by George Runyan | Apr 2, 2018 | Devotional, George Runyan
Matthew 5:17 – Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.
Some teach that the Law has been done away with in the sacrifice of Christ. Some teach that the Old Testament is not relevant because we are now living in New Testament times. “Fulfilled,” does not mean done away, but to accomplish the purpose. The Ten Commandments are eternal truths. That means they cannot be put aside and neglected. It took the righteousness of Christ to fulfill all of the intent of the Law of God. Under the Law, the Sabbath was kept on prescribed days that were sanctified by God. Jesus fulfilled the Sabbath by becoming our Sabbath. Our rest is found in His Work, “For the one who entered His rest has himself also rested from his works as God did from His” (Hebrews 4:10). The writer of Hebrews goes on to say, “Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest …” (Hebrews 4:11).
God began His Sabbath rest in Genesis. He then established it in the Law and the Prophets, and found its completion in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is why Paul told the early churches not to let anyone act as your judge concerning food, drink, festival, new moon or Sabbath days (see Colossians 2:16). The whole second chapter of Colossians addresses this freedom that Christ purchased for all of us. The Holy Spirit has been sent from Heaven to be our Comforter and to bring forth the life of Christ in us. He enables us to enter into God’s Sabbath Rest and live out the life of Christ fulfilling the Law and all that the Prophets had envisioned. Today, the people of God can live in obedience to God’s commandments, not through religious works, but by the grace and rest of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.
If you are burdened with religious works and guilt, release them today to the Holy Spirit. In faith receive the rest of Christ. Be free to obey the Word of God, not by your works, but by His grace and power supplied in the Holy Spirit.
by George Runyan | Apr 1, 2018 | Devotional, George Runyan
Matthew 5:16 – Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
What a clear word from our Lord! “Let your light shine.” We have to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in this matter of letting our light shine. He has placed the light in us, but we must choose to shine. Many times I have heard God’s people say, “I know what I should do,” but then they struggled in doing it. I remember one time I was very angry at an individual. My dad reminded me of my responsibility to forgive. I told my dad, “I know, but right now it feels good to be angry.” Our emotions can snare us and keep us from being the kind of light God has ordained us to be. A few hours later, I chose to forgive that person and be a light of forgiveness.
Jesus taught His disciples to pray in secret. There is a time to do business with God in secret, but here He says let your light shine before all men so they might “see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Witnessing is not simply about speaking words, but it is more about how we live our lives. The first week I was in the Army, I asked God, “How can I live for you in this place?” He spoke a surprising word to me. “Be you!” That meant, continue to serve the Lord, pray, read the Word of God and share when I can. That is what I did. I had the privilege of leading many men to Christ with the evidence of changed lives. Letting our light shine is a lifestyle lived out. It is in the living out of our faith on a daily basis that others will glorify our Father in heaven. When people begin to acknowledge there is something different about you, they are recognizing the light that is shining. God is glorified!
Ask the Holy Spirit to give you good works that cause the people around you to glorify your Father in heaven. Ask Him to quicken your mind regarding how you should respond in any given situation. He will show you your responsibility and give you the ability to reflect His nature. He will give you of His wisdom and His power in order for you to carry out His good pleasure.
by George Runyan | Mar 31, 2018 | Devotional, George Runyan
Matthew 5:14 – You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
The light in the world is the Lord’s church. Imagine what it would be like if the church was non-existent in the earth. Try to imagine America without the effect of the gospel on the Constitution and her laws. In fact, America would not exist as we have known her. As Jesus produces light in individual lives, whole nations are changed for the glory of God. “You” are the light of the world. Your world is where you have the opportunity to influence others for righteousness. Somebody asked the question, “If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” I hope so! If so, it would mean that you are a shining light for the Lord.
As the oil of the Holy Spirit is poured into our lives, it fuels the flame that emits the light from within. That light is manifested through your personality, the way you take care of yourself, and reaching out to others in the name of the Lord. His light is demonstrated by your unwavering conviction and obedience to God’s Word, and your faithfulness to God’s people through committed relationship. A life of service and humility demonstrates the work of the gospel in your inner man. Through the ministry of “Halloween Harvest,” which was created by my friend, Mick McCoy, a pumpkin would be used to illustrate the need to first repent and allow the Lord to remove the sinfulness in our hearts, so the Holy Spirit can “light our candle.”
Ask the Holy Spirit for fresh oil. We are leaky vessels and need to be filled afresh regularly, in fact many times in a day. He is present to fill you with His oil so you can keep the light burning brightly.
by George Runyan | Mar 30, 2018 | Devotional, George Runyan
LUKE 23:34 – THEN JESUS SAID, “FATHER, FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY DO.” AND THEY DIVIDED HIS GARMENTS AND CAST LOTS.
ALL OF HUMAN HISTORY IS WRAPPED UP IN THESE WORDS OF OUR SAVIOR
FROM ADAM TO THE LAST ADAM, GOD IS A COVENANT MAKER AND MAN IS A COVENANT BREAKER
THE BIBLE GIVES THE HISTORY OF MAN’S COVENANT BREAKING NATURE
IT ALSO IS THE RECORD OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS AND HIS RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT
GOD’S MERCY IS DIRECTLY TIED TO HIS LAW OF SACRIFICE: “THE INNOCENT DIEING FOR THE GUILTY”
FULFILLED ON THE CROSS IN CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUS ONE
RECEIVE HIS MERCY GIFT IN CHRIST AND SIN IS REMOVED
REJECT HIS MERCY AND THERE IS NOTHING LEFT, BUT ETERNAL JUDGMENT
A HOLY GOD MUST JUDGE SIN!
SIN IS JUDGED AT THE CROSS
LIFE IS GIVEN THROUGH THE POWER OF CHRIST’S RESURRECTION
AS IT IS WRITTEN “HE FIRST MAN ADAM BECAME A LIVING SOUL.” THE LAST ADAM BECAME A LIFE-GIVING SPIRIT.
by George Runyan | Mar 30, 2018 | Devotional, George Runyan
LUKE 23:34 – THEN JESUS SAID, “FATHER, FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY DO.” AND THEY DIVIDED HIS GARMENTS AND CAST LOTS.
ALL OF HUMAN HISTORY IS WRAPPED UP IN THESE WORDS OF OUR SAVIOR!
FROM ADAM TO THE LAST ADAM, GOD IS A COVENANT MAKER AND MAN IS A COVENANT BREAKER
THE BIBLE GIVES THE HISTORY OF MAN’S COVENANT BREAKING NATURE
IT ALSO IS THE RECORD OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS AND HIS RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT
GOD’S MERCY IS DIRECTLY TIED TO HIS LAW OF SACRIFICE: “THE INNOCENT DIEING FOR THE GUILTY”
FULFILLED ON THE CROSS IN CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUS ONE
RECEIVE HIS MERCY GIFT IN CHRIST AND SIN IS REMOVED
REJECT HIS MERCY AND THERE IS NOTHING LEFT, BUT ETERNAL JUDMENT
A HOLY GOD MUST JUDGE SIN!
SIN IS JUDGED AT THE CROSS
LIFE IS GIVEN THROUGH THE POWER OF CHRIST’S RESURRECTION
AS IT IS WRITTEN “HE FIRST MAN ADAM BECAME A LIVING SOUL.” THE LAST ADAM BECAME A LIFE-GIVING SPIRIT.
