Introduction:
Jesus Christ, who died on the cross and resurrected, is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. We misunderstand thinking that God is only with us when we are in church, but he is with us 24/7. To some Jesus is only a figure in the bible, but for us, Jesus is in our hearts and has solved all our problems, though Satan deceives us to think otherwise.
Hebrews 13:7 “Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews chapter 12 was all about the faith of the Israelites’ ancestors. In chapter 13, the author then encourages us to follow in their footsteps because the same Jesus who was with Paul and the Early Church is with the Spring of Life church. In Jesus Christ, everything is finished. All of our problems have been nailed on the cross and we bear them no more. God gave us problems so we can conquer them, so we can bear them no more. We worship to celebrate that Jesus finished it all.
God used the very few who had their eyes opened to see the truth: all of their past, present, and future problems have been resolved in Jesus Christ,
1. Past problems resolved in Christ - Liberation
Our past problems are our spiritual problems, the invisible problems that are rooted in Genesis chapter 3. People think the problem of the world is money, politics, or lack of knowledge. However the bible tells us that the true problem is not the problems we see, but the unseen spiritual problems.
The answer to these problems can only be found in Jesus Christ. Through him, we have been completely freed from sin, Satan, and hell. However, Satan continues to deceive us, saying we are still enslaved. We think we need to work for our freedom and earn it, but salvation is a gift from God: all we need to do is believe. God’s covenant is our assurance. Therefore, let’s live our lives with the freedom Jesus paid the price for because God desires for us to live a life that enjoys that freedom.
John 3:14 “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”
John 5:24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life."
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!”
2. Present problems resolved in Christ - Enjoyment
Some say “I believe in Jesus but I still have problems”. People misunderstand thinking there are no problems if they believe in Jesus. However, problems are opportunities of enjoyment that God gives to us. Our old nature, the standard of the world tells us we need to fix our problems, but we need to change that to the standard of the gospel, which tells us to enjoy our authority. Worship is so important because that is where we restore the strength to fight the spiritual battle and enjoy the blessings of being a child of God. God’s word is his way of telling us “I love you”. We must begin with being filled with God’s love and spirit, receiving God’s guidance. Also, when we pray, God answers us. Prayer is simply confirming and enjoying our identity as children of God and our authority to break down the forces of darkness. This is the kind of prayer we need to restore.
Luke 10:19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
Mark 3:14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.
3. Future problems resolved in Christ - Challenge
Jesus Christ didn’t just resolve our present problems but our future problems. Our future is no longer hell, but heaven. The kingdom of God is our background and our destination as well as what we enjoy while we are here on earth. With the assurance that our heavenly father is our background, we need to challenge towards God’s will and desire of saving the 237 nations and the 5000 tribes. Let’s embrace not just our region but the country and the world, and pray that God will send his disciples.
Conclusion:
Our future is guaranteed for us and God who is the same yesterday today and tomorrow will never leave us. As we live our busy lives, we need to remember and prioritize what is most important: receiving grace. When we have problems, don’t stress but turn to Jesus Christ who has completely freed us and resolved all our problems.
Hebrews 13:8 “Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so”
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