What Shall I Render

God offers us in His Son what the world cannot give us, treasures that moth and rust cannot destroy and that thieves cannot break in and steal. He promises and gives us: His Spirit, Peace with God, Hope that secures our souls, and rest for our souls! (Matt 6:19-21; 11:28-30)

Christ is the fulfillment of God purpose to save, rescue, and forgive (Psalm 40; Heb 10:1-10).

The Bible gives us clear simple language regarding the return of Christ Jesus. These words are not confusing; they are encouraging, and that is why they were written. (1 Thess 4:13-5:2)

While the Law of Moses and the Temple it offered had their place in God's purpose, they could never provide what God has provided in His Son. The disciples (apostles too) of Jesus had no idea of what all God would accomplish in the Son, because it had not yet been revealed.

God demonstrated His acceptance of the Gentiles in a miraculous sign, involving the Holy Spirit. These events made clear the former laws of clean and unclean from the Law of Moses were no longer in authority. God's new covenant is in His Son and the salvation it provides is for all men. Judaism no longer provides access to God.

Taking the name of Jesus with us is to remember all that He is, has done, and has given us, with us as we face the trials of this life. It is in His name, then, that we find rest for our souls.

The Son of God came down to defeat and destroy what we could not, sin, death, the grave, and darkness itself. He did this so that God could enthrone Him as King over all these things on our behalf. Oh what a kingdom we enjoy! (Col 1:13-14; Eph 1:17-23; Heb 2:5-8).

The kingdom of heaven is Matthew's phrase to remind his readers of where the King and His kingdom are from, as Jesus told Pilate: ... My kingdom is not of (from) this world . . . But now, my kingdom is from another place (heaven). (Jn 18:36)

Gentiles are granted the Spirit even without becoming converts to Judaism. The gospel message is seen to really be for all men. The gospel stands on its own, because it is the message of God in His Son. This gospel is noted as the "ministry of the Spirit" and contrasted to the "ministry of death", that is the Law (Acts 10-11; 2 Cor 3:7-18),

All these I have kept . . . , What do I still lack? . . . With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible (Matt 19:20, 26).

We gain nothing, when we condemn God and seek to justify ourselves (Job 40:8; Matt 19).

The uniqueness of the church, the indwelling Spirit of God within God's people.

God made a place to forgive, a place to accomplish His purpose for His people. The temple of ancient Israel was a shadowy figure of the reality found in Christ Jesus, His Son!

. . . because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! (Jas 2:13).

God has always called His covenant people to imitate Him, and forgiveness is on the top of the list (Lev 19:17; Matt 18:35).

God's promise to ancient Israel to judge sin and promised life finds fulfillment in Him sending the Spirit in the name of His Son, Jesus the Christ (Acts 2; Joel 2; Psa 16).

Seeking God, not just information and finding the faith to cease our activities and know Him - Psalm 46.

May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen (Heb 13:20-21).

... Unless you change and become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child will be greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matt 18:2-4).

God became flesh that He might know suffering and temptation and be able to intercede for His children, who are flesh and blood. God did this in His only begotten Son. Jesus as King and High Priest is the foundational cornerstone of the church, a foundation laid by the revelation given the apostles and prophets through the Holy Spirit (Heb 2:14-17; Acts 2:33, 38-39; Php 2:8-11; Eph 2:20).

People cannot remove sin. God, alone, has the power to remove sin. The reality of God's purpose to cleanse, heal, and defeat sin is found, as He promised, in His Son, Jesus, the Christ! (Isa 1:1-18; 1 Jn 3:8).

In a dark world, God still shines the light of His face to give His grace and grant His peace to His children to bless us and keep us!

One of the greatest things about being in the kingdom is sharing the attitude of the King of kings. Humility, service, and trusting God to provide what is needed, this is available to us as subjects in His kingdom. (Matt 17, 18).

God gives His Spirit through His Son to give us His love that we may walk as Jesus did in that love and have confidence on the Day of Judgment. (1 Jn 4)

Remembering God is faithful is key to us escaping temptation and sin, and it helps move us forward in God's good purpose for our lives.