The Trinity
17/11/24
Christians believe in one God who exists in three persons: Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit. These three are distinct but share the same divine essence, making them co-equal and co-eternal.
The Roles of Each Person in the Trinity:
God the Father:
The Father is often seen as the origin or source of the Godhead, though not superior to the Son or the Holy Spirit. In the Scriptures, the Father is frequently portrayed as the creator of all things, the one who sends the Son and the Spirit, and the one to whom Jesus prays.
Example: In the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9), Jesus teaches His disciples to pray to God the Father.
God the Son (Jesus Christ):
The Son is the second person of the Trinity and is fully divine and fully human. Christians believe that Jesus is eternally begotten of the Father, meaning that the Son has no beginning and no end, but has always existed with the Father.
The Son’s mission on earth was to reveal God to humanity, to fulfill Old Testament prophecies, and to provide salvation through His death and resurrection.
Example: In John 1:14, it says, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us," referring to the incarnation of Jesus.
God the Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, and is often described as God’s presence and power at work in the world today. The Spirit is sent to guide, empower, comfort, and teach Christians.
The Holy Spirit is involved in the process of salvation by convicting people of sin, leading them to Christ, and empowering them for Christian living.
Example: In John 14:16-17, Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will be a helper to believers after His departure.
When we feel sad
17/11/24
When we feel sad or experience sorrow, the Bible offers comfort. It acknowledges that sadness is a natural part of human life, but it also provides guidance on how to deal with it.
1. Cry Out to God in Prayer
The Bible encourages us to bring our sadness, and concerns to God in prayer. He is compassionate and cares for our well-being.
Psalm 34:17-18 says, "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Philippians 4:6-7 urges us not to be anxious but to present our requests to God, and the peace will be with us.
2. Seek Comfort from God's Word
The Bible provides many verses that remind us of God's love, offering comfort in times of sorrow.
Matthew 11:28-30: Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 reminds us that God is the "God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."
Psalm 23:4: "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
3. Remember God's Promises
When feeling sad, it's helpful to recall God’s promises, especially His faithfulness, His presence, and His ultimate purpose for our lives.
Romans 8:28 tells us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Even in sadness, we can trust that God has a plan for us.
Revelation 21:4 assures us of a future where there will be no more pain or sorrow: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
4. Trust in God's Timing
When we feel sad, it's important to remember that healing and joy often come in God's perfect timing, not on our schedule. The Bible encourages patience and trust in God’s process.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens... a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance."
Trusting that God is at work in our lives—even during difficult times—can bring peace.