Tag Archives: faith

Our Mediator

5For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,

Jesus is the Only Savior.

1 Timothy 2:5-6

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of Jesus’ identity is His exclusivity as the way to salvation. In a world that often prizes inclusivity and multiple paths to truth, the claim that Jesus is the only way to God can be seen as narrow-minded or offensive.

Yet, this is precisely what Jesus claimed about Himself. He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). The apostles echoed this message, declaring, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

This truth calls us to a decision. If Jesus is who He says He is – the Messiah, the standard of righteousness, our perfect example, and the only Savior – then our response to Him matters eternally. It’s not enough to admire Jesus as a good teacher or moral example. He calls us to trust in Him completely for our salvation and to follow Him wholeheartedly.

Reflecting on these truths about Jesus, we’re faced with both a challenge and an invitation. The challenge is to let go of our own attempts at self-justification and to trust fully in Christ. The invitation is to experience the transforming power of His love and grace in our lives.

Tony French

Leave a comment

Filed under Devotion

The Confirmed Messiah

22Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. 23And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

Luke 7:22-23

As we consider Jesus as the long-awaited One, let’s ask ourselves:

** How has Jesus fulfilled God’s promises in my life?

** In what areas do I need to stop striving and rest in Christ’s righteousness?

** How can I follow Jesus’ example in loving others while standing firm in truth?

** Have I fully embraced Jesus as my only hope for salvation?

The message of Jesus is as relevant and revolutionary today as it was two thousand years ago. He came to save the lost, heal the brokenhearted, and give abundant life to those who trust in Him.  May we, like those tax collectors and sinners of old, find ourselves drawn to this Jesus – the Messiah, our standard, our example, and our only Savior.

Tony French

Leave a comment

Filed under Devotion

The Revealed One

We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. But there is a place where someone has testified: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him? You made them a littlelower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor and put everything under their feet.” In putting everything under them, God left nothing that is not subject to them. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them.[f] But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. 10 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. 

Jesus is revealed in Scripture. The Bible instructs us about the nature, character, and message of Christ. There may be aspects about our Savior that remain unknown to us.  Scripture provides us with the guidance we need to understand and follow Christ.  Consider the following from Hebrews 2

**Jesus Has A Saving Ministry

**Jesus Has A Sovereign Ministry

Created All People

Cares For All People

Commissions His People

**Jessus Has A Submissive Ministry

He Is Humble

He Died For Our Sins

He Suffers For Our Redemption

Tony French

Leave a comment

Filed under Hebrews

The Only Mediator

5For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,

Jesus is the Only Savior.

1 Timothy 2:5-6

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of Jesus’ identity is His exclusivity as the way to salvation. In a world that often prizes inclusivity and multiple paths to truth, the claim that Jesus is the only way to God can be seen as narrow-minded or offensive.

Yet, this is precisely what Jesus claimed about Himself. He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). The apostles echoed this message, declaring, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

This truth calls us to a decision. If Jesus is who He says He is – the Messiah, the standard of righteousness, our perfect example, and the only Savior – then our response to Him matters eternally. It’s not enough to admire Jesus as a good teacher or moral example. He calls us to trust in Him completely for our salvation and to follow Him wholeheartedly.

Reflecting on these truths about Jesus, we’re faced with both a challenge and an invitation. The challenge is to let go of our own attempts at self-justification and to trust fully in Christ. The invitation is to experience the transforming power of His love and grace in our lives.

Tony French

Leave a comment

Filed under Devotion

Jesus, The Superior One

So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. The Son Superior to Angels For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father’’? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son” And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.” But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” 10 He also says, “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. 11 They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. 12 You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.”  13 To which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? 14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Hebrews 1:4-14

Facts about Jesus from Hebrews 1……………………….

**Jesus is the Son of God

*He is superior to angels

*He is superior to earthly messengers

**Jesus Will Rule and Reign

*He will have a Righteous Reign

*He will have an Eternal Reign

*He will have a Powerful Reign

**Jesus Will Defeat all Enemies

*There is Only one Jesus

*There is Only one Lord

*There is Only one Savior

This is your Savior. You are blessed, Dear Christian!

Tony French

Leave a comment

Filed under Hebrews

Messiah

18Then the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things. 19And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” 20When the men had come to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’ ” 21And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. 22Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. 23And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

Luke 7:18-23

In a world filled with uncertainty and confusion, we often find ourselves searching for answers, direction, and hope. The Gospel of Luke offers us a powerful glimpse into the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the long-awaited One who came to fulfill ancient prophecies and bring salvation to humanity. Let’s explore a crucial aspect of Jesus’ identity and mission that can transform our understanding and deepen our faith.

Jesus is the Messiah

From the very beginning, God promised a Savior who would come to redeem His people. Throughout the Old Testament, prophets spoke of this coming Messiah, building anticipation for generations. In Luke 7:18-23, we see an intriguing exchange between Jesus and the disciples of John the Baptist. John, imprisoned and perhaps experiencing a moment of doubt, sends his followers to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

Jesus’ response is both profound and practical. Instead of a simple yes or no, He points to the evidence of His ministry: “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.” These miracles and acts of compassion were not random acts of kindness but the fulfillment of messianic prophecies.

In our own lives, we may sometimes question God’s plans or presence. Like John the Baptist, we might need reassurance. The lesson here is to look at the evidence of God’s work in and around us. Where have we seen His hand moving? How has He fulfilled His promises in our lives and in the world?

Tony French

Leave a comment

Filed under Devotion

The Final Word

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Hebrews 1:1-3

Who is Jesus? The question has been asked many times by people. Even the Savior Himself asked the question “who do men say that I am”. (Matthew 16:13-18)

There are many possible responses to this question. However, the author of Hebrews addresses Jesus’ identity right from the start of the book. Let’s explore what God reveals about His Son and His work through His Holy Word.   

 **Jesus Reveals God’s True Nature

**Jesus Is the Creator

Christ Made the Universe

Christ Manages the Universe

Christ Maintains the Universe

**Jesus Represents God to Humanity

**Jesus Purifies His Own

Tony French

Leave a comment

Filed under Hebrews

Final Instructions

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teachingyou received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” 11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. 14 Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

Today, let us peruse Paul’s final instructions to the church of Thessalonica. Though written centuries ago, these truths are still vital to Christians in the present. May God direct us as we apply these Scriptural lessons to our lives.

**Avoid idle and disruptive folks (6-8) (11-12)

**Work and allow the Lord to provide (9-10)

**Keep doing good (13)

**Warn fellow Believers (14-15)

Tony French

Leave a comment

Filed under 2 Thessalonians

Thoughts

3 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Three thoughts from 2 Thessalonians 3……………….

**Pray for the proclamation of the Gospel

**Trust in the Lord’s Faithfulness

**Trust in the Lord’s direction


Pray for those who serve and minister in the gospel ministry. Trust in the faithfulness of God as He will never let you down. Trust the Lord to lead you in all things. These active steps of obedience will yield fruit in your life and in the lives of others.

God bless you,

Tony French

2 Comments

Filed under 2 Thessalonians

Worldly Approval

The Hollow Ring of Worldly Approval

“Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.”

Luke 6:26

In our social media-driven age, the temptation to seek likes, follows, and constant affirmation is stronger than ever. But Jesus warns us about the danger of living for the applause of others. When we compromise our beliefs or water down the truth to gain approval, we risk becoming like the false prophets of old who told people what they wanted to hear rather than God’s truth.

This doesn’t mean we should intentionally be offensive or difficult. As Paul advises, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18). However, we must be willing to stand firm in our faith, even when it’s unpopular or challenges the status quo.

Tony French

2 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized