Dr. Jeanette Parker (File photo)
Where do you want to go from here? Are you properly registered? Have you built up your credit credentials? What about a down payment and ongoing acts substantiating that your credit is approved?
Even Jesus Christ had credentials. There were those who denied his credentials, all to no avail. He was called a bastard child, a Samaritan.
When they saw his undeniable healings: miracles, turning water to wine, walking on water disregarding gravity, passing through the contagious disease of leprosy by touching the leper, which was a forbidden act. This, of course, is a small showing of his proof of incarnation and resurrection.
With all of this, He was denied his righteous identity as the Son of God and resurrected Savior. So, I ask you, “Have you had a look at your heavenly invoice, your debits, and credits?”
There are no two ways about Christianity and the foreground of heaven in the perspective. Fortunately, it’s a decision-making action. It’s up to the individual. Jesus isn’t going to wrangle you with a rope and force us to accept him for who He is and who He represents.
Holding false and contradictory views about who He is prohibits fellowship with Him. Fellowship is a vital component to abide in Him and he in us. We walk and talk with Him as our divine guide every step of the way. We eat His flesh, and we drink His blood. What does that mean? We accept Him fully for who he is.
The apostles understood the fullness of his existence. They heard Him. They saw Him with their own eyes and gazed upon him with concentration. They handled Him, feeling and seeing the pierced hands. He actualized His incarnation of existing before the world began. He came to earth to show that man (and women) could grasp the literalness of His fullness.
Understanding by faith who He was; that is, He was God, they were compelled to be obedient and evangelize their faith. He promised them He would leave them but not without His eternal Spirit to be with them, in them, and upon them. He assured them they were protected and secure in him for all eternity.
The obedience factor was mandatory then and today as well. If someone says he/she loves God, how can they love Him, who they have not seen, and hate his brother, who they have seen? It’s conclusive evidence that they are hypocritical and unable to live walking two sides of the fence.
Many people nowadays say, “I love God.” But they use God substituting or thinking they substitute in God. But they don’t say Jesus Christ, the savior of the world. That’s not going to cut it because it is insufficient and inadequate to confession. We confess our sins, and He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness.
Therefore, I ask you about your “invoice.” Are you making payments on your invoice? Do
Do you need to check your balance? Remember the five virgins who had to run out and buy oil for their lamps because the bridegroom was approaching? Their invoice was not paid up.
Their deadline was approaching to the extent they missed making their last payment, and whatever they proposed to bring up the balance was inadequate. They were so overdue they never updated their invoice and made their monthly payments. This is a metaphor for being prepared for the great subject of salvation. Pay up.
If leaders tell you to follow that which is detrimental, don’t follow. Think carefully and ask tough questions. Make tough decisions because your life depends on it. Thanks for reading!
Jeanette Grattan Parker is the founder-superintendent of Today’s Fresh Start Charter School, 4514 Crenshaw Boulevard, L.A. 90043, 323-293-9826, www.todaysfreshstart.org, (Ask Dr. Jeanette TM) “Inquiring Minds Want to Know.” All articles are copyright. All rights reserved © Errors? Or Questions? Please let me know. Join Sundays for music and message at 11:30 a.m. by calling (712) 775-8971, code 266751. References: The Holy Bible, Believer’s Bible Commentary , Christian Classics Ethereal Library Website. Don’t stop praying and hoping. “Today is another great day to do good and be successful.”
