Christian Times Online :: Praise, Worship, Discipleship :: Free Christian Online Newsletter :: 213-325-0977 » New Testament

Jesus Christ is the Son of God

WebPastor — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 09:26:34 +0000

Let us examine an overview of eternal life as depicted authentically in Book of John. This New Testament portion of the Word of God (written by the apostle John, the son of Zebedee, the brother of James, and referred to as a “Son of Thunder”) encompasses eternal life, signs of life, the Holy Spirit, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Book of John was written by the apostle John between A.D. 85 and 90 to prove conclusively that Jesus is the Son of God and that all who believe in Him will have eternal life. It was originally written to new Christians and seeking non-Christians.

The Book of John was written after the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 and before John’s exile to the island of Patmos. The key people found in the Book of John are Jesus, John the Baptist, the disciples, Mary, Martha, Lazarus, Jesus’ mother (Mary), Pilate, and Mary Magdalene.

Key Places: Judean countryside, Samaria, Galilee, Bethany, and Jerusalem.

Eternal Life

Because Jesus is God, He can offer eternal life–unending life–to us. This personal, eternal relationship with Him begins now and will continue after our lives end here on earth.

Signs of Life

John records specific signs or miracles that prove Jesus’ identity as the promised Savior. These signs encourage us to believe in Him. When we believe in Jesus and commit our lives to Him, He empowers us to build His kingdom.

Holy Spirit

Jesus told His disciples that after He went back to heaven, the Holy Spirit would come. The Holy Spirit would guide and comfort all believers. The Holy Spirit draws us to Jesus in faith.

Resurrection

On the third day after Jesus died, He rose from the dead. This reality changed the disciples from frightened deserters to dynamics leaders in the new church. We can experience the same change (from fear to freedom) and look forward to living with Christ forever.

May almighty God bless you always,

Tony

Tony Marino
Founder, Executive Publisher
Christian Times Online
http://www.ChristianTimesOnline.com

The Birth of the Christian Church

WebPastor — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 10:53:19 +0000

Let us examine an overview of the birth of the Christian church which is depicted authentically in Book of Acts. This New Testament portion of the Word of God (written by Luke) encompasses church beginnings, the Holy Spirit, witnessing, and those who were in direct opposition.

The Book of Acts was written by Luke between A.D. 63 and 70 to give an accurate account of the birth and growth of the Christian church. It was originally written to Theophilus (“love of God”) and people everywhere. The Book of Acts is the link between Christ’s life and the life of the church.

The key people found in the Book of Acts are Peter, John, James, Stephen, Philip, Paul, Barnabas, Cornelius, James (Jesus’ brother), Timothy, Lydia, Silas, Titus, Apollos, Agabus, Ananias, Felix, Festus, Agrippa, and Luke.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses…” Acts 1:8

Key Places: Jerusalem, Samaria, Lydda, Joppa, Antioch in Syria, Cyprus, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, Caesarea, Malta, and Rome.

Church Beginnings

The community of believer’s were unified by faith in the risen Christ. Through faith in Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit, the church can be a vibrant agent for change in the world.

Holy Spirit

The disciples were empowered by the Holy Spirit, the Counselor sent by Jesus. By faith, any believer can experience the Holy Spirit’s power to serve God.

Witnessing

Peter, John, Philip, Paul, Barnabas, and thousands more boldly told others about their faith in Christ. Their lives encourage us to pass on the truth of Christ to the entire world.

“I will always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people.” Acts 24:16

Opposition

Although the first-century Christians experienced persecution, this opposition was a catalyst for the spread of Christianity. God can work through any obstacle to accomplish His purposes.

May God bless you abundantly,

Tony

Tony Marino
Founder, Executive Publisher
Christian Times Online
http://www.ChristianTimesOnline.com

Are You a Timothy?

WebPastor — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 16:52:59 +0000

Ever struggle with shyness or know someone who does? Real leadership abilities are sometimes buried under a person’s shyness. Yet a friend with understanding and patience can uncover those strengths. That’s what happened between the apostle Paul and a young man named Timothy.

Timothy probably became a Christian when Paul visited his hometown of Lystra during his first missionary journey (Acts 14:8-20). Timothy’s Jewish mother and grandmother had prepared him by teaching him the Old Testament. By the time Paul visited Lystra again, Timothy was a growing Christian who jumped at the chance to travel with Paul and Silas.

Away from home, Timothy struggles with shyness. But Paul chose to give Timothy important responsibilities in the ministry. Paul even made Timothy his personal representative on several occasions. Although Timothy sometimes failed, Paul never gave up on him.

Timothy was like a son to Paul, which is evident throughout 1 and 2 Timothy. The letters were intended to encourage and direct Timothy in Ephesus, where Paul had left him in charge of a young church (1 Timothy 1:3-4). These letters also have encouraged countless other “Timothys” through the centuries. Are you a “Timothy”? Be encouraged!

When you face a challenge that seems beyond your abilities, you can find encouragement in 1 and 2 Timothy.

What Jesus Said about Love – Galatians 5:22

WebPastor — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 21:37:34 +0000

In Mark 12:28, a teacher of religion asked Jesus which one of all the commandments was the most important to follow. Jesus mentioned two commandments, one from Deuteronomy 6:5, the other from Leviticus 19:18. Both had to do with love. Why is love so important? Jesus said that all of the commandments were given for two simple reasons-to help us love God and love others as we should.

What Else Did Jesus Say about Love?

God loves us. (John 3:16)
We are to love God. (Matthew 22:37)
Because God loves us, He cares for us. (Matthew 6:25-34)
God wants everyone to know how much He loves them. (John 17:23)
God loves even those who hate Him; we are to do the same. (Matthew 5:43-47; Luke 6:35)
God seeks out even those most alienated from Him. (Luke 15)
God must be your first love. (Matthew 6:24; 10:37)
You love God when you obey Him. (John 14:21; 15:10)
God loves Jesus His Son. (John 5:20; 10:17)
Jesus loves God. (John 14:31)
Those who refuse Jesus don’t have God’s love. (John 5:41-44)
Jesus loves us just as God loves Jesus. (John 15:9)
Jesus proved His love for us by dying on the cross so that we could live eternally with Him. (John 3:14-15; 15:13-14)
The love between God and Jesus is the perfect example of how we are to love others. (John 17:21-26)
We are to love one another (John 13:34-35) and demonstrate that love. (Matthew 5:40-41; 10:42)
We are not to love the praise of men (John 12:43), selfish recognition (Matthew 23:6), earthly belongings (Luke 16:19-31), or anything more than God. (Luke 16:13)
Jesus’ love extends to each individual. (John 10:11-15; Mark 10:21)
Jesus wants us to love Him through the good and difficult times. (Matthew 26:31-35)
Jesus wants our love to be genuine. (John 21:15-17)

In the Holy Spirit of Jesus, let us always love everyone!

Tony

Tony Marino
Christian Times Online
http://www.christiantimesnewsletter.com

Key Events of the Letters of Apostle Paul

WebPastor — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:26:24 +0000

Letters of Paul: The Church Is the Body of Christ

The apostle Paul vigorously pursued close relationships with the churches he established on his three missionary journeys through the letters (Epistles) he wrote.

These letters instruct us that:

Christ is over all and in all.
Christ has all authority in heaven and earth.
Christ is the Head of His Church
Christ saves us by grace through faith, not by works of the law.
Through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross we are reconciled to God and to one another.
Christ is coming back soon.

“Christ is over all and in all, has authority in heaven and earth” (Colossians 1).

“Christ is the head of His Church, saves by grace through faith, not works” (Ephesians 1; 2).

“Christ is coming back soon” (1, 2 Thessalonians).

We all can discover and learn many things about God’s character, and His plan for our lives, if we will simple seek God first through His Word (Holy Bible).

I encourage you to read your Holy Bible daily and ask God for guidance as the first thing you do each and everyday. In doing so, you will begin each day to fullest measure!

May almighty God bless you deeply,

Tony

Tony Marino
Christian Times Online
http://www.christiantimesnewsletter.com

What are the General Letters of the Holy Bible?

WebPastor — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 06:33:29 +0000

Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus:

As Christians evolve in their Bible learning and discovery, few understand the true meaning and purpose of the General Letters of the Holy Bible’s, “New Testament.”

The General Letters found in the New Testament are:

Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude

“Jesus is the pinnacle of God’s revelation. True citizenship not in the world but heaven” (Hebrews 1; 11).

“God uses persecution to purify our faith. Following Jesus may bring hardship” (1 Peter).

“We can trust God to do right. Evil will be punished and faith rewarded” (2 Peter).

The General Letters are letters of encouragement to believers, many of whom have suffered persecution for their faith. The General Letters reminds us that Jesus Christ is the pinnacle of God’s revelation to us; that our true citizenship in not in this world, but in heaven; that God uses persecution to purify our faith; that following Jesus may very well bring hardship upon us; and that we can trust God to do what is right because the day is coming when evil will be punished and faith rewarded.

May almighty God bless you with rich Godly knowledge,

Tony

Tony Marino
Founder, Executive Publisher
http://www.ChristianTimesOnline.com

Understanding Philippians

WebPastor — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 23:58:31 +0000

Greetings my brothers and sisters in Christ,

The theme of Paul’s Epistle (letter) to the first church founded in Europe is to portray Jesus Christ as our joy.

Paul was called there by a vision and the cry:

“Come over into Macedonia, and help us” (Acts 16:9).

Paul advises the Church to develop Christian unity and joy. This Epistle (letter) describes how unity among Christians can be broken. Christ is the secret of joy.

“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 3:1).

Paul pauses. He attempts to find the some better last words to speak, but cannot seem to find any. Presently he cried out,

“And again I say-well-just rejoice, that is enough” (Philippians 4:4).

This is the true joy in the midst of trouble and problems.

Paul and Silas, you remember, sang in the jail there at Philippi at midnight when their backs were bleeding, and sorely in pain. Paul is rejoicing as he writes this Epistle (letter), chained to a Roman soldier, for he knows that his very chains are helping him to spread the gospel. He could reach some in Caesar’s household that he never otherwise could have brought to the Jesus. He urged his Philippian converts to rejoice because they were allowed to suffer for Jesus.

“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have” (Philippians 1:29).

“The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

The word “joy,” or “rejoice,” occurs in this Epistle (letter) 16 times. Paul appears to be laughing out loud in sheer joy in the letter. Paul is the rejoicing apostle. “Joy and rejoice” and “all” are the words to underline. “Be glad” is Paul’s exhortation. We are commended to rejoice. We break a commandment if we rejoice not, for joy drives out discord. It helps in the midst of trials. “Joy is a bird; let it fly in the open heavens, and let its music be heard by all men.” Sinners, like Augustine (Saint Augustine of Canterbury, d. 604 or 605, missionary sent to England by Pope Gregory the Great and the first Archbishop of Canterbury) are attached to Jesus by the joy of Christians.

It truly seems unbelievable that Paul is writing from within prison, held by chains. His words seem to be written from a light heart. It is clear evidence that the soul of this great and anointed apostle is free! There is an atmosphere of joy even as he is chained and imprisoned.

In actuality, the Epistle (letter) has no precise plan, but is considered to be the sweetest of all Paul’s Epistles (letters). In this Epistle (letter), Paul does not scold, he sends this Epistle as more of a love letter.

In his short Epistle (letter) to Philippi, Paul mentions our Savior’s name 40 times. Some of the most wonderful things concerning Jesus and the Christian life are here. So that your life may be purified, dangers avoided, and progress made, Jesus Christ must be your joy, your trust, and your direct aim in life. Paul tells us of his joyful triumph over trying circumstances because of his trust in our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.

For additional biblical teaching on Philippians, I invite you to listen to “Your Daily Word.” Click here to listen now.

Abundant blessings, joy, and peace in Christ Jesus,

Tony

Tony Marino
Founder, Executive Publisher
Christian Times Online
http://www.ChristianTimesOnline.com