Over the past few months, I have been studying “glory” as it relates to Christians today. It is common to see people (everywhere) struggling to get glory for themselves. But, in the Bible, we are told to take a different approach (cf. Philippians 2:4-8):

Then I read 1 Peter 4:14, “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” This is a promise that – even though we should never attempt to steal the glory from God – our loving Father will bless us with a portion of the glory that resides in and around Him. That shekinah glory is the same as “rubbed off” on Moses so that he had to place a veil over his face before the children of Israel could look at him.

The Scripture says in 2 Corinthians 3:18, “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” In the King James Version it reads, “[we] are changed into the same image from glory to glory.”

I view this in the context of Romans, Chapter 8, where we find the “order of salvation.” The process (in verses 28-30) is that we move from the FOREKNOWLEDGE of God to his PREDESTINATION that (those He foreknew would accept His grace) should conform to the image of His Son. And, those who have been predestined, He CALLS, then JUSTIFIES and finally GLORIFIES! It is that final phase of salvation (glorification) where we receive a glorified body and no longer face the prospect of pain and death.

Now, since we are children of God and co-heirs with Christ, “we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Romans 8:17). In the terms of someone (name forgotten) in my past, “God is giving us a little glory (the Holy Spirit) to go to glory in!” And, as we mature, we move from “glory to glory” (2Co 3:18, KJV) until the ever-increasing glory reaches the point of our being CHANGED and begin eternity with Christ!

Download my sermon outline at http://cogbishop.com/files/text/08/080921_everincreasingglory.doc. Here is a link to the audio file of that service…[podcast]08/080921_increasingglory.mp3[/podcast]

Been reading a fascinating book called “The Post American World” by Fareed Zakaria on the change in worldview of America and its impact on the future. One of the things we tend to overlook is how global the world has become in the past 20 years. As an example, the major financial markets of the world are no longer in the USA but in London. The rise of economies in Brazil, Kenya, Venezuela, China and India have transformed the view of how the world trades. Companies which have future plans for growth are looking outside the USA for new markets and its impact on future economic development in this country is unclear. Politically, the USA has become isolated and many leaders are creating alliances which do not include us. Read the rest of this entry »

When Paul writes to the Corinthians in chapter 2:1-3 he demonstrates a genuine humility toward those to whom he ministered…choosing not to present himself but rather Christ on the Cross dying for all of mankind. Humility is a rare quality in leaders today.  Much of leadership in todays world is ego-driven with a “what’s in it for me..” mindset.  Paul saw it differently and so must we…we are servants of the King…we serve at His pleasure. This is not about us…but Him!

• Humility reduces stress–I don’t have to have all the answers.  He does.  I’m not God…He is.
• Humility improves relationships–Selfish, self-absorbed people are an irritation.  No one wants to be around them.  On the other hand, humble people are a delight and provide comfortable relationships.
• Humility releases God’s power–James 4:6 says God gives grace to the humble but he opposes the proud!  The secret to spiritual power is to walk humbly before the Lord, focusing on others and depending on God.

Link to the original site

The following article was written by Peggie C. Bohanon on her website at http://peggiesplace.com/words59.htm.

• A Hurting Word…

If you’ve visited PapaQuest, at Peggie’s Place, you’ll know we’ve been on a diligent search around the world, looking for the perfect dad. AND you’ll also know we didn’t find him–he’s found only in our Heavenly Father, the source of all perfection and truth.

But *I* am still lookin’–back, around, and ahead, so much so that I feel like an actress in the old 80s movies, “Back to the Future.” Delightful fantasy! Now finding the perfect dad in my family tree is probably delightful fantasy too. For you see, I never DID find him–past, present, or future–but I did find some people who measure high on MY scale–and I’d like to honor them today! Read the rest of this entry »