God’s Redemptive Plan
Happy tax day! I actually will be getting a refund which based on the mail we received today will come in handy. I did get out on my racing wheelchair today, after having to air up the tires. In the process it dawned on me why some of my days can go so fast. It takes so long sometimes to get the easiest tasks accomplished. So my airing up the tires added an additional half hour to the work out time I had set aside. I completed my “mile” in about 27 minutes which was better than my original outing.
Thank you to those who have donated to my Colfax Charity 5K effort. So far I have received 55% of my $1,000 goal. Your support of Teen Challenge of the Rocky Mountains is appreciated.
Last Friday night I had the opportunity to connect with Bob Balink from El Paso County. Bob was very gracious and supportive and it is interesting that we both spotted each other at the dinner and wanted to connect. As a county official Bob is not as known as many who hold higher elective office. However, he served eight years as the Clerk and Recorder and the past four as Treasurer for El Paso County. He has also served in leadership positions within the State Republican party. Bob was helpful to me as a Legislator in supporting some of my bills and as a valuable resource on legislation impacting counties. (Picture above Bob Balink and myself)
One of the positive notes from my doctor’s visit yesterday was the plan to start backing off some of the prednisone that I have been on. I hope this will help as far as my ability to fight off infections as well as some of the puffiness that comes with that steroid.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…
“In the past God hid this mystery, but now he has revealed it to his people. God wanted his people throughout the world to know the glorious riches of this mystery—which is Christ living in you, giving you the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:26,27(GW)
This is Easter week when we are made aware of the life of Christ his death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. The Bible is the revelation of God’s plan for people separated from Him by sin to be reunited with Him. We call the Bible a “redemptive revelation.”The story of the Bible moves from the creation of a man and woman (Adam and Eve) to God selecting one man, Abraham; then from Abraham’s son’s God selected Jacob and from Jacob (Israel) He established a nation, from which would come one man, a Savior, Jesus Christ who would reconcile the world back to God.
Pastor Dick Foth recently summarized the message of good news, this “mystery” as Paul called it, in these phrases: “He left His place, to come to my place; to take my place; that I may go to His place.” (John 3:16; John 14:1-6)
Both parts of the Bible are important in understanding God’s ways and God’s plans. It is often said that the Old Testament, is the New Testament concealed and the New Testament, is the Old Testament revealed.
It is helpful to understand the different types of “books” in the Bible. The Bible is like a “mini-library”bound together. You have God’s law, history, poetry, books of the prophets,books of personal stories (Jonah, Ruth, Esther) the gospels (that tell of the life and ministry of Jesus written to four different audiences) Acts (the growth of the church after Jesus resurrection); the letters of the Apostles to churches or individuals. Finally, the Book of Revelation that tells, “the rest of the story and provides the capstone of God’s desire and plan for all mankind,“to be with Him.” (Revelation 21:1-4)
Consider the following about the Bible…
…these 66 books were written by 40 different authors. These authors came from a variety of backgrounds: shepherds, fishermen, doctors, kings, prophets, and others. And most of these authors never knew one another personally.
…these 66 books were written over a period of 1,500 years. Yet again, this is another reminder that many of these authors never knew or collaborated with one another in writing these books.
… the 66 books of the Bible were written in 3 different languages. In the Bible we have books that were written in the ancient languages of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic; are a reflection of the historical and cultural circumstances in which each of these books were written.
… these 66 books were written on three different continents: Africa , Asia , and Europe. Once again, this is a testament to the varied historical and cultural circumstances of God’s people.
What’s more, this collection of books shares a common storyline – the creation, fall, and redemption of God’s people; a common theme– God’s universal love for all of humanity; and a common message – salvation is available to all who repent of their sins and commit to following God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength.
As the all time best seller the Bible is available in a translation style that will connect with everyone. If you haven’t read the Bible why not pick one up, go online, download an app and read the final chapters of the gospel of John or one of the gospels.
www.coloradogives.org/ksummers