A WHOLE MAN

"The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham."  Matthew 1:1 (ESV) As we approach the New Year, we begin our Bible reading plan in Genesis, Matthew, and Ecclesiastes. Matthew's Gospel, similar to Mark and John's Gospel, opens by introducing us to who Jesus is. The emphasis that is placed in their opening verses reveal to us that Jesus is not just a man. He is not just a historical person, nor is he simply a wise sage or prophet, nor a man who lived a decent life and said some really nice things. He is "the son of God" (Mk 1:1), the Word who was with God from the beginning and is God (John 1:1). Or as we read in Matthew's Gospel, Jesus is the Christ, the Son of David and of Abraham. Why is this good and important?  Jesus in the Greek is Ἰησοῦς which translates strictly as Joshua in the Hebrew and means "God saves". Christ in Greek is Χριστός which means Messiah. And so from the very first words...

As we approach the New Year, we begin our Bible reading plan in Genesis, Matthew, and Ecclesiastes. In Genesis, you will find many topics discussed such as: who we are, how everything came into existence, why are we here, where sin came from, and why we need a Savior. But you will also find the doctrine known as the Covenant of Works. This was the original covenant which God had made with mankind. In the beginning, man had a moral relationship with God and were created in perfection. They knew no sin, had not yet sinned, and were not affected by the consequences of sin. God would freely walk with them in the garden and conversed with them with no veil needed. They were, at the time, perfect beings in the sense that they had no blemish; yet, they were not perfect in the sense of being Gods. The requirement was perfect obedience to the command of God and they would continue to reap the blessing of this perfect fellowship with God, which in and of itself was a grace from God. They...

As we approach the New Year, we begin our Bible reading plan in Genesis, Matthew, and Ecclesiastes. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon reminds us that all things are vanity. In a Jewish context, it referred to that which was fleeting or frustrating. The major theme of Ecclesiastes is not that nothing matters or even that the things of this world is like the chasing of the wind. The author is conveying a theological truth; that we must face and endure through the frustrating things in life to find joy and satisfaction in life as we fear God throughout all our life. May this be in our hearts and minds as we approach 2019. If you would like to join the Bible Reading Plan, you can do so by clicking the Connect button under the Group Reading section @ https://faithlife.com/overflowtx/activity **************************************************** Check out the new Church Website! www.overflowcup.com You may also follow Overflow Church by joining the church group @ https://faithlife.com/overflo...

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" Hugh Heffner, the founder of Playboy Magazine, passed away at the age of 91 and although he is gone, his impact on the culture and sexuality is one that will far outlive him. Some may say that he built an empire and affected the world at large for the better which he would agree with. Heffner is quoted in his magazine as saying, "If you don't encourage healthy sexual expression in public, you get unhealthy sexual expression in private. If you attempt to suppress sex in books, magazines, movies and even everyday conversation, you aren't helping to make sex more private, just more hidden. You're keeping sex in the dark. What we've tried to do is turn on the lights,” But was his influence for the better? ...

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper. 2  Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. 3  You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4  Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. 5  “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me." John 15:1-5 (HCSB) It is likely that you have heard some time in your life that true believers will bear fruit as evidence of their salvation. Even Jesus proclaimed this in the Sermon on the Mount that every good tree bears good fruit and that the fruit a person bears is one distinguishing mark of judging whether a person was a false or true prophet (Matthew 7:15-20). No matter who we are...

"Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32) Truth without love is brutality, love without truth is hypocrisy. Brothers and Sisters of the faith, stand for truth and stand in love. God remains faithful and His Word endures forever. Although it has been a troubling and sad week find hope knowing that He never changes. Preach the Gospel, pray and fast, and obey his commands. For Jesus says, "If you love me, keep my commands." (John 14:15) “Read those newspapers which represent the Broad School of Dissent, and ask yourself, How much farther could they go? What doctrine remains to be abandoned? What other truth to be the object of contempt? A new religion has been initiated, which is no more Christianity than chalk is chees; and this religion, being destitute of moral honesty, palms itself off as the old faith with slight improvements, and on this plea us...

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17 (NKJV) To be an ambassador for Christ means that we are always living a life, full of words and deeds, that is Christ-like. The cliché WWJD was huge in the ‘90’s, but should not be overlooked in the 2010’s. This simple question can draw us towards seeking the face of God to conform us into His likeness when asked and applied correctly in all areas of our lives. But asking the question is never enough, we must also take steps to do what Jesus would do. WWJD.4- On Abortion The debate around abortion seems to be one that is unending, but when understood biblically, life begins upon conception (Job 10:8-12) and therefore should be both treasured and cared for. Additionally, regardless of how life was conceived whether it is between two consenting adults or a case where rape is involved, terminating life is always wrong and is murder of life (Gen ...