The Christ that I know
Matthew 16: 13~20 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (15~16) Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #90 I’ve Found A Friend (#98 in previous version) “Why are there so many hardships in my life?” When a child of God reaches this state of discouragement we can encourage them by saying, “Jesus is the Christ! He’s solved everything!” But the most common reply to that is, “I know that already, but why is it so hard?” Jesus is the solution to all problems. We believe in Christ, but why do we face so many hardships? Do I truly know Christ and am I correctly enjoying Him?
1. The Christ that I know
Even though we know that Jesus is the Christ and that Christ is the true prophet, priest, and king, when problems arise, He suddenly becomes someone who gives us worries. Satan does anything he can to make us lose hold of the one name that can actually overcome him. He packages Christ as one of the prophets, another teacher of the law, or with unhealthy mysticism and tries to hide the true powers of Christ. The time to sincerely confirm if you really know Jesus Christ is truly needed.
2.The Christ that I confess
It is all right even if this happens just once in your life. You must truly believe in Jesus Christ, who is not limited by our experiences or standards, as the one who has realistically destroyed the powers of Satan, liberated us from sin and death, and has opened the unique way to meet God. This is when our persistent spiritual problems are resolved and the works of the Holy Spirit begin. If you confess even once that Jesus is the Christ, then God will bless you by building His church upon the rock, giving us the keys to the kingdom of heaven, and blessing us so that the gates of Hades do not overcome us.
3. The Christ that I enjoy
Knowing Jesus Christ and enjoying Him is different. Enjoying Christ means that one does not fall into the unbelief that Satan likes no matter what event takes place, but instead, thinks differently and trusts that the Lord only gives what is best. Even when answers come, it is not about being thankful for those answers, but giving thanks for the great blessings in Jesus Christ. These types of thoughts are the greatest way to enjoy Jesus Christ in our lives.
-What is my understanding and faith in Jesus Christ? How am I enjoying Jesus Christ in my life? Pray for the power of Christ to be realized today. Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 1st Service / 2012.7.8