Reality

<<actual, true>>

Theory is fine but for it to be of any practical value it needs to be effective in the reality of experience.

Jesus, the Word, became flesh and lived among us – He was real and tangible, not a legend or a nice idea (Jn 1:14). The NT writers said, “What we have seen and heard we tell you about” (1 Jn 1:1-3).

Today, even though we haven’t seen Jesus ourselves we believe in Him, and the Holy Spirit witnesses in our spirits we are the sons of God (Jn 20:29; Rom 8:16; 1 Pet 1:8,9; 1 Jn 5:10).

True reality comes from God who created the world and all in it. We get the right perspective when we see things from His angle. Jesus said, “I am come that you might have life in all its fullness” for He is the way, the truth,

The greatest reality – “Our God is able….”

the life and means by which we can get to heaven (Jn 10:10, 14:6). Our worth is revealed by the love of Jesus who died in our place (Rom 5:8). The reality is that there is much more to life than Satan would have us believe. This includes the final destruction of the present world and those who reject the offer of salvation. Indulging in humanistic thinking and opinions is a futile attempt to mask or escape from reality.

Is there substance to our faith? It will be tested to see if is genuine and the belief has gone from head knowledge to a living, vital, ‘heart attitude’, with a confidence in Him that will sustain us in the storms of life – able to meet our needs and minister peace. Jesus didn’t pray that Peter would not be tested, but said “I have prayed for you...that your faith may not fail” (Lk 22:32). Trials show up our weaknesses, what needs strengthening, and how we need to constantly draw wisdom and help from the Master. “The trial of your faith is more precious than gold that perishes” (1 Pet 1:6,7). There is nothing ideal in this life, frustrations and limitations hamper us at all turns. Situations will try us, and we will not be ministered to as we would like, however they are planned and permitted to develop character (Mk 10:45).

God requires a genuine heart response of obedience, not just a mental or emotional form of religious ritual that is devoid of devotion and denies the power of God (2 Tim 3:5). Jesus said, “The reality of the Kingdom of God is being outworked in people’s lives through relationships, both with Him and with others” (Lk 17:20,21). Our actions will prove if we really believe what we say (Mt 3:8; Jas 2:14-18).

Look for the reality of Jesus working in your life – even if progress may be slower than you would like – provided you are yielded to Him you are being changed into His likeness (Rom 8:29, 12:1,2; 2 Cor 3:18; Phil 1:6; 2 Tim 2:21). We should be 'real' (genuine honest)

God and ‘me’ make the best team

people, not putting on a false image to impress as eventually others will see our true self (Rom 12:3).

“If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied...But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead...” and He promises that we will ultimately be with Him (Jn 14:3; 1 Cor 15:12-20).

Our salvation is not a myth or empty hope rather a living reality that will be consummated in heaven.

Hell is a real place. Those that die without turning to God in repentance will actually suffer forever in this place of eternal torment (Lk 16:23,24; 2 Thes 1:9; Rev 20:10). The punishment and torment of the wicked in hell is as never ending as the bliss of the righteous in heaven (Mt 25:46). Praise God that, through Jesus, we can escape this eternal fate (Jn 3:16,18,36).

See also: doubt, facts, lifestyle, perspective, proof, realism, theory, truth .