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Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from
David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to
the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word
is not chained. (2 Tim 2:8-9, NIV)
Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an
apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised
before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,
concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of
the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be
the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of
holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. (Rom 1:1-4, NKJ)
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength,
that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. (1 Tim 1:12 NIV)
"Remember Jesus Christ," a real human being who lived long
ago, born into an ancient royal family with a documented
genealogy, long after the dynasty had lost political power
and wealth. "Remember Jesus Christ," who truly lived as a
human being, and truly died, and truly rose from the dead,
demonstrating God’s power and his own divine nature.
"Remember Jesus Christ," the One who completed God’s eternal
plan so that we might have life. "Remember Jesus Christ,"
someone Paul knew and talked to and trusted enough to serve
him at any cost, even though Paul didn't meet him until
after Jesus died -- and rose again. "Remember Jesus Christ,"
and remember, like Paul, to thank him for what he has done
for you. The historical man Jesus clearly admired
remembering to give thanks and show gratitude. He gave
verbal applause to a Samaritan who bothered to come and say
thank you for his healing from leprosy (see Luke 17:12-19).
Like the Samaritan, throw yourself at Jesus feet and thank
him, praising God (see also Revelation 5:11-14). "Remember
Jesus Christ."
"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the
parent of all the others."
--Cicero
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