Tag Archives: Jesus Christ

Discipleship 101 2018-06

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Discipleship 101 –   2018-06

Love came to us, looking like a Cross. For us, not to take up the Cross of Jesus is giving up our duty as a disciple, in God’s mind. There is NO other choice; we can call ourselves a Christian, but we will lack the moniker of being described as a disciple.

We, who we are, can begin with the Cross we carry, and I do NOT mean you have to wear one. This moment, when we placed our faith in God and Jesus, for our salvation, started a new beginning within us. The Apostle Paul, put it exactly, when he wrote in Galatians 2:20,” I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Jesus told the eleven disciples, “All authority in Heaven and Earth, has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you, and surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the ages.”

I believe we are all tasked with a couple of things.  First, we should honor God Himself, knowing that the Cross and what it represents, that we MUST surrender ourselves to Jesus Christ, and in doing so, make it known that we ARE Christians, believing in Him.

More importantly, we as Christians, have a duty to go beyond being JUST a Christian, and preform as a disciple of Christ.  In doing so, we are obligated in making other disciples around us in the process. I would think this is called discipleship.

This involves a commitment on our part to do something that might be out of our norm, and makes us uncomfortable, also. We have to let people know we are Christian, and that we are disciples of Jesus Christ and not just in our church, but outside the envelop of comfortable living and service.

I now have a habit of saying to people at times, “Peace be with you” or God’s Peace, or “May the love of God be with you.” Those words may perk up their minds that I am a follower of God. It may also, get a good reaction from them or peak their interest further. Then again, it may not!

Let them know you are with Christ in your life and invite them to talk about their beliefs of God and Jesus. In doing so, it may open an avenue of discussion. If you are comfortable, evolve and give any knowledge you have about Jesus and His teachings. The best instruction book regarding this are the Scripture passages taken from the Bible and any version will do.

I like the versus from Mathew and Mark where Jesus said, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” who were mostly fishermen of the area, who did become his disciples. We can ALL become disciples of Christ and spread the Word and create more disciples in the world.

If we do, we will then turn ourselves from followers, to active Christians and become true disciples of Jesus Christ. It is easy to call ourselves something, but harder to live the life of what we call ourselves. Don’t be afraid of stating who and what you are today.  Let any that doubt, know you are indeed, slaves to God and you have surrendered yourself to Jesus as his disciple.

Peace be with you,

Den Betts                                            bettsden@gmail.com

Sins and Forgiveness 2018-03

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                                               Sin and Forgiveness 2018-03

I am a sinner!!!!  We ALL are sinners whether we admit it or not. When I know I have sinned, I am ashamed that I have done something that goes against the will of God, but I will comment on this another time.

The basic, main thing is, that the one God of the universe DOES forgive us when we sin. That, in itself, is a blessed thing to know and realize.  God is a loving god and does love ALL His children, even when we sin repeatedly. Wow, that is somewhat hard to fathom, know or comprehend.

I then ask, how can God do this and why? I like to believe that God is a god with an unconditional love for His children. But, again, I ask, how and why does He do this?

I read that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), but then ask, how does this relate to God loving us and forgiving us?  I think the key is the continuation of this verse “but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.”

When the Godhead (the Father, Son and Holy spirit) decided to take His self as human flesh and become the God-man, it reinforced John’s statement in John 1:14 when he said, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” The Word, being Jesus Christ. Because He became and was infinite God, he had infinite ability to take on Himself, the sins of the world.

What a gift. Jesus therefore died, NOT just for us, you and I, but also for God the Father Himself.

Again, Jesus died, not just for us, but also as a propitiation or satisfaction of a requirement that was intrinsic in the basic nature of God.  We can stand clean and free of contamination in God’s presence – sin free!!!!

I said, God loves and forgives us, but He is a righteous and just God. Since He DOES love us, He was willing to come down from his throne in the form of man, as Jesus Christ, and pay the price for us, which was His death on the cross.  Forgiveness HAS a price and He paid the price for this forgiveness Himself, through the cross of Jesus.

To be forgiven also demands responsibility. The love of God for each of us has an obligation of our loving His son, who gave His life, so our sins are forgiven. This is such a small (let me say) price to pay or thing to do, but as a Christian, I feel I not only want to do, but MUST do.

You can do what you want to do, that is your decision. I do not know the ramifications of your not doing what God decrees or desires, but we will find out eventually. I feel that only God can know or decide as to what happens if we do not believe in God or Jesus Christ, because I surely do not know and doubt if any human living on Earth really knows.

I wish you well and invite ALL, to become closer to God and to find Jesus Christ as your savior in life’s journey. Thanks be to God!!!

Peace,

Den Betts                                            bettsden@gmail.com

I wish to thank Josh McDowell & his book “More Than a Carpenter” for insights for this blog. I also recommend this book and “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis – Both available at Amazon

What n When to BLOG in 2018-01

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What n When to BLOG  in 2018-01

I am a self-avowed Christian as many know. But if you did not realize this is a fact, I state it now!!

Sometimes when I write, I might think I am writing to only Christians, and, in reality, I know I am not doing so. I do know that I am getting out to people of many faiths, no faiths, as well as various ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

I would not try to offend anyone, but do know that if someone objects with what I write, they have the option of not reading what I write. The one rule I have is I will NOT get into a debate with anyone in a blog about religion or faith, although I would welcome any comments about what I write.

If I were to be asked how do I identify myself, my reply would be, “I am a disciple (student) of Jesus Christ” and might add, “and not a good one at that.” I am learning though, but it is a slow process.

I am not out to convert anyone from their faith or religious denomination, chastise someone for how they believe, pray or do not do, or if they attend worship at a place of worship or other agenda regarding God.

If someone does not believe in God, so be it. That is their prerogative. If any one is given any insight, make them think, or challenges anyone, because of what I write, I think that will be great, period….

I look forward to 2018 with the ability to write, explain, discuss, disclaim and again challenge, and most of all welcome others to experience what I have been doing, loving the journey of becoming closer to the one God of the Universe.

Peace,

Den Betts                                            bettsden@gmail.com

Birthday Times 2017-62

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Birthday Times   2017-62

Birthday’s come but once a year, then they are over to await next year where once, again, they are celebrated. Quite a bit might have happened in the past year and much to anticipate in the next.

Some of the past memories we may want to forget, yet the future experiences, we look forward to with anticipation. I would imagine the far majority of the days in between the birthdays are or could be just Ho Hum, with nothing to remember or write about.

We just celebrated Christmas. We got revved up about the 25th of December with the anticipation of its coming, we experienced the actual day

THEN —-   BOOM!!!!! It was over!!!!!

Is it, the day after, on the 26th  ,a letdown, basically???? I used to feel it was somewhat of a letdown with the absence of Christmas music, the shopping for things, the get togethers of family, etc. I even had or still do, in the attic, a mirror with Scrooge on it and the words Bah Humbug…

I stopped, or quit, feeling this way, when I started to realize the significance of the event we were celebrating. It was when I realized that Christmas was NOT about our gifts to each other, but instead, it was about what the birth of Jesus was, as a gift, to all of us.

The eventual gift of salvation, because of the birth of Jesus Christ, but in the final reality of the death and resurrection, that gives all of us the eternal gift of salvation and continued life.

WOW, what a gift!!!!!!!!!

What a birthday to celebrate!!!

What a promise of eternal life beyond birthdays of once a year!!!!

Peace,
Den Betts                                            bettsden@gmail.com

I write this on the day of MY birthday anniversary, Dec 29th.

Coming out of the closet!! 2017-58

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Coming out of the closet 2017-58

 

There are MANY closets to come out of, in life.  Each of us, all of us, have something we hold dear to only ourselves, and do NOT share with any others.  When, and if we do, then we take the chance that we will be highly criticized, held in contempt, or other negative thoughts or actions by those others. It is also, a chance for our being able to finally release ourselves of hidden angst, or a release to freedom of expression.

My very best and dear friend, whom I love so very much, came out of the closet, when he let my wife and I know he was gay.  Actually, we sort of knew, just did not have any confirmation by him.  My son is one of the good people in life, and he and his male spouse are examples of how to be and act in life with others on this planet Earth. To any religious leaders, followers of any religion, good ol boys in life or any of that ilk, you can go F— yourselves IF, you have any prejudicial thoughts regarding this subject. I maintain that Jesus Christ, my ultimate teacher in life, loves my son as he is and, also, any others like him. 

Another closet that some live in and deal with in life are those that keep themselves in denial until they admit their problem.

I know someone who I admire, love and respect, who finally came out and made decisions about being an alcoholic.  He joined the AA group and adheres to the 12-step program of living life.  His wife, at that time, did not do so and had drug addiction issues. He is now remarried to a wonderful lady and enjoying life.  He is a distant blood cousin and I look at him as one of the great people that I am fortunate to know.

Another closet dweller that I know is one that might have been a binge eater, but now is an avid exercise person who changed her life style. She is really looking great and is encouraging others to revamp their lifestyles also. She has a wonderful outgoing personality that is so great.

OK, Now Me!!!    First off, I am not gay, not an alcoholic, maybe a little overweight, but not a binge eater in life.  I say, if you know of someone that is one of these, that you give support to them, accept them as they are, and most of all love them; you do not have to understand the situation.  That could be a tall order to do, I realize.

I am 76 years old and for the past and last 1/3 of my life, I have lived with a situation of life. My dear wife and close family, some of my closest friends and a few others know of what I have lived with in my later years of life.

On April 18, 1991, my life was changed forever. Thirty-five feet from my driveway, I ran over a manhole in the street that collapsed from the weight of the van I was driving. The van went up, I went up, the van came down and I was still going up.   I then,ended up in the hospital with a TBI or Traumatic Brain Injury. I was in the hospital and rehabilitation unit for 8 weeks or so; a long time. I will NOT — now make this a diatribe of this episode of life, but will state this:

I still have problems of dealing with the ramifications of having a TBI.  The “IT” of so, now long ago, affects me in certain ways even now.  I do not try to “hide” in a closet and deny how I feel, how the TBI affects me, somewhat “rules me” in life, etc.

When I say or my wife states, “He is not feeling well” it most likely means I am not up to par in doing something or anything.  That is the way it is; period!!!!!!!!!

While I have not tried to hide in my closet with my disability, I have tried to do what I can on a daily existence, and believe this is being honest with others. I will now tell any, that I feel like crap, if I do, and hope they will believe me, and understand. If not, tough crap on them.  I have NEVER, and NEVER will, use my disability as an excuse on purpose to get out of doing something, or in any way take advantage of a situation because of my TBI.  Also, if I say, “I do not remember”, I mean it; period!!!!

I guess this post is somewhat of a “get it off my chest” type thing, but I hope it is not a “in your face” statement, but it might appear so.

I also say this.  If you see someone with ANY disability, either physical or mental, try to have some compassion for them, try to have some empathy, and realize how much or how fortunate you are not walking in their shoes of life.  Closets come in all shapes, styles and configurations; we all have them to a degree, big or small, and sometimes it is better to let it go, and get a release from them.

Peace,

Den Betts                            bettsden@gmail.com

INSPIRED THOUGHTS OF EXISTENCE 2017-55

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INSPIRED  THOUGHTS OF EXISTENCE 2017-55

What is the purpose of our existence on Earth? What are we supposed to do (or are we required to do) while living our lives in this wonderful place called home? Do YOU think we should be active about living out our lives in a way that precludes going forward to another level of existence? I guess these are idle thoughts that came to mind, so will pass them on……

Could it be that we are given the chance to expose ourselves as we are today that will foretell if we have an extended tomorrow, therefore making our today a preamble of life with, again, a purpose?

As a U.S. Marine, I went through basic recruit boot camp training, and learned many things that trained me for my existence in the Corps for four years. There were rules and regulations to follow, guidelines to adhere to, and disciplines dictated that made us tow the line while in uniform.

Is our life on Earth as a child of God similar?

As a Christian, we had a teacher that showed us the way in life. Before Him, long ago, Commandants set the standard as to how to behave, how to act, and not act, and overall, how to be the child of God in everyday life.

Jesus, the teacher, the Christ or Messiah, had a short time to give us the many instructions on what it takes to be called a child of God for eternal life.

Therefore, we are on a daily regimen of how to present ourselves and how to live up to expectations of how God dictates this life. Call it a “boot camp” of life for a future life of living.

This is NOT an easy take for granted experience. We WILL make mistakes!  We Will fall down, we WILL stumble again and again, BUT we are to know that here on Earth, is where we are to make the earthly dumb mistakes, over and over and over. When we graduate from the trail of life here, we get the graduation  to eternal life as a reward.

Our lives NOW, are a precursor to the future. The purpose of living now, is to prepare ourselves to living for eternity in a way that is acceptable to where we will be going.

Are we up to this?  Time will tell!!!

Peace,

Den Betts                                                                            bettsden@GMAIL.COM

Peace 2017-41

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                                                                                        Peace    2017-41

Peace is word meaning tranquility, calm, restfulness and not meaning discord and the like. It is used for greeting and sometimes in asking for quiet or order.

I use it in closing my emails and suggest that those receiving them, have periods of time that are indeed, calm and collected and tranquil in nature. It is my way of saying, take care and be restful in your life.

It would be terrific if our existence would be a long enduring form of peace without conflict, fear, or violence of any sorts, but that is usually not the case.

If we have a peace treaty, hostility sometimes stops, and this is due to some kind of compromise involving communication back and forth between the warring factions, which is usually the beginning of the end of conflict. This is the ultimate goal of those involved with the process.

Christians who believe that Jesus of Nazareth to be the Jewish Messiah called Christ (meaning Anointed One) also believed He was the messianic prophecy of Jesus, in which He is called, the “Prince of Peace”, one of many such titles that Jesus was given over the years my Christians.

Peace can be measured.  At least, it can be shown to exist by some groups using indicators of internal and external levels of peace today.  Iceland is said to be the most peaceful country in the world with Syria the least, according to the Global Peace Index produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace which evaluates peacefulness in countries, using 23 indicators of the presence/absence of violence. Wonder what it is like, living in Iceland? Other groups rank other countries either better or worse than these mentioned.

Peace on Earth, is the concept of an ideal state of happiness, freedom and peace within and among all people and nations on earth.  To achieve this stature is argued back and forth as to how to achieve this and is debatable. The basic Christian ideal specifies that peace, can only come by the Word and love of God, which is perfectly demonstrated in the life of Christ. Even this is contradicted in the Scriptures, but this is one context that I have read.

Anyhow, peace be with you. May you live in peace, be peaceful and may peace be part of your life forevermore.

Peace,

Den Betts

“I AM” 2017-40

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                                                               “I AM”    2017-40

Where do we state what we are today?  Do we make a declarative statement of who we are, and how we are? Are we brave enough to say what we believe in, and more importantly, live the life of what and how we believe?

What is “I AM” and how does this relate?  Way long time ago, a man-God, named Jesus, stated this. Jesus said, “I AM” and in fact, He WAS and STILL Is, what He said! As God revealed Himself as “I AM who I AM”, His Son let it be known that He was also, “I AM”, as a divine name equating Himself with the “I AM” title God gave Himself, to Moses, centuries before.

Moses was a reluctant man, not ready to do the will of God, and questioned just who God was at the time. God had to identify Himself as being the divine being to Moses and stated, “I AM” to Moses and still Moses kept questioning Him. This can be read in Exodus regarding Moses, and in the Book of John about Jesus and His “I AM” statements, especially in John 14:6 where Jesus said, I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life.

So, how or what does this mean to me?  I can state I am a husband, a father, a son, or many other things, but more than that and more important to me, is where I say this:

I declare a fact that “I am” a child of God! I do NOT hinge or deviate from this fact, but instead proudly state this, as I said, a fact, not a supposition of life.

I therefore say, “Do NOT try to force me to say otherwise, for I willingly say, “I am”. I do not even hint of my being anything other than a child of God, and nothing more. I feel others can make the same claim, and go further by reiterating their beliefs in a divine being that created all of us.

As such, do not try to tempt me, for “I am” and will not be tempted by you or anyone else, from my beliefs in God or what He means to me.

Do know, that “I am” and anything like greed, wealth, riches, and any material things cannot sway me in my beliefs, because I cannot be bought and cannot be changed on how I feel toward God, my Creator.

Also, do realize that, because “I am”, nothing you can say, do or show me, will change my mind; for what you think is what you think, and may not be what I think.

I say this, “to you Mr. Devil, the evil one — be aware that “I am” baptized and am immune to your wishes, your desires that are not what I want — ever, and I will reject you, I will fight you, I will not accept your evil presence around me —- ever!!!!!

For listen again, “I am, I am, – forever more, I am, and always will be a child of God, loving Him, being a student disciple of Jesus Christ and enjoying the presence of His love. God, the Almighty, is alive, He is aware, He is active and foremost, His presence is with me always.

Den Betts                            bettsden@gmail.com

Was Jesus a Good Christian? 2017-39

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                                                   Was Jesus a Good Christian?  2017-39

Of course not!  He was of the Jewish heritage and most likely WAS a good Jew for his time. That is to be expected, BUT the Jewish leaders did not think so.  They connived with each other, and baited him to expose his thoughts about the Hebrew religion.  They persevered and managed to trap him into a situation where they could take Him to the Roman authorities to be found guilty of a charge they wanted to make against Him.

Jesus was a Rabbi and, as such, was a teacher of the Hebrew Scripture. He KNEW the past writers of this religion and could bring up passages that made His sermons standout. 

I do not know what a “Good Christian” today would be. Who decides? Who dictates to those around them that someone is a good this or that?  If that happens, then those people are being judgmental and that says something about them and not the one they judge.

Being able to quote Scripture at moment’s notice, does not make you a good Christian. Knowing the stories of the Bible does not make you one either.  It shows that you have a great memory at least, but not necessarily a great pious person. 

I would think it takes effort on one’s part to LIVE the life of what Jesus would want you to do, and using his teachings, as a guide to life. It is HARD to live a life like that of someone (Jesus) who was practically perfect. OK, some would say absolutely perfect, but I am sure he had some faults not reported in Scripture.

To strive for perfection or at least betterment of self would be a great goal. To NOT be discouraged in the process is probably a good reality, but the important thing is to try.

Den Betts

Light of the Son 2017-37

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The Light of the Son 2017-37

 

The light is there for all to see

                But is unseen because of the blindness of man

The light of the Son is brighter than,

                The light of the Sun of the Universe

The Son’s life gives birth to life forevermore

                It promises eternal living to those that see

A promise of forever more to those seeking the way

                The way is the only way for all

Darkness cannot comprehend the light and

                Can only be illuminated by it

Life gives hope and hope of human existence

                Is the Light of life!

Light is shared and shows the way

                As it becomes the light of the world

Look for the light and grasp it,

                Enjoy it, relish its existence

Rejoice, for you have seen the light!!!!

Den Betts