Just Give Me Jesus

Anne Graham Lotz wrote a beautiful book several years ago titled, Just Give Me Jesus. Her great insight comes to me today. My last post here came from my inspiration after hearing a message on the Kingdom of God by Pastor Miles Monroe. I thought I wanted to write on this DEEP message for a few posts.

Umm...Monday morning gives me hesitation to dare to dig in this deep mystery on the worldwide web in this blog. I'm always astonished at the arguments Christians have fallen into for centuries over theology.

Well............it appears where the Church, Jesus Christ's Bride, and the Kingdom of Heaven (God) which Jesus Christ is the King of, is one of those BIG MYSTERIES that my limited study shows the arguments and "wrangling" over words are still at fever pitch.

I was a champion debater in high school and college. One of the great life lessons the Lord got across to me early after my conversion was NOT TO WRANGLE over WORDS!!!

So, I sigh with Lotz, "Just give me Jesus..." He is the Head of the Church, so I pray to Him to know my place in His body. I honor Him as King of Kings and the Lord and ruler over the Kingdom of Heaven; the Kingdom of God. That settles it for me....I lift up Jesus Christ!!! He will draw all men unto Himself.

After reading all the "wrangling" over words I end this post today with a little help on that ongoing sin of debating "mysteries" of God.

Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes (battles) about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless (NASB: Lockman)

A little greek may help us know how serious Ap. Paul saw this problem. He uses the word 3544"s periistaso for avoid.

Amplified: But avoid stupid and foolish controversies and genealogies and dissensions and wrangling about the Law, for they are unprofitable and futile. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

Phillips: but mind you steer clear of stupid arguments, genealogies, controversies and quarrels over the Law. They settle nothing and lead nowhere. (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: But stupid questionings and genealogies and wranglings and contentions about laws turn away from and shun, for they are without profit and in vain.

Ap. Paul used periistemi figuratively in his command to Timothy to...
Avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness (see note 2 Timothy 2:16).

In both Titus 3:8 and 2 Timothy 2:16 periistemi is a command in the present imperative which calls for a continual action on the part of Titus and Timothy.

The charge is to shun these things, deliberately and habitually avoiding them. "Turn yourself about so that you will avoid these things". "Continually place yourself at a distance from these and stand aloof from them."

The middle voice speaks of a reflexive action, one in which the subject initiates the action and participates in effect of the action. The idea of "reflexive" is that it expresses action directed on oneself......... You yourself do this is the idea.

Charles Spurgeon's devotional on Titus 3:9...

Our days are few, and are far better spent in doing good, than in disputing over matters which are, at best, of minor importance. The old schoolmen did a world of mischief by their incessant discussion of subjects of no practical importance; and our Churches suffer much from petty wars over abstruse points and unimportant questions.

After everything has been said that can be said, neither party is any the wiser, and therefore the discussion no more promotes knowledge than love, and it is foolish to sow in so barren a field. Questions upon points wherein Scripture is silent; upon mysteries which belong to God alone; upon prophecies of doubtful interpretation; and upon mere modes of observing human ceremonials, are all foolish, and wise men avoid them.

Our business is neither to ask nor answer foolish questions, but to avoid them altogether; and if we observe the apostle’s precept (Titus 3:8) to be careful to maintain good works, we shall find ourselves far too much occupied with profitable business to take much interest in unworthy, contentious, and needless strivings.

There are, however, some questions which are the reverse of foolish, which we must not avoid, but fairly and honestly meet, such as these:

• Do I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ?


• Am I renewed in the spirit of my mind?


• Am I walking not after the flesh, but after the Spirit?


• Am I growing in grace?


• Does my conversation adorn the doctrine of God my Saviour?


• Am I looking for the coming of the Lord, and watching as a servant should do who expects his master?


• What more can I do for Jesus?

Such enquiries as these urgently demand our attention; and if we have been at all given to cavilling, let us now turn our critical abilities to a service so much more profitable. Let us be peace-makers, and endeavour to lead others both by our precept and example, to "avoid foolish questions." (Morning and evening)

Today, I say.....Just Give Me Jesus....in His presence all comes together and I live in peace and joy!!!