Thoughts from Pete’s Message March 8, 2019

The Remarkable One

The gospel of the good news of Jesus Christ is the truth that sets men free. Jesus Christ, the word of God made flesh is the Way, the Truth and the Life. This is the message of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

It’s easy to lament the state of affairs of this world…for they call evil good and good evil. However, Jesus came not to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved. Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful but the laborer’s are few.” The depravity of this fallen world is the field, having remained fallow but is now ready to be planted and watered with the seed of the gospel of truth. He has called us as fellow laborers to plant, water and bring in the harvest.

The gospel of the truth of the word of God is remarkable. Jesus the word made flesh is the Remarkable One. Remarkable means likely to be noticed. It makes others want to investigate and learn. When the people saw Jesus, they were drawn to him. They had never seen someone who spoke with the authority of God and did the miracles that he did. Remarkable means that which is beyond the ordinary. They marveled that he was able to heal the sick and raise the dead. Remarkable is wonderful in a unique and marvelous way. It is extraordinary and rare, atypical and standing apart from the norm. They had never seen anything as remarkable as Jesus the Christ the son of the living God.

Jesus said to the lame man whose friends laid him before Jesus, “Your sins are forgiven, rise up and walk.” The Pharasees were furious because Jesus said, “your sins are forgiven.” They considered this blasphemy. However, regardless of the scoffers and unbelievers, the world will take notice when the power of God is manifest.

At the day of Pentecost, Peter preached the first sermon after Jesus’ resurrection. The crowd at the Temple marveled at his remarkable words. They noticed that he was an “unlearned and ignorant” Galilean. Then they took note that he had been with Jesus. Peter had been filled with the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit and preached empowered by the spirit.

Jesus said, “Ye are the salt of the earth.” Salt was precious for the preservation of food. The Romans paid their soldiers in salt. It is also required to preserve life itself since many biological processes depend on salt. However, if the salt has lost its flavor, what good is it? It’s only good to be cast into the street and walked on. Jesus Christ is the savor (flavor and sweet smelling fragrance) of life unto life to those who are called to salvation. Jesus said, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you, then you will be witnesses unto me. The power of my resurrection will be manifest in your life. You will be able to do all things whatsoever I have commanded you. For ye are our epistles known and read of all men.

Grace is caught and not taught. To understand grace we must spend time in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is grace personified. As we delight ourselves in the law of the fullness of grace, we will be like a tree that is planted by the rivers of living waters…that giveth forth his fruit in due season. His leaf also shall not wither and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Jesus went about doing remarkable things. His manner of living was to proclaim the gospel. He felt compassion for the people who were like sheep without a shepherd.

After Adam and Eve sinned, God came to them in the cool of the evening, like the wind of the Holy Spirit, a rushing mighty wind. They didn’t pursue him. They ran and hid from God in their guilt and shame. Whose seeking whom? He’s the hound of heaven that will leave the ninety nine sheep to seek the one lost sheep.

Jesus said, the harvest is plentiful but the laborer’s are few. He said, ye are the salt of the earth. Ye are the light of the world. He has called us as able ministers of the New Testament. We are his fellow laborers in the field of harvest.

Jesus taught his disciples the meaning of humility and service when he wrapped a towel around his waist, bowed down, and washed their feet.

Jesus’ prayer to his Heavenly Father was to bring forth laborer’s unto the harvest. The question is, “are you doing what you’re doing for the commission or for the Great Commission?” Therefore, whatsoever your hand findeth to do, do all as unto the Lord and not unto men. The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.

He has called us to relationships so that we can bear one anothers’ burdens….so that we can build each other up within the body of Christ. There is no greater relationship than the one he has called us in marriage. A marriage relationship is a picture of Christ’s relationship with his church.

God has called us to live remarkable lives to the praise of the glory of His grace!

The song “Only Jesus” by Casting Crowns is on point: The name of Jesus Christ is the only name to remember! He is the remarkable one. Your heart will be uplifted when you listen to this song. Here is the link to the video on U Tube:

Jesus Christ is the Remarkable One.
May we live to his praise and honor and glory!
Your brother in Christ,
Michael