Rusty Kuhn's Blog, page 2
January 29, 2015
Salvation Comes Only Through Faith in Christ
Before we begin looking at the seven “by this we know” statements John made to assure us of our salvation I need to make it abundantly clear that he is not stating these as a means to salvation, rather, these are results of our salvation. We cannot be saved from our sin by living in obedience to God, keeping His commandments, loving our brethren, or even by loving Him. We do these things because of our salvation. By this we know we are saved. In fact, the lost person who needs to be saved is incapable of fully living out these requirements of God. When we are saved, God empowers us to live them out, thus, by this we know.
As already stated, salvation comes only by placing your faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. For this reason, John’s heart is to introduce Jesus, the one in whom he has heard, seen, looked at, and touched. John said in verse two of I John, “And the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us.” Jesus is the eternal life. In the Gospel of John he wrote “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) He then said in John 1:14, And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” In I John 1:1 he declared Jesus as “The Word of Life.” In I John 1:5 he said, “God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” In the Gospel of John he declared that Jesus is the true light; the true light that the world has rejected. He stated that “the life was the Light of men” and “as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:4-13). Clearly, Jesus is eternal life; He is the Word of Life.
John continued to make bold and profound statements about the person of Jesus. He said in I John 2:1, “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” He told us that Jesus is our Advocate. An advocate is one who stands up for and speaks on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves. John said if we have sinned Jesus will be an advocate for us to the Father. Clearly we have all sinned. John himself stated in I John 1:8, “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.” Since we have all sinned, we cannot come to the Father on our own. We need an advocate. Apart from Jesus we have no hope. Praise God He has given us an advocate-His only begotten Son. I Timothy 2:5 says, “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
What qualifies Jesus as our advocate? John continued in I John 2:2 saying, “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.” The bible tells us that the wages of sin is death and that we are dead in our transgressions and sins. While in our sins we are totally separated from God. If we die physically in our sins we will be eternally separated from God in Hell. This is not the will of God. God’s will is that we are all saved. For this reason Jesus became the “propitiation” for our sins. Propitiation means “atoning sacrifice.” In other words, one the cross, through the shedding of His blood, Jesus paid the wages of our sins for the purpose of atoning for our sins and redeeming us from our sins. Because of this truth, John boldly stated in I John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” When we confess our sins we receive the propitiation of Christ’s work on the cross which then allows Jesus as well to be our advocate. Jesus then carries our case to the Father once our sins are forgiven.
How do we receive this gift of propitiation and obtain Christ as our Advocate? John is very clear; it is by faith. In I John 5:1-12, John makes it abundantly clear that we are saved by faith in Christ and only faith in Christ. I John 5:1 says, “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him.” Then he says in I John 5:4, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
John clearly stated the purpose of I John when he said, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” If his intent was to give us assurance of salvation he certainly would have given to us every means of salvation. He never mentioned baptism, church attendance, keeping sacraments, or any other religious means to salvation. Only faith in Christ. If anything else was necessary, surly he would have mentioned it; but, he didn’t, nor does any other scripture. For this reason, we know when John gives us the seven cases of “by this we know” he is not presenting the means to salvation he is declaring the result of salvation. The Bible is abundantly and redundantly clear that the only means to salvation is faith in Christ. Please share this with others. Rusty Kuhn
As already stated, salvation comes only by placing your faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. For this reason, John’s heart is to introduce Jesus, the one in whom he has heard, seen, looked at, and touched. John said in verse two of I John, “And the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us.” Jesus is the eternal life. In the Gospel of John he wrote “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) He then said in John 1:14, And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” In I John 1:1 he declared Jesus as “The Word of Life.” In I John 1:5 he said, “God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” In the Gospel of John he declared that Jesus is the true light; the true light that the world has rejected. He stated that “the life was the Light of men” and “as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:4-13). Clearly, Jesus is eternal life; He is the Word of Life.
John continued to make bold and profound statements about the person of Jesus. He said in I John 2:1, “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” He told us that Jesus is our Advocate. An advocate is one who stands up for and speaks on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves. John said if we have sinned Jesus will be an advocate for us to the Father. Clearly we have all sinned. John himself stated in I John 1:8, “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.” Since we have all sinned, we cannot come to the Father on our own. We need an advocate. Apart from Jesus we have no hope. Praise God He has given us an advocate-His only begotten Son. I Timothy 2:5 says, “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
What qualifies Jesus as our advocate? John continued in I John 2:2 saying, “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.” The bible tells us that the wages of sin is death and that we are dead in our transgressions and sins. While in our sins we are totally separated from God. If we die physically in our sins we will be eternally separated from God in Hell. This is not the will of God. God’s will is that we are all saved. For this reason Jesus became the “propitiation” for our sins. Propitiation means “atoning sacrifice.” In other words, one the cross, through the shedding of His blood, Jesus paid the wages of our sins for the purpose of atoning for our sins and redeeming us from our sins. Because of this truth, John boldly stated in I John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” When we confess our sins we receive the propitiation of Christ’s work on the cross which then allows Jesus as well to be our advocate. Jesus then carries our case to the Father once our sins are forgiven.
How do we receive this gift of propitiation and obtain Christ as our Advocate? John is very clear; it is by faith. In I John 5:1-12, John makes it abundantly clear that we are saved by faith in Christ and only faith in Christ. I John 5:1 says, “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him.” Then he says in I John 5:4, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
John clearly stated the purpose of I John when he said, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” If his intent was to give us assurance of salvation he certainly would have given to us every means of salvation. He never mentioned baptism, church attendance, keeping sacraments, or any other religious means to salvation. Only faith in Christ. If anything else was necessary, surly he would have mentioned it; but, he didn’t, nor does any other scripture. For this reason, we know when John gives us the seven cases of “by this we know” he is not presenting the means to salvation he is declaring the result of salvation. The Bible is abundantly and redundantly clear that the only means to salvation is faith in Christ. Please share this with others. Rusty Kuhn
January 28, 2015
The Purpose of I John
As already stated, the major purpose in John writing I John is that we may know. He wants us to have assurance of our salvation that we may know what true fellowship with God is and that we may know the gifts God has for His Children. Due to the structure of the book some believe I John wasn’t written as an epistle. Rather, they believe this was a written sermon the apostle preached. Whether it was an epistle or a sermon His purpose is clear. His purpose was to be both evangelistic and encouraging.
This is clearly an evangelistic letter since John stated in the second verse of the first chapter that his purpose is to, “proclaim to you the eternal life.” He then said in the next verse, “What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” In other words, John was stating that he was letting us know these things because he has fellowship with the Father and Jesus and he wants us to have fellowship with them as well. This should be the heart of every believer toward the non-believer. John’s heart was that we know what true salvation is. Thus, he states seven times throughout I John “by this we know.”
John clearly had a deep love for the recipients of this word. Multiple times he affectionately called them “My little Children.” Not in a demining way. Rather, in a way that a loving father would call on his children. He also frequently called them “beloved.” John loved the church and wanted the best for them. The best for them was that they truly knew Jesus. John apparently assumed that they were true Christians. He spoke this evangelistic word to them as though they were all Christians. He said in I John 1:3, “See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are.” However, he also knew that some may have believed in vain as Paul stated in I Corinthians 15: 2. Because he loved them, he wanted them to know.
Clearly, he was speaking to Christians and non-Christians. To the non-Christian he was evangelistic. To the Christian he was encouraging. The gospel isn’t only intended to bring the lost to salvation. This of course is its main purpose. The gospel is also intended to be encouraging to those who are saved. It is encouraging to have the assurance of your salvation reinforced and know that you know. For those who were saved John proclaimed seven more “we knows” to encourage the Christian in his position in the Lord. If you know that you know Christ as Lord and Savior I pray that this study will be encouraging to you. If you are unsure of your position in Christ or you know that you do not know Him, I pray this study will be evangelistic leading you to the saving knowledge of Christ-so you will know. Rusty Kuhn
This is clearly an evangelistic letter since John stated in the second verse of the first chapter that his purpose is to, “proclaim to you the eternal life.” He then said in the next verse, “What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” In other words, John was stating that he was letting us know these things because he has fellowship with the Father and Jesus and he wants us to have fellowship with them as well. This should be the heart of every believer toward the non-believer. John’s heart was that we know what true salvation is. Thus, he states seven times throughout I John “by this we know.”
John clearly had a deep love for the recipients of this word. Multiple times he affectionately called them “My little Children.” Not in a demining way. Rather, in a way that a loving father would call on his children. He also frequently called them “beloved.” John loved the church and wanted the best for them. The best for them was that they truly knew Jesus. John apparently assumed that they were true Christians. He spoke this evangelistic word to them as though they were all Christians. He said in I John 1:3, “See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are.” However, he also knew that some may have believed in vain as Paul stated in I Corinthians 15: 2. Because he loved them, he wanted them to know.
Clearly, he was speaking to Christians and non-Christians. To the non-Christian he was evangelistic. To the Christian he was encouraging. The gospel isn’t only intended to bring the lost to salvation. This of course is its main purpose. The gospel is also intended to be encouraging to those who are saved. It is encouraging to have the assurance of your salvation reinforced and know that you know. For those who were saved John proclaimed seven more “we knows” to encourage the Christian in his position in the Lord. If you know that you know Christ as Lord and Savior I pray that this study will be encouraging to you. If you are unsure of your position in Christ or you know that you do not know Him, I pray this study will be evangelistic leading you to the saving knowledge of Christ-so you will know. Rusty Kuhn
January 27, 2015
John’s Authority
As we begin the journey of examining I John we must ask ourselves, by what authority does John write this epistle? This may be an issue you have never taken into consideration. However, it is a very important issue to ponder considering we are discussing the matters of life or death, salvation or condemnation, and Heaven or Hell. If John has no authority to write these words we have no reason to rest our life on them. If John does have the authority to write these words we then have every reason to rest our life on them.
Clearly, John had the full authority to write these words. The first reason he had the authority to write was the fact that he was an Apostle of Christ. The credentials of an Apostle are found in Acts 1:21-22, stating, “Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” Clearly, John met these credentials. As an apostle his calling was to be a witness of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. A major part of John writing this epistle is his personal witness of what he has seen heard and touched, Jesus, and to proclaim to you eternal life. He said in the first two verses, “What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us.” As an Apostle, John had the authority through his personal witness.
The second reason John had the authority to proclaim to us eternal life through the written word was his fellowship with the Father and Jesus. I John 1:3 says, “indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” Every Christian has this fellowship. I will further elaborate on this fellowship with God latter. John’s fellowship with God allowed him to hear from God, thus conveying the message God desired for him to deliver. Through John’s fellowship with God, he had authority from God.
Since all Christians have fellowship with God all Christians can hear directly from Him. However, God has not given all Christians the authority to write His authoritative word. I write daily. However, the purpose of my writing is to point to the authoritative word God has already given-the Bible with ultimately points to Him. I know that I am called and led of God. For this reason I preach, teach, and write just as many others do. However, my calling, just as John’s was, as well as every Christian, is confined to the authority of God. It cannot exceed God’s authority. God in His authority released authority to write the authoritative Word of God. God’s Word today is sealed. It is finalized with the 66 books we now have that make up our Bible, including I John. Therefore, all Christians today are confined to the authority of God’s written word, the Bible. Anyone who exceeds, discounts, or rejects the Word of God stands in rebellion against God and His authority.
This leads us to the final point of John’s authority to write I John. II Peter 1:20-21 says, “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” As already stated the Bible consist of 66 books. This is the Scripture Peter is referencing. I John is one of those 66 books. Therefore, John isn’t actually the author of I John, the Holy Spirit is. John was simply the tool God chose to use to write His authoritative word.
Why is this important to know? It is important because of the topic in which we are discussing-by this we know. By this authoritative word, we know what true Christianity is and is not. Since I John, as well as all of the bible is authoritative, this is what we hold and value as truth and apply to our lives. If any man, church, denomination, or movement disagrees with this authoritative word, they are wrong. Unfortunately, they are dead wrong. As we begin this journey of digging into I John, I encourage you to go ahead and read through it a few times to become more familiar with it. Also, please share this with others. Rusty Kuhn
Clearly, John had the full authority to write these words. The first reason he had the authority to write was the fact that he was an Apostle of Christ. The credentials of an Apostle are found in Acts 1:21-22, stating, “Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” Clearly, John met these credentials. As an apostle his calling was to be a witness of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. A major part of John writing this epistle is his personal witness of what he has seen heard and touched, Jesus, and to proclaim to you eternal life. He said in the first two verses, “What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us.” As an Apostle, John had the authority through his personal witness.
The second reason John had the authority to proclaim to us eternal life through the written word was his fellowship with the Father and Jesus. I John 1:3 says, “indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” Every Christian has this fellowship. I will further elaborate on this fellowship with God latter. John’s fellowship with God allowed him to hear from God, thus conveying the message God desired for him to deliver. Through John’s fellowship with God, he had authority from God.
Since all Christians have fellowship with God all Christians can hear directly from Him. However, God has not given all Christians the authority to write His authoritative word. I write daily. However, the purpose of my writing is to point to the authoritative word God has already given-the Bible with ultimately points to Him. I know that I am called and led of God. For this reason I preach, teach, and write just as many others do. However, my calling, just as John’s was, as well as every Christian, is confined to the authority of God. It cannot exceed God’s authority. God in His authority released authority to write the authoritative Word of God. God’s Word today is sealed. It is finalized with the 66 books we now have that make up our Bible, including I John. Therefore, all Christians today are confined to the authority of God’s written word, the Bible. Anyone who exceeds, discounts, or rejects the Word of God stands in rebellion against God and His authority.
This leads us to the final point of John’s authority to write I John. II Peter 1:20-21 says, “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” As already stated the Bible consist of 66 books. This is the Scripture Peter is referencing. I John is one of those 66 books. Therefore, John isn’t actually the author of I John, the Holy Spirit is. John was simply the tool God chose to use to write His authoritative word.
Why is this important to know? It is important because of the topic in which we are discussing-by this we know. By this authoritative word, we know what true Christianity is and is not. Since I John, as well as all of the bible is authoritative, this is what we hold and value as truth and apply to our lives. If any man, church, denomination, or movement disagrees with this authoritative word, they are wrong. Unfortunately, they are dead wrong. As we begin this journey of digging into I John, I encourage you to go ahead and read through it a few times to become more familiar with it. Also, please share this with others. Rusty Kuhn
January 26, 2015
By This We Know
How can I truly know whether or not I am saved? What does a true Christian look like and act like? Over the years I have been asked these questions over and over. They are simple yet complex. The only means to becoming a Christian is placing your faith in the person and works of Jesus. Salvation is believing that the person of Jesus Christ is the virgin born Son of God who lived a sinless life fulfilling all righteousness leading Him to laying down His life as the one and only atoning sacrifice for sin. Salvation is believing that Jesus death, burial, and resurrection is sufficient for washing away our sins, justifying us before God, reconciling us into a right relationship, sanctifying us, resulting in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit giving us eternal life and empowering us to live for Him. I’m not saying that we have to know all of these truths in order to be saved. I am saying that we must believe in the person and works of Jesus in order to be saved.
Although Satan knows all of these truths he probably won’t admit them. And, he certainly isn’t saved. The Word of God is clear, we must repent of our sins, and by faith trust in Jesus as the Lord of our lives. Jesus said in Matthew 16:24, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” Jesus said this is non-optional; He said “you must.” Satan isn’t willing to do this. Those who aren’t truly saved are not willing either. If we are going to be a true disciple of Jesus, Jesus said “you must.” A couple other freighting truths we find in scripture is 1st Jesus said those who truly follow Him will be few and 2nd, according to Jesus, there will be “many” who think that they are saved but are not. (Matthew 7:13-14, 21-23).
This leads us to the conclusion that there are three types of “Christians” in this world. Two types are not truly Christians, they are deceived. The first type of deceived non Christian is the one who never had a desire to live for Jesus or surrender their life to Him. They don’t love Him and only view Him as a get out of hell free insurance policy. The second type of deceived non Christian is the one who thought his own righteousness and own works was sufficient to save him. Their faith is not in Jesus but in self. They may look, act, and talk righteous but it is a self-righteousness. The third type of Christian is in the minority. He is the true Christian. He is the one who has placed his faith in Christ alone and has surrendered his life totally into Him.
I am not writing this to frighten you. I am writing this so you will know. Do you know? Can you know? If so, how can you know? We can know. The Apostle John wrote in I John 5:13 saying, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” This was John’s purpose in writing I John; so you will know. In fact, the apostle uses the phrase, “by this we know” seven times through I John indicating, by this we know if we are truly a Christian. (I John 2:3, 2:5, 2:18, 3:24, 4:6, 4:13, 5:2). Seven more times he uses the phrase, “we know” by itself assuring us of the promises God has made to those who believe in His Son Jesus. (I John 3:2, 3:14, 5:15, twice, 5:18, 5:19, 5:20).
I want to invite you to walk with me over the course of the next several weeks as we unfold the truths of I John so we can know what true, biblical, salvation is all about; so we will know. Invite others and feel free to share. By this we know!Rusty Kuhn
Although Satan knows all of these truths he probably won’t admit them. And, he certainly isn’t saved. The Word of God is clear, we must repent of our sins, and by faith trust in Jesus as the Lord of our lives. Jesus said in Matthew 16:24, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” Jesus said this is non-optional; He said “you must.” Satan isn’t willing to do this. Those who aren’t truly saved are not willing either. If we are going to be a true disciple of Jesus, Jesus said “you must.” A couple other freighting truths we find in scripture is 1st Jesus said those who truly follow Him will be few and 2nd, according to Jesus, there will be “many” who think that they are saved but are not. (Matthew 7:13-14, 21-23).
This leads us to the conclusion that there are three types of “Christians” in this world. Two types are not truly Christians, they are deceived. The first type of deceived non Christian is the one who never had a desire to live for Jesus or surrender their life to Him. They don’t love Him and only view Him as a get out of hell free insurance policy. The second type of deceived non Christian is the one who thought his own righteousness and own works was sufficient to save him. Their faith is not in Jesus but in self. They may look, act, and talk righteous but it is a self-righteousness. The third type of Christian is in the minority. He is the true Christian. He is the one who has placed his faith in Christ alone and has surrendered his life totally into Him.
I am not writing this to frighten you. I am writing this so you will know. Do you know? Can you know? If so, how can you know? We can know. The Apostle John wrote in I John 5:13 saying, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” This was John’s purpose in writing I John; so you will know. In fact, the apostle uses the phrase, “by this we know” seven times through I John indicating, by this we know if we are truly a Christian. (I John 2:3, 2:5, 2:18, 3:24, 4:6, 4:13, 5:2). Seven more times he uses the phrase, “we know” by itself assuring us of the promises God has made to those who believe in His Son Jesus. (I John 3:2, 3:14, 5:15, twice, 5:18, 5:19, 5:20).
I want to invite you to walk with me over the course of the next several weeks as we unfold the truths of I John so we can know what true, biblical, salvation is all about; so we will know. Invite others and feel free to share. By this we know!Rusty Kuhn
January 13, 2015
Lord, Teach us to Pray
“It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples." Luke 11:1 NASB
Do we know how to pray as we ought? According to the bible we don’t. Since we don’t know how to pray as we should the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. The fact is, no one can teach us to pray but God. Others can give suggestions and advice, but no one can truly teach us to pray; except the one to which we pray.
In this verse, we see one of the disciples first listening to Jesus pray. When Jesus finished praying it was as if the disciple came to Jesus and said, I want to pray like that, just like you did. I have been in the presence of some mighty men of God and stood in awe of their prayer. It was as if they were calling fire down from heaven. D.L. Moody gave testimony of traveling to England to visit with Charles Spurgeon. When Moody attended the Metropolitan Tabernacles service he said it wasn’t the heavenly choir that impressed him, nor was it Spurgeon’s masterful preaching, rather, he was impressed with the prayer. Could you imaging being with Jesus while He prayed? These Jewish disciples of Jesus had no doubt been taught to pray from childhood. More than likely they prayed daily. However, they never prayed as Jesus prayed, but they wanted to.
Jesus asked the disciples to do many tasks. He asks of us the same. The greatest of tasks is to go and preach the gospel to all creation. Of the many tasks Jesus asked of us we never find in scripture anyone asking Jesus how to do them. The only request of any sort is how to pray. The fact is, the tasks Jesus calls us to do are empowered by prayer. If we don’t pray we shouldn’t expect any power or provision.
Yet, we so often do not know what to pray for. So, where do we start? Lord, teach is to pray. I don’t know how to pray as I should. Will You guide me? I have my own agenda and my own goals. Will you lead me to Yours? I am week and easily distracted. Will You keep me focused and on track. Prayer begins and ends with Jesus. Our level of dependency upon Him will determine the level of power in our prayer. We don’t put faith in our faith, nor do we put faith in prayer in and of itself; we put faith in Christ alone. For this reason, the beginning of all is, Lord, teach us to pray. Make that your daily prayer. Rusty Kuhn
Do we know how to pray as we ought? According to the bible we don’t. Since we don’t know how to pray as we should the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. The fact is, no one can teach us to pray but God. Others can give suggestions and advice, but no one can truly teach us to pray; except the one to which we pray.
In this verse, we see one of the disciples first listening to Jesus pray. When Jesus finished praying it was as if the disciple came to Jesus and said, I want to pray like that, just like you did. I have been in the presence of some mighty men of God and stood in awe of their prayer. It was as if they were calling fire down from heaven. D.L. Moody gave testimony of traveling to England to visit with Charles Spurgeon. When Moody attended the Metropolitan Tabernacles service he said it wasn’t the heavenly choir that impressed him, nor was it Spurgeon’s masterful preaching, rather, he was impressed with the prayer. Could you imaging being with Jesus while He prayed? These Jewish disciples of Jesus had no doubt been taught to pray from childhood. More than likely they prayed daily. However, they never prayed as Jesus prayed, but they wanted to.
Jesus asked the disciples to do many tasks. He asks of us the same. The greatest of tasks is to go and preach the gospel to all creation. Of the many tasks Jesus asked of us we never find in scripture anyone asking Jesus how to do them. The only request of any sort is how to pray. The fact is, the tasks Jesus calls us to do are empowered by prayer. If we don’t pray we shouldn’t expect any power or provision.
Yet, we so often do not know what to pray for. So, where do we start? Lord, teach is to pray. I don’t know how to pray as I should. Will You guide me? I have my own agenda and my own goals. Will you lead me to Yours? I am week and easily distracted. Will You keep me focused and on track. Prayer begins and ends with Jesus. Our level of dependency upon Him will determine the level of power in our prayer. We don’t put faith in our faith, nor do we put faith in prayer in and of itself; we put faith in Christ alone. For this reason, the beginning of all is, Lord, teach us to pray. Make that your daily prayer. Rusty Kuhn
December 31, 2014
God’s Prescription for Prosperity
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
New Years Eve usually serves two purposes for most people. It is a day of reflection of the past year and a day of looking forward to the year ahead. As we look to the past we often think, “What can we do better in the year ahead?” We often make resolutions that counter act many of the poor choices we have made in the past.
Looking backwards can be good and bad. Learning from our past mistakes can be positive. When we discover fire burns, we know not to stick our hand in the flame again. However, we don’t want to get stuck in the past and live in the only ifs. Only if I wouldn’t have, or only if I would have, or only if I could have. Living in the past can trap us and disable us from living up to the full potential God has for our lives. If we have sinned we turn away from those sins and ask God to forgive us, knowing God’s Word fully assures us that He will. (I John 1:9)
As Christians we should stand in full conviction that God has a prosperous future for us. His Word gives us these clear promises. How then do we obtain this prosperity in the Lord? God told Joshua just before he was to lead the nation of Israel across the Jordan into the Promised Land in Joshua 1:8, “you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” God’s plan for Joshua’s success was clear. He was to take God’s Word, not turn from it to the right or to the left, and be careful to do all that was written in it. God’s prescription for prosperity that He gave to Joshua is the same for you and I today.
God’s prosperity comes in many forms. Most of the time it isn’t silver or gold since that is usually desired for a self serving purpose. Whatever the form, it will bring glory to God and joy beyond measure to your soul that you would never trade for all of the silver and gold in the world. I pray you have a very prosperous 2015 in the name above all names. Jesus! Rusty Kuhn
New Years Eve usually serves two purposes for most people. It is a day of reflection of the past year and a day of looking forward to the year ahead. As we look to the past we often think, “What can we do better in the year ahead?” We often make resolutions that counter act many of the poor choices we have made in the past.
Looking backwards can be good and bad. Learning from our past mistakes can be positive. When we discover fire burns, we know not to stick our hand in the flame again. However, we don’t want to get stuck in the past and live in the only ifs. Only if I wouldn’t have, or only if I would have, or only if I could have. Living in the past can trap us and disable us from living up to the full potential God has for our lives. If we have sinned we turn away from those sins and ask God to forgive us, knowing God’s Word fully assures us that He will. (I John 1:9)
As Christians we should stand in full conviction that God has a prosperous future for us. His Word gives us these clear promises. How then do we obtain this prosperity in the Lord? God told Joshua just before he was to lead the nation of Israel across the Jordan into the Promised Land in Joshua 1:8, “you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” God’s plan for Joshua’s success was clear. He was to take God’s Word, not turn from it to the right or to the left, and be careful to do all that was written in it. God’s prescription for prosperity that He gave to Joshua is the same for you and I today.
God’s prosperity comes in many forms. Most of the time it isn’t silver or gold since that is usually desired for a self serving purpose. Whatever the form, it will bring glory to God and joy beyond measure to your soul that you would never trade for all of the silver and gold in the world. I pray you have a very prosperous 2015 in the name above all names. Jesus! Rusty Kuhn
December 30, 2014
Giving God the Glory in 2015
“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” I Corinthians 2:31 NASB
As Christians we often think of things within our lives as sacred or secular. The sacred would include going to church, reading our bibles, praying, or serving God. We then think of the secular as being anything that isn’t directly connected to God such as our jobs and hobbies. Unfortunately, our families more often fall into the category of secular than sacred. Unfortunately, this is unbiblical. The bible teaches that Christians have been bought with the blood of Christ. Since we have been bought with the blood of Christ we belong to God. I Corinthians 6:20 says, “For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” Since we belong to God, everything we do should bring glory to Him. Since we have been bought with a price, and have been saved from the eternal pits of hell, giving glory to God is a act of love, devotion, and the utmost appreciation.
If we were children of the world everything within our lives would be secular. Since we are children of God everything within our lives is sacred; they belong to Him. Our jobs, our hobbies, our families, our everything. Since all of who we are belongs to God, all of what we do should bring Him glory, even the simplest things of life such as eating and drinking. Even the tiniest most insignificant of creatures on earth has to eat and drink. It is a mundane necessity for all creatures. As Christians, this mundane necessity of life should bring glory to God. As Christians, all that we do from the mundane to the monumental should bring glory to God. If what we are doing doesn’t bring glory to God, we shouldn’t be participating in it.
As this next year is fast approaching make a commitment to God that your life will be and instrument for His glory. You may not be the most popular person and may endure persecution as a result of this radical decision. But remember, the things of this earth are extraordinarily temporary. The one who created you, gives you breath, sustains you, and purchased for you eternity is eternal. He deserves all glory does He not? Rusty Kuhn
As Christians we often think of things within our lives as sacred or secular. The sacred would include going to church, reading our bibles, praying, or serving God. We then think of the secular as being anything that isn’t directly connected to God such as our jobs and hobbies. Unfortunately, our families more often fall into the category of secular than sacred. Unfortunately, this is unbiblical. The bible teaches that Christians have been bought with the blood of Christ. Since we have been bought with the blood of Christ we belong to God. I Corinthians 6:20 says, “For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” Since we belong to God, everything we do should bring glory to Him. Since we have been bought with a price, and have been saved from the eternal pits of hell, giving glory to God is a act of love, devotion, and the utmost appreciation.
If we were children of the world everything within our lives would be secular. Since we are children of God everything within our lives is sacred; they belong to Him. Our jobs, our hobbies, our families, our everything. Since all of who we are belongs to God, all of what we do should bring Him glory, even the simplest things of life such as eating and drinking. Even the tiniest most insignificant of creatures on earth has to eat and drink. It is a mundane necessity for all creatures. As Christians, this mundane necessity of life should bring glory to God. As Christians, all that we do from the mundane to the monumental should bring glory to God. If what we are doing doesn’t bring glory to God, we shouldn’t be participating in it.
As this next year is fast approaching make a commitment to God that your life will be and instrument for His glory. You may not be the most popular person and may endure persecution as a result of this radical decision. But remember, the things of this earth are extraordinarily temporary. The one who created you, gives you breath, sustains you, and purchased for you eternity is eternal. He deserves all glory does He not? Rusty Kuhn
December 29, 2014
A Resolution of Faith
“For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13 NASB
Now that the Christmas season is behind us we look forward to the celebration of a new year. Many spend this time making for themselves New Year’s Resolution. Whether they are seeking separation from sins, or desiring deliverance from dependencies, or wishing away their worries, the solution is the same-faith.
From the well wishing, one will often get advice to work out their problems, or keep a positive attitude, or keep your head above the water, it will work itself out. This advice is well intended but, unfortunately it is wrong and harmful advice. The Word of God clearly teaches that we are saved by grace through faith, (Ephesians 2:8, 9), and anything done apart from faith is sin, (Romans 14:23). As Christians we walk by faith and not by sight. The scripture stated above says, “It is God who is at work in you,” and His work in you is to, will and to work for His good pleasure.
Every Christian has area’s that need improvement in their lives. For this reason I resolve to have faith. Faith in Jesus of whom I can do nothing apart from, (John 5:5), faith in Jesus of whom I can do all things through, (Philippians 4:16), and faith in Jesus who gives me true deliverance, “Whom the Son has set free is free indeed.” (John 8:36). This year resolve to seek God for ALL of your solutions. Resolve to have faith. Rusty Kuhn
Now that the Christmas season is behind us we look forward to the celebration of a new year. Many spend this time making for themselves New Year’s Resolution. Whether they are seeking separation from sins, or desiring deliverance from dependencies, or wishing away their worries, the solution is the same-faith.
From the well wishing, one will often get advice to work out their problems, or keep a positive attitude, or keep your head above the water, it will work itself out. This advice is well intended but, unfortunately it is wrong and harmful advice. The Word of God clearly teaches that we are saved by grace through faith, (Ephesians 2:8, 9), and anything done apart from faith is sin, (Romans 14:23). As Christians we walk by faith and not by sight. The scripture stated above says, “It is God who is at work in you,” and His work in you is to, will and to work for His good pleasure.
Every Christian has area’s that need improvement in their lives. For this reason I resolve to have faith. Faith in Jesus of whom I can do nothing apart from, (John 5:5), faith in Jesus of whom I can do all things through, (Philippians 4:16), and faith in Jesus who gives me true deliverance, “Whom the Son has set free is free indeed.” (John 8:36). This year resolve to seek God for ALL of your solutions. Resolve to have faith. Rusty Kuhn
December 24, 2014
Day 28: The Gift of Himself
28 Days of Christmas Devotions: The Greatest Gift-The Gift of Christ
“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NASB
We have spent the past 28 days taking a surface level look at many of the gifts God has richly bestowed upon us. Paul said in Ephesians 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” It would take volumes of books to record all of the wonderful gifts God richly blesses us with. However, none of the gifts is comparable to the gift of Himself.
When God sent us the gift of His Son that first Christmas morning He sent us the Son of God, God in the flesh. John records the coming of Christ by simply saying, “The Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14). The word “dwelt” that John used is the exact same word as “tabernacle” This verse could be translated “The word tabernacled among us.” The bible teaches us that the Old Testament Tabernacle is an earthly shadow of what is in heaven. (Hebrews 8:5). In fact, every aspect of the Tabernacle points to the person of Christ. The Tabernacle was God’s dwelling place among His people. God dwelt in the innermost part of the tabernacle.
Now through Christ, we have access to the heavenly Tabernacle. The one not made with human hands but crafted by God Himself. Through Christ, we have access to the inner most part of the Tabernacle. There is a single gate to the entrance of the Tabernacle. Jesus is the gate and we must inter through Him. (John 10:9). Once we enter the gate we see the altar. At the altar a blood sacrifice is required. Jesus made that sacrifice for us once and for all. (Hebrews 7:27). Through the blood we can now approach the bronze laver where every crimson stain has been removed and we are washed whiter than snow. Now we can enter into the sanctuary where we see the table of showbread representing our communion with Christ, the golden lamp stand representing our walk in His light, and the alter of incense where we lift up our petitions and praises. Just beyond the sanctuary is the Holy of Holies, the very presence of God. This is a representation of the throne room of God; the very throne that we can draw near with confidence, because of the grace of God and the sacrifice of Christ. The gift of Christ made God’s presence available to us all. All who would call on His name and be saved.
God sent us His Son as an invitation to come into His presence. He knows us and loves us and wants us to know Him and love Him back. For this reason, He gave us Himself as the greatest gift anyone can ever receive. A gift of long ago, a gift of today, and a gift of eternity. Truly, we have received the greatest gift the world has ever seen.
This is part 28 of 28 devotions that will go through Christmas Eve. If you would like to subscribe to my daily devotions please PM me your email. Also, please share. To see all of the devotions visit rustykuhn.com
Merry Christ-Mass Rusty Kuhn
“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NASB
We have spent the past 28 days taking a surface level look at many of the gifts God has richly bestowed upon us. Paul said in Ephesians 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” It would take volumes of books to record all of the wonderful gifts God richly blesses us with. However, none of the gifts is comparable to the gift of Himself.
When God sent us the gift of His Son that first Christmas morning He sent us the Son of God, God in the flesh. John records the coming of Christ by simply saying, “The Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14). The word “dwelt” that John used is the exact same word as “tabernacle” This verse could be translated “The word tabernacled among us.” The bible teaches us that the Old Testament Tabernacle is an earthly shadow of what is in heaven. (Hebrews 8:5). In fact, every aspect of the Tabernacle points to the person of Christ. The Tabernacle was God’s dwelling place among His people. God dwelt in the innermost part of the tabernacle.
Now through Christ, we have access to the heavenly Tabernacle. The one not made with human hands but crafted by God Himself. Through Christ, we have access to the inner most part of the Tabernacle. There is a single gate to the entrance of the Tabernacle. Jesus is the gate and we must inter through Him. (John 10:9). Once we enter the gate we see the altar. At the altar a blood sacrifice is required. Jesus made that sacrifice for us once and for all. (Hebrews 7:27). Through the blood we can now approach the bronze laver where every crimson stain has been removed and we are washed whiter than snow. Now we can enter into the sanctuary where we see the table of showbread representing our communion with Christ, the golden lamp stand representing our walk in His light, and the alter of incense where we lift up our petitions and praises. Just beyond the sanctuary is the Holy of Holies, the very presence of God. This is a representation of the throne room of God; the very throne that we can draw near with confidence, because of the grace of God and the sacrifice of Christ. The gift of Christ made God’s presence available to us all. All who would call on His name and be saved.
God sent us His Son as an invitation to come into His presence. He knows us and loves us and wants us to know Him and love Him back. For this reason, He gave us Himself as the greatest gift anyone can ever receive. A gift of long ago, a gift of today, and a gift of eternity. Truly, we have received the greatest gift the world has ever seen.
This is part 28 of 28 devotions that will go through Christmas Eve. If you would like to subscribe to my daily devotions please PM me your email. Also, please share. To see all of the devotions visit rustykuhn.com
Merry Christ-Mass Rusty Kuhn
December 23, 2014
Day 27: The Gift of Recreation
28 Days of Christmas Devotions: The Greatest Gift-The Gift of Christ
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” II Corinthians 5:17 NASB
After God completed His work of creation He looked at His brand new world with its inhabitants and declared it to be very good. (Genesis 1:31). It doesn’t take long to figure out that the world today isn’t very good. It isn’t even a little good. It is filled with every sort of wickedness. As a result of that wickedness we all suffer. What changed the world from being very good to very bad? The heart of man.
The unredeemed man’s heart is full of wickedness. His wicked heart influences every aspect of who he is and what he does. Jesus told us that prior to His return wickedness would increase. Jesus also told us that as a result of the rise of wickedness peoples love would grow cold towards one another. (Matthew 24:12). This is why we live in such a cruel world today. This is also the reason why every Christian should proclaim the gospel that has the power to transform the heart of man.
Mankind doesn’t need a change of philosophical views. Mankind needs a change of heart. A new heart will automatically change mans philosophical views. The very good creation God created has been corrupted by sin. Sin is a deadly viruses that destroys every aspect of man. Sin has corrupted all of God’s creation. Because of this, man has been totally ruined by sin. Since we are totally ruined we don’t need patch work. Jesus Himself said that you don’t put a new patch on an old garment. It will shrink and both will be ruined. He also said that you don’t put new wine in an old wineskin. If you do, the wineskin will burst and all will be lost. (Luke 5:36-37).
If we are in Christ, we aren’t pieced and patched together, we are brand new creatures. Nor, has God poured His new wine, the Holy Spirit, into an old wineskin. He recreated us. We are new creatures with a new heart, a heart to love, serve, and worship God. The old heart has been done away with, therefore our old thoughts, ideas, ways, and goals have been done away with. We are new creatures in Christ.
If we are in Christ we have already been given a new heart. One day, we will also be given a new body. An incorruptible body that cannot be corrupted by sin. A resurrected body. Along with our new resurrected bodies there will also be a new heaven and a new earth. The new heaven will be the eternal home of those who are in Christ and there we shall be with the Lord forever. Truly, we have received the greatest gift the world has ever seen.
This is part 27 of 28 devotions that will go through Christmas Eve. If you would like to subscribe to my daily devotions please PM me your email. Also, please share. To see all of the devotions visit rustykuhn.com
Merry Christ-Mass Rusty Kuhn
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” II Corinthians 5:17 NASB
After God completed His work of creation He looked at His brand new world with its inhabitants and declared it to be very good. (Genesis 1:31). It doesn’t take long to figure out that the world today isn’t very good. It isn’t even a little good. It is filled with every sort of wickedness. As a result of that wickedness we all suffer. What changed the world from being very good to very bad? The heart of man.
The unredeemed man’s heart is full of wickedness. His wicked heart influences every aspect of who he is and what he does. Jesus told us that prior to His return wickedness would increase. Jesus also told us that as a result of the rise of wickedness peoples love would grow cold towards one another. (Matthew 24:12). This is why we live in such a cruel world today. This is also the reason why every Christian should proclaim the gospel that has the power to transform the heart of man.
Mankind doesn’t need a change of philosophical views. Mankind needs a change of heart. A new heart will automatically change mans philosophical views. The very good creation God created has been corrupted by sin. Sin is a deadly viruses that destroys every aspect of man. Sin has corrupted all of God’s creation. Because of this, man has been totally ruined by sin. Since we are totally ruined we don’t need patch work. Jesus Himself said that you don’t put a new patch on an old garment. It will shrink and both will be ruined. He also said that you don’t put new wine in an old wineskin. If you do, the wineskin will burst and all will be lost. (Luke 5:36-37).
If we are in Christ, we aren’t pieced and patched together, we are brand new creatures. Nor, has God poured His new wine, the Holy Spirit, into an old wineskin. He recreated us. We are new creatures with a new heart, a heart to love, serve, and worship God. The old heart has been done away with, therefore our old thoughts, ideas, ways, and goals have been done away with. We are new creatures in Christ.
If we are in Christ we have already been given a new heart. One day, we will also be given a new body. An incorruptible body that cannot be corrupted by sin. A resurrected body. Along with our new resurrected bodies there will also be a new heaven and a new earth. The new heaven will be the eternal home of those who are in Christ and there we shall be with the Lord forever. Truly, we have received the greatest gift the world has ever seen.
This is part 27 of 28 devotions that will go through Christmas Eve. If you would like to subscribe to my daily devotions please PM me your email. Also, please share. To see all of the devotions visit rustykuhn.com
Merry Christ-Mass Rusty Kuhn
