Rusty Kuhn's Blog, page 4
December 11, 2014
Day 15: The Gift of God’s Continued Work
28 Days of Christmas Devotions: The Greatest Gift-The Gift of Christ
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
There was a time in my life when I could work from daylight to dark hop out of bed the next morning and do it all over again with no ease. Unfortunately, those days are long gone. Now that I am older and my physical condition has deteriorated I get tired quicker and my body requires a longer amount of time for recovery. Regardless of our physical conditions, we are all human and face this same reality.
God, however, never tires. Psalm 121:4 says, “He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” God is perpetually at work. His work is often unseen or unnoticed but rest assured, He is at work. Often times we don’t see the hand of God at work until the work is completed. We then realize that God has intervened for us, comforted us, or supplied for us. Most people have perfect vision when it comes to hindsight.
As Christians, we have been given wonderful assurance of the hand of God at work in our lives. Not only in the work of salvation, although that is more than enough, but a continual work for those who are saved. As we look at the lives of individuals in the bible we see that they often faced very difficult situations. Paul continually faced trials in his life. With this in mind he said in Philippians 4:12, “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” Paul was stating that he has experienced both the best and the worst life has to offer. He concluded this statement by saying in the next verse, a verse that is often taken out of context, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” In other words, Paul is saying that he can face anything life throws his way, good or bad, because Jesus gives him the strength to face it.
Just as God worked through Paul’s life He has promised that He will work through ours. The promise of Romans 8:28 is exclusively for those who love God and are called according to His purpose-His children. The promise is that God will work all things together for good. Not all things are good. Many things or horrible. God certainly doesn’t cause those horrible things, but He does cause good to come out of them. The promise is that whatever we face, “all things”, God will turn it into good. Truly, we have received the greatest gift the world has ever seen.
This is part 15 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.
Merry Christ-Mass Rusty Kuhn
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
There was a time in my life when I could work from daylight to dark hop out of bed the next morning and do it all over again with no ease. Unfortunately, those days are long gone. Now that I am older and my physical condition has deteriorated I get tired quicker and my body requires a longer amount of time for recovery. Regardless of our physical conditions, we are all human and face this same reality.
God, however, never tires. Psalm 121:4 says, “He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” God is perpetually at work. His work is often unseen or unnoticed but rest assured, He is at work. Often times we don’t see the hand of God at work until the work is completed. We then realize that God has intervened for us, comforted us, or supplied for us. Most people have perfect vision when it comes to hindsight.
As Christians, we have been given wonderful assurance of the hand of God at work in our lives. Not only in the work of salvation, although that is more than enough, but a continual work for those who are saved. As we look at the lives of individuals in the bible we see that they often faced very difficult situations. Paul continually faced trials in his life. With this in mind he said in Philippians 4:12, “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” Paul was stating that he has experienced both the best and the worst life has to offer. He concluded this statement by saying in the next verse, a verse that is often taken out of context, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” In other words, Paul is saying that he can face anything life throws his way, good or bad, because Jesus gives him the strength to face it.
Just as God worked through Paul’s life He has promised that He will work through ours. The promise of Romans 8:28 is exclusively for those who love God and are called according to His purpose-His children. The promise is that God will work all things together for good. Not all things are good. Many things or horrible. God certainly doesn’t cause those horrible things, but He does cause good to come out of them. The promise is that whatever we face, “all things”, God will turn it into good. Truly, we have received the greatest gift the world has ever seen.
This is part 15 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.
Merry Christ-Mass Rusty Kuhn
December 10, 2014
Day 14: The Gift of No Condemnation
28 Days of Christmas Devotions: The Greatest Gift-The Gift of Christ
“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” Romans 8:1-2
In the first 3 chapters of the book of Romans Paul made it abundantly clear that all humanity is guilty of breaking the law of God. He summed up this argument in Romans 3:23 stating, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We are all guilty. Since we are all guilty, we all stand condemned before God.
But, praise be to God that, “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16). Jesus stated God’s intent for the world in the next verse when He said, “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”
The word “judge” found in the NASB, can also be translated, “condemn” as it is in the HCSB and the KJV. Since we are guilty lawbreakers, to be judged by God is to be condemned by God. Being judged or condemned by God isn’t something to be taken lightly. Hebrews 10:31 says, “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
Fortunately for us God gives us the choice of grace or condemnation. Next, Jesus said in John 3:18, “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” By placing your faith in Jesus you are making a choice to receive the grace of God and are freed from you guilt. The result is, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Their sins are forgiven. Those who make the choice to reject God’s grace by rejecting His Son stand condemned already. For they are still in their sin. If they die in their sin, they will be eternally condemned.
Those who accept the grace of God are given the privilege to walk, talk, live, breath, and exist in this life, and eternity to come in the unmerited favor of God. They are free from the condemnation of the law of sin and death and free to walk in the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. Because of the gift of God’s Son, “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Truly, we have received the greatest gift the world has ever seen.
This is part 14 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.
Merry Christ-Mass Rusty Kuhn
“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” Romans 8:1-2
In the first 3 chapters of the book of Romans Paul made it abundantly clear that all humanity is guilty of breaking the law of God. He summed up this argument in Romans 3:23 stating, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We are all guilty. Since we are all guilty, we all stand condemned before God.
But, praise be to God that, “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16). Jesus stated God’s intent for the world in the next verse when He said, “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”
The word “judge” found in the NASB, can also be translated, “condemn” as it is in the HCSB and the KJV. Since we are guilty lawbreakers, to be judged by God is to be condemned by God. Being judged or condemned by God isn’t something to be taken lightly. Hebrews 10:31 says, “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
Fortunately for us God gives us the choice of grace or condemnation. Next, Jesus said in John 3:18, “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” By placing your faith in Jesus you are making a choice to receive the grace of God and are freed from you guilt. The result is, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Their sins are forgiven. Those who make the choice to reject God’s grace by rejecting His Son stand condemned already. For they are still in their sin. If they die in their sin, they will be eternally condemned.
Those who accept the grace of God are given the privilege to walk, talk, live, breath, and exist in this life, and eternity to come in the unmerited favor of God. They are free from the condemnation of the law of sin and death and free to walk in the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. Because of the gift of God’s Son, “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Truly, we have received the greatest gift the world has ever seen.
This is part 14 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.
Merry Christ-Mass Rusty Kuhn
December 9, 2014
Day 13: The Gift of Victory
28 Days of Christmas Devotions: The Greatest Gift-The Gift of Christ
“We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him.” I John 5:18
Whether by race, culture, economics, education, or politics the world loves to divide people into groups. In God’s realm, there are only two divisions; those who are born of God, and those who aren’t. I have already made it clear that God has given everyone a choice as to whether or not they will accept Him. Regardless of your race, education, economics, culture, or political views, if you are born of God you are a child of God. The, those who are born of God’s side, is inclusive for all who will call on the name of Jesus.
If you are then born of God you have died to all of the ways of the world. Your identity is now found in God. You have died to your former identity of sin and now that you are born of God, “We know that no one who is born of God sins.” The bible doesn’t teach that a Christian cannot sin, however, it is abundantly clear that a Christian will not live in sin. If one calls himself a Christian and lives in unrepentant sin, He, “lies and does not practice the truth.” (I John 1:6). His identity isn’t found in sin, or anything else of this world, it is found in God, and God alone.
If our identity is found in God we are belong to God. We are after all His redeemed children. John tells us how we have overcome sin and the world in I John 4:4 when he said, “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” Through Jesus we have, past tense, overcome the world. It is already done; we simply by faith need to walk in it.
Satan is the one who is “in the world.” John said in I John 5:19, “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” Fortunately for us, those who are born of God are not of the world, they are of God. Yet, so many Christians walk in constant fear that Satan is going to distract them or deceive them. Yet, the bible is clear, “the evil one does not touch them.” He can’t. The bible teaches us that those who are in Christ have His victory. We see this in I Corinthians 15:57, “but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ,” and again in Romans 8:37, “But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Satan, the evil one, is already defeated.
We have also clearly established that God is the Father of all who have accepted His Son. With this in mind Jesus said in Like 11:11-13, Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” If we are truly seeking God He will not allow the evil one to slip through the back door and still the victory. God has us. He protects us. He provides for His. He has already given us the victory. Truly, we have the greatest gift the world has ever seen.
This is part 13 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.
Merry Christ-Mass Rusty Kuhn
“We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him.” I John 5:18
Whether by race, culture, economics, education, or politics the world loves to divide people into groups. In God’s realm, there are only two divisions; those who are born of God, and those who aren’t. I have already made it clear that God has given everyone a choice as to whether or not they will accept Him. Regardless of your race, education, economics, culture, or political views, if you are born of God you are a child of God. The, those who are born of God’s side, is inclusive for all who will call on the name of Jesus.
If you are then born of God you have died to all of the ways of the world. Your identity is now found in God. You have died to your former identity of sin and now that you are born of God, “We know that no one who is born of God sins.” The bible doesn’t teach that a Christian cannot sin, however, it is abundantly clear that a Christian will not live in sin. If one calls himself a Christian and lives in unrepentant sin, He, “lies and does not practice the truth.” (I John 1:6). His identity isn’t found in sin, or anything else of this world, it is found in God, and God alone.
If our identity is found in God we are belong to God. We are after all His redeemed children. John tells us how we have overcome sin and the world in I John 4:4 when he said, “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” Through Jesus we have, past tense, overcome the world. It is already done; we simply by faith need to walk in it.
Satan is the one who is “in the world.” John said in I John 5:19, “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” Fortunately for us, those who are born of God are not of the world, they are of God. Yet, so many Christians walk in constant fear that Satan is going to distract them or deceive them. Yet, the bible is clear, “the evil one does not touch them.” He can’t. The bible teaches us that those who are in Christ have His victory. We see this in I Corinthians 15:57, “but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ,” and again in Romans 8:37, “But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Satan, the evil one, is already defeated.
We have also clearly established that God is the Father of all who have accepted His Son. With this in mind Jesus said in Like 11:11-13, Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” If we are truly seeking God He will not allow the evil one to slip through the back door and still the victory. God has us. He protects us. He provides for His. He has already given us the victory. Truly, we have the greatest gift the world has ever seen.
This is part 13 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.
Merry Christ-Mass Rusty Kuhn
December 8, 2014
Day 12: The Gift of Being Complete
28 Days of Christmas Devotions: The Greatest Gift-The Gift of Christ
“For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10 NASB
In this text of scripture Paul makes one of the most complex and profound statements about The Christ. When Paul said, “In Him (Jesus) all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form” Paul was making the profound statement that Jesus is fully God and fully man. This is a profound yet complex statement. Complex because it is so difficult for our finite minds to wrap around. Yet, this truth is of fundamental importance to the believer. God didn’t just visit man in bodily form. He became a man; He dwells, present tense, in bodily form.
This truth is of fundamental importance for in it we find Jesus, who is fully God and fully man, uniquely qualified to be the Savior of the world. Christ alone is qualified to save the world from their sins. For this reason, Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” He is not a way He is the way.
When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary telling her God’s plans for her to conceive a child she asked, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” (Matthew 1:34). In the next verse “The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.” In this miraculous way, God is Jesus Father giving Him the fullness of Deity, and through Mary He received His flesh making Him man.
Since sin is passed down from our fathers from generation to generation all the way back to Adam, Joseph could not have fathered Jesus. Jesus would have inherited his sin disqualifying Him from being the Savior of the world. Since God was His Father He inherited no sin. As a man He fulfilled all righteousness living a sinless life. Therefore, Jesus, and Jesus alone, was qualified to be the Savior of the world. II Corinthians 5:21 says, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
For this reason Paul said, “In Him you have been made complete.” Prior to knowing Jesus our life was void and incomplete. So many people’s lives today are still incomplete. They are desperately trying to fill that void with sex, drugs, money, power, materialism, false religions, and a whole host of other things. Only Jesus can complete us. By placing our faith in Jesus, the God/Man, we are lacking in nothing and are complete in every way. Truly, we have received the greatest gift the world has ever seen.
This is part 12 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.
Merry Christ-Mass Rusty Kuhn
“For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10 NASB
In this text of scripture Paul makes one of the most complex and profound statements about The Christ. When Paul said, “In Him (Jesus) all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form” Paul was making the profound statement that Jesus is fully God and fully man. This is a profound yet complex statement. Complex because it is so difficult for our finite minds to wrap around. Yet, this truth is of fundamental importance to the believer. God didn’t just visit man in bodily form. He became a man; He dwells, present tense, in bodily form.
This truth is of fundamental importance for in it we find Jesus, who is fully God and fully man, uniquely qualified to be the Savior of the world. Christ alone is qualified to save the world from their sins. For this reason, Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” He is not a way He is the way.
When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary telling her God’s plans for her to conceive a child she asked, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” (Matthew 1:34). In the next verse “The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.” In this miraculous way, God is Jesus Father giving Him the fullness of Deity, and through Mary He received His flesh making Him man.
Since sin is passed down from our fathers from generation to generation all the way back to Adam, Joseph could not have fathered Jesus. Jesus would have inherited his sin disqualifying Him from being the Savior of the world. Since God was His Father He inherited no sin. As a man He fulfilled all righteousness living a sinless life. Therefore, Jesus, and Jesus alone, was qualified to be the Savior of the world. II Corinthians 5:21 says, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
For this reason Paul said, “In Him you have been made complete.” Prior to knowing Jesus our life was void and incomplete. So many people’s lives today are still incomplete. They are desperately trying to fill that void with sex, drugs, money, power, materialism, false religions, and a whole host of other things. Only Jesus can complete us. By placing our faith in Jesus, the God/Man, we are lacking in nothing and are complete in every way. Truly, we have received the greatest gift the world has ever seen.
This is part 12 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.
Merry Christ-Mass Rusty Kuhn
December 7, 2014
Day 11: The Gift of being a Member of Jesus Body
28 Days of Christmas Devotions: The Greatest Gift-The Gift of Christ
“Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.” I Corinthians 12:27
As we have already seen, we are friends with Jesus, family with Jesus, and one with Jesus. We, however, are not alone in our relationship with Christ, there are millions of Christians in the world today. Each Christian is a unique and individual member of the body of Christ with individual callings and gifting that help enhance the purpose and function of the body.
The body of Christ is the church. It is a spiritual house with spiritual purposes. (I Peter 2:4-10.) Yet, at the same time it is a physical house. Not a physical house built with brick and mortar, but a physical house built with the assembly of men, women, and children who have accepted Christ as their Savior and Lord. A physical house with spiritual purposes grafted together by their faith in Christ.
As there are many members with many purposes and functions there is but one head. The pastor, deacons, elders, nor anyone else is the head of the body of Christ. Christ alone is the head. Colossians 1:18 says, “He is also head of the body, the church.” Since Jesus is the head, we follow His direction and leadership.
Not only is Jesus the head, the body is His as well. For we belong to Him and are united with Him. The church was purchased with the blood of Christ. Acts 20:28 says, “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” Any church that Jesus is not the head of has no purchased body and is therefore not a true church.
Unfortunately, so few people today take the church seriously. The church was placed on this earth to be a blessing to the whole world. It is the churches responsibility to share the gospel and minister to the hurting. We see both biblically and historically when the church is strong, families are strong, and when the church is strong, society itself is morally upright and therefore strong. You want to change the world? Get plugged into a church and make sure it is functioning properly. If it refuses to function properly, find one that will. After all, this is God’s design.
We often hear the phrase quoted from Hebrews 10:25 to, “not forsake the assembling of one another.” To assemble is to be the church. The command is clear in the Word of God to not forsake the assembling or not forsake church. However, when we hold this verse into its context we see why. The verse prior tells us, “let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.” In other words, we are there to strengthen and encourage one another. Then we see that the whole verse says. “not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” This verse is telling us as we see the day drawing near, or getting more difficult, we need to assemble, for the purpose of strength and encouragement, all the more. Truly, we have received the greatest gift this world has ever seen.
This is part 11 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.
Merry Christ-Mass Rusty Kuhn
“Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.” I Corinthians 12:27
As we have already seen, we are friends with Jesus, family with Jesus, and one with Jesus. We, however, are not alone in our relationship with Christ, there are millions of Christians in the world today. Each Christian is a unique and individual member of the body of Christ with individual callings and gifting that help enhance the purpose and function of the body.
The body of Christ is the church. It is a spiritual house with spiritual purposes. (I Peter 2:4-10.) Yet, at the same time it is a physical house. Not a physical house built with brick and mortar, but a physical house built with the assembly of men, women, and children who have accepted Christ as their Savior and Lord. A physical house with spiritual purposes grafted together by their faith in Christ.
As there are many members with many purposes and functions there is but one head. The pastor, deacons, elders, nor anyone else is the head of the body of Christ. Christ alone is the head. Colossians 1:18 says, “He is also head of the body, the church.” Since Jesus is the head, we follow His direction and leadership.
Not only is Jesus the head, the body is His as well. For we belong to Him and are united with Him. The church was purchased with the blood of Christ. Acts 20:28 says, “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” Any church that Jesus is not the head of has no purchased body and is therefore not a true church.
Unfortunately, so few people today take the church seriously. The church was placed on this earth to be a blessing to the whole world. It is the churches responsibility to share the gospel and minister to the hurting. We see both biblically and historically when the church is strong, families are strong, and when the church is strong, society itself is morally upright and therefore strong. You want to change the world? Get plugged into a church and make sure it is functioning properly. If it refuses to function properly, find one that will. After all, this is God’s design.
We often hear the phrase quoted from Hebrews 10:25 to, “not forsake the assembling of one another.” To assemble is to be the church. The command is clear in the Word of God to not forsake the assembling or not forsake church. However, when we hold this verse into its context we see why. The verse prior tells us, “let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.” In other words, we are there to strengthen and encourage one another. Then we see that the whole verse says. “not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” This verse is telling us as we see the day drawing near, or getting more difficult, we need to assemble, for the purpose of strength and encouragement, all the more. Truly, we have received the greatest gift this world has ever seen.
This is part 11 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.
Merry Christ-Mass Rusty Kuhn
December 6, 2014
Day 10: The Gift of Friendship with God
28 Days of Christmas Devotions: The Greatest Gift-The Gift of Christ
“No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15 NASB
Wow! What an amazing statement that we have from Jesus. If we are His disciples, we are His friend. Not just that we have befriended Jesus but He has befriended us. Jesus said, “I have called you friends.” Jesus is the master and we are His servants, yet, He has allowed us to come into His inner circle by accepting us as His friend.
To be friends with Jesus means that we know Him and He knows us. I have a multitude of “friends” on social media that I have never met and others that I seldom see. Although I am glad to be connected with them that is not true friendship. A true friend is someone you know. Someone who is there for you. Someone you have invested your life into and they have invested their life in you.
Within the lingo of social media, Jesus is the one who sent us a friend request and asked us to follow Him. Prior to us accepting that request we were friends with the world which made us an enemy of God. Jesus sent us a friend request by leaving the glories of heaven and becoming a man. He is God who took upon flesh. Colossians 2:9 tells us that, “In Him (Jesus) all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form.” This is the purpose of Christmas. God becoming who He created to walk among us, to sympathize with us, and to saved us. Colossians 1:16 says, “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-- all things have been created through Him and for Him.” Yet, He became one of us.
We’ve all had those friendships where it seemed as though we were putting forth all of the effort and the friend was always in need. There is no doubt in our friendship with Jesus that we are always the one in need. Philippians 2:5-8 tells us that the purpose of Jesus becoming a man was to die on the cross. Jesus is the perfect friend. Proverbs 18:24 says, “A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” He is always there for us and will always provide for us. I can’t think of a greater friend, can you? Truly, we have received the greatest gift the world has ever seen.
This is part 10 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.
Merry Christ-Mass Rusty Kuhn
“No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15 NASB
Wow! What an amazing statement that we have from Jesus. If we are His disciples, we are His friend. Not just that we have befriended Jesus but He has befriended us. Jesus said, “I have called you friends.” Jesus is the master and we are His servants, yet, He has allowed us to come into His inner circle by accepting us as His friend.
To be friends with Jesus means that we know Him and He knows us. I have a multitude of “friends” on social media that I have never met and others that I seldom see. Although I am glad to be connected with them that is not true friendship. A true friend is someone you know. Someone who is there for you. Someone you have invested your life into and they have invested their life in you.
Within the lingo of social media, Jesus is the one who sent us a friend request and asked us to follow Him. Prior to us accepting that request we were friends with the world which made us an enemy of God. Jesus sent us a friend request by leaving the glories of heaven and becoming a man. He is God who took upon flesh. Colossians 2:9 tells us that, “In Him (Jesus) all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form.” This is the purpose of Christmas. God becoming who He created to walk among us, to sympathize with us, and to saved us. Colossians 1:16 says, “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-- all things have been created through Him and for Him.” Yet, He became one of us.
We’ve all had those friendships where it seemed as though we were putting forth all of the effort and the friend was always in need. There is no doubt in our friendship with Jesus that we are always the one in need. Philippians 2:5-8 tells us that the purpose of Jesus becoming a man was to die on the cross. Jesus is the perfect friend. Proverbs 18:24 says, “A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” He is always there for us and will always provide for us. I can’t think of a greater friend, can you? Truly, we have received the greatest gift the world has ever seen.
This is part 10 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.
Merry Christ-Mass Rusty Kuhn
December 5, 2014
Day 9: The Gift of Being a Child of God
28 Days of Christmas Devotions: The Greatest Gift-The Gift of Christ
“But 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 1:12 NASB
Since God is the creator of all, everyone is technically a child of God. However, this text of scripture specifically tells us, “But as many as received Him.” To be a child of God we must receive the gift God has for us. If we receive the gift, we become His children. Most men can biologically father a child. Unfortunately, not all men father their children. I Timothy 5:8 says of those “men”, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” God, however, will take care of all His creation. Jesus said in Matthew 5:45, “He (God) causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” For God to truly be our Heavenly Father we must accept Him. Most of God’s created children have rejected Him. Only those who by faith receive Jesus are His adopted Children.
Through Jesus, we are legally adopted by God and therefore become His children. Paul starting with a short narrative of the Christmas story explains this in Galatians 4:4-7 saying, “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.”
We are not slaves we are sons. Sons and daughters of God that are joint heirs of God. Sons and daughters of God who can call God “Abba Father” which is the most intimate and loving expression a child can offer to their father. Sons and daughters of God that will one day inherit the Kingdom of God as joint heirs in Christ Jesus. Jesus will eternally be the Master of the Kingdom but we will eternally enjoy the blessings of the kingdom with Him.
God has made it clear in His word that Fathers of this world are to take care of their children, tend to their needs, teach them, and provide for them. Our God is a righteous God. This means God will always do what is right. Even if our father of this earth was worthless and left us, we know that our Heavenly Father will always be there for us. God has assured His children numerous times throughout scripture in many ways, “I will not leave you nor forsake you.” For, He is a righteous Father.
Lastly, as we think about God desiring to be our Father enough to send His only Son to die for us we see the ultimate expression of love. God loves everyone, and wants everyone to be His child. We love Him because He first loved us. (I John 4:19). You may have never know the love of your earthly father. He may have been the most unloving man on earth. On the other hand, you may have had a wonderful, loving father. Regardless of your life’s experiences, nothing can compare to the love that our Heavenly Father freely offers to those who will receive Him. Truly, we have the greatest gift the world has ever seen.
This is part 9 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.
Merry Christ-Mass Rusty Kuhn
“But 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 1:12 NASB
Since God is the creator of all, everyone is technically a child of God. However, this text of scripture specifically tells us, “But as many as received Him.” To be a child of God we must receive the gift God has for us. If we receive the gift, we become His children. Most men can biologically father a child. Unfortunately, not all men father their children. I Timothy 5:8 says of those “men”, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” God, however, will take care of all His creation. Jesus said in Matthew 5:45, “He (God) causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” For God to truly be our Heavenly Father we must accept Him. Most of God’s created children have rejected Him. Only those who by faith receive Jesus are His adopted Children.
Through Jesus, we are legally adopted by God and therefore become His children. Paul starting with a short narrative of the Christmas story explains this in Galatians 4:4-7 saying, “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.”
We are not slaves we are sons. Sons and daughters of God that are joint heirs of God. Sons and daughters of God who can call God “Abba Father” which is the most intimate and loving expression a child can offer to their father. Sons and daughters of God that will one day inherit the Kingdom of God as joint heirs in Christ Jesus. Jesus will eternally be the Master of the Kingdom but we will eternally enjoy the blessings of the kingdom with Him.
God has made it clear in His word that Fathers of this world are to take care of their children, tend to their needs, teach them, and provide for them. Our God is a righteous God. This means God will always do what is right. Even if our father of this earth was worthless and left us, we know that our Heavenly Father will always be there for us. God has assured His children numerous times throughout scripture in many ways, “I will not leave you nor forsake you.” For, He is a righteous Father.
Lastly, as we think about God desiring to be our Father enough to send His only Son to die for us we see the ultimate expression of love. God loves everyone, and wants everyone to be His child. We love Him because He first loved us. (I John 4:19). You may have never know the love of your earthly father. He may have been the most unloving man on earth. On the other hand, you may have had a wonderful, loving father. Regardless of your life’s experiences, nothing can compare to the love that our Heavenly Father freely offers to those who will receive Him. Truly, we have the greatest gift the world has ever seen.
This is part 9 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.
Merry Christ-Mass Rusty Kuhn
December 4, 2014
Day 8: The Gift of God’s Presence
28 Days of Christmas Devotions: The Greatest Gift-The Gift of Christ
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 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 4:14-16 NASB
In the Old Testament only one man, the High Priest, one day out of the year, The Day of Atonement, was allowed to enter into the presence of God. The High Priest on the Day of Atonement would enter the tabernacle, or latter the temple, into the Holy of Holy’s where the Ark of The Covenant resided to sprinkle the blood of a goat on the mercy seat. This ritual was done yearly to cover the sins of the nation of Israel.
Hebrews 9:11, 12 tells us, “But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.” The earthly Tabernacle and it’s sacrifices were only a shadow of the Heavenly Tabernacle that was to come-Jesus. (Hebrews 8:5). For this reason their sacrifices were imperfect and temporary. Since they were imperfect and temporary they continually needed to be repeated.
Jesus sacrifice was perfect. Not only was it perfect it was done “once for all”. In other words it was final and never needed to be repeated again. Jesus obtained for us, “eternal redemption.” When Jesus died on the cross and spoke the words, “It is finished” He gave up His spirit and died. According to Matthew 27:51, immediately after He died the veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the Sanctuary was torn from top to bottom. This was an act only God could do. It signified that God’s presence was now available to all. All who would call upon the name of the Lord and be saved.
We are still incapable of entering into the presence of God on our own. We must enter in with the High Priest. Jesus is our High Priest. I Timothy 2:5 says, “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” Through Jesus, and Jesus alone, we have access to the throne of God. Since we have access to the throne of God we have the presence of God, the provision of God, and the power of God.
One might say, “This sounds more like an Easter devotion than a Christmas devotion.” We must remember, we have Christmas for the purpose of Easter. Truly, we have the greatest gift the world has ever seen.
This is part 8 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.
Merry Christ-Mass Rusty Kuhn
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 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 4:14-16 NASB
In the Old Testament only one man, the High Priest, one day out of the year, The Day of Atonement, was allowed to enter into the presence of God. The High Priest on the Day of Atonement would enter the tabernacle, or latter the temple, into the Holy of Holy’s where the Ark of The Covenant resided to sprinkle the blood of a goat on the mercy seat. This ritual was done yearly to cover the sins of the nation of Israel.
Hebrews 9:11, 12 tells us, “But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.” The earthly Tabernacle and it’s sacrifices were only a shadow of the Heavenly Tabernacle that was to come-Jesus. (Hebrews 8:5). For this reason their sacrifices were imperfect and temporary. Since they were imperfect and temporary they continually needed to be repeated.
Jesus sacrifice was perfect. Not only was it perfect it was done “once for all”. In other words it was final and never needed to be repeated again. Jesus obtained for us, “eternal redemption.” When Jesus died on the cross and spoke the words, “It is finished” He gave up His spirit and died. According to Matthew 27:51, immediately after He died the veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the Sanctuary was torn from top to bottom. This was an act only God could do. It signified that God’s presence was now available to all. All who would call upon the name of the Lord and be saved.
We are still incapable of entering into the presence of God on our own. We must enter in with the High Priest. Jesus is our High Priest. I Timothy 2:5 says, “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” Through Jesus, and Jesus alone, we have access to the throne of God. Since we have access to the throne of God we have the presence of God, the provision of God, and the power of God.
One might say, “This sounds more like an Easter devotion than a Christmas devotion.” We must remember, we have Christmas for the purpose of Easter. Truly, we have the greatest gift the world has ever seen.
This is part 8 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.
Merry Christ-Mass Rusty Kuhn
December 3, 2014
Day 7: The Gift of Union with God
28 Days of Christmas Devotions: The Greatest Gift-The Gift of Christ
“ But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.” I Corinthians 6:17 NASB
Prior to God sending us His Son Jesus, as the greatest gift, we were not only hopeless, we were also helpless. God’s clear standard for our lives is to be holy because He is holy. (I Peter 1:16). This presents for us a major problem. Apart from Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit we are unable to live holy lives. Ephesians 2:3 tells us that the nature of man is one of wrath. Since the unregenerate person is one of wrath he cannot be holy, he is a sinner.
Due to the unsaved persons condition of wrath, he is unable to even understand the things of God. I Corinthians 2:14 tells us, “But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.” The natural man is the unsaved man who is void of the Holy Spirit within his life. Apart from the Holy Spirit revealing God and His truths we are clueless, blinded, and helpless. For this reason, the things of God are foolish to the unsaved.
As we have already seen, the power of the blood of Jesus has cleansed us from our sins and restored us into a right relationship with God. However, that is not the end of the gift that God has given to us, it is only the beginning. In every other religion in the world the follower is left on his own to figure things out for himself. The Christian, however, is never alone. God sent us His Son, Jesus, who is also Immanuel which translated means, God with us. (Matthew 1:23). When we accept Christ as our Savior and Lord He is in us and we are in Him. (Ephesians 2:5, 6).
When we become a Christian, God not only brings us into communion with the Father and the Son but also the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:9 says, “However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.” In other words, if you have the Son you have the Spirit, if you don’t have the Son you don’t have the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit gives us life, empowers us to serve God, convicts us of wrongs, leads us to what is right and teaches us the mind of God. On our own we are utterly helpless and therefore hopeless. Fortunately, for us, God didn’t leave us on our own. He is with us, God with us, Immanuel. We are in Him and He in us. Truly, God has given to us the greatest gift the world has ever seen.
This is part 6 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.
Merry Christ-Mass Rusty Kuhn
“ But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.” I Corinthians 6:17 NASB
Prior to God sending us His Son Jesus, as the greatest gift, we were not only hopeless, we were also helpless. God’s clear standard for our lives is to be holy because He is holy. (I Peter 1:16). This presents for us a major problem. Apart from Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit we are unable to live holy lives. Ephesians 2:3 tells us that the nature of man is one of wrath. Since the unregenerate person is one of wrath he cannot be holy, he is a sinner.
Due to the unsaved persons condition of wrath, he is unable to even understand the things of God. I Corinthians 2:14 tells us, “But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.” The natural man is the unsaved man who is void of the Holy Spirit within his life. Apart from the Holy Spirit revealing God and His truths we are clueless, blinded, and helpless. For this reason, the things of God are foolish to the unsaved.
As we have already seen, the power of the blood of Jesus has cleansed us from our sins and restored us into a right relationship with God. However, that is not the end of the gift that God has given to us, it is only the beginning. In every other religion in the world the follower is left on his own to figure things out for himself. The Christian, however, is never alone. God sent us His Son, Jesus, who is also Immanuel which translated means, God with us. (Matthew 1:23). When we accept Christ as our Savior and Lord He is in us and we are in Him. (Ephesians 2:5, 6).
When we become a Christian, God not only brings us into communion with the Father and the Son but also the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:9 says, “However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.” In other words, if you have the Son you have the Spirit, if you don’t have the Son you don’t have the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit gives us life, empowers us to serve God, convicts us of wrongs, leads us to what is right and teaches us the mind of God. On our own we are utterly helpless and therefore hopeless. Fortunately, for us, God didn’t leave us on our own. He is with us, God with us, Immanuel. We are in Him and He in us. Truly, God has given to us the greatest gift the world has ever seen.
This is part 6 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.
Merry Christ-Mass Rusty Kuhn
December 2, 2014
Day 6: The Gift of Peace
28 Days of Christmas Devotions: The Greatest Gift-The Gift of Christ
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1 NASB
Those who reside in the domain of darkness have set themselves up to be at enmity against God. James 4:4 says, “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” They are enemies of God because they have chosen to live for the world rather than repent of their sins and live for the Lord.
Fortunately for us, God has chosen to provide a way for those in the world to be reconciled with Him. II Corinthians 5:19 says, “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” To be reconciled is to be restored into a right relationship. God’s means of reconciliation is the blood of Jesus. The blood of Jesus purchased for the world redemption. The world then receives redemption by faith and are then reconciled unto God.
When one has by faith been reconciled with God by being redeemed by the blood of Jesus he is then justified before God. To be justified is to be made right. His sins are now forgiven, blotted out, removed as far as the east is from the west, and remembered no more. (I John 1:9, Acts 3:19, Psalm 103:12, Hebrews 8:12). By his faith in Jesus he is now in a right relationship with God.
When one has been justified by God, made right, he now has peace with God. Paul is not talking about an emotion or a feeling of peace, nor is he referring to a sense of security that brings peace. Paul is talking about a practical peace; the type of peace between two warring parties that have called a truce. We were enemies of God yet we are now reconciled. We agreed to the truce God called by placing our faith in His provision of the truce-Jesus.
Being a nice person cannot bring peace between you and God. Being a generous person cannot bring peace between you and God. Being a religious person cannot bring peace between you and God. Being a good person cannot bring peace between you and God. Jesus said, “No one is good but God.” We were the aggressors in our hostility toward God. We are the guilty party. For this reason, we deserve God’s condemnation. Instead, God provided justification through the blood of His Son. By faith in Jesus we are justified. By faith in Jesus we are at peace with God. Peace is not a gift we deserve but a gift we are given by grace. Truly, Jesus is the greatest gift.
This is part 6 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.
Merry Christ-Mass Rusty Kuhn
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1 NASB
Those who reside in the domain of darkness have set themselves up to be at enmity against God. James 4:4 says, “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” They are enemies of God because they have chosen to live for the world rather than repent of their sins and live for the Lord.
Fortunately for us, God has chosen to provide a way for those in the world to be reconciled with Him. II Corinthians 5:19 says, “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” To be reconciled is to be restored into a right relationship. God’s means of reconciliation is the blood of Jesus. The blood of Jesus purchased for the world redemption. The world then receives redemption by faith and are then reconciled unto God.
When one has by faith been reconciled with God by being redeemed by the blood of Jesus he is then justified before God. To be justified is to be made right. His sins are now forgiven, blotted out, removed as far as the east is from the west, and remembered no more. (I John 1:9, Acts 3:19, Psalm 103:12, Hebrews 8:12). By his faith in Jesus he is now in a right relationship with God.
When one has been justified by God, made right, he now has peace with God. Paul is not talking about an emotion or a feeling of peace, nor is he referring to a sense of security that brings peace. Paul is talking about a practical peace; the type of peace between two warring parties that have called a truce. We were enemies of God yet we are now reconciled. We agreed to the truce God called by placing our faith in His provision of the truce-Jesus.
Being a nice person cannot bring peace between you and God. Being a generous person cannot bring peace between you and God. Being a religious person cannot bring peace between you and God. Being a good person cannot bring peace between you and God. Jesus said, “No one is good but God.” We were the aggressors in our hostility toward God. We are the guilty party. For this reason, we deserve God’s condemnation. Instead, God provided justification through the blood of His Son. By faith in Jesus we are justified. By faith in Jesus we are at peace with God. Peace is not a gift we deserve but a gift we are given by grace. Truly, Jesus is the greatest gift.
This is part 6 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.
Merry Christ-Mass Rusty Kuhn
