Revelation 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love
As the world turns it seems so does the people of God. We have allowed our selves to become so entangled with the things and the ways of this world it is really hard to tell the difference between a child of God and a man of the world. God called us from among them, to be separated, to be in this world but not of this world, but somewhere along this journey we the people of God have lost focus to the things of heaven and have begun to settle and chase after the things of this world.
The word of God tells us that to be friends with this world is to be an enemy to God, but we seem to strive to fit into or conform to the things and ways of this world. We have adopted the worlds social structure, what I mean is the Christian way is the head takes care of the feet, but we have some feet which is taking care of the head. In the book of Hosea Ephraim was condemned for mingling with heathen nations, learning their works, and serving their idols. Ephraim was half baked and good for nothing He had lost his strength and didn't realize it for he was no longer connected to his power source. We must be careful not to get so mingled up with the things and ways of this world that we loose focus to the one that is our savior and our keeper. We cannot come unplugged from our power source.
We the people of God must be careful not to come unplugged from our power source. We must not seek the things which are earthy and began to seek those things which are heavenly and trust God to supply us with our earthly needs. Jesus said to seek ye first the kingdom of God, and the earthly things shall be added to us. Let us not be one thing with our mouth on Sunday mornings, and something totally different in our hearts the rest of the week.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Thursday, October 30, 2014
In Him Place Your Trust
2Chonicles 12:14 "And he did evil,because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord".
Here we have the sum of Rehoboam's life, he was not so bad as some,but he did evil in various ways, not so much from design as neglect. His heart was not thorough with the Lord, and he, himself,was not willingly consecrated to the worship and service of the true God. But many are like Rehoboam the unready, many whose hearts are not prepared to seek the Lord.
Rehoboam did evil because his heart was not prepared to seek God, so it in turn was seeking the things of the world. When we don't seek after the things of God, by default we chase after the things of this world. When you don't worship the true God, your heart is by default worshiping Idols that we have elevated to the high places of our lives. Jesus said if you are not for him you are against him, there is no in between. Let us prepare our hearts to seek the guidance and direction of the Lord Jesus through prayer and sacrifice. Let us with self denial give our hearts solely to the Lord. Let us confess our need for God in our whole life. Cry out to Him for help and wisdom. Surrender to His guidance, seeking to be right in all occasions by searching the scripture diligently and with prayer as to what we should do. Serving Him carefully and earnestly, leaving nothing to chance,being lead by His spirit, and obedient to His word.
Many fall by the way side because they are unprepared, they start off fine, but become distracted and lead astray chasing after the false riches of this world. Their hearts are not prepared to seek the Lord, so they follow godly advise from ungodly people,thus leading them to do ungodly things.Let us surround ourselves with the wisdom of the Lord by joining ourselves with the people of God. Have some prayer warriors in your life, not those that beg God for stuff, but those that worry God for change.Learn to cry out to God and He will learn the sound of your voice, and answer your prayers.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Stay The Course
2 Timothy 4:7 "I have Fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith".
We must keep moving forward, trials will come and sacrifices will be required, but we must stay the course. These test help us to build godly character. James wrote count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. It is the going through trials which helps in the perfecting us for this long journey home.
Jesus cautions us to count the cost of traveling this road, just as we would with any major endeavor. No man putting his hand to the plough and looking back is fit for God's kingdom. Jesus expects us to finish what we start. Just as a small child learns to walk, we may be wobbly at first, stumbling in this new way of life. The temptations and trials we face will sometimes cause us to stagger and fall. But remember that God the Father and Jesus Christ are there to comfort and help us each step of the way. Our job is to keep striving with God's help and to become mature Christians. Living God's way must always remain our priority. We must continually seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. There are some things that can help us stay the course through the many challenges we will encounter along the way. We must stay in prayer and continue in the study of God's word. Also fellowshipping with other true believers can be a tremendous encouragement in living our new lives dedicated to God. Jesus said not everybody who says Lord Lord will enter into His Kingdom, only those who do the will of the Father.
We are given a choice as to what we will do, but Jesus clearly expects that we do our part in remaining faithful to Him. We must produce fruit in our lives that is pleasing to God. Stay the course, we come to far to turn back now.
We must keep moving forward, trials will come and sacrifices will be required, but we must stay the course. These test help us to build godly character. James wrote count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. It is the going through trials which helps in the perfecting us for this long journey home.
Jesus cautions us to count the cost of traveling this road, just as we would with any major endeavor. No man putting his hand to the plough and looking back is fit for God's kingdom. Jesus expects us to finish what we start. Just as a small child learns to walk, we may be wobbly at first, stumbling in this new way of life. The temptations and trials we face will sometimes cause us to stagger and fall. But remember that God the Father and Jesus Christ are there to comfort and help us each step of the way. Our job is to keep striving with God's help and to become mature Christians. Living God's way must always remain our priority. We must continually seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. There are some things that can help us stay the course through the many challenges we will encounter along the way. We must stay in prayer and continue in the study of God's word. Also fellowshipping with other true believers can be a tremendous encouragement in living our new lives dedicated to God. Jesus said not everybody who says Lord Lord will enter into His Kingdom, only those who do the will of the Father.
We are given a choice as to what we will do, but Jesus clearly expects that we do our part in remaining faithful to Him. We must produce fruit in our lives that is pleasing to God. Stay the course, we come to far to turn back now.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
He Told Me To Run On
Galatians 5:7 "Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth"?
Here we have Paul praising the Galatians as he said "Ye did run well". It is great pleasure to see the called of God running well. To do this they must run on the right road, run straight forward, not turning to the right or the left, at top speed, with their eye on Christ. It is a great grief when such are hindered or put off the road. The way is the truth, and the running is obedience. Men are hindered when they cease to obey the truth. It is a great thing to find out who has hindered us in our race.
It is a good thing to be walking in the ways of God, but it is better to be running, making real and visible progress. Day by day advancing in knowledge and understanding of God and His word. The Christian race is by no means easy. We are hindered in running the race set before us because our sinful nature still remains regardless of how righteous we think we are.Because of the entanglements of the world, our weakness and infirmities, we soon tire but the race is long and the road is tough. Some are too busy to run, they hurry about the worldly things to much to run. Some run to fast at the beginning that they run themselves out of breath. We are also guilty of replacing the reading of God's word, with self help books about God's word. These tend to hide the word of God from our mind and we have no time to read the bible.
So don't let anything and anyone cause you to be disobedient, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily besets us and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, and run on to see what the ends going to bring.
Here we have Paul praising the Galatians as he said "Ye did run well". It is great pleasure to see the called of God running well. To do this they must run on the right road, run straight forward, not turning to the right or the left, at top speed, with their eye on Christ. It is a great grief when such are hindered or put off the road. The way is the truth, and the running is obedience. Men are hindered when they cease to obey the truth. It is a great thing to find out who has hindered us in our race.
It is a good thing to be walking in the ways of God, but it is better to be running, making real and visible progress. Day by day advancing in knowledge and understanding of God and His word. The Christian race is by no means easy. We are hindered in running the race set before us because our sinful nature still remains regardless of how righteous we think we are.Because of the entanglements of the world, our weakness and infirmities, we soon tire but the race is long and the road is tough. Some are too busy to run, they hurry about the worldly things to much to run. Some run to fast at the beginning that they run themselves out of breath. We are also guilty of replacing the reading of God's word, with self help books about God's word. These tend to hide the word of God from our mind and we have no time to read the bible.
So don't let anything and anyone cause you to be disobedient, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily besets us and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, and run on to see what the ends going to bring.
Monday, October 27, 2014
Ask and You Shall Receive
James 4:2b "Ye have not, because ye ask not"
There was once a father and his son on a camping trip. They were traveling on a ready made path to a camp ground. As they were making their way up the path a large rock blocked the path. The boy desiring to be his own man though he would move the rock. He gripped the rock on both sides and tried pushing the rock but it never moved. The boy told his father It won't move. His father told him he wasn't using all his strength, so the boy tried again pushing with everything he had, but the rock still didn't move. The boy said father I used all my strength and I just can't move it. The father said you haven't used all your strength, the boy a little upset now grab hold of the rock and pushed, sweat rolling down his face, yet the rock never moved. The boy said father I used all my strength and still the rock didn't move. His father looked at him and said you didn't use all your strength, because you never asked me to help.
There are many stumbling blocks that will sometimes block the path that God has called us to travel, and like the boy in our story many of us will get frustrated, change course or even give up because we try to move these obstacles by ourselves. But the Lord is our strength in our time of weakness. He says we have not because we ask not, He and He alone is our ever present help and our strength. God called us to this journey not for us to travel it alone but for us to lean and depend upon Him to carry us through. Let us call on the Lord to aid us in moving the mountains which hinder our journey, let us use all our strength. We can have if we ask and only believe.
There was once a father and his son on a camping trip. They were traveling on a ready made path to a camp ground. As they were making their way up the path a large rock blocked the path. The boy desiring to be his own man though he would move the rock. He gripped the rock on both sides and tried pushing the rock but it never moved. The boy told his father It won't move. His father told him he wasn't using all his strength, so the boy tried again pushing with everything he had, but the rock still didn't move. The boy said father I used all my strength and I just can't move it. The father said you haven't used all your strength, the boy a little upset now grab hold of the rock and pushed, sweat rolling down his face, yet the rock never moved. The boy said father I used all my strength and still the rock didn't move. His father looked at him and said you didn't use all your strength, because you never asked me to help.
There are many stumbling blocks that will sometimes block the path that God has called us to travel, and like the boy in our story many of us will get frustrated, change course or even give up because we try to move these obstacles by ourselves. But the Lord is our strength in our time of weakness. He says we have not because we ask not, He and He alone is our ever present help and our strength. God called us to this journey not for us to travel it alone but for us to lean and depend upon Him to carry us through. Let us call on the Lord to aid us in moving the mountains which hinder our journey, let us use all our strength. We can have if we ask and only believe.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Trust In The Lord
2 Corinthians 1:10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doeth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us".
Here we have yesterday, today and forever; as we consider the past , present and future, each one by itself. We may also view them in their relation to each other. Our text points out the delivering mercy of God as it is working out the safety of his people. God has and will continue to deliver all who calls upon the name of the Lord.
We know that the Lord will preserve us to the end, and thus we say "In whom we trust that he will yet deliver us". When we learn to trust in God, we will then know He is our deliverer.
Here we have yesterday, today and forever; as we consider the past , present and future, each one by itself. We may also view them in their relation to each other. Our text points out the delivering mercy of God as it is working out the safety of his people. God has and will continue to deliver all who calls upon the name of the Lord.
Now the text suggest three trains of thought, memories of deliverances in the past. delivered from the grips and death of sin. Deliverances in the present, by the hand of the Lord, from the unseen dangers of this life, and the constant and subtle assaults of Satan. Our present standing is solely due to the grace of God. With expectation let us look upon the future. Faith rest alone in God, in whom we trust, and through him we seek our future deliverance; from all future trails and tribulation. We know God will deliver us and it is in him we trust.
We know that the Lord will preserve us to the end, and thus we say "In whom we trust that he will yet deliver us". When we learn to trust in God, we will then know He is our deliverer.
Friday, October 24, 2014
Which Passes All Understanding
Matthew 11:28 " Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,and I will give you rest".
Jesus carries the heavy weight of all who rest in His peace.Jesus came to relieve the people of the sin and weight which so easily besets us. Jesus seeks to have a close intimate relationship with the believer, that He has a yoke that is not legalistic and wearying. He tenderly gives an invitation that offers relief, rest, and joy for the weary.
The invitation, Jesus said come to him, as He offers a different kind of yoke. Jesus is asking us to come to Him so that we could receive a well fitting yoke, one that is not a burden, but will bring us rest in His peace. Jesus yoke is tied to the grace of God and results in salvation, based on faith, and not on personal effort, we must only believe. Jesus wants those of us who follow him to throw off the yoke of legalism we were once hitched too, to quit worrying about our circumstances, and take on his yoke. To cast all of our cares, concerns, problems, and our circumstances on Him. Jesus' plan to lift the yoke off all who are shackled to their circumstances.
Jesus carries the heavy weight of all who rest in His peace.Jesus came to relieve the people of the sin and weight which so easily besets us. Jesus seeks to have a close intimate relationship with the believer, that He has a yoke that is not legalistic and wearying. He tenderly gives an invitation that offers relief, rest, and joy for the weary.
The invitation, Jesus said come to him, as He offers a different kind of yoke. Jesus is asking us to come to Him so that we could receive a well fitting yoke, one that is not a burden, but will bring us rest in His peace. Jesus yoke is tied to the grace of God and results in salvation, based on faith, and not on personal effort, we must only believe. Jesus wants those of us who follow him to throw off the yoke of legalism we were once hitched too, to quit worrying about our circumstances, and take on his yoke. To cast all of our cares, concerns, problems, and our circumstances on Him. Jesus' plan to lift the yoke off all who are shackled to their circumstances.
Jesus invites the weary to come to Him so they can experience a peace and rest for their souls. The key to experiencing this rest is having a right relationship with God. Something that can happen only if you have a personal relationship with Jesus. We all have responsibilities that drain us and wear us down. We can let the world drag us down its weary path, or we can join our lives with Jesus, who wants us to know that He's eager to have us in His yoke of care, guiding us, giving us help for our present needs, and assuring us that He has a plan for us that includes everlasting life.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
For He Cares
Hebrews 3:1 "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus:"
When you have a problem have you ever considered Jesus? Did you know he is a way out of no way, and a problem solver; When troubled or burdened, look to Jesus for He is an ever present help. When anxious, look to Jesus, He is a peace, which surpasses all understanding; In all you do look to Jesus the Christ our ever present help. Let Him be the head of your life, let Him govern your life.
Jesus is kind, and sympathetic, He wept for Lazarus, wept over Jerusalem, and He feels for all who are burden. He asked that we cast all our cares upon Him, for He cares for us. He is compassionate, He healed the leper, He looked upon the multitude with concern just before feeding them. He had mercy on the blind man who cried out to Him, and Jesus suffered and bled and died on the cross to save those without strength, sinners, and the enemies of God. He is our perfect example to follow. He is our teacher as He has set forth the perfect plan for salvation and life. Teaching us the way, the truth and the life desired of us from the Father. He is our Savior a perfect sacrifice for an imperfect people, for He provides flawless redemption. He is our High Priest, our advocate as He stands in the gap as our bridge over the troubled waters of sin leading us back to God, and observing and providing our every need.
So no matter what situation you find yourself in be it lost in darkness in danger of eternal damnation, or just struggling to go through the day, look to Christ Jesus Gods gift to all mankind, and our ever present help
When you have a problem have you ever considered Jesus? Did you know he is a way out of no way, and a problem solver; When troubled or burdened, look to Jesus for He is an ever present help. When anxious, look to Jesus, He is a peace, which surpasses all understanding; In all you do look to Jesus the Christ our ever present help. Let Him be the head of your life, let Him govern your life.
Jesus is kind, and sympathetic, He wept for Lazarus, wept over Jerusalem, and He feels for all who are burden. He asked that we cast all our cares upon Him, for He cares for us. He is compassionate, He healed the leper, He looked upon the multitude with concern just before feeding them. He had mercy on the blind man who cried out to Him, and Jesus suffered and bled and died on the cross to save those without strength, sinners, and the enemies of God. He is our perfect example to follow. He is our teacher as He has set forth the perfect plan for salvation and life. Teaching us the way, the truth and the life desired of us from the Father. He is our Savior a perfect sacrifice for an imperfect people, for He provides flawless redemption. He is our High Priest, our advocate as He stands in the gap as our bridge over the troubled waters of sin leading us back to God, and observing and providing our every need.
So no matter what situation you find yourself in be it lost in darkness in danger of eternal damnation, or just struggling to go through the day, look to Christ Jesus Gods gift to all mankind, and our ever present help
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Unworthy Of His Love
Hosea 3:1 Then said the Lord unto me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of her friend, yet an adulteress, according to the Lord toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love flagons of wine."
God's love for us is unconditional. He loves us in spite of, and Jesus tells us to love one another as He has loved us. We are to love each other regardless, not so much because of who we are, or who they are, but because of whose we claim belong to. Jesus died to save the whole world. All souls belong to Him and He shed just as much blood for the least of them as He did the greatest of them. None of us deserved the Love God bestowed upon us, yet He loved us anyway.
Nobody forces us to profess Christianity, so it is the profession of our own faith. So if we profess to be Christ like, we must live like Christ, and love like Christ loves. We must love even the worst of men, after all in Gods eyes at one time we were all the worst of men. We were all lost and in need of a savior, and all had come to Christ to be saved. None of us are worthy!
God's love for us is unconditional. He loves us in spite of, and Jesus tells us to love one another as He has loved us. We are to love each other regardless, not so much because of who we are, or who they are, but because of whose we claim belong to. Jesus died to save the whole world. All souls belong to Him and He shed just as much blood for the least of them as He did the greatest of them. None of us deserved the Love God bestowed upon us, yet He loved us anyway.
When I was lost , yet a sinner laying with the enemy and all he stood for, Christ loved me so much that He hung on a cross and died. But it didn't end there , on the third day morning He got up with all power in His hands that I might be raised to a new life with Him. He didn't stop there, He then sent His holy spirit to comfort me and show me all things that I might be a light in a dark world that others who are lost might be drawn to His marvelous light. Here in our text God tells Hosea to go marry a prostitute, He wanted Hosea to feel what He felt.In our story after Gomar was taken from a beautiful woman to a woman scared with the ugliness of sin. God told Hosea to go and buy her back and love her in spite of. When sin had taken us from the image and likeness of God, down to one born in sin and shaped in iniquity, God sent His only begotten Son to redeem us back to Him.
Nobody forces us to profess Christianity, so it is the profession of our own faith. So if we profess to be Christ like, we must live like Christ, and love like Christ loves. We must love even the worst of men, after all in Gods eyes at one time we were all the worst of men. We were all lost and in need of a savior, and all had come to Christ to be saved. None of us are worthy!
Monday, October 20, 2014
Our Day Is Coming
Mark 13:26 "And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory."
Jesus is coming back, and when Jesus returns to earth, He will return as our triumphant King, and all eyes will see him. Every knee will bow to him, and every tongue will confess that he is Lord. He is greater than anything on earth and anything occurring in the earth, so be not discouraged. He is our reigning Lord, Savior and conquering King. When Christ returns, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, as the true light will take center stage. Jesus the light of the world. Then they shall see the Son of man, in the clouds with great power and glory. Then he shall gather His elect from the four winds, from the uttermost parts of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
But until he returns, we have his Holy Spirit to comfort us, and his word to assure us. His word tells us to wait in hope of the Lord, he is our help and our shield . But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. We say to Him Lord guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long . So let us hold on for, we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is coming back again.
Sometimes it might seem hopeless as the wicked and evil of this world seems to always have the upper hand, but we must just wait on the Lord, for He and He alone is our refuge and our protection. He is coming back again.
Jesus is coming back, and when Jesus returns to earth, He will return as our triumphant King, and all eyes will see him. Every knee will bow to him, and every tongue will confess that he is Lord. He is greater than anything on earth and anything occurring in the earth, so be not discouraged. He is our reigning Lord, Savior and conquering King. When Christ returns, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, as the true light will take center stage. Jesus the light of the world. Then they shall see the Son of man, in the clouds with great power and glory. Then he shall gather His elect from the four winds, from the uttermost parts of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
But until he returns, we have his Holy Spirit to comfort us, and his word to assure us. His word tells us to wait in hope of the Lord, he is our help and our shield . But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. We say to Him Lord guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long . So let us hold on for, we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is coming back again.
Sometimes it might seem hopeless as the wicked and evil of this world seems to always have the upper hand, but we must just wait on the Lord, for He and He alone is our refuge and our protection. He is coming back again.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
We WalkBy Faith
Matthew 14:29 "And He said Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water to come to Jesus."
We walk by faith, it is a walk that cannot be seen by the physical eye or understood with the carnal mind. It is a walk where we don't see and believe, but we believe and see. It is a journey traveled uphill on a road paved with the promises of God, and we are guided by the truth of God's word.
In our story today we have what some would say is a impossible feat. We have Peter walking on the water toward Jesus. But understand, many today with the carnal mind believe this holy walk we have been called to is impossible. Peter desires to come to Christ, it is a great thing when we have a desire to come to the Lord. Christ told him to come. We must trust that when Christ calls us, that He will prepare and equip us to make the journey. Our Faith in Jesus allows us to walk on the waves of our life. Our faith in Jesus allows us to walk above the things and pit falls of this world. Our faith keeps us from being over taken and over whelmed by the things of the evil one. We must trust that we are being upheld by His everlasting arms.
But as we see, it was when Peter's focused was no longer on the strength he has in Jesus, in his own weakness he began to sink. But God is the Lord of mercy, Peter didn't sink like a rock, like most of us would have, Jesus allowed him to sink slow enough for him to be able to cry out "Lord save me". If you find yourself starting to sink in sin because of unbelief remember to cry out to Him who has the power to quiet any storm, and continue this walk of faith..
We walk by faith, it is a walk that cannot be seen by the physical eye or understood with the carnal mind. It is a walk where we don't see and believe, but we believe and see. It is a journey traveled uphill on a road paved with the promises of God, and we are guided by the truth of God's word.
In our story today we have what some would say is a impossible feat. We have Peter walking on the water toward Jesus. But understand, many today with the carnal mind believe this holy walk we have been called to is impossible. Peter desires to come to Christ, it is a great thing when we have a desire to come to the Lord. Christ told him to come. We must trust that when Christ calls us, that He will prepare and equip us to make the journey. Our Faith in Jesus allows us to walk on the waves of our life. Our faith in Jesus allows us to walk above the things and pit falls of this world. Our faith keeps us from being over taken and over whelmed by the things of the evil one. We must trust that we are being upheld by His everlasting arms.
But as we see, it was when Peter's focused was no longer on the strength he has in Jesus, in his own weakness he began to sink. But God is the Lord of mercy, Peter didn't sink like a rock, like most of us would have, Jesus allowed him to sink slow enough for him to be able to cry out "Lord save me". If you find yourself starting to sink in sin because of unbelief remember to cry out to Him who has the power to quiet any storm, and continue this walk of faith..
Friday, October 17, 2014
The Whole Truth
Acts.18:9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, be not afraid,but speak, and hold not thy peace:
It is only with the truth that man can be saved. We have been chosen by God to go out into a dying world and bear fruit, and fruit that will last. But many have fallen down on the job because they are afraid to tell the truth. It seems the world has us so concerned about not judging each other, that we have even stopped letting people know when they are doing wrong. There is a difference in me telling you that you are going the wrong direction and condeming you to Hell.
We have been instructed by Christ to tell a dying world the good news of salvation, and there are some things in this good news that people are not going to want to hear. After all nobody likes to be told they are wrong even if they know they are wrong. The wages of sin is still death, and it needs to be told. The unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God, and it needs to be told. No we are not called to say who is or is not righteous, we are just to proclaim the word of God and let the Holy Spirit convict the hearts and minds of the guilty and lead them to the gift of repentance. How can we truly profess to love Christ and let one He died for go astray without letting them know they are going the wrong direction. Let us in love and humility share the truths of the gospel and become more interested in winning souls than making friends.
In our story today Paul was going about teaching the word of God, and Jesus told Him not to fear, that He would be with him and He wouldn't allow any to hurt Him. We to have this same promise, go share the truth of Gods word without fear. Jesus is with us and no weapon form against us shall prosper, and if God leads us to the work He will equip with all we need to complete the task at hand. Just stand on the truth, the whole truth.
It is only with the truth that man can be saved. We have been chosen by God to go out into a dying world and bear fruit, and fruit that will last. But many have fallen down on the job because they are afraid to tell the truth. It seems the world has us so concerned about not judging each other, that we have even stopped letting people know when they are doing wrong. There is a difference in me telling you that you are going the wrong direction and condeming you to Hell.
We have been instructed by Christ to tell a dying world the good news of salvation, and there are some things in this good news that people are not going to want to hear. After all nobody likes to be told they are wrong even if they know they are wrong. The wages of sin is still death, and it needs to be told. The unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God, and it needs to be told. No we are not called to say who is or is not righteous, we are just to proclaim the word of God and let the Holy Spirit convict the hearts and minds of the guilty and lead them to the gift of repentance. How can we truly profess to love Christ and let one He died for go astray without letting them know they are going the wrong direction. Let us in love and humility share the truths of the gospel and become more interested in winning souls than making friends.
In our story today Paul was going about teaching the word of God, and Jesus told Him not to fear, that He would be with him and He wouldn't allow any to hurt Him. We to have this same promise, go share the truth of Gods word without fear. Jesus is with us and no weapon form against us shall prosper, and if God leads us to the work He will equip with all we need to complete the task at hand. Just stand on the truth, the whole truth.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Walking With The Lights Off!
Ephesians 5:11 "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them".
Directions on how to live in this world are very needful and God instructs us on how to live through His word. In this life we will constantly come in contact with the ungodly and the non- believers, it is unavoidable. But we are taught to not walk in their counsel, if it means becoming partakers of their evil deeds. Here in this text we have three truths mentioned, evil works are unfruitful; they are works of darkness; and they deserve reproof. We must have no fellowship with them in any manner.
What is forbidden? fellowship with the works of darkness. Now this fellowship can manifest its self in many ways. It can be by personally committing sins or by joining with others in doing wrong. It can come by teaching one to do wrong in word or by action. By constraining, commanding, or even tempting one to do wrong; by threat, request, or persuasion. We can provoke someone, or neglect to rebuke ones wrong doing at the start, leading them to think we are in agreement with their actions. We must be careful not to make sin feel welcome in our life, by our commending, defending and excusing the wrong already done, and fighting those who would expose, denounce and punish it. We must be careful not to tolerate even the smallest amount of wrong doing in our lives. We must be above any kind of reproach, not to let our good be evil spoken of , remember a little leaven corrupts the whole loaf.
We must reprove the ways of darkness and those who would walk in that darkness. We must declare its wrong, and our hatred of it, with conviction. We must reprove sin , convict hearts to convert souls to win the lost to Christ.A man lost in darkness will follow any one out of the darkness, who not only has a light but will turn it on. If you get comfortable in the darkness, you may never turn on the light to lead others out of the darkness. It is our duty to be clear of another man's sin; as a imitator of God and his child, and as one who has come out of the darkness into the marvelous light of the Lord.
Directions on how to live in this world are very needful and God instructs us on how to live through His word. In this life we will constantly come in contact with the ungodly and the non- believers, it is unavoidable. But we are taught to not walk in their counsel, if it means becoming partakers of their evil deeds. Here in this text we have three truths mentioned, evil works are unfruitful; they are works of darkness; and they deserve reproof. We must have no fellowship with them in any manner.
What is forbidden? fellowship with the works of darkness. Now this fellowship can manifest its self in many ways. It can be by personally committing sins or by joining with others in doing wrong. It can come by teaching one to do wrong in word or by action. By constraining, commanding, or even tempting one to do wrong; by threat, request, or persuasion. We can provoke someone, or neglect to rebuke ones wrong doing at the start, leading them to think we are in agreement with their actions. We must be careful not to make sin feel welcome in our life, by our commending, defending and excusing the wrong already done, and fighting those who would expose, denounce and punish it. We must be careful not to tolerate even the smallest amount of wrong doing in our lives. We must be above any kind of reproach, not to let our good be evil spoken of , remember a little leaven corrupts the whole loaf.
We must reprove the ways of darkness and those who would walk in that darkness. We must declare its wrong, and our hatred of it, with conviction. We must reprove sin , convict hearts to convert souls to win the lost to Christ.A man lost in darkness will follow any one out of the darkness, who not only has a light but will turn it on. If you get comfortable in the darkness, you may never turn on the light to lead others out of the darkness. It is our duty to be clear of another man's sin; as a imitator of God and his child, and as one who has come out of the darkness into the marvelous light of the Lord.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Take Out The Garbage
Matthew 5:30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into Hell."
He who loses his life shall save it, this is what Jesus told us. We must be willing to let go in order to hold on. Many are trying so hard to live a spiritual life by holding on to carnal things. But we must die to all that is carnal to live in all that is spiritual. God's word tells us we cannot serve two masters for you will deny one for the other. So choose ye this day whom you will serve.
Jesus says "if thy right hand offends thee cut it off and throw it away. We must rid ourselves of any and all things that hinders our walk with the Lord. Many are missing out on some of the great things God has for us because we won't let go and grab hold. We have things, people and situations in our lives that mean us no good, do us no good and bring us no good, yet we won't let them go. We hold on to beliefs, feelings, and thoughts that are in opposition to Gods word, which keeps us outside the will which God has for our life. Jesus said to not only separate yourself from that which offends you, but to also cast it from you, or throw it away. We can't separate ourselves from something yet keep it within reach where we will keep falling back to it or leaning on it. God wants us to lean and depend upon Him for all of our needs. He wants us to cast ALL our cares upon Him, no matter how big or how small.
He who loses his life shall save it, this is what Jesus told us. We must be willing to let go in order to hold on. Many are trying so hard to live a spiritual life by holding on to carnal things. But we must die to all that is carnal to live in all that is spiritual. God's word tells us we cannot serve two masters for you will deny one for the other. So choose ye this day whom you will serve.
Jesus says "if thy right hand offends thee cut it off and throw it away. We must rid ourselves of any and all things that hinders our walk with the Lord. Many are missing out on some of the great things God has for us because we won't let go and grab hold. We have things, people and situations in our lives that mean us no good, do us no good and bring us no good, yet we won't let them go. We hold on to beliefs, feelings, and thoughts that are in opposition to Gods word, which keeps us outside the will which God has for our life. Jesus said to not only separate yourself from that which offends you, but to also cast it from you, or throw it away. We can't separate ourselves from something yet keep it within reach where we will keep falling back to it or leaning on it. God wants us to lean and depend upon Him for all of our needs. He wants us to cast ALL our cares upon Him, no matter how big or how small.
This journey is one of faith. We must be willing to take out the garbage, throw away that which hinders our total surrender to Christ and His will. We must walk out on the promise of God's word and trust in all that it says, knowing that He will do just what He said. And if our right hand interferes with that walk ..................
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Don't Let Go
Genesis 32:26 " And He said let me go, for the day breaketh, and he said, I will not let thee go except thou bless me".
This is a long hard journey we have begun, and there are times when you might feel like what is the use. It can sometimes seem like the more you do, the more you pray, the more you give the harder things get. While those who appear to do nothing seems to be walking on easy street. But be not dismayed, serving the Lord will payoff after while.
The true blessing come when we hold on to God, through all of the trials and storms of life. So often the storms and trials themselves are blessings as anything that makes you call upon the name of the Lord is in fact a blessing. Don't let the lies of the devil cause you to let go of the promises of God. Don't miss out on your blessings. Hold on to God through it all and you will be blessed.
This is a long hard journey we have begun, and there are times when you might feel like what is the use. It can sometimes seem like the more you do, the more you pray, the more you give the harder things get. While those who appear to do nothing seems to be walking on easy street. But be not dismayed, serving the Lord will payoff after while.
To often to many of us give up on the promises of the Lord. With this microwave attitude of todays world , we feel if it doesn't come right away it is not going to come. But we must remember God is not held by time but He holds time. Remember everything God has for you is yours, and He will give it to you when you are ready for it. In todays story Jacob was about to meet his brother Essau for the first time since he tricked him out of his birth right. He was here wrestling with an angel and he refused to let go until the angel blessed him. He had decided to hold on to God, until God answered his prayer. We to must continue to hold to the promises of the Lord in prayer and communion with Him, until we are blessed. Jacob continued to hold on, and the bible says the angel did bless him there.
Monday, October 13, 2014
We've Come Too Far
2 Timothy 4:7 "I have Fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith".
Baptism and the related steps we must take are only the beginning of the road to eternal Life. Before we arrive at our ultimate destination, we have many miles of road to travel on this uphill journey. A clear sense of purpose and direction can help us stay the course. When we respond to God's calling through repentance and baptism, many blessings and opportunities await us. Our minds will change, we will grow in wisdom, knowledge and understanding. We will learn to think and act as God wants us to think and act.
We must keep moving forward, trials will come and sacrifices will be required, but we must stay the course. These test help us to build godly character. James wrote count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. It is the going through trials which helps in the perfecting us for this long journey home. Jesus cautions us to count the cost of traveling this road, just as we would with any major endeavor. No man putting his hand to the plough and looking back is fit for God's kingdom. Jesus expects us to finish what we start. Just as a small child learns to walk,we may be wobbly at first, stumbling in this new way of life. Our duty is to keep striving with God's help, and to become mature Christians. Living God's way must always remain our priority.
Baptism and the related steps we must take are only the beginning of the road to eternal Life. Before we arrive at our ultimate destination, we have many miles of road to travel on this uphill journey. A clear sense of purpose and direction can help us stay the course. When we respond to God's calling through repentance and baptism, many blessings and opportunities await us. Our minds will change, we will grow in wisdom, knowledge and understanding. We will learn to think and act as God wants us to think and act.
We must keep moving forward, trials will come and sacrifices will be required, but we must stay the course. These test help us to build godly character. James wrote count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. It is the going through trials which helps in the perfecting us for this long journey home. Jesus cautions us to count the cost of traveling this road, just as we would with any major endeavor. No man putting his hand to the plough and looking back is fit for God's kingdom. Jesus expects us to finish what we start. Just as a small child learns to walk,we may be wobbly at first, stumbling in this new way of life. Our duty is to keep striving with God's help, and to become mature Christians. Living God's way must always remain our priority.
We must stay in prayer and continue in the study of God's word. Also fellowshipping with other true believers can be a tremendous encouragement in living our new lives dedicated to God. Jesus said not everybody who says Lord Lord will enter into His Kingdom. We are given a choice as to what we will do, but Jesus clearly expects that we do our part in remaining faithful to Him.We must stay the course, we come to far to turn back now.
Saturday, October 11, 2014
If Only We Believe
2 Chronicles 7:14 " If my people ,which are called by my name, shall humble themselves,and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land".
If only the whole world was saved? What if everybody truly believed in their heart the Lord Jesus, and confessed with their mouth that God raised him from the dead. What If we truly loved the Lord thy God with all our heart soul and might, and loved our neighbor as our self. What if there truly was no difference between the Jew and the Gentile; the Baptist and the COGIC, what if the Catholic and the protestant truly overcame their differences and walked as one.What if we truly believed " One Lord, One Faith and One Baptism". What if we truly loved one another as Christ has loved us, the world could be saved.What if we really did these things from our hearts, God says he would hear from heaven, forgive our sins and heal the land.
Here we have a very popularly quoted scripture. The thing is, it only seems to be lip service to many who are called by his name. God says "If my people" would do what I have asked of them, then I will forgive their sins and heal their land. Well the land isn't healed, and God can't lie, we must not be doing our part consistently. Jesus also said if he was lifted up, all men would be drawn unto Him, yet their are still a many wondering in darkness, since Jesus is the truth of God word, then it must mean He is not being lifted up in the lives of God's people. Now even though many might be doing there best with their all, there is still more to be done, so what if? What if we could truly be honest with ourselves and say we could do more, we could love more, we could care more, we could forgive, and give more. What if we realized we are not half the saint we claim to be, and closer to being the sinner we try to denounce, then maybe we would seek to get closer to the Lord of glory.
If only the whole world was saved? What if everybody truly believed in their heart the Lord Jesus, and confessed with their mouth that God raised him from the dead. What If we truly loved the Lord thy God with all our heart soul and might, and loved our neighbor as our self. What if there truly was no difference between the Jew and the Gentile; the Baptist and the COGIC, what if the Catholic and the protestant truly overcame their differences and walked as one.What if we truly believed " One Lord, One Faith and One Baptism". What if we truly loved one another as Christ has loved us, the world could be saved.What if we really did these things from our hearts, God says he would hear from heaven, forgive our sins and heal the land.
What if we were one body with one purpose, walking in a spirit of oneness and proclaiming one message, Christ and Him Crucified, In one love, the world would then see the one savior and all could be saved. If only we believe.....
Friday, October 10, 2014
Jesus Is Alive
Revelation 1:18 "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and I have the keys of hell and of death.
Salvation is of God and of His Christ." Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. No matter how good or noble a man or woman may believe he or she is, that person can no more save themselves than you could have created themselves.
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever live and believeth in me shall never die. Before a you can experience the event of the resurrection unto life, you must experience the person who is the resurrection. How can you be apart of something you know nothing about, how can you believe in Him whom you haven't heard? Without conviction there can be no conversion. You can't experience an resurrected life until you first realize you were dead in sin. As we partake in His death, we will also walk in the newness of life. But to walk new, the old must die, and for the old to die, we must realize there was an old. We are crucified with Christ, and the life which we now live in the flesh we live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us.
All things are of God. He is the beginning, He is the process, and he is the end. He is our beginning, he is our path, and he is our life. We must really come to the knowledge of Christ and Him crucified to become better Christians, obedient servants, convincing witnesses, and a more accurate reflection of Christ. Let us take the time and get caught up in the thought of being in Jesus' powerful presence. This is our resurrected Lord, and because He lives.........
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Salvation is of God and of His Christ." Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. No matter how good or noble a man or woman may believe he or she is, that person can no more save themselves than you could have created themselves.
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever live and believeth in me shall never die. Before a you can experience the event of the resurrection unto life, you must experience the person who is the resurrection. How can you be apart of something you know nothing about, how can you believe in Him whom you haven't heard? Without conviction there can be no conversion. You can't experience an resurrected life until you first realize you were dead in sin. As we partake in His death, we will also walk in the newness of life. But to walk new, the old must die, and for the old to die, we must realize there was an old. We are crucified with Christ, and the life which we now live in the flesh we live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us.
All things are of God. He is the beginning, He is the process, and he is the end. He is our beginning, he is our path, and he is our life. We must really come to the knowledge of Christ and Him crucified to become better Christians, obedient servants, convincing witnesses, and a more accurate reflection of Christ. Let us take the time and get caught up in the thought of being in Jesus' powerful presence. This is our resurrected Lord, and because He lives.........
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Thursday, October 9, 2014
Right Or Left!
Matt.25:34 "Then shall the king say unto them on his right hand come, ye blessed of my Father; Inherit the Kingdom prepared For you from the foundation of the world".
There was once a group of men on a ship traveling up the Deleware River; It was after dark, and they were just kicking back admiring the clouds which were illuminated by a great fire in the city of Philidelphia.When the ship docked, one of the men was handed a message which read "Your factory has been destroyed by a great fire". He had sat back and admired the blaze which destroyed his lively hood.
There are many today who are sitting back admiring the destruction of their lives, as they let the opportunity to accept Jesus in their lives pass away right before their eyes. Many are under the impression that we have forever to accept Christ, or there will be a tomorrow.But the word of God says"The day you hear My voice, harden not your hearts". See none of us are promised a tomorrow so let us seek the Lord while he can be found, let us work while it is day. No man knows the day nor the hour, so let us be ready when Jesus comes. The responsibility of repentence is on everyone who hears the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That is the appointed time of salvation, that is when Jesus is getting you ready for that great day. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation to all who believes. Jesus said it shall be more tolerable for the wicked cities of Tyre and Sidon, in the day of judgement than for those who hear and reject the gospel.
Remember the ten virgins five were wise and five were foolish; five was ready and five thought they were ready. Are you ready? Will there be oil left in your lamp when Jesus comes? Will you be found in the darkness? Are you in the ark of safety? No matter what they though said or believed, all that was not in the ark when the floods came perished. Are you prepared to go home?
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
The Spirit And The Bride Say Come
Matthew 11:28 " Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest".
Carrying the weight. This is what Jesus did for the people in His day who carried the heavy weight of all the additional laws the religious leaders had added. They also carried the guilt of not being able to obey all the laws. Jesus came to relieve the people of these ridiculous rules. Jesus spoke about having a close intimate relationship with the Father, with no secrets between them. Jesus wanted others to know about their closeness and to know that He has a yoke that is not legalistic and wearying. He tenderly gives an invitation that offers relief, rest, and joy for the weary.
Jesus said "come" to him, a different command than the Pharisees' always saying "do this or that". Jesus offered a different kind of yoke. Jesus is asking us to come to Him so that we could receive a well fitting yoke, one that is not a burden, and will bring us rest. Jesus yoke is tied to the grace of God and results in salvation. Jesus wants those of us who follow him to throw off the yoke of legalism we were once hitched to. We need to quit worrying about our circumstances, and take on his yoke. To cast all of our cares upon Him. Jesus' plan to lift the yoke off all who are shackled to their circumstances. Jesus invites the weary to come to Him so they can experience rest for their souls. The key to experiencing this rest is having a right relationship with God, something that can happen only if you have a personal relationship with Jesus.
We all have responsibilities that drain us and difficulties that wear us down. We can let the world drag us down its weary path, or we can join our lives with Jesus. He's eager to have us in His yoke of care, guiding us, giving us help for our present needs, and assuring us that He has a plan for us that includes rest and peace, with everlasting life.
Carrying the weight. This is what Jesus did for the people in His day who carried the heavy weight of all the additional laws the religious leaders had added. They also carried the guilt of not being able to obey all the laws. Jesus came to relieve the people of these ridiculous rules. Jesus spoke about having a close intimate relationship with the Father, with no secrets between them. Jesus wanted others to know about their closeness and to know that He has a yoke that is not legalistic and wearying. He tenderly gives an invitation that offers relief, rest, and joy for the weary.
Jesus said "come" to him, a different command than the Pharisees' always saying "do this or that". Jesus offered a different kind of yoke. Jesus is asking us to come to Him so that we could receive a well fitting yoke, one that is not a burden, and will bring us rest. Jesus yoke is tied to the grace of God and results in salvation. Jesus wants those of us who follow him to throw off the yoke of legalism we were once hitched to. We need to quit worrying about our circumstances, and take on his yoke. To cast all of our cares upon Him. Jesus' plan to lift the yoke off all who are shackled to their circumstances. Jesus invites the weary to come to Him so they can experience rest for their souls. The key to experiencing this rest is having a right relationship with God, something that can happen only if you have a personal relationship with Jesus.
We all have responsibilities that drain us and difficulties that wear us down. We can let the world drag us down its weary path, or we can join our lives with Jesus. He's eager to have us in His yoke of care, guiding us, giving us help for our present needs, and assuring us that He has a plan for us that includes rest and peace, with everlasting life.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Jesus; Light Of The World
John 12:12" Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
Until Jesus came to dwell among men, the entire world was in darkness. The concept of walking in darkness, symbolized the sin and ignorance of the lost. Even the most godly of men relied upon the priest to offer annual sacrifices, first for himself and then for the sins of the people. The coming of Christ, the spotless lamb of God, has taken away our sins and our darkness. His purpose in coming as the light is to rescue all who believes in him from Satan.
Jesus the true light that gives light to every man, is available only to those who believe in and follow Christ. True believers will never walk in darkness. That is they will not continually abide in sin and spiritual ignorance. They shall walk in the light, the divine truth and holiness of God. The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. When you are born again, God opens your eyes to the spiritual realm, allowing you to see and understand things that you didn't know existed. They are hidden from the world, but revealed unto us. The holy spirit indwelling us reveals to us the path to life,(taking us from darkness into his marvelous light), the will of God ,and the revelation of the word of God.
Now we are the lights of the world, who were sent to open the eyes of the lost, to turn them from darkness to light. But as the Father and son are one, we to must be one with Christ, for he alone is the source of our light, without him we to are in darkness.
Until Jesus came to dwell among men, the entire world was in darkness. The concept of walking in darkness, symbolized the sin and ignorance of the lost. Even the most godly of men relied upon the priest to offer annual sacrifices, first for himself and then for the sins of the people. The coming of Christ, the spotless lamb of God, has taken away our sins and our darkness. His purpose in coming as the light is to rescue all who believes in him from Satan.
Jesus the true light that gives light to every man, is available only to those who believe in and follow Christ. True believers will never walk in darkness. That is they will not continually abide in sin and spiritual ignorance. They shall walk in the light, the divine truth and holiness of God. The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. When you are born again, God opens your eyes to the spiritual realm, allowing you to see and understand things that you didn't know existed. They are hidden from the world, but revealed unto us. The holy spirit indwelling us reveals to us the path to life,(taking us from darkness into his marvelous light), the will of God ,and the revelation of the word of God.
Now we are the lights of the world, who were sent to open the eyes of the lost, to turn them from darkness to light. But as the Father and son are one, we to must be one with Christ, for he alone is the source of our light, without him we to are in darkness.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Jesus Christ And Him Crucified
1Corinthians 2:2 " For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified".
Everything God wanted to say to man, he said with Jesus. Everything God wanted to give to man ,he gave it through Jesus. Everything man needs, lies within Jesus, He is our everything. There is enough in Jesus Christ to serve us all.
Paul tells us in our text that nothing else matters but Christ and him crucified. The fancy titles we give ourselves don't matter. The size of our congregations don't matter, our denomination don't matter. The Pastor or Bishop you sit up under doesn't matter, the only thing that matter is Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Let our conversation be about Jesus Christ and him crucified........
Everything God wanted to say to man, he said with Jesus. Everything God wanted to give to man ,he gave it through Jesus. Everything man needs, lies within Jesus, He is our everything. There is enough in Jesus Christ to serve us all.
All the spiritual blessings where with the Church is enriched, are in and by Christ. Our election is by him, as he chose us ;our adoption is by him, our redemption and remission of sins are both through Him. All the gracious transactions between God and his people are through Christ. God loves us through Christ; He hears our prayers through Christ; He forgives us all our sins through Christ. Through Christ he justifies us; Through Christ he sanctifies us; Through Christ he upholds us. Through Christ he perfects us. All His relations to us are through Christ. All we have is from Christ. All we expect to have and/or be, hangs on Him. He is the golden hinge upon which all our salvation turns.
Paul tells us in our text that nothing else matters but Christ and him crucified. The fancy titles we give ourselves don't matter. The size of our congregations don't matter, our denomination don't matter. The Pastor or Bishop you sit up under doesn't matter, the only thing that matter is Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Let our conversation be about Jesus Christ and him crucified........
Saturday, October 4, 2014
When I couldn't He Did
Romans 5:8 "But God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners,Christ died for us".
Here we have God's unbelievable love and the great depth of Justification.This passage also gives one of the clearest definitions of God's agape love. It actuall shows the meaning of agape love. It is a new kind of love a love unknown to mankind. It is a godly love,a sacrificial love,a love that gives itself for those without strength,for the ungodly, for sinners, and for the enemies of God. It's an unbelievable love.
God's great love is seen in this unbelievable act. We were without strength; we were weak, worthless, useless, helpless, hopeless, destitute,powerless, we were spiritually unable to help ourselves.We were ungodly, not like God, different from God, profane, having a different lifestyle than God. We were on our way to Hell in a hurry, and in due time, in God's time, He sent His Son to die for us.See mankind had to be prepared for Christ before God could send Him into the world. We had to know that we were sinners in need of salvation. Even now we must come to the realization that we are lost before we will began to look to be saved. Christ died for us, for our benifit, because of our sins. Christ didn't died for those who were righteous or holy, but God commended His love toward us that while we were yet sinner, still in sin, enemies to God, Christ died for us.
It is impossible for the carnal mind to fully comprehend all that God did for man to reconciled him back to his creator. So Jesus told us to only believe. Let us take God at His word and accept on faith this unbelievable love He has given us. Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
Here we have God's unbelievable love and the great depth of Justification.This passage also gives one of the clearest definitions of God's agape love. It actuall shows the meaning of agape love. It is a new kind of love a love unknown to mankind. It is a godly love,a sacrificial love,a love that gives itself for those without strength,for the ungodly, for sinners, and for the enemies of God. It's an unbelievable love.
God's great love is seen in this unbelievable act. We were without strength; we were weak, worthless, useless, helpless, hopeless, destitute,powerless, we were spiritually unable to help ourselves.We were ungodly, not like God, different from God, profane, having a different lifestyle than God. We were on our way to Hell in a hurry, and in due time, in God's time, He sent His Son to die for us.See mankind had to be prepared for Christ before God could send Him into the world. We had to know that we were sinners in need of salvation. Even now we must come to the realization that we are lost before we will began to look to be saved. Christ died for us, for our benifit, because of our sins. Christ didn't died for those who were righteous or holy, but God commended His love toward us that while we were yet sinner, still in sin, enemies to God, Christ died for us.
It is impossible for the carnal mind to fully comprehend all that God did for man to reconciled him back to his creator. So Jesus told us to only believe. Let us take God at His word and accept on faith this unbelievable love He has given us. Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
Friday, October 3, 2014
Easing A Troubled Heart
John 14:1 "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me."
The preceding chapters of John reveal many things that must have discouraged to the disciples. Jesus told them he was going away, he was going to die, there was a traitor among them, that peter would deny him three times and the other disciples would abandon him on the night of his betrayal. Sensing the disciples distress, he gave them words of encouragement. We too can find comfort in these same words, he said" Let not your heart be troubled: Ye believe in God, believe also in me."If you believe in God trust God for his word. God knows the way of life, and that way is Christ. He alone is the way to have everlasting life with the Father. Christ in us leading us to the Father. A tremendous honor we have, that God chooses to dwell not only among, but within all who believe!
There is one path that leads to God and life, and that path is Jesus. Despite the world's insistence that there are many ways to God, and no matter how moral or good a people or a religion appears to be, Jesus is the only atonement and reconciliation between God and man. It is solely according to his mercy that man can be saved.There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Next to the deception of richest, human pride, is the second largest stumbling block to salvation. People often believe that they are good, and use the failings of others to justify their own sins. We are to make no provision or excuses for our flesh. Christ is the only standard for life, for He alone is life.
There is comfort to be found in the death and resurrection of Christ. We must hold on in faith with hope in all that God promises. He will deliver us through our trust in His work and His person so be not troubled.
The preceding chapters of John reveal many things that must have discouraged to the disciples. Jesus told them he was going away, he was going to die, there was a traitor among them, that peter would deny him three times and the other disciples would abandon him on the night of his betrayal. Sensing the disciples distress, he gave them words of encouragement. We too can find comfort in these same words, he said" Let not your heart be troubled: Ye believe in God, believe also in me."If you believe in God trust God for his word. God knows the way of life, and that way is Christ. He alone is the way to have everlasting life with the Father. Christ in us leading us to the Father. A tremendous honor we have, that God chooses to dwell not only among, but within all who believe!
There is one path that leads to God and life, and that path is Jesus. Despite the world's insistence that there are many ways to God, and no matter how moral or good a people or a religion appears to be, Jesus is the only atonement and reconciliation between God and man. It is solely according to his mercy that man can be saved.There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Next to the deception of richest, human pride, is the second largest stumbling block to salvation. People often believe that they are good, and use the failings of others to justify their own sins. We are to make no provision or excuses for our flesh. Christ is the only standard for life, for He alone is life.
There is comfort to be found in the death and resurrection of Christ. We must hold on in faith with hope in all that God promises. He will deliver us through our trust in His work and His person so be not troubled.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Give Me Your Heart
Proverbs 23:" My son, give me thine heart,and let thine eyes observe my ways".
Here we have wisdom speaking, the request is for the heart, the affections, the center of our being. "Give me thine heart" is the first, the daily, the chief, the ultimate demand of the good spirit. Love makes this request, for only love will seek love.Wisdom persuades us to obey this request, for evil lovers will seek us, and our hearts will be given to others. But it will please God for us to love him and give him our whole hearts. Nothing else can please him, he deserves our heart,and God will not give himself to the heartless. Give him your heart at once, give it freely and cheerfully. Give him your whole heart as a half a heart is no heart. Once and for all give him your heart and let it remain in his possession. Come and believe in Jesus, and recieve power to become a son of God and serve him with a loving heart.
Of all the people and things in this world seeking our hearts, none other is worthy of them but God. You shall give it to your Father who gave it to you, so give God your heart and by that know that you are his son."My son, give me thine heart" for two reasons: Because unless the heart be given, nothing is given; and if the heart is given, all is given.Let us not think we can give him parts of the hearts and leave some room in our hearts for the evils of the world. We must surrender our whole heart to God, we must give him everything. It is God who keeps the heart beating, and it is he who prepares it for heaven. God gave us Jesus, his heart and in return we must give him our heart.
He is the regulator of the heart. Can you deny him anything, whose goodness created us, whose favor elected us, whose mercy redeemed us, whose wisdom converted us, whose grace preserved us, whose glory shall glorify us? How can we deny his request for our hearts? If you truly knew him who ask for the heart, you would not hesitate to surrender it to him. Give God your whole heart and let your eyes see his marvelous works in your life. It is more blessed to give than to take, more blessed is the man who gives his heart to God, than they which take the posessions of the world.
Here we have wisdom speaking, the request is for the heart, the affections, the center of our being. "Give me thine heart" is the first, the daily, the chief, the ultimate demand of the good spirit. Love makes this request, for only love will seek love.Wisdom persuades us to obey this request, for evil lovers will seek us, and our hearts will be given to others. But it will please God for us to love him and give him our whole hearts. Nothing else can please him, he deserves our heart,and God will not give himself to the heartless. Give him your heart at once, give it freely and cheerfully. Give him your whole heart as a half a heart is no heart. Once and for all give him your heart and let it remain in his possession. Come and believe in Jesus, and recieve power to become a son of God and serve him with a loving heart.
Of all the people and things in this world seeking our hearts, none other is worthy of them but God. You shall give it to your Father who gave it to you, so give God your heart and by that know that you are his son."My son, give me thine heart" for two reasons: Because unless the heart be given, nothing is given; and if the heart is given, all is given.Let us not think we can give him parts of the hearts and leave some room in our hearts for the evils of the world. We must surrender our whole heart to God, we must give him everything. It is God who keeps the heart beating, and it is he who prepares it for heaven. God gave us Jesus, his heart and in return we must give him our heart.
He is the regulator of the heart. Can you deny him anything, whose goodness created us, whose favor elected us, whose mercy redeemed us, whose wisdom converted us, whose grace preserved us, whose glory shall glorify us? How can we deny his request for our hearts? If you truly knew him who ask for the heart, you would not hesitate to surrender it to him. Give God your whole heart and let your eyes see his marvelous works in your life. It is more blessed to give than to take, more blessed is the man who gives his heart to God, than they which take the posessions of the world.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
He Lights up My Life
John 12:12" Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
Jesus the "true light" that gives light to every man; but this light is visible only in those who believe in and follow Christ. True believers will never walk in darkness, That is they will not continually abide in sin and spiritual ignorance. They shall walk in the light, the divine truth and holiness of God. The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. When you are born again. God opens your eyes to the spiritual realm, allowing you to see and understand things that you didn't know existed. They are hidden from the world, but revealed unto us. The holy spirit indwelling us reveals to us the path to life,(taking us from darkness into his marvelous light), the will of God ,and the revelation of the word of God.
Now we are the lights of the world, who were sent to open the eyes of the lost, to turn them from darkness to light, and free them from the grips of Satan, and lead the to the mercy God, that their sins may be forgiven. But just as the Father and son are one, we to must be one with Christ, for he alone is the source of our light, without him we to are in darkness...........
Until Jesus came to dwell among men, the entire world was in darkness. The concept of walking in darkness, symbolized the sin and ignorance of the lost. Even the most godly of men relied upon the priest to offer annual sacrifices, first for himself and then for the sins of the people. The coming of Christ, the spotless lamb of God, has taken away our sins and our darkness. His purpose in coming as the "light" was to rescue all who believes in him from Satan's" dominion of darkness" and to bring them "into the kingdom of the Son", Gods kingdom of light and love.
Jesus the "true light" that gives light to every man; but this light is visible only in those who believe in and follow Christ. True believers will never walk in darkness, That is they will not continually abide in sin and spiritual ignorance. They shall walk in the light, the divine truth and holiness of God. The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. When you are born again. God opens your eyes to the spiritual realm, allowing you to see and understand things that you didn't know existed. They are hidden from the world, but revealed unto us. The holy spirit indwelling us reveals to us the path to life,(taking us from darkness into his marvelous light), the will of God ,and the revelation of the word of God.
Now we are the lights of the world, who were sent to open the eyes of the lost, to turn them from darkness to light, and free them from the grips of Satan, and lead the to the mercy God, that their sins may be forgiven. But just as the Father and son are one, we to must be one with Christ, for he alone is the source of our light, without him we to are in darkness...........
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