The word for this week is "created". We find it in these New Testament verses:
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. KJV
Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: KJV
Ephesians 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. KJV
Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: KJV
Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: KJV
Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. KJV
These are all the Greek word "ktizo". Strong's Concordance says: to fabricate. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to make hospitable. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: the founding of a place, to create, always of an act of God. The Theological Dictionary says: Humanity is creation's goal, yet also the starting point of evil. The human creature is a living being (in God's image AND subject to sinful impulses). With the Gospel there is a new creation! This is creation by the Word and Spirit to new life. So 'in the beginning' God created all of creation and then created mankind and put them into the earth. He created us with a free will and the ability to make our own choices, knowing full well that we would make wrong choices at some point. He already had everything planned out to pay for our wrong doing so that we would never have to! By 'creating' our 'new creation' beings He brought us back into fellowship with Him, just when the enemy thought that he had won! Creation itself is wonderful, but the new creation of each and every believer is one of His WONDERS! That WE should have Holy Spirit live IN us to make us what God has called us to be! As Ephesians 4:22 (above) says, our new man has been created in HIS righteousness and in TRUE holiness, which is separation from the world and separation UNTO God! From beginning to end, it's all HIS work! That's why we praise Him and can have full confidence in Him and His Word! We can count on HIM to continue His good work IN us, FOR us and THROUGH us! He gives the life and the NEW LIFE and WE just LIVE it out! I am so excited about what God has planned for you in the next phase of your career! He is busy right now CREATING opportunities for YOUR favor and success! Here is Hillsong with the reminder that He holds us "in the hands that created the heavens"! "Whole Heart""!
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
