FAITHFULNESS AND TRUSTWORTHINESS-THE DIFFERENCE

The apostle Paul often includes notes of thanksgiving in all of his epistles. They concluded his thanksgiving letter to the city of Corinth with these words: “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord”

During this instance Paul Glorifies God for spiritual blessings and gifts bestowed upon the church of Corinth- as he affirms his trust in God to uphold them steadfastly. In this context, Paul’s trust stems from God’s faithfulness, the solid foundation for all believers. Faithful is a Greek word derived from, ‘pistos’, which also conveys the concept of being ‘trustworthy’. 

Therefore, as scripture declares that God is faithful, it suggests and/or signifies His ‘trustworthiness. Simply meaning that when God makes a promise, it is unwavering. You can rest assured that God’s trustworthiness hinges on His attributes; specifically His, justice, and holiness. He will not break His promise. 

He fulfilled His promise to Abraham by giving him Isaac {Gen 12:3} And through Isaac came Jacob, the forefather of the Israelites, through whom the Messiah came, bringing the blessing of salvation to all nations, both Jews and Gentiles (Gal 3:6-9} God’s faithfulness continues in His covenant with King David: “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever”{2 Samuel 7:16}.

Albeit the Davidic covenant appeared endangered due to Solomon’s ‘unfaithfulness’. Also by Athaliah’s murderous rampage, God was faithful. Such examples as these prove God’s trustworthiness, even when things seem unlikely. We can fathom from these situations a clear understanding of God’s faithfulness more as we grasp the totality of His character. Paul always boldly proclaimed God’s faithfulness, especially regarding our belief in salvation.

Paul goes on to express a similar sentiment: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the presence nor the future, nor any powers, neither heights, nor depth , nor anything else in all of creation , will be able to separate us from the love of God, that is in Jesus The Christ Our Lord {Romans 8:38-39}

In Conclusion: 

• God’s faithfulness will accomplish His promises given to us in confidence

• It allows us to connect to Jude’s Doxology:

• “To Him who can keep us from stumbling

• And to be present before Him in Glorious presence and persona

• As we appear without fault and with great Joy!

• To the only God our Savior, The Glory! Majesty! Power and Authority

• Give through the Father in the Name of Jesus.

• Before all ages, now and forever more and everlasting and Forever...Amen, and Amen...

Steve Braxton, CEO/Founder National Clergy Fellowship Outreach Initiative, div of Marketplace Ministries, Inc., Executive Life Coach, Author of Non-Fiction books, memoirs, and poetic stanza sbrax57@gmail.com/http://sbrax-on-point.blogspot.com

 

 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JESUS “BORN IN A MANGER”

The strong creator God and El Elyon-God most high promised the savior’s ‘virgin birth’ immediately after the first Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden. {Genesis 3:15}. And centuries later the prophet Micah foretold the birth of Jesus, in the small town of Bethlehem: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from the ancient times” {Micah 5:2}

This is the fulfilling prophecy of Jesus’s earthly parents, Mary and Joseph. As the news began to spread, it caused many people to came to Bethlehem. So many came and there was no room at the Inn for Mary and Joseph to stay. 

Such fact led some to believe that Jesus may not have been born in a stable or a barn, but in a house with a lower flooring like a basement that served as a nighttime shelter for the family’s animals. If such were the case it would have been known as a manager in ancient times.

After Jesus’ birth His earthly mother, Mary wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a food trough-a manger. The night shepherds from  nearby found him just as the angels told them they would {Luke 2:10-12}

Questions to ponder:

• Why was the savior who would be king of Kings born in a place where animals were kept

• Why was he laid in an animal ‘food trough’

• Surely, God’s own Son deserved a much higher profile place of an elegant birth and kingly surroundings

• Why did God Choose the lowest of circumstances for his Son to be born?

The mindful thought of consciousness of Almighty God was one to portray ‘humble beginnings’ This serve to set in motion the cognitive of an amazing message of creation. A message that beheld the vicissitudes of a transcendent God. The Father’s thoughts were condescended to come as a revelation to us as human beings. Coming in full force with the essence and ingredients that revealed to all mankind with the utterances and proclamations, as follows:

• He is approachable

• He is accessible

• He is available 

• No palace gates shall bar the way to him 

• No ring of guards prevents our approach to Him

Let It Be Known That The King of Kings came humbly, and His first bed was the ‘Humble Beginnings of a “Manger” Amen

Steve Braxton, CEO/Founder, Marketplace Outreach Ministries, Inc., and National Clergy Fellowship, Also Bishop {Ret} The Light of Illinois Diocese affiliate of The International Church Of God In Christ.Executive Life Coach, and Author of Non-Fiction Books, Memoirs, and poetic verse stanza/ sbrax57@gmail.com/ http://sbrax-on-point.blogspot.com