded well beyond what man thought was needed. Islam Embraces the New Pope The European Union has seen a huge influx of Muslims in its countries and is watching their incredible birth rates. The demographic switch is changing rapidly. The Lost and Found When we think in terms of what it means for man to be lost, we are immediately confronted with the fact that it is as sad a description as could ever be given to human beings. A sick person may get well; a crippled person may adjust to his infirmity; an indebted person may pay off his debt; an illiterate person may educate himself. Understanding How To Pray - Part 1 of 2 Being in the Ministry for a few years now, I've noticed one major issue that most Christians seem to have trouble with that issue is understanding prayer.I can not count how many times people talk as if prayer is a foreign thing, or the numbers of prayers will equal success with getting God to move on your part. Crucification Most of know how Jesus was crucified. Do we ever ask ourselves about the crucifying of our flesh? What it means and how do we accomplish it. The Rise And Fall Of Babylon According to the Book of Revelations, the city of Babylon has to be rebuilt once again. This is another key event for everyone to really keep an eye on. Freedom of Religion True freedom of religion must include an individuals right to "no religion." If we are to say that in our country we maintain freedom of religion than we must also respect those who do not wish to believe in any religion at all. The Power Source Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized ?in the name of Jesus Christ.? And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Choose Your Friends Carefully For those of you who have entered into a true Spirit-filled, surrendered walk with the Lord where God and Jesus are now leading and directing your life in the direction They want it to go in - one of the first things that you will find happening to you is that God will start to prune out the people that He does not want in your life and start to bring in the people that He does want in.As you will see in the Scripture verses listed below - the Bible tells us to choose our friends carefully, that he who walks with wise people will become wise himself but that he who keeps company with fools will he himself be destroyed. Sexual Deviants and the Catholic Church It is unfortunate that the Catholic Church seems to continue their abuse and molestation of our youth and children. Yet it is not all that surprising, since they are sworn to celibacy and there are known and documented physiological needs of man. Resurrection Faith (Part 2) Christ died. This is a historical fact not to be denied. Growing in the Knowledge of God This first verse completely sets the stage for you to be able to receive knowledge from the Lord. This first verse is literally telling us that God is wanting us to grow in the knowledge of Him and His Son Jesus. The Scrolls and the Grail DEAD SEA SCROLLS: - Dr Norman Golb is a top scholar who makes a plea for the de-politicization of the Dead Sea Scrolls. His plea is not related to the current argument that Palestine will own or control the Scrolls but to the Generals and politicians who piecemeal and with apparent deceit are doling out access to these important documents for the examination of scholars. Brief History of Jerusalem; Part 1 Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Israel.. Teach Your Child to Pray There are so many books out there on being a praying woman, or a praying wife, husband, nation, etc, but I'm not familiar with one about teaching my child to pray. A child that prays can have such an impact on his family, friends, and nation. Muhammad FAITH THAT MOVES MOUNTAINS:The Way of the Peaceful Warrior is a great book that would allow people to see how they can cause change. It is written by Dan Millman who brings us the following from another of his books that are all worth contemplation.
|
| Article List | Index | Site Map |
|
All logos, trademarks and articles on this site are property and copyright of their respective owner(s).
The comments are property of their posters, all the rest is Copyright © 2006 CanadaSEEK.com - All Rights Reserved. |
