FaithFirstMinistries
Compromising the Cross:
I notice so many people wearing the Cross either around their neck, on a shirt or even having one tattooed on their body. For many it is only a fashion statement. It would be fair to say that a great deal of people have no idea or understand what the Cross symbolizes. There is even a group of folks in the world, including our country, where the Cross is offensive because they do understand its meaning. It offends because it bears the truth. John 14:6-7 (KJV) “6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.”
People want to embrace man’s word and his lies before embracing God’s Word (the Bible) and His truths. Jesus and His gospel is the truth. The truth offends people. So many people are deceived by Satan and embrace the lie. John 1:14 (KJV) “14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:17 (KJV) “17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” Colossians 1:5 (KJV) “5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;”
So, what is the meaning of the cross? What does it symbolize? It wasn’t merely a crude place of death where victims hung many years ago. It is the world’s symbol for Christianity. This symbol shouldn’t be misconstrued as an icon/idol that should be worshipped. Nor should it be viewed as a good luck charm. It is still widely misunderstood in our day.
For the Believer it has a very special meaning because we were there 2000 years ago when our blessed Savior, Jesus, hung on that Cross. Our sins put him there and died with Him that day. It symbolizes the shed blood that Christ gave willingly to redeem us from our sins. When we look at the Cross, it blares back into our face the blessed redemption that is in Jesus. Romans 3:23-26 (KJV) “23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”
Listen to the word of Sir Robert Anderson who wrote this powerful statement: “The Cross has shut up man to grace or judgment. It has broken down all ‘partition walls’ and left a world of naked sinners trembling on the brink of hell. Every effort to recover themselves is but a denial of their doom, and a denial too of the grace of God, which stoops to bring them blessing where they are and as they are.”
The Cross is humbling to say the least. It exposes the worthlessness of self-righteousness and exposes us to the true righteousness that can only give us eternal life through our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah 64:6 (KJV) “6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” It should have been you and me on that Cross. Thank God for this substitutionary atonement that was given through Jesus and His death on that cross.
We have only to sit more continually at the cross foot to be less troubled with our doubts and woes. We have but to see His sorrows, and our sorrows we shall be ashamed to mention; we have but to gaze into His wounds and heal our own. If we would live aright it must be by the contemplation of His death; if we would rise to dignity, it must be by considering His humiliation and His sorrow. Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) “2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
People want to embrace man’s word and his lies before embracing God’s Word (the Bible) and His truths. Jesus and His gospel is the truth. The truth offends people. So many people are deceived by Satan and embrace the lie. John 1:14 (KJV) “14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:17 (KJV) “17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” Colossians 1:5 (KJV) “5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;”
So, what is the meaning of the cross? What does it symbolize? It wasn’t merely a crude place of death where victims hung many years ago. It is the world’s symbol for Christianity. This symbol shouldn’t be misconstrued as an icon/idol that should be worshipped. Nor should it be viewed as a good luck charm. It is still widely misunderstood in our day.
For the Believer it has a very special meaning because we were there 2000 years ago when our blessed Savior, Jesus, hung on that Cross. Our sins put him there and died with Him that day. It symbolizes the shed blood that Christ gave willingly to redeem us from our sins. When we look at the Cross, it blares back into our face the blessed redemption that is in Jesus. Romans 3:23-26 (KJV) “23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”
Listen to the word of Sir Robert Anderson who wrote this powerful statement: “The Cross has shut up man to grace or judgment. It has broken down all ‘partition walls’ and left a world of naked sinners trembling on the brink of hell. Every effort to recover themselves is but a denial of their doom, and a denial too of the grace of God, which stoops to bring them blessing where they are and as they are.”
The Cross is humbling to say the least. It exposes the worthlessness of self-righteousness and exposes us to the true righteousness that can only give us eternal life through our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah 64:6 (KJV) “6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” It should have been you and me on that Cross. Thank God for this substitutionary atonement that was given through Jesus and His death on that cross.
We have only to sit more continually at the cross foot to be less troubled with our doubts and woes. We have but to see His sorrows, and our sorrows we shall be ashamed to mention; we have but to gaze into His wounds and heal our own. If we would live aright it must be by the contemplation of His death; if we would rise to dignity, it must be by considering His humiliation and His sorrow. Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) “2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Provisions from God!
If anyone really knows me they’ll be the first one to tell you I’m not big on any type of prosperity preaching. That’s not to say the Bible doesn’t teach us, to a certain point, that God can bless us way beyond our necessities. I believe the scriptures focus on God providing for our needs as opposed to our wants.
The thing that bothers me with this type of preaching is that there are so many of these preachers just trying to make a dollar for themselves. They tell the crowds that if they become a Christian and/or sow a seed into their ministry, then riches will follow. Monetary gain isn’t their only angle. They try to incorporate a life without any troubles as well.
The Bible doesn’t teach the above. It tells us that we may encounter many types of sorrow in this life, including suffering for Christ’s sake. Philippians 1:29 (KJV) “29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” 2 Timothy 3:12 (KJV) “12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” Just being a Believer may induce hardships and trials. 1 Peter 1:7 (KJV) “7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” If we can only preach and teach half-truths about God’s word, then aren’t we really lying? Nevertheless, I do want to testify about faithfulness in our stewardship.
I have been married for nearly 20 years. My wife and I were both raised in good Christian homes. Our parents instilled into us good, godly values as well as a good work ethic. I will be the first to tell you that God is amazing when we are faithful to Him with “our” finances and time.
Neither of our families would be considered rich. But, we’ve always been blessed with our needs always being met. We’ve always had lots of love for Jesus and for each other. In all the years my wife and I have been married, we have never had to ask our families for money, not even to co-sign a loan for us. When God blesses He does it in many different ways. It’s not always in a financial way. Matthew 6:32-33 (KJV) “32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
We have bought two homes and at least three new cars over the course of our marriage. Every time we made these purchases, we didn’t really know how we would make the payments. We did it on faith. The Lord has always seen fit to make a way for us to pay for these, sometimes even to the point of paying them off early. At just the right time, God would provide overtime, a new job or even a promotion!
About five years ago I needed a dependable work car but we didn’t want to spend a lot for one. God provided one for us with no cost!
Roughly two years ago we needed to make some home improvements. I signed a contract with a company to begin work on these projects. My wife came to me and asked how we would pay for the work as we didn’t have the money saved to do so. I told her we needed to have faith. One week later I was given a large sum of money which allowed us to pay cash for these much needed improvements!
Just a few weeks ago I had a friend of mine whose house had burned down. She and her family lost everything. Our finances had been tight over the last year as had everyone else’s. We hadn’t been able to be as free with our finances as we would have liked. I prayed about sending them some money. Even though we couldn’t afford it, I gave as I felt led by the Holy Spirit, wrote a check and put it in the mail.
Two hours later, believe it or not, I was given another large sum of money. These are just a few examples of monetary blessings because of faithfulness. The blessings of God are always greater than our meager idea of being faithful. The more faithful I am with my tithe to church or my personal time, the more blessings I’ve been given.
I believe that one of the toughest things for a Christian to give up is the love for his or her own money. I believe that at one time or another all Christians have fought the battle of becoming a cheerful giver. I want everyone to realize that there is nothing on this earth that belongs to us. We are borrowing it during our time here. Everything belongs to God. He blesses us with the opportunity to use it. Read what the Bible says about giving: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NIV) We serve an awesome Lord Jesus!!
Blessings from the Lord, however, shouldn’t be based on monetary gain. God showers us with blessings in so many different forms. We would be more than willing to give up all of our material possessions in order to keep our health, family and friends. These are the true blessings that God gives us while on this earth. Matthew 6:19-21 (ASV) “19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also.”
The thing that bothers me with this type of preaching is that there are so many of these preachers just trying to make a dollar for themselves. They tell the crowds that if they become a Christian and/or sow a seed into their ministry, then riches will follow. Monetary gain isn’t their only angle. They try to incorporate a life without any troubles as well.
The Bible doesn’t teach the above. It tells us that we may encounter many types of sorrow in this life, including suffering for Christ’s sake. Philippians 1:29 (KJV) “29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” 2 Timothy 3:12 (KJV) “12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” Just being a Believer may induce hardships and trials. 1 Peter 1:7 (KJV) “7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” If we can only preach and teach half-truths about God’s word, then aren’t we really lying? Nevertheless, I do want to testify about faithfulness in our stewardship.
I have been married for nearly 20 years. My wife and I were both raised in good Christian homes. Our parents instilled into us good, godly values as well as a good work ethic. I will be the first to tell you that God is amazing when we are faithful to Him with “our” finances and time.
Neither of our families would be considered rich. But, we’ve always been blessed with our needs always being met. We’ve always had lots of love for Jesus and for each other. In all the years my wife and I have been married, we have never had to ask our families for money, not even to co-sign a loan for us. When God blesses He does it in many different ways. It’s not always in a financial way. Matthew 6:32-33 (KJV) “32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
We have bought two homes and at least three new cars over the course of our marriage. Every time we made these purchases, we didn’t really know how we would make the payments. We did it on faith. The Lord has always seen fit to make a way for us to pay for these, sometimes even to the point of paying them off early. At just the right time, God would provide overtime, a new job or even a promotion!
About five years ago I needed a dependable work car but we didn’t want to spend a lot for one. God provided one for us with no cost!
Roughly two years ago we needed to make some home improvements. I signed a contract with a company to begin work on these projects. My wife came to me and asked how we would pay for the work as we didn’t have the money saved to do so. I told her we needed to have faith. One week later I was given a large sum of money which allowed us to pay cash for these much needed improvements!
Just a few weeks ago I had a friend of mine whose house had burned down. She and her family lost everything. Our finances had been tight over the last year as had everyone else’s. We hadn’t been able to be as free with our finances as we would have liked. I prayed about sending them some money. Even though we couldn’t afford it, I gave as I felt led by the Holy Spirit, wrote a check and put it in the mail.
Two hours later, believe it or not, I was given another large sum of money. These are just a few examples of monetary blessings because of faithfulness. The blessings of God are always greater than our meager idea of being faithful. The more faithful I am with my tithe to church or my personal time, the more blessings I’ve been given.
I believe that one of the toughest things for a Christian to give up is the love for his or her own money. I believe that at one time or another all Christians have fought the battle of becoming a cheerful giver. I want everyone to realize that there is nothing on this earth that belongs to us. We are borrowing it during our time here. Everything belongs to God. He blesses us with the opportunity to use it. Read what the Bible says about giving: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NIV) We serve an awesome Lord Jesus!!
Blessings from the Lord, however, shouldn’t be based on monetary gain. God showers us with blessings in so many different forms. We would be more than willing to give up all of our material possessions in order to keep our health, family and friends. These are the true blessings that God gives us while on this earth. Matthew 6:19-21 (ASV) “19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also.”
Can You Recognize a Christian?
I want to shed some light on this question. I’m not producing this writing to bring any type of judgment. The Lord will do that in His time. Let His Holy Word bring conviction upon our lives. No matter where this study takes us, always remember only God knows the heart of man and only He knows who has been saved through forgiveness and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
As I share the Gospel and witness to the lost, I ask many questions as I talk with people. Sometimes the Holy Spirit leads me to ask some point-blank questions such as, “Are you a Christian?” “Are you saved and born of God through Jesus?” Unfortunately, for the most part, I must show a distinction between these questions? Why?
The term “Christian” is used much too liberally in today’s world. So many believe they are somehow grandfathered in to Christianity. They don’t understand that to be a Christian is to have a personal relationship with Jesus. It is a saved person born of the spirit. The Christian should be seen as “set apart” from the world. The world should see your faith shine before men as we are called to be a peculiar people through Christ Jesus. Matthew 5:16 (NKJV) “16 Let your light (Jesus) so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Titus 2:11-14 (KJV) “11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
From time to time I am saddened as many tell me they “think” they are a Christian. RED FLAG! If you think you are a Christian then you have a problem. If you are saved, you know it.
Let’s look at the characteristics that should be true of a Christian, the things that the world and other Christians should see in and from us that blares, “I am a Christian!”
The Tests of This Fellowship. How can we really know that He has indeed saved us and that we are daily walking with Him in fellowship? John proposes a list of test questions to help us in determining both our sonship and fellowship. Let’s dive into 1 John!!
A. Do I conduct my life down here in view of the rapture? “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure” (3:3).
B. Do I continually dwell in sin? “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not; whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.…Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him, and he cannot sin, because he is born of God” (3:6, 9). “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not, but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not” (5:18). These verses, of course, do not teach sinless perfection. The Greek verbs are all in the present tense referring to the constant practices of sin. Thus, while we may not be sinless, John nevertheless states we should sin less.
C. Do I hate my spiritual brother? “If a man says, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar; for he that loveth not his brother, whom he hath seen, how can he love God, whom he hath not seen?” (4:20).
D. Do I desire to help my brother? (3:17).
E. Do I really love my brother? (4:7, 21). Here, of course, John is referring to real love! Biblical love may be defined as “unselfish concern for the welfare of another.”
F. Do I really love God? “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments” (5:2).
G. Do I enjoy a rapport with other servants of God? “We are of God. He that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. By this know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error” (4:6).
H. Am I plagued with constant fear? “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath punishment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love” (4:18).
I. Am I able to overcome the world? “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (5:4).
J. Can I recognize false doctrine when it comes my way? “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world” (4:1-3).
K. Am I straight on the deity of Christ? “Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God” (4:15). “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him” (5:1).
L. Am I straight on the work of Christ? (5:13, 20). This, then, is the twelve-question test given by John. If one fails the test, he should conclude: 1. I am not saved (or, more likely) 2. I need to get into the Word, pray, and grow in grace by serving the Master.
As I share the Gospel and witness to the lost, I ask many questions as I talk with people. Sometimes the Holy Spirit leads me to ask some point-blank questions such as, “Are you a Christian?” “Are you saved and born of God through Jesus?” Unfortunately, for the most part, I must show a distinction between these questions? Why?
The term “Christian” is used much too liberally in today’s world. So many believe they are somehow grandfathered in to Christianity. They don’t understand that to be a Christian is to have a personal relationship with Jesus. It is a saved person born of the spirit. The Christian should be seen as “set apart” from the world. The world should see your faith shine before men as we are called to be a peculiar people through Christ Jesus. Matthew 5:16 (NKJV) “16 Let your light (Jesus) so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Titus 2:11-14 (KJV) “11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
From time to time I am saddened as many tell me they “think” they are a Christian. RED FLAG! If you think you are a Christian then you have a problem. If you are saved, you know it.
Let’s look at the characteristics that should be true of a Christian, the things that the world and other Christians should see in and from us that blares, “I am a Christian!”
The Tests of This Fellowship. How can we really know that He has indeed saved us and that we are daily walking with Him in fellowship? John proposes a list of test questions to help us in determining both our sonship and fellowship. Let’s dive into 1 John!!
A. Do I conduct my life down here in view of the rapture? “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure” (3:3).
B. Do I continually dwell in sin? “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not; whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.…Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him, and he cannot sin, because he is born of God” (3:6, 9). “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not, but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not” (5:18). These verses, of course, do not teach sinless perfection. The Greek verbs are all in the present tense referring to the constant practices of sin. Thus, while we may not be sinless, John nevertheless states we should sin less.
C. Do I hate my spiritual brother? “If a man says, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar; for he that loveth not his brother, whom he hath seen, how can he love God, whom he hath not seen?” (4:20).
D. Do I desire to help my brother? (3:17).
E. Do I really love my brother? (4:7, 21). Here, of course, John is referring to real love! Biblical love may be defined as “unselfish concern for the welfare of another.”
F. Do I really love God? “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments” (5:2).
G. Do I enjoy a rapport with other servants of God? “We are of God. He that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. By this know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error” (4:6).
H. Am I plagued with constant fear? “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath punishment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love” (4:18).
I. Am I able to overcome the world? “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (5:4).
J. Can I recognize false doctrine when it comes my way? “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world” (4:1-3).
K. Am I straight on the deity of Christ? “Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God” (4:15). “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him” (5:1).
L. Am I straight on the work of Christ? (5:13, 20). This, then, is the twelve-question test given by John. If one fails the test, he should conclude: 1. I am not saved (or, more likely) 2. I need to get into the Word, pray, and grow in grace by serving the Master.
A Trueness with One’s Self!
Wow! Isn’t it amazing how time and circumstances can change a person? It can even induce a wonderful trueness with one’s self founded in Christ Jesus. Yes, the carnal man (woman) found in us wants to fight with the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. Which one will win that daily battle? It will depend on the one that is fed the most! We as believers must continue to starve that flesh (the carnality) and feed the spirit of God that dwells within us. If a Believer is found walking in the spirit, why does it then sometimes require time and circumstance to drive the individual to that trueness founded in Jesus? It shouldn’t!! Let us be found assaulting that carnality. My friends don’t wait until time and circumstance dictate your faithfulness. Remember who you are in the Lord and serve Him with a whole- heart all the time. Let time, our problems and trials strengthen our faith and establish the fulfillment of our faith. Give God ALL the praise and glory!!
Galatians 5:15-18 (KJV) “15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.”
Galatians 5:15-18 (KJV) “15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.”
Perfect will
Being out of God's perfect will. For the believer this is most dangerous. For the lost, it is God's will for all to come to Christ Jesus. Yet, many will reject Jesus and God's perfect will. They will lose their souls because of this rejecti...on. The lost must be born again through the Spirit. Sin will always be sin in the eyes of God for He never changes. Sin will always drive a wedge between us and God, which includes the Christian. Remember, God has a permissive side to His will. It comes by having sin in our lives, through choice. For this disobedience it will cost the believer much. For the lost it will cost them their souls.
Mark 12:29 (KJV) “29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
Now how do we know what the will of God is? I believe we must first put Christ first. Our hearts are then in tune to what His plan/will is for us. Romans 12:1,2 Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God present yo...urselves a living sacrifice to God, holy and acceptable, which is your spiritual act of worship. And do not be conformed any longer to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
We must then be willing to surrender to the will. God does show us but still gives us our free will. Remember Jonah not wanting to go Nineveh. It is the refusal to submit that leads us astray and away from His will.
When we delight ourselfs in the Lord He gives us the desires of our heart. But the thing to remember is we are delighting ourselfs in Him. He is becoming like us, He doesn't change. We are becoming like Him. His desires will now become our desires. Praise Him for who He is knowing His will for our life is the best.
Discernment is a utmost importance. Satan will attack on all sides. Remember God opens doors that no man can close and closes doors that no man can open. No matter what the will of God is for our life He has an example or advice for us to follow be it in His written Word or though a Christian brother or sister.
By FAITH and without forcing the doors to remain open one can be assured they are in His will.
Mark 12:29 (KJV) “29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
Now how do we know what the will of God is? I believe we must first put Christ first. Our hearts are then in tune to what His plan/will is for us. Romans 12:1,2 Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God present yo...urselves a living sacrifice to God, holy and acceptable, which is your spiritual act of worship. And do not be conformed any longer to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
We must then be willing to surrender to the will. God does show us but still gives us our free will. Remember Jonah not wanting to go Nineveh. It is the refusal to submit that leads us astray and away from His will.
When we delight ourselfs in the Lord He gives us the desires of our heart. But the thing to remember is we are delighting ourselfs in Him. He is becoming like us, He doesn't change. We are becoming like Him. His desires will now become our desires. Praise Him for who He is knowing His will for our life is the best.
Discernment is a utmost importance. Satan will attack on all sides. Remember God opens doors that no man can close and closes doors that no man can open. No matter what the will of God is for our life He has an example or advice for us to follow be it in His written Word or though a Christian brother or sister.
By FAITH and without forcing the doors to remain open one can be assured they are in His will.
God’s Will
People tell me all the time they would love to know God’s will for their lives. Of course, I give them scripture and try to do the best I can to help them understand all the aspects of His will.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 16:3 (KJV) “3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” Psalm 62:5 (KJV) ”5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.” Romans 12:2 (KJV) “2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” John 4:23-24 (KJV) “23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: FOR THE FATHER SEEKETH SUCH TO WORSHIP HIM. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4 (KJV) “4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”
I always start off with the following: Do you understand that God’s Holy Word tells us a lot about God’s will and what His will is for our lives? We must be obedient to the “knowns” of His will that lie within His Word. The Believer should already know what the Lord’s will is for their lives. It is surrendering to His will. Until we do that, God may never reveal to us the things in which we want to know about our lives. Obedience should be found at every intersection in a Christian’s walk.
Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) “6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Psalm 119:2 (KJV) “2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.” Deuteronomy 5:29 (KJV) “29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!”
The so-called mysteries of our lives will only be revealed through our personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus must be our first love!
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 16:3 (KJV) “3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” Psalm 62:5 (KJV) ”5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.” Romans 12:2 (KJV) “2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” John 4:23-24 (KJV) “23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: FOR THE FATHER SEEKETH SUCH TO WORSHIP HIM. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4 (KJV) “4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”
I always start off with the following: Do you understand that God’s Holy Word tells us a lot about God’s will and what His will is for our lives? We must be obedient to the “knowns” of His will that lie within His Word. The Believer should already know what the Lord’s will is for their lives. It is surrendering to His will. Until we do that, God may never reveal to us the things in which we want to know about our lives. Obedience should be found at every intersection in a Christian’s walk.
Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) “6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Psalm 119:2 (KJV) “2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.” Deuteronomy 5:29 (KJV) “29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!”
The so-called mysteries of our lives will only be revealed through our personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus must be our first love!
What does faith mean to you?
For the Believer, it means everything. 1 Corinthians 2:5 (KJV) “5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
Our faith must be founded in Christ Jesus, for He is the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) “2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Can we measure our faith in God? Maybe! We know strong faith is essential in representing the Lord. In Hebrews, there is a brief description of what faith is. Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) “1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” But, isn’t faith also our actions and our desire to serve in something that we believe strongly in? And that would Jesus Christ! It is complete trust, confidence, reliance and unquestioning belief in the Lord Jesus without proof or evidence.
Strong faith that lasts through all times, including bad times, will be achieved through obedience to God and His word. You can’t have one without the other. This obedience may be our measuring stick on how strong our faith really is.
We must strengthen our faith each and every day as we become more like Christ. We must continue with a faithful prayer life expecting and knowing that God will work in our lives. We should surround ourselves with fellow Believers and edify each other. We must grow by diving into God’s Word expecting to receive His Word for faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Romans 10:17 (KJV) “17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Always remember that Jesus is the Word was made flesh. John 1:14 (KJV) “14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
Our faith must be founded in Christ Jesus, for He is the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) “2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Can we measure our faith in God? Maybe! We know strong faith is essential in representing the Lord. In Hebrews, there is a brief description of what faith is. Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) “1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” But, isn’t faith also our actions and our desire to serve in something that we believe strongly in? And that would Jesus Christ! It is complete trust, confidence, reliance and unquestioning belief in the Lord Jesus without proof or evidence.
Strong faith that lasts through all times, including bad times, will be achieved through obedience to God and His word. You can’t have one without the other. This obedience may be our measuring stick on how strong our faith really is.
We must strengthen our faith each and every day as we become more like Christ. We must continue with a faithful prayer life expecting and knowing that God will work in our lives. We should surround ourselves with fellow Believers and edify each other. We must grow by diving into God’s Word expecting to receive His Word for faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Romans 10:17 (KJV) “17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Always remember that Jesus is the Word was made flesh. John 1:14 (KJV) “14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
Good Burdens!
All those people going somewhere, why have I never cared? These are lyrics from the song, “Give Me Your Eyes” sung by contemporary Christian artist Brandon Heath. What a statement these lyrics convey. Every day we see people, not only family, friends and co-workers, but strangers. All those people-do you really care? Are you ever convicted or have a burden for all of those people?
The Bible tells us that the Lord can relieve us of the burdens we carry. If we are not relieved then He gives us the strength to bear them. I tell you, as a Christian, there are some burdens I don’t believe the Lord is going to relieve.
Do you carry a burden for the poor, the sick, the lonely, the needy or even the Lost? I believe these are burdens the Lord expects us to carry in some capacity every day in our walk. If you do not have convictions or burdens for those, you may need to re-evaluate your relationship with Christ.
All through the scriptures, the Lord is telling us over and over to preach and teach salvation through Him. However, we stay complacent and do not demonstrate these acts that He commands.
The Psalmist proclaims the Lord’s salvation in Psalm 96:2, “Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.” (NIV)
The Similitudes in Matthew state: “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
Jesus proclaims the Great Commission, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” Matthew 18:19-20 (NIV)
The Bible tells us that the Lord can relieve us of the burdens we carry. If we are not relieved then He gives us the strength to bear them. I tell you, as a Christian, there are some burdens I don’t believe the Lord is going to relieve.
Do you carry a burden for the poor, the sick, the lonely, the needy or even the Lost? I believe these are burdens the Lord expects us to carry in some capacity every day in our walk. If you do not have convictions or burdens for those, you may need to re-evaluate your relationship with Christ.
All through the scriptures, the Lord is telling us over and over to preach and teach salvation through Him. However, we stay complacent and do not demonstrate these acts that He commands.
The Psalmist proclaims the Lord’s salvation in Psalm 96:2, “Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.” (NIV)
The Similitudes in Matthew state: “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
Jesus proclaims the Great Commission, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” Matthew 18:19-20 (NIV)
IS TIME ON YOUR SIDE!
I remember back to the days of being a young boy. For me it seemed as if time would never stop. The summers would last forever, until school started. Mom would always tell me that time would go by so much quicker the older I became. WOW, she was right! Now that I’m middle aged each day goes by like the blink of an eye. Our life here on earth is so short compared to time in general. Our life is like a vapor, here one second and gone the next. James 4:14 (NKJV) “14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” It’s like a grain of sand on the shores of God’s heavenly kingdom. I mention from time to time, that other than salvation time and family are the most important gifts that God gives us. Because once you lose these wonderful blessings they can’t be regained, at least not in the physical sense.
Our eternity is forever, our souls will never die. I realize if the Lord tarries long enough I’ll die. The Believer in Christ Jesus must die to truly start living. We are born twice (in the spirit and physical), to die once (physical) and the lost person is born once (physical), to die twice (in the spirit and physical). Everyone should be focused on the quality of their eternity, for we ALL will have quantity in eternity. Being saved through Jesus gives the believer this quality. Ephesians 2:8 (KJV) “8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Remaining lost and spending eternity in hell is not the quality a person should be looking for. The goal of any Christian should be to take as many with them to heaven as they can. When we get to Heaven we can rest from our labors. Christians don’t have the luxury of taking a day off from our faith. We are to work for the Lord 24-7 until His return. Matthew 5:16 (KJV) “16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Proverbs 11:30 (KJV) “30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.”
Time is running out! Time and death will always be the great equalizer for the present and future physical world, not for the eternal everlasting world. Eternity is forever and forever is a very long time. Where are you going to spend eternity? What kind of quality will you have, heaven or hell? Give God ALL the praise and glory!
Our eternity is forever, our souls will never die. I realize if the Lord tarries long enough I’ll die. The Believer in Christ Jesus must die to truly start living. We are born twice (in the spirit and physical), to die once (physical) and the lost person is born once (physical), to die twice (in the spirit and physical). Everyone should be focused on the quality of their eternity, for we ALL will have quantity in eternity. Being saved through Jesus gives the believer this quality. Ephesians 2:8 (KJV) “8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Remaining lost and spending eternity in hell is not the quality a person should be looking for. The goal of any Christian should be to take as many with them to heaven as they can. When we get to Heaven we can rest from our labors. Christians don’t have the luxury of taking a day off from our faith. We are to work for the Lord 24-7 until His return. Matthew 5:16 (KJV) “16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Proverbs 11:30 (KJV) “30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.”
Time is running out! Time and death will always be the great equalizer for the present and future physical world, not for the eternal everlasting world. Eternity is forever and forever is a very long time. Where are you going to spend eternity? What kind of quality will you have, heaven or hell? Give God ALL the praise and glory!
No perfect People!
There are no perfect people-just saved ones. However, as Believers, we should try our best to abstain from sinning. Born-again Christians are saints, priests and Children of God. We should not be considered as a sinner because we do not make sin a habit. We are all susceptible to sin. As long as we are in the flesh and Satan roams this earth that will be the case. This doesn’t mean we cannot live a victorious life in Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 (KJV) “57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
I realize from my own personal experience that we Believers in Jesus Christ should not abuse our grace and take advantage of our salvation, which is given to us by the Lord, God Almighty. Just because we are saved doesn’t give us the license to sin while living our lives. What was sin thousands of years ago is still sin today. Sin as always driven and will always drive a wedge between us and God. God doesn’t change. He is still holy. Only the moralistic views of a sinful society changes. No one will ever be perfect in their relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ. Yet, we must try our very best to live a holy life before God and the world of onlookers. We should always find ourselves remembering our first love-Jesus. We should desire to serve the Lord out of love and obedience with a whole heart.
John 8:7 (KJV) “7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”
1 John 1:8-10 (KJV) “8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
Romans 3:22-25 (KJV) “22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (mercy seat) through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission (forgiveness) of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;”
I realize from my own personal experience that we Believers in Jesus Christ should not abuse our grace and take advantage of our salvation, which is given to us by the Lord, God Almighty. Just because we are saved doesn’t give us the license to sin while living our lives. What was sin thousands of years ago is still sin today. Sin as always driven and will always drive a wedge between us and God. God doesn’t change. He is still holy. Only the moralistic views of a sinful society changes. No one will ever be perfect in their relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ. Yet, we must try our very best to live a holy life before God and the world of onlookers. We should always find ourselves remembering our first love-Jesus. We should desire to serve the Lord out of love and obedience with a whole heart.
John 8:7 (KJV) “7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”
1 John 1:8-10 (KJV) “8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
Romans 3:22-25 (KJV) “22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (mercy seat) through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission (forgiveness) of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;”
WHAT DRIVES A PERSON!
What drives a man or any person? Is it the desire for success? Riches? Popularity? Personal achievement?
I find myself driven by the desire to be completely submitted unto the Holy Spirit living in me. I believe that so many Christians today tend to forget what should be driving them. Matthew 6:19-20 (ASV) “19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:”
I believe there may be many times in an individual’s life when they may be given an opportunity to re-evaluate their relationship with Christ. I was given that opportunity. As my brother lay for two months on his back before he died, he too was given the chance to re-evaluate his relationship with his savior. Matthew 22:37-38 (KJV) “37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment.”
In I Corinthians 1:18-31, 2:1-16, 3:1-4 you will find Paul addressing the Corinthian church. Through the first part of this scripture, Paul is explaining that wisdom does not come from anything this world can teach. But, wisdom comes from our Heavenly Father and found in His gospel.
The second part of this scripture explains that there are three categories of man, in which everyone will fall into one of the categories: the unsaved, natural man; the saved but not growing, carnal man; the daily walking with God, spiritual man. Which category are you in?
My friends, be found seeking the spiritual man. Use godly wisdom and be driven by the Holy Spirit of God!! Will you make wise choices?
If you are not a believer, please remember this: we all are just a heartbeat away from eternity. It’s up to you to decide where you want to spend it. You may not be given the opportunity to accept salvation through the Lord in the last few hours of your life. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
So, make the choice, while you can. Decide to follow Christ. Lay down the ways of this world and pick up the ways of the Lord, God Almighty.
I find myself driven by the desire to be completely submitted unto the Holy Spirit living in me. I believe that so many Christians today tend to forget what should be driving them. Matthew 6:19-20 (ASV) “19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:”
I believe there may be many times in an individual’s life when they may be given an opportunity to re-evaluate their relationship with Christ. I was given that opportunity. As my brother lay for two months on his back before he died, he too was given the chance to re-evaluate his relationship with his savior. Matthew 22:37-38 (KJV) “37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment.”
In I Corinthians 1:18-31, 2:1-16, 3:1-4 you will find Paul addressing the Corinthian church. Through the first part of this scripture, Paul is explaining that wisdom does not come from anything this world can teach. But, wisdom comes from our Heavenly Father and found in His gospel.
The second part of this scripture explains that there are three categories of man, in which everyone will fall into one of the categories: the unsaved, natural man; the saved but not growing, carnal man; the daily walking with God, spiritual man. Which category are you in?
My friends, be found seeking the spiritual man. Use godly wisdom and be driven by the Holy Spirit of God!! Will you make wise choices?
If you are not a believer, please remember this: we all are just a heartbeat away from eternity. It’s up to you to decide where you want to spend it. You may not be given the opportunity to accept salvation through the Lord in the last few hours of your life. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
So, make the choice, while you can. Decide to follow Christ. Lay down the ways of this world and pick up the ways of the Lord, God Almighty.
LOVE YOUR WIVES!!
I have known my wife for nearly 24 years. Time passes so quickly! As we approach our 20th wedding anniversary, I can only think about just how much I love her. It seems like only yesterday that we met. I was 19 years old and can remember one day praying to God that He would send me the love of my life. Just a short time later, a little 17 year-old preacher’s daughter stepped into my world.
I still stand amazed that we can share such wonderful love. That is the epitome of marriage. Not one second of us being together have I ever worried about her faithfulness and love for me. Oh, the peace that this wonderful woman has brought into my life! Yes, we are like any other couple-we have our ups and downs but I do not take for granted the love we have for one another.
I realize that it is only by the grace of God that I have her. She is a wonderful mother to the child that we so longed for. I pray that my daughter inherits the great qualities and faithful service to Christ as I see in my wife while living out her faith in the Lord. It is such a blessing everyday to lay down our lives as a living sacrifice in the service of Jesus.
It saddens me by our society. The divorce rate is around 50% even within the body of Christ. I keep asking myself “why?” I don’t understand. I realize that Satan is after our families, wanting to destroy them. If he can destroy that institution, society will fall next. When society falls, nations will fall. Within our marriage, I believe the key to its success has always been serving the Lord faithfully and making Him first above all else. Everything else will fall in line-that includes marriages. The Lord must come first, even before our families.
Husbands, if I could give you any advice it would be this: seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Serve the Lord like there are no tomorrows for we aren’t promised the next breath. Love your wives because they will be your best friend throughout your time here on this earth. Remember, Jesus Christ should always be your first love! Ephesians 5:25 (KJV) “25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” Colossians 3:19 (KJV) “19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.”
I receive so much love, respect, encouragement and faithfulness through the woman that God has given me. Spend your time wisely.
Salvation is the most important gift that we have and is freely offered through Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son. Other than that, our families and our time are most important. They cannot be regained if lost during our earthly experience. Love Jesus, love family, love friends, love country, love well. Give God ALL the praise and glory!!
I still stand amazed that we can share such wonderful love. That is the epitome of marriage. Not one second of us being together have I ever worried about her faithfulness and love for me. Oh, the peace that this wonderful woman has brought into my life! Yes, we are like any other couple-we have our ups and downs but I do not take for granted the love we have for one another.
I realize that it is only by the grace of God that I have her. She is a wonderful mother to the child that we so longed for. I pray that my daughter inherits the great qualities and faithful service to Christ as I see in my wife while living out her faith in the Lord. It is such a blessing everyday to lay down our lives as a living sacrifice in the service of Jesus.
It saddens me by our society. The divorce rate is around 50% even within the body of Christ. I keep asking myself “why?” I don’t understand. I realize that Satan is after our families, wanting to destroy them. If he can destroy that institution, society will fall next. When society falls, nations will fall. Within our marriage, I believe the key to its success has always been serving the Lord faithfully and making Him first above all else. Everything else will fall in line-that includes marriages. The Lord must come first, even before our families.
Husbands, if I could give you any advice it would be this: seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Serve the Lord like there are no tomorrows for we aren’t promised the next breath. Love your wives because they will be your best friend throughout your time here on this earth. Remember, Jesus Christ should always be your first love! Ephesians 5:25 (KJV) “25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” Colossians 3:19 (KJV) “19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.”
I receive so much love, respect, encouragement and faithfulness through the woman that God has given me. Spend your time wisely.
Salvation is the most important gift that we have and is freely offered through Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son. Other than that, our families and our time are most important. They cannot be regained if lost during our earthly experience. Love Jesus, love family, love friends, love country, love well. Give God ALL the praise and glory!!
Our Ministry!
I believe as Christians we sometimes get caught up in our own little world. We forget about the service and responsibility that we have through our faith. Sometimes we get caught up in our everyday lives forgetting what’s really important to the Lord. The Lord’s business is our business and it is His will that souls are saved. We cannot forget that. We should never think that it is just the responsibility of a few, like pastors, to be soul winners. The Bible says “the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few.” Luke 10:2 (KJV) “2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.”
If we are true Christians, true Believers, born of God and filled with the Holy Spirit, then this soul winning should be our number one concern. It saddens me to think there are lost opportunities even in my own life. All those people who have passed before our eyes are going somewhere. Either Heaven or Hell.
As Christians we have a witness, a testimony that needs to be shared with a lost and dying world. Although we all may not be called to preach, teach or pastor, we are all ministers for the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us be focused to minister through evangelism.
A man was asked once, “what drives you?” He answered, “I’m going to Heaven and I’m going to take as many with me as I can.” Such wise words!
Evangelize the gospel for Jesus Christ is that gospel. Don’t let any opportunities pass you by. Be bold for the Lord, Jesus Christ. Become that living sacrifice. Find someone to share the gospel with this very day whether it be family, friends or strangers. They are all going somewhere, sometime. To say that we are Christians and not care about the souls of others is hypocritical. If our stance is this position, then we should examine ourselves to see if we have Christ in us. 2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV) “5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?”
You will find at the very top of our job description that sharing the eternal truths of Jesus and His gospel is most important. We don’t have the luxury of taking a day off from faithful service, nor should we. We should live out our faith in the evangelism of Jesus and it’s a 24/7 position. We are saved to serve in the Lord’s ministry. Every member of the body of Christ is called unto service. Let’s ALL make a difference for His kingdom. Read Romans, chapters 15 and 16 when time allows.
Our faith requires soul winning. Proverbs 11:30 “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Are we not commanded by Christ to love one another? The best way we can demonstrate our love is to share the truth with everyone we come in contact with. That truth is Jesus and His gospel.
Give God all the praise and glory!
If we are true Christians, true Believers, born of God and filled with the Holy Spirit, then this soul winning should be our number one concern. It saddens me to think there are lost opportunities even in my own life. All those people who have passed before our eyes are going somewhere. Either Heaven or Hell.
As Christians we have a witness, a testimony that needs to be shared with a lost and dying world. Although we all may not be called to preach, teach or pastor, we are all ministers for the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us be focused to minister through evangelism.
A man was asked once, “what drives you?” He answered, “I’m going to Heaven and I’m going to take as many with me as I can.” Such wise words!
Evangelize the gospel for Jesus Christ is that gospel. Don’t let any opportunities pass you by. Be bold for the Lord, Jesus Christ. Become that living sacrifice. Find someone to share the gospel with this very day whether it be family, friends or strangers. They are all going somewhere, sometime. To say that we are Christians and not care about the souls of others is hypocritical. If our stance is this position, then we should examine ourselves to see if we have Christ in us. 2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV) “5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?”
You will find at the very top of our job description that sharing the eternal truths of Jesus and His gospel is most important. We don’t have the luxury of taking a day off from faithful service, nor should we. We should live out our faith in the evangelism of Jesus and it’s a 24/7 position. We are saved to serve in the Lord’s ministry. Every member of the body of Christ is called unto service. Let’s ALL make a difference for His kingdom. Read Romans, chapters 15 and 16 when time allows.
Our faith requires soul winning. Proverbs 11:30 “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Are we not commanded by Christ to love one another? The best way we can demonstrate our love is to share the truth with everyone we come in contact with. That truth is Jesus and His gospel.
Give God all the praise and glory!
The Door to Your Heart!
We can never forget about the importance of God’s sovereignty. He is the Boss. He has complete control. He has supreme power and dominion over this earth and everything that dwells therein. Deuteronomy 4:39 (KJV) “39 Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.” Jude 1:25 (KJV) “25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”
Totally powerful and totally in control-we are putty in the Creator’s hands. Acts 17:24 (KJV) “24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;” Matthew 6:13 (KJV) “13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” Psalm 135:6 (KJV) “6 Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.”
He only can open and close the doors in our lives. We, as Believers in Christ, can find ourselves out of God’s will when we don’t use these doors of life properly. If God opens a door for us and we don’t go through it, we will be out of His will while serving our own purpose rather than His. The same is true if God has a door closed and we continually try to open it. In God’s time He will open and close the doors-not in our time. Either way we are out of His will.
Yes, God is in control of the Prince of the Air and the Prince of the Earth-Satan himself. He allows Satan to have these titles. Many people ask me why doesn’t God just do away with Satan altogether. Wouldn’t it be a better place to live? I believe it actually comes down to love, for God is love. Most importantly, He demonstrated it by sending His only begotten Son to die for the sins of the world. However, giving us freewill and choice is also how He shows His love for us. If you take Satan out of the equation, you take freewill and choice away from humanity.
Presently, we have a choice between good and evil, God and Satan, salvation and damnation. Sure, God could have made us all love Him from the very start. Do you want people to love you because you make them do so or do you want them to choose to love you? I believe that freewill or choice is one of the greatest inherited traits that we receive from Father God.
Although we may not understand why things happen, we must come to the understanding that there is an unseen hand of God. This is the providence of God. Sometimes we may never see the effects of why things happen in our lives but we know that all things work together for good to them that love God. Romans 8:28 (KJV) “28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
When we try to step through doors that are not opened yet or don’t go through the doors that God has opened, we step into the permissive will of God. God’s permissive will is far from being in God’s perfect will, in which we all should strive for. We do this out of disobedience and sinfulness. Sometimes, we don’t even realize it. All through the scriptures we find examples of this.
Let’s look at the nation of Israel. After being led out of Egypt by Moses, God opened the door for them. They were to step into the Promised Land. But they did not. It cost them 40 years of wandering in the wilderness because of their disobedience. The people of Israel also cried out for a king. They wanted to be like all the other nations of the world. God did not want them to have a king. This door was closed. Israel stepped into the permissive will of God. As they were given kings, they had nothing but problems, pain and suffering ever since thereafter.
Sometimes, when God opens a door, we run the other way rather than go through it. God will grab us by the seat of our pants and throw us through it anyway. Look at Jonah. God told him to go to Nineveh and preach the word of God. Jonah got on a boat traveling in the opposite direction. This act of disobedience cost him three days in the belly of a fish. He wound up going to Nineveh anyway.
How do we know when the doors are opened or closed in our lives? It comes with trusting the Lord and turning to God’s wisdom. Think about the word “trust”. Trust is having enough reliability, faith and hope that no matter what happens our Savior will come through for us. We must rely on God’s wisdom! How can we define this wisdom that we receive from God? It is showing discernment through the leading of the Holy Spirit while abiding with faithfulness in God’s Holy Word. Job 28:28 (KJV) “28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear (respectful reverence) of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”
For my lost friends, Jesus is knocking at a door right now. That door is your heart. The choice is yours. If you feel you have a void in your life and need it filled, open the door of your heart and allow the Holy Spirit to come in and experience salvation through Jesus Christ, the Lord! Revelation 3:20 (KJV) “20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” John 10:7-9 (KJV) “7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” Give God ALL the praise and glory!!
Totally powerful and totally in control-we are putty in the Creator’s hands. Acts 17:24 (KJV) “24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;” Matthew 6:13 (KJV) “13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” Psalm 135:6 (KJV) “6 Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.”
He only can open and close the doors in our lives. We, as Believers in Christ, can find ourselves out of God’s will when we don’t use these doors of life properly. If God opens a door for us and we don’t go through it, we will be out of His will while serving our own purpose rather than His. The same is true if God has a door closed and we continually try to open it. In God’s time He will open and close the doors-not in our time. Either way we are out of His will.
Yes, God is in control of the Prince of the Air and the Prince of the Earth-Satan himself. He allows Satan to have these titles. Many people ask me why doesn’t God just do away with Satan altogether. Wouldn’t it be a better place to live? I believe it actually comes down to love, for God is love. Most importantly, He demonstrated it by sending His only begotten Son to die for the sins of the world. However, giving us freewill and choice is also how He shows His love for us. If you take Satan out of the equation, you take freewill and choice away from humanity.
Presently, we have a choice between good and evil, God and Satan, salvation and damnation. Sure, God could have made us all love Him from the very start. Do you want people to love you because you make them do so or do you want them to choose to love you? I believe that freewill or choice is one of the greatest inherited traits that we receive from Father God.
Although we may not understand why things happen, we must come to the understanding that there is an unseen hand of God. This is the providence of God. Sometimes we may never see the effects of why things happen in our lives but we know that all things work together for good to them that love God. Romans 8:28 (KJV) “28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
When we try to step through doors that are not opened yet or don’t go through the doors that God has opened, we step into the permissive will of God. God’s permissive will is far from being in God’s perfect will, in which we all should strive for. We do this out of disobedience and sinfulness. Sometimes, we don’t even realize it. All through the scriptures we find examples of this.
Let’s look at the nation of Israel. After being led out of Egypt by Moses, God opened the door for them. They were to step into the Promised Land. But they did not. It cost them 40 years of wandering in the wilderness because of their disobedience. The people of Israel also cried out for a king. They wanted to be like all the other nations of the world. God did not want them to have a king. This door was closed. Israel stepped into the permissive will of God. As they were given kings, they had nothing but problems, pain and suffering ever since thereafter.
Sometimes, when God opens a door, we run the other way rather than go through it. God will grab us by the seat of our pants and throw us through it anyway. Look at Jonah. God told him to go to Nineveh and preach the word of God. Jonah got on a boat traveling in the opposite direction. This act of disobedience cost him three days in the belly of a fish. He wound up going to Nineveh anyway.
How do we know when the doors are opened or closed in our lives? It comes with trusting the Lord and turning to God’s wisdom. Think about the word “trust”. Trust is having enough reliability, faith and hope that no matter what happens our Savior will come through for us. We must rely on God’s wisdom! How can we define this wisdom that we receive from God? It is showing discernment through the leading of the Holy Spirit while abiding with faithfulness in God’s Holy Word. Job 28:28 (KJV) “28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear (respectful reverence) of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”
For my lost friends, Jesus is knocking at a door right now. That door is your heart. The choice is yours. If you feel you have a void in your life and need it filled, open the door of your heart and allow the Holy Spirit to come in and experience salvation through Jesus Christ, the Lord! Revelation 3:20 (KJV) “20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” John 10:7-9 (KJV) “7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” Give God ALL the praise and glory!!
Every Knee and Every Tongue!
I want to look at some of my favorite scripture. It’s found in Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Zooming in on the second chapter of the book, verses 1-11, this portion of the scripture is dealing with unity through humility and the humbled and exalted Christ. I want to emphasize just two verses in this section-verses 10 and 11. Philippians 2:1-11 (KJV) “1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
The one thing that stands out, blaring at me, is the key word every. Every is all inclusive. Every knee will bow before Jesus and every tongue confess that He is Lord. It doesn’t matter the point and time of death. It doesn’t matter when you died, if you’re in Heaven or Hell. Every one of us will scream out who Jesus Christ really is. What is important here is this: As Believers, we are willing to bow to Jesus and confess who He is right now. He is our savior and we should be found blaring from every roof top who Christ is.
For the Lost, they will proclaim this news from Hell. Those who refused Him will still bow in submission and fear in that horrible place.
So, it’s a matter of choice for all of us. If we choose to bow to Jesus and to confess Him as Lord while living on this earth then we become one of His. We become reconciled with Christ and have salvation. If one waits until after death to bow unto Jesus and to confess that He is Lord, this is called damnation. No one will get away from doing this. It seems to me it would be so much easier to those in this world to become a Christian because they are going to proclaim and pay homage to Jesus Christ anyway, even if they go to Hell.
2:10 In keeping with Jesus’ exaltation and power, one day every knee will bow before him. In heaven refers to the angels; on earth means all humanity; under the earth refers to the underworld—possibly to unsaved people who have died or to demons. Those who love Jesus will bow in adoration and worship; those who refused to acknowledge him will bow in submission and fear (see also Ephesians 4:9-10; Revelation 5:13). This will take place at Jesus’ second coming when the forces of evil will be completely defeated and God will form a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 19:20-21; 21:1).
Paul purposely quoted Isaiah 45:23 here and in Romans 14:11. In so doing, he applied those powerful words to Jesus Christ. Isaiah, proclaiming the unique greatness of God, had said that the same God who would not share his glory with another would receive the homage of every living being. Paul equated that position of God with Jesus’ preeminent lordship. John 5:22-23 says that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Again Jesus’ true deity and oneness with the Father are revealed.
2:11 Every tongue will confess the basic truth of Christianity: Jesus Christ is Lord. This does not mean that eventually everyone will be saved. Every tongue in heaven, on earth, and under the earth will recognize Jesus as Lord, either because of belief or because of mere acknowledgment of the undisputable fact. No tongue will be silent; no knee will remain unbowed. All of creation will recognize Jesus Christ as Lord.
Give God ALL the Praise and glory!!!!
The one thing that stands out, blaring at me, is the key word every. Every is all inclusive. Every knee will bow before Jesus and every tongue confess that He is Lord. It doesn’t matter the point and time of death. It doesn’t matter when you died, if you’re in Heaven or Hell. Every one of us will scream out who Jesus Christ really is. What is important here is this: As Believers, we are willing to bow to Jesus and confess who He is right now. He is our savior and we should be found blaring from every roof top who Christ is.
For the Lost, they will proclaim this news from Hell. Those who refused Him will still bow in submission and fear in that horrible place.
So, it’s a matter of choice for all of us. If we choose to bow to Jesus and to confess Him as Lord while living on this earth then we become one of His. We become reconciled with Christ and have salvation. If one waits until after death to bow unto Jesus and to confess that He is Lord, this is called damnation. No one will get away from doing this. It seems to me it would be so much easier to those in this world to become a Christian because they are going to proclaim and pay homage to Jesus Christ anyway, even if they go to Hell.
2:10 In keeping with Jesus’ exaltation and power, one day every knee will bow before him. In heaven refers to the angels; on earth means all humanity; under the earth refers to the underworld—possibly to unsaved people who have died or to demons. Those who love Jesus will bow in adoration and worship; those who refused to acknowledge him will bow in submission and fear (see also Ephesians 4:9-10; Revelation 5:13). This will take place at Jesus’ second coming when the forces of evil will be completely defeated and God will form a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 19:20-21; 21:1).
Paul purposely quoted Isaiah 45:23 here and in Romans 14:11. In so doing, he applied those powerful words to Jesus Christ. Isaiah, proclaiming the unique greatness of God, had said that the same God who would not share his glory with another would receive the homage of every living being. Paul equated that position of God with Jesus’ preeminent lordship. John 5:22-23 says that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Again Jesus’ true deity and oneness with the Father are revealed.
2:11 Every tongue will confess the basic truth of Christianity: Jesus Christ is Lord. This does not mean that eventually everyone will be saved. Every tongue in heaven, on earth, and under the earth will recognize Jesus as Lord, either because of belief or because of mere acknowledgment of the undisputable fact. No tongue will be silent; no knee will remain unbowed. All of creation will recognize Jesus Christ as Lord.
Give God ALL the Praise and glory!!!!
O DEATH WHERE IS THY STING?
The strong and powerful try to defy it. The busy try to ignore it. The suffering often long for it. The masses fear it. Death is the final door of earthly experience, which all of us, regardless of gender, race, social status, wealth or intellect must enter.
When I was a child I rarely ever thought about death. As a young man, I felt as if I would live forever. Now, that I am middle-aged, I think about death quite often. I believe the only reason I think about death as often as I do, is because I realize I must die to be present with my Lord. Second Corinthians 5:8 says, “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” (KJV)
Death will eventually come our way. Hebrews 9:27 tells us, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” (KJV) However, there were only two people that the scriptures mention that did not have to go through a physical death-Enoch and Elijah. Even Jesus had to go through physical death. If you are a Christian, you will only participate in one death if the Lord tarries for we have victory over the grave! The saved person is born twice (one physical the other in the spirit) to die only once (physical). The lost person is born once (physical) to only die twice (physically and spiritually). Unfortunately, for the lost, that second spiritual death will cost them eternal separation from God, in the lake of fire forever.
It is only because of sin that our life expectancy on this earth has diminished. In the Old Testament we find people living up to 969 years, as Methuselah did. There is always a price that must be paid for sin. Thank God for the Believer for our sins are covered by the blood of the Lamb. We must still suffer with physical death and it cannot be escaped.
With being a Christian, there comes hope because we realize there is something better that is waiting for us after the physical death. Let’s look at what Paul has to say when it comes to the subject of death and hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 states, “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (KJV)
As you can read at the beginning of this text, Paul is explicit in saying, “…even as others, which have no hope.” Who are the “others”? They are the lost. If you die without Christ Jesus there is no hope or Heaven! We are to understand that having Jesus as our savior is rewarded even at death. Suffering and death will never compare to the glorification we’ll have in Christ after death. Romans 8:17-25 (KJV) “17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
So far, in my life, I have been in the presence of two of my loved ones when they took their last breath on this earth. It was not easy but it was a privilege. One was my grandmother and the second one was my brother. As I approach the second anniversary of my brother’s death, I remember back to being under much conviction at the time of his passing. There is no doubt I failed in being a loving brother and a whole hearted Christian. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for such convictions!
There are so many things that are important to us as we spend time on this earth. The number one item that should always be on our list is seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness and making Christ Jesus your first love! Our time here on earth is so very short. We must remember that God gives us two things that once lost, cannot be regained: time and family. Spend your time wisely through God’s intervention.
O Death where is thy Sting? 1 Corinthians 15:55 (KJV) “55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” Give God ALL the praise and glory!
When I was a child I rarely ever thought about death. As a young man, I felt as if I would live forever. Now, that I am middle-aged, I think about death quite often. I believe the only reason I think about death as often as I do, is because I realize I must die to be present with my Lord. Second Corinthians 5:8 says, “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” (KJV)
Death will eventually come our way. Hebrews 9:27 tells us, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” (KJV) However, there were only two people that the scriptures mention that did not have to go through a physical death-Enoch and Elijah. Even Jesus had to go through physical death. If you are a Christian, you will only participate in one death if the Lord tarries for we have victory over the grave! The saved person is born twice (one physical the other in the spirit) to die only once (physical). The lost person is born once (physical) to only die twice (physically and spiritually). Unfortunately, for the lost, that second spiritual death will cost them eternal separation from God, in the lake of fire forever.
It is only because of sin that our life expectancy on this earth has diminished. In the Old Testament we find people living up to 969 years, as Methuselah did. There is always a price that must be paid for sin. Thank God for the Believer for our sins are covered by the blood of the Lamb. We must still suffer with physical death and it cannot be escaped.
With being a Christian, there comes hope because we realize there is something better that is waiting for us after the physical death. Let’s look at what Paul has to say when it comes to the subject of death and hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 states, “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (KJV)
As you can read at the beginning of this text, Paul is explicit in saying, “…even as others, which have no hope.” Who are the “others”? They are the lost. If you die without Christ Jesus there is no hope or Heaven! We are to understand that having Jesus as our savior is rewarded even at death. Suffering and death will never compare to the glorification we’ll have in Christ after death. Romans 8:17-25 (KJV) “17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
So far, in my life, I have been in the presence of two of my loved ones when they took their last breath on this earth. It was not easy but it was a privilege. One was my grandmother and the second one was my brother. As I approach the second anniversary of my brother’s death, I remember back to being under much conviction at the time of his passing. There is no doubt I failed in being a loving brother and a whole hearted Christian. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for such convictions!
There are so many things that are important to us as we spend time on this earth. The number one item that should always be on our list is seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness and making Christ Jesus your first love! Our time here on earth is so very short. We must remember that God gives us two things that once lost, cannot be regained: time and family. Spend your time wisely through God’s intervention.
O Death where is thy Sting? 1 Corinthians 15:55 (KJV) “55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” Give God ALL the praise and glory!
Examine Ourselves!
We can make just about anything legalistic in society, can’t we? Let’s look at the Sadducees and Pharisees in Jesus’ day. They distorted the Old Testament Law and made it even more legalistic than it really was. Jesus did not like that way of thinking at all. Of course, we now know that the Law could not truly ever be kept. Thank you God, for your GRACE! Ephesians 2:8 (KJV) “8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”
What about sinfulness? As Believers, shouldn’t we be living a holy life before God? Shouldn’t we separate ourselves from sinfulness? Of course, the answer is yes! We should always be found seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness (or doing right before God) in our lives. Our righteousness is like filthy rags before the living God. Isaiah 64:6 (KJV) “6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Only through Jesus Christ and His righteousness we are made right before God.
So what is sin or sinfulness? We can define sin through the scriptures and the Old and New Testament commandments. They bring us to the knowledge of what is sinful and what sets the standard for morality. Keep in mind Christ gave us additional commandments. Not adhering to these would be just as sinful as not adhering to any of the others. Mark 12:29-31 (KJV) “29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
Christ did not come to do away with the law but to fulfill it. We know that any sin will drive a wedge between us and God no matter if we are saved or lost. We should confess any sin as soon as possible for the Lord is faithful to forgive us. True repentance comes by not returning to that sin.
Many people try to justify sin through moralistic (man redefining morals) societies and governments. People ask me from time to time about a specific issue and want to know if I think it is a sin. Of course, we always need to look at the scriptures. What if the subject matter is not so clear cut? However, I believe most sinfulness is clear cut. Let’s look at it this way: Do your actions or the way you live your life bring glory to the Lord? If Jesus Christ was physically living in our home, would He be embarrassed by what we are doing? These are the two questions we should ask ourselves when we are trying to rationalize anything that would be sinful in our lives.
Remember, once we are saved, we should start becoming more Christ-like every day. The Believer is continually going through the process that brings us more into His likeness daily. We should be shedding the “old man” and putting on the “new man”; becoming a new creature in Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) “17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
For me, I have a heart felt desire to become pleasing to God in everything that I do. We should not be judgmental but if you are a Believer, you should be a good “fruit inspector” and be found showing lots of discernment as you live your life out. The World should see us separate from them; without compromising our faith. If we find ourselves acting, looking, smelling and tasting like the world, then we may be of the world and not of God.
Let us ALL examine ourselves before the holy, true and righteous God and make sure we have Christ in us. Psalm 26:2 (KJV) “2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.” 2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV) “5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?”
To God be the glory forever!
What about sinfulness? As Believers, shouldn’t we be living a holy life before God? Shouldn’t we separate ourselves from sinfulness? Of course, the answer is yes! We should always be found seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness (or doing right before God) in our lives. Our righteousness is like filthy rags before the living God. Isaiah 64:6 (KJV) “6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Only through Jesus Christ and His righteousness we are made right before God.
So what is sin or sinfulness? We can define sin through the scriptures and the Old and New Testament commandments. They bring us to the knowledge of what is sinful and what sets the standard for morality. Keep in mind Christ gave us additional commandments. Not adhering to these would be just as sinful as not adhering to any of the others. Mark 12:29-31 (KJV) “29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
Christ did not come to do away with the law but to fulfill it. We know that any sin will drive a wedge between us and God no matter if we are saved or lost. We should confess any sin as soon as possible for the Lord is faithful to forgive us. True repentance comes by not returning to that sin.
Many people try to justify sin through moralistic (man redefining morals) societies and governments. People ask me from time to time about a specific issue and want to know if I think it is a sin. Of course, we always need to look at the scriptures. What if the subject matter is not so clear cut? However, I believe most sinfulness is clear cut. Let’s look at it this way: Do your actions or the way you live your life bring glory to the Lord? If Jesus Christ was physically living in our home, would He be embarrassed by what we are doing? These are the two questions we should ask ourselves when we are trying to rationalize anything that would be sinful in our lives.
Remember, once we are saved, we should start becoming more Christ-like every day. The Believer is continually going through the process that brings us more into His likeness daily. We should be shedding the “old man” and putting on the “new man”; becoming a new creature in Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) “17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
For me, I have a heart felt desire to become pleasing to God in everything that I do. We should not be judgmental but if you are a Believer, you should be a good “fruit inspector” and be found showing lots of discernment as you live your life out. The World should see us separate from them; without compromising our faith. If we find ourselves acting, looking, smelling and tasting like the world, then we may be of the world and not of God.
Let us ALL examine ourselves before the holy, true and righteous God and make sure we have Christ in us. Psalm 26:2 (KJV) “2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.” 2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV) “5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?”
To God be the glory forever!
Why Do God’s People Suffer?
This is one of the hardest questions that anyone can ask. As Believers, we must totally accept and trust the sovereignty of God. He is in control-not us. And, He knows best because His will shall be done. Sometimes we forget about the providence of God-this unseen hand working in our lives to serve His purpose and not our own. A good example of this is when a person becomes ill and they miss an important job interview. Perhaps, the Lord was protecting them from a serious car accident. We must remember that all things work together for good to those who serve the Lord. Romans 8:28 (KJV) “28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Believers ask this question (to ourselves) all the time. Many answers can be given. Do we suffer because God is chastising us? I would like a nickel for every time God took me to the wood shed. Job suffered, yet it was not a result of his personal sin. On the other hand, sin and being disobedient can indeed be the cause of our trials. Always remember not all of our sufferings and trials are a result of our own personal sin. Although we are saints, children of God, we will always have the inherited sin nature. This sin nature came by way of Adam. Because of this one man, sin entered into the world. Don’t ever think your sin doesn’t effect others, because it does. We may not have to suffer a spiritual death because we are saved but we will have to suffer a physical death because of this sin nature. Romans 5:12 says, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" We read in Romans 3:23 that ALL HAVE SINNED and come short of the glory of God. Why do we suffer? We suffer because we are sinners by nature, yet born of the Spirit and saved by God grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!
Suffering may be clearly the result of the sin nature we all have and it is no respecter of persons. The rain falls on the just and the unjust. Matthew 5:45 (KJV) “45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”
Sometimes our suffering is allowed so it can be used to either test or enhance our faith. Job’s faith is tested by Satan: Job 1:12 (KJV) 12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. Satan is the king of sufferings! 1 Peter 1:7 (KJV) “7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” James 1:3 (KJV) “3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” 1 Peter 5:8-9 (KJV) “8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”
God never did promise us that tribulations wouldn’t come our way! John 16:33 (KJV) “33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Job 23:9-12 (KJV) “9 On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: 10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. 11 My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. 12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Psalm 34:17-19 (KJV) “17 The righteous cry,and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. 18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” What a testimony we have as Believers that we demonstrate to the world when God has led us through these times of suffering. They can be used to bring glory to our Father.
Let’s remember that there is plenty of scripture teaching us that Believers will suffer and endure persecution for the Lord’s sake. This occurs because we are Christians and we are serving the Lord’s purpose. There has always been persecution and we are not excluded from this. Philippians 1:29 (KJV) “29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” Acts 9:16 (KJV) “16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.” 1 Corinthians 4:12 (KJV) “12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:” James 5:10 (KJV) “10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.” Hebrews 11:25 (KJV) “25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;” 1 Peter 5:10 (KJV) “10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
Thank the Lord God we have comfort, strength, refuge, joy and hope in our times of suffering. Let our problems and trials strengthen our faith and establish the fulfillment of our faith. Give God ALL the praise and glory!! John 16:22 (KJV) “22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.” Psalm 55:22 (KJV) “22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (KJV) “3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” Psalm 46:1 (KJV) “1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” 2 Corinthians 1:3 (KJV) “3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;” Romans 5:11 (KJV)“11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” Titus 2:13 (KJV)“13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Jeremiah 17:7 (KJV)“7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.”
God’s Grace is Sufficient!
Let’s continue to study on why God’s people suffer. The late, great Adrian Rogers quoted this one time:
“We have to remember that this world bears the curse of sin, and we live in it. Therefore, pain is a part of human existence. But notice that God said to Adam, “Cursed is the ground for thy sake.” (Gen. 3:17), not “for thy punishment.” Pain and heartache are God’s gifts to tell us something is wrong.”
Pastor Rogers also taught how pain can be a gift:
“In the same way that physical pain tells us that we need to see a doctor, emotional or spiritual pain crowd us toward Christ and give us a heavenly perspective, according to Romans 8:18. Without some “thorns” in our nest, we would get comfortable on this old sinful earth and never seek the Lord. As God’s people, we are not citizens of earth on our way to heaven. We are citizens of heaven sojourning for a time on earth.”
Since he discussed Adam and Eve in Genesis, let’s remain there for a while. After creating everything including man, God looked upon it and saw that it was very good. Genesis 1:31 (KJV) “31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.”
In the beginning, humanity was on good terms with God. It was only after Adam and Eve sinned that the world was cursed. Therefore, what we see is that God didn’t curse them; they cursed themselves. Because of sin’s predictable course, God merely voiced the consequences of their actions in prophetic terms. Humanity can also be considered a part of the world’s curse. We need not ever blame God as many do because people suffer (including Christians). Ultimately, we have done it to ourselves for God is holy and remains holy. We can track suffering everything back to sin and sin back to Satan. Although our suffering may not be a result of personal sin, it may be a result of someone else’s sin and it can always be tracked back to Adam. Tracked back to our sinful nature.
In Genesis 3:19 Adam is told that there will be physical death. Genesis 3:19 (KJV) “19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” Satan lies to Eve. Genesis 3:4-5 (KJV) “4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”
With physical death, suffering is inevitable. It all came down to sin. This punishment of death and certain suffering coincides with the sin nature that all the descendants of Adam have. In Genesis 3:11-13, we see Adam blaming Eve and Eve blaming the serpent. Genesis 3:11-13 (KJV) “11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? 12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.”
Neither of them admitted their transgressions or sought forgiveness. Instead, they shifted the blame. Would things had been different had they sought the Lord’s forgiveness? We will never know.
Don’t forget about the Apostle Paul and his writings. We know he may be considered on of, if not, the greatest Christians to ever walk the face of the earth yet he suffered with a “thorn” in his flesh. 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (KJV) “7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Although it is not clearly known what the thorn was, he suffered immensely with it. The Lord told Paul that His grace would be sufficient to help him deal with this issue. We must always keep this in mind, regardless of our trials, God’s grace is always sufficient. When we suffer, as Believers, we suffer as Christ did and we suffer with Him that we may also be glorified together. Romans 8:17-25 (KJV) “17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Believers ask this question (to ourselves) all the time. Many answers can be given. Do we suffer because God is chastising us? I would like a nickel for every time God took me to the wood shed. Job suffered, yet it was not a result of his personal sin. On the other hand, sin and being disobedient can indeed be the cause of our trials. Always remember not all of our sufferings and trials are a result of our own personal sin. Although we are saints, children of God, we will always have the inherited sin nature. This sin nature came by way of Adam. Because of this one man, sin entered into the world. Don’t ever think your sin doesn’t effect others, because it does. We may not have to suffer a spiritual death because we are saved but we will have to suffer a physical death because of this sin nature. Romans 5:12 says, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" We read in Romans 3:23 that ALL HAVE SINNED and come short of the glory of God. Why do we suffer? We suffer because we are sinners by nature, yet born of the Spirit and saved by God grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!
Suffering may be clearly the result of the sin nature we all have and it is no respecter of persons. The rain falls on the just and the unjust. Matthew 5:45 (KJV) “45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”
Sometimes our suffering is allowed so it can be used to either test or enhance our faith. Job’s faith is tested by Satan: Job 1:12 (KJV) 12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. Satan is the king of sufferings! 1 Peter 1:7 (KJV) “7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” James 1:3 (KJV) “3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” 1 Peter 5:8-9 (KJV) “8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”
God never did promise us that tribulations wouldn’t come our way! John 16:33 (KJV) “33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Job 23:9-12 (KJV) “9 On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: 10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. 11 My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. 12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Psalm 34:17-19 (KJV) “17 The righteous cry,and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. 18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” What a testimony we have as Believers that we demonstrate to the world when God has led us through these times of suffering. They can be used to bring glory to our Father.
Let’s remember that there is plenty of scripture teaching us that Believers will suffer and endure persecution for the Lord’s sake. This occurs because we are Christians and we are serving the Lord’s purpose. There has always been persecution and we are not excluded from this. Philippians 1:29 (KJV) “29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” Acts 9:16 (KJV) “16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.” 1 Corinthians 4:12 (KJV) “12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:” James 5:10 (KJV) “10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.” Hebrews 11:25 (KJV) “25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;” 1 Peter 5:10 (KJV) “10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
Thank the Lord God we have comfort, strength, refuge, joy and hope in our times of suffering. Let our problems and trials strengthen our faith and establish the fulfillment of our faith. Give God ALL the praise and glory!! John 16:22 (KJV) “22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.” Psalm 55:22 (KJV) “22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (KJV) “3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” Psalm 46:1 (KJV) “1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” 2 Corinthians 1:3 (KJV) “3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;” Romans 5:11 (KJV)“11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” Titus 2:13 (KJV)“13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Jeremiah 17:7 (KJV)“7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.”
God’s Grace is Sufficient!
Let’s continue to study on why God’s people suffer. The late, great Adrian Rogers quoted this one time:
“We have to remember that this world bears the curse of sin, and we live in it. Therefore, pain is a part of human existence. But notice that God said to Adam, “Cursed is the ground for thy sake.” (Gen. 3:17), not “for thy punishment.” Pain and heartache are God’s gifts to tell us something is wrong.”
Pastor Rogers also taught how pain can be a gift:
“In the same way that physical pain tells us that we need to see a doctor, emotional or spiritual pain crowd us toward Christ and give us a heavenly perspective, according to Romans 8:18. Without some “thorns” in our nest, we would get comfortable on this old sinful earth and never seek the Lord. As God’s people, we are not citizens of earth on our way to heaven. We are citizens of heaven sojourning for a time on earth.”
Since he discussed Adam and Eve in Genesis, let’s remain there for a while. After creating everything including man, God looked upon it and saw that it was very good. Genesis 1:31 (KJV) “31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.”
In the beginning, humanity was on good terms with God. It was only after Adam and Eve sinned that the world was cursed. Therefore, what we see is that God didn’t curse them; they cursed themselves. Because of sin’s predictable course, God merely voiced the consequences of their actions in prophetic terms. Humanity can also be considered a part of the world’s curse. We need not ever blame God as many do because people suffer (including Christians). Ultimately, we have done it to ourselves for God is holy and remains holy. We can track suffering everything back to sin and sin back to Satan. Although our suffering may not be a result of personal sin, it may be a result of someone else’s sin and it can always be tracked back to Adam. Tracked back to our sinful nature.
In Genesis 3:19 Adam is told that there will be physical death. Genesis 3:19 (KJV) “19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” Satan lies to Eve. Genesis 3:4-5 (KJV) “4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”
With physical death, suffering is inevitable. It all came down to sin. This punishment of death and certain suffering coincides with the sin nature that all the descendants of Adam have. In Genesis 3:11-13, we see Adam blaming Eve and Eve blaming the serpent. Genesis 3:11-13 (KJV) “11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? 12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.”
Neither of them admitted their transgressions or sought forgiveness. Instead, they shifted the blame. Would things had been different had they sought the Lord’s forgiveness? We will never know.
Don’t forget about the Apostle Paul and his writings. We know he may be considered on of, if not, the greatest Christians to ever walk the face of the earth yet he suffered with a “thorn” in his flesh. 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (KJV) “7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Although it is not clearly known what the thorn was, he suffered immensely with it. The Lord told Paul that His grace would be sufficient to help him deal with this issue. We must always keep this in mind, regardless of our trials, God’s grace is always sufficient. When we suffer, as Believers, we suffer as Christ did and we suffer with Him that we may also be glorified together. Romans 8:17-25 (KJV) “17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
The Straying Lamb!
I don’t believe there is any Christian that hasn’t strayed from the Lord at one time or another in their walk. I promise you, Jesus is searching for His lost sheep. Luke 15:3-7 (ASV) “3 And he (Jesus) spake unto them this parable, saying, 4 What man of you, having a hundred sheep, and having lost one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and his neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 I say unto you, that even so there shall be joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine righteous persons, who need no repentance.”
The stronger our desire is in seeking God and His righteousness, the closer God will move to us. The Lost are titled as “sinners” for a reason: they live with a desire to sin; they live to satisfy the flesh. We, Believers, must remember who we are: children of the Living God. We are saints and our objective should be to obey and serve the Lord with a whole heart. This doesn’t mean that we are not susceptible to sin. We do not live with a desire to sin.
I have been in a backslidden condition myself. Was I out living a sinful lifestyle? The answer is “no”! But the Lord knew where my heart was. He knew I was not serving Him with a whole heart.
Sin will always be sin in the eyes of God for He never changes. Sin will always drive a wedge between us and God, which includes the Christian. He is holy and cannot be a part of sin. Even when we find ourselves not living faithfully for the Lord, I believe we are still sinning. Mark 12:29-31 (KJV) “29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
I don’t believe any true Christian will remain out of the will of God and in a backslidden condition for their entire life. The prodigal Believer will return to the Father in God’s time. If the person never returns, it is possible they may not have been saved in the first place.
I believe the problem arises when we let the pressures and busyness of the world drag us back into the flesh when we should be serving the Lord and the Spirit. We forget about our first love-Jesus Christ. Revelation 2:4-5 (KJV) “4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love (Jesus). 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”
We must embrace the foot of the cross and remember who we are in Christ, the Lord. We have our salvation, sanctification and justification through Jesus. One day we will stand with a glorified body after death. Also, we must remember that even Believers will stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ, not to be misconstrued as the Great White Throne Judgment, which is for the Lost. We will give an account for what we have done in our lives after salvation whether it be good or bad. II Corinthians 5:10 we find, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he had done, whether it be good or bad.”
Personally, I let these thoughts convict me each and every day. Believers must start holding true to our own convictions and stop quenching the Holy Spirit from working in our lives. We truly miss out of so many blessings including truly living a fruitful, free life in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 (KJV) “16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
Always keep in mind: Men may help others draw closer to God and help them understand God but nobody does the work of God. Seek Him in your prayer life and ask the Holy Spirit to work through you.
The stronger our desire is in seeking God and His righteousness, the closer God will move to us. The Lost are titled as “sinners” for a reason: they live with a desire to sin; they live to satisfy the flesh. We, Believers, must remember who we are: children of the Living God. We are saints and our objective should be to obey and serve the Lord with a whole heart. This doesn’t mean that we are not susceptible to sin. We do not live with a desire to sin.
I have been in a backslidden condition myself. Was I out living a sinful lifestyle? The answer is “no”! But the Lord knew where my heart was. He knew I was not serving Him with a whole heart.
Sin will always be sin in the eyes of God for He never changes. Sin will always drive a wedge between us and God, which includes the Christian. He is holy and cannot be a part of sin. Even when we find ourselves not living faithfully for the Lord, I believe we are still sinning. Mark 12:29-31 (KJV) “29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
I don’t believe any true Christian will remain out of the will of God and in a backslidden condition for their entire life. The prodigal Believer will return to the Father in God’s time. If the person never returns, it is possible they may not have been saved in the first place.
I believe the problem arises when we let the pressures and busyness of the world drag us back into the flesh when we should be serving the Lord and the Spirit. We forget about our first love-Jesus Christ. Revelation 2:4-5 (KJV) “4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love (Jesus). 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”
We must embrace the foot of the cross and remember who we are in Christ, the Lord. We have our salvation, sanctification and justification through Jesus. One day we will stand with a glorified body after death. Also, we must remember that even Believers will stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ, not to be misconstrued as the Great White Throne Judgment, which is for the Lost. We will give an account for what we have done in our lives after salvation whether it be good or bad. II Corinthians 5:10 we find, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he had done, whether it be good or bad.”
Personally, I let these thoughts convict me each and every day. Believers must start holding true to our own convictions and stop quenching the Holy Spirit from working in our lives. We truly miss out of so many blessings including truly living a fruitful, free life in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 (KJV) “16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
Always keep in mind: Men may help others draw closer to God and help them understand God but nobody does the work of God. Seek Him in your prayer life and ask the Holy Spirit to work through you.
BE FOUND IN THE TRUTH!
Don’t kid yourself, the Lord knows the complete truth about you and your life. He knows where your heart lies. We all will stand before Him and give an account. The truth will set you free and will find you out. My friends, Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Let the truth of Him lead your life and be sanctified in God’s truth! John 14:6 (KJV) “6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 17:17-19 (KJV) “17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” Because God’s word is truth, it is ultimately real and not ephemeral, as opposed to all else, and liberates men. John 8:32 (KJV) “32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Satan and men lie and enslave. Romans 1:25 (KJV) “25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” Jesus is Savior because He is Truth incarnate. Ephesians 4:21 (KJV) “21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:” Now the Holy Spirit indwells believers, guiding them into all truth. 1 John 5:6 (KJV) “6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.” My friends be found in the truth and give God ALL the praise and glory! 3 John 1:3 (KJV) “3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.”
One Master!
Believers must remember that we, too, will be judged. In II Corinthians 5:10 we find, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he had done, whether it be good or bad.” (KJV)
Should the Lord return right now, could you as a Christian be able to stand before a righteous and Holy God and hear him say, “Well done thou good and faithful servant”? Would you have served Him not only in works but most importantly with a faithful, obedient heart while surrendering to His will and purpose each and every day? What will your rewards be after judgment day?
I must ask this question, “What kind of life are we really living as Christians?” Are you failing the test in your witness and lifestyle? Will He be well pleased with your actions and how you have presented His fruit while on earth? Will you have represented the title “Christian” fully?
If someone is a Christian, how then should they be living? If the Lord would come down from His throne and give you a scorecard on your personal walk with Him, would you make the grade?
Live your life faithfully for God and do everything for His sake. Your life shouldn’t have any regrets or “what ifs.” Matthew 22:37-38 (ASV) “37 And he (Jesus) said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment.”
Don’t be caught wondering what if I would have given everything to Jesus. Salvation is the first and most important step in your life. After surrendering to the Holy Spirit, you must make a choice of having Christ become the Lord of your life. The definition of Lord is, “a person having great power and authority; ruler and master. Jesus must be the one master you serve with all your heart. John 13:13 (KJV) “13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.”
Should the Lord return right now, could you as a Christian be able to stand before a righteous and Holy God and hear him say, “Well done thou good and faithful servant”? Would you have served Him not only in works but most importantly with a faithful, obedient heart while surrendering to His will and purpose each and every day? What will your rewards be after judgment day?
I must ask this question, “What kind of life are we really living as Christians?” Are you failing the test in your witness and lifestyle? Will He be well pleased with your actions and how you have presented His fruit while on earth? Will you have represented the title “Christian” fully?
If someone is a Christian, how then should they be living? If the Lord would come down from His throne and give you a scorecard on your personal walk with Him, would you make the grade?
Live your life faithfully for God and do everything for His sake. Your life shouldn’t have any regrets or “what ifs.” Matthew 22:37-38 (ASV) “37 And he (Jesus) said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment.”
Don’t be caught wondering what if I would have given everything to Jesus. Salvation is the first and most important step in your life. After surrendering to the Holy Spirit, you must make a choice of having Christ become the Lord of your life. The definition of Lord is, “a person having great power and authority; ruler and master. Jesus must be the one master you serve with all your heart. John 13:13 (KJV) “13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.”
DO YOU REMEMBER!
Do you remember being a child or maybe just being younger, when you thought certain people where heroes? But, often as adults, we loose our childlike faith to believe in heroes because most heroes end up with feet of clay. Most everyone has someone that has been an inspiration to them and what made that inspiration either a good or bad thing depends on what their basic beliefs are rooted in. Christians, as a rule, find inspiration in a belief system that is rooted and grounded in God’s love and grace. The people of the world are rooted in self-satisfaction where they do not deny themselves anything their heart desires and will get it by whatever means is available to them.
PLEASE, understand that first and foremost the Christian’s primary inspirations should be God’s Holy Word and the blessed Trinity, the Godhead of all humanity consisting of: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Colossians 2:8-10 (KJV) “8Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:”
If the Bible and Trinity are not your number one inspirations, there may be a problem in your spiritual walk. Let us NEVER forget the inspiration of Jesus Christ and may His influence inspire you to be all you can be in Him every day. “But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.” Job 32:8KJV “All inspiration is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” II Timothy 3:16KJV GIVE GOD ALL THE PRAISE AND GLORY!!
PLEASE, understand that first and foremost the Christian’s primary inspirations should be God’s Holy Word and the blessed Trinity, the Godhead of all humanity consisting of: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Colossians 2:8-10 (KJV) “8Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:”
If the Bible and Trinity are not your number one inspirations, there may be a problem in your spiritual walk. Let us NEVER forget the inspiration of Jesus Christ and may His influence inspire you to be all you can be in Him every day. “But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.” Job 32:8KJV “All inspiration is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” II Timothy 3:16KJV GIVE GOD ALL THE PRAISE AND GLORY!!
THE WRETCHED MAN I AM!
Sometimes I feel as though I am such a wretched man. I don’t deserve the love that God has bestowed upon me through His Son. I feel so undeserving to be able to share the gospel and it’s eternal truths. Thank the Lord Jesus that I am a changed man through my Savior. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) “17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Even though I know I am forgiven by God for my past and future transgressions, I let the thoughts of my past regrets emerge. I stand amazed by God’s grace and the faith I have in His only begotten Son. I believe the mind will never be able to comprehend God’s love to its fullest. I deserve eternal death, yet I am forgiven and saved to serve the Lord’s purpose.
If I could turn back time and start all over with my Christian faith, I could have done so much more. So many lost opportunities have departed me when I have quenched the Holy Spirit from working in my life. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 (ASV) “16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward. 19 Quench not the Spirit; 20 despise not prophesyings; 21 prove all things; hold fast that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil.” I know this is an attack from Satan, trying to plant doubts in my mind. These doubts come from the carnal man who is derived from sin. Satan is the master of sin.
I hate my flesh just as the Apostle Paul hated his. Romans 7:24 (KJV) “24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” It can only fail me. Praise God I have been set free through Jesus! Galatians 5:1 (ASV) “1 For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:13 (ASV) “13 For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another.” Free from the law and spiritual death. I battle back for the Holy Spirit lives in me. I will overcome the oppositions that are presented through my flesh and never fail to give God the glory.
I have been a born-again Christian for nearly 30 years. Regrettably, I’ve missed many opportunities to serve Jesus. I was found serving my selfish desires rather than the living God. I may not have been living a sinful lifestyle but that doesn’t mean I was serving the Lord with a whole heart. If we are not serving with our whole being, it is sin. Mark 12:29-31 (KJV) “29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
Sometimes in our walk of faith we may find ourselves either low in the valley or high on the mountain. My friends in Christ, if you are on top of God’s mountain reach down and lift up those that are found in the valley. Always remember to ask yourself these questions every morning: Where do I stand with my faith? Is my relationship with the Lord weak or strong? It’s not always important where you’ve been but rather where you are going and where you stand right now.
Serve the Lord with a whole heart faithfully every day. Remember, one day we will shed this flesh and step into a glorified body.
Give God the praise and glory.
Even though I know I am forgiven by God for my past and future transgressions, I let the thoughts of my past regrets emerge. I stand amazed by God’s grace and the faith I have in His only begotten Son. I believe the mind will never be able to comprehend God’s love to its fullest. I deserve eternal death, yet I am forgiven and saved to serve the Lord’s purpose.
If I could turn back time and start all over with my Christian faith, I could have done so much more. So many lost opportunities have departed me when I have quenched the Holy Spirit from working in my life. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 (ASV) “16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward. 19 Quench not the Spirit; 20 despise not prophesyings; 21 prove all things; hold fast that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil.” I know this is an attack from Satan, trying to plant doubts in my mind. These doubts come from the carnal man who is derived from sin. Satan is the master of sin.
I hate my flesh just as the Apostle Paul hated his. Romans 7:24 (KJV) “24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” It can only fail me. Praise God I have been set free through Jesus! Galatians 5:1 (ASV) “1 For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:13 (ASV) “13 For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another.” Free from the law and spiritual death. I battle back for the Holy Spirit lives in me. I will overcome the oppositions that are presented through my flesh and never fail to give God the glory.
I have been a born-again Christian for nearly 30 years. Regrettably, I’ve missed many opportunities to serve Jesus. I was found serving my selfish desires rather than the living God. I may not have been living a sinful lifestyle but that doesn’t mean I was serving the Lord with a whole heart. If we are not serving with our whole being, it is sin. Mark 12:29-31 (KJV) “29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
Sometimes in our walk of faith we may find ourselves either low in the valley or high on the mountain. My friends in Christ, if you are on top of God’s mountain reach down and lift up those that are found in the valley. Always remember to ask yourself these questions every morning: Where do I stand with my faith? Is my relationship with the Lord weak or strong? It’s not always important where you’ve been but rather where you are going and where you stand right now.
Serve the Lord with a whole heart faithfully every day. Remember, one day we will shed this flesh and step into a glorified body.
Give God the praise and glory.
True Joy and Hope!
Even for us believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we can falter in our relationship with our Heavenly Father. When we lose sight of the cross we must strive to seek our first love, who is Christ. Mark 12:29-31 (KJV) “29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
Let’s look at King David who was one of the greatest men written about in the Old Testament. Keep in mind that he was a righteous man; a man after God’s own heart. I dare say there isn’t any Christian alive today that could compete with David’s faithfulness in the Lord.
David came to a point in his relationship with God where he was only going through the motions because he let sin creep into his life. He let this sin rob him of the true joy and hope he had. When David came to himself and was convicted of his sin, he cried out for the restoration of the joy of God’s salvation. Psalm 51:12 (KJV) “12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”
Today, we may find ourselves going through the motions of our Christian walk. We can lose sight of many important things but it may not always be due to the sin in our lives. I remember a time in my life when I faced the news of my mother’s terminal cancer and my brother’s death within two weeks of each other. Although I was very unhappy, I found great joy and hope with my Lord. Sometimes our circumstances can induce a trueness with one’s self founded in Christ Jesus.
Let’s look at joy and happiness. Although these words have similar meanings there is a line drawn between them for the Believer. Even as Believers we won’t be happy all the time. Sometimes we may even find ourselves very unhappy. True joy, however, is totally different. It comes via the Lord. It’s founded in our salvation, assurance and justification in Christ. These things cannot be removed no matter the circumstances and that’s true joy! John 15:11 (KJV) “11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” Romans 5:11 (KJV) “11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” Romans 14:17 (KJV) “17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
The Believer will always have that true hope that is only found in Jesus. Society defines hope as possible chance. Biblically, hope is defined as blessed assurance, a secure confidence and this assurance, this confidence only comes via the Lord, Jesus Christ! Titus 2:13 (KJV) “13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Jeremiah 17:7 (KJV) “7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.” 1 Peter 1:13 (KJV) “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” Titus 3:7 (KJV) “That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:1 (KJV) “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;” 1 Peter 1:21 (KJV) “Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.”
So, my friend, keep up a strong prayer life for there is such power in prayer. Look towards your joy and hope for continued comfort. Seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness in all things. Give God all the glory and praise!
Let’s look at King David who was one of the greatest men written about in the Old Testament. Keep in mind that he was a righteous man; a man after God’s own heart. I dare say there isn’t any Christian alive today that could compete with David’s faithfulness in the Lord.
David came to a point in his relationship with God where he was only going through the motions because he let sin creep into his life. He let this sin rob him of the true joy and hope he had. When David came to himself and was convicted of his sin, he cried out for the restoration of the joy of God’s salvation. Psalm 51:12 (KJV) “12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”
Today, we may find ourselves going through the motions of our Christian walk. We can lose sight of many important things but it may not always be due to the sin in our lives. I remember a time in my life when I faced the news of my mother’s terminal cancer and my brother’s death within two weeks of each other. Although I was very unhappy, I found great joy and hope with my Lord. Sometimes our circumstances can induce a trueness with one’s self founded in Christ Jesus.
Let’s look at joy and happiness. Although these words have similar meanings there is a line drawn between them for the Believer. Even as Believers we won’t be happy all the time. Sometimes we may even find ourselves very unhappy. True joy, however, is totally different. It comes via the Lord. It’s founded in our salvation, assurance and justification in Christ. These things cannot be removed no matter the circumstances and that’s true joy! John 15:11 (KJV) “11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” Romans 5:11 (KJV) “11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” Romans 14:17 (KJV) “17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
The Believer will always have that true hope that is only found in Jesus. Society defines hope as possible chance. Biblically, hope is defined as blessed assurance, a secure confidence and this assurance, this confidence only comes via the Lord, Jesus Christ! Titus 2:13 (KJV) “13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Jeremiah 17:7 (KJV) “7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.” 1 Peter 1:13 (KJV) “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” Titus 3:7 (KJV) “That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:1 (KJV) “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;” 1 Peter 1:21 (KJV) “Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.”
So, my friend, keep up a strong prayer life for there is such power in prayer. Look towards your joy and hope for continued comfort. Seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness in all things. Give God all the glory and praise!
FAITH THAT BECOMES US!
What does faith mean to you? For the Believer, it means everything. We cannot put our faith in man or society and governments. They will always fail us. 1 Corinthians 2:5 (KJV) “5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
Our faith must be founded in Christ Jesus, for He is the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) “2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
It is by faith that the Lost will come unto salvation through the Lord Jesus. Ephesians 2:8 (KJV) “8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Philippians 3:9 (KJV) “9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” Romans 3:25 (KJV) “25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;” Romans 5:1 (KJV) “1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”
As a Believer, our faith defines who we are as we demonstrate our new found freedom in Christ with the world. Galatians 5:1 (ASV) “1 For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:13 (ASV) “13 For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another.”
How can we define faith? It is complete trust, confidence, reliance and unquestioning belief in the Lord Jesus without proof or evidence. God’s word also defines faith: Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) “1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Always remember that Jesus Christ is our blessed hope!
For the Lost, it may be hard to understand but for the Believer faith is the essence of their being. Believers or the Lost should not seek any proof, evidence, signs, wonders or miracles to assure them of their faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV) “7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)” We are established in Christ by faith alone. This would include seeking guidance from God. His will for our lives is to serve Him through His Son with obedience and relying on His Word for wisdom. We must learn to let the Holy Spirit lead for Satan can fool us if we are led by anything but.
We must strengthen our faith each and every day as we become more like Christ. We must continue with a faithful prayer life expecting God to work in our lives. We should surround ourselves with fellow Believers and edify each other. We must grow by diving into God’s Word expecting to receive His Word for faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Romans 10:17 (KJV) “17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Always remember that Jesus is the Word was made flesh. John 1:14 (KJV) “14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
One of the greatest examples of strong faith is Abraham from the Old Testament. Abraham is instructed to sacrifice his son Isaac to God. What a thought! Abraham was still faithful and was going to proceed until God stopped him. Let’s look about the faith of this man.
Earlier in his life, God had promised Abraham that he would be blessed and his descendants would be like the stars in the sky. Genesis 22:17 (ASV) “17 that in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heavens, and as the sand which is upon the seashore. And thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies.” He knew that somehow God would work everything out. Even if Abraham did sacrifice his beloved son, I believe he knew God could and would raise him from the dead.
As we look at Job we see a man that lost it all. Fortune, children, the respect of his wife and friends, his health. He lost it all yet his faith remained strong and God rewarded him later for his faithfulness. My friends, do not let the trials, tribulations and circumstances of your life dictate the faithfulness of your life. He has remained faithful to you. 1 Corinthians 1:9 (KJV) “9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” Hebrews 2:17 (KJV) “17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” Hebrews 10:23 (KJV) “23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;” Let your problems strengthen your faith and establish the fulfillment of your faith.
Be faithful to God and leave the consequences to Him. Give God ALL the praise and glory forever!!
Our faith must be founded in Christ Jesus, for He is the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) “2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
It is by faith that the Lost will come unto salvation through the Lord Jesus. Ephesians 2:8 (KJV) “8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Philippians 3:9 (KJV) “9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” Romans 3:25 (KJV) “25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;” Romans 5:1 (KJV) “1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”
As a Believer, our faith defines who we are as we demonstrate our new found freedom in Christ with the world. Galatians 5:1 (ASV) “1 For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:13 (ASV) “13 For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another.”
How can we define faith? It is complete trust, confidence, reliance and unquestioning belief in the Lord Jesus without proof or evidence. God’s word also defines faith: Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) “1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Always remember that Jesus Christ is our blessed hope!
For the Lost, it may be hard to understand but for the Believer faith is the essence of their being. Believers or the Lost should not seek any proof, evidence, signs, wonders or miracles to assure them of their faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV) “7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)” We are established in Christ by faith alone. This would include seeking guidance from God. His will for our lives is to serve Him through His Son with obedience and relying on His Word for wisdom. We must learn to let the Holy Spirit lead for Satan can fool us if we are led by anything but.
We must strengthen our faith each and every day as we become more like Christ. We must continue with a faithful prayer life expecting God to work in our lives. We should surround ourselves with fellow Believers and edify each other. We must grow by diving into God’s Word expecting to receive His Word for faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Romans 10:17 (KJV) “17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Always remember that Jesus is the Word was made flesh. John 1:14 (KJV) “14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
One of the greatest examples of strong faith is Abraham from the Old Testament. Abraham is instructed to sacrifice his son Isaac to God. What a thought! Abraham was still faithful and was going to proceed until God stopped him. Let’s look about the faith of this man.
Earlier in his life, God had promised Abraham that he would be blessed and his descendants would be like the stars in the sky. Genesis 22:17 (ASV) “17 that in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heavens, and as the sand which is upon the seashore. And thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies.” He knew that somehow God would work everything out. Even if Abraham did sacrifice his beloved son, I believe he knew God could and would raise him from the dead.
As we look at Job we see a man that lost it all. Fortune, children, the respect of his wife and friends, his health. He lost it all yet his faith remained strong and God rewarded him later for his faithfulness. My friends, do not let the trials, tribulations and circumstances of your life dictate the faithfulness of your life. He has remained faithful to you. 1 Corinthians 1:9 (KJV) “9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” Hebrews 2:17 (KJV) “17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” Hebrews 10:23 (KJV) “23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;” Let your problems strengthen your faith and establish the fulfillment of your faith.
Be faithful to God and leave the consequences to Him. Give God ALL the praise and glory forever!!
He is the BOSS!
We can never forget about the importance of God’s sovereignty. He is the Boss. He has complete control. He has supreme power and dominion over this earth and everything that dwells therein. Deuteronomy 4:39 (KJV) “39 Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.” Jude 1:25 (KJV) “25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”
Totally powerful and totally in control-we are putty in the Creator’s hands. Acts 17:24 (KJV) “24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;” Matthew 6:13 (KJV) “13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” Psalm 135:6 (KJV) “6 Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.”
He only can open and close the doors in our lives. We, as Believers in Christ, can find ourselves out of God’s will when we don’t use these doors of life properly. If God opens a door for us and we don’t go through it, we will be out of His will while serving our own purpose rather than His. The same is true if God has a door closed and we continually try to open it. In God’s time He will open and close the doors-not in our time. Either way we are out of His will.
Although we may not understand why things happen, we must come to the understanding that there is an unseen hand of God. This is the providence of God. Sometimes we may never see the effects of why things happen in our lives but we know that all things work together for good to them that love God. Romans 8:28 (KJV) “28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
When we try to step through doors that are not opened yet or don’t go through the doors that God has opened, we step into the permissive will of God. God’s permissive will is far from being in God’s perfect will, in which we all should strive for. We do this out of disobedience and sinfulness. Sometimes, we don’t even realize it.
How do we know when the doors are opened or closed in our lives? It comes with trusting the Lord and turning to God’s wisdom. Think about the word “trust”. Trust is having enough reliability, faith and hope that no matter what happens our Savior will come through for us. We must rely on God’s wisdom! How can we define this wisdom that we receive from God? It is showing discernment through the leading of the Holy Spirit while abiding with faithfulness in God’s Holy Word. Job 28:28 (KJV) “28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear (respectful reverence) of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”
For my lost friends, Jesus is knocking at a door right now. That door is your heart. The choice is yours. If you feel you have a void in your life and need it filled, open the door of your heart and allow the Holy Spirit to come in and experience salvation through Jesus Christ, the Lord! Revelation 3:20 (KJV) “20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” John 10:7-9 (KJV) “7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” Give God ALL the praise and glory!!
Totally powerful and totally in control-we are putty in the Creator’s hands. Acts 17:24 (KJV) “24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;” Matthew 6:13 (KJV) “13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” Psalm 135:6 (KJV) “6 Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.”
He only can open and close the doors in our lives. We, as Believers in Christ, can find ourselves out of God’s will when we don’t use these doors of life properly. If God opens a door for us and we don’t go through it, we will be out of His will while serving our own purpose rather than His. The same is true if God has a door closed and we continually try to open it. In God’s time He will open and close the doors-not in our time. Either way we are out of His will.
Although we may not understand why things happen, we must come to the understanding that there is an unseen hand of God. This is the providence of God. Sometimes we may never see the effects of why things happen in our lives but we know that all things work together for good to them that love God. Romans 8:28 (KJV) “28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
When we try to step through doors that are not opened yet or don’t go through the doors that God has opened, we step into the permissive will of God. God’s permissive will is far from being in God’s perfect will, in which we all should strive for. We do this out of disobedience and sinfulness. Sometimes, we don’t even realize it.
How do we know when the doors are opened or closed in our lives? It comes with trusting the Lord and turning to God’s wisdom. Think about the word “trust”. Trust is having enough reliability, faith and hope that no matter what happens our Savior will come through for us. We must rely on God’s wisdom! How can we define this wisdom that we receive from God? It is showing discernment through the leading of the Holy Spirit while abiding with faithfulness in God’s Holy Word. Job 28:28 (KJV) “28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear (respectful reverence) of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”
For my lost friends, Jesus is knocking at a door right now. That door is your heart. The choice is yours. If you feel you have a void in your life and need it filled, open the door of your heart and allow the Holy Spirit to come in and experience salvation through Jesus Christ, the Lord! Revelation 3:20 (KJV) “20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” John 10:7-9 (KJV) “7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” Give God ALL the praise and glory!!
Photos used under Creative Commons from James Jordan, tropicaLiving, abcdz2000, Nicholas_T, Hamed Saber
